Extraterrestrial Battery Module Ejecta Confinement and Thermal Uniformity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithium-ion batteries for space applications face challenges in achieving high energy density, uniform temperature distribution, preventing thermal runaway, and containing ejecta to ensure safety and functionality under extreme environmental conditions, leading to high costs and non-standardized designs.
Innovation Solution
A battery module design featuring a central mechanical support plate with ejecta confinement volumes and an external thermal protection plate with particle filters, which contain ejecta internally and maintain functionality by releasing pressure, combined with a compact architecture for thermal conduction and mechanical reinforcement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If accumulators are arranged in pairs on either side of a central body with side casings, then mechanical strength and thermal homogeneity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery module is divided into multiple accumulator cells, each with a central body and paired accumulators on either side. This segmentation allows independent thermal and mechanical management of each cell while maintaining overall structural integrity through standardized interconnections.
Solution Approach 2:
The central body serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the accumulators, acts as a thermal conduction path for temperature homogenization, and serves as a mounting structure for busbars and electrical connections. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If ejecta confinement volumes and particle filters are added to contain thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ejecta confinement volumes and particle filters are pre-installed within the accumulator cell structure to prevent thermal runaway propagation before it can affect other cells. This preliminary protective measure is integrated into the cell design rather than added as a separate system.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle filters are positioned within the ejecta confinement volumes, which themselves are integrated into the accumulator cell structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple protective functions to be contained within the existing cell boundaries without requiring additional external structures.
3Temperature
If heating systems are integrated into the central mechanical support plate, then temperature uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating systems are integrated directly into the central mechanical support plate, combining the structural support function with the thermal management function. This eliminates the need for separate heating component mounting structures and reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The central mechanical support plate serves dual purposes: providing mechanical support and structural integrity for the accumulator cell, and incorporating heating elements for active thermal management. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components required.
4Use of energy by moving object
If accumulators are arranged in a compact configuration with high energy density, then energy density is improved, but thermal management difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compact battery module is divided into multiple smaller accumulator cells with standardized configurations. This segmentation allows for more effective thermal management of individual cells while maintaining high overall energy density through efficient packing arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each accumulator cell is designed with localized thermal management features including integrated heating systems in the central support plate and ejecta confinement volumes positioned specifically around potential thermal runaway zones. This localized approach addresses thermal management needs at the cell level while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
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 contains ejecta during thermal runaway, maintains battery operation, and ensures uniform temperature distribution, enhancing safety and performance under extreme conditions while reducing production costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an external thermal protection plate (6) mounted against the covers of the accumulator cells on the side opposite the lateral assembly face of the battery module, delimiting with these covers at least one internal volume for confining the ejecta which opens outwards via particle filters
Implementation Method 2
a central mechanical support plate mounted against the covers of the accumulator cells on the side of a side face of assembly of the battery module and comprising, on the side opposite the covers, heating systems
Implementation Method 3
The side casings allow the accumulators to be trapped in order to mechanically strengthen them and homogenize their temperatures
Implementation Method 4
two side casings fitted against opposite side faces of the accumulators and fixed to the central body
Implementation Method 5
The side casings allow the accumulators to be trapped in order to mechanically strengthen them
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a battery module (2a) for an extraterrestrial vehicle, comprising a plurality of accumulator cells (14) mechanically assembled together and electrically connected together, each accumulator cell comprising a central body, a plurality of accumulators arranged in pairs on either side of the central body, two busbars, two covers (32) mounted against the busbars, and two casings fitted against opposite lateral faces of the accumulators, a central mechanical support plate (38a) mounted against the covers of the accumulator cells on the side of a lateral assembly face of the battery module and comprising, on the side opposite the covers, heating systems (56),and an external thermal protection plate (6a) mounted against the covers on the side opposite the lateral assembly face of the battery module, delimiting with them at least one internal volume for confining the ejecta (48) which opens outwards via particle filters (54).,