Battery Module Venting Structure to Limit Ignition Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with ignition continuity between adjacent modules due to the discharge of high-temperature heat, gas, and flame, which can damage multiple battery cells and propagate ignition.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring venting parts on the module frame that guide the discharge direction of gas and flame away from adjacent modules, using a tilted venting part connected to the module frame and extending toward the second end plate, with optional multiple venting parts for enhanced discharge paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional end plates are used to seal the battery module, then the module structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but high-temperature heat, gas, and flame can be discharged to adjacent modules causing ignition continuity
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into multiple functional zones: a main body portion for sealing and a protruding portion extending toward the adjacent module to block discharge paths. This segmentation allows the same component to simultaneously provide sealing functionality and ignition prevention functionality without requiring additional separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The end plate design adds a dimensional element by extending the protruding portion toward the adjacent module in the horizontal direction. This creates a three-dimensional barrier that blocks the discharge path of heat, gas, and flame without complicating the basic two-dimensional sealing structure.
2Reliability
If the module frame is sealed through welding, then the sealing is strong and reliable, but the welding process is complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The welding process is extracted and replaced with a mechanical coupling structure. The module frame and end plate are coupled through dedicated coupling structures that provide sealing through mechanical interference and contact, eliminating the need for welding while maintaining sealing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The welding process (thermal/chemical joining) is replaced with a mechanical coupling system. The coupling structures use mechanical forces and physical contact to achieve sealing, substituting a simpler mechanical process for the more complex welding operation.
3Productivity
If battery cells are arranged in a compact stack, then space utilization is high and capacity density is improved, but gas and flame can easily propagate to adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
The protruding portion of the end plate is positioned in advance to block potential discharge paths before ignition can propagate to adjacent modules. This preliminary protective structure prevents the harmful effect from occurring in the first place, allowing compact cell arrangement without increasing ignition risk.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and at least one venting part that is formed on the upper part of the module frame, wherein at least one edge of the venting part is connected to the upper part of the module frame, and the remaining edge is formed by cutting the upper part of the module frame open.