Segmented Battery Cell Cover for Thermal Runaway Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery systems face challenges in managing thermal runaway, where venting gas from a failing cell can cause thermal propagation and potential explosions, as existing cover elements may bend or lift off, exposing adjacent cells to flammable and toxic gases, leading to further thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A cover element with individual cell covers separated by slits is used, allowing each cover to rupture independently from the venting gas pressure, preventing gas flow to adjacent cells and mitigating thermal propagation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common cover element is used for multiple battery cells, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability is compromised because the cover may bend or lift off and expose adjacent cells to venting gases
Solution Approach 1:
The common cover element is divided into multiple individual cell covers, each covering a specific battery cell. This segmentation allows each cover to rupture independently when its corresponding cell experiences thermal runaway, preventing the cover from bending or lifting off and exposing adjacent cells to venting gases.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single cover element covers multiple cells, then manufacturing is simpler, but safety is reduced because thermal propagation can occur between adjacent cells
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is segmented into individual cell covers that can rupture independently. This segmentation prevents thermal propagation between adjacent cells by ensuring that venting gases from one cell cannot lift the cover and affect neighboring cells.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cover element is made as one piece, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the reliability of containing venting gases is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is divided into multiple individual cell covers within a single piece structure. This segmentation allows each cover to rupture independently when its corresponding cell experiences thermal runaway, maintaining reliability in containing venting gases while keeping manufacturing precision requirements manageable.
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 prevents thermal runaway in adjacent cells by ensuring each cover ruptures individually, shielding them from venting gases, thus enhancing safety and preventing further cell damage.
Implementation Method 1
a venting gas stream discharged from a venting exit of the battery cell affected by a thermal runaway is configured to rupture the individual cell cover covering the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
Neighboring ones of the individual cell covers in the cover element are separated from each other by slits extending through the cover element such that each individual one of the cell covers is configured to be torn away individually
Implementation Method 3
each individual one of the cell covers is configured to be torn away individually from the corresponding battery cell by the venting gas stream discharged from the corresponding one of the venting exits
Data Source
AI summary
1 ABSTRACTA battery system including: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a stacking direction, each of the battery cells having a venting exit at a venting side thereof for discharging a venting gas stream; and a cover element covering the venting sides of the battery cells to protect the battery cells from the venting gas stream. The cover element including a plurality of individual cell covers respectively covering respective ones of the battery cells. Neighboring ones of the individual cell covers in the cover element are separated from each other by slits extending through the cover element such that each individual one of the cell covers is configured to be torn away individually from the corresponding battery cell by the venting gas stream discharged from the corresponding one of the venting exits.