Lithium ion battery energy storage circulating water spraying system

Abstract

The application discloses a lithium ion battery energy storage circulating water spraying system, which comprises a water curtain plate assembly, a spraying assembly, a water collecting tank assembly and a water storage mechanism. The lithium battery energy storage system is divided into multiple independent areas by the water curtain plate assembly, and the circulation of cooling water in the lithium battery energy storage system is realized by cooperation of the spraying assembly, the water collecting tank assembly and the water storage mechanism. When the lithium battery in a certain battery mounting area of the lithium battery energy storage system is in thermal runaway, the cooling water can be delivered to the corresponding water curtain plate by the spraying system in the first time to cool down and take away the heat emitted by the thermal runaway, so as to prevent the heat accumulation in the lithium battery energy storage system and prevent the thermal runaway from spreading to other normally-operating lithium batteries, thereby avoiding a chain reaction. The application effectively reduces the consumption of the cooling water through the recycling of the cooling water, avoids the contact between the cooling water and the high-voltage conductive part, and effectively improves the safety of the lithium ion battery energy storage system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery equipment technology, and in particular to a lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydropower have gradually become the main energy source. However, due to their randomness, volatility, and mismatch with electricity load, a large amount of energy storage is needed to undertake peak shaving, valley filling, and time-space conversion functions. Therefore, power energy storage is widely used in various scenarios such as generation, grid, and user sides. Electrochemical energy storage is a new type of power energy storage, which has advantages such as long life, high efficiency, fast dynamic response, no geographical restrictions, and flexible storage duration. Electrochemical energy storage can serve as a flexible regulation resource in new power systems dominated by new energy sources. Lithium-ion battery energy storage has many advantages such as high energy density, high output power, long charge-discharge life, no pollution, wide operating temperature range, and low self-discharge, and currently occupies an absolute dominant position in electrochemical energy storage. As a new type of high-energy electrochemical energy storage, lithium-ion battery energy storage faces the greatest challenge of safety in its progress toward solving human environmental pollution and energy crises. Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway due to material defects, manufacturing process control errors, control failures, and misuse. During thermal runaway, a large amount of heat is released, which can cause the thermal runaway to spread, leading to thermal runaway of the entire energy storage system and even causing safety accidents such as fires and explosions.

[0003] Currently, the industry primarily addresses lithium-ion battery safety issues through two main approaches. One is ensuring safety through maintenance or auxiliary management, such as using lithium-ion battery management systems to prevent short circuits, overcharging, or overheating. The other approach is enhancing the inherent safety of lithium-ion batteries by improving battery materials or optimizing design; this includes improving the stability of the positive electrode material, adding flame-retardant and overcharge-preventing additives to the electrolyte, and using novel separators such as ceramic membranes.

[0004] The above methods can only reduce the probability of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, but do not fundamentally solve the safety problem of lithium batteries. Once thermal runaway occurs in a lithium battery, the above methods cannot prevent the thermal runaway from happening and cannot solve the safety problems caused by the spread of thermal runaway. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system that can prevent the spread of thermal runaway after the lithium battery has experienced thermal runaway.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is: a lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system, which also includes a battery rack, including a water curtain plate assembly, a spray assembly, a water collection tank assembly and a water storage mechanism;

[0007] The water curtain panel assembly includes multiple water curtain panels that intersect vertically and are fixed on the battery rack, forming multiple isolated battery installation areas. The water curtain panels are provided with closed water channels that communicate with the spray assembly and the water collection tank assembly.

[0008] The spray assembly is positioned above the water curtain panel assembly. The spray assembly is equipped with nozzles that correspond one-to-one with the water curtain panel. The nozzles are connected to the closed water channels inside the corresponding water curtain panel, and each nozzle is connected to the water storage mechanism.

[0009] The water collection tank assembly is supported at the bottom of the water curtain panel assembly. The water collection tank assembly includes multiple water collection tanks that correspond one-to-one with the water curtain panel. The water collection tanks are connected to the closed water channels inside the corresponding water curtain panel.

[0010] The water storage mechanism is fixed to the bottom of the battery rack. The water storage mechanism includes a water storage tank and a submersible pump installed in the water storage tank. The outlet end of the submersible pump is connected to the nozzle in the spray assembly. The water storage tank is connected to the water collection tank.

