Battery thermal run-away and combustion prevention system

Abstract

A device for preventing thermal run-away in a battery. The device includes a main compartment that is divided into a plurality of sub-compartments. A layer of material separates (i) a first sub-compartment containing a first chemical from (ii) a second sub-compartment containing a second chemical. In the event that a thermal run-away event is either detected or predicted, the layer of material degrades / is degraded and allows the chemicals to mix. The chemicals form an endothermic process that cools the battery, which at least delays the thermal run-away event. The device determines a delay period before thermal runaway is likely to occur and communicates that to a user.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]This invention relates generally to battery device mechanical design. More specifically, the invention relates to prevention of thermal run-away in batteries through the use of an endothermic reaction.[0002]The battery industry is continually expanding to meet the increasing energy needs of the portable equipment, transportation, and communication markets. Lithium-ion is becoming the industry standard battery chemistry due to its high energy density, sealed design and high availability in world markets.[0003]Lithium-ion batteries are produced in a number of variations; the most popular lithium-ion batteries, which have the highest energy density, use a cobalt or nickel-cobalt oxide anode. These batteries have the ability to create their own internal supply of oxygen when overheated. More specifically, oxygen is liberated from the oxide material of the anode at elevated temperatures, which can occur due to a variety of causes, such as an internal shor...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention relates to a device, system, and method for preventing batteries from overheating and potentially causing a thermal run-away event. By incorporating endothermic devices and switches into the battery system, the device is able to detect the temperature of each individual battery and activate the endothermic devices to lower the temperature of the battery if it reaches a certain threshold. Switches are also used to disconnect the battery from the charging and power consuming devices to further prevent any potential damage. Additionally, the device can predict the amount of delay before a potential thermal run-away event becomes an actual thermal run-away event and communicate this information to the user through an electronic message. Overall, this invention ensures safer and longer life of batteries and their associated devices.

Problems solved by technology

Since both oxygen and fuel are internally available to the cells, a fire can start within a single battery cell, and can be difficult to extinguish with conventional methods.

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