U.S. patent application number 14/675413 was filed with the patent office on 2016-07-07 for adhesive vent pad for a battery module.
The applicant listed for this patent is Johnson Controls Technology Company. Invention is credited to Richard M. DeKeuster, Binbin Fan, Robert J. Mack, Ken Nakayama, Matthew R. Tyler.
Application Number | 20160197322 14/675413 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 56286968 |
Filed Date | 2016-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160197322 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tyler; Matthew R. ; et
al. |
July 7, 2016 |
ADHESIVE VENT PAD FOR A BATTERY MODULE
Abstract
The present disclosure includes a battery module having a vent
path with an exit port. The battery module also includes a vent pad
disposed within the vent path and blocking at least a portion of
the exit port, coupled to a boundary surface of the exit port via
an adhesive layer between the vent pad and the boundary surface,
and configured to enable venting through the exit port by
separating from the boundary surface along the adhesive layer in
response to a pressure against the vent pad exceeding a venting
pressure threshold of the battery module.
Inventors: |
Tyler; Matthew R.; (Brown
Deer, WI) ; Nakayama; Ken; (Franklin, WI) ;
Mack; Robert J.; (Milwaukee, WI) ; DeKeuster; Richard
M.; (Racine, WI) ; Fan; Binbin; (Shanghai,
CN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Johnson Controls Technology Company |
Holland |
MI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
56286968 |
Appl. No.: |
14/675413 |
Filed: |
March 31, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62100001 |
Jan 5, 2015 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
429/89 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01M 2/1211 20130101;
H01M 2/10 20130101; H01M 10/65 20150401; H01M 2/1252 20130101; H01M
10/058 20130101; H01M 10/4207 20130101; H01M 2/1217 20130101; H01M
10/0525 20130101; H01M 2/34 20130101; H01M 2220/10 20130101; H01M
2/1072 20130101; H01M 2/1005 20130101; H01M 2/1016 20130101; H01M
2/1294 20130101; H01M 2/22 20130101; H01M 10/60 20150401; H01M
10/653 20150401; H01M 10/613 20150401; H01M 2/30 20130101; H01M
10/482 20130101; H01M 2/18 20130101; H01M 2/24 20130101; H01M
10/052 20130101; H01M 10/6557 20150401; H01M 10/4257 20130101; G01R
31/396 20190101; H01M 2/12 20130101; H01M 10/647 20150401; H01M
10/6551 20150401; H01M 2/1083 20130101; H01M 2010/4271 20130101;
H01M 2/02 20130101; H01M 10/625 20150401; H01M 2/305 20130101; H01M
2/04 20130101; G01R 31/3835 20190101; H01M 2/1241 20130101; H01M
2/1205 20130101; H01M 10/02 20130101; H01M 2220/20 20130101; H01M
2/20 20130101; H01M 2/206 20130101; H01M 10/0413 20130101; Y02E
60/10 20130101; H01M 2/1077 20130101; H01M 2/32 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01M 2/12 20060101
H01M002/12; H01M 2/10 20060101 H01M002/10; H01M 10/052 20060101
H01M010/052 |
Claims
1. A battery module, comprising: a vent path having an exit port; a
vent pad disposed within the vent path and blocking at least a
portion of the exit port, coupled to a boundary surface of the exit
port via an adhesive layer between the vent pad and the boundary
surface, and configured to enable venting through the exit port by
separating from the boundary surface along the adhesive layer in
response to a pressure against the vent pad exceeding a venting
pressure threshold of the battery module.
2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the adhesive layer fully
encircles the exit port.
3. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the venting pressure
threshold of the battery module is calibrated by including one or
more venting calibration features of the battery module.
4. The battery module of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one
or more venting calibration features comprises a surface texture of
the exit port, a surface texture of the vent pad, a surface texture
of the adhesive layer, or a combination thereof.
5. The battery module of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one
or more venting calibration features comprises a thickness of the
adhesive layer, a thickness of the vent pad, a surface area of the
adhesive layer, a surface area of the vent pad, a wetted surface
area of the vent pad, an overlapping surface area of the vent pad
and the boundary layer of the exit port, or a combination
thereof.
6. The battery module of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one
or more calibration features comprises a material of the adhesive
layer, a material of the vent pad, a material of the boundary
surface of the exit port, or a combination thereof.
7. The battery module of claim 3, wherein at least one of the one
or more calibration features comprises a pull-off strength of the
adhesive layer.
8. The battery module of claim 1, comprising a plurality of
electrochemical cells disposed within a housing, wherein the vent
path is at least partially defined by the housing and the exit port
extends through a portion of the housing, wherein the plurality of
electrochemical cells is disposed within the housing, and wherein
the plurality of electrochemical cells is a plurality of prismatic
lithium-ion (Li-ion) electrochemical cells.
9. The battery module of claim 1, comprising at least one sharp
edge disposed proximate to the vent pad, wherein the vent pad is
configured to flex into the at least one sharp edge in response to
the pressure against the vent pad exceeding the venting pressure
threshold of the battery module, thereby causing the at least one
sharp edge to tear the vent pad.
10. The battery module of claim 9, wherein the vent pad comprises a
pouch or bubble and the at least one sharp edge is disposed in the
pouch or bubble.
11. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the vent pad comprises a
score or kiss-cut.
12. The battery module of claim 1, comprising a vent spout through
which at least a portion of the exit port extends, wherein the vent
spout comprises an end extending into an environment external to
the battery module, wherein the vent spout is configured to protect
the vent pad from contaminants and/or objects external to the vent
path.
13. The battery module of claim 1, comprising: a plurality of
electrochemical cells; a housing configured to receive the
plurality of electrochemical cells through an opening in the
housing; and a cover disposed over the opening in the housing,
wherein the exit port extends through a wall of the cover.
14. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the vent pad is
configured to tear in response to the pressure against the vent pad
exceeding a secondary venting pressure threshold of the battery
module and the secondary venting pressure threshold of the battery
module is greater than the venting pressure threshold of the
battery module.
15. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the vent pad is disposed
on the boundary surface of the exit port proximate to an entrance
to the exit port or proximate to an exit of the exit port.
