Battery Pack Cover with Targeted Fire Suppressant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs in electric vehicles lack sufficient fire extinguishing capability due to space and structural limitations, leading to rapid fire propagation among battery cells, especially during thermal runaway, and existing fire extinguishing systems fail to effectively suppress fires within individual cells.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design with integrated temperature detection sensors and a supply mechanism that directs fire extinguishing fluid specifically to the affected battery module based on temperature information, using a case cover with press-formed compartments and nozzles to ensure rapid and sufficient fluid delivery to the fire site, preventing thermal runaway from spreading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate fire extinguishing apparatus is provided inside a battery module or battery pack, then fire extinguishing capability is improved, but space and structural limitations prevent sufficient fire extinguishing fluid from being included
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing fluid storage is nested within the case cover structure, utilizing the existing spatial framework of the battery pack. The storage is positioned in the hollow space formed by the case cover and case body, effectively using otherwise wasted space. This nesting approach allows sufficient fire extinguishing fluid capacity without increasing the overall battery pack volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The case cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the battery modules, acts as a mounting structure for the fire extinguishing fluid storage, and functions as a distribution system through integrated nozzles. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated fire extinguishing components, maximizing space utilization while ensuring adequate fire suppression capability.
2Device complexity
If a small amount of fire extinguishing fluid is sprayed at a specific position, then the structure is simplified, but the amount of fire extinguishing fluid is absolutely insufficient for extinguishing a fire in an actual battery
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing system is segmented into multiple independent storage compartments, each associated with specific battery modules. This segmentation allows sufficient total fluid capacity to be distributed across multiple locations, ensuring adequate coverage without requiring a single complex centralized system. Each segment can independently respond to fires in its designated area.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire extinguishing fluid delivery system transitions from a single-point spray to a distributed multi-dimensional network. Multiple nozzles are positioned at different locations and orientations to provide comprehensive coverage of the battery modules. This spatial distribution ensures sufficient fluid quantity reaches the fire area from multiple directions, enhancing extinguishing effectiveness.
3Volume of stationary object
If battery cells are in close contact with each other, then space utilization is improved, but fire easily propagates to adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The case cover is designed with localized fire extinguishing capabilities at each battery module position. Each module has its dedicated nozzle and fluid storage access, providing targeted fire suppression exactly where needed. This local quality approach allows close cell spacing for space efficiency while preventing fire propagation through immediate localized intervention at each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire extinguishing system is pre-positioned and pre-filled with sufficient fluid capacity before any fire occurs. Temperature sensors continuously monitor battery conditions, and the system is ready to immediately discharge fluid at the first sign of thermal runaway. This preliminary preparation prevents fire propagation by acting before the fire can spread to adjacent cells.
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 system effectively suppresses internal thermal runaway within the affected cell and prevents its propagation to adjacent cells by rapidly delivering fire extinguishing fluid, ensuring comprehensive fire control and minimizing damage.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the fire extinguishing fluid to rapidly cool a battery cell
Implementation Method 2
to be absorbed inside the battery cell so that an internal thermal runaway phenomenon is suppressed
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
Proposed is a battery pack having a fire extinguishing function for an electric vehicle. The battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules having respective temperature detection sensors, a case accommodating the plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing fluid storage in which a predetermined amount of fire extinguishing fluid is stored with a predetermined supply pressure, and a supply mechanism configured to supply the fire extinguishing fluid in the fire extinguishing fluid storage, on the basis of information detected from the temperature detection sensors, to the battery module where a fire occurs or an abnormal symptom occurs. The case cover comprises: an outer shape part (211) configured such that a plurality of fire extinguishing fluid storing parts in the same number as the plurality of battery modules is respectively positioned on upper portions of the plurality of battery modules; and a plurality of open-type nozzles formed on the outer shape part in a direction toward the plurality of battery modules such that the plurality of nozzles (215) is respectively in communication with the plurality of fire extinguishing fluid storing parts. The outer shape part comprises one upper plate (212) and a plurality of lower plates (214), the upper plate and the plurality of lower plates being welded with each other, thereby forming the plurality of fire extinguishing fluid storing parts having internal spaces with predetermined sizes.