Analysis method and analysis device

Abstract

The invention provides an analysis method and an analysis device. The analysis method can easily analyze gas ejected from a battery over time. A method for analyzing a solid substance according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises the steps of: arranging a flow path into which a gas is introduced around a battery; generating an abnormality in the battery in which the flow path is disposed; a gas introduction section that introduces gas discharged from the battery in which the abnormality has occurred into the flow path over time; and analyzing the gas introduced into the flow path by using a gas analyzer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an analysis method and an analysis device for analyzing gas ejected from a battery. Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the use of batteries has been increasing in many fields such as mobile terminals, automobiles, and renewable energy. Batteries generate heat depending on the use environment and usage conditions, and sometimes the heat caused by the heat cannot be controlled and the contents are ejected. A method for analyzing the gas ejected from the battery due to such an abnormality is known (Japanese Patent Table No. 2021-500717).

[0003] [Prior art literature]

[0004] [Patent Document]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-500717 Summary of the invention

[0006] [Problems to be solved by the invention]

[0007] In Patent Document 1, a battery is placed in a chamber, and when the battery ejects gas, a guide gas is supplied to the chamber, and a safety valve of the chamber is opened, and the guide gas guides the gas from the safety valve to an analyzer, thereby analyzing the gas. In the analysis method of Patent Document 1, the gas temporarily staying in the chamber can be analyzed, but it may not be possible to analyze the gas ejected continuously over time.

[0008] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an analysis method capable of easily performing temporal analysis of gas ejected from a battery.

[0009] [Technical means to solve the problem]

[0010] An analysis method of one embodiment of the present disclosure completed to solve the above-mentioned problem includes the following steps: a step of configuring a flow path for introducing gas around a battery; a step of causing an abnormality in the battery in which the flow path is configured; a step of causing the gas ejected from the battery in which the abnormality has occurred to be introduced into the flow path over time; and a step of analyzing the gas introduced into the flow path using a gas analyzer.

[0011] [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The analysis method according to one embodiment of the present disclosure can easily perform time-dependent analysis of gas discharged from a battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1This is a schematic perspective view showing an analysis device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 It means Figure 1 Schematic perspective views of different analytical devices.

[0015] Figure 3 It means Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic perspective views of different analytical devices.

[0016] Figure 4 It means Figures 1 to 3 Schematic perspective views of different analytical devices.

[0017] Figure 5 It means Figures 1 to 4 Schematic perspective views of different analytical devices.

[0018] Figure 6 It means Figures 1 to 5 Schematic perspective views of different analytical devices.

[0019] Description of Figure Numbers

[0020] 10: Flow path

[0021] 11: Import port

[0022] 12: Exhaust pipe

[0023] 20: Gas Analyzer

[0024] 30: Negative pressure device

[0025] 40: Filter

[0026] B: Battery DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure]

[0028] First, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of examples.

[0029] (1) An analysis method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the following steps: disposing a flow path for introducing gas around a battery; causing an abnormality to occur in the battery in which the flow path is disposed; causing gas ejected from the abnormal battery to be introduced into the flow path over time; and analyzing the gas introduced into the flow path using a gas analyzer.

[0030] The analysis method causes a battery having a flow path disposed around it to eject gas, and the gas is introduced into the flow path over time to be analyzed by a gas analyzer. The analysis method does not temporarily store the gas in a chamber or the like as described in Patent Document 1 for analysis, but the flow path directly introduces the gas ejected from the battery, so that the gas analyzer can analyze the change of the gas over time.

[0031] (2) In (1), in the analysis step, a specific component in the gas discharged from the battery may be analyzed. That is, for example, analysis may be performed to identify a plurality of unidentified (unidentified) components contained in the gas, or the known components contained in the gas may be focused on and the concentration change of the components over time may be analyzed.

[0032] (3) In (1) or (2), in the step of arranging, a plurality of the flow paths may be arranged. Arranging a plurality of flow paths can improve the ease of introducing the gas discharged from the battery.

[0033] (4) In any one of (1) to (3), in the step of analyzing, the analysis may be performed using a plurality of the gas analyzers. By using a plurality of the gas analyzers, a plurality of analyses can be performed simultaneously, or when performing the same analysis, the analysis accuracy can be improved.

[0034] (5) In any one of (1) to (4), in the step of arranging, a filter for collecting solids may be arranged in the flow path. By arranging the filter for collecting solids in the flow path, the analysis accuracy of the gas can be improved.

