Battery box with independent explosion venting channel

Abstract

The application provides a battery box with an independent explosion venting channel, and belongs to the technical field of energy storage batteries, and comprises a battery cavity, an adsorption cavity and a gas collecting pipeline, wherein the battery cavity is provided with a battery module, and the battery module is communicated with the adsorption cavity through the gas collecting pipeline. The combustible mixed gas generated by the thermal runaway of the battery can be effectively isolated from the combustion-supporting material (air) through the gas collecting pipeline, so that the combustible mixed gas and the combustion-supporting material (air) are prevented from being mixed to cause a secondary deflagration and produce a danger.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of energy storage battery technology, and relates to lithium battery technology, specifically a battery box with an independent explosion venting channel. Background Technology

[0002] With the widespread application of lithium batteries in the new energy field, a series of safety issues have emerged, especially in the energy storage battery sector. Due to the large installed capacity and the large number of lithium batteries used, the risk of fire and explosion has increased accordingly. Therefore, the safety requirements for battery boxes are becoming increasingly stringent. In reality, most battery boxes are made of metal and require a high level of dust and water resistance. When the batteries inside the box experience thermal runaway, a large amount of flammable gas is generated, leading to an increase in pressure inside the box. When the pressure reaches a certain level, the battery box will pose a risk of explosion and fire. Typically, battery boxes contain multiple grouped individual batteries, which generate a large amount of heat during operation. Increased heat accumulation can also lead to battery thermal runaway, generating a large amount of flammable gas, which can easily cause a fire and is a significant factor affecting the overall safety of the battery box.

[0003] Existing technologies for addressing battery box safety primarily focus on heat dissipation design, such as installing exhaust fans, water-cooled circulation within the box, adding heat dissipation fins, and incorporating semiconductor cooling chips. However, less consideration is given to the battery box's own explosion and pressure relief mechanisms. For example, patent CN202021981576.8 discloses a battery box with explosion relief functionality. By incorporating pressure relief holes, springs, and pressure relief plates within the box, when a battery explodes, the pressure generated inside the box is released through the pressure relief holes into the pressure relief plates. The springs then buffer the pressure, gradually reducing the explosion pressure. This patent only considers releasing the internal pressure of the battery box to minimize damage to the structure, but the released flammable gas poses a risk of secondary fire when heated. Patent CN201920562154.8 discloses a new energy battery box with explosion relief functionality. By incorporating an explosion relief device including an explosion relief plate and bolts, and hinged the explosion relief plate to the box body, it achieves explosion relief while preventing the explosion relief plate from detaching from the box and flying towards other equipment during an explosion. Simultaneously, the crossbeam is connected to the explosion-proof bolt via a threaded connection. Simply unscrew the bolt, replace the metal washer, pass the bolt through the explosion-proof plate's through-hole, and tighten the bolt to the crossbeam for reuse. This technology only structurally addresses the safety of the battery box and the reusability of the explosion-proof device during the explosion-proof process; it does not further consider preventing the spread of flammable gases and the formation of secondary hazards.

[0004] Based on the above analysis, how to effectively prevent secondary hazards caused by thermal runaway of batteries is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the issue of secondary hazards caused by thermal runaway in batteries, this invention proposes a battery box with an independent explosion venting channel, the specific technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] A battery box with an independent explosion relief channel includes a battery cavity, an adsorption cavity, and a gas collection pipeline. A battery module is disposed in the battery cavity, and the battery module is connected to the adsorption cavity through the gas collection pipeline.

[0007] Further specifying, the battery module includes multiple sets of individual batteries arranged in parallel, each individual battery having a vent, and the gas collection pipeline being connected to the individual battery through the vent.

[0008] Further specifying, the gas collection pipeline includes branch pipes and risers, with one branch pipe corresponding to each individual battery cell. The riser is connected to the explosion vent on the individual battery cell through the branch pipe, and the riser is connected to the adsorption chamber.

[0009] Further defined, the battery cavity includes an inner cavity and an outer cavity disposed outside the inner cavity, the battery module is placed in the inner cavity, and the outer cavity is filled with a thermally conductive material, the thermally conductive material may be one or a combination of two or more of thermally conductive oil, rosin, thermally conductive silicone and graphite.

[0010] Further, the inner cavity wall is provided with heat dissipation fins, one end of the heat dissipation fins is placed in the inner cavity, and the other end of the heat dissipation fins is placed in the outer cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the battery box with an independent explosion relief channel also includes an electrical cavity disposed between the battery cavity and the adsorption cavity, and the riser passes through the electrical cavity and communicates with the adsorption cavity.

