Battery Pack Venting Channel With Isolating Sheet for Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs lack a dedicated venting channel, leading to thermal runaway issues where exothermic reactions can cause arcing and short circuits due to the electrical conductivity of metal gas exhaust ducts, resulting in potential damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a housing with degassing valves, a gas channel for venting, and a thermally and electrically isolating sheet that provides conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and battery cells, minimizing the risk of arcing and short circuits by isolating venting gases and preventing heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal gas exhaust duct is used for venting during thermal runaway, then the structural strength and thermal resistance are improved, but the electrical conductivity causes arcing and short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive intermediate structure (the housing with integrated gas channel and isolating sheet) that mediates between the thermal runaway event and the venting path. This intermediary prevents direct contact between venting gases and healthy battery cells while blocking electrical conductivity, thereby eliminating arcing and short circuits while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a separate venting pathway that copies the gas exhaust function from traditional metal ducts but implements it through non-conductive housing structures. The gas channel is formed as an integrated part of the housing rather than using separate metal ducts, achieving the same venting purpose without the harmful electrical conductivity
2Reliability
If a dedicated venting channel is added to guide venting gases, then the safety and thermal isolation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the venting channel function with the existing housing structure. The gas channel is formed as an integrated part of the housing rather than being a separate component, and the isolating sheet is positioned between existing battery cells and the channel. This integration achieves effective thermal isolation and safety without adding significant structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for battery cells, acts as a thermal barrier, and incorporates the gas venting channel. The isolating sheet similarly provides both thermal isolation and electrical insulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated safety components
3Temperature
If the isolating sheet provides conditional fluid communication, then the prevention of heat transfer to healthy cells is improved, but the fluid flow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolating sheet provides dynamic fluid flow control based on pressure differential. Under normal conditions, the sheet maintains isolation. During thermal runaway, when pressure inside the affected cell exceeds the resistance of the isolating sheet, gases automatically pass through to the venting channel. This dynamic behavior provides intelligent flow control without mechanical complexity
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 guides venting gases away from healthy battery cells during thermal runaway, reducing the risk of arcing and short circuits while maintaining mechanical stability and efficient use of construction space.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally and electrically isolating sheet arranged between the battery cells and the gas channel
Implementation Method 2
a thermally and electrically isolating sheet arranged between the battery cells and the gas channel
Implementation Method 3
a gas channel mounted to the housing as a structural member of the housing... configured to provide conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes: a housing; a plurality of battery cells accommodated within the housing, each of the plurality of battery cells including a degassing valve; gas channel mounted to the housing as a structural member of the housing; and a thermally and electrically isolating sheet. The isolating sheet is arranged between the battery cells and the gas channel and is configured to provide conditional fluid communication between the gas channel and each of the degassing valves of the plurality of battery cells. The conditional fluid communication depends on whether or not one of the battery cells is ejecting and/or has ejected a venting gas through the degassing valve of the battery cell.