A waste lithium battery discharging device

Abstract

The present application relates to waste lithium battery processing technical field, especially to a kind of waste lithium battery discharging device.The present application includes feed chamber, first heat exchange chamber, temperature measurement room, second heat exchange chamber and discharge chamber.The present application is designed by the structure of heat release mechanism, so that the device can quickly process large quantities of waste lithium battery heat release, and there is no limit to the size of waste lithium battery, improve the efficiency of the device, and the way of water cooling indirect heat exchange and air cooling direct heat exchange, weaken the heat generated in the process of waste lithium battery discharging, effectively prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion and other accidents, and through the structure design of temperature measurement room and temperature measurement mechanism, the device can detect the discharging condition of waste lithium battery, and combined with the arrangement of first stop valve, second stop valve, third stop valve, fourth stop valve and second heat exchange chamber, real-time adjustment is carried out, so as to meet the discharging demand of waste lithium battery with different residual capacity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of waste lithium battery processing technology, and in particular to a waste lithium battery discharge device. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, lithium batteries have been widely used in various portable electronic devices and electric vehicles due to their advantages such as high voltage, high specific energy, long cycle life, and good safety performance. However, as the cycle life of lithium batteries reaches its limit, a large number of lithium batteries are being discarded indiscriminately. Lithium batteries contain metal elements such as cobalt, lithium, manganese, and nickel, as well as fluorine-containing electrolytes. Improper disposal not only causes serious environmental damage but also represents a significant waste of resources. Therefore, how to efficiently, economically, and environmentally recycle used lithium batteries is of great practical significance.

[0003] Since used lithium batteries often retain some charge, they must first undergo deep discharge to prevent accidents such as combustion and explosion during subsequent dismantling and crushing. Currently, the following technical solutions are mainly used for discharging used lithium batteries:

[0004] 1. Physical load discharge. This involves connecting the used lithium batteries to a circuit with a fixed resistance to deplete the remaining charge. This method achieves safe and stable discharge without producing harmful gases. However, for a large number of individual batteries, manually connecting them is extremely labor-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale processing.

[0005] 2. Puncture Discharge. The used lithium battery is punctured directly with a steel needle, causing a short circuit between the positive and negative terminals, thus dissipating the remaining charge. This method can quickly dispose of used lithium batteries, but it easily causes the battery to short-circuit and generate heat that is difficult to dissipate, potentially leading to a fire. It also releases a large amount of toxic and harmful gases.

[0006] 3. Chemical solution discharge. This method involves directly immersing used lithium batteries in a chemical solution (such as NaCl solution, NaOH solution, and various sulfate solutions) to discharge the batteries using the conductivity of the solution. While this method can quickly process used lithium batteries, the electrolytic reaction with the solution easily generates large amounts of toxic and harmful gases. Furthermore, prolonged operation produces a large amount of alkaline waste liquid, resulting in significant environmental impact.

[0007] In addition to the aforementioned mainstream technical solutions, Chinese utility model patent CN201920700243.4 discloses a waste lithium battery discharge device, which mainly includes a motor and a cylinder. The motor is connected to a propulsion shaft via a coupling. The end of the propulsion shaft away from the motor passes through the cylinder and extends into the interior of the cylinder. A rear cover is connected to the end of the cylinder away from the motor. This utility model patent discharges waste batteries through a discharge cylinder without requiring any chemical raw materials. The conductive graphite powder required for discharge can be recycled, reducing labor costs and improving production efficiency.

[0008] However, in this scheme, a large amount of heat will accumulate inside the discharge tube and battery, which is difficult to dissipate in time, requiring the installation of a monotonous cooling tube.

[0009] Chinese invention patent CN202210308838.1 discloses a discharge device and method for waste lithium batteries based on fluidized particles. It mainly utilizes the contact and collision between fluidized particles and waste lithium batteries to discharge them. This invention patent can rapidly process the heat generated by large quantities of waste lithium batteries, while the heat generated during discharge is carried away by fluidized air, ensuring that the fluidized bed discharge chamber does not overheat and preventing overheating or fire of the waste lithium batteries.

