Battery Pack Venting System with Check Valve
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electrified vehicle battery packs face challenges in effectively purging battery vent byproducts during over-temperature and over-current conditions without allowing atmospheric air to ingress, which can be detrimental to the battery cells.
Innovation Solution
A venting system with a check valve that allows battery vent byproducts to flow out while preventing reverse flow of atmospheric air, utilizing various check valve designs such as umbrella, duckbill, and inline check valves, and incorporating a vent chamber and tubing connected to the battery pack enclosure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a venting system is provided to expel battery vent byproducts, then the battery pack can purge harmful gases during venting events, but atmospheric air may ingress through the same vent path and contaminate the battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the venting system. This valve allows battery vent byproducts to be expelled from the battery pack while simultaneously blocking atmospheric air from entering through the same vent path. The check valve acts as a one-way gate that permits outward flow during venting events but prevents inward flow, thereby resolving the contradiction between effective purging and contamination prevention.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the battery pack is sealed to prevent atmospheric air ingress, then battery cell protection is improved, but venting of battery byproducts cannot occur during over-temperature and over-current conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system incorporates a dynamic check valve that changes its flow characteristics based on pressure differential. During normal operation, the valve remains closed to maintain sealing and prevent atmospheric air ingress. During venting events when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, the valve automatically opens to allow byproduct expulsion. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by adapting the sealing characteristic to operational conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a one-way check valve is installed to prevent reverse flow of atmospheric air, then battery cell protection is improved, but the valve adds complexity to the venting system
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed as a passive, self-actuating component that requires no external control systems, power sources, or complex mechanisms. It automatically responds to pressure differential between the battery interior and atmosphere, opening when internal pressure exceeds external pressure and closing when the pressure differential reverses. This self-service characteristic minimizes added complexity while effectively preventing atmospheric air ingress.
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 expels battery vent byproducts while maintaining a clean, moisture-free environment within the battery pack, preventing damage from atmospheric air and ensuring efficient cooling and venting processes.
Implementation Method 1
A check valve is mounted outside of the enclosure and is connected to the tubing. The check valve permits flow of battery vent byproducts in a first direction but blocks the flow of atmospheric air in a second, opposite direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an enclosure that establishes a vent chamber and tubing in fluid communication with the vent chamber. A check valve is mounted outside of the enclosure and is connected to the tubing. The check valve permits flow of battery vent byproducts in a first direction but blocks the flow of atmospheric air in a second, opposite direction.