Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a valve for an energy storage device, and in particular for a venting valve for an energy storage device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, With the advancement in technology, an electric or hybrid electric vehicle makes use of one or more power sources to drive the vehicle. The one or more powers source is a energy storage pack to provide power to run a motor which in turn runs one or more wheels of the vehicle. The one or more power sources in such hybrid electric vehicles are prone to damage due to increase in temperature as the usage increases. The battery pack includes one or more cells and are connected through one or more interconnectors to provide an electrical connection. The one or more cells are arranged in a module consisting of a top casing and a bottom casing. The one or more cells are welded to a metal strip known as the interconnector, forming a battery pack. The one or more interconnector is connected to a BMS (Battery management system). The BMS obtains the individual parameters of the one or more cells to monitor the SoC (state of charge) and SoH (state of health) of the battery pack.
[0003] Generally, in electric or hybrid electric vehicles, utilizing batteries as the power source to drive the vehicle, the lithium ion batteries used in above-mentioned vehicles undergo heat generation during charging and discharging process. The battery manufacturer recommends that the discharge temperature should be higher than charging temperature. Once the batteries are operated, its temperature rises during discharge and immediate charging of the batteries becomes difficult. In addition to this, the lithium ion battery pack having a plurality of cells are closely packed, the cells located at the central part are inhibited from exhibiting satisfactory thermal radiation due to their neighboring cells and thus results in temperature rise. The plastic cell holder used in lithium ion batteries are not capable of dissipating the heat sufficiently out of the battery pack. Dissipation of heat within the battery pack results in rise in temperature which is not desirable and also affects the life of the battery. With the better efficiency of the Li-ion cells, issues related to high temperature sometimes may result in failure or malfunctioning of the lithium ion battery in operation.
[0004] Further, batteries are usually sealed so as to improve the reliability of batteries and meet the basic waterproof and dustproof requirements. The battery failure caused by battery heating or altitude changes affects the safety of the battery while in use, resulting in different internal pressure and external pressure of the battery. However, too high, or too low air pressure inside the battery is likely to cause structural damage of the sealing surface, resulting in battery failure. Fire and explosion in batteries can take place due to dangerous or abnormal chemical reactions as the battery contains toxic liquids and gases. There is thermal danger which can occur due to high temperature and also there is a possibility of short circuit while carrying out nail penetration test. All above mentioned event structure trigger the thermal runaway and may render the battery pack unsafe to use.
[0005] Another problem with batteries having large cells is safety. The energy released in the cell going into thermal runaway is proportional to the amount of available electrolyte present in the cell during the thermal runaway event. As the cell becomes larger, more free space is available for electrolyte to fully saturate an electrode structure. Since the amount of the electrolyte per watt hour for large cells is usually greater than for small cells, large cell batteries are generally systems that gain more momentum during thermal runaway and are therefore less secure, hence, the larger the fuel (electrolyte), the larger is the flame. In addition, once a large cell is in thermal runaway mode, the heat generated by the cell triggers a thermal runaway reaction in adjacent cells, causing the entire battery pack to be destroyed, with massive destruction to the battery pack and peripheral devices. The user may be in a dangerous state by causing a cascade effect to ignite the battery pack.
[0006] In order to avoid any thermal runaway situation, pressure build up and the gasses due to which the pressure has been built up inside the battery pack has to be vented out. Now-a-days, a breather valve type vent has been provided in the battery pack to release the pressure from the battery pack when the vehicle is on high altitude. If the temperature inside the battery pack keeps rising beyond a threshold limit, let’s say 80 degrees, a separator between an anode and a cathode melts and short circuit takes place as the anode and cathode comes into direct contact to each other. Due to this, the electrolyte decomposition and anode dissolution takes place, leading to high temperature from let’s say 130 degrees to 200 degrees is reached within 2-3 seconds, followed by explosion of the cells. Such high temperatures can ignite adjacent combustibles, thereby creating a fire hazard. High temperatures can also cause decomposition of some materials and initiation of gas generation. Gases generated during these event structure can be toxic and/or flammable and can further increase the risks associated with uncontrolled thermal runaway event which is a self-enhanced increasing temperature loop that can lead to battery fires and explosions.
[0007] The increase in temperature of the battery pack leads to poor performance of the vehicle and causes thermal runaway, which creates an unsafe driving condition for a user. Thermal runaways are caused due to an abnormal increase in temperature inside the battery pack which may lead 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.
[0008] In the case of charged Li-ion cells with high 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.
[0009] Existing small cell batteries are constrained by 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 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.
