Multilayer Firewall Structure for Battery Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery modules lack effective solutions to prevent heat transfer and cascading explosions between secondary battery cells during thermal runaway events, as current technologies either fail to absorb heat quickly enough or are not designed to block flames effectively before adjacent cells reach critical temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a multilayered firewall system, comprising a heat absorption layer made of inorganic powders and fireproof layers, is introduced between secondary battery cells. The heat absorption layer, which includes materials like aluminum hydroxide and talc, absorbs heat through dehydration reactions, while the fireproof layers, made of non-combustible materials like metal and inorganic fibers, block flames and prevent heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a thermal runaway preventing sheet is used to absorb heat, then heat absorption function is improved, but cells are exposed in the thermal runaway environment for a relatively long time causing heat transfer to adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a multilayered firewall structure combining heat absorption layer (with heat-absorbing materials) and fireproof layer (with flame-retardant materials) to create a composite barrier that simultaneously provides rapid heat absorption and flame blocking capabilities, resolving the contradiction between heat absorption and preventing prolonged thermal exposure of adjacent cells
2Use of energy by moving object
If cooling members are included to cool battery modules, then heat transmission efficiency is improved, but the solution does not function in thermal runaway situations such as cell explosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from active cooling mechanisms to passive thermal management by utilizing materials with specific thermal properties (heat absorption capacity and flame retardancy) that automatically activate during thermal runaway events, making the system adaptable to extreme conditions without requiring active control
3Device complexity
If a single-layer firewall is used, then device complexity is reduced, but heat absorption and flame blocking capabilities are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the firewall into multiple functional layers: a heat absorption layer for rapid heat uptake and a fireproof layer for flame blocking. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one protective function, achieving superior overall performance without excessive complexity
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 multilayered firewall effectively delays heat transfer and prevents cascading explosions by absorbing heat before it reaches critical levels, thereby protecting adjacent cells and maintaining battery function during thermal runaway events.
Implementation Method 1
The heat absorption layer, which includes materials like aluminum hydroxide and talc, absorbs heat through dehydration reactions
Implementation Method 2
the fireproof layers, made of non-combustible materials like metal and inorganic fibers, block flames and prevent heat transfer
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a battery module including a multilayered firewall capable of controlling a heat transfer phenomenon due to a battery fire. The battery module includes a plurality of secondary battery cells accommodated in a housing member, wherein a secondary battery cell among the plurality of battery cells includes an electrode assembly in which a plurality of negative electrodes and positive electrodes are alternately stacked with a separator interposed therebetween and a pouch case encasing the electrode assembly, wherein a multilayered firewall is interposed between the plurality of secondary battery cells, and the multilayered firewall includes a heat absorption layer and fireproof layers stacked on opposing surfaces of the heat absorption layer.