Reverse-Tapered Battery Module Venting for Flame And Gas Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face issues with durability and stability due to rapid heat propagation and continuous ignition phenomena when internal pressure increases, leading to heat, gas, or flame discharge between adjacent cells, which can affect the performance and safety of medium- or large-sized devices.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design incorporating a module frame with venting parts having a hole shape, including an inlet port on the inner surface and an outlet port on the outer surface, with a reverse tapered terminal region to facilitate rapid discharge of heat, gas, or flames, and a cover to open and close the venting part, preventing external impurities from entering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If battery cells are located at narrow intervals to maximize energy storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but heat propagation speed increases and durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A venting part is introduced as an intermediary component between adjacent battery cells. This venting part includes a discharge channel with a tapered structure that actively intervenes to redirect heat, gas, or flame away from adjacent cells, preventing direct heat propagation while maintaining the narrow spacing configuration for maximum energy density.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge channel of the venting part is segmented into different sections with varying cross-sectional areas (tapered structure). This segmentation allows the channel to progressively expand the flow path for heat and gas discharge, enabling effective heat propagation control without increasing the overall spacing between battery cells.
2Quantity of substance
If battery cells are located at narrow intervals to maximize energy storage capacity, then energy storage capacity is improved, but continuous ignition phenomena occur and safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The venting part serves as a protective intermediary that intercepts heat, gas, or flame before they can reach adjacent battery cells. The tapered discharge channel actively redirects these harmful substances away from neighboring cells, breaking the chain reaction of continuous ignition while preserving the high-density cell arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting part converts the harmful heat and gas generation from battery cell failures into a controlled discharge process. By providing a dedicated discharge path, the harmful thermal energy is channeled away from sensitive areas, transforming a potential safety catastrophe into a controlled venting event that protects the overall battery pack.
3Stress or pressure
If heat, gas, or flame is discharged toward the end plate opening, then internal pressure is relieved, but busbar damage occurs and safety worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The venting part is strategically positioned and oriented to provide localized protection to the busbar area. The discharge channel's tapered structure and specific orientation ensure that heat and gas are redirected away from the busbar location, creating a zone of reduced thermal stress precisely where it is most needed while allowing pressure relief elsewhere.
4Reliability
If venting parts are added to control heat propagation, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The venting part is designed to perform multiple functions within a single integrated structure: it provides heat propagation control, gas discharge, flame redirection, and pressure relief. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate safety components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving comprehensive safety improvements.
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 design effectively suppresses flames and discharges internal heat and gas, enhancing the durability and safety of the battery module by creating a controlled discharge path for hazardous substances, thereby preventing continuous ignition and improving long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
a terminal region of the at least one venting part including the inlet port or the outlet port has a reverse tapered shape... allowing the generated heat, gas or flame to be rapidly discharged to the outside of the battery module
Implementation Method 2
at least one venting part having a hole shape, and that defines an inlet port formed on an inner surface of the module frame and an outlet port formed on an outer surface of the module frame
Data Source
AI summary
Discussed is a battery module that may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked in one direction, a module frame that houses the battery cell stack and has an inner surface and an outer surface, and an end plate that is coupled to the module frame and covers a front surface or a rear surface of the battery cell stack, wherein the module frame may include at least one venting part having a hole-shape and that defines an inlet port formed on an inner surface of the module frame and an outlet port formed on an outer surface of the module frame, and wherein a terminal region of the at least one venting part including the inlet port or the outlet port may have a reverse tapered shape.