Low-Emissivity Battery Module Case for Thermal Runaway Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems face challenges in effectively suppressing heat transfer by radiation during thermal runaway, leading to rapid propagation of thermal runaway between battery modules, with no effective solution currently available.
Innovation Solution
A battery module is coated with a low-emission layer on its case surfaces, specifically with a surface emissivity of 0.5 or less, made of materials like stainless steel, aluminum, copper, nickel, or zinc, to minimize radiation heat transfer and delay thermal runaway propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery cases without low-emission layer are used, then manufacturing is simpler and cost is lower, but radiation heat transfer during thermal runaway increases rapidly, causing thermal runaway propagation between battery modules
Solution Approach 1:
The battery case is constructed as a composite structure with an inner case (metal or plastic) and an outer low-emission layer (metallic coating or metal plate). This composite design combines the structural integrity of the inner case with the radiation-blocking properties of the low-emission layer, achieving both mechanical strength and thermal radiation prevention during thermal runaway events
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the surface emissivity parameter of the battery case by applying a low-emission layer with emissivity of 0.5 or less. This parameter modification significantly reduces radiation heat transfer during thermal runaway, preventing thermal runaway propagation while maintaining the basic battery case structure
2Reliability
If a low-emission layer is applied to the battery case, then radiation heat transfer is reduced and thermal runaway propagation is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The low-emission layer is implemented as a thin metallic coating or thin metal plate that can be flexibly applied to the battery case surface. This thin-film approach provides effective radiation blocking while minimizing material usage and simplifying the manufacturing process compared to thick or complex thermal barrier structures
Solution Approach 2:
The low-emission layer serves as an intermediary element between the battery cells and the external environment. It mediates the thermal radiation interaction by blocking harmful radiation while allowing the battery case to maintain its normal structural and thermal management functions, thus integrating smoothly into existing manufacturing workflows
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 low-emission layer reduces radiation heat transfer, delaying thermal runaway in adjacent modules by up to 800 seconds and reducing heat transfer per area to 40,000 W/m2 or less, enhancing stability and efficiency of the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
at least one surface of the battery case includes a low-emission layer having a surface emissivity of 0.5 or less
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a battery module including a plurality of battery cell assemblies connected in series or parallel; and a battery case accommodating the battery cell assemblies, wherein at least one surface of the battery case includes a low-emission layer having a surface emissivity of 0.5 or less, and a battery pack including the same. By reducing the radiation heat transfer within a battery system, the propagation of battery thermal runaway may be effectively suppressed. Accordingly, a battery pack with improved stability, life characteristics, and cell efficiency may be manufactured.