[0012] Further specifying, the adsorption chamber is provided with a solid adsorbent material, which is one or a combination of two or more of the following: activated carbon, graphite, adsorbent resin, silica, porous glass, magnesium oxide, etc.

[0013] Further specified, a lower partition is provided between the battery cavity and the electrical cavity, and an upper partition is provided between the electrical cavity and the adsorption cavity. Both the lower and upper partitions are provided with through holes. The riser passes through the through holes in the lower partition and the upper partition in sequence and communicates with the adsorption cavity. Sealing gaskets are provided at the connection between the through holes in the lower partition and the riser, and at the connection between the through holes in the upper partition and the riser.

[0014] Further defined, the bottom of the lower partition is provided with a downwardly extending annulus, the top of the inner cavity is open, the annular boss is engaged at the top opening of the inner cavity and seals the inner cavity; and the edge of the lower partition extends to the cavity wall of the outer cavity and seals the outer cavity.

[0015] Further specified, the adsorption chamber is provided with a ventilating pipe, the ventilating pipe passes through the adsorption chamber, the ventilating pipe is provided with a ventilating mesh, and the riser extends into the cavity of the ventilating pipe and communicates with the adsorption chamber through the ventilating mesh.

[0016] Further defined, the top opening of the adsorption chamber is provided with an adsorption chamber cover plate at the top opening of the adsorption chamber, and an exhaust pipe communicating with the adsorption chamber is provided on the adsorption chamber cover plate.

[0017] Furthermore, ventilation holes are provided on the cavity wall of the electrical cavity.

[0018] Further, the inner cavity is provided with a battery bracket, and multiple battery placement compartments are arranged side by side on the battery bracket, with one single battery placed in each battery placement compartment.

[0019] Furthermore, there are multiple battery boxes with independent explosion venting channels, and these multiple battery boxes with independent explosion venting channels are arranged side by side. The adsorption chambers on the multiple battery boxes with independent explosion venting channels are all connected to the collection pipe through the exhaust pipe.

[0020] Furthermore, the collecting pipe is connected to the gas collecting device.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. This invention provides a battery box with an independent explosion relief channel. It connects the battery module inside the battery chamber to the adsorption chamber via a gas collection pipe. This allows for the timely discharge of flammable mixed gas generated by thermal runaway due to internal heat accumulation within the battery chamber, preventing the flammable mixed gas from creating pressure buildup and thus protecting the battery box structure. Simultaneously, it effectively isolates the flammable mixed gas generated by battery thermal runaway from the oxidizer (air), preventing secondary explosions caused by the mixing of the flammable mixed gas and the oxidizer (air). The flammable mixed gas enters the adsorption chamber via the gas collection pipe and is adsorbed by the solid adsorption material inside the adsorption chamber, removing the flammable components before safe discharge.

[0023] 2. The gas collection pipeline is connected to the individual battery cells through the explosion vent on the individual cells. When a single battery cell in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, causing the electrolyte to decompose and produce a flammable gas mixture, the high-temperature flammable gas mixture is released along the gas collection pipeline to the adsorption chamber of the battery box. Throughout the process, it does not come into contact with other battery cells in the battery module and will not affect the normal operation of other battery cells. At the same time, the high-temperature flammable gas mixture will not come into contact with other high-temperature heat sources or oxygen during the entire process of being released, which greatly reduces the risk of fire.

[0024] 3. The battery cavity includes an inner cavity and an outer cavity located outside the inner cavity. The battery module is placed in the inner cavity, and the outer cavity is filled with thermally conductive material. The thermally conductive material can transfer the heat generated by the battery module during operation to the outside of the outer cavity, thereby dissipating heat and protecting the battery module.

[0025] 4. The inner cavity wall is equipped with heat dissipation fins, with one end of the fins placed inside the inner cavity and the other end placed inside the outer cavity. The heat dissipation fins enable rapid transfer of heat from the inner cavity to the outer cavity, increasing the heat transfer area and improving heat dissipation efficiency.

[0026] 5. The battery box with an independent explosion relief channel of the present invention also includes an electrical cavity disposed between the battery cavity and the adsorption cavity, in which the battery connection lines or control circuit components are conveniently arranged; ventilation holes are provided on the cavity wall of the electrical cavity, through which the heat generated by the circuit lines or control circuit components in the electrical cavity can be dissipated.

[0027] 6. Solid adsorbent material is installed in the adsorption chamber. The solid adsorbent material can adsorb the combustible gas components in the combustible mixture. After the combustible gas is adsorbed, it is discharged, which can reduce the risk of secondary combustion of the combustible mixture.

