System for suppressing thermal runaway in battery cell

Abstract

A system for suppressing thermal runaway in a battery cell. A system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell. The system includes a stack of cells including: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode including a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer disposed on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; a anode electrodes each including an anode current collector, an anode active layer disposed on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators. C, A and S are integers greater than one. The chamber is configured to store an inhibitor configured to inhibit thermal runaway. The valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the cell stack.

Description

[0001] introduce

[0002] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the present disclosure. The work of the presently named inventors is neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art against the present disclosure to the extent it is described in this section and in aspects of the description that might not otherwise be prior art at the time of filing.

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a system for suppressing thermal runaway in a battery cell.

[0004] Electric vehicles (EVs), such as battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and hybrid vehicles, and / or fuel cell vehicles, include one or more electric machines (such as, for example, one or more motors) and a battery system having one or more battery cells, modules and / or packs. A power control system is used to control the charging and / or discharging of the battery system during charging and / or driving. Summary of the invention

[0005] Among various features, the present disclosure includes a system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell. The system includes a battery cell stack, including: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode including a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode including an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators. C, A, and S are integers greater than one. The chamber is configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway. The valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack.

[0006] In further features, the battery cell is a prismatic battery cell.

[0007] In further features, the battery cells are cylindrical battery cells.

[0008] In further features, the battery cell stack and the chamber are within a common enclosure.

[0009] In further features, the chamber is spaced apart from an enclosure containing the battery cell stack and is connected to the enclosure by a conduit.

[0010] In further features, the present disclosure includes a plate within an enclosure housing a battery cell stack, the plate separating a chamber from the battery cell stack, the valve included in the plate.

[0011] In further features, the valve includes a tear seam extending along the plate.

[0012] In further features, the chamber is configured to store the inhibitor as a liquid.

[0013] In further features, the inhibitor is configured to evaporate when released from the chamber into the battery cell stack.

[0014] In further features, the inhibitor comprises a fluorinated ketone.

[0015] In further features, the chamber is defined by a cannister configured to be inserted into an enclosure containing the battery cell stack.

[0016] Among various features, the present disclosure includes a system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell. The system includes: a casing; a battery cell stack within the casing, including: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode including a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode including an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, where C, A, and S are integers greater than 1. A chamber is defined within the casing, and the chamber is configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway. The valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack.

[0017] In further features, a divider is within the enclosure, the divider partially defining the chamber and including the valve.

[0018] In further features, the divider is mounted to an inner wall of the enclosure.

[0019] In further features, the valve includes a tear seam.

[0020] In further features, the chamber is defined in part by the enclosure.

[0021] In further features, the chamber is defined by a can configured to be inserted into the enclosure.

[0022] Among various features, the present disclosure also includes a system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell. The system includes a battery cell stack, including: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode including a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode including an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, where C, A, and S are integers greater than 1. The chamber is connected to the battery cell stack by a pipe, and the chamber is configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway. The valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack through the pipe.

[0023] In further features, the battery cell stack is a first battery cell stack, the conduit is a first conduit, and the valve is a first valve. The chamber is connected to a second battery cell stack through a second conduit, and the second valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the second battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the second battery cell stack through the second conduit.

[0024] In further features, the battery cell stack includes one of prismatic battery cells and cylindrical battery cells.

[0025] A system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell, the system comprising: a battery cell stack, comprising: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode comprising a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode comprising an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, wherein C, A, and S are integers greater than one; a chamber configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway; and a valve configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack.

[0026] The battery cells are prismatic battery cells.

[0027] The battery cells are cylindrical battery cells.

[0028] The battery cells are stacked and the chambers are within a common enclosure.

[0029] The chamber is spaced apart from the enclosure containing the battery cell stack and is connected to the enclosure with piping.

[0030] Also included is a plate within the enclosure that houses the battery cell stack, the plate separating the chamber from the battery cell stack, the valve included in the plate.

[0031] The valve includes a tear seam extending along the plate.

[0032] The chamber is configured to store the inhibitor as a liquid.

[0033] The inhibitor is configured to evaporate when released from the chamber into the battery cell stack.

[0034] Inhibitors include fluorinated ketones.

[0035] The chamber is defined by a can configured to be inserted into an enclosure containing a stack of battery cells.

[0036] A system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell, the system comprising: a casing; a battery cell stack within the casing, comprising: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode comprising a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode comprising an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, wherein C, A, and S are integers greater than one; a chamber defined within the casing, the chamber being configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway; and a valve configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack.

[0037] Also included is a divider within the enclosure that partially defines the chamber and includes a valve.

[0038] The divider is mounted to the inner wall of the enclosure.

[0039] The valve includes a tear seam.

[0040] The chamber is defined in part by the enclosure.

[0041] The chamber is defined by a can configured to be inserted into the enclosure.

