A battery thermal runaway early warning and prevention device

Abstract

This invention discloses a battery thermal runaway early warning and prevention device, comprising a battery module, a battery box, a foam generating device, an electronic control unit, and a cooling system. The battery module has aerogel separators between adjacent battery cells, and a liquid cooling plate with a servo valve at the bottom. A hydraulic device is located on the upper part of the battery box cover, and the hydraulic device is connected to a vertically movable hydraulic transmission plate via a top plate and a top rod. This invention achieves timely early warning and protection against battery thermal runaway by rationally designing a thermal runaway early warning detection method and using an electronic control unit to control the hydraulic device, servo valve, and nitrogen generating device, thereby greatly hindering the spread and deterioration of battery thermal runaway.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery thermal runaway, specifically to an early warning and prevention device for battery thermal runaway. Background Technology

[0002] Battery thermal runaway is a major concern in the field of battery technology, its root causes traceable to internal chemical reactions and material properties. If the battery is charged or discharged too quickly or the ambient temperature is too high, heat accumulation can prevent effective heat dissipation, exacerbating the risk of thermal runaway. Furthermore, the electrode materials and electrolyte properties of the battery are also important factors in thermal runaway; certain unstable materials may trigger thermal runaway events under specific conditions. To address the safety hazards posed by battery thermal runaway, researchers are working to improve thermal management systems and develop thermal runaway detection technologies. An effective thermal management system can control the battery temperature, dissipate heat in a timely manner, and reduce the risk of thermal runaway. Simultaneously, researchers are dedicated to studying the early signs of thermal runaway and developing various emergency measures to address potential hazardous situations, thereby improving the safety and reliability of battery systems.

[0003] In terms of early warning, advanced sensing technologies and data analysis methods can be used to monitor parameters such as temperature, voltage, and current of the battery system in real time, thereby promptly detecting abnormalities. By establishing an early warning system, once signs of potential thermal runaway in the battery are detected, the system can issue an alarm and take corresponding measures to prevent accidents. Furthermore, researchers are exploring early warning methods based on machine learning and artificial intelligence technologies to improve the accuracy and timeliness of predictions.

[0004] In terms of prevention and control, a key strategy is to optimize the battery system's thermal management system. By designing efficient heat dissipation structures, cooling systems, and temperature control algorithms, the battery temperature can be effectively regulated to avoid thermal runaway caused by overheating. In addition, utilizing high-temperature resistant materials and safety valves are also important means of preventing thermal runaway, which can quickly release pressure and eliminate risks in unexpected situations.

[0005] Overall, research on early warning and prevention technologies for battery thermal runaway provides crucial support for improving the safety and reliability of battery systems. Through continuous innovation and improvement, battery thermal runaway can be better prevented and controlled, promoting the development and application of new energy vehicles, energy storage systems, and other fields, while simultaneously ensuring the safety of users and the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an early warning and prevention device for battery thermal runaway, so as to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A battery thermal runaway early warning and prevention device includes a battery module, a battery box, a foam generating device, an electronic control unit, and a cooling system. The battery module has aerogel separators between adjacent battery cells and a liquid cooling plate with a servo valve at its bottom. A hydraulic device is located on the upper part of the battery box cover, connected sequentially to a vertically movable hydraulic transmission plate via a top plate and a top rod. An infrared temperature sensor and a smoke sensor are integrated on the lower surface of the hydraulic transmission plate. A nitrogen generating device is connected to the inside of the battery box via a nitrogen conduit, and its outlet has a dual-purpose drainage and exhaust port. The foam generating device includes interconnected liquid storage chambers A and B, and a cavity B. The foam generating device is connected to cavity A above the hydraulic transmission plate via a foam conduit and an air conduit. The electronic control unit receives sensor signals and synchronously controls the servo valve, the hydraulic device, and the nitrogen generating device. The hydraulic transmission plate has a foam uniform plate with a slider, which cooperates with a groove on the lower surface of the battery box cover to form a foam distribution structure.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment of the present invention: the cooling system includes a three-way pipe and a servo valve that can be diverted and controlled, forming a dual-layer cooling structure with direct cooling by the liquid cooling plate and indirect cooling inside the battery box. The liquid cooling plate has a coolant inlet and a coolant outlet on both sides.

[0010] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nitrogen generating device adopts a rapid gas generation structure similar to that of an automotive airbag.

