A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of lithium battery fire, and particularly relates to a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection, which comprises a control processor, a plurality of fire extinguisher electric valves, a detection module, a sending module and a spraying module which are signal connected with the control processor; the detection module comprises vibration sensors which are signal connected with the control processor, the vibration sensors are each externally sleeved with a cooling bag in an annular structure, the vibration sensors are each fixedly installed with a connecting mechanism at the root, the detection ends of the vibration sensors are each downward and fixedly installed with a crushing piece, and the crushing pieces each comprise a disc and a plurality of small columns which are integrally installed on the lower surface of the disc; the spraying module comprises foam electric valves which are signal connected with the control processor. The application can instantaneously detect the vibration signal of thermal runaway, reduce the interference between different vibration signals, be beneficial to rapid and accurate early warning of battery thermal runaway, and timely evacuate the vibration sensor after early warning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of lithium battery fire technology, specifically relating to a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. Background Technology

[0002] Lithium-ion batteries are frequently used in new energy vehicles, energy storage power stations, and other applications. Due to internal losses, lithium-ion batteries are prone to heat generation and temperature rise. Hard-shell lithium-ion batteries are equipped with a safety valve on top. When thermal runaway occurs inside the battery, the internal compounds expand due to heat, and if the pressure becomes too high, the safety valve will open to release gas and reduce pressure, thus preventing an explosion.

[0003] Once the safety valve opens, the chemicals leaking from inside the battery will react with oxygen in the air under high temperatures, potentially causing a fire.

[0004] Existing battery compartment detection devices use infrared detectors, smoke detectors, and heat detectors to prevent fires. However, the batteries in the battery compartment are densely packed and covered by supports, which obstructs the detectors and prolongs their response time, preventing them from issuing timely warnings. To address this, we propose a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection, which can instantly detect the vibration signal of thermal runaway, reduce the interference between different vibration signals, facilitate rapid and accurate early warning of battery thermal runaway, and allow timely removal of the vibration sensor after the warning.

[0006] The specific technical solution adopted by this invention is as follows:

[0007] A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection includes a control processor, which is signal-connected to multiple fire extinguisher electric valves, a detection module, a transmitting module, and a spraying module.

[0008] The detection module includes a vibration sensor whose signal is connected to the control processor. Each vibration sensor is fitted with a ring-shaped cooling pack. Each vibration sensor has a connecting mechanism fixedly installed at its root. Each vibration sensor has a downward-facing detection end and a crushing component fixedly installed thereon. Each crushing component consists of a disc and multiple small pillars integrally installed on the lower surface of the disc.

[0009] The spraying module includes a foam electric valve whose signal is connected to the control processor. A foam supply mechanism is fixedly installed at the liquid inlet end of the foam electric valve, and a spray pipe is fixedly installed at the liquid outlet end of the foam electric valve. One end of the spray pipe is inserted into an opening of a corresponding cooling pack.

[0010] The connecting mechanism includes a flange plate fixedly installed at the root of the vibration sensor. The lower surface of the flange plate is hinged with clamps, and the inner side of each clamp is sleeved on the end of the corresponding spray pipe located inside the cooling pack. During operation, the broken piece abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding safety valve and supports the vibration sensor. After the lithium battery thermal runaway, the safety valve opens to release gas and reduce pressure, hitting the broken piece. The broken piece shatters and vibrates the vibration sensor, which can instantly detect the vibration signal of thermal runaway. The cooling pack edge is used for cooling and deformation to buffer the vibration, which can separate different vibration sensors and broken pieces, reducing interference between different vibration signals. Then, the sending module sends a warning message to the display terminal, which is conducive to rapid and accurate warning of battery thermal runaway. Finally, high-expansion foam fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the corresponding cooling pack along the spray pipe. The reaction of the spray pulls the vibration sensor, and the vibration sensor is removed in time after the warning.

[0011] Two rigid pipes are symmetrically fixedly installed on one side of each cooling pack. An electric shut-off valve is fixedly installed between one end of each of the two adjacent rigid pipes. The cooling water in the cooling pack absorbs the heat from the outside of the lithium battery, which can dissipate heat in an emergency. When the electric shut-off valve is opened, the rigid pipes connect the cooling packs in the same horizontal row, which can transfer the heat absorbed by one cooling pack to the connected cooling packs, thereby increasing the heat dissipation limit.

