IP Library Granted Patent US 11,646,471
Granted Patent B2
US 11,646,471 · App. 17/038,609 · Granted May 9, 2023

Rechargeable energy storage system high flow thermal vent management system

Inventors: Michael G. Leffert (Howell, MI); Bradley S. Thomson (Farmington Hills, MI)
Assignee: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
H01M50/30H01M10/486H01M10/625H01M10/6556H01M10/6563H01M50/20H01M2220/20
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 11,646,471
App. No.
17/038,609
Granted
May 9, 2023
Kind
B2
Abstract

A rechargeable energy storage system, includes a housing. A plurality of battery cells are disposed in the housing. A discharge vent passage is in communication with the housing, the discharge vent passage including a one-way valve and a nozzle. A chamber is in communication with the nozzle and including an air inlet passage with a one-way valve. An outlet pipe is connected to the chamber. According to an aspect, the air inlet passage of the thermal vent management system is arranged as a Venturi opening adjacent to the nozzle.

Claims (22)

1. A rechargeable energy storage system, comprising:

a housing;

a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing;

a discharge vent passage in communication with the housing, the discharge vent passage including a first one-way valve and a nozzle downstream from the first one-way valve and the nozzle including a wall surface that tapers inwardly to get narrower in a downstream direction;

a chamber in downstream communication with the nozzle and including at least one air inlet passage with a second one-way valve, the at least one air inlet passage being arranged as a Venturi opening adjacent to and parallel with the nozzle for drawing ambient air through the second one-way valve and into the chamber when gasses are discharged through the nozzle from the housing; and

an outlet pipe connected downstream to the chamber.

2. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the chamber includes a drain hole.

3. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the chamber has a larger cross section in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction than a cross section of the discharge vent passage in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

4. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 3 , wherein the cross section of the chamber in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction is larger than a cross section of the outlet pipe in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

5. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 1 , further comprising one of a gas or temperature sensor in the discharge vent passage.

6. The rechargeable energy storage system according to claim 5 , wherein the one of a gas or temperature sensor provides signals to a controller and wherein the controller provides signals for activating an ignitor in the chamber.

7. A vehicle, comprising:

a vehicle body including a vehicle floor and a rear bumper;

a rechargeable energy storage system including:

a housing;

a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing;

a discharge vent passage in communication with the housing, the discharge vent passage including a first one-way valve and a nozzle downstream from the first one-way valve and the nozzle including a wall surface that tapers inwardly to get narrower in a downstream direction;

a chamber disposed below the vehicle floor and in downstream communication with the nozzle and including an air inlet passage with a second one-way valve the at least one air inlet passage being arranged as a Venturi opening adjacent to and parallel with the nozzle for drawing ambient air through the second one-way valve and into the chamber when gasses are discharged through the nozzle from the housing; and

an outlet pipe connected downstream to the chamber and opening at a location below the rear bumper.

8. The vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the chamber includes a drain hole.

9. The vehicle according to claim 7 , wherein the chamber has a larger cross section in a direction perpendicular to a flow direction than a cross section of the discharge vent passage in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

10. The vehicle according to claim 9 , wherein the cross section of the chamber in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction is larger than a cross section of the outlet pipe in the direction perpendicular to the flow direction.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 30, 2020
From: LEFFERT, MICHAEL G.; THOMSON, BRADLEY S.
To: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
Reel/Frame 053941/0243 →
Continuity (1)
Related Publication 20220102692A1 · Mar 31, 2022