Layered Ceramic-PAN Battery Containment for Thermal Runaway
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
High energy density energy storage devices, such as lithium-ion batteries, pose a significant challenge due to thermal runaway, which generates high temperatures and pressures, leading to weight increases and safety concerns when using metal-based shielding or isolating methods.
Innovation Solution
A layered containment structure formed with a woven ceramic fabric as the first layer and oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers, optionally with structural strengthening fibers, to create a protective cover that allows venting while containing hot debris and gases during exothermic events, maintaining structural integrity and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-based shielding is used to contain venting during exothermic events, then safety is improved, but weight significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining ceramic fabric (providing high-temperature resistance and structural integrity) with oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers (providing thermal insulation and flame retardancy). This composite structure achieves effective containment of thermal runaway events while maintaining significantly lower weight compared to traditional metal-based shielding, directly resolving the contradiction between safety and weight.
2Reliability
If energy storage device is isolated from other equipment, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to extensive wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the safety containment function from the overall vehicle system architecture by providing a self-contained cover structure that encloses the energy storage device. This isolated containment approach allows the battery to be safely integrated into the vehicle without requiring extensive external wiring or complex isolation systems, as the cover itself provides the necessary safety barriers.
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 contains exothermic events by allowing gas venting while preventing concentrated plumes and high-velocity debris, maintaining external temperatures below 150°C and internal temperatures around 375°C during thermal runaway, thus minimizing external damage and protecting the device.
Implementation Method 1
the first layer consisting of a woven ceramic fabric
Implementation Method 2
the first layer consisting of a woven ceramic fabric
Implementation Method 3
the second layer consisting essentially of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers
Implementation Method 4
the cover is formed as a layered structure including at least a first layer and a second layer inside the first layer
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a vehicle may include an energy storage device, the energy storage device being configured to supply electrical power to the vehicle; a cover defining an internal volume and an opening into the internal volume, the energy storage device being received in the internal volume, wherein the cover is formed as a layered structure including at least a first layer and a second layer inside the first layer, the first layer consisting of a woven ceramic fabric and the second layer consisting essentially of oxidized polyacrylonitrile fibers.