Battery Pack Venting Path to Contain Thermal Runaway Spread
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face significant risks of thermal damage and fire propagation due to venting gas and high temperature sparks from lithium secondary batteries, particularly when multiple modules are involved, as the venting gas and sparks can affect adjacent modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a gas venting path with a rupturable membrane and duct system that allows venting gas to exit directly from each module through a dedicated venting port, minimizing the spread of heat and sparks to other modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple lithium secondary batteries are connected in series and/or parallel to increase capacity and output, then the energy source capability is improved, but the risk of fire propagation and thermal damage to adjacent modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple independent battery modules, each with its own module housing and gas venting channel. This segmentation isolates potential fire events to specific modules, preventing propagation to adjacent modules while maintaining high overall capacity through series/parallel connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas venting channel acts as an intermediary structure that provides a controlled escape path for venting gas and sparks from individual battery modules. By directing these harmful factors through dedicated channels to external venting ports, the system prevents direct interaction between adjacent modules, thereby reducing fire propagation risk.
2Reliability
If a gas venting path is provided to allow venting gas to flow out quickly, then the safety is improved, but the structure complexity increases due to additional channels and venting ports
Solution Approach 1:
The gas venting channel is integrated into the module housing structure, merging the venting function with the existing structural components. This approach provides effective gas venting capability while minimizing additional structural complexity by utilizing the module housing as part of the venting pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The module housing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for battery cells and simultaneously acts as part of the gas venting channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated venting structures, thereby maintaining safety while controlling structural 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
The design enables safe and rapid venting of gas and sparks from individual modules, preventing thermal runaway and reducing the risk of fire propagation across the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one venting port may include a rupturable membrane which ruptures at a predetermined pressure or above.
Implementation Method 2
a gas venting channel in communication with an inside of the module housing... allowing venting gas to flow out of the pack case
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules, each including battery cells, a module housing accommodating the battery cells and a gas venting channel in communication with an inside of the module housing; and a pack case accommodating the plurality of battery modules, the pack case including a top plate to cover upper parts of the plurality of battery modules, the top plate having a venting port, wherein the gas venting channel of each battery module is in communication with the venting port.