[0035] (6) In any one of (1) to (5), in the step of configuring, a negative pressure device for setting the interior of the flow path to a negative pressure may be configured in the flow path. By configuring the negative pressure device for setting the interior to a negative pressure in the flow path, it is possible to improve the ease with which the gas can be introduced into the flow path.

[0036] (7) In any one of (1) to (6), in the step of configuring, a heater for heating the interior of the flow path may be configured. By configuring the heater for heating the interior of the flow path, a phenomenon in which a portion of the gas is cooled and solidified in the flow path can be suppressed, thereby improving the reliability of the flow path in supplying the gas to the gas analyzer.

[0037] (8) In any one of (1) to (7), the battery may be an all-solid-state battery. That is, the analysis method can analyze gas emitted from an all-solid-state battery in which an abnormality has occurred.

[0038] (9) In any one of (1) to (8), the inlet port in the flow path and the battery may be arranged in an open environment. That is, the battery and the inlet port for the gas in the flow path may not be arranged in a closed space. It is possible that the analysis over time becomes difficult due to being trapped in a closed space. By arranging the battery and the inlet port for the gas in the flow path in an open environment, the ease and reliability of performing the analysis over time of the gas can be improved.

[0039] (10) An analysis device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a flow path that introduces a gas ejected from a battery in which an abnormality has occurred over time; and a gas analyzer connected to the flow path.

[0040] The analysis device includes a flow path for introducing gas ejected from the battery over time, thereby being able to easily and continuously capture gas ejected from the battery. Furthermore, the analysis device includes a gas analyzer connected to the flow path, thereby being able to analyze the gas supplied from the flow path over time.

[0041] (11) In the above (10), the analysis device may include a plurality of the flow paths. When the analysis device includes a plurality of the flow paths, it is possible to improve the ease of introducing the gas discharged from the battery.

[0042] (12) In (10), the analysis device may include a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the gas analyzers. The analysis device including a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the gas analyzers can improve ease of introducing the gas ejected from the battery and accuracy of analyzing the gas.

[0043] (13) In (12), the flow path and the gas analyzer may be connected one-to-one. By connecting the flow path and the gas analyzer one-to-one, the flow path can be analyzed for each gas.

[0044] [Details of specific implementation method]

[0045] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0046] <Analysis method>

[0047] The analysis method includes the following steps: arranging a flow path for introducing gas around a battery; causing an abnormality to occur in the battery in which the flow path is arranged; causing the gas ejected from the abnormal battery to be introduced into the flow path over time; and analyzing the gas introduced into the flow path using a gas analyzer. The analysis method can be performed, for example, using Figures 1 to 6 The analysis can be performed using an analysis device such as that exemplified in .

[0048] <Analysis equipment>

[0049] The analysis device includes a flow path 10 that introduces gas ejected from a battery B in which an abnormality has occurred over time, and a gas analyzer 20 connected to the flow path 10 .

[0050] 〔Battery〕

[0051] The battery B is not particularly limited as long as it is a battery that ejects (releases) its contents due to an abnormality, and examples thereof include storage batteries such as lithium ion batteries. Furthermore, the battery may be a battery formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical shape by a rigid frame, or may be a battery formed in a bag shape by laminating flexible sheet-like members. The battery B may also be an all-solid-state battery.

[0052] The ejecta (the contents of the battery) are mainly gases, including liquids and solids (solids in particle form). The gases include, for example, inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide, and combustible gases. The ejecta is ejected from the damaged portion because the battery that has an abnormality is partially damaged. Alternatively, if a safety valve for releasing the ejecta or a fragile portion for releasing the ejecta (a fragile portion of the frame) is formed in the battery frame, the ejecta will be ejected from the safety valve or the fragile portion (hereinafter referred to as the "release portion"). The so-called abnormality refers to a state (uncontrollable state) in which the battery cannot perform normal functions such as charging, storing electricity, and discharging, for example, thermal runaway, short circuit, chemical damage such as electrolysis, damage caused by impact, etc. (physical damage), etc.

[0053] The form of the battery B to be analyzed is not particularly limited, and may be a single battery (battery cell), a battery module including a plurality of batteries, a battery pack including a plurality of batteries or a plurality of battery modules in a frame, or a product having a battery, a battery module or a battery pack. That is, the flow path 10 may be arranged around a battery, a battery module or a battery pack, or around a product having a battery, a battery module or a battery pack. Examples of the product include power storage devices installed in power plants, power supply facilities, hospitals, etc., electric vehicles such as automobiles, etc. In the following, the battery (battery cell) to be analyzed, the battery module, the battery pack, and the product are also referred to as "analyzed objects".

