In an effort to increase safety measures when it comes to electric vehicles, Audi has just filed two new patents specifically designed to help reduce the chances of thermal runaway in batteries and electric vehicles that can cause fires.
The patents each provide a unique solution to help avoid potentially hazardous situations. The first patent consists of two cell poles, or chambers, located near the battery cells that are used to de-gas the cells when temperatures reach a certain level. When this happens, the chamber pumps out hot air, thus keeping the cells at an appropriate temperature and preventing thermal runaway. This patent also consists of a thermal potting compound that is placed around each battery cell. This potting compound allows coolant to flow directly around each battery cell, aiding in the cooling process and further reducing the chances of a thermal runaway situation.
The other patent describes a system that connects to an external coolant source and a cooling device. In one operating condition, the coolant can be supplied to the motor vehicle via the coolant connection device to regulate the temperature of the energy storage during the charging process. In another operating condition, the energy storage’s interior can be flooded.
These patents are part of an ongoing effort by Audi to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles. Not only do these patents improve the safety of their vehicles, but they can also help to increase their lifespan, making electric vehicles even more attractive to consumers.
As electric vehicles become more popular, it is important that manufacturers like Audi continue to look for innovative ways to keep their vehicles safe and efficient. These two patents provide a step in the right direction, and hopefully, more manufacturers will follow suit in order to improve safety for EV drivers even further. I guess those viral videos of EV’s catching on fire will be a thing of the past.
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