US 11,916,251 B1
Phase-change material controlled vent for thermal runaway mitigation in energy storage system
Benjamin G. Wroblewski, Ferndale, MI (US); Jordan Mullins, Longmont, CO (US); and Brian Carrier, Des Moines, IA (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 8, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/882,726.
Int. Cl. H01M 50/375 (2021.01); H01M 50/258 (2021.01); H01M 10/48 (2006.01); H01M 10/63 (2014.01); H01M 10/6563 (2014.01); H01M 10/613 (2014.01)
CPC H01M 50/375 (2021.01) [H01M 10/486 (2013.01); H01M 10/613 (2015.04); H01M 10/63 (2015.04); H01M 10/6563 (2015.04); H01M 50/258 (2021.01); H01M 2220/20 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A multi-cell rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) comprising:
a plurality of battery cells organized into battery modules;
a first enclosure configured to house the battery modules;
a first vent arranged on the first enclosure and configured to direct air from inside the first enclosure to an environment external to the first enclosure;
a second vent arranged on the first enclosure and configured to direct air into the first enclosure from the environment external to the first enclosure; and
a phase-change material (PCM) device arranged on the second vent and configured to melt in response to at least one of the battery modules experiencing a thermal runaway event, and thereby, in combination with the first vent, generate crossflow ventilation through the first enclosure to cool the battery modules therein and mitigate thermal runaway.