Battery Module Venting Cover with Guided Flame Discharge Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face challenges in preventing flame propagation and managing heat dissipation, leading to increased risk of thermal runaway and potential explosions, especially in high-temperature environments and densely packed configurations.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring venting holes in the module frame and end plates, with a venting cover that guides gas or flame discharge through a separate path, including filters and a complex internal passage to delay and suppress flame propagation, thereby enhancing safety and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple battery cells are densely stacked to increase capacity and output, then productivity and power are improved, but heat dissipation becomes difficult and temperature rises excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple independent battery cell compartments within a single module frame. Each battery cell can be independently managed for heat dissipation, allowing heat generated from multiple cells to be distributed and dissipated more effectively rather than accumulating in a single densely packed unit.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cells and the module frame. The cooling plate provides a dedicated thermal management interface that facilitates heat transfer from the battery cells to the cooling system, enabling effective heat dissipation while maintaining the dense stacking configuration for high capacity.
2Productivity
If battery modules are concentratedly arranged to increase vehicle mileage, then productivity is improved, but flame propagation between adjacent modules increases risk of explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into multiple independent battery modules, each housed in a separate module frame with independent end plates. This segmentation creates physical barriers between adjacent modules, preventing flame propagation from one module to another while allowing the overall system to be concentratedly arranged for high mileage.
Solution Approach 2:
Venting holes are provided in the module frame and end plates to allow controlled release of gas and flame from the battery cells. By providing designated venting paths, the harmful effects of gas accumulation and flame propagation are converted into controlled discharge mechanisms that protect the overall battery system from explosion while maintaining dense module arrangement.
3Reliability
If venting holes are provided in module frame and end plates to release gas and flame, then safety is improved, but flame may still propagate to adjacent modules
Solution Approach 1:
Venting holes are strategically positioned at specific locations in the module frame and end plates where gas and flame discharge is most effective. The venting holes are provided at both the module frame and the end plates, creating multiple localized discharge paths that contain the flame propagation within the module while allowing controlled release of harmful substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The module frame and end plates act as intermediary structures that provide controlled venting paths for gas and flame discharge. These structural components mediate between the battery cells and the external environment, allowing harmful substances to be released in a controlled manner through designated venting holes rather than uncontrolled propagation.
4Reliability
If a venting cover with complex internal passage is added to guide discharge path, then flame propagation is blocked and safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting cover is integrated with the module frame structure, combining the venting function with the existing structural framework. The venting cover includes venting holes that align with corresponding holes in the module frame and end plates, merging multiple venting functions into a single integrated component rather than adding separate venting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting cover provides a three-dimensional discharge path through its internal passage structure, guiding gas and flame discharge in multiple directions rather than simple linear venting. The venting cover can redirect discharge paths along different spatial dimensions, effectively blocking flame propagation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 blocks flame propagation and improves heat dissipation, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and explosions, enhancing the safety and stability of battery modules and packs, particularly in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a venting cover for guiding a discharge path of gas or flame discharged from the venting hole is located on a first surface of the module frame
Implementation Method 2
a venting hole is formed in at least one of the module frame, the first end plate or the second end plate
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a module frame that houses the battery cell stack; and a first end plate and a second end plate each covering a front surface and a rear surface of the battery cell stack, wherein a venting hole is formed in at least one of the module frame, the first end plate or the second end plate. A venting unit for guiding a discharge path of gas or flame discharged from the venting hole is located on one surface of the module frame, and the venting unit is mounted so as to cover the venting hole.