[0010] However, this solution is only suitable for processing small-sized waste lithium batteries (typically no more than 8mm). It cannot meet the requirements for some common cylindrical batteries, such as the 14500 type (14mm diameter, 50mm length), 16340 type (16mm diameter, 34mm length), and 18650 type (18mm diameter, 65mm length). Furthermore, this solution cannot monitor the discharge status of waste lithium batteries within the fluidized bed discharge chamber.

[0011] In summary, in view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a waste lithium battery discharge device to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a waste lithium battery discharge device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0013] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0014] A waste lithium battery discharge device includes a feeding chamber, a first heat exchange chamber, a measuring chamber, a second heat exchange chamber, and a discharging chamber. The bottom of the feeding chamber is connected to the first heat exchange chamber, the bottom of the first heat exchange chamber is connected to the measuring chamber, the bottom of the measuring chamber is connected to the second heat exchange chamber, and the bottom of the second heat exchange chamber is connected to the discharging chamber. A heat dissipation mechanism is installed between the first heat exchange chamber, the measuring chamber, and the second heat exchange chamber. The heat dissipation mechanism is used to handle the heat dissipation of the waste lithium battery.

[0015] Preferably, the heat dissipation mechanism includes a heat exchange component and a discharge component. The heat exchange component is installed inside the first heat exchange chamber and is used to exchange heat with the waste lithium battery. The discharge component is installed inside the heat exchange component and is used to discharge the heat from the waste lithium battery.

[0016] Preferably, the heat exchange assembly includes an inlet header and heat exchange tubes. An inlet header is provided at the connection between the first heat exchange chamber and the measuring chamber. Heat exchange tubes are provided on both the front and rear sides of the first heat exchange chamber. The inlet header is connected to the heat exchange tubes. Furnace walls are provided on both the left and right sides of the first heat exchange chamber. The furnace walls are connected to the feeding chamber, the measuring chamber, the second heat exchange chamber, and the discharge chamber.

[0017] Preferably, the emission assembly includes a first gas inlet, a first gas outlet, an outlet header, a first shut-off valve, a fourth shut-off valve, and a blower. A first gas inlet is located on one side of the first heat exchange chamber, and a first gas outlet is located on the other side of the first heat exchange chamber. Multiple louvered air ducts are evenly distributed on one side of the furnace wall, inside the first gas inlet, and also evenly distributed on the other side of the furnace wall, inside the first gas outlet. An outlet header is located at the connection between the feed chamber and the first heat exchange chamber. A blower is located on one side of the first gas inlet. A first U-shaped air duct is fixed to the output end of the blower. A first shut-off valve is located inside the first U-shaped air duct. One end of the first U-shaped air duct is fixed to the first gas inlet. A second U-shaped air duct is connected to the inner side of the first gas outlet, and a fourth shut-off valve is located inside the second U-shaped air duct.

[0018] Preferably, the outlet header is connected to the heat exchange tube.

[0019] Preferably, a temperature measuring mechanism is installed on the inner side of the temperature measuring chamber, which is used to measure the temperature of the waste lithium battery after it has released heat.

[0020] Preferably, the temperature measuring mechanism includes stainless steel tubes, and multiple stainless steel tubes are evenly distributed horizontally at the top and bottom of the measuring chamber. Multiple small holes are evenly distributed at the bottom of each stainless steel tube, and multiple thermocouples are inserted inside each stainless steel tube.

[0021] Preferably, the furnace wall is provided with heat insulation cotton.

[0022] Preferably, a third shut-off valve is provided on the inner side of the second U-shaped air duct and below the fourth shut-off valve, and a second gas outlet is provided on one side of one of the furnace walls and near the second heat exchange chamber, and the second gas outlet is connected to the second U-shaped air duct.