[0028] 7. An annular boss is provided at the bottom of the lower partition plate. The annular boss is engaged at the top opening of the inner cavity and seals the inner cavity. The annular boss facilitates the tight fit between the lower partition plate and the inner cavity and also facilitates the sealing of the inner cavity. At the same time, the edge of the lower partition plate extends to the cavity wall of the outer cavity and seals the outer cavity, which facilitates the sealing of the outer cavity.

[0029] 8. A venting pipe is installed inside the adsorption chamber, extending through the chamber. The venting pipe has venting mesh openings. A riser extends into the cavity of the venting pipe and connects to the adsorption chamber through the venting mesh openings. The venting mesh openings uniformly disperse the combustible gas mixture into the solid adsorbent material, ensuring that the combustible gas components in the mixture are more fully adsorbed by the solid adsorbent material.

[0030] 9. An exhaust pipe connected to the adsorption chamber is provided on the upper cover plate of the adsorption chamber. The exhaust pipe allows for convenient discharge or further collection of the gas after the adsorption of combustible components.

[0031] 10. The battery bracket has multiple battery compartments arranged side by side, with one individual battery placed in each compartment; the battery bracket can fix the position of each individual battery.

[0032] 11. The collection pipe is connected to the gas collection device to collect the gas after it has adsorbed the combustible gas components, thus preventing environmental pollution. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the battery box with an independent explosion venting channel according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the battery box with an independent explosion venting channel according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the battery box with an independent explosion venting channel according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the adsorption chamber cover;

[0037] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the battery cavity structure;

[0038] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the battery holder structure;

[0039] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the gas collection pipeline.

[0040] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the battery module structure;

[0041] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the upper partition.

[0042] Figure 10 This is a structural schematic diagram of the lower partition.

[0043] Among them, 1-battery cavity, 2-electrical cavity, 3-adsorption cavity, 4-adsorption cavity cover plate, 5-upper partition, 6-lower partition, 7-battery bracket, 8-single cell, 9-gas collection pipe, 11-inner cavity, 12-outer cavity, 13-heat dissipation fin, 21-ventilation hole, 41-exhaust pipe, 42-ventilation pipe, 61-annular boss, 62-through hole, 91-branch pipe, 92-vertical pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0044] The technical solution of the present invention will be further explained and described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0045] Example

[0046] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a battery box with an independent explosion relief channel, which includes a battery cavity 1, an adsorption cavity 3 and a gas collection pipe 9. A battery module is installed in the battery cavity 1, and the electrolyte cavity of the battery module is connected to the adsorption cavity 3 through the gas collection pipe 9.

[0047] Preferably, the battery box with an independent explosion venting channel in this embodiment has a cuboid structure.

[0048] See Figure 3 Preferably, the battery module of this embodiment includes 12 sets of individual batteries 8, which are arranged in two columns, with 6 sets of individual batteries 8 in each column. The individual batteries 8 in each column are stacked side by side, and the two columns of individual batteries 8 are arranged opposite each other. Each individual battery 8 is provided with a vent, and the gas collection pipe 9 is connected to the electrolyte chamber of each individual battery 8 through the vent on each individual battery 8.

[0049] Preferably, the explosion vent in this embodiment can be integrated with the single battery 8, or it can be separated from the single battery 8.

[0050] It should be noted that the number of individual batteries 8 in this embodiment can be 1 group, 2 groups, 3 groups, 4 groups, 5 groups, 6 groups, 7 groups, 8 groups, or even more groups, and the specific number is matched according to the capacity requirements of each battery.

[0051] See Figure 7 and Figure 8 Preferably, the gas collection pipeline 9 in this embodiment includes a branch pipe 91 and a riser pipe 92. Each single cell 8 corresponds to a branch pipe 91, and the branch pipe 91 corresponds to the position of the explosion vent on the corresponding single cell 8. One end of the branch pipe 91 is connected to the electrolyte chamber of the single cell 8 through the explosion vent, and the other end of the branch pipe 91 is connected to the riser pipe 92. The riser pipe 92 is connected to the adsorption chamber 3.

[0052] Preferably, in this embodiment, there are two risers 92, and the six groups of battery cells 8 in each column share one riser 92.

[0053] See Figure 5 Preferably, the battery cavity 1 in this embodiment includes an inner cavity 11 and an outer cavity 12 disposed on the outside of the inner cavity. The outer cavity 12 is disposed on the side outside of the inner cavity 11, excluding the bottom outer and top outer. The battery module is placed in the inner cavity 11, and the outer cavity 12 is filled with thermally conductive material.

