Solid-State Battery Modules as Fire Barriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

In battery modules comprising liquid and solid-state battery modules, fires in one liquid battery module can easily spread to other liquid battery modules due to the flammability of electrolyte solutions, despite safety measures like alternating arrangements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating larger volume solid-state battery modules that act as barriers between liquid battery modules, either in contact or with spaces in between, to prevent fire spread, using inorganic or organic solid electrolytes and various shapes such as cubes or cylinders, ensuring the solid-state modules are less likely to catch fire and can cover or sandwich liquid battery modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If liquid battery modules are arranged alternately with solid-state battery modules, then fire spread between liquid battery modules is suppressed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire suppressionVSAvoidarrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery module is segmented into alternating liquid battery modules and solid-state battery modules, creating distinct functional zones. The solid-state battery modules act as fire barriers that segment the liquid battery modules, preventing fire spread while maintaining a manageable arrangement pattern.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Solid-state battery modules are introduced as intermediary elements between liquid battery modules. These intermediaries serve as fire barriers that suppress fire spread while allowing the battery system to maintain its functional requirements and operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If solid-state battery modules with larger volume are used as fire barriers, then fire spread is more effectively suppressed, but the volume occupied by non-flammable modules increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire barrier effectivenessVSAvoidsolid-state battery module volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The volume parameter of solid-state battery modules is optimized to provide adequate fire barrier effectiveness. By adjusting the volume of solid-state modules relative to liquid battery modules, the patent achieves optimal fire suppression while minimizing space occupation, balancing safety requirements with system density.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3591734B1Battery module
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD
  • EP3591734B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3591734B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP3591734B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

A battery module includes a first liquid battery module and a first solid battery module. The first solid-state battery module has a larger volume than a volume of the first liquid battery module.