[0023] Preferably, a second shut-off valve is provided on the inner side of the first U-shaped air duct and below the first shut-off valve, and a second gas inlet is provided on one side of the other furnace wall and near the second heat exchange chamber, and the second gas inlet is connected to the first U-shaped air duct.

[0024] It is clear without a doubt that the technical solution described above in this application can solve the technical problem that this application aims to address.

[0025] Meanwhile, through the above technical solutions, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0026] 1. Through the structural design of the heat dissipation mechanism, this invention enables the device to quickly process the heat dissipation of large quantities of waste lithium batteries, and there are no restrictions on the size of the waste lithium batteries, thus improving the efficiency of the device.

[0027] 2. This invention uses water-cooled indirect heat exchange and air-cooled direct heat exchange to reduce the heat generated during the discharge of used lithium batteries, effectively preventing accidents such as fires and explosions.

[0028] 3. Through the structural design of the measuring chamber and the measuring mechanism, this invention enables the device to detect the discharge status of waste lithium batteries. Combined with the arrangement of the first, second, third, and fourth stop valves and the second heat exchange chamber, it can make real-time adjustments to meet the discharge requirements of waste lithium batteries with different residual charge. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention.

[0031] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0032] In the diagram: 1. Feed chamber; 2. First heat exchange chamber; 3. First gas inlet; 4. First gas outlet; 5. Inlet header; 6. Outlet header; 7. Heat exchange tube; 8. Measuring chamber; 9. Stainless steel pipe; 10. Temperature measuring point; 11. Second heat exchange chamber; 12. Second gas inlet; 13. Second gas outlet; 14. First shut-off valve; 15. Second shut-off valve; 16. Third shut-off valve; 17. Fourth shut-off valve; 18. Discharge chamber; 19. Blower. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] Please refer to Figure 1 A waste lithium battery discharge device includes a feeding chamber 1, a first heat exchange chamber 2, a measuring chamber 8, a second heat exchange chamber 11, and a discharge chamber 18. The bottom of the feeding chamber 1 is connected to the first heat exchange chamber 2, the bottom of the first heat exchange chamber 2 is connected to the measuring chamber 8, the bottom of the measuring chamber 8 is connected to the second heat exchange chamber 11, and the bottom of the second heat exchange chamber 11 is connected to the discharge chamber 18. A heat dissipation mechanism is installed between the first heat exchange chamber 2, the measuring chamber 8, and the second heat exchange chamber 11. The heat dissipation mechanism is used to process the heat dissipation of the waste lithium battery.

[0036] The heat dissipation mechanism includes a heat exchange component and a discharge component. The heat exchange component is installed inside the first heat exchange chamber 2. The heat exchange component is used to exchange heat with the waste lithium battery. The discharge component is installed inside the heat exchange component. The discharge component is used to discharge the heat from the waste lithium battery.

[0037] The heat exchange assembly includes an inlet header 5 and heat exchange tubes 7. An inlet header 5 is provided at the connection between the first heat exchange chamber 2 and the measuring chamber 8. Heat exchange tubes 7 are provided on both the front and rear sides of the first heat exchange chamber 2. The inlet header 5 is connected to the heat exchange tubes 7. Furnace walls are provided on both the left and right sides of the first heat exchange chamber 2. The furnace walls are connected to the feeding chamber 1, the measuring chamber 8, the second heat exchange chamber 11, and the discharge chamber 18.

[0038] The emission assembly includes a first gas inlet 3, a first gas outlet 4, an outlet header 6, a first shut-off valve 14, a fourth shut-off valve 17, and a blower 19. The first gas inlet 3 is provided on one side of the first heat exchange chamber 2, and the first gas outlet 4 is provided on the other side of the first heat exchange chamber 2. Multiple louvered air ducts are evenly distributed on one side of the furnace wall and inside the first gas inlet 3, and multiple louvered air ducts are also evenly distributed on the other side of the furnace wall and inside the first gas outlet 4. An outlet header 6 is provided at the connection between the feed chamber 1 and the first heat exchange chamber 2. A blower 19 is provided on one side of the first gas inlet 3. A first U-shaped air duct is fixed to the output end of the blower 19. The first shut-off valve 14 is provided inside the first U-shaped air duct. One end of the first U-shaped air duct is fixed to the first gas inlet 3. A second U-shaped air duct is connected to the inside of the first gas outlet 4. The fourth shut-off valve 17 is provided inside the second U-shaped air duct.