16. A housing of a battery module, comprising: a cover disposed
over an opening in the housing; a vent path having an exit port
disposed through a wall of the cover; and a vent pad blocking the
exit port, coupled to a surface of the wall of the cover via an
adhesive layer between the vent pad and the surface of the wall,
and configured to enable venting through the exit port in response
to a pressure within the vent path and against the vent pad
exceeding a pressure threshold of the battery module.
17. The housing of claim 16, wherein the vent pad is configured to
enable venting through the exit port by tearing through a middle
region of the vent pad in response to the pressure within the vent
path and against the vent pad exceeding the pressure threshold.
18. The housing of claim 16, wherein the vent pad is configured to
enable venting through the exit port by separating from the surface
of the cover along the adhesive layer in response to the pressure
within the vent path and against the vent pad exceeding the
pressure threshold.
19. The battery module of claim 16, wherein the pressure threshold
is calibrated by controlling one or more venting calibration
features, wherein at least one of the one or more venting
calibration features comprises a surface texture of the wall of the
cover, a surface texture of the vent pad, a surface texture of the
adhesive layer, a thickness of the adhesive layer, a thickness of
the vent pad, a surface area of the adhesive layer, a surface area
of the vent pad, a wetted surface area of the vent pad, a material
of the adhesive layer, a material of the vent pad, a material of
the wall, a pull-off strength of the adhesive layer or vent pad, or
a combination thereof.
20. The battery module of claim 16, comprising a plurality of
prismatic lithium-ion (Li-ion) electrochemical cells disposed
within the housing.
21. The battery module of claim 16, comprising at least one sharp
edge disposed proximate to the vent pad, wherein the vent pad is
configured to enable venting through the exit port by deflecting or
flexing into the at least one sharp edge in response to the
pressure within the vent path and against the vent pad exceeding
the venting pressure of the battery module, thereby causing the at
least one sharp edge to tear the vent pad.
22. A battery module, comprising: a vent path and an exit port of
the vent path; a vent pad coupled to a first surface of the battery
module through which the exit port extends and disposed over the
vent opening; and a sharp edge facing the vent pad a first distance
from a resting position of the vent pad, wherein the vent pad is
configured to deflect from the resting position at least the first
distance in response to a pressure within the vent path and against
the vent pad exceeding a venting pressure threshold of the battery
module, such that the sharp edge contacts and opens the vent pad to
enable venting through the vent opening.
23. The battery module of claim 22, wherein the vent pad comprises
a kiss-cut or score.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/100,001, filed Jan. 5,
2015, entitled "MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ASPECTS OF LITHIUM ION
BATTERY MODULE WITH VERTICAL AND HORIZONTAL CONFIGURATIONS," which
is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
batteries and battery modules. More specifically, the present
disclosure relates to an adhesive vent pad for enabling venting
from a battery module.
[0003] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various
aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the
present disclosure, which are described below. This discussion is
believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background
information to facilitate a better understanding of the various
aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be
understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and
not as admissions of prior art.
[0004] A vehicle that uses one or more battery systems for
providing all or a portion of the motive power for the vehicle can
be referred to as an xEV, where the term "xEV" is defined herein to
include all of the following vehicles, or any variations or
combinations thereof, that use electric power for all or a portion
of their vehicular motive force. For example, xEVs include electric
vehicles (EVs) that utilize electric power for all motive force. As
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, hybrid electric
vehicles (HEVs), also considered xEVs, combine an internal
combustion engine propulsion system and a battery-powered electric
propulsion system, such as 48 Volt (V) or 130V systems. The term
HEV may include any variation of a hybrid electric vehicle. For
example, full hybrid systems (FHEVs) may provide motive and other
electrical power to the vehicle using one or more electric motors,
using only an internal combustion engine, or using both. In
contrast, mild hybrid systems (MHEVs) disable the internal
combustion engine when the vehicle is idling and utilize a battery
system to continue powering the air conditioning unit, radio, or
other electronics, as well as to restart the engine when propulsion
is desired. The mild hybrid system may also apply some level of
power assist, during acceleration for example, to supplement the
internal combustion engine. Mild hybrids are typically 96V to 130V
and recover braking energy through a belt or crank integrated
starter generator. Further, a micro-hybrid electric vehicle (mHEV)
also uses a "Stop-Start" system similar to the mild hybrids, but
the micro-hybrid systems of a mHEV may or may not supply power
assist to the internal combustion engine and operates at a voltage
below 60V. For the purposes of the present discussion, it should be
noted that mHEVs typically do not technically use electric power
provided directly to the crankshaft or transmission for any portion
of the motive force of the vehicle, but an mHEV may still be
considered as an xEV since it does use electric power to supplement
a vehicle's power needs when the vehicle is idling with internal
combustion engine disabled and recovers braking energy through an
integrated starter generator. In addition, a plug-in electric
vehicle (PEV) is any vehicle that can be charged from an external
source of electricity, such as wall sockets, and the energy stored
in the rechargeable battery packs drives or contributes to drive
the wheels. PEVs are a subcategory of EVs that include all-electric
or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrid electric
vehicles (PHEVs), and electric vehicle conversions of hybrid
electric vehicles and conventional internal combustion engine
vehicles.
[0005] xEVs as described above may provide a number of advantages
as compared to more traditional gas-powered vehicles using only
internal combustion engines and traditional electrical systems,
which are typically 12V systems powered by a lead acid battery. For
example, xEVs may produce fewer undesirable emission products and
may exhibit greater fuel efficiency as compared to traditional
internal combustion vehicles and, in some cases, such xEVs may
eliminate the use of gasoline entirely, as is the case of certain
types of EVs or PEVs.
[0006] As technology continues to evolve, there is a need to
provide improved power sources, particularly battery modules, for
such vehicles. For example, in traditional configurations, battery
modules may include a vent mechanism for venting gases from an
inside of the battery module. The vent mechanism may enable venting
in response to a pressure increase in the inside of the battery
module (e.g., a pressure increase exceeding a venting pressure
threshold of the battery module). Unfortunately, some traditional
venting mechanisms for battery modules may be expensive, which
drives up the cost of the battery module. Further, some traditional
venting mechanisms may be limited to coarse calibration of the
venting pressure threshold. Accordingly, it is now recognized that
improved (e.g., more accurate, economic, and predictable) venting
mechanisms for battery modules are desired.
