Carbon Fiber Cell Venting for Electric Aircraft Battery Ejecta
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern ventilation systems in electric aircraft are inefficient in reducing battery temperatures, which can lead to overheating and potential thermal runaway, posing risks during flight and charging operations.
Innovation Solution
A venting assembly is designed for electric aircraft, featuring a battery module with electrochemical cells separated by a carbon fiber barrier, vent ports connected to venting paths, and an outlet for safely venting battery ejecta outside the aircraft, preventing pressure increase and cascading thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If modern ventilation systems are used to cool batteries, then some temperature reduction is achieved, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and cannot prevent overheating and thermal runaway
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple electrochemical cells separated by carbon fiber barriers. Each cell has its own vent port and venting path, segmenting the thermal management system to prevent cascading thermal runaway between cells while maintaining individual temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system extracts hot gases and ejecta from each electrochemical cell through dedicated vent ports and venting paths, removing harmful thermal energy and combustion products from the battery module to prevent accumulation and further heating.
2Stress or pressure
If venting paths are created to release battery ejecta, then pressure buildup is prevented, but system complexity increases due to multiple vent ports and paths
Solution Approach 1:
The venting system is segmented into multiple independent vent ports and venting paths, one for each electrochemical cell. This segmentation allows pressure relief to occur locally at each cell level, preventing system-wide pressure buildup while maintaining a manageable modular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon fiber barriers serve as intermediaries between electrochemical cells, providing both structural separation and controlled pathways for gas venting. These barriers manage the interaction between adjacent cells while facilitating safe ejecta release.
3Reliability
If multiple vent ports and venting paths are implemented, then thermal runaway propagation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is constructed as a segmented assembly of electrochemical cells with integrated carbon fiber barriers and venting components. This modular segmentation enables standardized manufacturing of individual cell units that can be assembled into larger battery packs, simplifying production while maintaining thermal runaway prevention capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Carbon fiber barriers are used as composite materials that provide both structural support and thermal management functions. These multi-functional composite components reduce the need for separate structural and venting elements, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining 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 venting assembly effectively manages battery temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and ensuring safe operation by allowing controlled venting of battery ejecta without increasing pressure, thus enhancing the safety and reliability of electric aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of vent ports configured to vent the plurality of electrochemical cells using a plurality of venting paths, wherein the plurality of vent ports are fluidly connected to the plurality of venting paths
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for venting battery ejecta for use in an electric aircraft is presented. The apparatus includes a battery module with a plurality of electrochemical cells. The electrochemical cells of the plurality of electrochemical cells are separated by a carbon fiber barrier. Venting port of a plurality of venting ports is configured to vent an electrochemical cell of the plurality of electrochemical cells using a venting path of a plurality of venting paths, wherein the plurality of vent ports is fluidly connected to the plurality of venting paths and the plurality of venting paths are fluidly connected to at least an outlet. Venting paths direct the battery ejecta from the electrochemical cell to the outside of the electric aircraft through at least an outlet.