Battery Cell Gas Passage Layout for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell designs face challenges in effective gas expulsion during thermal runaway, leading to poor explosion-proof performance due to inadequate communication between the inner cavity and explosion-proof hole, and blockage by the electrode core.
Innovation Solution
The battery cell design incorporates a housing with a second side wall featuring a main gas passage and multiple branch gas passages, which are in communication with each other and the explosion-proof hole, ensuring unobstructed gas flow and improved explosion-proof efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the explosion-proof valve is arranged on the boss protruding into the inner cavity, then the explosion-proof valve is spaced apart from the terminal post, but the electrode core directly abuts against the boss and blocks the explosion-proof hole
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the boss structure that protrudes into the inner cavity and blocks the explosion-proof hole. By eliminating this obstructive element, the gas flow path is restored without requiring the electrode core to abut against a protruding boss, thus resolving the contradiction between spacing the explosion-proof valve from the terminal post and maintaining unobstructed gas flow.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the explosion-proof valve mounted on a boss that protrudes into the inner cavity (conventional approach), the invention inverts the arrangement by mounting the explosion-proof valve on the outer surface of the housing. This reversal eliminates the blocking problem while maintaining the safety function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the inner cavity and explosion-proof hole are in poor communication, then the terminal post is protected from direct flame exposure, but the gas inside the battery cell cannot flow to the outside normally
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a communication passage as an intermediary structure that connects the inner cavity to the explosion-proof hole. This passage serves as a dedicated gas flow channel that maintains poor communication (protecting the terminal post) while still enabling efficient gas expulsion through the explosion-proof valve when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication passage is designed as a separate, dedicated structural element that segments the gas flow path from the terminal post area. This segmentation allows the terminal post to be protected from direct flame exposure while providing a controlled pathway for gas to reach the explosion-proof hole and be expelled efficiently.
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
This design enhances the safety and explosion-proof performance of the battery cell by ensuring smooth gas expulsion during thermal runaway, preventing secondary hazards and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the first recess forms a main gas passage in the inner cavity, the multiple second recesses form multiple branch gas passages in the inner cavity, the multiple branch gas passages are respectively in communication with the main gas passage
Implementation Method 2
an explosion-proof valve, where the explosion-proof valve is mounted on the second side wall, and the explosion-proof valve is configured to cover the explosion-proof hole
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell (e.g., in a battery pack, or in a vehicle) comprises: a housing having an inner cavity, a first side wall, and a second side wall; a terminal post; an explosion-proof valve; and an electrode core. A first recess and a plurality of second recesses are arranged on an inner wall surface of the second side wall and are concave in a direction facing away from the inner cavity. The first recess forms a main air passage in the inner cavity. The plurality of second recesses form a plurality of branch air passages, separately communicating with the main air passage, in the inner cavity. The second side wall comprises an explosion-proof hole corresponding to a position of the main air passage. The explosion-proof valve is mounted on the second side wall. The electrode core is arranged in the housing and spaced apart from the explosion-proof hole.