SUMMARY
[0007] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set
forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are
presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of
certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to
limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may
encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.
[0008] The present disclosure relates to a battery module having a
vent path with an exit port. The battery module also includes a
vent pad disposed within the vent path and blocking at least a
portion of the exit port, coupled to a boundary surface of the exit
port via an adhesive layer between the vent pad and the boundary
surface, and configured to enable venting through the exit port by
separating from the boundary surface along the adhesive layer in
response to a pressure against the vent pad exceeding a venting
pressure threshold of the battery module.
[0009] The present disclosure also relates a housing of a battery
module, where the housing includes a cover disposed over an opening
in the housing, a vent path having an exit port disposed through a
wall of the cover, and a vent pad blocking the exit port, coupled
to a surface of the wall of the cover via an adhesive layer between
the vent pad and the surface of the wall, and configured to enable
venting through the exit port in response to a pressure within the
vent path and against the vent pad exceeding a pressure threshold
of the battery module.
[0010] The present disclosure also relates to a battery module
having a vent path with an exit port. The battery module also
includes a vent pad coupled to a first surface of the battery
module through which the exit port extends and disposed over the
vent opening. Further, the battery module includes a sharp edge
facing the vent pad a first distance from a resting position of the
vent pad, wherein the vent pad is configured to deflect from the
resting position at least the first distance in response to a
pressure within the vent path and against the vent pad exceeding a
venting pressure threshold of the battery module, such that the
sharp edge contacts and opens the vent pad to enable venting
through the vent opening.
DRAWINGS
[0011] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood
upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference
to the drawings in which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a battery
system configured in accordance with present embodiments to provide
power for various components of the vehicle;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a cutaway schematic view of an embodiment of the
vehicle and the battery system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is an overhead exploded perspective view of an
embodiment of a battery module for use in the vehicle of FIG. 2, in
accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 4 is an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of
the battery module of FIG. 3, in accordance with an aspect of the
present disclosure;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of a
cover for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in accordance with
an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a
cover for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in accordance with
an aspect of the present disclosure; and
[0018] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a
portion of a vent path for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in
accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of a portion of a
vent path for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in accordance
with an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a
portion of a vent path for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in
accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of a
portion of a vent path for use in the battery module of FIG. 3, in
accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and
[0022] FIG. 11 is a schematic view of an embodiment of a portion of
a vent path of a battery module for use in the vehicle of FIG. 2,
in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In
an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments,
not all features of an actual implementation are described in the
specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of
any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to
achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with
system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary
from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be
appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and
time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of
design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill
having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0024] The battery systems described herein may be used to provide
power to various types of electric vehicles (xEVs) and other high
voltage energy storage/expending applications (e.g., electrical
grid power storage systems). Such battery systems may include one
or more battery modules, each battery module having a number of
battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion (Li-ion) electrochemical cells)
arranged and electrically interconnected to provide particular
voltages and/or currents useful to power, for example, one or more
components of an xEV. As another example, battery modules in
accordance with present embodiments may be incorporated with or
provide power to stationary power systems (e.g., non-automotive
systems).
[0025] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure,
the battery module may include a housing (e.g., plastic housing)
configured to retain electrochemical cells (e.g., prismatic
lithium-ion [Li-ion] electrochemical cells) within an inside of the
housing. The housing may include features that seal the inside of
the housing from an external environment outside of the housing.
The housing may also include a vent path configured to enable gases
to vent from the housing if an internal pressure within the inside
of the housing exceeds a venting pressure threshold of the battery
module. Specifically, the vent path may include an exit port having
a vent opening. A vent pad (e.g., vent label, vent patch, adhesive
vent label) may be disposed over the vent opening and coupled to
the exit port (e.g., to a surface of the exit port at least
partially defining the vent path) via an adhesive layer. For
example, the adhesive layer may be disposed on the vent pad, and
the adhesive layer of the vent pad may be pressed into the exit
port (e.g., to the surface of the exit port at least partially
defining the vent path) with the vent pad disposed over the vent
opening.
[0026] During operation of the battery module, the electrochemical
cells may thermally expand, causing the pressure on the inside of
the housing to increase. Additionally or alternatively, gases may
vent from the individual electrochemical cells into the inside of
the housing, thereby causing the pressure on the inside of the
housing to increase. The vent pad (and/or other features of the
battery module) may be specifically calibrated to enable venting of
the gases at a venting pressure threshold. For example, a material
or texture of the housing, the vent pad, and/or the adhesive layer
may be selected to enable venting of the gases at the venting
pressure threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a specific
pull-off strength of the adhesive layer (which may correspond
directly or indirectly to the material or the texture of the
adhesive layer) may be selected to enable venting of the gases at
the venting pressure threshold. Further still, a thickness and/or a
cross-sectional area of the vent pad, the vent opening, and/or the
adhesive layer may be selected to enable venting of the gases at
the venting pressure threshold. These and other features of the
vent pad will be described in detail with reference to the figures
below.
[0027] To help illustrate, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an
embodiment of a vehicle 10, which may utilize a regenerative
braking system. Although the following discussion is presented in
relation to vehicles with regenerative braking systems, the
techniques described herein are adaptable to other vehicles that
capture/store electrical energy with a battery, which may include
electric-powered and gas-powered vehicles.
[0028] As discussed above, it would be desirable for a battery
system 12 to be largely compatible with traditional vehicle
designs. Accordingly, the battery system 12 may be placed in a
location in the vehicle 10 that would have housed a traditional
battery system. For example, as illustrated, the vehicle 10 may
include the battery system 12 positioned similarly to a lead-acid
battery of a typical combustion-engine vehicle (e.g., under the
hood of the vehicle 10). Furthermore, as will be described in more
detail below, the battery system 12 may be positioned to facilitate
managing temperature of the battery system 12. For example, in some
embodiments, positioning a battery system 12 under the hood of the
vehicle 10 may enable an air duct to channel airflow over the
battery system 12 and cool the battery system 12.
