Battery Pack Cross-Frame Venting for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs face the risk of thermal runaway, where high-temperature gas or flame generated from one battery module can ignite adjacent modules, leading to a chain reaction and potential fire, due to the lack of effective containment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The battery pack design incorporates a pack housing with a cross frame and upper cover that includes a venting passage and flange portion to prevent gas or flame from spreading between modules, featuring a shielding member and fastening mechanism to secure the structure and direct discharged gases outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple battery modules are disposed in the battery pack to increase energy capacity, then the energy capacity of the battery pack is improved, but the risk of chain ignition during thermal runaway increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into multiple independent battery modules, each surrounded by partition structures. This segmentation isolates thermal runaway events to individual modules, preventing chain reactions while maintaining high energy capacity through the aggregation of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
Partition structures act as intermediary barriers between adjacent battery modules. These partitions include venting passages that allow controlled gas discharge while blocking flame propagation, serving as mediators that manage the interaction between modules during normal operation and thermal runaway events.
2Reliability
If partition structures are added between battery modules to block gas or flame spread, then the safety against chain ignition is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide mechanical separation between modules, contain thermal runaway events, and include integrated venting passages for controlled gas discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while enhancing safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting passages are merged directly into the partition structures rather than being separate components. This integration combines the blocking function (preventing flame spread) and the venting function (allowing gas discharge) into a single structural element, simplifying the overall design.
3Reliability
If venting passages are provided in the pack housing to discharge high-temperature gas, then the thermal runaway containment is improved, but the risk of gas leakage to the outside environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting passages convert the harmful effect of pressure buildup during thermal runaway into a beneficial controlled discharge mechanism. By providing designated pathways for gas escape, the system prevents more severe failures while directing the harmful gas flow away from sensitive components and toward safe discharge points.
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 effectively blocks the spread of gas or flame between battery modules during thermal runaway, enhancing the safety and stability of the battery pack by ensuring gases are vented safely outside, thereby preventing chain ignition and increasing the pack's thermal dissipation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
thermal runaway in which high-temperature gas or flame is generated in the battery module BM may occur
Implementation Method 2
a pack housing having an internal space in which the battery module is accommodated
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes at least one battery module; and a pack housing having an internal space in which the battery module is accommodated, wherein the at least one battery module includes a cell stack including a plurality of battery cells; and an upper cover covering an upper surface of the cell stack and coupled to the pack housing.