Method and device for electrochemical cell propagation avoidance in a battery module

摘要

A method and device for cooling an electrochemical cell is provided. In one embodiment, the cooling element for an electrochemical cell includes a metal element configured to engage with an electrochemical cell and absorb thermal energy from the electrochemical cell. The metal element is configured to melt into a liquid when the electrochemical cell exceeds an eutectic temperature of the metal element.

主权项

1. A vehicle energy storage system comprising:
first and second electrochemical cells; a cooling element interposed between and configured to engage the first and second electrochemical cells and absorb thermal energy from the electrochemical cells, the cooling element being configured to absorb heat and melt from a solid form when at least one of the first and second electrochemical cells exceed an eutectic temperate of the cooling element thereby creating an air gap between the first and second electrochemical cells to avoid thermal propagation from the first electrochemical cell to the second electrochemical cell, the solid form of the cooling element being configured to maintain the first and second electrochemical cells spaced apart from one another; and a cooling plate positioned beneath the first and second electrochemical cells and the cooling element, the cooling plate in supporting engagement with the cooling element and spaced apart from the electrochemical cells, the cooling plate including a channel adjacent to and beneath the cooling element and configured to receive melted material of the cooling element and divert the melted material from the electrochemical cells.