CTP Battery Pack Venting Channels for Thermal Runaway Containment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery packs face challenges in terms of energy density and safety, particularly during thermal events, where thermal propagation can lead to ignition or explosion, and the configuration often results in increased volume and weight.
Innovation Solution
A CTP type battery pack is designed with a battery cell assembly comprising stacked units, a pack tray, a pack cross beam with a gas passage, and a venting unit that guides venting gas along a specific path for discharge outside the pack, minimizing thermal runaway and preventing structural collapse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional battery packs use module cases and stacking frames to house battery cells, then assembly and structural support are enabled, but volume and weight are unnecessarily increased, reducing energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery cell housing function directly into the pack tray structure, eliminating separate module cases and stacking frames. The pack tray is designed to directly receive and secure battery cell assemblies, integrating structural support and housing functions into a single component, thereby reducing overall volume and weight while maintaining assembly capability
Solution Approach 2:
The pack tray is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides structural support, housing for battery cells, and integration interface for electrical connections. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing the number of parts and overall pack volume
2Strength
If conventional battery packs include multiple components like module cases and stacking frames, then structural support and cell housing are provided, but the space occupied by these components reduces the housing space for battery cells
Solution Approach 1:
The structural support function is merged into the pack tray design, which is engineered with reinforced ribs and optimized wall thickness to provide necessary mechanical strength. This eliminates the need for separate stacking frames and module cases, maximizing the available volume for battery cell housing while maintaining structural integrity
3Use of energy by moving object
If thermal events occur in battery cells without proper suppression, then energy can be released, but thermal propagation leads to ignition or explosion of the battery pack
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is divided into independently vented zones corresponding to individual battery cell assemblies. Each assembly has its own venting channel that directs gas discharge away from adjacent cells, segmenting the thermal event containment and preventing thermal propagation across the entire pack
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system converts the harmful thermal runaway gas and pressure into a controlled discharge mechanism. By providing dedicated venting channels for each battery cell assembly, the system safely redirects thermal event byproducts away from other cells, transforming a potentially catastrophic propagation scenario into isolated, manageable events
4Volume of moving object
If battery packs are designed with simplified CTP architecture, then energy density and assembly process are improved, but thermal event management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The simplified CTP architecture incorporates segmented venting channels that are integrated directly into the pack tray structure. Each channel corresponds to a specific battery cell assembly location, providing targeted thermal event management without requiring complex additional components, thus maintaining reliability while preserving the compact design
Solution Approach 2:
The venting channels act as intermediary structures within the pack tray that mediate between the battery cell assemblies and the external environment. These channels provide a controlled pathway for thermal event byproducts, protecting adjacent cells while maintaining the simplified CTP architecture without additional complex thermal management components
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 enhances energy density and simplifies the assembly process while ensuring safety by containing thermal events within the battery pack and preventing structural collapse, thus reducing the risk of ignition or explosion.
Implementation Method 1
the venting unit comprises a plurality of venting channels that guide the gas jetted from the venting unit to the gas passage
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure can includes a battery cell assembly of stacked battery cell units. The battery cell assembly can be mounted on a pack tray. A pack cross beam can be located on a side surface of the battery cell assembly on the pack tray and provided with an internal gas passage. A venting unit can be located on an upper part of the battery cell assembly. The battery cell unit can include at least one battery cell and a cell cover to partially surround the battery cell. The cell cover can include at least one venting part. The venting unit can include a plurality of venting channels to guide a gas from the venting unit to the gas passage. Each venting channel can be aligned to a corresponding battery cell unit.