Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present subject matter is related, in general to a fire mitigation and venting system, and more particularly, but not exclusively to a fire mitigation and venting system for a power unit in a vehicle to enable venting of the gas built-up in a power unit as well as emergency fire mitigation. 5
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] With the advancement in technology, an electric or hybrid electric vehicle makes use of plurality of power units to drive the vehicle. Typically, the plurality of power units is a battery pack to provide power to run a motor which in turn runs 10 one or more wheels of the vehicle. The plurality of power units in such hybrid electric vehicles are prone to damage due to increase in temperature as the usage increases. [0003] A typical battery pack comprises of a plurality of cells which are interconnected in a series configuration or a parallel configuration or a combination 15 of series and parallel configuration based on current, voltage and capacity requirements in the desired function. Battery packs are additionally sealed to improve reliability and meet waterproof and dustproof requirements. [0004] During operation of battery pack when the battery pack is subjected to altitude changes and increase in temperature, which creates a difference between 20 the internal pressure of the battery pack and the external pressure of the operating environment leading to damage caused to the sealing surface and results in battery failure. Battery heating is generally caused due to fire or explosion, chemical reactions, chemical risk due to toxic liquids and gases, or short circuits. [0005] The increase in temperature of the battery pack leads to poor performance 25 of the vehicle and causes thermal runaway, which creates an unsafe driving condition for a user. Thermal runaway in batteries relates to an accelerated release of heat inside a battery cell due to uncontrolled exothermic reactions. In scenarios of uncontrolled exothermic reactions, the battery cells can no longer dissipate the
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heat as quickly as the heat is generated in the battery cell, ultimately leading to a loss of thermal stability of the battery cell. The heat generated in the battery cells during thermal runaway can propagate to neighboring electrical or electronic components leading to catastrophic failure. Thermal runaways are typically caused due to an abnormal increase in temperature inside the battery pack which may lead 5 to the melting or excessive damage to a plurality of cells of the battery pack and may even cause the plurality of cells of the battery pack to explode. There is a greater risk of fire and explosion, caused due to the chemical reactions taking place inside the battery pack. [0006] In battery technology, lithium-ion cells have attained significant popularity 10 due to high energy density, high power density, excellent cycle performance and environmental friendliness. However, lithium-ion cells have great propensity of catastrophic failure in events of thermal runaway as the heat energy released from a single failing lithium-ion cell during thermal runaway can cause a chain reaction in the neighboring lithium-ion cells. In the case of charged Li-ion cells with high 15 energy density, the thermal runaway is a fast, violent, self-accelerating chemical reaction of electrodes and electrolyte which releases high amounts of heat and gas. A better cooled battery pack ensures the welfare and safety of the user and as well as leads to an increase in durability and health of the plurality of cells of the battery pack. 20 [0007] Existing small cell batteries are constrained by the housing of the battery pack. When a small cell Li-ion battery pack is charged, it causes the electrodes to expand. The expansion results in added mechanical stress on the electrodes, which leads to a shorter life cycle of the battery pack. Moreover, due to the increased need of storage capacity of the battery pack, additional active anode and cathode 25 materials are inserted into the housing of the battery pack, which further contributes to an increase in mechanical stress. Therefore, there is a compromise between performance of the battery pack and capacity of the battery pack. [0008] Existing large cell batteries are disadvantageous due to safety concerns. The energy released in the large cell of the battery that is undergoing thermal 30
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runaway is directly proportional to the amount of electrolyte available in the cell. The amount of electrolyte for large cells is substantially greater than for small cells, and large cell batteries are able to gain more momentum during thermal runaway which makes them less secure. Once a large cell is in thermal runaway mode, the heat generated by the cell triggers a thermal runaway reaction in the adjacent 5 plurality of cells, causing the battery pack to explode, with massive destruction to peripheral devices. [0009] Conventionally, battery packs are sealed to ensure that the battery pack is waterproof and dustproof, since interference of foreign particles in the battery pack may adversely affect the performance of the battery pack. However, altitude 10 changes can affect the battery pack, causing abnormal changes in internal pressure and external pressure of the battery pack. Substantially high or low air pressure inside the battery pack may cause structural damage to the sealing surface of the battery pack, resulting in battery pack failure. In addition to this, thermal runaways create a build-up of pressure and gas in the battery pack. Such pressure must be 15 relieved to avoid damage and explosion due to thermal runaway. Therefore, a compromise must be met between sealing of the battery pack and relieving pressure inside the battery pack. Further, in some battery packs compression pads are provided which limit the expansion of the battery pack’s orientation due to generation of burnt gases inside the battery pack. The compression pads merely 20 restrict the bulking of the battery packs without providing a mechanism to alleviate the internal pressure of the battery pack. [00010] In the known art, a two-way valve is provided which is connected using a passage and a diaphragm. The passage extends through the first end of the valve to the second end of the valve. A baffle is provided with a first pressure relief hole. 25 The baffle is arranged on the inner wall of the channel. In the axial direction of the channel, the partition plate divides the channel into a first chamber and a second chamber. Spools are located in the first and second chamber to open or close the passage between them. The two-way pressure relief valve will equalize the pressure to maintain the pressure at a pre-set pressure value. As temperature increases, and 30