[0042] A system configured to suppress thermal runaway in a battery cell, the system comprising: a battery cell stack, comprising: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode comprising a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer arranged on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode comprising an anode current collector, an anode active layer arranged on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, wherein C, A, and S are integers greater than one; a chamber connected to the battery cell stack by a pipeline, the chamber being configured to store an inhibitor configured to suppress thermal runaway; and a valve configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack through the pipeline.

[0043] The battery cell stack is a first battery cell stack, the pipe is a first pipe, and the valve is a first valve; and the chamber is connected to a second battery cell stack through a second pipe, and the second valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the second battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the second battery cell stack through the second pipe.

[0044] The battery cell stack includes one of a prismatic battery cell and a cylindrical battery cell.

[0045] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims and drawings.The detailed description and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The present disclosure will be more fully understood based on the detailed description and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of an exemplary battery cell;

[0048] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary prismatic battery cell;

[0049] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary prismatic battery cell including a thermal runaway suppression system according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4;

[0051] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary separator of a thermal runaway suppression system including a valve configured to control release of a suppressant;

[0052] Figure 6 Release of the inhibitor through the valve is shown;

[0053] Fig. 7A is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary prismatic battery cell including a thermal runaway suppression system according to the present disclosure, the system including a can insert containing an inhibitor;

[0054] Figure 7B showing a can insert and electrode stack of a prismatic battery cell in a common enclosure;

[0055] Figure 7C is a perspective view of the tank insert;

[0056] Fig.7D It is along Figure 7CA cross-sectional view taken along line 7D-7D;

[0057] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cylindrical battery cell including a thermal runaway suppression system according to the present disclosure;

[0058] Fig. 9 Shown in more detail Figure 8 Region 9; and

[0059] Fig.10 An additional thermal runaway suppression system for a prismatic cell according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Among the drawings, reference numerals may be repeated to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Although battery cells according to the present disclosure are shown in the context of an electric vehicle, the battery cells may be used in stationary applications and / or other applications.

[0062] A thermal runaway suppression system for a battery cell according to the present disclosure includes a suppression material configured to actively suppress thermal runaway. The suppression system prevents thermal runaway from migrating to adjacent battery cells and allows replacement of a specific battery cell affected by thermal runaway without having to replace surrounding cells that are not affected by thermal runaway. The present disclosure also potentially allows for increased battery pack density.

[0063] Now refer to Figure 1 , the battery cell 10 includes C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 located in the enclosure 50. C, A, and S are all integers greater than one. In some examples, A=C+1. The C cathode electrodes 20-1, 20-2, ..., and 20-C include a cathode active layer 24 arranged on one or both sides of a cathode current collector 26. The A anode electrodes 40-1, 40-2, ..., and 40-A include an anode active layer 42 arranged on one or both sides of an anode current collector 46.

[0064] Continue to refer to Figure 1 , and refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the prismatic battery cell 100 includes a casing 110. In some examples, the casing 110 has a rectangular cross-section. The prismatic battery cell 100 includes external terminals 112 and 114 and a vent cap 116. A stack 120 of C cathode electrodes 20, A anode electrodes 40, and S separators 32 is arranged in the casing 110. The anode current collector 46 and / or the cathode current collector 26 include external tabs 130 and 132, respectively, which are welded to internal terminals 140 and 142, respectively, in any suitable manner, such as by laser welding, ultrasonic welding, etc. The internal terminals 140 and 142 contact the external terminals 112 and 114 of the prismatic battery cell 100, respectively.

[0065] Continue to refer Figure 3 , and additionally refer to Figure 4-6 , the prismatic battery cell 100 includes a thermal runaway suppression system 200 according to the present disclosure. The thermal runaway suppression system 200 includes a separator in the form of a plate 210 within the enclosure 110 adjacent to the stack 120. The plate 210 is mounted within the enclosure 110 in any suitable manner to define a chamber 250, which is configured to retain an inhibitor material 260 therein. For example, the plate 210 may include a flange 212 extending around the periphery of the plate 210. The flange 212 is secured to the inner surface of the enclosure 110 in any suitable manner, such as using any suitable welding, press fit, mechanical interlock, adhesive, etc. The flange 212 may extend upwardly away from the chamber 250, or downwardly toward the chamber 250.

[0066] The plate 210 includes a valve configured to release the inhibitor material 260 in response to a thermal runaway condition within the stack 120. The valve is configured to open when the pressure within the stack 120 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to the presence of thermal runaway to allow the inhibitor material 260 to flow out of the chamber 250 into the stack 120. The valve may be configured in any suitable manner to control the release of the inhibitor material 260. For example, the valve may be any suitable mechanical valve, electrically controlled valve, etc. The valve may include a phase change material that separates the inhibitor material 260 from the stack 120, and / or a shape memory alloy disk that is triggered at a temperature or pressure to release the inhibitor material 260 into the stack 120.

