Electrochemical Cell Safety Device for Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion and NiMH batteries used in electric vehicles face challenges such as temperature regulation, susceptibility to environmental conditions, and potential for short circuits or over/under charging, leading to safety issues like high temperatures and pressure increases, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical cell design featuring a can with a vent mechanism and a safety device that deploys to release gases and effluents when pressure exceeds a predetermined level, while also incorporating a suppressant to inhibit flames, enhancing safety and heat control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent mechanism is added to release pressure, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety device is segmented into distinct functional components: a venting mechanism with a movable disc for pressure release, and a separate suppressant reservoir for flame inhibition. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to solve the safety problem without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppressant is pre-loaded into the suppressant reservoir before the battery cell is assembled. When the vent mechanism activates, the suppressant is automatically dispensed in advance to suppress potential flames from vented gases, eliminating the need for external fire suppression systems.
2Reliability
If a suppressant system is incorporated to inhibit flames, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vent mechanism and suppressant system are merged into a single integrated safety device assembly. The suppressant reservoir is positioned adjacent to the vent mechanism, and both components work together through a unified pressure-activated system, reducing the need for separate safety systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device is self-activating through pressure differential. When internal pressure exceeds external pressure by a predetermined amount, the vent disc automatically opens and triggers suppressant release without requiring external sensors, control systems, or power sources.
3Temperature
If pressure relief venting is enabled, then heat and pressure control is improved, but risk of flame release increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of pressure-driven flame potential into a beneficial safety mechanism. The same pressure differential that drives venting also triggers automatic suppressant release, transforming the hazard into a self-correcting safety feature where the venting process itself activates the flame suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The suppressant acts as an intermediary substance between the vented hot gases and the external environment. It is positioned to intercept and cool the vented gases, preventing flame propagation while allowing pressure relief, thus mediating between heat control and flame risk.
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 manages pressure and heat within the cell, preventing damage and reducing the risk of fires, thereby improving the safety and performance of battery systems in electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The safety device is configured to exert an additional force on the vent to aid in the deployment of the vent... the can forms a vent at the first end configured to allow gases and/or effluent to exit the can once the pressure inside the can reaches a predetermined amount
Implementation Method 2
The safety device houses a suppressant which inhibits or limits the chance of a flame when electrolyte is released from the cell
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical cell is provided including, but not limited to, a can having a side wall that is coupled to a first end and having a cover at a second end of the can to close the second end of the can, a cell element within the can, electrolyte within the can, and a safety device. The can forms a vent at the first end configured to allow gases and/or effluent to exit the can once the pressure inside the can reaches a predetermined amount. The safety device is provided adjacent a first end of the cell element and between the cell element and the first end of the housing. The safety device is configured to exert an additional force on the vent to aid in the deployment of the vent.