Cross-Member Battery Pack Layout for Thermal Runaway Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell structures face challenges in efficiently coupling lead parts of cell stacks and preventing thermal runaway, particularly in the context of increasing battery cell capacity and arrangement in a cell-to-pack format.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a crossing member and base plate configuration with venting passages and partition walls, supported by frames and covers, which delays thermal transfer between cell stacks and includes a venting system to manage thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are arranged in CTP format with cell stacks facing each other, then battery capacity is improved, but thermal runaway risk increases due to heat transfer between adjacent cell stacks
Solution Approach 1:
The battery housing is divided into multiple accommodation spaces by crossing members, with each space containing cell stacks. Partition walls within the crossing members further segment the venting passages, creating isolated thermal zones that prevent heat transfer between adjacent cell stacks while maintaining high battery capacity through CTP arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Crossing members act as intermediary structures positioned between adjacent cell stacks. These members include venting passages that provide thermal isolation and flame arrestment, serving as mediators that prevent direct thermal contact between cell stacks while allowing the compact CTP configuration to maintain high energy density.
2Reliability
If crossing members with venting passages are used between cell stacks, then thermal runaway prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The crossing members serve multiple functions simultaneously: they divide the accommodation space into separate zones, provide structural support for cell stacks, incorporate venting passages for thermal isolation, and contain partition walls for flame arrestment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving reliable thermal runaway prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of structural division, thermal management, and safety protection into a single integrated crossing member structure. By combining space division, venting passages, and partition walls into one component, the design achieves thermal runaway prevention without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Reliability
If partition walls are added to divide venting passages, then flame arrestment capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Partition walls divide the venting passages within crossing members into separate channels. This segmentation creates isolated pathways that prevent flame propagation between adjacent cell stacks while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing by integrating the partition walls directly into the crossing member structure during a single molding or fabrication process.
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 design enhances manufacturing efficiency and safety by allowing easy coupling of lead parts and preventing thermal runaway through delayed heat transfer and controlled venting of flames or gases, improving the overall stability of the battery pack.
Implementation Method 1
a partition wall that extends in a third direction intersecting the second direction to divide the venting passage in the second direction
Implementation Method 2
a venting passage coupled to the plurality of cell stacks and extending in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack includes a battery housing with a crossing member that defines an accommodation space and a base plate in contact with the crossing member. A plurality of cell stacks are mounted within the accommodation space, positioned to face each other with the crossing member interposed between them. The crossing member includes a venting passage in communication with the cell stacks and a partition wall that divides the venting passage in a second direction within the crossing member. The cell stacks consist of multiple first cell stacks arranged on one side of the base plate in a third direction intersecting the second direction and multiple second cell stacks arranged on the opposite side of the base plate in the third direction.