[00010] The above-mentioned problems are very critical and therefore, effective method of heat dissipation and degassing of gasses is vital for the operation, safety, and health of the battery structure as well as the user of the vehicle. Thus, there is a need to overcome the above-mentioned problems and other problems of known art.
[00011] 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.
SUMMARY
[00012] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[00013] Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to a valve for a power storage unit for egress of gases to the atmosphere. The valve comprises a base plate with a plurality of openings on the base plate. A vent structure is disposed above each of the plurality of openings such that each of the plurality of openings having the vent structure being integrally connected to the base plate at a plurality of corners of the plurality of openings. The vent structure is composed of a plurality of flaps attached along a periphery of the vent structure such that the plurality of flaps cover the opening among the plurality of openings being disposed underneath the vent structure. A vent structure may be provided above every opening present on the base plate.
[00014] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps for each of the plurality of vent structures are configured to cover each of the plurality of openings positioned underneath each of the plurality of vent structures. In an embodiment, plurality of flaps is configured to move upwards within a range of 0-45 degrees on pressure of gases reaching a certain threshold. The pre-defined threshold of pressure of gases accumulated underneath the base plate for each of the plurality of flaps to move in an upward direction is of varying ranges for each of the plurality of flaps.
[00015] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps is configured to move in an upward direction for directing pressurized gases accumulated below the base plate to an external environment, upon a pressure underneath the base plate reaching a pre-defined threshold pressure.
[00016] In yet another embodiment, the valve includes a top plate, the top plate is configured such that it covers each of the plurality of vent structures disposed above each of the plurality of openings. The top plate is disposed above the base plate parallel to the base plate.
[00017] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of flaps is made of an electrically insulated, high heat resistant, and high temperature tolerant material such as silicone.
[00018] In an embodiment, the valve is provided onto an exterior region of a power source unit such as a battery pack.
[00019] In an embodiment, the plurality of vent structures may include a first flap, a second flap, a third flap, and a fourth flap such that each of the first flap, the second flap, the third flap, and the fourth flap are configured to open/uplift at different ranges of pressure of gases accumulated below the base plate.
[00020] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps avoids entry of water, ingress of other materials into the battery.
[00021] In an embodiment, the valve is enclosed by a top cover such that the base plate and the top cover are configured to form a casing that encloses the valve.
[00022] In an embodiment, the base plate, the top plate and the plurality of flaps may be composed of at least one of nickel, lead, tin, stainless steel, zinc, aluminum, high temperature resistant silicone and plastic.
[00023] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00024] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[00025] Fig. 1A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with the present disclosure with the plurality of flaps (202-n) of the vent structure (200) in closed condition.
[00026] Fig. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure with the plurality of flaps (202-n) of each of the vent structure (200) in open condition.
[00027] Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[00028] Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[00029] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the valve (100) with the vent structure (200) being removed to highlight the opening being covered by the vent structure (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00030] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the valve (100) with four numbers vent structure (200) in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[00031] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the vent structure (200) illustrating the plurality of flaps (202-1, 202-2) at an angle relative to the periphery of the vent structure (200) in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[00032] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with the valve (100) having four numbers vent structures (200) and the top cover (110) covering the four vent structures.
[00033] Fig 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) disclosed herein that is provided on an energy storage device (400).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00034] Aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a valve for venting gases. The present invention is illustrated with an energy storage pack. However, a person skilled in the art would appreciate that the present invention is not limited to an energy storage pack and certain features, aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present invention are applicable to other forms of energy storage packs or energy storage devices. The energy storage pack in accordance with the present disclosure is applicable to rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variants of energy storage packs.
[00035] It is an object of the present subject matter to provide a vent structure which passively regulates internal pressure as well as gas ejection during thermal runaway.
