Modular Battery Pack Thermal Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in heat dissipation, safety, and performance, particularly with high-energy density Lithium-ion batteries, as they tend to overheat, leading to risks of explosion and fire, and existing solutions either reduce performance or increase costs and volume.
Innovation Solution
A modular battery pack system with a thermally conductive structural housing, a vent assembly for gas exchange while preventing water entry, and integrated electronics for monitoring and controlling battery conditions, including a lid element with a circuit for electrical coupling and a release latch for safe detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher energy density battery cells are used to increase capacity and output power, then battery performance is improved, but heat generation increases leading to higher risk of explosion and fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a vent assembly with a membrane that allows gas to pass through while blocking liquid, providing preventive protection against catastrophic failure. This safety mechanism is built into the battery pack structure beforehand to contain and control potential thermal runaway events, allowing the use of high-energy-density cells without proportionally increasing safety risks.
2Temperature
If conventional venting systems are used to release heat and pressure, then temperature control is improved, but water and moisture can enter the battery pack causing corrosion and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The vent assembly incorporates a hydrophobic membrane that exhibits different properties for different substances: it allows gas molecules to pass through while blocking liquid water molecules. This localized functional differentiation within the vent structure enables simultaneous heat dissipation and moisture protection, resolving the contradiction between temperature control and reliability.
3Temperature
If unsealed battery packs are used to allow heat release, then cooling is improved, but the battery cannot be safely stored or operated in moist environments
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic membrane acts as an intermediary element between the battery interior and exterior environment. It selectively mediates the passage of different substances: permitting heat-carrying gas molecules to pass through while blocking water molecules. This intermediary structure enables the battery to maintain both thermal management and environmental protection functions simultaneously.
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 manages heat dissipation, enhances safety by preventing explosions, and maintains performance while being compact and cost-effective, with integrated monitoring and control features for safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive structural housing element configured to house a battery assembly in an interior volume
Implementation Method 2
The lid element and/or the thermally structured housing element may include a vent assembly for allowing exchange of gases to and from the interior volume while restricting entry of water into the interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
Modular sealed battery packs configured to provide enhanced performance and safety features, along with associated apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring and controlling operation and use of such battery packs and associated coupled devices and systems are disclosed.