[0011] The water curtain panel in the water curtain panel assembly separates the lithium batteries into individual battery installation areas, isolating them from each other. If a lithium battery in one installation area experiences thermal runaway, a submersible pump in the water storage mechanism supplies water to a spray system located above the water curtain panel assembly. The spray system then delivers cooling water through nozzles into the water curtain panel corresponding to the battery installation area experiencing thermal runaway. As the cooling water flows along the closed channels within the water curtain panel, it carries away the heat generated by the thermal runaway, preventing heat accumulation inside the lithium-ion battery energy storage system and preventing further aggravation of the runaway. Furthermore, the separation of the lithium batteries by the water curtain panel assembly prevents the spread of thermal runaway and avoids a chain reaction in other lithium batteries, thereby improving the safety of the lithium battery energy storage system.

[0012] As an improvement to the above solution, the water curtain panel consists of a frame and two covers that respectively cover the front and back of the frame to form a closed water channel. The top of the frame has a spray nozzle connected to the closed water channel, and the spray nozzle is connected to a corresponding nozzle. The bottom of the frame has a drain outlet connected to the closed water channel, and the drain outlet is connected to a corresponding water collection tank. By using the frame and covers, the water curtain panel is designed as a detachable assembly structure, facilitating later cleaning or maintenance of the closed water channel inside the water curtain panel. Furthermore, the assembly structure has the advantage of lower cost compared to a one-piece structure.

[0013] As an improvement to the above solution, the water curtain panel is fixedly connected to the battery rack via multiple fixing plates fixed to the frame. Adding fixing plates secures the water curtain panel, and when installing and fixing the water curtain panel with fasteners, the fixing plates facilitate the installation of screws, bolts, and other fasteners, while also improving the strength of the connection.

[0014] As an improvement to the above solution, the spray assembly includes a water pipe and multiple outlet branch pipes. The outlet branch pipes are connected to the water pipe via four-way pipes, and nozzles are installed on the outlet branch pipes. The water pipe is connected to the outlet end of the submersible pump. The cooling water is diverted through the cooperation of the water pipe and the outlet branch pipes. The cooling water delivered by the submersible pump is quickly distributed to the nozzles corresponding to each water curtain plate through the water pipe. In the event of thermal runaway of the lithium battery, the cooling water can be quickly and accurately delivered to the safe area of ​​the battery that needs cooling.

[0015] As a preferred embodiment, the nozzle is a conical nozzle, with its small end connected to the water outlet branch pipe and its large end connected to the closed water channel within the water curtain plate. Setting the nozzle to a conical shape and defining its orientation allows the cooling water to be sprayed out in a diffused manner, ensuring uniform dispersion within the closed water channel of the water curtain plate. This increases the contact area between the cooling water and the water curtain plate during flow, thereby improving the heat exchange efficiency of the cooling water and enhancing the cooling effect in the area where lithium battery thermal runaway occurs.

[0016] As an improvement to the above solution, the top of the water collection tank in the water collection tank assembly is provided with an opening to form a slot. The slot of the water collection tank matches the bottom of the corresponding water curtain plate, and the bottom of the water curtain plate is inserted into the slot of the corresponding water collection tank to form a tight fit. By improving the structure of the water collection tank, the connection between the water collection tank and the water curtain plate is achieved by using a snap-fit ​​fit between the slot at the top of the water collection tank and the water curtain plate. The connection between the water collection tank and the water curtain plate can be quickly completed by simply inserting the bottom of the water curtain plate into the slot of the corresponding water collection tank. At the same time, the water curtain plate seals the slot of the water collection tank to achieve a seal. There is no need to set up a separate connection structure and sealing structure, which simplifies the structure and saves costs while reducing assembly difficulty.

[0017] As an improvement to the above solution, the water collection tank includes a first water collection tank and a second water collection tank arranged vertically and alternately. The bottom of the first water collection tank is equipped with a drain pipe, and the bottom of the second water collection tank is equipped with a water outlet. The first water collection tank is arranged on top of the second water collection tank, with the drain pipe extending into the second water collection tank. The water outlet on the second water collection tank is connected to a water storage tank. Fixed supports are fixed to the bottom of both the first and second water collection tanks. By limiting the distribution of the water collection tanks, the distribution of the first and second water collection tanks is made consistent with the distribution of the water curtain panel in the water curtain panel assembly. The cooperation of the first and second water collection tanks collects the cooling water remaining within the water curtain panel, ensuring that all cooling water is recovered. Then, the water is centrally transported to the water storage tank through the water outlet on the second water collection tank, thereby accelerating the circulation of cooling water.