[0054] Preferably, the thermally conductive material in this embodiment can be one or a combination of two or more of thermally conductive oil, rosin, thermally conductive silicone and graphite.

[0055] See Figure 5 Preferably, in this embodiment, a heat dissipation fin 13 is provided on the cavity wall of the inner cavity. One end of the heat dissipation fin 13 is placed in the inner cavity 11, and the other end of the heat dissipation fin 13 is placed in the outer cavity. The heat generated by the battery cell 8 in the inner cavity is conducted to the outer cavity 12 through the heat dissipation fin 13, and then the heat is conducted to the cavity wall of the outer cavity through the thermally conductive material in the outer cavity 12. The heat is dissipated through the cavity wall of the outer cavity and the air convection.

[0056] Preferably, the battery box in this embodiment has an independent explosion relief channel, which has an electrical cavity 2 between the battery cavity 1 and the adsorption cavity 3, and the riser 92 passes through the electrical cavity 2 and communicates with the adsorption cavity 3; ventilation holes 21 are provided on the two or four side walls of the electrical cavity 2 to dissipate the heat generated by the wires or electrical control components in the electrical cavity 2.

[0057] Preferably, in this embodiment, the battery cavity 1, electrical cavity 2, and adsorption cavity 3 are arranged sequentially from bottom to top.

[0058] Preferably, in this embodiment, a solid adsorbent material is provided in the adsorption chamber 3.

[0059] Preferably, the solid adsorbent material in this embodiment is one or a combination of two or more of the following: activated carbon, graphite, adsorbent resin, silica, porous glass, magnesium oxide, etc.

[0060] See Figure 9 and Figure 10 Preferably, in this embodiment, a lower partition 6 is provided between the battery cavity 1 and the electrical cavity 2, and an upper partition 5 is provided between the electrical cavity 2 and the adsorption cavity 3. Two through holes 62 are provided on both the lower partition 6 and the upper partition 5. Each through hole 62 corresponds to a vertical tube 92. The vertical tube 92 passes through the through holes 62 on the lower partition 6 and the through holes 62 on the upper partition 6 in sequence and communicates with the adsorption cavity 3. The upper partition 5 extends to the cavity wall of the electrical cavity 2 and is tightly fitted and connected to the cavity wall of the electrical cavity 2.

[0061] Preferably, in this embodiment, an elastic sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the through hole of the upper partition 5 and the riser 92, and an elastic sealing gasket is provided at the connection between the through hole of the lower partition 6 and the riser 92.

[0062] Preferably, the elastic sealing gasket in this embodiment is an elastic rubber or plastic gasket or other mechanism that enables its sealing function.

[0063] Preferably, in this embodiment, a downwardly extending annular boss 61 is provided at the bottom of the lower partition plate 6, the top opening of the inner cavity 11 is provided, the annular boss 1 is engaged at the top opening of the inner cavity 1 and extends to the bottom of the top opening to seal the inner cavity 11; the edge of the lower partition plate 6 extends to the cavity wall of the outer cavity 12 and fits tightly against the cavity wall of the outer cavity 12 to seal the outer cavity 12.

[0064] See Figure 4Preferably, in this embodiment, a ventilator 42 is provided in the adsorption chamber 3. There are two ventilator 42s, which are arranged side by side along the height direction in the adsorption chamber 3. The bottom of the ventilator 42 is connected to the upper end face of the upper partition 5, and the top of the ventilator 42 extends to the top of the adsorption chamber 3. The riser 92 passes through the upper partition 5 and is placed in the cavity of the ventilator 42. Each riser 92 corresponds to one riser 92. A ventilator mesh is provided on the ventilator 42. The riser 92 extends into the cavity of the ventilator 42 and communicates with the adsorption chamber 3 through the ventilator mesh. The combustible mixed gas discharged from the riser 92 accumulates in the ventilator 42 and diffuses into the solid adsorption material through the ventilator mesh on the ventilator 42, adsorbing the combustible components in the combustible mixed gas.

[0065] Preferably, in this embodiment, the top opening of the adsorption chamber 3 is provided with an adsorption chamber cover plate 4, and an exhaust pipe 41 communicating with the adsorption chamber 3 is provided on the adsorption chamber cover plate 4.

[0066] Preferably, in this embodiment, a battery holder 7 is provided in the inner cavity 11, see [reference]. Figure 6 The battery holder 7 has 12 battery compartments, which are divided into two rows and separated by a partition. Each battery compartment contains one battery cell 8.

[0067] It should be noted that the number of battery compartments on the battery bracket 7 corresponds one-to-one with the number of individual battery cells 8.