[0054] [flow path]

[0055] The flow path 10 is formed in a cylindrical (tubular) shape, and the gas ejected from the analysis object (battery B in each figure) is introduced into the interior over time, and the introduced gas is supplied to the gas analyzer 20. The inlet 11 (opening) of the flow path 10 can be arranged around the analysis object in a manner that opens toward the analysis object. If a battery cell is set as the analysis object and the release portion is formed in the frame of the battery, the flow path can also be arranged around the release portion. That is, if the ejection site of the ejected substance can be predicted, the flow path can also be arranged around the predicted ejection site. If it is a battery in which the ejection site of the ejected substance cannot be predicted (does not have the release portion), the flow path can also be arranged at any position around battery B.

[0056] The analysis device may include a filter 40 that is disposed in the flow path 10 and captures solid matter. That is, in the analysis method, in the step of disposing, the filter 40 that captures solid matter may be disposed in the flow path 10. By disposing the filter 40 in the flow path 10, the filter 40 can capture and remove solid matter contained in the gas supplied to the gas analyzer 20, thereby preventing the gas analyzer 20 from being damaged. Furthermore, by removing the solid matter, the purity of the gas can be improved, thereby improving the analysis accuracy.

[0057] The analysis device may include a negative pressure device 30 for setting the inside of the flow path 10 to a negative pressure. That is, the analysis method may configure a negative pressure device 30 for setting the inside of the flow path 10 to a negative pressure in the configuration step. The negative pressure device 30 is not particularly limited, and a known vacuum pump may be cited as an example. By reducing the pressure in the flow path 10 in the negative pressure device 30, the gas can be easily introduced.

[0058] The analysis device may have a heater (not shown) for heating the flow path 10. That is, the analysis method may configure a heater for heating the inside of the flow path 10 in the configuration step. The gas ejected from the battery B sometimes contains an adsorbent component (such as hydrogen sulfide). If such a component adheres to the inner surface of the flow path 10 while flowing in the flow path 10, the composition and concentration of the gas supplied to the gas analyzer 20 may change, resulting in a decrease in the analysis accuracy. By heating the flow path 10 with the heater, adsorption of the inner surface of the gas flowing in the flow path 10 can be suppressed.

[0059] The arrangement of the filter 40, the negative pressure device 30 and the heater is not particularly limited as long as they are before the gas is introduced into the flow path 10, and may be before or after the flow path 10 is arranged around the analysis object.

[0060] 〔Gas Analyzer〕

[0061] The gas analyzer 20 is not particularly limited as long as it can analyze the gas supplied from the flow path 10 , and may be an analyzer that analyzes the gas using a known gas analysis method. The analyzed gas is exhausted from the gas analyzer 20 through the exhaust pipe 12 .

[0062] The gas analyzer 20 is preferably a portable analyzer. By using the portable gas analyzer 20, the analysis device can be easily installed, and the degree of freedom of the installation location (location where the analysis method is performed) can be increased.

[0063] 〔Configuration process〕

[0064] In the process of arranging the flow path 10 for introducing gas around the battery B, either one flow path 10 or a plurality of flow paths 10 may be arranged. In the case of a battery without the release portion, it is preferred to arrange a plurality of flow paths 10 in a spaced manner around the battery. By arranging a plurality of flow paths 10 in a spaced manner, it is possible to improve the reliability of capturing the gas ejected from a battery whose ejection location is unpredictable. Furthermore, when the battery pack, the battery module, and the product are set as the analysis object, it is also difficult to predict the ejection location of the gas due to the presence of a plurality of batteries, and since the outer shape (size) of the analysis object becomes larger, in order to improve the reliability of capturing the gas, it is also preferred to arrange a plurality of flow paths 10 in a spaced manner around the analysis object.

[0065] In the configuration process, the inlet 11 of the flow path 10 may be configured to contact the analysis object or to be separated from the battery B. When multiple flow paths 10 are configured, some of the inlet 11 may contact the analysis object and the remaining inlet 11 may be separated from the analysis object. The distances of the multiple inlet 11 separated from the analysis object from the analysis object may all be equal or different. Some of the inlet 11 may be equal and the remaining inlet 11 may be different. If the battery has the release portion, the inlet of at least one flow path may be configured so that it is close to or abuts against the release portion.

