Battery Pack Fireproof Member Redirects Thermal Runaway Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs in electric vehicles face safety concerns due to thermal runaway, as vents on battery cells can direct upward energy release and flames towards passengers, posing a threat to safety.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring vertically disposed fireproof members positioned between the vents of multiple battery modules, redirecting energy and flames horizontally and preventing thermal runaway from spreading between adjacent cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells are arranged with vents facing upward in existing battery packs, then the battery pack structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but thermal runaway directly threatens passenger safety due to upward energy release and flames
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules (first battery module and second battery module), with each module containing battery cells arranged in specific orientations. This segmentation allows different modules to have vents facing different directions (upward or downward), enabling safety improvement in critical areas while maintaining manufacturing simplicity overall.
Solution Approach 2:
Different battery modules are designed with different vent orientations based on their location and safety requirements. Modules where vents face upward are positioned away from passengers, while modules with downward-facing vents are placed in safer locations. This local differentiation optimizes passenger safety without requiring complete redesign of all battery modules.
2Reliability
If battery cells undergo thermal runaway with upward venting, then gas release from individual cells is effective, but flames and high temperature particles directly threaten passengers and may induce collective thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
Fireproof members are introduced as intermediary elements positioned between battery modules with upward-facing vents and those with downward-facing vents. These fireproof members act as barriers that block flames and high temperature particles from spreading between modules, preventing collective thermal runaway while allowing individual cell venting to proceed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes spatial arrangement in three dimensions, positioning battery modules at different heights and orientations within the battery pack housing. By arranging modules with upward and downward vents at different vertical levels and separating them with fireproof members, the design creates spatial barriers that redirect thermal runaway energy away from passengers and prevent horizontal spread between modules.
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
Enhances passenger safety by redirecting thermal runaway energy and flames away from passengers and prevents collective thermal runaway among battery cells, improving overall safety and energy distribution within the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a fireproof member, vertically disposed and located between the vent of the first battery module and the vent of the second battery module... the fireproof member is configured to block both flames and high temperature particles ejecting upward from the battery cell
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a battery pack, comprising a first battery module, a second battery module, a housing and a fireproof member. Wherein the first battery module includes a plurality of battery cells which are provided with vents; the second battery module includes a plurality of battery cells which are provided with vents. Both the first battery module and the second battery module are arranged in the housing; the fireproof member is vertically disposed and located between the vents of the first battery module, where the vents of the first battery module and the vents of the second battery module both facing the fireproof member. The present can prevents collective thermal runaway of the battery cells by using the fireproof member to separate the battery cells of the first battery modules and the battery cells of the second battery modules.