New low and medium-pressure rupture discs are now available for use in vehicle batteries and battery packs.
Alongside capacity, safety is the key factor when it comes to the market success of energy storage solutions in e-mobility. BS&B Safety Systems now offers pressure relief devices with small diameters and low activation pressures for use in lithium-ion batteries and battery packs: currently the most widespread energy storage technology. Designed for OEM companies in the automotive industry, these components ensure controlled, directed and therefore safe pressure relief in the event of critical excess pressures in the batteries. This protects the electric vehicle itself, neighbouring battery cells and passengers against the dangers of flames or uncontrolled chemical discharge.
Excess pressure inside the battery is usually caused by overheating due to overload, short circuit or overcharging. The rupture discs from BS&B act as a breakpoint, activating with high precision once a predefined activation pressure is reached. When activated, they immediately open a large, aerodynamically formed outlet. This significantly improves safety, especially following a quick build-up of pressure. The housing of the battery cell is hermetically sealed in regular operation and remains intact after the rupture discs are activated. BS&B designs and produces the rupture discs on a standard and customised basis to satisfy the wide range of installation situations. The discs are supplied ready to fit as an integrated component. The low and medium-pressure rupture discs are available in sizes starting from three millimetres diameter to over 100 millimetres diameter, and in rectangular form factor. This compact size allows them to be easily positioned to ensure optimum safety.
All variants of the BS&B rupture discs have had their performance thoroughly tested in the chemical industry. As components for electric vehicle batteries, they are designed for zero maintenance and constant resistance to vehicle operating conditions. This makes them superior to other solutions for small spaces, such as safety valves. They are also lighter and open up the maximum flow cross-section faster. Pressure fluctuations inside battery cells are caused by load and temperature changes. The rupture discs easily withstand these to up to 90 per cent of their activation pressure. To protect the housing, battery pack manufacturers can combine the BS&B emergency pressure relief systems with atmospheric pressure compensation diaphragms.
Alongside the OEM sector for the automotive industry, BS&B also supplies rupture discs to the aerospace sector, as well as for safety systems designed to protect against fire or in refrigeration systems. The discs are available in a wide range of designs, sizes and materials, in order to provide the right solution for the respective application.
