Deformable Battery Pack Case for Thermal Runaway Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery packs are vulnerable to internal pressure increases and thermal propagation due to venting gas and flames during thermal events, leading to potential explosions and chain thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack design featuring a pack case that deforms to create additional expansion space when internal pressure rises, with venting holes and valves to manage gas and solid discharges, separating and dispersing thermal energy effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the pack case is made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength is improved, but the ability to reduce internal pressure during thermal events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pack case transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure that can change its properties in response to thermal events. The case includes deformable portions that remain rigid under normal conditions but can expand or deform when thermal runaway occurs, allowing the structure to adapt its pressure-containing properties based on operational state
Solution Approach 2:
The pack case utilizes materials or structural designs that change their physical parameters (such as stiffness, expandability, or phase state) in response to temperature or pressure changes. This allows the case to maintain structural integrity during normal operation while enabling pressure relief mechanisms during thermal events
2Productivity
If the internal space is fully utilized for battery modules to increase energy density, then productivity is improved, but the ability to distribute thermal energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pack case is divided into multiple compartments or zones that can independently respond to thermal events. This segmentation allows thermal energy to be contained and distributed across different sections rather than propagating uniformly, while still maintaining high overall energy density through efficient space utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable portions of the pack case can expand in the radial or vertical dimension when thermal events occur, creating additional space for thermal energy distribution without reducing the horizontal space available for battery module placement, thus maintaining energy density while improving thermal management
3Stress or pressure
If venting valves are added to release gas and reduce pressure, then internal pressure is improved, but the risk of valve clogging deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable portions of the pack case act as an intermediary between the battery modules and the venting valves. During thermal events, these deformable portions first expand to absorb and distribute thermal energy, which can reduce the volume and velocity of gas reaching the valves, thereby minimizing clogging risk while still enabling pressure relief
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 reduces internal pressure and thermal propagation risk by creating additional space for gas and solid discharge, minimizing valve clogging and delaying thermal runaway.
Implementation Method 1
the pack case may be configured such that at least one surface of the pack case is deformed when internal pressure increases due to venting gas and flame generated due to a thermal event in the battery module
Implementation Method 2
the internal pressure inside the battery pack may increase due to venting gas and flame generated in the battery module where the event occurs, thereby accelerating the accumulation of thermal energy
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery pack according to the present disclosure may include: a plurality of battery modules; and a pack case having an accommodation space formed to accommodate the plurality of battery modules, wherein the pack case may be configured such that at least one surface of the pack case is deformed when internal pressure increases due to venting gas and flame generated due to a thermal event in the battery module.