[0011] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention: the foam generating device has a horizontally arranged storage chamber A and a storage chamber B, storage chamber A stores aluminum sulfate solution, and storage chamber B stores a mixed solution containing sodium bicarbonate and foaming agent. The two chambers are mixed by a hydraulically driven push plate, which is slidably disposed in the foam generating device.

[0012] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention: the uniform foam board is provided with a retractable sealing strip, which can form an airtight fit with the groove during the upward movement of the hydraulic transmission plate.

[0013] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention: the slider adopts a spring-loaded telescopic structure, and its telescopic stroke matches the depth of the groove.

[0014] As a further preferred embodiment of the present invention: the drainage and exhaust dual-purpose hole is provided with a bidirectional airflow channel, which forms a negative pressure suction effect when the hydraulic transmission plate moves upward.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: by rationally designing the early warning and detection method for thermal runaway, and applying an electronic control unit to control the hydraulic device, servo valve, and nitrogen generation device, the present invention achieves timely early warning and protection against battery thermal runaway, which greatly hinders the spread and deterioration of battery thermal runaway. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic device of the present invention in its initial state.

[0018] Figure 3 This is the left view of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the hydraulic device of the present invention in its terminated state.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the foam homogenization plate of the present invention in operation.

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic transmission plate structure of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of the mating structure of the groove and the slide in this invention.

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the foam uniform board structure of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 9 This is an enlarged view of the mounting structure of the slider in this invention.

[0025] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional view of the foam generating device in its initial state according to the present invention.

[0026] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view of the foam generating device in operation according to the present invention.

[0027] Figure 12 This is the right view of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the control unit structure of the present invention.

[0029] In the diagram: 1. Battery module; 2. Aerogel separator; 3. Liquid cooling plate; 30. Coolant inlet; 31. Coolant outlet; 4. Battery box; 40. Battery box cover; 41. Drainage and exhaust vent; 5. Hydraulic transmission plate; 50. Push rod; 51. Top plate; 52. Cavity A; 7. Nitrogen generator; 8. Hydraulic device; 10. Ammonia conduit; 11. Foam conduit; 12. Air conduit; 13. Infrared temperature sensor; 14. Smoke sensor; 15. Sealing strip; 16. Groove; 17. Slider; 18. Slide groove; 19. Foam homogenizing plate; 20. T-junction; 21. Sensor module; 6. Foam generation box; 60. Foam generation box cover; 61. Liquid storage chamber A; 62. Liquid storage chamber B; 63. Cavity B; 64. Push plate; 9. Servo valve; 90. Servo switch; 91. Ignition switch; 92. Electronic control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] Please see Figure 1-13In this embodiment of the invention, a battery thermal runaway early warning and prevention device includes a battery module 1, a battery box 4, an aerogel separator 2, a foam generating device, a nitrogen generating device 7, a hydraulic device 8, a temperature sensor 13 and a smoke sensor 14, a servo valve 9, a servo switch 90, an ignition switch 91, and an electronic control unit 92, etc. The device is characterized in that: aerogel separators 2 are provided between adjacent battery cells in the battery module 1 to prevent the spread of thermal runaway between battery cells; the bottom of the battery module 1 is cooled by a liquid cooling plate 3, and the coolant can be diverted through the servo valve 9 in the three-way pipe 20, wherein the water path to the inlet of the liquid cooling plate 3 remains unobstructed, and the water path to the inside of the battery box 4 is controlled by the servo valve 9. A hydraulic device 8 is fixed to the upper part of the battery box cover 40. The hydraulic device 8 can push the top plate 51 to pull the top rod 50 passing through the battery box cover 40 upward, driving the hydraulic transmission plate 5 connected to the top rod 50 to move towards the lower surface of the battery box cover 40 until it is in contact with it. A temperature sensor 13 and a smoke sensor 14 are located below the hydraulic transmission plate 5. The signals received by these sensors are transmitted to the electronic control unit 92. The signals emitted by the electronic control unit 92 simultaneously control the operation of the servo valve 9, the hydraulic device 8, and the nitrogen generation device 7. Because nitrogen is generated rapidly, it is transported to the battery box 4 through the nitrogen conduit 10 to fill it with nitrogen. The nitrogen dilutes the smoke generated inside the battery box and is discharged through the drain and vent hole 41 on the side of the battery box 4. At the same time, because the servo valve 9 is open, the coolant flowing into the battery box 4 through the pipeline flows through the side gaps inside the battery box 4 and forms a cooling water channel through the drain and vent hole 41 on the right side of the battery box 4. This coolant works together with the liquid cooling plate 3 to cool the battery module 1. The upward movement of the hydraulic transmission plate 5 driven by the hydraulic device 8 compresses the air in cavity A52 and introduces it into cavity B63 of the foam generating device through air conduit 12. This pushes the push plate 64 upward, causing the aluminum sulfate solution in storage chamber A61 to enter storage chamber B62 through a pipe and mix with the sodium bicarbonate and foaming agent solution to generate foam. The foam is transported to the foam inlet of battery box 4 through pipelines. When the hydraulic transmission plate 5 contacts the lower surface of battery box cover 40, the slider 17 on the foam uniform plate 19 engages with the groove 18 on the hydraulic transmission plate 5. At this time, the foam can push the foam uniform plate 19 along the groove 18 to form a uniform foam protective layer above the battery module 1. Excess foam can be discharged through the drainage and venting hole 41 on the right side of battery box 4.

