Battery Cooling Vent Path for Thermal Runaway Gas Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Air-cooled vehicle batteries can introduce gases produced during thermal runaway into the vehicle's internal space, compromising occupant safety.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a cooling flow path that includes an inlet, outlet, connection duct, and an opening/closing part to control fluid flow, allowing safe discharge of gases to the outside during thermal events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air cooling is used to cool the battery, then cooling efficiency is improved, but gas produced during thermal runaway can enter the vehicle's internal space
Solution Approach 1:
The connection flow path is divided into two separate paths: a first connection flow path that connects to the internal space and a second connection flow path that connects to the external space through a discharge hole. The opening/closing part segments these paths, allowing the system to direct gas either to the internal space or external space based on temperature conditions, thus preventing harmful gas intrusion while maintaining cooling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening/closing part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the battery cooling system and the vehicle's internal space. It monitors temperature conditions and intermediates the flow path selection, directing gas to the external discharge hole when thermal runaway is detected, thereby protecting the internal space from harmful gases while maintaining the air cooling function.
2Productivity
If the connection flow path is always open to the internal space, then cooling performance is maintained, but safety is compromised during thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The connection flow path is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The opening/closing part enables the system to switch between different flow path configurations based on real-time temperature conditions. When the battery temperature is normal, the first connection flow path remains open for optimal cooling performance. When thermal runaway is detected, the path dynamically switches to direct gas externally, thereby maintaining both cooling efficiency and safety under different operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature as a critical parameter to determine flow path configuration. When the battery temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the system changes the flow path parameter by closing the first connection flow path and opening the second connection flow path. This parameter-based control allows the system to adapt to different thermal conditions, maintaining cooling performance during normal operation while ensuring safety during thermal events.
3Reliability
If a closing mechanism is added to the connection flow path, then safety is improved by preventing gas intrusion, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The opening/closing part is designed to operate automatically based on temperature sensor feedback without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. When the temperature sensor detects that the battery temperature has exceeded the threshold, the system self-activates to close the first connection flow path and open the second connection flow path. This self-service approach enhances safety while minimizing the added complexity by eliminating the need for complex control electronics or manual intervention.
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
Prevents gases from entering the vehicle's internal space, enhancing safety by redirecting them to the exterior during thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling flow path configured to cool the battery via a fluid flowing through the cooling flow path
Implementation Method 2
an opening/closing part configured to control opening or closing between a first region, of the connection flow path, facing the outlet, and a second region, of the connection flow path, away from the outlet
Implementation Method 3
discharging, based on a pressure in a region of the connection flow path adjacent to a discharge hole satisfying a threshold pressure, the fluid in the connection flow path to an outside of the vehicle via the discharge hole
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle may comprise an inlet part having a first hole configured to communicate with an internal space of the vehicle, a second side comprising an outlet part having a second hole, a connection duct provided to face the outlet part and having a connection flow path configured to connect the outlet part and the internal space, and an opening/closing part provided at one side of the connection duct and configured to control opening and closing between a region of the connection flow path, which faces the outlet part, and another region, in which the first hole and the second hole communicate with the cooling flow path.