Battery Cell Stack Support Ribs for Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery spacers in rechargeable energy storage systems restrict gas flow and ventilation, limiting the efficient discharge of gases generated during charging and discharging processes in vehicle battery systems.
Innovation Solution
A cell stack support system featuring a cell can with raised ribs and passages that enhance gas flow by creating channels and pathways for gases to vent externally, allowing for improved ventilation and reducing gas flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spacers are used between the cell can and electrode stack, then structural support is provided, but gas flow is restricted and ventilation is constricted
Solution Approach 1:
The cell can incorporates a porous support structure with interconnected pores that provide mechanical support while allowing free gas flow through the structure. This porous architecture eliminates gas flow restrictions while maintaining the necessary structural integrity to support the electrode stack.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple ribs extending from the bottom wall, creating a framework that provides structural support while leaving open spaces between the ribs for gas flow. This segmentation allows the support function to be distributed while maintaining ventilation pathways.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a solid spacer is used to support the electrode stack, then mechanical stability is achieved, but ventilation flow is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin rib structures that extend from the bottom wall to support the electrode stack. These thin film-like ribs provide mechanical stability while minimizing obstruction to gas flow, allowing ventilation to proceed efficiently through the spaces between and around the ribs.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure transitions from a two-dimensional flat spacer to a three-dimensional rib framework extending upward from the bottom wall. This dimensional change provides mechanical support at multiple heights while maintaining open pathways for gas flow in the horizontal planes between the ribs.
3Productivity
If existing venting systems are used, then gas discharge is achieved, but flow restrictions remain that limit ventilation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom wall serves multiple functions: it provides structural support through integrated ribs, acts as a gas distribution manifold through its porous structure, and facilitates ventilation through the vent opening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate spacer components, reducing complexity while improving gas discharge efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous bottom wall structure automatically distributes gases generated during battery operation to the vent opening without requiring external pumping or complex flow control mechanisms. The pressure-driven flow through the porous structure and between the ribs provides self-regulating ventilation that responds to internal pressure conditions.
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 improves gas ventilation and discharge efficiency, aiding in temperature management and reducing the risk of thermal overload by providing clear pathways for gases to escape, thus enhancing the performance and safety of vehicle battery systems.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of raised ribs establishes a plurality of channels between the first side wall and the vent. A channel extends between the electrode stack and the first side wall, the channel being fluidically connected with the plurality of passages.
Implementation Method 2
A vent formed in the second wall. The vent is spaced from the first side wall and the second side wall. The vent fluidically connects the electrode stack receiving zone with an exterior of the cell can.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery cell for a vehicle includes a cell can having a first wall, a second wall, a first side wall and a second side wall. The first wall, the second wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall defining an electrode stack receiving zone. A vent formed in the second wall. The vent fluidically connects the electrode stack receiving zone with an exterior of the cell can. An electrode stack is positioned in the electrode stack receiving zone. The electrode stack is spaced from of the first side wall by a channel. The cell can includes a plurality of raised ribs formed in the second wall. Each of the plurality of raised ribs includes a support surface. The electrode stack rests on the support surface in the electrode stack receiving zone.