[00036] Existing large cell batteries are disadvantageous due to safety concerns. The energy released in a single large cell of the battery that are undergoing thermal 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 plurality of cells, causing the battery pack to be explode, with massive destruction to peripheral devices. As temperature increases, and 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. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to maintain the pressure within the battery pack due to stray temperature increases and prevent accumulation of gases within the battery pack. It is also an object of the present invention to prevent damage to adjacent components.
[00037] 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 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. Further, in conventional battery pack designs, gas ejection is not possible. Therefore, it is an object of the present disclosure to enable safe pressure relief within an energy storage unit such as a battery pack.
[00038] In addition to this, thermal runaways create a build up of pressure and gasses in the battery pack. Such pressure must be 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.
[00039] Thus, the present subject matter plays a twin role in passively regulating internal pressure of the energy storage pack on which the vent structure is disposed and also regulating the flow of gases from the energy storage pack to the outside environment during thermal runaway in the energy storage pack. Additionally, the cycle life, calendar life of the energy storage pack is improved.
[00040] Further, in some energy storage packs compression pads are provided which limit the expansion of the energy storage pack’s orientation due to generation of burnt gases inside the energy storage pack. The compression pads merely restrict the bulking of the energy storage packs without providing a mechanism to alleviate the internal pressure of the energy storage pack.
[00041] The present disclosure addresses this exact drawback of the conventional battery packs and protects the battery pack against thermal runways, malfunction, unprecedented halt in functioning and potential safety hazards.
[00042] It is a further object of the present subject matter to provide a vent structure that provides ingress protection against water and dust.
[00043] The present subject matter in accordance with the present disclosure provides ease of assembly and serviceability when disposed on an outer surface of an energy storage pack. The valve having the vent structures being on an outer surface of the energy storage pack allows accessibility and ease of serviceability of the valve in the event of failure. Further, the simple disposition of the valve on an outer surface of the energy storage pack, enhances the ease of assembly of the entire energy storage pack.
[00044] To this end, the present subject matter discloses a valve for an energy storage pack. The valve comprising of a base plate that has a plurality of openings. On each opening present on the base plate, a vent structure is disposed. The base plate comprises of a plurality of openings to ingress gases into the vent structure while the top cover comprises of a plurality of exit slots covered by a plurality of flaps to egress gases from the vent structure. Upon the pressure of the ingress gases being beyond a pre-defined threshold pressure, the flaps move upwards to allow the egress of gases to the atmosphere due to the flaps moving upwards and thereby opening the vent structure. Each valve comprises a plurality of vent structures. For example, in an embodiment, four vent structures may be provided within each valve.
[00045] The disclosed vent structure provided within the valve comprises of a compact design and is disposed on an outer surface of the energy storage pack which retains the aesthetics associated with the energy storage pack with additional safety features brought in by the functionality of the vent structure.
[00046] In an embodiment, the energy storage pack disclosed in relation to the present subject matter includes any electrical energy storage device or system configured to store electrical energy and may include a battery pack, a plurality of battery cells, a plurality of battery modules and other forms of electrical energy storage equipment. The energy storage pack can be of rechargeable as well as non-rechargeable variant and is configured to have a charged and discharged state. In a charged state of the battery pack, the battery pack supplies the stored electrical energy to an external electrical load, an electrical or electronic equipment, electric or hybrid vehicle as and when required.
[00047] The present subject matter of the valve with multiple vent structures in accordance with the present configuration comprises of a base plate having openings, a vent structure on each opening and covered by a top plate. The components of the valve and the vent structure can be easily manufactured without major revamping of core manufacturing processes which makes implementation and the cost of introduction in energy storage packs reduced.
[00048] In accordance with the configuration of the disclosed subject matter, an additional advantage of the disclosed vent structure is the flexibility to manufacture valve variants in forms of size of the energy storage pack, range of power supply and capacity of the energy storage pack. The disclosed valves can be optimised based on requirements. The number of vent structures design can be easily implemented and modified in accordance with the electrical demands of the energy storage pack. For instance, a valve may contain 2, 4 or 6 vent structures based on requirement and battery pack size.
[00049] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to an energy storage pack 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 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 examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00050] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[00051] The ensuing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible considering the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.
