Pyrotechnic Battery Disconnect Circuit for Thermal Runaway Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical switches for energy storage units in high voltage systems are bulky and costly, making them unsuitable for efficient disconnection during safety events like thermal runaway or overvoltage.
Innovation Solution
Employing pyrotechnic switches with a control unit to manage the connection and disconnection of energy storage units, utilizing pyrotechnic charges for rapid and compact switching, allowing for adjustable time delays in switching sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple separate battery modules are used to increase energy storage capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the system complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple battery modules into a single integrated battery pack structure. The battery pack housing encloses multiple battery modules, controllers, and thermal management components in one unified assembly, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery pack housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, thermal management pathways, electrical isolation, and mechanical protection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple separate battery modules are used to increase energy storage capacity, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but the space occupation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where battery modules are positioned within the battery pack housing in a compact configuration. The modules are arranged to utilize space efficiently, with controllers and other components integrated into the same housing structure, minimizing the overall volume required for a given energy storage capacity.
3Volume of moving object
If battery modules are closely arranged to improve space utilization, then the space occupation is reduced, but the heat dissipation efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal management components as intermediaries between the battery modules. These components facilitate heat transfer from the closely arranged battery modules to the cooling system, enabling efficient heat dissipation despite the compact arrangement. The thermal management system acts as a mediator that resolves the conflict between close spacing and heat dissipation.
4Device complexity
If a fixed battery pack structure is used to simplify the design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different installation environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable and configurable elements within the battery pack design. The housing and mounting structures allow for adaptation to different installation environments while maintaining a relatively simple overall design. This dynamic capability enables the same basic design to be deployed in various configurations without requiring completely different designs for each application.
Data Source
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AI summary
An energy storage unit comprising a first unit terminal and a second unit terminal, an energy storage element having a first element terminal and a second element terminal, wherein the second element terminal is connected with the second unit terminal, and a protection circuit comprising a first pyrotechnic switch connected between the first unit terminal and the first element terminal and a second pyrotechnic switch connected between the first unit terminal and the second unit terminal.