Hyundai Mobis, a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group, has launched a battery pack technology it says can prevent thermal runaway in cells used in electric vehicle applications.
The technology’s senses detect thermal runaway by collecting real-time data on temperature, battery voltage and pressure inside the battery system.
The system can then spray an extinguishing agent on any alight cell to prevent heat being transferred to adjacent cells, ensuring thermal runaway is halted for at least five minutes.
The fire extinguishing substance is harmless to the environment and humans, say the South Korean firm.
Hyundai Mobis’ battery system assembly (BSA) consists of a battery management system (BMS), hardware including the fire extinguishing device and battery case, and the software logic that controls them.
The technology is in answer to countries in Europe, as well as China and India, requiring thermal runaway to be contained for at least five minutes after the initial ignition of the battery cell.
Hyundai Mobis has applied for three domestic and international patents, including a battery case and piping for fire extinguishing agents and a design that enables high-pressure spraying.
The company has also developed a material it calls ‘pulsating heat pipe’. It’s expected to be applied as a thermal management system to manage heat, even during rapid charging.
The material is composed of aluminum alloy and refrigerant. It’s placed between cells to lower the internal temperature of the battery system.
Specifically, ‘pulsating heat pipes’ diffuse heat through the vibration and circulation of refrigerant internally, resulting in minimal performance degradation due to gravity even when applied to high-speed moving vehicles.
The material is expected to reduce electric vehicle charging time by implementing a stable thermal management system capable of withstanding the heat.
Photo credit: Hyundai Mobis
