Battery Module Fire Injection Layout for Thermal Runaway Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules lack effective means to prevent thermal runaway from spreading and damaging all battery cells when it occurs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a fire extinguishing unit connected to a tank containing a fire extinguishing agent, which is injected into the module case upon detection of thermal runaway, combined with an insulation cover to facilitate quick and effective extinguishing, and a battery rack and energy storage system incorporating this module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fire extinguishing unit is added to the battery module, then thermal runaway can be suppressed and fire can be extinguished, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fire extinguishing unit is nested within the module case, with the extinguishing agent stored in a container that is integrated into the existing module structure. The injection nozzle is positioned to directly target battery cells through the module case walls, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes space requirements while maintaining effective fire suppression coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The fire extinguishing system is designed to automatically detect thermal runaway conditions and initiate agent injection without external intervention. Temperature sensors monitor battery cell conditions and trigger the extinguishing mechanism when abnormal temperature rise is detected, enabling the system to protect itself autonomously
2Speed
If the fire extinguishing agent is injected directly into the module case, then the extinguishing speed increases, but the risk of secondary explosions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system employs multiple nozzles positioned at different locations within the module case, each targeting specific battery cell groups. This localized injection approach ensures that the extinguishing agent is delivered precisely where thermal runaway occurs, achieving rapid suppression while distributing the agent to prevent concentration-related explosion risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls the injection parameters of the fire extinguishing agent, including injection pressure, flow rate, and timing. By optimizing these parameters, the agent is delivered at sufficient speed to suppress thermal runaway rapidly while maintaining pressure levels that prevent violent reactions and secondary explosions
3Strength
If an insulation cover is installed to protect the fire extinguishing unit, then the unit is protected from damage, but the injection response time may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation cover is pre-positioned and secured to the module case before thermal runaway occurs. The cover incorporates pre-formed openings or channels that align with the injection nozzle pathways, ensuring that when the extinguishing system activates, the agent can pass through the insulation cover immediately without requiring additional time for cover removal or opening creation
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 effectively suppresses thermal runaway and fire within the battery module, preventing damage to adjacent cells and reducing the risk of secondary explosions by injecting a fire extinguishing agent directly into the module case, thereby ensuring safer and more reliable energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
inject the fire extinguishing agent directly into the module case when a thermal runaway or fire occurs
Implementation Method 2
fire extinguishing unit adapted to be connected to a fire extinguishing tank unit containing a fire extinguishing agent
Implementation Method 3
an insulation cover configured to cover the fire extinguishing unit at least partially and disposed at least partially inside the module case
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Disclosed is a battery module, which includes at least one battery cell; a module case configured to accommodate the at least one battery cell; a fire extinguishing unit disposed at least partially inside the module case and connected to a fire extinguishing tank unit containing a fire extinguishing agent to inject the fire extinguishing agent directly into the module case when a thermal runaway or fire occurs in the at least one battery cell; and an insulation cover configured to cover the fire extinguishing unit at least partially and disposed at least partially inside the module case.