Pouch Cell Ejecta Venting Channels for eVTOL Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technologies face challenges in energy source solutions, particularly in managing battery environment issues such as heat and gas removal, which are crucial for efficient and safe operation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a battery pack with a channel made of carbon fiber to direct battery ejecta away from the pack, providing a flow path for heat and gases to an outlet vent, and incorporating sensors for monitoring and controlling thermal and gas management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If battery cells are used to provide electrical power in eVTOL aircraft, then energy efficiency and cost savings are improved, but heat accumulation and gas generation occur which compromise safety and operational reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts harmful substances (heat and gas) from the battery environment through dedicated removal systems. The gas venting system extracts accumulated gases from the battery enclosure, while the thermal management system extracts excess heat, preventing these harmful factors from compromising battery safety and performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary systems between the battery cells and the external environment. The battery enclosure acts as an intermediary containing harmful substances, while venting channels and thermal management components serve as intermediary pathways to safely remove heat and gas without directly exposing surrounding aircraft components to these harmful factors.
2Reliability
If battery ejecta is not properly directed, then thermal runaway and gas accumulation occur within the aircraft, but implementing venting systems adds structural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into integrated components. The venting channels are integrated into the battery enclosure structure, combining structural support with gas venting functionality. The thermal management system is combined with the gas venting system, allowing both heat and gas to be removed through integrated pathways, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs universal venting components that handle multiple functions. The outlet vent serves both as a gas venting pathway and a thermal management outlet. The carbon fiber channels provide both structural reinforcement and serve as conduits for ejecta removal, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
3Productivity
If carbon fiber channels are used to direct battery ejecta, then heat and gas removal efficiency is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates venting channels and outlet vents into the battery enclosure during the initial manufacturing process. The flow paths are pre-designed and pre-positioned in the enclosure structure, ensuring proper alignment before battery assembly. This preliminary integration of venting components eliminates the need for complex post-assembly alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes carbon fiber composite materials for the venting channels and enclosure components. These composite materials provide both structural strength and suitable thermal properties for heat and gas removal. The composite construction allows for integrated molding of complex three-dimensional flow paths, reducing the need for high-precision mechanical assembly of multiple separate parts.
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
Effectively removes heat and undesirable gases from the battery pack, enhancing the safety and efficiency of eVTOL aircraft operations by preventing thermal runaway and gas accumulation within the aircraft.
Implementation Method 1
the at least a channel is configured to provide a flow path for directing battery ejecta from at least a battery cell of the plurality of battery cells to the outlet vent
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect a system for battery environment management in an electric aircraft, where in the system include, at least a at least a battery pack mounted within a fuselage of an electric aircraft. A battery pack may include a plurality of batteries configured to provide electrical power to the electric aircraft. A battery pack may also include a pouch cell. Adjacent to the battery pack there may be at least a channel. A channel is configured to provide a flow path for directing battery ejecta to a predetermined location.