A laboratory battery processing method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a laboratory battery processing method, which relates to the field of laboratory battery processing. The method includes selecting a quality and electrical performance test method corresponding to a target battery according to the type of the target battery, and obtaining a first parameter of the target battery in the quality and electrical performance test; the first parameter includes external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy; when the target battery is a new battery and a retired battery, respectively judging whether the first parameter meets a preset condition; the target battery that meets the preset condition is placed in a corresponding partition for storage, and the battery disassembly materials obtained by disassembling new batteries that do not meet the preset condition are placed in a battery material area for storage; and the retired batteries that do not meet the preset condition are divided into a waste battery area for storage. The present invention tests the target battery to determine whether the target battery meets the preset condition, and after the test, the target battery is divided and stored in a waste battery area and a battery material area, thereby avoiding battery pollution to the environment and ensuring environmental safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of laboratory battery processing, in particular to a laboratory battery processing method. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the development of new energy vehicles and energy storage power stations, which use batteries as energy storage vehicles, has gained increasing attention. Battery R&D and production bases, as well as new energy battery testing laboratories, have been rapidly established across China. However, the construction and planning of a comprehensive new energy lithium battery testing laboratory is a major challenge for many companies involved in new energy manufacturing. Due to the unique characteristics and complexity of batteries, battery testing laboratories differ from conventional laboratories in that they require consideration of numerous safety and environmental factors. Consequently, a standardized laboratory battery handling method is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a laboratory battery processing method.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0005] A laboratory battery processing method, the method comprising:

[0006] Selecting a quality and electrical performance test method corresponding to the target battery according to the type of the target battery, and obtaining a first parameter of the target battery in the quality and electrical performance test; the quality and electrical performance test includes a general battery test, an initial charge and discharge energy test, a rate charge and discharge performance test, and a low-temperature charge and discharge performance test; the first parameter includes external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy;

[0007] When the target battery is a new battery, determining whether the first parameter meets a first preset condition;

[0008] If the first parameter satisfies a first preset condition, the target battery is divided into a new battery recyclable area for storage;

[0009] If the first parameter does not meet the first preset condition, disassembling the target battery and storing the battery disassembly materials obtained from the disassembly in a battery material area;

[0010] When the target battery is a retired battery, determining whether the first parameter meets a second preset condition;

[0011] If the first parameter satisfies a second preset condition, the target battery is divided into a second-use area for storage;

[0012] If the first parameter does not meet the second preset condition, the target battery is classified into a waste battery area for storage.

[0013] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0014] When the target battery is a deteriorated battery, the target battery is disassembled, and the battery disassembly materials obtained from the disassembly are stored in the battery material disassembly area.

[0015] Optionally, before the target battery is divided into the new battery recyclable area for storage, the method further includes: charging the target battery to a preset state of charge.

[0016] Optionally, disassembling the target battery specifically includes:

[0017] Disassembling the target battery in an inert atmosphere glove box to obtain battery disassembly materials;

[0018] Performing physical and chemical performance tests on the battery disassembly materials to obtain morphology and structural data of the battery disassembly materials to determine the relationship between the degradation of the target battery or the unqualified external performance of the new battery and the internal materials; the physical and chemical performance tests include XRD testing and / or SEM testing.

[0019] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0020] The battery disassembled materials are classified into positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, electrolytes, separator materials and shells.

[0021] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0022] A safety performance test is performed on the target batteries in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area; the safety performance test includes a drop test.

[0023] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0024] Regularly test the target batteries in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area to obtain second parameters; the second parameters include voltage and internal resistance.

[0025] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0026] The batteries in each zone are classified according to the type of the target battery, and the zones include a new battery recycling zone, a cascade utilization zone, a waste battery zone, and a battery material zone.

[0027] Optionally, the method further includes:

[0028] The target battery is subjected to a quality and electrical performance cycle test at a preset rate, and during the cycle quality and electrical performance test, the external dimensions, charge and discharge energy, and temperature of the target battery are measured.