[0012] A coolant pump is installed at one end of each of the rigid pipes located on the outermost side. When the coolant pump is started, it draws coolant water, pumps it along the rigid pipe to the corresponding cooling pack, and then discharges it along the rigid pipe located on the other outermost side. This can remove the heat from the cooling pack and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0013] Each coolant pump has a circulation pipe installed at its inlet end. The end of the circulation pipe furthest from the coolant pump is connected to the end of the corresponding outermost rigid pipe. Each circulation pipe is equipped with a cooling fan connected to the control processor. After the coolant pump starts, the coolant water discharged from the outermost rigid pipe is transported to the corresponding coolant pump along the circulation pipe to form a coolant circulation loop, reusing the coolant water. The cooling fan is also activated to blow air onto the circulation pipe, allowing the airflow to carry away the heat in the coolant circulation loop and continuously dissipate heat from the cooling pack.

[0014] The foam supply mechanism includes a delivery pipe fixedly installed at the inlet end of the foam electric valve. A booster pump is fixedly installed at the end of the delivery pipe away from the corresponding foam electric valve. A high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the booster pump. After the foam electric valve is opened, the booster pump is activated to draw high-expansion foam extinguishing agent from the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank and deliver it to the foam electric valve along the delivery pipe so that the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent can be sprayed out of the corresponding spray pipe. No manual control is required, and the degree of automation is high.

[0015] The transmitting module includes a BMS communication unit and a 5G communication unit connected to the control processor. When sending an early warning signal, either the BMS communication unit or the 5G communication unit can be selected. The BMS communication unit has stable transmission performance, while the 5G communication unit has fast transmission speed.

[0016] The technical effects achieved by this invention are as follows:

[0017] This invention discloses a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. During operation, a broken component presses against the upper surface of the corresponding safety valve and supports a vibration sensor. After the lithium battery experiences thermal runaway, the safety valve opens to release gas and reduce pressure, striking the broken component. The broken component shatters and vibrates the vibration sensor, which can instantly detect the vibration signal of thermal runaway. The cooling pack edge is used for cooling and deformation buffering, which can separate different vibration sensors and broken components, reducing interference between different vibration signals. Then, the sending module sends early warning information to the display terminal, which is beneficial for rapid and accurate early warning of battery thermal runaway. Finally, high-expansion foam extinguishing agent is sprayed into the corresponding cooling pack along the spray pipe. The reaction force of the spray pulls the vibration sensor, and the vibration sensor is removed in time after the early warning.

[0018] The present invention discloses a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. It utilizes the cooling water in the cooling pack to absorb the heat from the outside of the lithium battery, enabling emergency heat dissipation. It also opens an electric shut-off valve and connects cooling packs in the same horizontal row via rigid pipes, allowing the heat absorbed by one cooling pack to be transferred to the connected cooling packs, thereby increasing the heat dissipation limit.

[0019] The present invention provides a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. The system starts a coolant pump to draw coolant, pumps it along a rigid pipe to the corresponding cooling pack, and then discharges it along the outermost rigid pipe. This can remove heat from the cooling pack and improve heat dissipation efficiency.

[0020] The present invention provides a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection. After the coolant pump is started, the coolant water discharged from the outermost hard pipe is transported to the corresponding coolant pump along the circulation pipe to form a coolant circulation loop, reusing the coolant water. The cooling fan is started to blow air towards the circulation pipe, so that the airflow carries away the heat in the coolant circulation loop, and can continuously dissipate heat from the cooling pack. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a system flowchart of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a system flowchart of the detection module of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 3 This is a system flowchart of the spraying module of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4This is a system flowchart embodiment of the sending module of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 5 This is a front view embodiment of the cooling package of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 6 This is a bottom view of an embodiment of the spray pipe of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 7 This is a bottom view embodiment of the cooling pack of the present invention.

[0028] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows:

[0029] 1. Control processor; 2. Fire extinguisher electric valve; 3. Vibration sensor; 4. Cooling pack; 5. Fragment; 6. Foam electric valve; 7. Spray pipe; 8. Clamp; 9. Flange plate; 10. Rigid pipe; 11. Electric shut-off valve; 12. Coolant pump; 13. Circulation pipe; 14. Cooling fan; 15. Battery; 16. Delivery pipe; 17. Booster pump; 18. High-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank; 19. Emergency stop button; 20. Roller; 21. BMS communication unit; 22. 5G communication unit; 23. Warning light. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be specifically described below with reference to embodiments. It should be understood that the following text is merely used to describe one or more specific embodiments of the invention and does not strictly limit the scope of protection specifically claimed by the invention.