[0039] The outlet header 6 is connected to the heat exchange tube 7;

[0040] When cold water flows into the heat exchange tube 7 through the inlet header 5, it indirectly contacts and exchanges heat with the waste lithium battery and heat-conducting particles. The hot water after heat exchange can flow out from the outlet header 6, which weakens the heat generated during the discharge of the waste lithium battery and effectively prevents accidents such as fire and explosion.

[0041] Example 2:

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1 The only difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is the internal arrangement of the measuring chamber 8. The measuring chamber 8 is equipped with a temperature measuring mechanism, which is used to measure the temperature of the waste lithium battery after it has released heat.

[0043] The temperature measuring mechanism includes stainless steel tubes 9. Multiple stainless steel tubes 9 are evenly distributed horizontally on the top and bottom of the temperature measuring chamber 8. Multiple small holes are evenly distributed on the bottom of each stainless steel tube 9. Multiple thermocouples are inserted inside each stainless steel tube 9.

[0044] When the exothermic waste lithium batteries and conductive particles enter the measuring chamber 8, the stainless steel tube 9 inside the measuring chamber 8 has a hollow structure with several evenly spaced small holes at its bottom, and the holes in the upper and lower layers of stainless steel tubes are arranged alternately. Several thermocouples pass through the inside of the stainless steel tube 9 and extend from each small hole to measure the temperature value of that area.

[0045] Example 3:

[0046] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment further optimizes the temperature measuring mechanism provided in Embodiment 2, and heat insulation cotton is installed inside the furnace wall;

[0047] By incorporating thermal insulation material, heat loss can be minimized, thus reducing temperature measurement errors.

[0048] Example 4:

[0049] Please refer to Figure 1 This embodiment further optimizes the temperature measuring mechanism provided in Embodiment 2. A third shut-off valve 16 is provided on the inner side of the second U-shaped air duct and below the fourth shut-off valve 17. A second gas outlet 13 is provided on one side of one of the furnace walls and near the second heat exchange chamber 11. The second gas outlet 13 is connected to the second U-shaped air duct.

[0050] A second shut-off valve 15 is provided on the inner side of the first U-shaped air duct and below the first shut-off valve 14. A second gas inlet 12 is provided on one side of the other furnace wall and near the second heat exchange chamber 11. The second gas inlet 12 is connected to the first U-shaped air duct.

[0051] If the average temperature of each measuring point on the upper layer differs from the average temperature of each measuring point on the lower layer by less than 5°C, then the second shut-off valve 15 and the third shut-off valve 16 remain closed. If the average temperature of each measuring point on the upper layer differs from the average temperature of each measuring point on the lower layer by more than 5°C, then the second shut-off valve 15 and the third shut-off valve 16 are opened. At this time, the air generated by the blower 19 will enter the second gas inlet 12 through the first U-shaped air duct and the second shut-off valve 15, and then enter the second heat exchange chamber 11 through the louvered air duct, where it will further directly contact and exchange heat with the waste lithium batteries and conductive particles. The air after heat exchange is then discharged through the second gas outlet 13 and the third shut-off valve 16.

[0052] In summary:

[0053] This invention addresses the following technical problems: Existing technologies often result in significant heat accumulation inside the discharge chamber and battery, which is difficult to dissipate promptly, necessitating the use of a monotonous cooling chamber. Furthermore, existing technologies can only handle relatively small-sized waste lithium batteries (typically no more than 8mm). This is insufficient for common cylindrical batteries such as the 14500 (14mm diameter, 50mm length), 16340 (16mm diameter, 34mm length), and 18650 (18mm diameter, 65mm length). Additionally, existing technologies cannot monitor the discharge status of waste lithium batteries within the fluidized bed discharge chamber. The invention employs the technical solutions described in the above embodiments. The implementation process of these technical solutions is as follows:

[0054] Before actual operation, first close the discharge chamber 18 and fill the entire device with conductive particles from the feed chamber 1. Then, adjust the downward movement speed of the particles in the device by changing the opening of the discharge chamber 18.

