Battery Pack Vent Frame for Thermal Runaway Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs face challenges in preventing the transfer of thermal runaway between modules, which can lead to increased damage and safety risks when overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheating occur.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a vent frame with vertical and horizontal beams, each with a tubular shape and passages for gas to pass through, along with end plates with vent gates and burst portions to manage and emit heat and flames safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If battery modules are combined to increase capacity and output, then productivity and energy density are improved, but the risk of thermal runaway transfer between modules increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple battery modules that are spatially separated and independently managed. Each module can be isolated from others through the vent frame structure, preventing thermal runaway from propagating between modules while maintaining high overall capacity through parallel/series configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The vent frame acts as an intermediary structure between battery modules. It provides a controlled pathway for gas venting and thermal management, serving as a buffer that prevents direct thermal contact between modules while allowing necessary gas flow for safety pressure relief.
2Reliability
If safety standards are strengthened to prevent thermal runaway, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent frame serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the battery module arrangement, acts as a thermal barrier to prevent heat transfer, provides controlled venting pathways for pressure relief, and maintains spatial separation between modules. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety components.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting function and structural framework are merged into a single integrated vent frame structure. Instead of having separate venting components and support structures, the design combines these functions into one element, simplifying the overall system while maintaining safety performance.
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 minimizes damage by directing heat and flames away from neighboring modules, improving the safety of the battery pack by preventing the spread of thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
a passage surrounded by the cover for gas to pass through
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules; a vent frame disposed along the edges of the plurality of battery modules; and a housing accommodating the plurality of battery modules and the vent frame, wherein the vent frame includes a pair of vertical beams formed parallel to a first direction and a pair of horizontal beams formed parallel to a second direction intersecting the first direction, the vertical beam and the horizontal beam each having a shape of a tube and including a cover formed on the vertical beam or the horizontal beam in a length direction, and a passage surrounded by the cover for gas to pass through.