[0068] Preferably, the battery storage compartment in this embodiment can be movable, such as a drawer-type pull-out compartment; or it can be a fixed square grid type.

[0069] Preferably, in this embodiment, there can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or even more battery boxes with independent explosion relief channels, arranged side by side. The adsorption chamber 3 on each battery box with independent explosion relief channel is connected to the collection pipe through the exhaust pipe 41.

[0070] Preferably, in this embodiment, the collecting pipe is connected to the gas collecting device.

[0071] Preferably, the gas collection device in this embodiment can be a collection tank, a collection box, or other gas-sealed container.

[0072] The battery box of the present invention, with an independent explosion relief channel, when a certain battery cell 8 experiences thermal runaway, confines the flammable and combustion-supporting substances in the gas accumulated in the battery cell 8 to the gas collection pipe 9, and collects them into the adsorption chamber through the gas collection pipe 9. This prevents the flame from directly contacting other battery cells 8, avoids rapid heat diffusion, effectively slows down the severity of thermal runaway, and also prevents other battery cells from being ignited and causing a chain reaction. At the same time, the combustible gas enters the adsorption chamber through the gas collection pipe for adsorption treatment, and after removing the combustible components, it can be safely discharged, which is in line with the concept of environmental protection.

[0073] The above description is a further detailed explanation of the present invention in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, and is not intended to limit the present invention. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be considered to fall within the patent protection scope defined by the submitted claims.

Claims

1. A battery box with an independent explosion venting channel, characterized in that, It includes a battery chamber, an adsorption chamber, and a gas collection pipeline. A battery module is installed inside the battery chamber, and the battery module is connected to the adsorption chamber through the gas collection pipeline. The battery module includes multiple sets of individual batteries arranged in parallel. Each individual battery has a vent, and the gas collection pipeline is connected to the individual battery through the vent. The gas collection pipeline includes a branch pipe and a riser pipe. Each individual cell corresponds to one branch pipe. The riser pipe is connected to the explosion vent on the individual cell through the branch pipe and is connected to the adsorption chamber. The battery cavity includes an inner cavity and an outer cavity disposed outside the inner cavity. The battery module is placed in the inner cavity, and the outer cavity is filled with a thermally conductive material. A heat dissipation fin is disposed on the cavity wall of the inner cavity, with one end of the heat dissipation fin placed in the inner cavity and the other end of the heat dissipation fin placed in the outer cavity. The adsorption chamber is provided with a venting pipe that runs through the adsorption chamber and has venting mesh holes. The riser extends into the cavity of the venting pipe and communicates with the adsorption chamber through the venting mesh holes. The top opening of the adsorption chamber is provided with an adsorption chamber cover plate, and an exhaust pipe communicating with the adsorption chamber is provided on the adsorption chamber cover plate. The battery box with an independent explosion relief channel also includes an electrical cavity disposed between the battery cavity and the adsorption cavity, and the riser passes through the electrical cavity and communicates with the adsorption cavity; A lower partition is provided between the battery cavity and the electrical cavity, and an upper partition is provided between the electrical cavity and the adsorption cavity. Both the lower and upper partitions are provided with through holes. The riser passes through the through holes in the lower partition and the upper partition in sequence and communicates with the adsorption cavity. Sealing gaskets are provided at the connection between the through holes in the lower partition and the riser, and at the connection between the through holes in the upper partition and the riser. The bottom of the lower partition is provided with a downwardly extending annular boss, the top of the inner cavity is open, the annular boss is engaged with the top opening of the inner cavity and seals the inner cavity; and the edge of the lower partition extends to the cavity wall of the outer cavity and seals the outer cavity. Ventilation holes are provided on the cavity wall of the electrical cavity.

2. The battery box with an independent explosion venting channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermally conductive material is one or a combination of two or more of the following: thermally conductive oil, rosin, thermally conductive silicone, and graphite.

3. The battery box with an independent explosion venting channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The adsorption chamber is provided with a solid adsorbent material, which is one or a combination of two or more of the following: activated carbon, graphite, adsorbent resin, silica, porous glass, magnesium oxide, etc.

4. The battery box with an independent explosion venting channel as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner cavity is provided with a battery bracket, and multiple battery placement compartments are arranged side by side on the battery bracket, with one single battery placed in each battery placement compartment.

5. The battery box with an independent explosion venting channel as described in claim 4, characterized in that, There are multiple battery boxes with independent explosion venting channels, which are arranged side by side, and the adsorption chambers on the multiple battery boxes with independent explosion venting channels are all connected to the collection pipe through the exhaust pipe.

6. The battery box with an independent explosion venting channel as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The manifold is connected to the gas collection device.

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