[0055] During operation, waste lithium batteries and conductive particles are first fed into the feeding chamber 1. Under the influence of gravity, they gradually move downwards and enter the first heat exchange chamber 2. The first heat exchange chamber 2 is composed of heat exchange tubes 7 on the front and back sides and furnace walls on the left and right sides. Subsequently, the first shut-off valve 14 and the fourth shut-off valve 17 are opened, and the air generated by the blower 19 is sent into the first gas inlet 3 through the first U-shaped air duct, and then into the first heat exchange chamber 2 through the louvered air duct, where it directly contacts the waste lithium batteries and conductive particles for heat exchange. The air after heat exchange is discharged through the first gas outlet 4 and the fourth shut-off valve 17. At the same time, cold water flows into the heat exchange tubes 7 through the inlet header 5, where it indirectly contacts the waste lithium batteries and heat-conducting particles for heat exchange. The hot water after heat exchange flows out from the outlet header 6.

[0056] After releasing heat, the waste lithium batteries and conductive particles then enter the measuring chamber 8. The stainless steel tube 9 inside the measuring chamber 8 has a hollow structure with several evenly spaced small holes at its bottom, and the holes in the upper and lower layers of stainless steel tubes are arranged alternately. Several thermocouples pass through the inside of the stainless steel tube 9 and extend from each small hole to measure the temperature value of that area. If the average temperature of each measuring point in the upper layer differs from the average temperature of each measuring point in the lower layer by less than 5°C, the second shut-off valve 15 and the third shut-off valve 16 remain closed. If the average temperature of each measuring point in the upper layer differs from the average temperature of each measuring point in the lower layer by more than 5°C, the second shut-off valve 15 and the third shut-off valve 16 are opened. At this time, the air generated by the blower 19 enters the second gas inlet 12 through the second shut-off valve 15, and then enters the second heat exchange chamber 11 through the louvered air duct, where it undergoes further direct contact heat exchange with the waste lithium batteries and conductive particles. The air after heat exchange is then discharged through the second gas outlet 13 and the third shut-off valve 16. After being discharged, the waste lithium batteries and heat-conducting particles are discharged from the discharge chamber 18. After being screened by a drum, the heat-conducting particles can be reused, while the waste lithium batteries enter the subsequent crushing and screening process.

[0057] With the above-mentioned settings, this application will certainly solve the above-mentioned technical problems, and at the same time achieve the following technical effects:

[0058] 1. Through the structural design of the heat dissipation mechanism, this invention enables the device to quickly process the heat dissipation of large quantities of waste lithium batteries, and there are no restrictions on the size of the waste lithium batteries, thus improving the efficiency of the device.

[0059] 2. This invention uses water-cooled indirect heat exchange and air-cooled direct heat exchange to reduce the heat generated during the discharge of used lithium batteries, effectively preventing accidents such as fires and explosions.

[0060] 3. Through the structural design of the measuring chamber 8 and the temperature measuring mechanism, this invention enables the device to detect the discharge status of waste lithium batteries. Combined with the arrangement of the first stop valve 14, the second stop valve 15, the third stop valve 16, the fourth stop valve 17 and the second heat exchange chamber 11, it can make real-time adjustments to meet the discharge requirements of waste lithium batteries with different residual charge.

[0061] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed invention. The scope of protection claimed by the appended claims and their equivalents is defined.

