Battery Module Venting and Cooling for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery modules in battery packs are vulnerable to thermal chain reactions, with thermal runaway in one module potentially causing fires or explosions due to uncontrolled heat and gas discharge, which can propagate to other modules.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a venting unit with a cooling unit that absorbs and releases heat, featuring a venting hole, a venting unit, and a cooling pipe to manage and discharge venting gas safely, preventing thermal runaway propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If battery modules are constructed by joining multiple battery cells in series to achieve high operating voltages, then the operating voltage is improved, but the risk of electric short circuits and the severity of damage in the event of an electric short circuit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is segmented into multiple electrically independent battery cell groups, where each group consists of multiple battery cells connected in series. These groups are then connected in parallel to achieve the desired operating voltage while reducing the risk of electric short circuits. The segmentation is further enhanced by providing physical separation between groups using insulating structures, ensuring that a short circuit in one group does not propagate to other groups.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating structure acts as an intermediary element between battery cell groups to prevent electric short circuits. This insulating structure includes a base plate and a cover, which together form a protective barrier that electrically isolates adjacent battery cell groups while maintaining the structural integrity of the battery module.
2Power
If battery modules are constructed by joining multiple battery cells in series to achieve high operating voltages, then the operating voltage is improved, but the severity of damage in the event of an electric short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple electrically independent battery cell groups with physical separation between them. This segmentation ensures that in the event of an electric short circuit, the damage is confined to a single group and cannot propagate to other groups, thereby reducing the overall severity of damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating structure is pre-installed between battery cell groups to provide protective cushioning against electric short circuits. This preventive measure reduces the severity of damage by blocking the propagation path of electric arcs or short circuits before they can affect adjacent groups.
3Stability of the object's composition
If battery cells are rigidly fixed in the battery module to ensure structural stability, then the structural stability is improved, but the ability to compensate for expansion and contraction of the battery cells during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are designed with flexible features that allow dynamic adjustment. Specifically, the fastening elements include flexible arms or springs that can adapt to the expansion and contraction of battery cells during operation, maintaining structural stability while accommodating dimensional changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements incorporate flexible components such as elastic arms or thin-walled structures that can deform elastically to accommodate battery cell expansion and contraction. This flexibility allows the battery module to maintain structural integrity while adapting to dimensional changes during operation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If complex fastening structures are used to securely mount battery cells and compensate for thermal effects, then the ability to compensate for expansion and contraction is improved, but the number of components and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: mechanically securing battery cells, compensating for thermal expansion and contraction, and providing electrical insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while maintaining the required adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating structure and fastening structure are merged into a single integrated component. The insulating structure includes integrated fastening elements that combine mechanical securing and thermal compensation functions, thereby reducing assembly complexity and the total number of parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a battery module having an improved structure to appropriately manage heat or gas discharged from the battery module. A battery module according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a cell assembly including one or more battery cells, a module case having an inner space in which the cell assembly is accommodated, the module case including a venting hole through which venting gas generated from the cell assembly is discharged, a venting unit provided outside the module case, and configured to allow venting gas discharged from the venting hole to be introduced and discharged to an outside, and a cooling unit including at least a portion provided in a path through which the venting gas flows, the cooling unit being configured to absorb heat and release the heat to an outside.