Battery Module Frame Venting for Thermal Propagation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary battery modules face challenges in structural stability during thermal events, leading to potential fires or explosions due to uncontrolled thermal propagation between cells, which can cause human and economic losses.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a module frame with open cell accommodation portions that allow venting gases and flames to be directed away from adjacent cells, preventing simultaneous ignition through a multi-folded structure and thermal blocking members, enhancing structural stability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery cells are densely packed to increase energy density, then productivity and energy density improve, but thermal propagation between cells increases leading to safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into multiple independent cell accommodation portions, each capable of isolating thermal events. The module frame is segmented into multiple regions that can independently contain thermal propagation, preventing it from affecting the entire battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cell accommodation portions as intermediary structures between battery cells. These portions act as thermal barriers and guides, directing venting gases and flames away from adjacent cells while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a sealed structure is used to protect battery cells, then reliability improves, but thermal event containment worsens due to pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful venting gases and flames from the sealed structure by providing dedicated discharge paths. The cell accommodation portions are designed to channel these thermal event byproducts away from the battery cells, effectively removing the pressure buildup problem while maintaining structural protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful thermal events into a controlled discharge process. By designing the cell accommodation portions with specific open parts, the patent directs the harmful venting gases and flames along predetermined paths that protect adjacent cells, turning an uncontrolled hazard into a managed safety feature.
3Reliability
If thermal blocking members are added to prevent thermal propagation, then safety improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the module frame multi-functional by integrating cell accommodation portions that simultaneously provide structural support, thermal isolation, and flame guidance. This eliminates the need for separate thermal blocking members, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of structural support and thermal protection into a single integrated module frame design. The cell accommodation portions are formed as integral parts of the module frame, combining mechanical support and thermal management functions without adding separate components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design effectively suppresses ignition factors and prevents simultaneous cell ignition, thereby reinforcing the structural stability and safety of the battery module by directing venting gases and flames outside the module, reducing the risk of fires or explosions.
Implementation Method 1
when a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells included in the battery pack, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of the event to the other battery cell
Implementation Method 2
thermal blocking members, enhancing structural stability and safety
Data Source
AI summary
The battery module includes a cell assembly having at least one battery cell, and a module frame configured to accommodate the battery cell in a cell accommodation portion and to open a part of the cell accommodation portion.