Battery Module Side-Plate Venting for Flame Redirection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery modules face safety issues due to the discharge of high-temperature heat and flames during ignition, which can damage adjacent modules and electrical components through uncontrolled venting, leading to potential fires and contamination.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a venting part with an inflow and discharge port on one side plate, incorporating fire extinguishing material layers that undergo thermal decomposition to manage and discharge heat and gas safely, and a hole structure that minimizes external contamination and directs flames away from adjacent modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the frame and end plate are sealed by welding to form a closed structure, then the structural strength and sealing performance are improved, but the internal pressure increases during overcharge and exceeds the fusion strength of the battery cell, causing high-temperature heat, gas, and flame to be discharged to the outside
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate is segmented into multiple regions: a first end plate region with a first opening for normal gas release, and a second end plate region with a second opening for flame discharge. This segmentation allows different types of pressure relief while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed opening design.
Solution Approach 2:
A venting part is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery cell and the external environment. This venting part includes a venting hole that provides a controlled pathway for gas and flame discharge, preventing direct exposure of harmful substances to adjacent modules while maintaining the sealed structure's protective function.
2Volume of stationary object
If the end plates are positioned facing each other in a battery pack structure, then the space utilization is improved, but the high-temperature heat, gas, and flame ejected from one battery module can affect adjacent battery modules, damaging terminal busbars and entering through openings
Solution Approach 1:
The venting part acts as an intermediary discharge mechanism that directs hot gas and flame away from adjacent modules. By positioning the venting hole to discharge toward the side surface of the battery module rather than directly toward adjacent modules, the harmful effects are redirected to safe zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The discharge direction is changed from a horizontal orientation (toward adjacent modules) to a lateral orientation (toward the side surface). This dimensional change in the discharge pathway redirects the harmful flow away from vulnerable components of adjacent modules while maintaining compact packaging.
3Reliability
If openings are formed in the end plates for pressure relief, then the safety during overcharge is improved, but the high-temperature heat, gas, and flame can be discharged to the outside and affect adjacent battery modules
Solution Approach 1:
The end plate openings are segmented into two distinct types: first openings for controlled gas release under normal overcharge conditions, and second openings within the venting part for flame and hot gas discharge. This segmentation allows differentiated pressure relief strategies for different failure modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting part serves as an intermediary discharge structure that mediates between the internal pressure buildup and external environment. The venting hole provides a controlled pathway that manages the discharge of hot substances, reducing their direct impact on adjacent modules compared to uncontrolled discharge through traditional openings.
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 suppresses flames and prevents contamination by using potassium hydrogen carbonate in fire extinguishing layers to create a discharge passage, reducing damage to adjacent modules and enhancing safety by controlling thermal runaway events.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating fire extinguishing material layers that undergo thermal decomposition to manage and discharge heat and gas safely
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module and a battery pack including the same are provided. The battery module includes a battery cell stack comprising a plurality of battery cells, a module frame accommodating the battery cell stack, and a venting part formed on one side plate of the module frame, the venting part including an inflow port and a discharge port for discharging gas introduced through the inflow port, and the inflow port and the discharge port of the venting part being spaced apart from each other in a longitudinal direction of the one side plate.