[0029] A more detailed view of the battery system 12 is described
in FIG. 2. As depicted, the battery system 12 includes an energy
storage component 13 coupled to an ignition system 14, an
alternator 15, a vehicle console 16, and optionally to an electric
motor 17. Generally, the energy storage component 13 may
capture/store electrical energy generated in the vehicle 10 and
output electrical energy to power electrical devices in the vehicle
10.
[0030] In other words, the battery system 12 may supply power to
components of the vehicle's electrical system, which may include
radiator cooling fans, climate control systems, electric power
steering systems, active suspension systems, auto park systems,
electric oil pumps, electric super/turbochargers, electric water
pumps, heated windscreen/defrosters, window lift motors, vanity
lights, tire pressure monitoring systems, sunroof motor controls,
power seats, alarm systems, infotainment systems, navigation
features, lane departure warning systems, electric parking brakes,
external lights, or any combination thereof. Illustratively, in the
depicted embodiment, the energy storage component 13 supplies power
to the vehicle console 16 and the ignition system 14, which may be
used to start (e.g., crank) the internal combustion engine 18.
[0031] Additionally, the energy storage component 13 may capture
electrical energy generated by the alternator 15 and/or the
electric motor 17. In some embodiments, the alternator 15 may
generate electrical energy while the internal combustion engine 18
is running More specifically, the alternator 15 may convert the
mechanical energy produced by the rotation of the internal
combustion engine 18 into electrical energy. Additionally or
alternatively, when the vehicle 10 includes an electric motor 17,
the electric motor 17 may generate electrical energy by converting
mechanical energy produced by the movement of the vehicle 10 (e.g.,
rotation of the wheels) into electrical energy. Thus, in some
embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may capture electrical
energy generated by the alternator 15 and/or the electric motor 17
during regenerative braking. As such, the alternator 15 and/or the
electric motor 17 are generally referred to herein as a
regenerative braking system.
[0032] To facilitate capturing and supplying electric energy, the
energy storage component 13 may be electrically coupled to the
vehicle's electric system via a bus 19. For example, the bus 19 may
enable the energy storage component 13 to receive electrical energy
generated by the alternator 15 and/or the electric motor 17.
Additionally, the bus 19 may enable the energy storage component 13
to output electrical energy to the ignition system 14 and/or the
vehicle console 16. Accordingly, when a 12 volt battery system 12
is used, the bus 19 may carry electrical power typically between
8-18 volts.
[0033] Additionally, as depicted, the energy storage component 13
may include multiple battery modules. For example, in the depicted
embodiment, the energy storage component 13 includes a lithium ion
(e.g., a first) battery module 20 in accordance with present
embodiments, and a lead-acid (e.g., a second) battery module 22,
where each battery module 20, 22 includes one or more battery
cells. In other embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may
include any number of battery modules. Additionally, although the
lithium ion battery module 20 and lead-acid battery module 22 are
depicted adjacent to one another, they may be positioned in
different areas around the vehicle. For example, the lead-acid
battery module 22 may be positioned in or about the interior of the
vehicle 10 while the lithium ion battery module 20 may be
positioned under the hood of the vehicle 10.
[0034] In some embodiments, the energy storage component 13 may
include multiple battery modules to utilize multiple different
battery chemistries. For example, when the lithium ion battery
module 20 is used, performance of the battery system 12 may be
improved since the lithium ion battery chemistry generally has a
higher coulombic efficiency and/or a higher power charge acceptance
rate (e.g., higher maximum charge current or charge voltage) than
the lead-acid battery chemistry. As such, the capture, storage,
and/or distribution efficiency of the battery system 12 may be
improved.
[0035] To facilitate controlling the capturing and storing of
electrical energy, the battery system 12 may additionally include a
control module 24. More specifically, the control module 24 may
control operations of components in the battery system 12, such as
relays (e.g., switches) within energy storage component 13, the
alternator 15, and/or the electric motor 17. For example, the
control module 24 may regulate amount of electrical energy
captured/supplied by each battery module 20 or 22 (e.g., to de-rate
and re-rate the battery system 12), perform load balancing between
the battery modules 20 and 22, determine a state of charge of each
battery module 20 or 22, determine temperature of each battery
module 20 or 22, control voltage output by the alternator 15 and/or
the electric motor 17, and the like.
[0036] Accordingly, the control unit 24 may include one or more
processor 26 and one or more memory 28. More specifically, the one
or more processor 26 may include one or more application specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate
arrays (FPGAs), one or more general purpose processors, or any
combination thereof. Additionally, the one or more memory 28 may
include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or
non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), optical
drives, hard disc drives, or solid-state drives. In some
embodiments, the control unit 24 may include portions of a vehicle
control unit (VCU) and/or a separate battery control module.
[0037] An overhead exploded perspective view of an embodiment of
the battery module 20 for use in the vehicle 10 of FIG. 2 is shown
in FIG. 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery module 20
(e.g., lithium ion [Li-ion] battery module) includes a housing 30
and electrochemical cells 32 disposed inside the housing 30. In the
illustrated embodiment, six prismatic lithium-ion (Li-ion)
electrochemical cells 32 are disposed in two stacks 34 within the
housing 30, three electrochemical cells 32 in each stack 34.
However, in other embodiments, the battery module 20 may include
any number of electrochemical cells 32 (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,
9, 10, or more electrochemical cells), any type of electrochemical
cell 32 (e.g., Li-ion, lithium polymer, lead-acid, nickel cadmium,
or nickel metal hydride, prismatic, and/or cylindrical), and any
arrangement of the electrochemical cells 32 (e.g., stacked,
separated, or compartmentalized).
