Fiber-Based Battery Module Casing for Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery modules are prone to bursting due to pressure buildup during fires or faulty modules, leading to the 'piston effect' where the cell contents are ejected, contaminating the environment with electrolyte and posing safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A fiber-based casing with a net-like structure is used to enclose the accumulator cell, allowing excess pressure to be safely released through gaps, preventing ejection and providing reliable protection against bursting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rupture disc is installed to prevent outer casing bursting, then protection against bursting is improved, but the piston effect can still occur causing cell contents to be ejected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fiber-based casing as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the outer casing. This fiber casing acts as a mediator that catches and retains cell contents while allowing pressure to pass through, preventing the piston effect without compromising the pressure relief function of the rupture disc.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber-based casing functions as a flexible protective layer that can deform under pressure but maintains its structural integrity to contain cell contents. The fibrous structure allows it to be flexible yet effective at preventing ejection of battery components.
2Strength
If the outer casing is made robust to prevent bursting, then protection is improved, but the casing can soften in fire conditions allowing the piston effect to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite structure combining the outer casing with an inner fiber-based casing. This composite approach allows the outer casing to provide structural strength while the fiber-based inner casing provides temperature-resistant protection that maintains integrity under fire conditions without softening.
3Reliability
If a net-like fiber casing is used to prevent piston effect, then protection against ejection is improved, but pressure release must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber-based casing has a porous, net-like structure with intentional gaps between fibers. This porous structure allows pressure to pass through freely while the fibrous network maintains enough density to catch and retain cell contents, solving both the pressure release and ejection prevention requirements simultaneously.
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 fiber-based casing effectively contains the battery cell contents and safely vents excess pressure, preventing the 'piston effect and enhancing safety by maintaining the integrity of the battery module during adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The casing comprises exclusively fibers such that continuous spaces remain between the fibers. Thus, according to the invention, the casing has a net-like structure or the like, in which spaces are present.
Implementation Method 2
The surrounding casing ensures that even if the outer casing of a battery cell bursts, the solid contents of the battery cell can be retained within the battery module
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a battery module, comprising at least one battery cell (2) and a shell (3) that surrounds the battery cell (2), wherein the shell (3) comprises fibers (4), and wherein intermediate spaces (5) remain between the fibers (4).