[0067] exist Figure 4 -7, the valve is configured as a tear seam 220.

[0068] In the example shown, the tear seam 220 extends along the length of the plate 210, but may be positioned in any other suitable manner. The tear seam 220 is formed in the plate 210 in any suitable manner. For example, the tear seam 220 may be a weakened area of ​​the plate 210 that is configured to rupture or otherwise open to allow the inhibitor material 260 to flow from the chamber 250 into the stack 120 when the pressure within the stack 120 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to the presence of thermal runaway at the stack 120.

[0069] The tear seam 220 may also include a bimetallic plate that is configured to separate or otherwise open (such as by deformation) to expose an opening in the plate 210 through which the inhibitor material 260 may pass. The tear seam 220 may be configured to open in response to any suitable predetermined pressure, such as any suitable pressure that is less than the pressure at which the cowl 116 is configured to open. The cowl 116 may be configured to open at, for example, 1.0-1.5 megapascals. In one exemplary application, the tear seam 220 may be configured to open at or about between 0.75-0.85 megapascals.

[0070] The inhibitor material 260 may be any suitable material (e.g., a gas, a liquid, etc.) configured to inhibit thermal runaway within the stack 120. For example, the inhibitor material 260 may be or include perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone), which is a fluorinated ketone having the structural formula CF3CF2C(=O)CF(CF3)2 and is a fully-fluorinated analog of ethyl isopropyl ketone. Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) is available, for example, from 3M Company of St. Paul, Minnesota under the trade name Novec TM 1230、Novec TM The inhibitor material 260 is provided under the brand names of 649 and FK-5-1-12. The inhibitor material 260 is stored as a liquid under pressure in the chamber 250. When a valve such as the tear seam 220 is opened, the inhibitor material 260 quickly evaporates and enters the stack 120 to inhibit the thermal runaway event. More specifically, when the inhibitor material 260 evaporates, it removes heat from the stack 120 to reduce the rate of thermal runaway, which gives other thermal runaway mechanisms (e.g., short circuit interruption devices, etc.) additional time to inhibit the thermal event.

[0071] Figure 6An exemplary operation of the suppression system 200 for suppressing thermal runaway is shown. When the pressure within the stack 120 exceeds a predetermined pressure due to the presence of a thermal runaway condition, the tear seam 220 (or any other suitable valve) is configured to open to release the inhibitor material 260 into the stack 120. The liquid inhibitor material 260 evaporates and enters the stack 120 when the tear seam 220 opens, where the inhibitor material 260 suppresses thermal runaway.

[0072] Figures 7A-7D Another thermal runaway suppression system 300 according to the present disclosure is shown. The thermal runaway suppression system 300 includes a tank 310 containing an inhibitor material 260. The tank 310 includes any suitable valve for controlling the release of the inhibitor material 260 into the stack 120. For example, the tank 310 may include a plate 210 (or a plate similar thereto) having a tear seam 220. The tank 310 may include any other suitable valve configured to release the inhibitor material 260 in response to a pressure increase within the stack 120 associated with thermal runaway. The tank 310 may be a stand-alone unit that does not incorporate any wall or other surface of the enclosure 110. Thus, the tank 310 may be inserted into the enclosure 110 to suppress thermal runaway of the stack 120. The tank 310 may also be configured to be inserted into any other suitable enclosure to suppress thermal runaway therein.

[0073] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An exemplary cylindrical battery cell 400 including another thermal runaway suppression system 500 according to the present disclosure is shown. Cylindrical battery cell 400 includes a roll 410 of electrodes, cathodes, and separators, which is referred to as a "jelly roll." Roll 410 is similar to stack 120, but is rolled in a cylindrical enclosure 412. Within enclosure 412 is a plate 210', which is similar to plate 210, but has a cylindrical shape to fit within cylindrical enclosure 412. Features of plate 210' that are the same or similar to plate 210 are shown in Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Unless otherwise stated, the above description of similar features also applies to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Configuration.

[0074] Plate 210′ ​​includes flange 212′ which is held against the interior of enclosure 412 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, press fit, mechanical interlock, adhesive, etc.) to define chamber 250′ for inhibitor material 260, which is similar to chamber 250 but is generally circular in shape. Plate 210′ ​​may be disposed at any suitable location within enclosure 412, such as toward the bottom of enclosure 412, as shown. Figure 8 and 9. The plate 210′ ​​includes any suitable valve to control the release of the inhibitor material 260 from the enclosure 412 and into the stack 120. For example, the plate 210′ ​​may include a valve in the form of a tear seam 220′ that is configured to open to release the inhibitor material 260 in the same manner as described above with respect to the tear seam 220.