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the gas build-up in the battery pack increases, degassing of the battery pack aids in regulating the temperature of the battery pack, while also maintaining the pressure inside the battery pack. However, the venting valve provided by the known art is beneficial to degas the battery pack once the pressure has built-up to a predetermined level. The venting valve known in the art fails to deliver a continuous 5 pressure maintenance between the external pressure and the internal pressure of the battery pack. [00011] Moreover, the gases generated in the battery packs are extremely high in temperatures and pressure. Conventionally, the battery packs are located within reach of the user, to enable easy servicing and recharging of the removable batteries. 10 The existing venting systems fail to provide a safe passage for the gases to be expelled from the battery packs, and the chances of causing harm to the user due to the pressurized gas being egressed in an unorganized manner are particularly high. Moreover, in cases of thermal runaway, if there is unfortunate incident of spontaneous combustion of the battery packs, it is highly likely that the user would 15 be in close proximity of such hazardous events and endanger their safety and health. [00012] Along with degassing and maintaining the pressure of the battery pack, thermal management and heat dissipation are other criteria that should be managed efficiently. Conventionally, to dissipate the heat generated in the plurality of cells of the battery pack and to overcome the thermal runaway issue, the battery pack 20 includes liquid-filling materials, such as cooling liquid. However, use of such materials causes handling problems of the battery pack. In some conventional battery packs, a Phase Change Material (PCM) is filled in the battery pack for heat transfer. The PCM absorbs the heat generated by the cells and changes its state from solid to liquid and dissipates the heat through the casing of the battery pack. 25 However, the PCM is unable to dissipate heat instantly in cases where thermal runaway has been triggered. [00013] In cases where a battery pack has been set ablaze, conventional systems fail to extinguish the fire in a timely manner. In case of failure of the existing
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cooling mechanisms, there is a need for systems to be adept at dousing the fire and safeguard and secure the user of the battery pack. [00014] Thus, in cases where the battery pack has already reached the threshold to trigger thermal runaway, the conventional venting valves are not equipped to manage the disastrous situations. Therefore, there is an additional requirement of a 5 venting system which can provide an emergency thermal management mechanism to dissipate and extinguish the high temperatures of thermal runaway instantly and protect the battery pack from exploding and causing harm to the user as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway. Moreover, venting systems allow the expanding gases generated inside the battery pack during thermal 10 runaway or internal pressure to escape, in order to prevent any further damage to the remaining components of the battery pack. Thus, there is a requirement of a novel venting system which can withstand high temperatures of thermal runaway and protect the battery pack from internal pressure raises as well as create pathways and passages to regulate the flow of gases safely and away from the user during 15 thermal runaway. [00015] The above information as disclosed in this background section is only for enhancement of understanding of the background of the disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not form the prior art that is already known in this country to a person of ordinary skill in the art. 20
[00016] Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditional approaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, through comparison of described systems with some aspects of the present disclosure, as set forth in the remainder of the present application and with reference to the drawings.
25
SUMMARY
[00017] The following summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features
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described below, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[00018] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure provides a fire mitigation and venting system for a power unit in a vehicle to enable venting of the gas built-up in a power unit as well as emergency fire mitigation. The 5 fire mitigation and venting system comprises of a tubing structure which is connected to a plurality of power units. The tubing structure is configured to vent gases and pressure built-up in the plurality of power units and provide a venting mechanism to prevent the hazardous events such as thermal runaways of the plurality of power units. The fire mitigation and venting system comprises of a 10 sliding provision. The sliding provision is configured to reveal an opening. The opening being configured to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units through the tubing structure to mitigate fire in a time efficient manner in case of spontaneous combustion or fire.
