Battery Case Venting Structure With Flow Amplifier for Fire Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Batteries in packs are prone to fires, and existing designs fail to effectively discharge high-temperature, high-pressure gases generated during such events, risking propagation to adjacent cells or modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery casing with a gas discharge hole and amplifier that includes a gas discharge pipe and pressure part to amplify the flow rate of discharged gases, equipped with a relief valve and vane to manage pressure and a baffle to filter particulates, ensuring safe and rapid venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a gas discharge hole is provided in the battery casing to discharge generated gas, then fire propagation can be prevented, but the discharge speed and flow rate may be insufficient to handle high-temperature, high-pressure gases effectively
Solution Approach 1:
A relief valve is pre-installed in the gas discharge hole, configured to automatically open when gas pressure reaches a predetermined level. This preliminary setup ensures that when thermal runaway occurs, the relief valve immediately activates to discharge high-temperature, high-pressure gases at high speed, preventing fire propagation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas discharge amplifier is introduced as an intermediary device in the gas discharge path. This amplifier increases the flow rate of discharged gases by utilizing pressure differences and fluid dynamics principles, thereby enhancing the discharge speed without requiring a complete redesign of the basic casing structure.
2Quantity of substance
If the gas discharge hole is enlarged to increase flow rate, then fire propagation prevention is improved, but the structural integrity and sealing of the casing may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing a large fixed opening, a relief valve mechanism is used that dynamically adjusts the opening size based on internal pressure conditions. When pressure is normal, the valve remains closed to maintain structural integrity and sealing. When pressure exceeds the predetermined level during thermal runaway, the valve opens to allow high-quantity gas discharge, thus balancing structural strength with discharge capacity.
3Reliability
If high-pressure gas is discharged to prevent fire propagation, then safety is improved, but the velocity of discharged gas may cause damage to surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The gas discharge path is extended and directed toward a predetermined safe location outside the battery pack. By changing the discharge direction and extending the discharge path in another dimension, the high-velocity gas is guided away from surrounding components, reducing potential damage while maintaining effective fire propagation prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
A gas discharge amplifier is positioned as an intermediary device that not only increases flow rate but also helps control and distribute the discharged gas in a controlled manner, reducing concentrated high-velocity impact on surrounding components while maintaining overall discharge effectiveness.
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 enables quick discharge of high-temperature, high-pressure gases, preventing fire propagation by ensuring a high flow rate while reducing velocity, thus protecting adjacent cells and modules.
Implementation Method 1
a gas discharge amplifier installed in the gas discharge hole and configured to amplify a flow rate of the gas discharged through the gas discharge hole
Implementation Method 2
a pressure part provided in the gas discharge pipe and configured to amplify the flow rate of the gas discharged through the gas discharge pipe by introducing a high-pressure gas into the gas discharge pipe
Implementation Method 3
a relief valve configured to close the gas discharge hole and open the gas discharge hole when a degree of pressure in the battery casing is equal to or more than a predetermined degree of pressure
Implementation Method 4
a vane configured to generate vortices of the gas introduced into the relief valve
Implementation Method 5
a baffle configured to reduce a velocity of the gas discharged from the battery casing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 4
AI summary
Disclosed are a battery casing, a battery pack, and a vehicle including the same, the battery casing including a casing body having an internal space in which a battery is embedded, a gas discharge hole formed in the casing body and provided to discharge a gas in the casing body, which is generated from the battery, to the outside of the casing body, and a gas discharge amplifier installed in the gas discharge hole and configured to amplify a flow rate of the gas discharged through the gas discharge hole.