[0029] Optionally, the second preset condition is that the external dimensions of the target battery do not change during the quality and electrical performance cycle test, the charge and discharge energy retention rate of the target battery is higher than the set charge and discharge energy retention rate, and the operating temperature of the target battery is lower than the set temperature value.

[0030] According to the specific embodiments provided by the present invention, the present invention discloses the following technical effects: the laboratory battery processing method provided by the present invention includes: selecting the quality and electrical performance test method corresponding to the target battery according to the type of the target battery, and obtaining the first parameter of the target battery in the quality and electrical performance test; the quality and electrical performance test includes battery general detection, initial charge and discharge energy test, rate charge and discharge performance test, and low-temperature charge and discharge performance test; the first parameter includes external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy; when the target battery is a new battery, judging whether the first parameter meets the first preset condition; if the first parameter meets the first preset condition, the target battery is divided into a new battery recyclable area for storage; if the first parameter does not meet the first preset condition, the target battery is disassembled, and the battery disassembly material obtained by the disassembly is placed in a battery material area for storage; when the target battery is a retired battery, judging whether the first parameter meets the second preset condition; if the first parameter meets the second preset condition, the target battery is divided into a cascade utilization area for storage; if the first parameter does not meet the second preset condition, the target battery is divided into a waste battery area for storage. The present invention tests the target battery to determine whether the target battery meets the preset conditions. After the test, the retired batteries and battery disassembly materials that cannot be reused are stored in separate areas, namely, in the waste battery area and the battery material area, thereby avoiding battery pollution to the environment and ensuring environmental safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of the laboratory battery processing method provided by the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a laboratory battery processing method, which tests the target battery to determine whether the target battery is qualified. After the test, the retired batteries and battery disassembly materials that cannot be reused are stored in separate areas, namely, in the waste battery area and the battery material area, thereby avoiding battery pollution to the environment and ensuring environmental safety.

[0035] In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the present invention is further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, the present invention provides a laboratory battery processing method, the method comprising:

[0037] S1: Select the quality and electrical performance test method corresponding to the target battery according to the type of the target battery, and obtain the first parameter of the target battery in the quality and electrical performance test; the quality and electrical performance test includes general battery detection, initial charge and discharge energy test, rate charge and discharge performance test, and low-temperature charge and discharge performance test; the first parameter includes external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy.

[0038] S2: When the target battery is a new battery, determine whether the first parameter meets a first preset condition; if the first parameter meets the first preset condition, classify the target battery into a new battery recyclable area for storage; if the first parameter does not meet the first preset condition, disassemble the target battery, and place the battery disassembly materials obtained from the disassembly into a battery material area for storage.

[0039] S3: When the target battery is a retired battery, determine whether the first parameter meets a second preset condition; if the first parameter meets the second preset condition, classify the target battery into a cascade utilization area for storage; if the first parameter does not meet the second preset condition, classify the target battery into a waste battery area for storage.

[0040] In this embodiment, after the target battery arrives at the laboratory, a battery tester is first used to measure and record the target battery's voltage and internal resistance. The specifications and status parameters of the target battery are then obtained from the tester. Testing is typically performed within a week of the battery's arrival, so no additional maintenance is required. Before testing begins, the battery tester is used to measure and record the target battery's voltage and internal resistance again to compare any changes in battery status.

[0041] Then, according to the type of target battery, select the corresponding test standard. For example, for lead-acid batteries, the corresponding quality and electrical performance tests can be carried out according to GB / T19638.1-2014 "Stationary valve-regulated lead-acid batteries Part 1: Technical conditions" and DL / T637-2019 "Stationary valve-regulated lead-acid batteries for electric power". For lithium iron phosphate batteries, the quality and electrical performance tests can be carried out according to GB / T36276-2018 "Lithium-ion batteries for power energy storage". The quality and electrical performance test method in this embodiment includes general battery inspection (including appearance inspection, polarity inspection, external dimensions and mass measurement), initial charge and discharge energy test, rate charge and discharge performance test, low-temperature charge and discharge performance test and other type test items. Based on the test standards of the test items and the specifications and status parameters of the target battery mentioned above, the quality and electrical performance tests are carried out to obtain the performance parameters such as the charge and discharge energy and temperature characteristics of the target battery, and to evaluate whether the target battery meets the standards (whether the battery meets the standards refers to whether the new battery is qualified or whether the retired battery can be recycled). Specifically:

