Battery Module Venting Channels for Particle Capture and Arc Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in preventing short circuits and arcs between members within the battery module or pack and between high voltage parts and the vehicle chassis, particularly due to insufficient expansion volume in modern battery modules, which increases the risk of thermal runaway and associated safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a venting system with a venting space subdivided by separators into gas-tightly separated channels, where vent gas is collected and particles are separated from the gas stream, allowing particles to stick and sinter on a collection area, preventing them from exiting and causing arcs or fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the battery module uses a compact design with limited expansion volume, then the device complexity and space utilization are improved, but the safety risk increases due to insufficient space for venting particles and gas during thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The venting space is divided into multiple separated channels using separators, creating independent pathways for different venting functions. This segmentation allows the system to handle particle venting and gas venting separately, improving safety without requiring a large overall expansion volume.
Solution Approach 2:
Separators act as intermediary elements between the venting outlets and the external environment. These separators guide the venting particles and gas through controlled channels, preventing direct contact with surrounding components and reducing safety risks in compact designs.
2Device complexity
If the battery module lacks a particle collection mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but the harmful effects increase due to particles causing short circuits and arcs
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful particles are extracted from the venting gas stream by directing them into separate channels where they can be contained and neutralized. This extraction process removes the dangerous particles before they can cause short circuits or arcs in the battery module.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting particles, which are normally harmful, are redirected into controlled channels where they can be safely contained. The separators and channel structure convert the potentially dangerous particle ejection into a controlled venting process that protects the battery system.
3Device complexity
If the venting space is not subdivided into separate channels, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to gas-tight separation needs for preventing thermal propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The venting space is segmented into multiple gas-tight channels using separators. This segmentation prevents thermal runaway from propagating between adjacent battery cells by containing the venting gas and particles within separate channels, improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The separators provide more than just gas-tight separation; they also guide and control the venting process. This partial over-design ensures that even under extreme conditions, the gas-tight separation maintains effectiveness, enhancing reliability.
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 prevents particles from exiting the battery module, reducing the risk of short circuits and arcs, thereby enhancing safety by ensuring that vent gas is discharged without particles, thus minimizing the risk of external fires and electrical damage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of separators arranged within the venting space and sub-dividing the venting space into a plurality of venting channels arranged (preferably arranged consecutively) along the first direction and being gas-tightly separated from each other by the separators
Implementation Method 2
the degassing space is at least partly confined by a wall comprising a collection area, the collection area being arranged opposite to each of the venting channel openings and spaced apart from each of the venting channel openings
Implementation Method 3
allowing particles to stick and sinter on a collection area, preventing them from exiting and causing arcs or fires
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module comprising a battery cell stack with a plurality of stacked battery cells each having a venting outlet; a venting space extending along the battery cell stack, each of the venting outlets opening into the venting space; a degassing space extending besides the venting space; a plurality of separators arranged within the venting space and sub-dividing the venting space into a plurality of venting channels being gas-tightly separated from each other by the separators. Each of the venting channels has a venting channel opening, which opens into the degassing space. The degassing space is at least partly confined by a wall comprising a collection area. The collection area being arranged opposite to each of the venting channel openings and spaced apart from each of the venting channel openings. The disclosure further refers to a battery system and a vehicle using the battery module described above.