Prismatic Battery Pouch Venting for Thermal Runaway Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary batteries are prone to thermal runaway, leading to overheating and potential fires when thermal propagation occurs, posing a risk to neighboring batteries and requiring effective heat management solutions.
Innovation Solution
A prismatic secondary battery design incorporating heat-absorbing pouches with absorbent materials impregnated with vaporizable liquids, which absorb and dissipate heat, and feature a vulnerable part that ruptures to release pressure and cool flammable gases, reducing the risk of fire.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If secondary batteries are grouped together as modules or packs, then energy capacity and power output are improved, but thermal propagation risk increases when thermal runaway occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces heat-absorbing pouches as independent protective units between battery cells. Each pouch acts as a separate containment zone that can absorb thermal energy locally, preventing heat from propagating to adjacent cells. This segmentation approach allows the battery pack to maintain high power output while dividing the thermal management function into discrete, localized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-absorbing pouches serve as intermediary elements positioned between battery cells. These pouches contain heat-absorbing materials that act as thermal mediators, absorbing excess heat generated during thermal runaway events and preventing direct thermal contact between adjacent battery cells, thereby eliminating thermal propagation while maintaining pack integrity.
2Temperature
If cooling systems are added to prevent thermal runaway, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-absorbing pouches are designed as passive thermal management devices that automatically activate when exposed to thermal runaway conditions. The heat-absorbing materials within the pouches autonomously absorb and dissipate heat without requiring external control systems, sensors, or active cooling mechanisms, thereby providing effective thermal management while minimizing added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes materials with specific thermal properties (high heat capacity, phase change characteristics) to create heat-absorbing pouches that passively regulate temperature. By selecting materials with appropriate thermal parameters, the system achieves effective thermal management through material properties rather than complex active cooling systems, reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If heat-absorbing pouches are added between battery cells, then thermal propagation is suppressed, but manufacturing complexity and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat-absorbing pouches are pre-assembled as complete units before integration into the battery pack. This preliminary preparation allows for standardized manufacturing of the pouches themselves, which can then be easily installed between battery cells during pack assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to integrating thermal management features directly into the battery cell manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-absorbing pouches utilize flexible packaging materials that can be easily formed and sealed around heat-absorbing materials. This flexible shell approach allows for simple assembly processes where the pouches can be inserted and sealed between battery cells without requiring complex rigid structures or precision alignment, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while providing effective thermal protection.
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 effectively suppresses thermal runaway by rapid heat absorption and dissipation, maintaining battery performance and lifespan while minimizing the risk of fire through controlled gas release.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent material impregnated with a liquid that vaporizes by absorbing the heat generated by the battery cells
Implementation Method 2
a liquid that vaporizes by absorbing the heat generated by the battery cells
Implementation Method 3
a vulnerable part that is designed to rupture first when the liquid impregnated in the absorbent material is vaporized, leading to an increase in internal pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A prismatic secondary battery includes a case; at least one or more battery cells accommodated within the case; and at least one or more heat-absorbing pouches in contact with the battery cells. Here, the heat-absorbing pouches include: an absorbent material impregnated with a liquid that vaporizes by absorbing the heat generated by the battery cells; and a pouch that seals and accommodates the absorbent material impregnated with the liquid.