[0042] For new batteries, the battery test is completed according to the test item requirements of the inspection party and the corresponding quality and electrical performance test methods in the standard to obtain the first parameter. It is then determined whether the target battery meets the first preset condition. If the first preset condition is met, the target battery can be allocated to the new battery recycling area for storage, awaiting subsequent maintenance and unified recycling. This indicates that the battery can be connected to the network and the target battery test is complete. The target battery network access means that the target battery has completed the network access certification and the target battery information can be queried. In this embodiment, before the target battery is allocated to the new battery recycling area for storage, it is also charged to a preset state of charge. In this embodiment, the target battery is charged to a state of charge of 40% to 50%.

[0043] It should be noted that the first parameters include the external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy of the target battery, and the first preset condition refers to the technical requirements recorded for each target size in the test standard corresponding to the type of the target battery.

[0044] For retired batteries, this embodiment further includes: performing a quality and electrical performance cycle test on the target battery at a preset rate, and measuring the target battery's dimensions, temperature, charge / discharge energy, and internal resistance during the cycle quality and electrical performance test. Taking retired electric vehicle batteries as an example, a battery impedance meter and a battery testing system are used to test the target battery's DC and AC internal resistance. Quality and electrical performance tests are performed at 0.5C, 1C, and 2C rates, and first parameters of the target battery, namely, charge / discharge energy and temperature, are measured in real time. In other embodiments, the first parameters also include DC and AC internal resistances, as well as voltage during the quality and electrical performance cycle test at 0.5C, 1C, and 2C rates. A determination is made as to whether the target battery's first parameters meet a second preset condition. If so, the target battery can be recycled and stored in a recycling area. If not, it is stored in a waste battery area. The second preset condition is that the target battery's dimensions remain unchanged during the quality and electrical performance cycle test, the target battery's charge / discharge energy retention rate exceeds a preset charge / discharge energy retention rate, and the target battery's operating temperature is below a preset temperature value. In this embodiment, the set temperature value is 45°C, and the charge and discharge energy retention rate is 80%. That is, the second preset condition is that the physical changes such as the appearance of the target battery do not change during the quality and electrical performance cycle test, the charge and discharge energy retention rate of the target battery is higher than 80%, and the operating temperature of the target battery is lower than 45°C.

[0045] In this embodiment, after the target battery is subjected to quality and electrical performance tests, the external dimensions, charge and discharge energy, and temperature of the target battery also need to be measured. In this embodiment, when the charge and discharge energy of the power battery decays to 80% of the rated value, it needs to be retired. There are currently two main methods for recycling retired power batteries: cascade utilization and disassembly and recycling. Whether retired lithium iron phosphate power batteries can be recycled and their application areas mainly depend on the remaining capacity of the battery (i.e., charge and discharge energy). When the remaining capacity of the battery is between 30% and 80%, it can be recycled; when it is less than 30%, it does not meet the standards for cascade utilization and should be disassembled and recycled.

[0046] In this embodiment, the method further includes: when the target battery is a deteriorated battery, disassembling the target battery, and storing the battery disassembly materials obtained by the disassembly in the battery material disassembly area.

[0047] It should be noted that whether the target battery is a new battery, a retired battery, or a degraded battery is subject to the instructions of the tester. In addition, if the tester requests that the battery not be disassembled after testing, it must be disassembled. If the tester requests that the battery not be disassembled, it will not be disassembled.