[0066] The configuration process includes a process of connecting the flow path 10 to the gas analyzer 20. In the process of connecting, a plurality of flow paths 10 may be connected to one gas analyzer 20 by converging in the middle (see Figure 2 and Figure 4 ), the flow path 10 may be branched in the middle and connected to a plurality of gas analyzers 20 (refer to Figure 3 ). Alternatively, the flow path 10 and the gas analyzer 20 may be connected one-to-one (refer to Figure 1 and Figure 5). The flow paths 10 and the gas analyzers 20 connected one to one, one gas analyzer 20 connected to a plurality of flow paths 10, and a plurality of gas analyzers 20 connected to one flow path 10 may be mixed (see Figure 6 ).

[0067] The flow channel 10 may be arranged linearly or in a curved manner between the analysis object and the gas analyzer 20 , or may be arranged partially in a curved or bent manner.

[0068] The inlet 11 and the battery B in the flow path 10 can be arranged in an open environment. That is, the inlet 11 of the flow path 10 and the object to be analyzed can be arranged in an environment where the gas can be ejected freely. In other words, the inlet 11 and the object to be analyzed may not be arranged in an environment where the gas is at least temporarily retained (stored). For example, if the object to be analyzed is contained in a component (shell) or the like for forming a space for at least temporarily retaining the gas, the ejected gas may be temporarily retained in the component, resulting in the composition, concentration, etc. of the gas being uniformized. Moreover, the ejection direction, ejection pressure, etc. of the ejected gas may be restricted, and a part of the gas may be attached to the component. Therefore, it may not be possible to capture the ejected gas simultaneously and continuously with the start of the ejection. By arranging the inlet 11 and the object to be analyzed in an open environment, the ejected gas can be captured and introduced approximately simultaneously and continuously with the start of the ejection, so that time analysis can be easily performed. The so-called open environment refers to an environment in which the gas ejected from the object to be analyzed can diffuse freely. In other words, it is an environment in which the gas ejected from the object to be analyzed does not stagnate. For example, when viewed from above, walls are arranged on all four sides of the object to be analyzed, and the gas ejects above the object to be analyzed (a flow path is arranged above the object to be analyzed) is within the scope of "open environment".

[0069] The configuration process may also include at least one of a process of configuring a filter 40 for capturing solids in the flow path 10, a process of configuring a negative pressure device 30 for setting the inside of the flow path 10 to a negative pressure, and a process of configuring a heater for heating the inside of the flow path 10. Each or any one of the processes of configuring the filter 40, configuring the negative pressure device 30, and configuring the heater (hereinafter referred to as the three configuration processes) may be performed before configuring the flow path 10 around the battery or after configuring the flow path 10 around the battery. In the case of performing the processes before configuring the flow path 10, each or any one of the three configuration processes may be performed in the prepared flow path 10, or the flow path 10 may be prepared after each or any one of the three configuration processes has been performed.

[0070] 〔Production process〕

[0071] As a method for causing battery B to become abnormal, there is no particular limitation as long as it is a method for causing battery B to eject gas, and examples thereof include: causing thermal runaway by self-heating due to overcharging or heating by a heater; causing short circuit by perforation caused by nail puncture or mixing conductive foreign matter inside; immersing the battery in salt water or the like to electrolyze water (chemical reaction); and applying impact to damage the battery. In this way, battery B can be made abnormal and gas can be ejected. The gas can also be ejected from multiple parts of battery B.

[0072] 〔Introduction process〕

[0073] In the introduction process, the gas ejected from the abnormal battery B is introduced into the flow path 10 over time. By arranging a plurality of flow paths 10 around the object to be analyzed, the reliability of introducing the ejected gas can be improved. The plurality of flow paths 10 may all or partly introduce the ejected gas.

[0074] 〔Analysis process〕

[0075] In the analysis process, the gas introduced into the flow path 10 is analyzed by a plurality of gas analyzers 20. Regarding the gas ejected from the battery B, even if the gas is introduced by one flow path 10, the component concentration may change over time. When a plurality of flow paths 10 and a plurality of gas analyzers 20 are configured, different components may be detected depending on the position of capture (each flow path 10 where the gas is introduced). The analysis method uses the gas analyzer 20 to analyze the gas continuously captured by the flow path 10, so it is possible to analyze the temporal changes of the components. When a plurality of flow paths 10 and a plurality of gas analyzers 20 are configured, it is possible to easily analyze the differences in temporal component changes of each flow path 10. Moreover, the analysis method does not capture temporarily retained gas for analysis, but directly and continuously introduces gas from the object of analysis by using the flow path 10, so it is possible to easily perform temporal analysis from the start of the ejection of the gas.

