Stretchable Battery Case Unit for Flame Propagation Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secondary battery cells face issues such as heat generation leading to performance degradation, potential ignition, and explosion, with existing cooling solutions failing to prevent flame propagation between adjacent cells, particularly in energy storage systems.
Innovation Solution
A cell-case unit with a stretchable case member and a cell support member that includes a zigzag patterned coupling portion and a gap forming portion to accommodate swelling and prevent flame spread, using materials like iron or aluminum to resist heat and flame, and a battery module design with gaps between cells and case units to reduce heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a general cooling plate is used to discharge heat from secondary battery cells, then heat dissipation is improved, but flame propagation prevention capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case member is divided into multiple functional regions: a rigid portion for structural support and heat dissipation, and a stretchable portion for flame propagation prevention. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The case member combines materials with different properties - the rigid portion uses materials with high thermal conductivity for heat dissipation, while the stretchable portion uses materials with high elasticity and flame resistance to prevent flame propagation between adjacent battery cells.
2Strength
If the case member is made rigid to provide structural support, then mechanical strength is improved, but adaptability to cell swelling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The case member is segmented into a rigid portion for structural support and a stretchable portion for accommodating swelling. This allows the structure to maintain overall strength while locally adapting to volume changes of the battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The stretchable portion of the case member can dynamically change its shape and volume to accommodate swelling of the battery cells during charging and discharging cycles, while the rigid portion maintains structural integrity.
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 the propagation of ignition and explosion in secondary battery cells by managing heat and flame through the stretchable case and gap configurations, reducing the risk of fire spreading and enhancing safety in energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
including a stretchable portion configured to be stretched in at least a portion of the case member
Implementation Method 2
the cooling plate member may be connected to a heat sink and may discharge heat
Data Source
AI summary
A cell case unit includes a cell support member including at least one or more secondary battery cells, at least one seating portion in which the secondary battery cells are accommodated; and a case member covering the secondary battery cells accommodated in the seating portion, having a portion adjacent to both ends of the secondary battery cells to be coupled to the cell support member, and including a stretchable portion configured to be stretched in at least a portion of the case member.