[0031] Example 1:

[0032] like Figure 1-7 As shown, a battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection includes a control processor 1, such as the electrical fire monitoring system of Chinese utility model with announcement number CN109697823A. The control processor 1 consists of a single-chip microcomputer (MCU) and a data memory, and is used to control the operation of the entire system. The control processor 1 is connected to multiple fire extinguisher electric valves 2, a detection module, a transmitting module, and a spraying module. The energy storage cabinet has multiple storage cavities, which are used to place lithium batteries, fire extinguishers, detection modules, and spraying modules. The inlets of the fire extinguisher electric valves 2 are all fixedly connected to the nozzles of the corresponding fire extinguishers.

[0033] The detection module includes a vibration sensor 3 whose signal is connected to the control processor 1. Each vibration sensor 3 is covered with a ring-shaped cooling bag 4. The cooling bags 4 are all made of hollow rubber and are filled with cooling water. A connecting mechanism is fixedly installed at the root of each vibration sensor 3. The detection end of each vibration sensor 3 faces downward and is fixedly installed with a crushing component 5. The crushing component 5 is composed of a disc and multiple small pillars integrated on the lower surface of the disc.

[0034] The spraying module includes a foam electric valve 6 whose signal is connected to the control processor 1. A foam supply mechanism is fixedly installed at the liquid inlet end of the foam electric valve 6, and a spray pipe 7 is fixedly installed at the liquid outlet end of the foam electric valve 6. One end of the spray pipe 7 is inserted into an opening of the corresponding cooling pack 4.

[0035] The connecting mechanism includes a flange plate 9 fixedly installed at the base of the vibration sensor 3. The upper surface of the flange plate 9 is covered with an oil film and adheres to the upper wall of the corresponding cooling pack 4. The lower surface of the flange plate 9 is hinged with clamps 8, the inner side of which is sleeved onto the end of the corresponding spray pipe 7 located inside the cooling pack 4, thus fixing the cooling pack 4 in the storage cavity. The lithium battery is fixed inside the cooling pack 4. During operation, multiple vibration sensors 3 are installed into designated storage cavities. The breakable component 5 abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding safety valve and supports the vibration sensor 3, suspending the vibration sensor 3, spray pipe 7, clamps 8, and flange plate 9 in the storage cavity. Friction with the cooling pack 4 clamps the vibration sensor 3, breakable component 5, and flange plate 9. After thermal runaway of the lithium battery, the safety valve opens to release pressure and strike the breakable component 5, causing it to shatter and vibrate. Vibration sensor 3 can instantly detect vibration signals of thermal runaway. It uses cooling pack 4 to cool and deform simultaneously for buffering, which can separate different vibration sensors 3 from broken parts 5, reducing interference between different vibration signals. Then, the control processor 1 controls the sending module to send warning information to the display terminal, which is conducive to rapid and accurate warning of battery thermal runaway. At the same time, the electric valve 2 of the fire extinguisher is opened, and the corresponding fire extinguisher sprays fire extinguishing agent onto the thermal runaway lithium battery to cool it down. Finally, the foam supply mechanism is activated and the electric valve 6 of the foam is opened, and high-expansion foam fire extinguishing agent is sprayed into the corresponding cooling pack 4 along the spray pipe 7. The clamp 8 and flange plate 9 are used to pull the adjacent vibration sensor 3. The reaction of the spray pipe 7 pulls the vibration sensor 3 away from the cooling pack 4 and the lithium battery. After the warning, the vibration sensor 3 is removed in time.

[0036] Among them, the flange plate 9 is made of 1mm aluminum plate, and the broken parts 5 are made of plastic with a thickness of less than 0.1mm. Combined with its multiple small column structure, it can stably support the corresponding flange plate 9 and can also be broken by the safety valve that opens instantly.

[0037] like Figure 1 and Figure 3As shown, the foam supply mechanism includes a delivery pipe 16 fixedly installed at the inlet end of the foam electric valve 6. A booster pump 17 is fixedly installed between the end of the delivery pipe 16 away from the corresponding foam electric valve 6. The booster pump 17 is fixed to the ground. A high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank 18 is fixedly connected to the inlet end of the booster pump 17. The high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank 18 contains a sufficient amount of high-expansion foam extinguishing agent. After the foam electric valve 6 is opened, the booster pump 17 is started to draw the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent from the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank 18 and deliver it to the foam electric valve 6 along the delivery pipe 16 so that the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent can be sprayed out of the corresponding spray pipe 7. No manual control is required, and the degree of automation is high.