[00019] According to embodiments illustrated herein, the present disclosure 15 provides a vehicle comprising at least of a frame assembly, a tubing structure, a plurality of power units, and a fire mitigation and venting system. The frame assembly comprises at least of a head tube, a sub-frame member, a pair of side rails. The head tube is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle, and the sub-frame member extends perpendicularly and downwardly from the head tube to form a 20 step-through portion of the vehicle. The pair of side rails extend rearwardly and upwardly from the sub-frame member towards the rear end of the vehicle. The plurality of power units comprises of at least a first power unit, a second power unit, and a third power unit. The first power unit is disposed in the step-through portion of the vehicle. The second power unit and the third power unit is disposed between 25 the pair of side rails. The tubing structure is connected to the plurality of power units. The tubing structure extends rearwardly from the plurality of power units to the rear end of the vehicle to vent gases through a first end of the tubing structure from the rear end of the vehicle. The fire mitigation and venting system being configured to vent gasses through a first end of the tubing structure from the rear 30
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end of the vehicle. The fire mitigation and venting system comprising a sliding provision which is configured to reveal an opening. The opening is configured to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units through the tubing structure to mitigate fire.
5
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00020] The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention.
[00021] The details are described with reference to an embodiment of a fire 10 mitigation and venting system along with the accompanying diagrams. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference similar features and components.
[00022] Figure 1A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present 15 disclosure.
[00023] Figure 1B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00024] Figure 2A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system disposed in a 20 vehicle depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00025] Figure 2B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system disposed in a vehicle depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 25
[00026] Figure 3A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
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[00027] Figure 3B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00028] Figure 4A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present 5 disclosure.
[00029] Figure 4B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
10
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00030] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other 15 implementations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
[00031] The present invention is illustrated with a power unit. However, a person 20 skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to a power unit and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other forms of power units, battery packs or energy storage devices. The power unit in accordance with the present disclosure is applicable to rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variants of power units. 25 [00032] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a venting system which can withstand high temperatures of thermal runaway and protect a plurality of power units or battery packs from internal pressure raises as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway, and a venting system which can provide an
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emergency thermal management mechanism to dissipate the high temperatures of thermal runaway instantly and protect the plurality of power units or battery pack from exploding and causing harm to the user as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway. It is an additional objective of the present invention to create pathways and passages to regulate the flow of gases safely and away from 5 the user during thermal runaway.
[00033] Thus, the present subject matter plays a twin role in passively regulating the internal pressure of the power unit on which the fire mitigation and venting system is disposed and also regulating the flow of gases from the power unit to the outside environment, safely from the rear end of the vehicle during thermal runaway 10 in the power unit. Additionally, the cycle life of the power unit or battery pack is improved.
[00034] The present subject matter provides a venting mechanism and a fire mitigation system that is resistant to high temperatures and stands to protect the user, the plurality of power units or battery pack and the vehicle from suffering 15 from irreversible damage.
[00035] In some conventional power units or battery packs a venting structure is disposed on the casing of the power unit or battery pack. The present subject matter provides for a secondary venting structure, which can effectively and efficiently egress the built-up gases in the power unit or battery pack in case of failure of the 20 primary venting structure disposed on the casing on the battery pack. The present subject matter’s secondary venting system ensures that the power unit or battery pack is safeguarded from a threatening incident of a thermal runaway event.
[00036] Additionally, the tubing structure being employed in the fire mitigation and venting system can be dually used as a fire mitigation system, by dispensing a fire 25 extinguishing material, water, and other fire extinguishing material of the like, through the opening in the tubing structure. Dispensing a fire extinguishing material into the power unit or the battery pack will immediately douse and extinguish the fire, protecting the user from unsafe conditions and jeopardise the security of the user. 30
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[00037] Another object of the present invention is to ensure that adverse usage conditions do not lead to a decrease in the life of the power unit or battery pack. Therefore, by preventing the trigger of thermal runaway and degassing of the power unit or battery pack, the power unit or battery pack is enabled for a long term use.
