System for reducing thermal transfer between cells in a battery

Abstract

A thermal transfer barrier is disclosed that is positionable adjacent to an electrical storage cell having a vent configured to release gasses from the cell. The thermal transfer barrier may comprise a barrier member having a first side for orienting toward the vent on the cell. The first side is contoured in a manner configured to collect gas directed toward the first side of the barrier member from the vent when released from the vent and guide the collected gas away from a cell positioned adjacent to the cell.

1 . A thermal transfer barrier positionable adjacent to an electrical storage cell having a vent configured to release gasses from the cell, the thermal transfer barrier comprising:
 a barrier member having a first side for orienting toward the vent on the cell, the first side being contoured in a manner configured to collect gas directed toward the first side of the barrier member from the vent when released from the vent and guide the collected gas away from a cell positioned adjacent to the cell.   
     
     
         2 . The thermal transfer barrier of  claim 1  wherein the contour of the first side includes a concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         3 . The thermal transfer barrier of  claim 2  wherein the contour of the first side includes a channel in communication with the concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         4 . The thermal transfer barrier of  claim 3  wherein the concave region is substantially centrally located on the barrier member, and the channel of the contour extends radially outward from the concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         5 . A battery assembly, comprising:
 at least two electrical storage cells, at least one of the cells having a vent configured to release gasses from the cell; and   a thermal transfer barrier positioned between the at least two cells, the thermal transfer barrier being positioned adjacent to the vent on the at least one cell such that gasses released through the vent are directed toward the thermal transfer barrier;   wherein the thermal transfer barrier forms a thermal barrier between the cells.   
     
     
         6 . The battery assembly of  claim 5  wherein the thermal transfer barrier comprises an electrically non-conductive material. 
     
     
         7 . The battery assembly of  claim 5  wherein the thermal transfer barrier comprises a non-flammable material. 
     
     
         8 . The battery assembly of  claim 5  wherein the thermal transfer barrier comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         9 . The battery assembly of  claim 5  wherein the thermal transfer barrier has a first side being contoured in a manner configured to collect gas directed toward the first side of the barrier from the vent when released from the vent and guide the collected gas away from the cell positioned adjacent to the at least one cell. 
     
     
         10 . The battery assembly of  claim 9  wherein the contour of the first side includes a concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         11 . The battery assembly of  claim 10  wherein the contour of the first side includes a channel in communication with the concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         12 . The battery assembly of  claim 11  wherein the concave region is substantially centrally located on the barrier member, and the channel of the contour extends radially outward from the concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         13 . A battery assembly comprising:
 a housing defining an interior;   at least two electrical storage cells located in the interior of the housing; and   a thermal transfer barrier located in the interior of the housing, the thermal transfer barrier being positioned between the at least two cells in the housing;   wherein the thermal transfer barrier is formed of a material having a greater insulation capability than a material of the housing.   
     
     
         14 . The battery assembly of  claim 13  wherein the thermal transfer barrier comprises an electrically non-conductive material. 
     
     
         15 . The battery assembly of  claim 13  wherein the thermal transfer barrier comprises a non-flammable material. 
     
     
         16 . The battery assembly of  claim 13  wherein the thermal -transfer barrier comprises a ceramic material. 
     
     
         17 . The battery assembly of  claim 13  wherein the thermal transfer barrier has a first side being contoured in a manner configured to collect gas directed toward the first side of the barrier from the vent when released from the vent and guide the collected gas away from the cell positioned adjacent to the at least one cell. 
     
     
         18 . The battery assembly of  claim 17  wherein the contour of the first side includes a concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         19 . The battery assembly of  claim 18  wherein the contour of the first side includes a channel in communication with the concave-shaped region. 
     
     
         20 . The battery assembly of  claim 13  wherein the thermal transfer barrier forms a wall in the housing positioned between the at least two cells in the housing.