[0076] In the analysis process, specific components in the gas ejected from the battery B may also be analyzed. That is, for example, analysis may be performed to determine the components contained in the gas, but in the case where the components contained in the gas can be determined in advance, the change over time (for example, change in concentration) of the specific components may also be analyzed. The specific components are not particularly limited as long as they are components contained in the gas, and examples thereof include hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide that are sometimes generated by combustion of an all-solid-state battery.

[0077] The analysis method and the analysis device do not use a component (shell, etc.) that temporarily retains the gas ejected from the battery, so the time-dependent change of the gas can be easily analyzed, and the analysis cost can be reduced. There is no need to select an analysis site (a place where the analysis device is installed), and even a relatively large object such as the product can be set as an object of analysis. That is, there is no need to bring the analysis object and the analysis device into a test facility where the shell, etc. exist, and the gas can be analyzed by bringing the analysis device into a place where the analysis object exists. The analysis method and the analysis device do not use the shell, etc., so there is no need to prepare a carrier gas for transporting the gas retained in the shell to the analyzer, and a tank for storing the carrier gas, etc., and the gas can be analyzed simply and at low cost.

[0078] Compared with battery cells, there is a greater need to measure relatively large analysis objects that are close to the actual use of batteries, such as battery modules, battery packs, or products (such as automobiles) equipped with them. The analysis method and the analysis device do not use the housing, etc., so even the large analysis object can be easily set as the analysis object. In addition, when using multiple flow paths configured separately and the analysis device using multiple analyzers, it is easy to clarify the differences and similarities of the type, concentration, and timing of introduction into the flow path (analyzed by the analyzer) of the components in the gas based on the gas generation location, and the ease of clarifying the differences caused by the location of the gas introduction can be improved. By connecting the multiple flow paths to the multiple analyzers one-to-one, the differences of each flow path can be analyzed with better accuracy. The analysis method and the analysis device can analyze battery cells, and can also introduce the gas from a battery pack, battery module, or product close to the actual use status, thereby analyzing the gas ejected from the battery close to the actual use status.

[0079] [Other embodiments]

[0080] The embodiments do not limit the structure of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments may omit, replace or add components of each part of the embodiments based on the description of this specification and technical common sense, and all of them should be interpreted as belonging to the scope of the present invention.

[0081] The filter, the negative pressure device, and the heater are not essential structures, and any one of them may not be configured, or all of them may not be configured.

[0082] [Industrial Applicability]

[0083] The analysis method disclosed in the present invention enables temporal analysis of gas ejected from a battery and can therefore be preferably used for development of battery safety enhancement, quality improvement, and the like.

Claims

1. An analytical method comprising the following steps: The step of disposing a flow path for introducing gas around the battery; a step of causing an abnormality in the battery in which the flow path is arranged; a step of introducing a gas ejected from the abnormal battery into the flow path over time; and a step of analyzing the gas introduced into the flow path using a gas analyzer, in, The inlet in the flow path and the battery are arranged in an open environment where the gas can diffuse freely.

2. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the analyzing step, a specific component in the gas discharged from the battery is analyzed.

3. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the step of arranging, a plurality of the flow paths are arranged.

4. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the analyzing step, analysis is performed using a plurality of the gas analyzers.

5. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the step of arranging, a filter for collecting solids is arranged in the flow path.

6. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the step of arranging, a negative pressure device for setting the interior of the flow path to a negative pressure is arranged in the flow path.

7. The analysis method according to claim 1, wherein In the step of arranging, a heater for heating the interior of the flow path is arranged in the flow path.

8. The analytical method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The battery is an all-solid-state battery.

9. An analysis device comprising: a flow path for introducing, over time, a gas ejected from a battery in which an abnormality has occurred; as well as a gas analyzer connected to the flow path, The inlet in the flow path and the battery are arranged in an open environment where the gas can diffuse freely.

10. The analysis device according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of said flow paths.

11. The analysis device according to claim 9, comprising a plurality of the flow paths and a plurality of the gas analyzers.

12. The analysis device according to claim 11, wherein The flow path is connected to the gas analyzer in a one-to-one manner.

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