Claims

1. A discharge device for waste lithium batteries, characterized in that, The device includes a feeding chamber (1), a first heat exchange chamber (2), a measuring chamber (8), a second heat exchange chamber (11), and a discharging chamber (18). The bottom of the feeding chamber (1) is connected to a first heat exchange chamber (2) for direct contact and heat exchange with waste lithium batteries and conductive particles. The bottom of the first heat exchange chamber (2) is connected to a measuring chamber (8). The bottom of the measuring chamber (8) is connected to a second heat exchange chamber (11) for further direct contact and heat exchange with waste lithium batteries and conductive particles. The bottom of the second heat exchange chamber (11) is connected to the discharging chamber (18). A heat release mechanism is installed between the first heat exchange chamber (2), the measuring chamber (8), and the second heat exchange chamber (11). The heat release mechanism is used to process the heat released from waste lithium batteries. The inner side of the temperature measuring chamber (8) is equipped with a temperature measuring mechanism, which is used to measure the temperature of the waste lithium battery after it has released heat in the first heat exchange chamber (2).

2. The waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat dissipation mechanism includes a heat exchange component and a discharge component. The heat exchange component is installed inside the first heat exchange chamber (2). The heat exchange component is used to exchange heat with the waste lithium battery. The discharge component is installed inside the heat exchange component. The discharge component is used to discharge the heat from the waste lithium battery.

3. The waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The heat exchange assembly includes an inlet header (5) and heat exchange tubes (7). An inlet header (5) is provided at the connection between the first heat exchange chamber (2) and the measuring chamber (8). Heat exchange tubes (7) are provided on both the front and rear sides of the first heat exchange chamber (2). The inlet header (5) is connected to the heat exchange tubes (7). Furnace walls are provided on both the left and right sides of the first heat exchange chamber (2). The furnace walls are connected to the feeding chamber (1), the measuring chamber (8), the second heat exchange chamber (11), and the discharge chamber (18).

4. The waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The emission assembly includes a first gas inlet (3), a first gas outlet (4), an outlet header (6), a first shut-off valve (14), a fourth shut-off valve (17), and a blower (19). The first gas inlet (3) is provided on one side of the first heat exchange chamber (2), and the first gas outlet (4) is provided on the other side of the first heat exchange chamber (2). Multiple louvered air ducts are evenly distributed on one side of the furnace wall and inside the first gas inlet (3), and multiple louvered air ducts are also evenly distributed on the other side of the furnace wall and inside the first gas outlet (4). There are multiple louvered air ducts. An outlet header (6) is provided at the connection between the feed chamber (1) and the first heat exchange chamber (2). A blower (19) is provided on one side of the first gas inlet (3). A first U-shaped air duct is fixed at the output end of the blower (19). A first shut-off valve (14) is provided on the inner side of the first U-shaped air duct. One end of the first U-shaped air duct is fixed to the first gas inlet (3). A second U-shaped air duct is connected to the inner side of the first gas outlet (4). A fourth shut-off valve (17) is provided on the inner side of the second U-shaped air duct.

5. A waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The outlet header (6) is connected to the heat exchange tube (7).

6. The waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature measuring mechanism includes a stainless steel tube (9). Multiple stainless steel tubes (9) are evenly distributed on the top and bottom of the temperature measuring chamber (8). Multiple small holes are evenly distributed on the bottom of each stainless steel tube (9). Multiple thermocouples are inserted inside each stainless steel tube (9).

7. The waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The furnace wall is lined with insulating cotton.

8. A waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A third shut-off valve (16) is provided on the inner side of the second U-shaped air duct and below the fourth shut-off valve (17). A second gas outlet (13) is provided on one side of one of the furnace walls and near the second heat exchange chamber (11). The second gas outlet (13) is connected to the second U-shaped air duct.

9. A waste lithium battery discharge device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A second shut-off valve (15) is provided on the inner side of the first U-shaped air duct and below the first shut-off valve (14). A second gas inlet (12) is provided on one side of the other furnace wall and near the second heat exchange chamber (11). The second gas inlet (12) is connected to the first U-shaped air duct.

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