[0038] As shown, the electrochemical cells 32 may include terminals
36 extending upwardly (e.g., in direction 37) from terminal ends 39
of the electrochemical cells 32. Accordingly, the terminals 36 may
extend into an opening 38 disposed in an upper side 40 or face of
the housing 30. For example, the electrochemical cells 32 may be
inserted into the housing 30 through the opening 38 in the upper
side 40, and positioned within the housing 30 such that the
terminals 36 of the electrochemical cells 32 are disposed in the
opening 38. A bus bar carrier 42 may be disposed into the opening
38 and may retain bus bars 44 disposed thereon, where the bus bars
44 are configured to interface with the terminals 36 of the
electrochemical cells 32. For example, the bus bars 44 may
interface with the terminals 36 to electrically couple adjacent
electrochemical cells 32 together. Depending on the embodiment, the
bus bars 44 may couple the electrochemical cells 32 in series, in
parallel, or some of the electrochemical cells 32 in series and
some of the electrochemical cells 32 in parallel. Further, certain
of the bus bars 44 may be configured to electrically couple the
electrically interconnected group of electrochemical cells 32 with
major terminals 46 of the battery module 20, where the major
terminals 46 are configured to be coupled to a load (e.g.,
component(s) of the vehicle 10) to power the load. The
electrochemical cells 32 also include vents 49 on the terminal ends
39 of the electrochemical cells 32 and configured to enable gases
from within the electrochemical cells 32 to vent into the inside of
the housing 30 in certain operating conditions (e.g., if a pressure
within one or more individual electrochemical cell 32 exceeds a
cell venting pressure threshold of the corresponding one or more
individual electrochemical cells 32).
[0039] In accordance with the present disclosure, the housing 30 of
the battery module 20 includes one or more covers configured to
seal the housing 30. For example, the housing 30 may include a
lateral cover 50 that fits over a lateral side 52 of the housing
30, where the lateral side 52 of the housing 30 retains, e.g., a
printed circuit board (PCB) 52 and other electrical components of
the battery module 20. An upper cover 54 may be disposed over the
upper side 40 of the housing 30 (and over the bus bar carrier 42)
to seal the upper side 40 of the housing 30. The upper cover 54 of
the housing 30 may include a handle 56 embedded within the upper
cover 54 and configured to facilitate transportation of the battery
module 20 from one place to another. Further, the upper cover 54
may include one or more chambers 58 configured to at least
partially define a vent path of the battery module 20. Further
still, the upper cover 54 may include a vent spout 60 of the vent
path through which gases or fluids may vent if an internal pressure
within the housing 30 exceeds a venting pressure threshold of the
battery module 20.
[0040] For example, an overhead perspective view of an embodiment
of the battery module 20 of FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 4, where the
chambers 58 and the vent spout 60 of the upper cover 54 are
illustrated transparently for clarity. FIG. 4 also includes a
cutaway portion showing one of the electrochemical cells 32
disposed inside of the housing 30. Gases may vent from the
electrochemical cells 32 into at least the chambers 58 of the upper
cover 54 of the housing 30, where the chambers 58 define at least a
portion of a vent path of the battery module 20. The vent path may
also include an exit port 70 and the spout 60 (e.g., vent spout),
where the exit port 70 extends through the spout 60. For example,
in the illustrated embodiment, the exit port 70 extends through a
wall 72 of one of the chambers 58 of the upper cover 54 (e.g., the
wall 72 of the chamber 58 from which the spout 60 extends) and
through the spout 60. It should be noted that, in another
embodiment, the vent path may not include the spout 60, and the
exit port 70 may only extend through the wall 72 of the chamber
58.
[0041] In accordance with present embodiments, a vent pad 76 (e.g.,
vent patch, vent label, adhesive vent label) is disposed over the
exit port 70 to seal the exit port 70 from the inside of the
housing 30 (e.g., to seal the exit port 70 from the chambers 58).
The vent pad 76 may be coupled to the wall 72 of the chamber 58
(e.g., an inner surface of the wall 72) via an adhesive layer. In
other embodiments, the vent pad 76 may be coupled, via the adhesive
layer, to other surfaces adjacent a perimeter of the exit port 70,
such as an outer surface of the wall 72 of the chamber 58 or to a
surface of the spout 60. The adhesive layer may be initially
disposed (e.g., before or during coupling of the vent pad 76 and
the wall 72 of the chamber 58) on the vent pad 76, on the inner
surface of the wall 72 of the chamber 58 (e.g., along a perimeter
of the exit port 70), or both.
[0042] In general, the vent pad 76 is configured to block
contaminants or objects outside of the battery module 20 from
entering the housing 30, and to block gases from exiting the
housing 30 through the exit port 70, unless an internal pressure
within the vent path (e.g., within the chamber 58) and against the
vent pad 76 exceeds a venting pressure threshold of the battery
module 20 (e.g., of the vent pad 76 of the battery module 20). The
venting pressure threshold may be calibrated by selecting or
employing various characteristics of the vent pad 76, the exit port
70, the inner surface of the wall 72 to which the vent pad 76 is
coupled (or some other surface to which the vent pad 76 is coupled,
such as the outer surface of the wall 72 or a surface of the spout
60), the adhesive layer, and/or other features of the battery
module 20. For example, a surface area of the vent pad 76 and/or
the adhesive layer, and/or a wetted surface area of the vent pad 76
(e.g., where "wetted surface area" refers to the surface area of
the vent pad 76 exposed to the exit port 70) may be determined and
employed to provide a particular venting pressure threshold.
Further, a thickness of the vent pad 76 and/or the adhesive layer
may be determined and employed to provide a particular venting
pressure threshold. Additionally or alternatively, a material or
texture of the vent pad 76, the adhesive layer, and/or the wall 72
or other surface on which the vent pad 76 is disposed may be
determined and employed to provide a particular venting pressure
threshold. Further still, a pull-off strength of the adhesive layer
may be determined and employed to provide a particular venting
pressure threshold, although it should be noted that the pull-off
strength of the adhesive layer may be at least in part a function
of other calibration characteristics described above. For example,
the materials and/or textures of the vent pad 76 and the surface to
which the vent pad 76 is coupled may establish a particular bond
strength. It should also be noted that the disclosed vent path and
venting features (e.g., the exit port 70, the wall 72, the vent pad
76, the adhesive layer, the vent spout 60) may be included on the
upper cover 54, or on or proximate to any other suitable portion of
the housing 30. These and other features will be described in
detail below with reference to the figures.
