Battery Pack Gas Venting Path for Thermal Event Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium secondary batteries in battery packs are prone to severe damage during thermal events, with gases and high-temperature particles ejected from one module potentially causing thermal damage to adjacent modules, and the increased pressure from gases can lead to structural destruction or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a pack case with integrated gas venting paths, including multiple branching paths and mesh filters, which divert gases and particles away from adjacent modules, ensuring they are vented outside the pack case efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of lithium secondary batteries in a battery module increases to achieve larger capacity and high output, then the energy source capability is improved, but the severity of damage during fire and explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules that are spatially separated and isolated from each other. Each module is contained within its own compartment, preventing fire and explosion from spreading between modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high capacity through multiple modules while reducing the damage severity by limiting the affected area to individual modules rather than the entire pack.
2Stress or pressure
If gases are vented directly from a battery module during thermal event, then the pressure relief is achieved, but thermal damage spreads to adjacent battery modules
Solution Approach 1:
A dedicated venting path is introduced as an intermediary channel between the battery module and the external environment. This path includes a vent hole in the module housing and a corresponding venting passage in the pack case, allowing gases to be directed away from adjacent modules through a controlled route. The venting path acts as a mediator that enables pressure relief while preventing direct thermal contact between ejected gases and neighboring modules.
3Strength
If the pack case structure is reinforced to prevent structural destruction during thermal events, then the structural integrity is improved, but the gas venting capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Venting paths and exit holes are pre-configured into the pack case structure during manufacturing, before any thermal event occurs. The pack case includes predetermined venting passages and external exit holes positioned to receive and channel gases from battery modules. This preliminary preparation ensures that when thermal events occur, gases can be immediately vented through existing pathways without compromising the overall structural integrity of the reinforced pack case.
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
Prevents the spread of gases and particles to adjacent battery modules, reducing the risk of thermal damage and explosion by effectively venting them outside, thereby enhancing safety and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a pack cover covering the top of the pack tray, coupled to the pack tray, and including a gas venting path disposed therein, the gas venting path communicating with the battery modules
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules; and a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules, where the pack case includes a pack tray including an internal space in which the battery modules are received and an open top; and a pack cover covering the top of the pack tray, coupled to the pack tray, and including a gas venting path disposed therein, the gas venting path communicating with the battery modules.