[0038] Among them, the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank 18 is equipped with an electronic level gauge, which monitors the liquid level information of the high-expansion foam extinguishing agent in real time and transmits it to the control processor 1 for display on the display terminal.

[0039] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, the booster pump 17 is connected to an emergency stop button 19 which is connected to the control processor 1. The base of the emergency stop button 19 is fixed to the outer surface of the energy storage cabinet. When the energy storage cabinet is under maintenance, the emergency stop button 19 can be pressed to disconnect the power supply of the booster pump 17 and prevent accidental spraying of high-expansion foam extinguishing agent.

[0040] like Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, at least two rollers 20 are rotatably mounted on the lower surface of the flange plate 9. The lower surfaces of the rollers 20 are in contact with the upper surfaces of the corresponding lithium batteries. When the flange plate 9 is pulled by the spray pipe 7, it drives the corresponding rollers 20 to move along the upper surface of the lithium battery. Its upper surface is an oil film, and the friction with the inside of the cooling pack 4 is small, so it can be easily detached.

[0041] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, the transmitting module includes a BMS communication unit 21 and a 5G communication unit 22 connected to the control processor 1. The BMS communication unit 21 uses a CAN communication chip, which has good anti-interference capabilities. When sending a warning signal, either the BMS communication unit 21 or the 5G communication unit 22 can be selected. The transmission performance of the BMS communication unit 21 is stable, while the transmission of the 5G communication unit 22 is fast.

[0042] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, each side of the cooling pack 4 is also fixedly equipped with a warning light 23 that is connected to the control processor 1. The base of each warning light 23 is glued to the corresponding side of the cooling pack 4. When the corresponding warning light 23 is lit, it indicates the location of the lithium battery that has experienced thermal runaway.

[0043] The working principle of this invention is as follows: During operation, multiple vibration sensors 3 are installed in designated storage chambers. The broken piece 5 abuts against the upper surface of the corresponding safety valve and supports the vibration sensor 3, so that the vibration sensor 3, spray pipe 7, clamp 8 and flange plate 9 are suspended in the storage chamber. The vibration sensor 3, broken piece 5 and flange plate 9 are clamped by friction with the cooling pack 4. After the lithium battery thermal runaway, the safety valve opens to release gas and reduce pressure and hits the broken piece 5. The broken piece 5 breaks and vibrates the vibration sensor 3, which can instantly detect the vibration signal of thermal runaway.

[0044] The cooling pack 4 is used to cool and deform the sides for buffering, which can separate different vibration sensors 3 and broken parts 5 and reduce interference between different vibration signals.

[0045] Then, the control processor 1 controls the sending module to send the warning information to the display terminal, which is beneficial for rapid and accurate early warning of battery thermal runaway.

[0046] Finally, start the foam supply mechanism and open the foam electric valve 6. Spray high-expansion foam extinguishing agent into the corresponding cooling pack 4 along the spray pipe 7. Use the clamp 8 and flange plate 9 to pull the adjacent vibration sensor 3. The spray pipe 7 pulls the vibration sensor 3 away from the cooling pack 4 in the reaction of the spray. After the warning, remove the vibration sensor 3 in time.

[0047] Example 2:

[0048] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, it is basically the same as in Embodiment 1, except that: two rigid pipes 10 are symmetrically fixedly installed on one side of the cooling pack 4, and an electric shut-off valve 11 is fixedly installed between one end of each of the two adjacent rigid pipes 10. The two openings of the electric shut-off valve 11 are respectively fixedly connected to one end of the two adjacent rigid pipes 10, and the other end of each rigid pipe 10 is connected to the interior of the corresponding cooling pack 4. The cooling water in the cooling pack 4 absorbs the heat from the outside of the lithium battery, which can dissipate heat in an emergency. The electric shut-off valve 11 is opened, and the rigid pipe 10 is connected to the cooling packs 4 in the same horizontal row, so that the heat absorbed by one cooling pack 4 can be transferred to the connected cooling pack 4, thereby increasing the heat dissipation limit.

