Segmented Battery Cell Mounting Plate for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery modules, thermal runaway events can propagate across multiple cells due to excessive heat transfer, as existing cooling systems often saturate during extreme conditions, leading to uncontrolled temperature increases and potential damage to adjacent cells.
Innovation Solution
A segmented mounting plate with interlinked segments of varying mechanical strength, where weaker interfaces fracture to separate and divert thermal energy and gases away from adjacent cells during a thermal event, utilizing a nylon-based polymer material and pre-scored tiles for efficient heat management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single continuous mounting plate is used to support multiple battery cells, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but thermal runaway propagation between adjacent cells occurs due to heat transfer through the mounting plate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is divided into multiple segmented regions, each supporting individual battery cells. The segments are connected through interfaces with reduced mechanical strength that are designed to fracture during thermal runaway events, thereby isolating heat between cells while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the mounting plate have different mechanical strengths. The interfaces between segments have reduced mechanical strength compared to the segment bodies, allowing selective fracture at predetermined locations during thermal events while maintaining overall structural support during normal operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the mounting plate interface has high mechanical strength to maintain structural integrity, then the mounting stability is improved, but thermal energy transfer between adjacent cells increases during thermal events
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is pre-configured with interfaces having reduced mechanical strength at predetermined locations. These weakened interfaces are designed to fracture at specific thresholds during thermal runaway events, creating thermal isolation barriers before uncontrolled heat propagation can occur between cells.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the interface mechanical strength is reduced to prevent thermal propagation, then thermal isolation between cells is improved, but the overall structural stability of the mounting plate deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate consists of multiple segments connected through interfaces with deliberately reduced mechanical strength. During normal operation, the overall structure maintains sufficient stability to support battery cells. During thermal runaway, the weak interfaces fracture to create thermal isolation, sacrificing local structural integrity to prevent catastrophic thermal propagation.
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 mitigates thermal runaway propagation by diverting excess heat and gases from affected cells into the ambient environment, reducing the risk of damage to neighboring cells and maintaining secure mounting during normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
The interface is configured to fracture in response to the first battery cell undergoing a thermal event and separate the first segment from the second segment
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes first and second neighboring battery cells and a mounting plate configured to support the battery cells. The battery module additionally includes an enclosure surrounded by an ambient environment and configured to house the first and second battery cells arranged on the mounting plate. The mounting plate includes a first segment configured to support the first battery cell and a second segment configured to support the second battery cell. The first segment is connected to the second segment via an interface having mechanical strength lower than mechanical strength of each of the first and second segments. The interface is configured to fracture when the first battery cell undergoes a thermal event and separate the first segment from the second segment to exhaust gases from the first battery cell away from the second battery cell, thereby controlling propagation of a thermal runaway in the battery module.