[0048] Lithium metal is a national strategic resource and is relatively scarce. In addition, if used batteries are not properly handled, it will cause serious environmental pollution and energy waste. Recycling and reuse can not only avoid environmental pollution, but also have certain economic benefits, which is of great benefit to the sustainable development of the power battery industry. The pretreatment process can effectively improve the recovery rate and reduce energy consumption in subsequent processes. The main goal is to separate the different components and active materials of the battery in a safe and effective manner. In the laboratory research process, manual disassembly is mainly used, and the product obtained by manual disassembly is relatively pure.

[0049] The following is an introduction to the disassembly process of the target battery:

[0050] In this embodiment, the step S1 of disassembling the target battery specifically includes:

[0051] Disassembling the target battery in an inert atmosphere glove box to obtain battery disassembly materials;

[0052] Physical and chemical performance testing is performed on the disassembled battery materials to obtain morphological and structural data to determine the relationship between the degradation of the target battery or the unsatisfactory external performance of the new battery and the internal materials. Such physical and chemical performance testing may include XRD testing and / or SEM testing. It should be noted that the disassembled battery materials subjected to physical and chemical performance testing are only one or more of the disassembled battery materials. The disassembled battery materials subjected to physical and chemical performance testing are handled according to the laboratory's existing chemical recycling system.

[0053] In this embodiment, the method further includes: classifying the battery dismantling materials into positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, electrolytes, separator materials, and casings. The battery dismantling materials classified here are battery dismantling materials that have not been tested for physical and chemical properties.

[0054] The following is an introduction to battery recycling:

[0055] (1) Set up a special storage area for inspected target battery samples, and divide the area again according to the storage category, into new battery recycling area, cascade utilization area, waste battery area and battery material area.

[0056] (2) Use three-dimensional shelves for storage. During the storage of samples, the environment must be kept dry and the temperature must be stable and moderate.

[0057] (3) Master the performance test results of each target battery and record the storage number of each battery. The storage number is the first letter-type-brand-model-year sent to the laboratory-number (1, 2, 3...). For example, the 35th target battery sent to the laboratory in 2020 and stored in the new battery recycling area is a lithium iron phosphate battery of brand X and model Y. Its storage number is KHS-lithium iron phosphate-XY-2020-35.

[0058] (4) After the target battery is placed in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area, a safety performance test is also performed on the target battery placed in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area; the safety performance test includes a drop test.

[0059] (5) Regularly test the batteries in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area to obtain the second parameters; the second parameters include voltage, internal resistance, etc. and record the second parameters.

[0060] (6) For batteries whose performance is lower than the standard requirements or batteries that have been disassembled (referring to the waste battery area), their materials can be recycled and reused;

[0061] (7) Classifying the batteries in each zone according to the type of the target battery, including a new battery recycling zone, a cascade utilization zone, a waste battery zone, and a battery material zone. Specifically, the zones are planned and stored according to type, such as lithium iron phosphate, lead-acid batteries, sodium ion batteries, fuel cells, and final forms, such as battery disassembly materials, monomers, modules, and battery packs;

[0062] (8) When storing, the target battery should be stored vertically, not upside down or lying flat, and should avoid deformation caused by stacking or squeezing, or leakage caused by damage to the battery product.

[0063] For example, GB / T36276 specifies the storage method of lithium-ion batteries for power energy storage:

[0064] a) It should be stored at 40% to 50% state of charge in a clean, dry and well-ventilated room with an ambient temperature of 5°C to 35°C and a relative humidity of no more than 95%;

[0065] b) Do not store upside down and avoid mechanical shock and heavy pressure;

[0066] c) Store away from direct sunlight, corrosive media, and fire and heat sources;

[0067] d) From the date of leaving the factory, the battery should be recharged according to the specified requirements every 6 months of storage.

[0068] (9) Ensure good insulation protection of electrodes to prevent accidental short circuit;

[0069] (10) All areas should be inspected regularly and any hidden dangers found should be eliminated immediately.

[0070] (11) Develop emergency response plans for various lithium iron phosphate battery accidents and conduct regular drills when conditions permit.

