Battery Pack Venting via Structural Members for Controlled Gas Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing venting systems for traction battery packs in vehicles do not effectively manage pressure increases and gas release from battery cells, as they lack efficient pathways and mechanisms to redirect vented gases safely outside the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a structural member, such as an extruded sidewall with vertically misaligned channels within the battery pack enclosure, where vent covers made of polymer-based tape with an adhesive layer rupture to allow gas to vent into specific channels, redirecting it outside the vehicle, and a sheet metal enclosure structure with openings to facilitate safe gas release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If battery cells vent gas directly to the exterior, then pressure release is achieved, but safety risks increase due to uncontrolled gas discharge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary venting system consisting of vent ports in the enclosure and dedicated vent paths through structural members. These intermediaries channel the gas flow from battery cells through controlled pathways to designated exit points, preventing uncontrolled gas discharge while maintaining pressure release functionality. The vent cover and adhesive layer act as additional intermediary components that regulate the venting process.
Solution Approach 2:
The venting system is segmented into multiple independent components: vent ports in the enclosure, separate vent paths through different structural members, and distributed vent channels within the structural member interior. This segmentation allows gas from different battery cells to be directed through separate controlled pathways, improving safety by preventing concentrated gas discharge while maintaining effective pressure relief.
2Reliability
If vent paths are added to redirect gas, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes structural members of the battery pack enclosure serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the battery pack and simultaneously function as vent paths for gas discharge. The structural members contain interior channels that are integrated into their design, eliminating the need for separate venting components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining improved safety through controlled venting pathways.
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
This solution provides a reliable and efficient method for venting gases from traction battery packs, ensuring safe discharge and reducing the risk of internal pressure buildup, while maintaining structural integrity and protecting against external loads.
Implementation Method 1
the tape is configured to rupture to transition the tape from a closed position to an open position
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack venting system includes a traction battery pack having at least one array of battery cells and a structural member having an interior. The array is configured to vent into the interior. a traction battery pack venting method includes opening a vent to an interior of a structural member. At a position between a first axial end of the structural member and an opposite, second axial end of the structural member, the method includes venting a gas from at least one array of a traction battery pack into the interior, and then venting gas from the interior.