[00052] The present disclosure may be best understood with reference to the detailed figures and description set forth herein. Various embodiments are discussed below with reference to the figures. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to the figures are simply for explanatory purposes as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings presented and the needs of a particular application may yield multiple alternative and suitable approaches to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any approach may extend beyond the particular implementation choices in the following embodiments described and shown.
[00053] Figs 1A and 1B shall be explained together for the sake of brevity.
[00054] The valve (100) is comprised of a base plate (102). The base plate (102 has a plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) that are disposed on the surface of the base plate (102) such that the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) run through the height of the base plate (102) and enable an egress of gases from under the base plate (102). A vent structure (200) is disposed above each of the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4). For instance, a vent structure (200) will be disposed above each of the openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4). Every vent structure (200) is integrally connected to the base plate (102) at a plurality of corners of each of the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4).
[00055] A plurality of flaps (202-n) are attached along a periphery of the vent structure (200) such that the plurality of flaps (202-n) cover the opening among the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) that is disposed underneath that particular vent structure (200). Each opening shall have a respective vent structure (200) disposed on it. Referring now to Fig. 1A that illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with the present disclosure. with the plurality of flaps (202-1), (202-2), (202-n) of the vent (200) in a closed condition. Fig. 1B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure with the plurality of flaps (202-n) of each vent structure (200) in an open condition. Fig. 2A illustrates a top view of an embodiment of the valve (100) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the valve (200) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.
[00056] The plurality of flaps (202-n) for the vent structure (200) are configured to cover the opening positioned underneath the vent structure (200). The plurality of flaps (202-n) are configured to move in an upward direction for directing pressurized gases accumulated below the base plate (102) to an external environment, upon a pressure underneath said base plate (102) reaching a pre-defined threshold pressure. Gases within an energy storage pack are directed to the vent structures after entering through the openings in the base plate. The plurality of flaps (202-n) are generally in a default closed condition as shown in figure 1A. The plurality of flaps (202-n) are configured such that upon reaching a pre-defined threshold pressure, the plurality of flaps (202-n) move upwards enabling egress of gases to the atmosphere.
[00057] In an embodiment, multiple vent structures (200-n) that are provided within a single valve (100) may be configured to be responsive to different values of pressure of gases. The pre-defined threshold pressure for each vent structure (200) corresponding to each of the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) may be different.
[00058] In an embodiment, the valve (100) may include a top plate (108) that covers each of the vent structure (200) disposed above each of the plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4). The top plate (108) is disposed parallelly above said base plate (102). The top plate (108) having a plurality of notches disposed along lateral sides of the top plate (108). On the plurality of flaps (202-n) being in an open condition, the gases are egressed into the atmosphere through the notches. The plurality of notches are configured to direct said pressurized gases to said external environment.
[00059] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the valve (100) with the plurality of flaps (202-n) being removed to highlight the plurality of openings (104-n) being covered by the vent structures (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the thickness of the plurality of flaps (202-n) is in a range of 0.3 to 1 mm with heat resistance being more than 500 degree centigrade/plastic polymer material.
[00060] In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps (202-n) are made of an electrically insulated, high heat resistant, and high temperature tolerant material such as silicone. In an embodiment, the plurality of flaps (202-n) may be configured to move upwards within a range of 0-90 degrees.
[00061] In an embodiment, the pre-defined threshold pressure for gases accumulated underneath said base plate (102) for each of said plurality of flaps (202-n) to move in an upward direction may be of varying ranges for each of said plurality of flaps (202-n).
[00062] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the valve (100) having four numbers of vent structures (200) with the plurality of flaps being in the closed condition on each vent structure (200).
[00063] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the vent structure (200) illustrating the plurality of flaps (202-1, 202-2) at an angle relative to the periphery of the vent structure (200) in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure.
[00064] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present disclosure with the valve (100) having four vent structures (200) and the top plate (108) covering the four vent structures. In an embodiment, the valve (100) may be enclosed by a top cover (110) such that said base plate (102) and said top cover (110) are configured to form a casing (300) that encloses the valve (100) to enable easy positioning onto a surface. The valve (100) may be provided onto an exterior region of an energy storage device (400).