[0071] In the initial stage of laboratory construction, the present invention mainly focuses on the planning of the laboratory in terms of test content, building planning, equipment layout, etc., with the goal of reducing experimental operation risks and forming a systematic detection capability. A scientific and reasonable zoning method is adopted to improve the stability and safety of the test. The general functional zoning includes: 1) electrical performance test area, 2) mechanical performance test area, 3) environmental test area, 4) auxiliary function area, and 5) battery safety test area.

[0072] The present invention fully considers the battery disassembly and material physical and chemical testing parts, and fully considers the performance gap of the test samples. Some batteries are new batteries from the factory, and some are batteries that have abnormalities or aged after operation. The battery storage, maintenance and processing methods are reasonably designed, and the target battery is tested to determine whether the target battery is qualified. Moreover, after the test, the retired batteries and battery disassembly materials that cannot be recycled are partitioned and stored in the waste battery area and battery material area respectively, thereby avoiding battery pollution to the environment, ensuring environmental safety, and ensuring the closed-loop standardized management of samples by the battery testing laboratory, while reducing the battery waste rate and improving the battery recycling rate.

[0073] This document uses specific examples to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The above examples are only intended to help understand the method and core concept of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will find that the specific implementation methods and application scopes may vary based on the concept of the present invention. In summary, the contents of this specification should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

Claims

1. A laboratory battery processing method, characterized in that: The method comprises: Selecting a quality and electrical performance test method corresponding to the target battery according to the type of the target battery, and obtaining a first parameter of the target battery in the quality and electrical performance test; the quality and electrical performance test includes a general battery test, an initial charge and discharge energy test, a rate charge and discharge performance test, and a low-temperature charge and discharge performance test; the first parameter includes external dimensions, temperature, and charge and discharge energy; Performing a quality and electrical performance cycle test on the target battery at a preset rate, and measuring the dimensions, charge and discharge energy, and temperature of the target battery during the cycle quality and electrical performance test; When the target battery is a new battery, determining whether the first parameter satisfies a first preset condition; the first preset condition refers to the technical requirements recorded for each target size in the test standard corresponding to the type of the target battery; If the first parameter satisfies a first preset condition, the target battery is divided into a new battery recyclable area for storage; If the first parameter does not meet the first preset condition, disassembling the target battery and storing the battery disassembly materials obtained from the disassembly in a battery material area; When the target battery is a retired battery, determining whether the first parameter meets a second preset condition; the second preset condition is that the outer dimensions of the target battery do not change during the quality and electrical performance cycle test, the energy retention rate of the target battery is higher than a set energy retention rate, and the operating temperature of the target battery is lower than a set temperature value; If the first parameter satisfies a second preset condition, the target battery is divided into a second-use area for storage; If the first parameter does not meet the second preset condition, the target battery is classified into a waste battery area for storage; When the target battery is a deteriorated battery, the target battery is disassembled, and the battery disassembly materials obtained from the disassembly are stored in the battery material disassembly area; Regularly test the target batteries in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area to obtain second parameters; the second parameters include voltage and internal resistance.

2. The laboratory battery processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before the target battery is divided into the new battery recyclable area for storage, the method further includes: charging the target battery to a preset state of charge.

3. The laboratory battery processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The disassembling of the target battery specifically includes: Disassembling the target battery in an inert atmosphere glove box to obtain battery disassembly materials; The battery disassembly material is subjected to physical and chemical performance tests to obtain morphology and structural data of the battery disassembly material, so as to explore the relationship between the degradation of the target battery or the unqualified external performance of the new battery and the internal material; the physical and chemical performance tests include XRD tests and / or SEM tests.

4. The laboratory battery processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The battery disassembled materials are classified into positive electrode materials, negative electrode materials, electrolytes, separator materials and shells.

5. The laboratory battery processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: A safety performance test is performed on the target batteries in the new battery recycling area and the cascade utilization area; the safety performance test includes a drop test.

6. The laboratory battery processing method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further comprises: The batteries in each zone are classified according to the type of the target battery, and the zones include a new battery recycling zone, a cascade utilization zone, a waste battery zone, and a battery material zone.

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