Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries is a serious safety concern, especially as these batteries become more common in electric vehicles and energy storage systems. This report presents the design and testing of a pressure relief mechanism aimed at safely venting pressure buildup during thermal runaway events. Our goal was to create a system that responds quickly, is reliable, and can potentially operate in underwater environments. To test the prototype, we measured how much pressure it took to displace the lid, with results showing that it reached our target displacement of ½ inch at just under 0.85 psi. The data showed a mostly linear relationship between pressure and displacement. While the test confirmed that the mechanism works as intended in a controlled setting, further testing is needed -- especially underwater. Future improvements include better sealing and a fail-safe valve to ensure reliable performance under real-world conditions. Overall, this project demonstrates a promising approach to improving battery safety.

Comments

Team Name: Team 6

Company Sponsor: NUWC

Sponsor Representative: Michael Galuska and Eric Warner

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-006-2025

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