Battery Pack Module Cover With Thermal Fire Suppressant Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs lack an efficient independent fire extinguishing function for specific battery modules, leading to potential fire propagation and safety concerns due to malfunctions in fire detection systems and the need for a compact, effective fire extinguishing agent.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design with an independent fire extinguishing device for each module, utilizing a thermally activated mechanism that supplies a non-flammable fire extinguishing agent, such as sodium azide, which generates nitrogen gas to suppress fires by lowering oxygen partial pressure, without relying on sensors for detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor-based fire detection system is used in the battery pack, then fire detection capability is provided, but the system may malfunction or fail to detect fire reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module housing itself performs the fire detection function through its thermally responsive material, eliminating the need for separate sensors. The housing automatically changes state when exposed to fire conditions, directly triggering the fire extinguishing mechanism without requiring external detection devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic sensor-based detection system with a thermal-mechanical response system. The housing material undergoes physical or chemical changes in response to heat, mechanically triggering the fire extinguishing agent release through temperature-dependent phase transitions or decomposition reactions.
2Reliability
If inert gas is supplied to the entire battery pack, then fire suppression is attempted, but the fire suppression is not efficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into independent battery modules, each with its own fire extinguishing capability. The fire suppression system is segmented into individual units that can independently respond to fires in specific modules, allowing targeted suppression rather than treating the entire pack uniformly.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery module is equipped with localized fire extinguishing agents and mechanisms specifically positioned to address fires in that module. The fire suppression capability is distributed across modules with each having the necessary extinguishing resources locally available, enabling immediate response without waiting for centralized system activation.
3Reliability
If a fire extinguishing agent is stored in the battery module, then fire suppression capability is provided, but the volume of the agent increases the module size
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing agent undergoes parameter changes through thermal decomposition or phase transition when exposed to fire conditions. The agent transforms from a solid or liquid storage state to a gas phase that can effectively suppress fire, allowing compact storage that expands only when needed for fire suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire extinguishing agent utilizes phase transitions to achieve fire suppression. The agent is stored in a compact form (solid or liquid) and transitions to gas phase upon thermal activation, providing rapid fire suppression while maintaining a compact storage volume in the battery module.
4Reliability
If an independent fire extinguishing device is provided for each battery module, then fire propagation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module housing serves multiple functions: structural containment, thermal management, and fire detection/triggering. The housing material is designed to perform both its primary structural role and act as the thermal response element that triggers fire suppression, eliminating the need for separate dedicated fire detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire extinguishing mechanism is merged with the battery module housing structure. The housing itself contains the fire extinguishing agent and incorporates the thermal response triggering mechanism, combining what would traditionally be separate components into an integrated unit that reduces overall system complexity.
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 solution effectively prevents fire propagation between modules, rapidly suppresses fires, and optimizes space usage by integrating the fire extinguishing mechanism within the battery pack's structure, ensuring safety and efficiency in fire management.
Implementation Method 1
a variable portion which is located between the battery module and the fire extinguishing portion and of which shape or length is changed to expose the fire extinguishing portion toward the battery module when the temperature of the module accommodating space reaches a preset second temperature
Implementation Method 2
supplying a non-flammable fire extinguishing agent, such as sodium azide, which generates nitrogen gas to suppress fires by lowering oxygen partial pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery pack (300) including a battery module (200) including one or more battery cells (110); an accommodating body (310) accommodating the battery module (200); an accommodating cover (330) coupled to the accommodating body (310) to form, together with the accommodating body (310), a module accommodating space (315) in which the battery module (200) is accommodated; a fire extinguishing portion (400) provided in the accommodating cover (330) and supplying a fire extinguishing agent (420) accommodated therein to the module accommodating space (315) when the temperature of the module accommodating space (315) is equal to or higher than a preset first temperature; and a variable portion (3352) which is located between the battery module (200) and the fire extinguishing portion (400) and of which shape or length is changed to expose the fire extinguishing portion (400) toward the battery module (200) when the temperature of the module accommodating space (315) reaches a preset second temperature which is lower than the first temperature.