[0043] FIG. 5 is an overhead perspective view of an embodiment of
the upper cover 54 for use in the battery module 20 of FIG. 3. The
upper cover 54, for clarity, is rendered transparently in the
illustrated embodiment. As shown, the chambers 58 of the upper
cover 54 define at least a portion of a vent path of the battery
module 20. In other words, the chambers 58 may receive vented gases
until a pressure within the chambers 58 (e.g., within the vent
path) and against the vent pad 76 exceeds a venting pressure
threshold of the battery module 20. For example, the vent pad 76
disposed over the exit port 70 and coupled to the wall 72 (e.g., to
the inner surface of the wall 72) via the adhesive layer may be
exposed to at least one of the chambers 58 such that gases within
the chamber 58 (e.g., within the vent path) press against the vent
pad 76. If the pressure against the vent pad 76 (e.g., within the
chamber(s) 58 of the vent path) exceeds the venting pressure
threshold of the battery module 20, the vent pad 76 may enable
venting through the exit port 70. Specifically, the vent pad 76 may
be configured such that a surface area of the vent pad 76, a wetted
surface area of the vent pad 76 (e.g., exposed to the exit port
70), a strength of the adhesive layer, a surface area of the vent
pad 76 coupled to the inner surface of the wall 72 (or coupled to
some other boundary or perimeter about the exit port 70), a nature
(e.g., flexibility, porosity) of the material forming the vent pad
76, etc., operate together such that the internal pressure
exceeding the venting pressure threshold of the battery module 20
may enable the vent pad 76 to pull away from the boundary or
perimeter (e.g., the inner surface of the wall 72 of the chamber
58) to which the vent pad 76 is adhesively coupled, thereby
exposing the exit port 70 and the chamber(s) 58 (e.g., of the vent
path) to the environment 80. The gases vent through the exit port
70 that, in the illustrated embodiment, extends through the wall 72
and through the spout 60 (e.g., vent spout). In general, the spout
60 enables the gases to vent to an environment 80 external to the
battery module 20, while also protecting the vent pad 76 from being
torn via objects external to the housing 30 of the battery module
20.
[0044] It should be noted that, in accordance with present
embodiments, the vent pad 76 is configured to enable venting by, in
response to a pressure against the vent pad 76 exceeding the
venting pressure threshold of the battery module 20, pulling away
from the perimeter of the exit port 70 to which the vent pad 76 is
adhesively coupled along the adhesive layer. However, in some
embodiments, the vent pad 76 may be configured with redundancy
measures in the event that the adhesive layer does not enable the
vent pad 76 to pull away from the boundary of the exit port 70 to
which the vent pad 76 is coupled. For example, the vent pad 76 may
be configured to tear across a middle region of the vent pad 76 in
response to an internal pressure of the battery module 20 (and
against the vent pad 76) exceeding a secondary venting pressure
threshold, which is generally greater than the venting pressure
threshold.
[0045] Further, it should be noted that any calibration features of
the vent pad 76, the adhesive layer, the exit port 70, the boundary
or perimeter of the exit port 70 to which the vent pad 76 is
coupled, or any other calibration features of the battery module 20
described herein with reference to calibrating the venting pressure
threshold, may also be determined and employed to calibrate the
secondary venting pressure threshold. Indeed, in some embodiments,
certain of the calibration features may be determined and employed
to enable the venting pressure threshold, and certain (other or the
same) calibration features may be determined and employed to enable
the secondary venting pressure threshold.
[0046] Further still, in some embodiments, the vent pad 76 may be
configured to tear first (e.g., in response to the pressure against
the vent pad 76 exceeding the venting pressure threshold), and pull
away from the boundary or perimeter surface of the exit port 70 in
the event the vent pad 76 does not tear (e.g., in response to the
pressure against the vent pad 76 exceeding the secondary pressure
threshold). It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, the
vent pad 76 may be configured only to tear and to not pull away
from the boundary surface of the exit port 70 along the adhesive
layer 82.
[0047] FIG. 6 is a bottom perspective view of an embodiment of the
cover 54 for use in the battery module 20 of FIG. 3. In the
illustrated embodiment, the vent pad 76 includes a circular
cross-sectional shape, although other suitable shapes in accordance
with the present disclosure may be included. The vent pad 76 is
disposed over the exit port 70, which also includes a circular
cross-sectional shape, although other suitable shapes in accordance
with the present disclosure may be included. As shown, an annular
portion of the vent pad 76 overlaps with an annular portion of the
inner surface of the wall 72 of the chamber 58 in which the exit
port 70 is disposed (e.g., the perimeter or boundary surface around
the exit port 70). In accordance with present embodiments, the
overlapping annular portions of the vent pad 76 and the perimeter
or boundary surface of the exit port 70 may include an adhesive
layer 82 disposed therebetween. The adhesive layer 82 may be
initially disposed on the vent pad 76, on the perimeter of the exit
port 70 (e.g., on the inner surface of the wall 72), or both, and
may operate to retain the vent pad 76 over the exit port 70. In
some embodiments, the vent pad 76 may pull away from the wall 72
along the adhesive layer 82 if the pressure against the vent pad 76
(and, thus, within the vent path, or within the chamber(s) 58)
exceeds the venting pressure threshold of the battery module 20.
For example, the vent pad 76 and the adhesive layer 82 may separate
from the wall 72 to enable gases to vent through the exit port 70.
As previously described, the vent pad 76 (and/or other venting
features) may be configured such that the vent pad 76 tears through
a middle region if the internal pressure within the chamber 58 (and
against the vent pad 76) exceeds the secondary venting pressure
threshold of the battery module 20. The secondary venting pressure
threshold is greater than the venting pressure threshold, where the
venting pressure threshold, as previously described, is calibrated
to enable the vent pad 76 to pull away from the wall 72 along the
adhesive layer 82.
