Battery Pack Cooling Passages for Thermal Runaway Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to thermal runaway, which can lead to thermal propagation and fire risks due to continuous overheating, especially when grouped together in modules or packs, necessitating effective suppression mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a heat sink with coolant, supply passages, and plugs that melt upon thermal runaway to release coolant directly into the battery cells, combined with a heat absorbing mass using super absorbent materials to manage heat and potentially extinguish fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If secondary batteries are grouped together in modules or packs to increase capacity, then energy storage capability is improved, but thermal propagation risk increases when one battery experiences thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into modular units with individual cooling channels for each battery cell. The cooling system is segmented to provide isolated cooling paths, preventing thermal runaway propagation between adjacent batteries while maintaining high capacity through modular arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat-absorbing material layer as an intermediary between adjacent battery cells. This intermediary layer absorbs excess heat and acts as a thermal barrier, preventing direct heat transfer between batteries during thermal runaway events while allowing the batteries to be closely arranged for high energy density.
2Reliability
If cooling systems are added to suppress thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the battery structural design by integrating cooling channels directly into the battery housing and inter-cell spacing structure. This integration eliminates separate cooling components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining effective thermal management and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs passive cooling mechanisms where the cooling system operates automatically based on temperature gradients without requiring external control systems. The heat-absorbing materials and cooling channels self-regulate thermal flow, eliminating the need for complex active cooling controls while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If heat-absorbing materials are placed between battery cells to prevent thermal propagation, then thermal runaway suppression is improved, but space for active battery material is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heat-absorbing materials selectively in specific locations where thermal propagation risk is highest, such as between adjacent battery cells and at critical thermal pathways. This localized application provides effective thermal runaway suppression while minimizing the overall volume occupied by non-active materials, maintaining high energy density.
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 thermal runaway and fire risks by rapid heat absorption and distribution, maintaining battery performance and safety by delaying the rupture of the heat absorbing mass and providing immediate cooling and fire extinguishing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink positioned above the plurality of batteries in which coolant is stored
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of supply passages is sealed, respectively, by a plurality of plugs which are melted by heat generated in the case of thermal runaway of the batteries
Implementation Method 3
the heat absorbing mass includes an absorbent material impregnated with a liquid that vaporizes as it absorbs heat generated from the battery cells
Implementation Method 4
a liquid that vaporizes as it absorbs heat generated from the battery cells
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A battery pack includes a pack case, a plurality of batteries contained within the pack case, a heat sink positioned above the batteries in which coolant is stored, a plurality of supply passages connecting the heat sink and the plurality of batteries, respectively, and the plurality of supply passages is sealed, respectively, and a plurality of plugs is melted by heat generated in the case of thermal runaway of the batteries.