[0018] As an improvement to the above solution, the outlet of the submersible pump in the water storage mechanism is connected to the nozzle in the spray assembly via an inlet pipe, and the water storage tank in the water storage mechanism is connected to the collection tank via an outlet pipe; both the inlet and outlet pipes are equipped with solenoid valves. The circulation of cooling water between the water storage tank and other components is achieved through the inlet and outlet pipes, facilitating the design of the water storage tank as a sealed tank. Furthermore, the opening and closing of the inlet and outlet pipes and the cooling water flow rate are controlled by the solenoid valves, enabling intelligent operation of the entire spray system.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention divides the lithium battery energy storage system into multiple independent areas through a water curtain panel assembly. Simultaneously, the circulation of cooling water within the lithium battery energy storage system is achieved through the cooperation of a spray assembly, a water collection tank assembly, and a water storage mechanism. When a lithium battery in a certain battery installation area of ​​the lithium battery energy storage system experiences thermal runaway, cooling water can be immediately transported to the corresponding water curtain panel via the spray system for cooling, removing the heat dissipated by the thermal runaway to prevent heat accumulation inside the lithium battery energy storage system. This also prevents the thermal runaway from spreading to other normally operating lithium batteries, thus avoiding a chain reaction. This invention effectively reduces cooling water consumption through the recycling of cooling water. Furthermore, keeping the cooling water flow path closed prevents contact between cooling water and high-voltage conductive parts, preventing secondary safety accidents such as leakage and arcing, and effectively improving the safety of the lithium-ion battery energy storage system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the structure of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the water curtain panel assembly;

[0023] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the water curtain panel structure.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a bottom view of the water curtain panel.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the spray assembly.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the water collection tank assembly;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first water collection tank;

[0028] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the second water collection tank;

[0029] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the water storage mechanism.

[0030] The markings in the diagram are as follows: 100-Battery rack, 200-Water curtain panel assembly, 210-Water curtain panel, 211-Frame, 212-Mask, 213-Spray nozzle, 214-Drain outlet, 220-Fixing plate, 300-Spray assembly, 310-Nozzle, 320-Water pipe, 330-Outlet branch pipe, 340-Four-way pipe, 400-Water collection tank assembly, 410-Water collection tank, 411-First water collection tank, 412-Second water collection tank, 420-Drain pipe, 430-Outlet, 440-Fixing bracket, 510-Water storage tank, 520-Submersible pump, 530-Inlet pipe, 540-Outlet pipe, 550-Solenoid valve. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inner", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system disclosed in this invention includes a battery rack 100, a water curtain plate assembly 200, a spray assembly 300, a water collection tank assembly 400, and a water storage mechanism. The battery rack 100 serves as the structural foundation of the battery energy storage system, and the lithium batteries, water curtain plate assembly 200, spray assembly 300, water collection tank assembly 400, and water storage mechanism are all mounted on the battery rack 100. The water curtain plate assembly 200 is used to isolate the lithium batteries on the battery rack 100 and to transport cooling water to each zone. The spray assembly 300 is used to transport cooling water above the water curtain plate assembly 200 and spray it into the water curtain plate corresponding to the zone where the lithium battery experiencing thermal runaway is located. The water collection tank assembly 400 is used to collect and recover the cooling water flowing out of the water curtain plate assembly 200, and the recovered cooling water is transported to the water storage mechanism. The water storage mechanism is used to store cooling water, transport cooling water to the spray assembly 300, and receive cooling water recovered by the water collection tank assembly 400. The water curtain panel assembly 200, the spray assembly 300, the water collection tank assembly 400, and the water storage mechanism are connected to form a cooling water circulation system.

[0034] Specifically, the water curtain panel assembly 200, such as Figure 3 As shown, the water curtain panel assembly 200 is composed of multiple water curtain panels 210 connected together. The water curtain panels 210 are fixed perpendicularly and alternately on the battery rack 100. The water curtain panel assembly 200 divides the battery rack 100 into multiple isolated battery mounting areas, and lithium batteries are installed and fixed in each battery mounting area. A closed water channel is provided within the water curtain panel 210. The top of the closed water channel is connected to the spray assembly 300, and the bottom of the closed water channel is connected to the water collection tank assembly 400. When cooling is required, the spray assembly 300 sprays cooling water into the corresponding water curtain panel 210. Under its own gravity, the cooling water flows downward along the closed water channel. During the flow, the cooling water absorbs heat from the corresponding battery mounting area. Finally, the cooling water flows to the bottom of the water curtain panel 210 and enters the water collection tank assembly 400, which is connected to the water curtain panel 210.