[0048] A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the vent pad 76
disposed in a portion of the vent path is shown in FIG. 7. As
previously described, an outer annular portion 90 of the vent pad
76 may overlap with an annular portion 92 of perimeter or boundary
surface of the exit port 70 (e.g., along an inner surface 97 of the
wall 72 of the chamber 58 and around the exit port 70). The vent
pad 76 may be coupled at the outer annular portion 90 to the
annular portion 92 of the inner surface 97 of the wall 72 via the
adhesive layer 82. As shown, the adhesive layer 82 may
substantially cover the entire outer annular portion 90 of the vent
pad 76 that overlaps with the annular portion 92 of the inner
surface 97 of the wall 72.
[0049] It should be noted that the vent pad 76 may be coupled to a
different surface of the upper cover 54, or a different surface of
the battery module 20. For example, the vent pad 76 may be coupled,
via the adhesive layer 82, to an end surface 99 of the spout 60.
Further, in embodiments not having the spout 60, the vent pad 76
may be coupled, via the adhesive layer 82, to an outer surface 101
of the wall 70 opposite to the inner surface 97. In general, the
vent pad 76 may be coupled to a surface proximate an entrance 102
to the exit port 70 or proximate to an exit 105 of the exit port
70. As shown, the entrance 102 in the illustrated embodiment is
even with the inner surface 97 of the wall 72 (e.g., in direction
107), and the exit 105 is even with an end of the spout 60 (e.g.,
in direction 107). However, in embodiments not having the spout 60,
the exit 105 may be even with the outer surface 101 of the wall 72
(e.g., in direction 107) or even with some other surface of the
upper cover 54 or battery module 20.
[0050] In other embodiments, the adhesive layer 82 may only be
applied between a portion of the outer annular portion 90 of the
vent pad 76 and the annular portion 92 of the inner wall 72.
Indeed, such controlled application may be used for calibration
purposes. For example, more or less surface area may include
adhesive to increase or lessen the venting pressure threshold (e.g.
relief threshold), respectively. A front view of an embodiment of
the vent pad 76 covering the exit port 70 is shown in FIG. 8. In
the illustrated embodiment, the adhesive layer 82 is arcuate with a
radial width 100 equal to that of the overlapping annular portions
90, 92 of the vent pad 76 and the boundary surface of the exit port
70, respectively. However, the radial width 100 of the adhesive
layer 82 may be smaller or larger than that of the overlapping
annular portions 90, 92 based on calibration preference. The
adhesive layer 82 may additionally (or alternatively) extend less
than 360 degrees around the exit port 70. For example, the adhesive
layer 82 may include multiple arcuate strips 104 (e.g., two or more
arcuate strips 104) of less than 360 degrees arranged about the
exit port 70 and between the overlapping annular portions 90, 92 of
the vent pad 76 and the boundary surface of the exit port 70 (e.g.,
the wall 72 of the chamber 58), respectively. Further, as shown in
the illustrated embodiment, the vent pad 76 may include a kiss-cut
113 or score grooved into the vent pad 76 to facilitate tearing of
the vent pad 76 in response to the internal pressure within the
vent path exceeding the secondary venting pressure threshold of the
battery module 20, as previously described.
[0051] In general, the vent pad 76, the adhesive layer 82, the wall
72 (or other boundary or perimeter surface of the exit port 70),
and the exit port 70 may be designed to calibrate the venting
pressure threshold, in accordance with present embodiments, such
that venting through the exit port 70 is enabled when an internal
pressure within the vent path (e.g., within the chamber 58) and
against the vent pad 76 exceeds the venting pressure threshold. For
example, a particular surface texture of the boundary surface of
the exit port 70, of the vent pad 76, of the adhesive layer 82, or
a combination thereof may be specifically included to calibrate the
venting pressure threshold of the battery module 20. Further, a
particular thickness of the adhesive layer 82, thickness of the
vent pad 76, thickness of the wall 72, surface area of the adhesive
layer 82, wetted surface area of the vent pad 76, surface area of
the vent pad 76, overlapping surface areas of the vent pad 76 and
the boundary surface to the exit port 70, or a combination thereof
may be specifically included to calibrate the venting pressure
threshold (and/or the secondary venting pressure threshold) of the
battery module 20. Further still, a particular material of the
adhesive layer 82, material of the vent pad 76, material of the
boundary surface of the exit port 70, pull-off strength of the
adhesive layer 82 (which may correspond with materials and/or
textures of the vent pad 76, the adhesive layer 82, the boundary
surface to the exit port 70, etc.), or a combination thereof may be
specifically included to calibrate the venting pressure threshold
(and/or the secondary venting pressure threshold) of the battery
module 20. In embodiments including multiple strips 104 of the
adhesive layer 82, a particular number of the strips 104, a number
of arcuate degrees per strip 104, other characteristics (e.g.,
thickness) or a combination thereof may be specifically included to
calibrate the venting pressure threshold of the battery module 20.
Further, to enable venting through the exit port 70, the vent pad
76 may be designed to pull away from the surface to which the vent
pad 76 is coupled via the adhesive layer 82 (e.g., the wall 72 of
the exit port 70) along the adhesive layer 82. In some embodiments,
as previously described, the vent pad 76 may be designed to tear
through a middle region 103 of the vent pad 76. It should be noted
that the vent pad 76 may flex to an extent, by design, before
pulling away from the boundary surface of the exit port 70 (e.g.,
the boundary surface extending along the wall 72). Certain of the
venting calibration features described above may be specifically
included to determine the one or more of the pressure thresholds
for various venting modes (e.g., pull-away mode or tear mode) of
the vent pad 76.
[0052] It should be noted that, in accordance with present
embodiments, the disclosed vent pad 76, exit port 70, adhesive
layer 82, and vent path may be included in any suitable area of the
battery module 20 or housing 30 of the battery module 20. The
embodiments and corresponding descriptions of the venting features
with respect to the upper cover 54 are non-limiting.
