Battery Pack Divider Layout for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional traction battery pack assemblies face challenges in containing thermal energy propagation and preventing thermal runaway conditions due to vented gas from a single battery cell affecting adjacent cells, which can lead to a cascade of failures.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a divider within the enclosure structure that partitions the interior area of the battery pack, isolating each cell stack and providing separate venting paths for vented gas, thereby containing thermal energy and preventing it from spreading to adjacent stacks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If cell stacks are arranged adjacently in the battery pack, then space utilization is improved, but thermal energy propagation between stacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack interior is segmented into multiple isolated compartments using dividers positioned between adjacent cell stacks. Each compartment contains individual cell stacks and is separated from neighboring compartments by these dividers, allowing thermal energy to be contained within each segment rather than propagating across the entire battery pack.
Solution Approach 2:
Dividers serve as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent cell stacks. These dividers create physical and thermal barriers that mediate the interaction between neighboring stacks, blocking thermal energy propagation while maintaining the compact adjacently arranged layout of the battery pack.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If venting openings are provided in the enclosure, then gas venting capability is improved, but thermal energy escape to adjacent areas increases
Solution Approach 1:
Venting openings are segmented and distributed across different enclosure surfaces rather than concentrated in one location. Each venting opening is positioned to serve specific compartments, allowing vented gas to be directed outward while thermal energy remains contained within the compartment boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure structure acts as an intermediary between the interior compartments and the external environment. It provides controlled venting pathways for gas while maintaining thermal barriers that prevent thermal energy from escaping to adjacent areas or the exterior.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If dividers are added to partition cell stacks, then thermal energy containment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they partition compartments for thermal containment, provide structural support for the enclosure, and can incorporate mounting features for other battery pack components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated thermal barriers.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider structures are merged with the overall enclosure assembly, integrating thermal containment features into the existing structural framework rather than adding separate independent components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing.
Data Source
AI summary
A traction battery pack assembly includes first and second cell stacks each disposed along a cell stack axis and an enclosure assembly that encloses an interior area. The enclosure assembly has an enclosure structure that holds the first and second cell stacks within a cell-receiving area. The enclosure structure compresses the first cell stack along the cell stack axis of the first cell stack. The enclosure structure compresses the second cell stack along the cell stack axis of the second cell stack. The assembly further includes divider positioned between the first and second cell stacks. The divider partitions the interior area.