Battery Module Propagation Protection Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules face safety risks due to thermal runaway, or propagation, when battery cells exceed a safety-critical temperature, and existing cooling systems may not be sufficient to prevent further heating.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a propagation protection element that absorbs heat through an endothermic process when a specific temperature is exceeded, using phase-change materials, reactive substances, or decomposing substances to prevent further heating and return the battery cell to a non-critical state, which can be integrated into the battery cell housing or used in conjunction with existing cooling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cooling system is dimensioned to prevent propagation, then safety against thermal runaway is improved, but the cooling system becomes overdimensioned and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The safety function is segmented between the cooling system (prevention) and the propagation protection element (mitigation). The propagation protection element is a separate, dedicated component that activates only when thermal runaway begins, allowing the cooling system to be sized for normal operation without being overdimensioned for worst-case scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The propagation protection element is pre-positioned in direct thermal contact with the battery cell, ready to absorb heat immediately when propagation starts. This preliminary positioning ensures rapid response without requiring the cooling system to be oversized for instant high-power cooling.
2Reliability
If the cooling system is overdimensioned to prevent propagation, then safety is improved, but manufacturing costs and system simplicity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The propagation protection element is a passive component that automatically absorbs heat through endothermic processes when propagation occurs, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or active management. This self-activating mechanism simplifies manufacturing compared to active cooling enhancements.
3Loss of energy
If direct thermal contact is established between propagation protection element and battery cell, then heat absorption efficiency is improved, but mechanical design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The propagation protection element utilizes phase transitions (melting, decomposition) of phase-change materials to absorb heat. These phase transitions occur at specific temperatures and provide automatic thermal coupling through direct contact, eliminating the need for complex thermal management mechanisms.
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 solution effectively prevents thermal runaway by absorbing heat from the battery cell, ensuring safe operation and reducing the need for overdimensioning the cooling system, thereby enhancing safety and simplifying the battery module design.
Implementation Method 1
the propagation protection element is designed in such a way that, when a specific value for a temperature of the at least one battery cell is exceeded, an endothermic process is executed within the propagation protection element. In this case, this endothermic process absorbs heat which is given off by the at least one battery cell
Implementation Method 2
the propagation protection element contains a phase-change material. At this point, a phase-change material is intended to be understood to mean a material of the kind which changes its state of aggregation from a first state of aggregation to a second state of aggregation with the absorption of heat, which is transmitted in particular from the at least one battery cell to the propagation protection element, at a specific temperature and a specific pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module comprising at least one battery cell (2), wherein the battery module (1) further comprises a propagation protection element (3) which is connected in a thermally conductive manner to the battery cell (2) and which is designed in such a way that, when a specific value for a temperature of the at least one battery cell (2) is exceeded, an endothermic process which is being executed within the propagation protection element (3) absorbs heat which is given off by the at least one battery cell (2).