[00038] It is another object of the present invention to prevent additional costs for 5 maintaining and servicing of the vehicle as well as the power unit or battery pack when an adverse condition is triggered. When a power unit or battery pack is damaged due to thermal runaway, it is permanently damaged and the cost for an entirely new power unit or battery pack has to be borne by the user. Additionally, in case of accidental combustion due to an event like thermal runaway, the vehicle 10 is at great risk as well. A fire generated from the power unit or battery pack is rapid and spreads to other parts and components of the vehicle quickly. Therefore, the servicing and repair of such neighbouring components and parts will also be an additional cost borne by the user.
[00039] It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide a fire mitigation 15 and venting system that provides ingress protection against water and dust. Thus, the fire mitigation and venting system provides effective sealing against ingress of water. The disclosed configuration of the fire mitigation and venting system additionally prevents ingress of dust particles.
[00040] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the present invention 20 provides a fire mitigation and venting system comprising at least of a tubing structure and a sliding provision. The tubing structure is connected to a plurality of power units or battery packs. The tubing structure is configured to vent gasses through a first end of the tubing structure from a rear end of a vehicle. The sliding provision is configured to reveal an opening when slid by a user. The opening is 25 configured to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units or battery packs through the tubing structure to mitigate fire.
[00041] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the fire mitigation and venting system comprises of a venting structure. The venting structure is disposed
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at the first end of the tubing structure and is configured to egress gas build up in the plurality of power units or battery packs.
[00042] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure comprises of a plurality of tubes. The plurality of tubes are configured to connect integrally to form pathways for egression of gasses from the plurality of power 5 units.
[00043] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure is compactly disposed in the vehicle extending rearwardly to egress gas into the atmosphere from rear end of the vehicle.
[00044] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sliding provision is 10 disposed at the first end of the tubing structure. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the sliding provision comprises of a notch. The venting structure is configured to slide along the notch in a pre-defined direction to reveal the opening. The pre-defined direction may be in an upwards direction, a downwards direction, a sideways direction, or any of the like. The opening is revealed once the user slides 15 the venting structure along the notch in anyone of the pre-defined directions.
[00045] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, a second end of the tubing structure is connected to the plurality of power units. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the plurality of power units comprises of at least one outlet to connect the tubing structure. The second end of the tubing structure is connected 20 onto the at least one outlet of the plurality of power units to enable a secured connection.
[00046] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the at least one outlet of the plurality of power units is disposed at a top cover of a casing of the plurality of power units. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the at least one 25 outlet of the plurality of power units is disposed at a bottom cover of the casing of the plurality of power units.
[00047] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure is made of a flexible material to enable compact disposing of the tubing structure in the
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vehicle. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure is made of at least one of a polyvinyl chloride material, aluminium, or a metal alloy. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure has a diameter of 1 inch. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, an internal lining of the tubing structure is coated with a fire resistant material. 5
[00048] As per an aspect of the subject matter, the fire mitigation and venting comprises a storage provision which is configured to store a fire extinguishing material. The storage provision is configured to dispense the fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units through the opening of the sliding provision. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, a one or more 10 controllers are configured to automatically dispense the fire extinguishing material from the storage provision into the plurality of power units through the opening of the sliding provision based on a temperature of the plurality of power units and a plurality of sensors disposed in the plurality of power units.
[00049] As per an aspect of the subject matter, the present invention provides a 15 vehicle comprising at least of a frame assembly, a tubing structure, and a plurality of power units. The frame assembly comprises at least of a head tube, a sub-frame member, a pair of side rails. The head tube is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle, and the sub-frame member extends perpendicularly and downwardly from the head tube to form a step-through portion of the vehicle. The pair of side rails 20 extend rearwardly and upwardly from the sub-frame member towards the rear end of the vehicle. The plurality of power units comprises of at least a first power unit, a second power unit, and a third power unit. The first power unit is disposed in the step-through portion of the vehicle. The second power unit and the third power unit is disposed between the pair of side rails. As per another aspect of the present 25 subject matter, the tubing structure is connected to the plurality of power units. The tubing structure extends rearwardly from the plurality of power units to the rear end of the vehicle to vent gases through a first end of the tubing structure from the rear end of the vehicle.