[00065] In an embodiment, the base plate (102), the top plate (108), the plurality of flaps (202-n) is composed of at least one of nickel, lead, tin, stainless steel, zinc, aluminum, high temperature resistant silicone and plastic.
[00066] Referring now to Figure 7 which is a perspective view of an embodiment of the valve (100) disclosed herein that is provided on an energy storage device (400).
[00067] In an aspect, the valve (100) is configured to regulate the internal pressure developed inside the energy storage pack (400) and also eject gases from inside the energy storage pack (400) to an outside environment in the event of occurrence of thermal runaway in the energy storage pack (400) or more specifically when the pressure of gases in the energy storage pack (400) goes beyond a pre-defined threshold pressure for which the vent structure (200) is designed. During pressure pile up, the plurality of flap type of arrangement gets opened to a maximum level of 90 degree angularly and the egress of gases is followed by closing of the flaps to earlier level.
[00068] In an embodiment, the valve (100) enables thermal management (internal pressure management) and gas ejection during thermal runaway event as twin role.
[00069] With reference to figure 7, (400) denotes an energy storage pack, (100) denotes a valve disposed on a top surface of the energy storage pack (400).
[00070] In an embodiment, the energy storage pack comprises of lithium-ion cells. Lithium-ion batteries are characterized by high energy density, high power density, excellent cycle performance and environmental friendliness. The apprehension in usage of Lithium-ion cells is the uncontrolled exothermic reaction occurring in thermal runaway of Lithium-ion cells are fast, violent and self-accelerating.
[00071] The disclosed vent structure (200) not only passively regulates the internal pressure in an energy storage pack (400) but also ejects gases formed inside the energy storage pack (400) during thermal runaways. The vent structure (200) thus performs a twin role in improving the life cycle, performance and the safe operation of the energy storage pack (400).
[00072] The disclosed configuration of the vent structure (200) within the valve (100) additionally enhances ease of serviceability, accessibility, assembly and manufacturability of the vent structure (200). The disclosed vent structure (200) encompasses a compact design and is disposed on the energy storage pack (400) as a combination within a valve, whilst maintaining aesthetics of the energy storage pack (400). The vent structure (200) additionally protects the energy storage pack (400) against malfunction, unprecedented halt in functioning and potential safety hazards. Thus, the safety of the energy storage pack (400) is ensured during abnormal functioning and the same is appropriately addressed through the vent structure (200) configuration within the valve (100).
[00073] Further, the valve (100) is waterproof and also provides complete protection against dust over an extended period of time. The valve (100) when submersed in 1m depth of water for 30 mins, provides protection against the ingress of water through the valve (100).
[00074] The subject matter of the instant disclosure is pressure release vent structure provided to avoid building up of internal pressure and release of gases in case of internal single cell short circuit. To this end, the disclosed valve (100) disposed on an energy storage pack (400) regulates the internal pressure of the energy storage pack (400) and also ejects gases from inside the energy storage pack (400) in the event of thermal runaway.
[00075] The valve (100) in accordance with the present configuration when disposed on an energy storage pack (400) may be optimized for lithium-ion battery and battery pack safety. The energy storage pack (400) equipped with the valve (100) is designed to pass thermal runaway test, overcharge test, over discharge test, crush test, external short-circuit test, impact test, water immersion test, thermal cycling test, vibration test and forced discharge test.
[00076] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed method and system, the claimed steps as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed steps enable solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies as discussed hereinabove.
[00077] 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 a particular application. In addition, the systems of the aforementioned embodiments may be implemented using a wide variety of suitable processes and system modules, and are not limited to any particular computer hardware, software, middleware, firmware, microcode, and the like. The claims can encompass embodiments for hardware and software, or a combination thereof.
[00078] 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 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 is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the present disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
, C , C , Claims:We claim:
1. A valve (100), said valve (100) comprising:
a base plate (102) comprising a plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) and a vent structure (200) disposed above each of said plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4), wherein each of said plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4) having said vent structure (200) being integrally connected to said base plate (102) at a plurality of corners of each one of said plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4);
wherein, said vent structure (200) comprises:
a plurality of flaps (202-n) attached along a periphery of said vent structure (200), wherein said plurality of flaps (202-n) cover an opening among said plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4), said opening being disposed underneath said vent structure (200).

2. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flaps (202-n) for said vent structure (200) being configured to cover said opening positioned underneath said vent structure (200).

3. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flaps (202-n) being configured to move in an upward direction for directing pressurized gases accumulated below said base plate (102) to an external environment, upon a pressure underneath said base plate (102) reaching a pre-defined threshold pressure.

4. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a top plate (108), said top plate (108) being configured to cover each of said vent structure (200) disposed above each of said plurality of openings (104-1, 104-2, 104-3, 104-4), wherein said top plate (108) being disposed parallelly above said base plate (102).

5. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said top plate (108) comprises a plurality of notches disposed along lateral sides of said top plate (108), said plurality of notches configured to direct said pressurized gases to said external environment.

6. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flaps (202-n) being made of an electrically insulated, high heat resistant, and high temperature tolerant material with temperature tolerance being greater than 500 degrees centigrade.

7. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said electrically insulated, high heat resistant, and high temperature tolerant material for making plurality of movable flaps being silicone.

8. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of flaps (202-n) being configured to move upwards within a range of 0-90 degrees.

9. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein thickness of said plurality of flaps (202-n) being in a range of 0.3 to 1 mm.

10. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said pre-defined threshold pressure for gases accumulated underneath said base plate (102) for each of said plurality of flaps (202-n) to move in an upward direction being of varying ranges for each of said plurality of flaps (202-n).

11. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a first vent structure (200), a second vent structure (200), a third vent structure (200), and a fourth vent structure (200) such that each of said first vent structure (200), said second vent structure (200), said third vent structure (200), and said fourth vent structure (200) being configured to open/uplift at different pressure of gases accumulated below said base plate (102).

12. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein upliftment of each of the structures for different pressure of gases accumulated below said base plate (102) being effected by varied thickness of each of said flaps of said plurality of flaps (202-n) for each vent structure (200).

13. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said valve (100) being enclosed by a top cover (110) such that said base plate (102) and said top cover (110) are configured to form a casing (300) that encloses said valve (100).

14. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said valve (100) being provided onto an exterior region of a power source unit (400).

15. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein said power source unit (400) corresponding to a battery pack.

16. The valve (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said base plate (102), said top plate (108), said plurality of flaps (202-n) being composed of at least one of nickel, lead, tin, stainless steel, zinc, aluminum, high temperature resistant silicone and plastic.