Battery Pack Thermal Suppression Containers for Vent Heat Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal management systems in electrified vehicle traction battery packs are inadequate in managing the transfer of thermal energy during venting events, leading to potential overheating and damage to adjacent battery cells.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of thermal suppression containers within the battery array that release a thermal suppression agent when a predefined temperature threshold is exceeded, capturing or trapping vent byproducts to prevent the transfer of thermal energy to nearby cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal management systems are added to manage thermal energy transfer during venting events, then safety and thermal protection of adjacent cells is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the thermal suppression function from a complex active thermal management system by using passive containers filled with thermal suppression agents (such as phase change materials or endothermic chemicals) that are distributed within the battery pack structure. These containers autonomously activate during thermal events without requiring external control systems, thereby providing thermal protection while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal suppression containers act as intermediary elements positioned between battery cells to intercept and manage thermal energy transfer during venting events. The containers contain thermal suppression agents that absorb or redirect heat, serving as a mediating barrier that protects adjacent cells without requiring direct active intervention or complex sensing systems.
2Reliability
If thermal suppression containers are integrated within the battery array, then thermal energy transfer is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal suppression system is segmented into multiple discrete, modular containers that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the battery pack assembly. Each container is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and mounting features, allowing for simplified assembly processes and enabling parallel manufacturing of multiple units before final integration into the battery array.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal suppression containers are designed with universal mounting interfaces and standardized configurations that allow the same container design to be used in multiple positions within the battery array. This multi-functionality reduces the number of unique parts required, simplifies manufacturing tooling, and enables standardized assembly procedures across different battery pack configurations.
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
Effectively manages and prevents the transfer of thermal energy across battery cells, reducing the risk of overheating and enhancing the safety and efficiency of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
the housing is configured to melt, rupture, or otherwise deform to release the thermal suppression agent
Implementation Method 2
the housing includes a thinned wall section that is configured to melt, rupture, or otherwise deform prior to a non-thinned wall section of the housing
Implementation Method 3
the thermal suppression agent includes at least one of solid silica, aerogel, mica, or basalt
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal suppression systems are provided for use within traction battery packs. An exemplary thermal suppression system may include one or more thermal suppression containers configured to release a thermal suppression agent when a temperature near the thermal suppression container exceeds a predefined temperature threshold. The thermal suppression agent may capture or trap particles associated with battery vent byproducts, thereby managing or even preventing the transfer of thermal energy to nearby structures.