Battery Cell Insulation Structure for Faster Side Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery cells, high-temperature and high-pressure gas generated during thermal runaway at the side portion of the electrode assembly is difficult to be released timely, leading to potential damage or explosion due to insufficient pressure relief.
Innovation Solution
A battery cell design with a pressure relief mechanism that includes a pressure relief gap and slot in the insulating member, connected to a pressure relief channel, allowing gas to flow directly to the mechanism, thereby facilitating timely release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an insulating member is disposed between the electrode assembly and the end cover to insulate the electrode assembly from the end cover, then insulation is improved, but the release of high-temperature and high-pressure gas at the side portion of the electrode assembly is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is segmented with a through-hole that divides it into multiple parts, allowing gas to pass through while maintaining insulation between the electrode assembly and end cover. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by creating a pathway through the insulating member itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole acts as an intermediary pathway that allows gas to bypass the insulating member's blocking effect while the insulating member itself maintains its insulation function. The hole serves as a mediator that reconciles the conflicting requirements of insulation and gas release.
2Reliability
If the insulating member is positioned to insulate the electrode assembly from the end cover, then insulation is improved, but timely pressure relief is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating member is segmented with a through-hole that allows gas to pass through directly, significantly reducing the time required for pressure relief. The segmentation creates a dedicated pathway that eliminates delays caused by gas trying to find alternative routes around the insulating member.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole is pre-formed in the insulating member during manufacturing, establishing a ready-made gas pathway before thermal runaway occurs. This preliminary action ensures that when gas generation happens, the pathway is already in place, eliminating any delay in gas release.
3Reliability
If a pressure relief mechanism is provided at the end cover, then pressure relief capability is improved, but gas from the side portion of the electrode assembly cannot reach it timely
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole provides a direct vertical pathway through the insulating member, changing the gas flow path from a lateral route to a vertical one. This dimensional change creates a shorter, more direct route for gas to reach the pressure relief mechanism, significantly increasing flow speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole extracts or removes the blocking effect of the insulating member by creating an opening that allows gas to pass through. This extraction of the obstacle enables direct gas flow from the electrode assembly to the pressure relief mechanism without deviation.
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 ensures timely release of high-temperature and high-pressure gas, preventing damage or explosion by effectively relieving pressure.
Implementation Method 1
when the electrode assembly experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature and high-pressure gas will appear at the side portion of the electrode assembly. The high-temperature and high-pressure gas at the side portion of the electrode assembly can be released to the pressure relief mechanism timely
Data Source
AI summary
The battery cell comprises an outer housing, an electrode assembly, and an insulating member. The end of the outer housing in the first direction (Z) is provided with a pressure relief mechanism. The insulating member is provided in the outer housing and is located at the end of the electrode assembly near the pressure relief mechanism. In a direction intersecting the first direction (Z), a pressure relief gap is provided between a side portion of the insulating member and the outer housing. A pressure relief recess in communication with the pressure relief gap is disposed on the side portion of the insulating member. A pressure relief channel that is in communication with the pressure relief recess and disposed opposite to the pressure relief mechanism is also provided in the outer housing.