Battery Pack Venting Channels to Contain Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in safely discharging high-temperature gases generated during thermal events in battery modules without affecting adjacent modules, which can lead to chain reactions and potential explosions.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack incorporates a pack housing with distinct accommodation spaces and venting channels in the pack cover, allowing for controlled venting of gases away from adjacent modules. This configuration includes center and side venting channels that direct gases to specific spaces within the pack housing, preventing direct communication between adjacent modules and ensuring safe discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery modules are arranged densely to increase energy density, then energy density is improved, but thermal safety deteriorates due to risk of thermal runaway propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent accommodation spaces (first, second, third, fourth spaces) separated by partition walls. Each space houses specific battery modules and has dedicated venting channels, creating segmented zones that prevent thermal runaway propagation while maintaining high density arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The pack cover acts as an intermediary structure that provides dedicated venting channels (first, second, third, fourth venting channels) for each accommodation space. These channels serve as controlled pathways for gas discharge, preventing direct communication between adjacent battery modules while enabling safe pressure relief
2Reliability
If venting channels are added to direct gas flow, then thermal safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pack cover serves multiple functions: it seals the accommodation spaces, provides structured venting channels for each space, and acts as a mounting structure for battery modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting complexity increase while achieving improved thermal safety
Solution Approach 2:
The partition walls are integrated with the pack housing to form the accommodation spaces, and the venting channels are incorporated into the pack cover structure itself. This merging of functions into existing structural elements adds thermal safety features without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
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
This design effectively reduces the risk of thermal events spreading to adjacent battery modules by directing high-temperature gases and flames through specific venting channels, thereby minimizing damage and ensuring safer operation of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a first center venting channel configured to guide a venting gas generated from at least two battery modules of the first battery module group to the center space
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack discharges a high-temperature gas to the outside of the battery pack without affecting other adjacent battery modules when the gas is generated inside the battery module. The battery pack includes a pack housing; a battery module; and a pack cover having a first center venting channel, a first side venting channel, a second center venting channel and a second side venting channel configured to guide a venting gas generated from the battery module at a position corresponding to the battery module, the pack cover being configured to cover the battery modules by being coupled to the pack housing.