[0035] The structure of water curtain panel 210 is as follows Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown, the water curtain panel 210 consists of a frame 211 and a cover plate 212. The frame 211 is a rectangular frame, and the shape of the cover plate 212 is adapted to the frame 211. A cover plate 212 is placed on the front and back sides of the frame 211 to form a closed cavity inside the water curtain panel 210. This cavity is a closed water channel. A spray nozzle 213 is opened at the top of the frame 211. The spray nozzle 213 is connected to the closed water channel inside the water curtain panel 210 and also to the nozzle 310 on the spray assembly 300. A drain outlet 214 is opened at the bottom of the frame 211. The drain outlet 214 is connected to the closed water channel inside the water curtain panel 210 and also to the water collection tank 410 in the water collection assembly 400. Cooling water supplied by the spray assembly 300 is sprayed into the spray nozzle 213 through the nozzle 310, flows through the closed water channel inside the water curtain panel 210, and then enters the drain outlet 214, and then enters the water collection tank 410 below through the drain outlet 214. The water curtain panel 210 is connected and fixed to the battery rack 100 and other water curtain panels 210 by multiple fixing plates 220 set on the side of the frame 211.

[0036] like Figure 6 As shown, the spray assembly 300 of this invention consists of nozzles 310, water pipes 320, and outlet branch pipes 330. The water pipes 320 are vertically positioned above the water storage mechanism and connected to the outlet end of the submersible pump 520 within the water storage mechanism. The top of the water pipes 320 is connected to multiple outlet branch pipes 330. The outlet branch pipes 330 are connected to the water pipes 320 via four-way pipes 340. The outlet branch pipes 330 are located above the water curtain plate assembly 200. The nozzles 310 are installed on each outlet branch pipe 330, with each nozzle 310 corresponding to one water curtain plate 210. To improve the heat dissipation effect of the cooling water, the nozzles 310 can be tapered. The small end of the tapered nozzle is connected to the outlet branch pipe 330, and the large end of the tapered nozzle is connected to the spray nozzle 213 on the water curtain plate 210. The water outlet pipe 320 transports the cooling water stored in the water storage mechanism upward to each water outlet branch pipe 330, and then sprays it into the corresponding water curtain plate 210 through the nozzle 310.

[0037] like Figure 7 As shown, the water collection tank assembly 400 of this invention consists of multiple water collection tanks 410. Each water collection tank 410 is a rectangular groove structure with an open top forming a slot. The slot size of the water collection tank 410 is adapted to the corresponding bottom size of the water curtain plate 210, allowing the water collection tank 410 and the water curtain plate 210 to be connected via a plug-in connection. The bottom of the water curtain plate 210 is inserted into the slot of the water collection tank 410 to close it, while simultaneously communicating with the closed water channels inside the water curtain plate 210. Since the water curtain plates 210 in the water curtain plate assembly 200 are arranged in a vertically intersecting manner, the water collection tanks 410 are also arranged accordingly; specifically, the water collection tanks 410 employ a vertically staggered arrangement of first water collection tanks 411 and second water collection tanks 412, as shown... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the first water collection tank 411 and the second water collection tank 412 have the same structure, except that the first water collection tank 411 has a drain pipe 420 at its bottom, and the second water collection tank 412 has a water outlet 430 at its bottom, which is connected to the water storage mechanism. Both the first water collection tank 411 and the second water collection tank 412 are supported by fixed brackets 440 at their respective bottoms. The first water collection tank 411 is positioned above the second water collection tank 412, so that the drain pipe 420 at the bottom of the first water collection tank 411 is inserted into the second water collection tank 412 below. Furthermore, the bottom of the water curtain panel assembly 200 needs to be adjusted to allow the bottom of the water curtain panel 210 to connect with the first water collection tank 411 and the second water collection tank 412, which have different heights. Cooling water flowing from the bottom of the water curtain plate 210 enters each water collection tank 410. Cooling water entering the first water collection tank 411 flows into the second water collection tank 412 through the drain pipe 420. Cooling water from each of the first water collection tanks 411 is collected in the second water collection tank 412 and then flows into the water storage mechanism through the outlet 430 at the bottom of the second water collection tank 412 for recycling and storage.