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[00050] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the plurality of tubes are disposed adjacent to the pair of side rails enabling a compact arrangement of the fire mitigation and venting system in the vehicle. As per another aspect of the present subject matter, the tubing structure is made of a flexible material to enable compact disposing of the tubing structure in the vehicle. The tubing structure is 5 made of at least one of a polyvinyl chloride material, aluminium, or a metal alloy.
[00051] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to a fire mitigation and venting system along with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the present embodiments. The present subject matter is further described with reference to 10 accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific 15 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00052] Figure 1A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present 20 disclosure. For brevity, Figure 1A and Figure 1B will be explained together. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) comprises a plurality of power units (104). The fire mitigation and venting system (100) comprises of a tubing structure (102). The tubing structure (102) is connected to the plurality of power units (104). The plurality of power units (104) may comprise of a primary venting structure (112) 25 which is disposed on the body of the plurality of power units (104). The primary venting structure (112) may be used to egress gas, maintain pressure in the plurality of power unit (104) by venting the high pressure gas and regulating the temperature of the power unit (104). The tubing structure (102) is configured to vent gases through a first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102) from a rear end (204) of a 30
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vehicle (200) and therefore an internal lining of the tubing structure (102) is coated with a fire resistant material. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) has a sliding provision (108). This sliding provision (108) is configured to reveal an opening (108b) which is used to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units (104) through the tubing structure (102) to mitigate fire. 5 The fire mitigation and venting system (100) additionally comprises of a venting structure (106) which is disposed at the first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102) and can egress gas build up in the plurality of power units (104). As seen in Figure 1B, as per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sliding provision (108) comprises of a notch (108a). The venting structure (106) is configured to slide along 10 the notch (108a) to reveal the opening (108b). The venting structure (106) may move in a pre-defined direction to reveal the opening (108b), as per Figure 1B, the venting structure (106) can be slid along notch (108a) to reveal the opening (108b). The pre-defined direction can be a direction towards the left, right, south, an upwards direction, a downwards direction, a sideways direction, or any of the like 15 that may ease the working of the fire mitigation and venting system (100). Additionally, a one or more controllers (not shown) is configured to automatically dispense the fire extinguishing material from the storage provision into the plurality of power units (104) through the opening of the sliding provision (108) based on a temperature of the plurality of power units (104) and a plurality of sensors disposed 20 in the plurality of power units (104). Such an automatic disposal of the fire extinguishing material will ease the working of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) by making it an automatic process which is operable without human intervention. [00053] The fire mitigation and venting system (100) comprises a venting structure 25 (106) which is disposed at the first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102) is configured to egress gas build up in the plurality of power units (104) which can effectively and efficiently egress the built-up gases in the power unit or battery pack in case of failure of the primary venting structure disposed on the casing on the battery pack. The tubing structure (102) comprises a plurality of tubes (102c) which 30
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are configured to connect integrally to form pathways for egression of gasses from the plurality of power units (104). [00054] A second end (102b) of the tubing structure (102) is connected to the plurality of power units (104). The plurality of power units (104) comprises of at least one outlet (110c) to connect the tubing structure (102) to the plurality of power 5 units (104). The plurality of power units generally comprise of a casing (110) as can be seen in the illustrative figures. The casing (110) comprises at least of a top cover (110b), a bottom cover (110a), and a side cover. The at least one outlet (110c) of the plurality of power (104) units may be disposed at a top cover (110b) of a casing (110) of the plurality of power units (104) or it can be disposed at a bottom 10 cover (110a) of the casing (110) of the plurality of power units (104). Similarly, the outlet (110c) can be disposed at any other location on the plurality of power units (104), to enable compact and easy assembling of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) in the vehicle. [00055] During the event of thermal runaway, if there is unfortunate incident of 15 spontaneous combustion of the battery packs, the plurality of tubes (102c) from a passageway for the high pressure gas to escape the plurality of power units (104) and lead it away from the user thereby creating a distance from the user and safeguarding the safety and health of the user from such hazardous events.