[0053] Further, it should be noted that, in other embodiments,
additional features may be included that enable the vent pad 76 to
allow venting through the exit port 70. For example,
cross-sectional side views of embodiments of the vent path (e.g.,
having the vent pad 76 disposed therein) are shown in FIGS. 9 and
10. In the illustrated embodiments, a sharp edge 106 is disposed a
first distance 120 from the vent pad 76. The distance 120 may be
specifically determined and employed for calibrating the venting
pressure threshold of the battery module 20. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 9, the sharp edge 106 extends from a surface 108
within the spout 60. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the sharp
edge 106 is disposed within a loosely arranged bubble 109 disposed
on (e.g., coupled to) the vent pad 76. For example, the bubble 109
is coupled or connected to the vent pad 76 along a connecting edge
of the bubble 109. A rise in pressure within the vent path (e.g.,
within the chamber 58 of, or proximate to, the exit port 70) and
against the vent pad 76 may cause the vent pad 76 to deflect or
flex outwardly (e.g., in direction 107, as indicated by deflection
111 in FIG. 9) toward the sharp edge 106. As the vent pad 76 flexes
outwardly, the connecting edge of the bubble 109 remains fixed to
the vent pad 76. Thus, the bubble 109 becomes more and more taut,
until the sharp edge 106 contacts the vent pad 76. The amount of
deflection 111, which may be a property of the material or
elasticity of the vent pad 76, may be specifically determined and
employed for calibration of the venting pressure threshold of the
battery module 20. It should also be noted that the bubble 109 in
FIG. 10 may be coupled to the vent pad 76 along the connecting edge
while the bobble 109 is in a relaxed condition during normal
operating conditions, and while the vent pad 76 may be in a taut
condition. Thus, the vent pad 76 may deflect or flex outwardly
(e.g., in direction 107) more so than the bubble 109 (which is
fixed to the vent pad 76 along the connecting edge) as the bubble
109 becomes increasingly more taut, thereby enabling the sharp edge
106 coupled to the bubble 109 to contact and open the vent pad 76,
enabling venting through the exit port 70). Further, it should be
noted that, in embodiments including the sharp edge 106, the vent
pad 76 may be coupled to the boundary surface of the exit port 70
(e.g., to the wall 72 of the chamber 58) via some other coupling
mechanism. It should also be noted that the vent pad 76 may include
the kiss-cut 113 shown in FIG. 8, and that the sharp edge 106 may
contact the grooves of the kiss-cut 113 to open the vent pad 76. It
should also be noted that any number of sharp edges 106 may be
included to facilitate opening of the vent pad 76, and that
locations of the one or more sharp edges 106 (e.g., proximate a
center of the vent pad 76, a perimeter of the vent pad 76, or
anywhere else along the vent pad 76) may be determined and employed
to calibrate the venting pressure threshold of the battery module
20.
[0054] Turning now to FIG. 11, a schematic view of an embodiment of
a portion of a vent path 120 for use in the battery module 20 of
the vehicle 10 of FIG. 2 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment,
the vent path 120 includes the exit port 70 extending through at
least the spout 60 and the wall 72 (e.g., any wall of the battery
module). In other embodiments, the vent path 120 may not include
the spout 60. As shown, multiple vent pads 76 may be disposed in
various locations along the vent path 120. For example, one vent
pad 76 may be coupled to the wall 72 (via the adhesive layer 82)
over the entrance 102 to the exit port 70. A different vent pad 76
may be coupled to the wall 72 (via the adhesive layer 82) on a
different surface of the wall 72, such as exit surface 112 of the
wall 72. Further, a different vent pad 76 may be disposed over an
exit of the exit port 70 (e.g., coupled via the adhesive layer 82
to the end surface 99 of the spout 60. It should be noted that any
combination of the illustrated vent pads 76 may be included, in
accordance with present embodiments, including only one of the
illustrated vent pads 76. Further, any of the aforementioned vent
features (e.g., the sharp edge 106, the bubble 109, the kiss cut
113) may be included. As previously described, if the internal
pressure within the battery module 20 and against any of the vent
pads 76 exceeds the venting pressure threshold of, for example, the
vent pad 76, the vent pad(s) 76 in question may enable venting
through at least the portion of the exit port 70 sealed by the vent
pad 76. It should be noted that the vent path 110 (e.g., the exit
port 70, the vent pad 76 disposed in the vent path 110, the
adhesive layer 82, and, depending on the embodiment, other features
of the battery module 20) may be located in any suitable are of the
battery module. Further, as previously described, the vent pad 76,
the exit port 70, the adhesive layer 82, and other features of the
battery module 20 may include characteristics specifically
determined for calibrating the venting pressure threshold of the
battery module 20, as discussed above.
[0055] One or more of the disclosed embodiments, alone or in
combination, may provide one or more technical effects useful in
the manufacture of battery modules, and portions of battery
modules. In general, embodiments of the present disclosure include
a vent path having an exit port and a vent pad disposed over the
exit port. An adhesive layer is disposed between the vent pad and a
boundary or perimeter surface of the exit port. In accordance with
present embodiments, the vent pad, the exit port, the boundary or
perimeter surface of the exit port, the adhesive layer, and/or
other features or components of the battery module may be designed
to calibrate a venting pressure threshold of the battery module. In
other words, characteristics of the vent pad, the exit port, the
boundary or perimeter surface of the exit port, the adhesive layer,
and/or the other features or components of the battery module may
be included such that the vent pad enables venting through the exit
port if a pressure inside the vent path (and against the vent pad)
exceeds the venting pressure threshold. This provides a tunable and
economic vent control feature. Also, certain characteristics such
as porosity and flexibility may be utilized for calibration. The
technical effects and technical problems in the specification are
exemplary and are not limiting. It should be noted that the
embodiments described in the specification may have other technical
effects and can solve other technical problems.
[0056] While only certain features and embodiments have been
illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur
to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions,
structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values
of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures, etc.), mounting
arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without
materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the
disclosed subject matter. The order or sequence of any process or
method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative
embodiments. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise
description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual
implementation may not have been described. It should be
appreciated that in the development of any such actual
implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous
implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development
effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless
be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture
for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure,
without undue experimentation.
* * * * *