[0038] like Figure 10 As shown, the water storage mechanism of this invention includes a water storage tank 510 and a submersible pump 520. The water storage tank 510 is fixed to the bottom of the battery rack 100 and sealed. The submersible pump 520 is installed in the water storage tank 510. The outlet end of the submersible pump 520 is connected to the water pipe 320 in the spray assembly 300 through a water inlet pipe 530. The outlet 430 on the water collection tank 410 is connected to the water storage tank 510 through a water outlet pipe 540. When the submersible pump 520 is working, it pressurizes the cooling water in the water storage tank 510 and draws it into the water pipe 320, and then delivers it to each of the outlet branch pipes 330 in the spray assembly 300 through the water pipe 320. Furthermore, in order to control the flow rate of the cooling water in the lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system, solenoid valves 550 can be installed on both the water inlet pipe 530 and the water outlet pipe 540.

[0039] In this invention, each component of the water curtain panel assembly 200, the spray assembly 300, and the water collection tank assembly 400 can be made of fire-resistant metal.

Claims

1. A lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system, comprising a battery rack (100), characterized in that: It also includes a water curtain panel assembly (200), a spray assembly (300), a water collection tank assembly (400), and a water storage mechanism; The water curtain panel assembly (200) includes multiple water curtain panels (210), which intersect vertically and are fixed on the battery rack (100) so that the water curtain panel assembly (200) forms multiple mutually isolated battery installation areas. The water curtain panel (210) is provided with a closed water channel that communicates with the spray assembly (300) and the water collection tank assembly (400). The spray assembly (300) is positioned above the water curtain plate assembly (200). The spray assembly (300) is provided with nozzles (310) that correspond one-to-one with the water curtain plate (210). The nozzles (310) are connected to the closed water channels in the corresponding water curtain plate (210), and each nozzle (310) is connected to the water storage mechanism. The water collection tank assembly (400) is supported at the bottom of the water curtain panel assembly (200). The water collection tank assembly (400) includes a plurality of water collection tanks (410) corresponding one-to-one with the water curtain panel (210). The water collection tanks (410) are connected to the closed water channels in the corresponding water curtain panel (210). The water storage mechanism is fixed to the bottom of the battery rack (100). The water storage mechanism includes a water storage tank (510) and a submersible pump (520) installed in the water storage tank (510). The outlet end of the submersible pump (520) is connected to the nozzle (310) in the spray assembly (300). The water storage tank (510) is connected to the water collection tank (410).

2. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The water curtain panel (210) consists of a frame (211) and two covers (212) that cover the front and back of the frame (211) respectively to form a closed water channel; the top of the frame (211) is provided with a spray nozzle (213) that communicates with the closed water channel, and the spray nozzle (213) is connected to the corresponding nozzle (310); the bottom of the frame (211) is provided with a drain outlet (214) that communicates with the closed water channel, and the drain outlet (214) is connected to the corresponding water collection tank (410).

3. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The water curtain panel (210) is fixedly connected to the battery rack (100) by multiple fixing plates (220) fixed on the frame (211).

4. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The spray assembly (300) includes a water pipe (320) and multiple outlet branch pipes (330). The outlet branch pipes (330) are connected to the water pipe (320) through a four-way pipe (340). The nozzles (310) are installed on the outlet branch pipes (330). The water pipe (320) is connected to the outlet end of the submersible pump (520).

5. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The nozzle (310) is a conical nozzle. The small end of the conical nozzle is connected to the water outlet branch pipe (330), and the large end of the conical nozzle is connected to the closed water channel inside the water curtain plate (210).

6. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the water collection tank (410) in the water collection tank assembly (400) is provided with an opening to form a slot. The slot of the water collection tank (410) matches the bottom of the corresponding water curtain plate (210). The bottom of the water curtain plate (210) is inserted into the slot of the corresponding water collection tank (410) to form a sealed fit.

7. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The water collection tank (410) includes a first water collection tank (411) and a second water collection tank (412) arranged vertically and alternately. The bottom of the first water collection tank (411) is provided with a drain pipe (420), and the bottom of the second water collection tank (412) is provided with a water outlet (430). The first water collection tank (411) is arranged on the second water collection tank (412) and the drain pipe (420) extends into the second water collection tank (412). The water outlet (430) on the second water collection tank (412) is connected to the water storage tank (510). The bottom of the first water collection tank (411) and the second water collection tank (412) are both fixed with a fixed bracket (440).

8. The lithium-ion battery energy storage circulating water spray system as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The outlet end of the submersible pump (520) in the water storage mechanism is connected to the nozzle (310) in the spray assembly (300) through the inlet pipe (530), and the water storage tank (510) in the water storage mechanism is connected to the water collection tank (410) through the outlet pipe (540); both the inlet pipe (530) and the outlet pipe (540) are equipped with solenoid valves (550).

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