[00056] Figure 2A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system disposed in a 20 vehicle depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system disposed in a vehicle depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For brevity, Figure 2A and Figure 2B will be explained together. The figures 2A and 2B show a vehicle 25 (200) comprising: a frame assembly (202). The frame assembly (202) comprises a head tube (202a) which is disposed in a front portion (F) of the vehicle (200), a sub-frame member (202b) which is extending perpendicularly and downwardly from the head tube (202a) to form a step-through portion (206) of the vehicle (200), and a pair of side rails (202c) which are extending rearwardly and upwardly from the 30
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sub-frame member (202b) towards the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200). The vehicle (200) also comprises of a plurality of power units (104a, 104b, 104c). The plurality of power units (104a, 104b, 104c) comprises of at least a first power unit (104a), a second power unit (104b), and a third power unit (104c). The first power unit (104a) is disposed in the step-through portion (206) of the vehicle (200). The 5 second power unit (104b) and the third power unit (104c) are disposed between the pair of side rails (202c). The vehicle (200) has a fire mitigation and venting system (100) which comprises a tubing structure (102) connected to a plurality of power units (104) to vent gasses through a first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102) from the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200). The vehicle (200) has a fire mitigation 10 and venting system (100) which comprises sliding provision (108) which reveals an opening (108b) to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units (104) through the tubing structure (102) to mitigate fire. The tubing structure (102) in the vehicle (200) comprises of a plurality of tubes (102c) which connect integrally to form pathways for egression of gasses from the plurality of 15 power units (104a, 104b, 104c). These pluralities of tubes (102c) are extending rearwardly from the front portion (F) of the vehicle (200) towards the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200) to enable egression of gases from the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200). The vehicle (200) arranges the plurality of tubes (102c) such that they are disposed adjacent to the pair of side rails (202c) enabling a compact 20 arrangement of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) in the vehicle (200). To enable compact arrangement, the plurality of tubes (102c) in the tubing structure (102) is made of a flexible material to enable compact disposing of the tubing structure (102) in the vehicle (200).
[00057] Figure 3A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the 25 venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For brevity, Figure 3A and Figure 3B will be explained together. As per an embodiment, the tubing structure (102) is made of an aluminum, or a metal alloy. 30 The outlet to connect the plurality of tubes, as per an embodiment, lies on the
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bottom cover (110a) of the casing (110) of the plurality of power units (104). The tubing structure (102) is arranged such that it is extending rearwardly from the plurality of power units to the rear end of the vehicle (200) to egress gas built-up in the plurality of power units (104). The plurality of tubes (102c) is compactly arranged in a dead space of the vehicle (200). The first end (102a) of the tubing 5 structure (102) is disposed such that it is easily available to the user for quick utilization of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) in the vehicle (200).
[00058]
[00059] Figure 4A illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in closed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present 10 disclosure. Figure 4B illustrates fire mitigation and venting system depicting the venting structure in open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. For brevity, Figure 4A and Figure 4B will be explained together. Similar to the Figures 3A and 3B, as per an embodiment, the tubing structure (102) is made of an aluminum, or a metal alloy. The outlet to connect the plurality of tubes, as per 15 an embodiment, lies on the top cover (110b) of the casing (110) of the plurality of power units (104). The tubing structure (102) is arranged such that it is extending rearwardly from the plurality of power units to the rear end of the vehicle (200) to egress gas built-up in the plurality of power units (104). The plurality of tubes (102c) is compactly arranged in a dead space of the vehicle (200). The first end 20 (102a) of the tubing structure (102) is disposed such that it is easily available to the user for quick utilization of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) in the vehicle (200).
[00060] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples 25 and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
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[00061] The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of providing a requirement of a novel venting system which can withstand high temperatures of thermal runaway and protect the battery pack from internal pressure raises as well as create pathways and passages to regulate the flow of gases safely and away from the user during thermal runaway. The present subject matter also provides a venting 5 system which can provide an emergency thermal management mechanism to dissipate and extinguish the high temperatures of thermal runaway instantly and protect the battery pack from exploding and causing harm to the user as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway.
[00062] The fire mitigation and venting system in the present invention increases 10 the battery life cycle and manages the mechanical stresses in of the power unit or battery pack. The present subject matter through the disclosed configuration overcomes the drawbacks of the housing structure in the plurality of power units or the battery pack.
