Battery Pack Upper Cover With Melt-Release Fire Suppressant
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries are prone to fires due to overcharging or overheating, leading to potential explosions and thermal runaway, which existing technologies have not effectively addressed.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design incorporating a fire extinguishing material, such as Novec, housed within a case structure that includes a deformation layer made of vinyl, which melts to release the extinguishing material when a fire occurs, effectively extinguishing flames and preventing thermal diffusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium secondary batteries are used for high energy density, then energy storage capacity is improved, but fire risk due to thermal runaway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing material is pre-positioned in the upper cover above the battery module, ready to be released when thermal runaway occurs. The deformation layer is pre-configured to melt and release the extinguishing material automatically upon detecting fire conditions, eliminating the need for external detection systems or human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation layer made of vinyl acts as an intermediary between the fire source and the fire extinguishing material. When exposed to heat from thermal runaway, the deformation layer melts and releases the fire extinguishing material directly onto the battery module, providing automatic fire suppression without requiring external sensors or control systems.
2Reliability
If fire extinguishing material is added to the battery pack, then fire safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing system is merged with the upper cover structure of the battery pack. The upper cover integrates both protective enclosure functions and fire suppression functions by incorporating the fire extinguishing material and deformation layer directly into the cover structure, eliminating the need for separate fire suppression components.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural protection for the battery module, acts as a containment barrier, and functions as a fire suppression system through the integrated deformation layer and fire extinguishing material. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining multiple systems into a single component.
3Extent of automation
If deformation layer is used to release fire extinguishing material, then automatic fire response is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation layer utilizes changes in physical parameters (melting point, viscosity) in response to temperature changes during thermal runaway. When exposed to fire heat, the vinyl material undergoes phase change from solid to liquid, automatically triggering the release of fire extinguishing material without requiring sensors, actuators, or complex control mechanisms.
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 delays flame propagation and prevents thermal diffusion by automatically releasing the fire extinguishing material to extinguish fires within the battery pack, enhancing safety.
Implementation Method 1
a deformation layer made of vinyl, which melts to release the extinguishing material when a fire occurs
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed are a battery pack and a vehicle including the same. The battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery module including a plurality of battery cells; a case configured to accommodate the battery module therein, and including an upper cover; and a fire extinguishing material provided in the upper cover of the case to fall when a flame occurs.