Battery Module Terminal Shielding for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large-capacity battery modules used in electric vehicles face issues with thermal runaway, fire, and explosion propagation due to high-temperature fragments and gases discharged from one cell affecting adjacent cells, leading to secondary explosions and increased damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a module case with protruding cover portions over electrode terminals, a connection plate with specific holes and extensions, and a heat conduction pad with smaller communication holes to contain and vent gases and flames, preventing high-temperature materials from spreading to adjacent cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery cells are arranged in a large-capacity battery module, then energy density and power output are improved, but thermal runaway propagation risk increases due to adjacent cell exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery module into isolated cell compartments separated by partition walls. Each battery cell is contained within its own segmented space, preventing thermal runaway propagation between adjacent cells while maintaining high cell density for power output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces partition walls as intermediary structures between adjacent battery cells. These partition walls act as barriers that block the transmission of heat, flames, and explosive gases, thereby preventing thermal runaway propagation while allowing the module to maintain high power density.
2Ease of operation
If exposure holes are provided for electrode terminals, then electrical connection is improved, but fire and explosion spread to adjacent cells through these holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs nested protective structures where protective covers are placed over exposure holes, and partition walls are integrated into the module case structure. This nested arrangement allows electrical connections to be made while providing multiple layers of protection against fire and explosion spread through the exposure holes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective covers and partition walls as intermediary barriers over and around exposure holes. These intermediaries block the passage of flames and hot gases through the exposure holes while allowing electrical terminals to remain accessible for connection.
3Quantity of substance
If battery cells are closely arranged to increase capacity, then space utilization is improved, but high-temperature fragments from one cell can reach adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery module into isolated compartments using partition walls, allowing closely arranged battery cells to maintain high capacity while preventing high-temperature fragments from one cell from reaching adjacent cells through the partition barriers.
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 blocks the movement of high-temperature active materials from exploding cells, preventing chain ignition and enhancing safety by maintaining independent venting for each cell, thereby reducing the risk of thermal runaway and explosion propagation.
Implementation Method 1
a heat conduction pad having thermal conductivity and mounted to an outer side of the connection plate
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module provides improved stability against fire or explosion. A battery pack and a vehicle may include such battery module. The battery module includes a plurality of battery cells, each having electrode terminals respectively provided at an upper portion and a lower portion thereof; a connection plate for the plurality of battery cells, the connection plate including a connection portion extending from a body portion to contact the electrode terminal; and a module case configured such that the connection plate is mounted to an outer side thereof, the module case being configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells therein, the module case including a plurality of exposure holes configured to expose the electrode terminals of each of the plurality of battery cells to the outside and a cover portion configured to protrude toward the connection plate from an outer circumference of the exposure hole.