[00063] The present subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure 15 provide ease of assembly and serviceability when due to the compact arranging of the fire mitigation and venting system. The venting structure being on an outer end of the tubing structure allows accessibility and ease of serviceability of the opening and dispose fire extinguishing material instantly into the plurality of power units in the event of failure. Further, the simple disposition of the tubing structure on the 20 plurality of power units, enhances the ease of assembly of the entire energy storage pack. The disclosed structure comprises of a compact design and is disposed in a vehicle such that it retains the aesthetics associated with the vehicle with additional safety features brought in by the functionality of the fire mitigation and venting system. 25
[00064] The present subject matter provides a secondary venting system which can withstand high temperatures of thermal runaway and protect a plurality of power units or battery packs from internal pressure raises as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway, and a secondary venting system which can provide an emergency thermal management mechanism to dissipate the high temperatures 30
Classification: Confidential
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of thermal runaway instantly and protect the plurality of power units or battery pack from exploding and causing harm to the user as well as regulate the flow of gases during thermal runaway. It plays a twin role in passively regulating the internal pressure of the power unit on which the fire mitigation and venting system is disposed and regulating the flow of gases from the power unit to the outside 5 environment, safely from the rear end of the vehicle during thermal runaway in the power unit. Additionally, the cycle life, calendar life of the power unit or battery pack is improved.
[00065] The present subject matter also provides an automatic disposal of the fire extinguishing material based on a temperature of the plurality of power units and a 10 plurality of sensors disposed in the plurality of power units. This will ease the working of the fire mitigation and venting system by making it an automatic process which is operable without human intervention.
[00066] In view of the above, the claimed limitations as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed limitations 15 enable the above solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.
[00067] The present subject matter is described using a fire mitigation and venting system, whereas the claimed subject matter can be used in any other type of application employing above-mentioned fire mitigation and venting system assembly configuration, with required changes and without deviating from the 20 scope of invention. Further, it is intended that the disclosure and examples given herein be considered as exemplary only.
[00068] The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “the embodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “some embodiments”, and “one embodiment” mean “one or more (but not all) 25 embodiments of the invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.
Classification: Confidential
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[00069] A description of an embodiment with several components in communication with another does not imply that all such components are required, On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described to illustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the invention,
[00070] Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected 5 for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the inventive subject matter and is therefore intended that the scope of the invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based here on. Accordingly, the embodiments of the present invention are intended to be illustrative, but not 10 limiting, of the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
[00071] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the 15 following claims.
[00072] A person with ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that the systems, modules, and sub-modules have been illustrated and explained to serve as examples and should not be considered limiting in any manner. It will be further appreciated that the variants of the above disclosed system elements, modules, and other 20 features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined to create other different systems or applications.
[00073] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any of the aforementioned steps and/or system modules may be suitably replaced, reordered, or removed, and additional steps and/or system modules may be inserted, depending on the needs of 25 a particular application.
[00074] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope
Classification: Confidential
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of the present disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 5
Classification: Confidential
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LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS:
100 – Fire Mitigation and Venting System
102 – Tubing Structure
102a – First End of Tubing 5 Structure
102b – Second End of Tubing Structure
102c – Plurality of Tubes
104 – Plurality of Power Units 10
104a – First Power Unit
104b – Second Power Unit
104c – Third Power Unit
106 – Venting Structure of Fire Mitigation and Venting 15 System
108 – Sliding Provision
108a – notch of Sliding Provision
108b – Opening of Sliding 20 Provision
110 – Casing of The Plurality of Power Units
110a – Bottom Cover of Casing 25
110b – Top Cover of Casing
110c – Outlet in Casing
112 – Venting Structure in the Plurality of Power Units
200 – Vehicle 30
202 – Frame Assembly
202a – Head Tube
202b – Sub-Frame Member
202c – Pair of Side Rails
204 – Rear End of The Vehicle 35
206 – Step-Through Portion
F – Front Portion of Vehicle
R – Rear Portion of Vehicle , Claims:CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A fire mitigation and venting system (100), the fire mitigation and venting system (100) comprising:
a tubing structure (102), 5
wherein the tubing structure (102) being connected to a plurality of power units (104);
wherein the tubing structure (102) being configured to vent gasses through a first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102) from a rear end (204) of a vehicle (200); 10
a sliding provision (108),
wherein the sliding provision (108) being configured to reveal an opening (108b),
wherein the opening (108b) being configured to dispense a fire extinguishing material into the 15 plurality of power units (104) through the tubing structure (102) to mitigate fire.
2. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a venting structure (106), wherein the venting structure (106) 20 being disposed at the first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102), wherein the venting structure (106) being configured to egress gas built up in the plurality of power units (104).
3. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein 25 the tubing structure (102) comprising a plurality of tubes (102c), wherein the plurality of tubes (102c) configured to connect integrally to form pathways for egression of gasses from the plurality of power units (104).
Classification: Confidential
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4. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubing structure (102) being compactly disposed in the vehicle extending rearwardly to egress gas into the atmosphere from rear end (204) of the vehicle (200).
5
5. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sliding provision (108) being disposed at the first end (102a) of the tubing structure (102).
6. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein 10 the sliding provision (108) comprises of a notch (108a), wherein the venting structure (106) is configured to slide along the notch (108a) to reveal the opening (108b).
7. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein 15 a second end (102b) of the tubing structure (102) being connected to the plurality of power units (104).
8. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of power units (104) comprises of at least one outlet (110c) to 20 connect the tubing structure (102).
9. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the at least one outlet (110c) of the plurality of power (104) units being disposed at a top cover (110b) of a casing (110) of the 25 plurality of power units (104);
10. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 8,
wherein the at least one outlet (110c) of the plurality of power units (104) being disposed at a bottom cover (110a) of the casing (110) of the plurality of power units (104). 30
Classification: Confidential
26
11. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tubing structure (102) being made of a flexible material to enable compact disposing of the tubing structure (102) in the vehicle, wherein the tubing structure (102) being made of at least one of a polyvinyl chloride material, aluminum, or a metal alloy, wherein the tubing structure (102) has 5 a diameter of 1 inch, and wherein an internal lining of the tubing structure (102) being coated with a fire resistant material.
12. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprises a storage provision, the storage provision being configured to 10 store the fire extinguishing material, wherein the storage provision being configured to dispense the fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units (104) through the opening (108b) of the sliding provision (108).
13. The fire mitigation and venting system (100) as claimed in claim 12, 15 wherein one or more controllers being configured to automatically dispense the fire extinguishing material from the storage provision into the plurality of power units (104) through the opening (108b) of the sliding provision (108) based on a temperature of the plurality of power units (104) and a plurality of sensors disposed in the plurality of power units (104). 20
14. A vehicle (200), the vehicle (200) comprising:
a frame assembly (202), wherein the frame assembly (202) comprising:
a sub-frame member (202b), 25
wherein the sub-frame member (202b) extending perpendicularly and downwardly from a head tube (202a) to form a step-through portion (206) of the vehicle (200);
a pair of side rails (202c), 30
Classification: Confidential
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wherein the pair of side rails (202c) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the sub-frame member (202b) towards the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200);
a fire mitigation and venting system (100) comprising: 5
a tubing structure (102),
wherein the tubing structure (102) being connected to a plurality of power units (104);
wherein the tubing structure (102) being configured to vent gasses through a first end (102a) of the tubing 10 structure (102) from the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200);
a sliding provision (108),
wherein the sliding provision (108) being configured to reveal an opening (108b),
wherein the opening (108b) being configured to 15 dispense a fire extinguishing material into the plurality of power units (104) through the tubing structure (102) to mitigate fire.
15. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of power 20 units (104a, 104b, 104c), comprises of at least a first power unit (104a), a second power unit (104b), and a third power unit (104c);
wherein the first power unit (104a) being disposed in the step-through portion (206) of the vehicle (200);
wherein the second power unit (104b) and the third 25 power unit (104c) being disposed between the pair of side rails (202c).
16. The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tubing structure (102) comprises of a plurality of tubes (102c), 30
Classification: Confidential
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wherein the plurality of tubes (102c) configured to connect integrally to form pathways for egression of gasses from the plurality of power units (104a, 104b, 104c),
wherein the plurality of tubes (102c) extending rearwardly from the front portion (F) of the vehicle (200) towards the rear end (204) of 5 the vehicle (200) to enable egression of gases from the rear end (204) of the vehicle (200).
17.The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of tubes(102c) being disposed adjacent to the pair of side rails (202c) enabling a10 compact arrangement of the fire mitigation and venting system (100) in thevehicle (200).
18.The vehicle (200) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tubing structure (102)being made of a flexible material to enable compact disposing of the tubing15 structure (102) in the vehicle (200), wherein the tubing structure (102) beingmade of at least one of a polyvinyl chloride material, aluminum, or a metalalloy, wherein the tubing structure (102) has a diameter of 1 inch.
Dated 26th day of July 2023.