[0034] The drainage and exhaust dual-purpose hole 41 is provided with a bidirectional airflow channel, which forms a negative pressure suction effect when the hydraulic transmission plate 5 moves upward.

[0035] Among them, the battery box cover plate 40 at the top of the battery box 4 is equipped with a hydraulic device 8. The hydraulic device 8 is connected to a hydraulic transmission plate 5 that can move up and down through a top plate 51 and a top rod 50. The lower surface of the hydraulic transmission plate 5 is integrated with an infrared temperature sensor 13 and a smoke sensor 14.

[0036] The cooling system includes a three-way pipe 20 and a servo valve 9 that can be diverted and controlled, forming a double-layer cooling structure with direct cooling by the liquid cooling plate 3 and indirect cooling inside the battery box 4. The liquid cooling plate 3 has a coolant inlet 30 and a coolant outlet 31 on both sides.

[0037] The nitrogen generating device 7 adopts a rapid gas generation structure similar to an automotive airbag, with a gas generation rate of not less than 100L / s. The nitrogen generating device has an ignition switch 91 connected to the electronic control unit 92, and the nitrogen generating device 7 is connected to an ammonia conduit 10.

[0038] For details, please refer to Figure 2-6 After the sensor module 21 detects the thermal runaway signal, the signal is transmitted to the electronic control unit 92, which then issues a command to drive the hydraulic device 8 to operate, thereby driving the hydraulic transmission plate 5 to move upward. The thin arrow α in the figure shows the direction of movement of the hydraulic device 8 and the hydraulic transmission plate 5. When the upper surface of the hydraulic transmission plate 5 moves up to coincide with the lower surface of the battery box cover 40, the slider 17 on the foam uniform plate 19 cooperates with the groove 18 on the lower surface of the hydraulic transmission plate 5. The foam uniform plate 19 can move from left to right along the groove 18. The short thick arrow β in the figure shows the direction of movement of the foam uniform plate 19.

[0039] The hydraulic device 8 drives the hydraulic transmission plate 5 to move upward, causing the air in cavity A52 to enter cavity B63 in the foam generating device through air duct 12, pushing the push plate 64 to move upward, so that the liquid in storage chamber A61 enters storage chamber B62 through the duct, the solution mixes and thus foam is generated. The thin arrow α in the figure shows the flow direction of the liquid in storage chamber A, and the short thick arrow β shows the movement direction of the air and push plate 64.

[0040] The foam uniform plate 19 is provided with a retractable sealing strip 15, which can form an airtight fit with the groove 16 during the upward movement of the hydraulic transmission plate 5.

[0041] The slider 17 adopts a spring-loaded telescopic structure, and its telescopic stroke matches the depth of the groove 18.

[0042] See appendix Figure 7-13After receiving the battery thermal runaway signal, the sensor module 21 transmits the signal to the electronic control unit 92, which then issues a command to open the servo valve 9 of the liquid cooling system, the servo switch 90 of the hydraulic system, and the ignition switch 91 of the nitrogen generation device 7.

