Battery Cell Terminal Insulation for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery cells are prone to temperature increases due to thermal runaway or internal short circuits, which can lead to fire and spread to adjacent cells, posing safety risks in electronic devices and vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an insulating member between the electrode assembly and terminals in battery cells and busbars to prevent heat propagation and reduce temperature increases in adjacent cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If battery cells are placed adjacent to each other in a battery module, then space utilization is improved, but heat propagation between cells increases the risk of fire and thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a busbar with integrated insulating structures as an intermediary element between adjacent battery cells. The insulating member is formed on the busbar at the position facing the electrode assembly, creating a thermal barrier that prevents direct heat transfer between cells while maintaining electrical connectivity. This mediator approach allows cells to be placed close together for space efficiency while blocking the harmful heat propagation pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The busbar structure combines conductive material (for electrical connection) with insulating material (for thermal isolation) into a single composite component. The insulating member is integrally formed with or attached to the busbar, creating a composite structure that simultaneously provides both electrical conductivity and thermal insulation functions, resolving the contradiction between space utilization and heat propagation prevention.
2Power
If terminals are directly connected to the electrode assembly for electrical connection, then electrical conductivity is improved, but thermal conduction increases the risk of heat transfer to adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member positioned between the terminal and electrode assembly acts as a thermal mediator that blocks heat transfer while allowing electrical connection. The busbar structure with integrated insulation creates a pathway where electrical current can flow but thermal energy is blocked, effectively decoupling the electrical and thermal conduction pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating properties are applied locally at the critical interface between the terminal/busbar and electrode assembly, rather than throughout the entire structure. The insulating member is specifically positioned where heat transfer would most directly impact adjacent cells, providing targeted thermal isolation while maintaining overall electrical connectivity and minimizing 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 insulating member effectively prevents heat propagation and reduces the risk of fire, maintaining adjacent cells below their self-reaction temperature and minimizing the intensity of any fire in the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating member between the electrode assembly and the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell and a battery module are disclosed. A battery cell includes an electrode assembly, a case receiving the electrode assembly, a cap plate coupled to an opening of the case, a terminal arranged to the cap plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, and an insulating member between the electrode assembly and the terminal.