Battery Pack Deformation Prevention Member for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in safely discharging high-temperature gas or flame generated during thermal runaway, as the path for discharge is compromised due to deformation of the pack case, leading to potential thermal accumulation and propagation between battery modules, and re-entry of discharged gases or flames into the module.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a deformation prevention member that maintains a stable venting path between the pack case and top cover, using a rigid, fire-resistant material with a protruding portion to secure the gap and prevent deformation, ensuring smooth discharge of venting gases or flames to the outside while preventing re-entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the pack case is used to discharge high-temperature gas or flame through venting holes, then the discharge path is initially available, but the pack case deforms due to heat causing the gap to close and discharge path to be lost
Solution Approach 1:
A deformation prevention member is introduced as an intermediary component between the pack case and top cover. This member maintains the gap distance and prevents the pack case from deforming under thermal load, ensuring the discharge path remains open during thermal runaway events.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation prevention member is installed in advance to counteract the anticipated thermal deformation of the pack case. By pre-establishing structural support in the gap region, it prevents the heat-induced closing of the discharge path before thermal runaway occurs.
2Reliability
If the gap between pack case and battery module is reduced to improve sealing, then sealing is improved, but the discharge path for high-temperature gas or flame is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The gap region is segmented into discrete measurement points (first, second, third distances at different locations). The deformation prevention member is designed to maintain appropriate spacing at these segmented locations, ensuring both sealing and thermal discharge requirements are met through localized distance control.
3Volume of stationary object
If the top cover is placed close to the pack case to reduce space, then space utilization is improved, but the venting path for thermal runaway is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation prevention member serves as a space-efficient intermediary that maintains the necessary venting path gap without requiring excessive overall pack volume. It enables compact design while preserving thermal discharge functionality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a battery pack including: at least one battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module case configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells; a pack case configured to accommodate the battery module; a top cover accommodated inside the pack case and configured to cover a top of the battery module while being spaced apart from the pack case; and a deformation prevention member configured to maintain a distance between the top cover and the pack case.