Battery Pack Venting Chambers to Limit Thermal Propagation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face the risk of thermal propagation and fire due to venting streams from thermal runaway cells, which can cause damage to neighboring cells and the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A battery system with separate venting chambers for each cell group, guided by a separation sheet that directs venting streams away from neighboring cells, using the thermal mass of the chambers to cool down the venting products before exiting the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If venting streams from thermal runaway cells are allowed to exit directly to the environment, then pressure relief is achieved, but thermal propagation and fire damage to neighboring cells occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is divided into multiple separate venting chambers, with each chamber serving a specific battery cell group. This segmentation isolates venting streams from different cells, preventing thermal propagation between neighboring cells while maintaining pressure relief functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A separation sheet is introduced as an intermediary structure between battery cells and the venting path. This sheet directs venting streams away from neighboring cells through strategically positioned openings, acting as a mediator that allows pressure relief while blocking thermal propagation paths.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If venting chambers are introduced to cool venting products, then thermal propagation risk is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separation sheet serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for battery cells, creates venting chamber boundaries, directs venting streams through its openings, and provides thermal isolation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated cooling components.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin separation sheet is used to create venting chambers and direct venting streams, rather than using bulky rigid cooling structures. This thin film approach provides effective thermal management while minimizing space occupation and structural 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
Reduces the risk of thermal propagation and fire by cooling venting products before they exit the system, maintaining cell safety and preventing damage to the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
cooling venting products before exiting the system
Implementation Method 2
using the thermal mass of the chambers to cool down the venting products
Implementation Method 3
guided by a separation sheet that directs venting streams away from neighboring cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery system (10), comprising a battery housing, and a plurality of battery cells (12) being arranged in a plurality of battery cell groups (13) within the battery housing, wherein each battery cell group (13) comprises a venting side (14) with at least one venting exit (16) through which a venting stream (V) comprising venting products exits the battery cell group (13) in case of a thermal runaway, the battery system (10) further comprising a separation sheet (30) at the venting sides (14) of the battery cell groups (13), the separation sheet (30) forming separate venting chambers (36), one venting chamber (36) for each battery cell group (13), for guiding the venting stream leaving the venting exits (16) away from the battery cell groups (13) through openings (32) in the separation sheet (30).