[0075] Fig.10 An additional suppression system 600 is shown in accordance with the present disclosure. Suppression system 600 may be configured as a replacement for suppression system 200, suppression system 300, and / or suppression system 500. Fig.10 Suppression system 600 is shown connected to prismatic battery cell 100 in place of suppression system 200. Suppression system 600 may also be connected to cylindrical battery cell 400.

[0076] The suppression system 600 includes a container 610 that is separate from the prismatic battery cell 100 and connected to the prismatic battery cell 100 via a conduit 612. The container 610 can be connected to a plurality of battery cells. Fig.10 As shown in , the container 610 can be connected to another battery cell 100' via a pipe 612. The container 610 is configured to retain the inhibitor material 260 therein. At the prismatic battery cell 100 is any suitable valve 614, which is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the stack 120. Similarly, the battery cell 100' includes a valve 614'. The following description of valve 614 also applies to valve 614'. Valve 614 may include a tear seam (such as tear seam 220), a mechanical valve, an electrically activated valve, etc. Valve 614 is configured to open when the pressure within the stack 120 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to thermal runaway, such as 0.75-0.85 MPa, or about 0.75-0.85 MPa. When valve 614 is open, liquid inhibitor material 260 flows from container 610 and into stack 120 of battery cells 100, where inhibitor material 260 evaporates and inhibits thermal runaway, as described above. When valve 614' is open, liquid inhibitor material 260 flows from container 610 and into stack 120' of battery cells 100', where inhibitor material 260 evaporates and inhibits thermal runaway.

[0077] exist Fig. 9, the cylindrical battery cell 400 may also be configured with a suppression system 600 as an alternative to the suppression system 500, which would remove the plate 210' and the inhibitor material 260 beneath the plate 210'. For example, the conduit 612 may be connected to a valve 614 located at any suitable location to detect a change in pressure within the coil 410 caused by thermal runaway within the coil 410. The valve 614 is configured to open when the pressure of the coil 410 exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to thermal runaway, such as 0.75-0.85 megapascals, or about 0.75-0.85 megapascals. When the valve 614 opens, the liquid inhibitor material 260 flows out of the container 610 and into the coil 410, where the inhibitor material 260 evaporates and suppresses thermal runaway, as described above. The container 610 may be connected to a plurality of battery cells, such as a plurality of cylindrical battery cells, to distribute the inhibitor material 260 throughout the battery cells.

[0078] The foregoing description is essentially merely illustrative and is by no means intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. The broad teachings of the present disclosure can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, although the present disclosure includes specific examples, the true scope of the present disclosure should not be so limited, because after studying the drawings, the specification and the appended claims, other modifications will become clear. It should be understood that one or more steps in the method can be performed in different orders (or simultaneously) without changing the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, although each embodiment is described above as having certain features, any one or more of those features described with respect to any embodiment of the present disclosure can be implemented in the features of any other embodiment and / or implemented in combination with the features of any other embodiment, even if the combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and the replacement of one or more embodiments with each other is still within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms including: "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "near," "on top," "above," "below," and "disposed." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when describing a relationship between a first and a second element in the above disclosure, the relationship may be a direct relationship in the absence of other intervening elements between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship in the presence of one or more intervening elements (spatially or functionally) between the first and second elements. As used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be interpreted to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive logical or, and should not be interpreted to mean "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C."

[0080] In a diagram, the direction of the arrow, as indicated by the arrow, generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest for the diagram. For example, when element A and element B exchange various information but the information transmitted from element A to element B is relevant to the diagram, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not mean that no other information is transmitted from element B to element A. In addition, for information sent from element A to element B, element B may send a request or receipt confirmation to element A for the information.

Claims

1. A system configured to inhibit thermal runaway in a battery cell, the system comprising: Battery cell stack, including: C cathode electrodes, each cathode electrode comprising a cathode current collector, a cathode active layer disposed on the cathode current collector, and an external connector extending from the cathode current collector; A anode electrodes, each anode electrode comprising an anode current collector, an anode active layer disposed on the anode current collector, and an external connector extending from the anode current collector; and S separators, where C, A and S are integers greater than one; a chamber configured to store an inhibitor configured to inhibit thermal runaway; and A valve is configured to open in response to a thermal runaway condition at the battery cell stack to release the inhibitor from the chamber to the battery cell stack.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cells are prismatic battery cells.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cells are cylindrical battery cells.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The battery cell stack and chamber are within a common enclosure.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber is spaced apart from the enclosure containing the battery cell stack and is connected to the enclosure with piping.

6. The system of claim 1 further comprising a plate within the enclosure housing the battery cell stack, the plate separating the chamber from the battery cell stack, the valve being included in the plate.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The valve includes a tear seam extending along the plate.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The chamber is configured to store the inhibitor as a liquid.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein: The inhibitor is configured to evaporate when released from the chamber into the battery cell stack.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the inhibitor comprises a fluorinated ketone.

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