[0043] Working principle: During use, aerogel separators 2 are installed between adjacent battery cells in battery module 1 to prevent the spread of thermal runaway between battery cells. The bottom of battery module 1 is cooled by liquid cooling plate 3. After receiving the battery thermal runaway signal, the sensor module 21 under the hydraulic transmission plate 5 transmits the signal to the electronic control unit 92. The electronic control unit 92 issues a command to open the servo valve 9 of the liquid cooling system, the servo switch 90 of the hydraulic system, and the ignition switch 91 of the nitrogen generation device 7. Due to the fast nitrogen generation speed, the battery box 4 is first filled with nitrogen to dilute the smoke generated inside, and then discharged through the drain and vent hole 41 on the side of the battery box 4. The hydraulic device 8 and the servo valve 9 operate simultaneously, and some coolant flows into the battery box 4, forming a water channel along the side gap inside the battery box 4, and forming a cooling water channel through the drain and vent hole 41 on the right side of the battery box 4. Together with the liquid cooling plate 3, they cool the battery module 1. As the hydraulic device 8 drives the hydraulic transmission plate 5 upward, air in cavity A52 enters cavity B63 of the foam generating device through air conduit 12, pushing push plate 64 upward. This causes aluminum sulfate solution in storage chamber A61 to enter storage chamber B62 through pipe, mixing with the sodium bicarbonate and foaming agent solution to generate foam. When the upper surface of the hydraulic transmission plate 5 contacts the lower surface of the battery box cover 40, the slider 17 on the foam uniform plate 19 engages with the groove 18 on the air pressure plate. The foam then pushes the foam uniform plate 19 along the groove 18 to form a uniform foam protective layer above the battery module 1. Excess foam can be discharged through the drainage and venting hole 41 on the right side of the battery box 4.

[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0045] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A device for early warning and prevention of battery thermal runaway, comprising a battery module (1), a battery box (4), a foam generating device (6), an electronic control unit (92) and a cooling system, characterized in that: an aerogel partition (2) is arranged between adjacent battery cells in the battery module (1), and a liquid cooling plate (3) with a servo valve (9) is arranged at the bottom of the battery module (1); a hydraulic device (8) is arranged on the upper part of the battery box cover plate (40) at the top of the battery box (4), the hydraulic device (8) is connected to a vertically movable hydraulic transmission plate (5) through a top plate (51) and a top rod (50) in sequence, and an infrared temperature sensor (13) and a smoke sensor (14) are integrated on the lower surface of the hydraulic transmission plate (5); a nitrogen generating device (7) is connected to the inside of the battery box (4) through a nitrogen conduit (10), and a drainage and exhaust dual-purpose hole (41) is arranged at the outlet of the nitrogen generating device (7); the foam generating device (6) comprises a linkage storage tank A (61), a storage tank B (62) and a cavity B (63), and the foam generating device (6) is communicated with a cavity A (52) above the hydraulic transmission plate (5) through a foam conduit (11) and an air conduit (12); the electronic control unit (92) receives sensor signals and synchronously controls the servo valve (9), the hydraulic device (8) and the nitrogen generating device (7); the hydraulic transmission plate (5) is provided with a foam uniform plate (19) with a sliding block (17), and a sliding groove (18) on the lower surface of the battery box cover plate (40) cooperates with the foam uniform plate (19) to form a foam distribution structure. The cooling system comprises a three-way pipe (20) and a servo valve (9) with controllable shunt, forming a double cooling structure of direct cooling of the liquid cooling plate (3) and indirect cooling of the inside of the battery box (4), and the liquid cooling plate (3) has a cooling liquid inlet (30) and a cooling liquid outlet (31) on both sides. The nitrogen generating device (7) adopts a car safety airbag type rapid gas generating structure, and the gas generating rate is not less than 100L / s, the nitrogen generating device has an ignition switch (91) connected with the electronic control unit (92), and the nitrogen generating device (7) is connected with the nitrogen conduit (10). The foam generating device (6) has a horizontal direction parallel storage tank A (61) and a storage tank B (62), the storage tank A (61) stores aluminum sulfate solution, the storage tank B (62) stores mixed solution containing sodium bicarbonate and foaming agent, and the two chambers realize solution mixing through a hydraulic driven push plate (64) slidingly arranged in the foam generating device (6). The foam uniform plate (19) is provided with a telescopic sealing strip (15), which can form an airtight fit with the groove (16) during the upward movement of the hydraulic transmission plate (5). The sliding block (17) adopts a spring-loaded telescopic structure, and the telescopic stroke matches the depth of the sliding groove (18). The drainage and exhaust dual-purpose hole (41) is provided with a two-way air flow channel, which forms a negative pressure air suction effect when the hydraulic transmission plate (5) moves upward. 2.The battery thermal runaway early warning and prevention device according to claim 1, characterized in that, ​ 3.The device for early warning and prevention of thermal runaway of a battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, ​ 4.The device for early warning and prevention of thermal runaway of a battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, ​ 5.The device for early warning and prevention of thermal runaway of a battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, ​ 6.The device for early warning and prevention of thermal runaway of a battery according to claim 5, characterized in that, ​ 7.The device for early warning and prevention of thermal runaway of a battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, ​

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