[0049] Example 3:

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, it is basically the same as Embodiment 2, except that: a coolant pump 12 is installed at one end of the outermost rigid pipe 10. The coolant pump 12 is fixed on the outer surface of the energy storage cabinet. The inlet end of the coolant pump 12 is connected to a cooling water source. When the coolant pump 12 is started, it draws cooling water and pumps it to the corresponding cooling pack 4 along the rigid pipe 10. Then it is discharged along the other outermost rigid pipe 10, which can remove the heat in the cooling pack 4 and improve the heat dissipation efficiency.

[0051] Example 4:

[0052] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, it is basically the same as in Embodiment 3, except that: a circulation pipe 13 is installed at the inlet end of the coolant pump 12, and the end of the circulation pipe 13 away from the coolant pump 12 is connected to the end of the corresponding outermost hard pipe 10. A cooling fan 14 connected to the control processor 1 is provided on the outside of the circulation pipe 13. The cooling fan 14 is fixed on the outer surface of the energy storage cabinet. After the coolant pump 12 is started, the cooling water discharged from the outermost hard pipe 10 is transported to the corresponding coolant pump 12 along the circulation pipe 13 to form a cooling water circulation loop, reuse the cooling water, and start the cooling fan 14 to blow air towards the circulation pipe 13, so that the airflow carries away the heat in the cooling water circulation loop, and can continuously dissipate heat from the cooling pack 4.

[0053] like Figure 1 and Figure 5 As shown, a battery 15 is electrically connected between the cooling fans 14. The battery 15 independently supplies power to the cooling fans 14. Even if the lithium battery fails, the cooling fans 14 will not lose power. Both the cooling fans 14 and the battery 15 use 24VDC current.

[0054] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention. Structures, devices, and operating methods not specifically described or explained in this invention are implemented according to conventional methods in the art unless otherwise specified or limited.

Claims

1. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection, comprising a control processor (1), characterized in that: The control processor (1) is connected to multiple fire extinguisher electric valves (2), a detection module, a transmission module and a spraying module; The detection module includes a vibration sensor (3) whose signal is connected to the control processor (1). The vibration sensor (3) is covered with a cooling pack (4) in a ring structure. The root of the vibration sensor (3) is fixedly installed with a connecting mechanism. The detection end of the vibration sensor (3) faces downward and is fixedly installed with a crushing component (5). The crushing component (5) is composed of a disc and multiple small pillars integrated on the lower surface of the disc. The spraying module includes a foam electric valve (6) whose signal is connected to the control processor (1). A foam supply mechanism is fixedly installed at the liquid inlet end of the foam electric valve (6), and a spray pipe (7) is fixedly installed at the liquid outlet end of the foam electric valve (6). One end of the spray pipe (7) is inserted into an opening of the corresponding cooling pack (4). The connecting mechanism includes a flange plate (9) fixedly installed at the root of the vibration sensor (3). The lower surface of the flange plate (9) is hinged with a clamp (8). The inner side of the clamp (8) is sleeved on one end of the corresponding spray pipe (7) located inside the cooling pack (4).

2. The battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Two rigid pipes (10) are symmetrically fixedly installed on one side of the cooling pack (4), and an electric shut-off valve (11) is fixedly installed between one end of each of the two adjacent rigid pipes (10).

3. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: A coolant pump (12) is installed at one end of the outermost rigid pipe (10).

4. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: Each coolant pump (12) has a circulation pipe (13) installed at its inlet end. The end of the circulation pipe (13) away from the coolant pump (12) is connected to the end of the corresponding outermost hard pipe (10). Each circulation pipe (13) is equipped with a cooling fan (14) that is connected to the control processor (1).

5. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 4, characterized in that: A battery (15) is electrically connected between the cooling fans (14).

6. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The foam supply mechanism includes a delivery pipe (16) fixedly installed at the inlet end of the foam electric valve (6), and a booster pump (17) fixedly installed between the end of the delivery pipe (16) away from the corresponding foam electric valve (6), and a high-expansion foam extinguishing agent tank (18) fixedly connected to the inlet end of the booster pump (17).

7. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The booster pump (17) is connected to an emergency stop button (19) which is connected to the control processor (1).

8. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least two rollers (20) are rotatably mounted on the lower surface of the flange plate (9).

9. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The transmitting module includes a BMS communication unit (21) and a 5G communication unit (22) that are connected to the control processor (1).

10. A battery thermal runaway early warning system based on vibration signal detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: Each cooling pack (4) is also fixedly equipped with a warning light (23) that is connected to the control processor (1).

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