Battery Container Nitrogen Venting for Thermal Runaway Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Secondary batteries in energy storage systems face challenges in managing internal oxygen levels and fire risks, which can lead to deterioration and safety hazards due to thermal runaway.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage system with a nitrogen supply device and control unit to regulate oxygen concentration by injecting nitrogen gas and a vent system to discharge oxygen, combined with an extinguishing system to manage fire events.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oxygen concentration is maintained in the container, then battery performance is preserved, but fire risk and thermal runaway increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire safetyVSAvoidoxidation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies inert atmosphere by filling the container with nitrogen gas to displace oxygen. The nitrogen supply device introduces nitrogen into the container, creating an inert environment that prevents both fire (by removing oxygen) and oxidation (by maintaining low oxygen concentration). This resolves the contradiction by using nitrogen as an inert gas that simultaneously addresses both safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Reliability

If nitrogen gas is supplied into the container, then oxygen concentration is reduced and fire risk is lowered, but internal pressure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire safetyVSAvoidinternal pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the vent cover movable rather than fixed. The vent cover can dynamically open when internal pressure exceeds a certain threshold (allowing pressure relief) and close when pressure is normalized (maintaining the inert atmosphere). This dynamic mechanism resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to adapt its sealing state based on real-time pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Stress or pressure

If vent cover is always open, then pressure is relieved and nitrogen supply is maintained, but oxygen re-entering and oxygen concentration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinternal pressureVSAvoidfire safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If nitrogen supply device is continuously operated, then oxygen concentration is maintained at safe levels, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire safetyVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by controlling the nitrogen supply device to operate intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit monitors oxygen concentration and activates the nitrogen supply device only when oxygen levels exceed safe thresholds, then stops supply when levels are adequate. This periodic operation maintains fire safety while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Effectively maintains low oxygen levels to prevent oxidation and extends system life, while rapidly responding to fire events to prevent thermal runaway and secondary accidents.

Implementation Method 1

a nitrogen supply device that is configured to supply nitrogen gas into the container

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas displacement:

Implementation Method 2

The vent may be opened in response to an increase in an internal pressure of the container as the nitrogen supply device is driven. If the vent is opened, oxygen inside the container is discharged to the outside

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

The vent may include a hinge including an elastic member, and a vent cover connected to the hinge. The vent may be closed by the elastic member in response to the nitrogen supply device being stopped

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4708527A1Energy storage system

Publication Date: 2026.03.11 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD

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AI summary

An energy storage system includes a container having an accommodation space therein, at least one battery rack in the accommodation space inside the container, the at least one battery rack having a plurality of battery modules stacked thereon, an event detection device inside the container, at least one vent on an outer surface of the container, a nitrogen supply device that supplies nitrogen gas into the container, and a control unit electrically connected to the event detection device and the nitrogen supply device, the control unit driving the nitrogen supply device in response to the event detection device detecting an event.