Energy storage system knock and heat propagation mitigation

Abstract

An energy storage system (ESS) (100) knock and heat propagation mitigation method (700) and corresponding systems (500, 600) prevent and optionally extinguish fire in an ESS container (110). The method (700) uses a gas detection system (500), a smoke and temperature detection system (600), and a fire suppression system (430). The gas detection system (500) opens the vent (126) in response to detecting a concentration of the gas that reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration. If desired, after venting the container (110), the smoke and temperature detection system (600) closes the vent (126) and activates the fire suppression system (430) in response to detecting both the presence of smoke and a temperature that reaches or exceeds a threshold temperature.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire protection system, and more particularly to a fire protection and extinguishing system that can be used for an energy storage system (ESS), such as a container that houses batteries. BACKGROUND

[0002] An ESS refers to a transport container or other such container that is adapted to house battery racks that can be charged and discharged as needed. In some example applications, an ESS can be used to store renewable energy (e.g., solar or wind energy). In other example applications, an ESS can supply power to remote off-grid construction sites and mines.

[0003] Currently, many ESSs are used to house lithium-ion batteries, which advantageously have a high storage capacity per unit volume, do not lose stored power due to self-discharge, and do not have a “memory effect” (their capacity decreases when cycled without being fully discharged). An ESS can be configured by stacking battery modules in a container. Multiple battery modules can be stacked in electrically connected battery racks that can be charged and discharged by appropriate electronics housed within the ESS.

[0004] Lithium-ion batteries can overheat, leading to a fire. Therefore, ESSs are typically equipped with a fire extinguishing system. An example of an ESS fire extinguishing system is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,933,263 (hereinafter “‘263 Reference”). The ‘263 Reference describes a fire control system equipped with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system and a fire extinguisher. The system includes a smoke detector, a heat detector, a flame detector in the ESS container, a duct smoke detector in a duct of the HVAC system, and a fire extinguisher that operates when all of the smoke detector, heat detector, and flame detector detect a fire, or when the duct smoke detector detects a fire, or when an operator actuates a control button.

[0005] However, the system described in the ‘263 Reference has several drawbacks. For example, the disclosed system is not configured to prevent a fire from occurring before it occurs. Some batteries release flammable gases during or after a malfunction. Lithium-ion batteries can release hydrogen gas, which is highly flammable. By failing to detect and address the released gases, an opportunity for early detection is missed, and a dangerous situation can arise before the system is activated.

[0006] Examples of the present invention are intended to overcome the aforementioned deficiencies. SUMMARY

[0007] According to a first aspect, an example method includes receiving first information from a first sensor, the first information indicative of a concentration of a gas present within a container; determining, based on the first information, that the concentration is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold; and opening a vent to release the gas from the container based on the determination that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold.

[0008] The method can further include receiving a first one of second information from a second sensor or third information from a third sensor while the vent is in the open position. The second information is indicative of a presence of smoke within the container, and the third information is indicative of a temperature within the container being greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. The fire suppression system can optionally remain in a deactivated state after receiving the first one of the second information or the third information.

[0009] The method can further include receiving a second one of the second information or the third information; closing the vent based on receiving the second one of the second information or the third information; and activating a fire suppression system within the container based on receiving the second one of the second information or the third information.

[0010] The method can further include receiving a first one of second information from a second sensor or third information from a third sensor while the vent is in the open position. The second information is indicative of a presence of smoke within the container, and the third information is indicative of a temperature within the container being greater than or equal to a threshold temperature. The fire suppression system can optionally remain in a deactivated state after receiving the first one of the second information or the third information.

[0011] According to a further aspect, a system is provided that includes a gas detection system and a smoke and temperature detection system. The gas detection system can include a gas detection system controller and a gas sensor. The gas detection system controller can be configured to detect, via the gas sensor, a concentration of a gas within a container to determine whether the concentration reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration. The gas detection system controller can be configured to open a vent in response to detecting that the concentration reaches or exceeds the threshold concentration.

[0012] The smoke and temperature detection system can include a smoke and temperature detection system controller, a smoke detector, and a temperature sensor. The smoke and temperature detection system controller can be configured to detect, via the smoke detector, a presence of smoke within a container. The smoke and temperature detection system controller can be further configured to detect, via the temperature sensor, a temperature that reaches or exceeds a threshold temperature. The smoke and temperature detection system controller can be configured to close the vent and activate a fire suppression system within the container in response to detecting both the presence of smoke and the temperature that reaches or exceeds the threshold temperature.

[0013] According to a further aspect, there is provided a container comprising at least one battery within an interior of the container; an input through which the at least one battery can be charged; an output through which the at least one battery can be discharged; a ventilation system; and a fire hazard detection and extinguishing system.

[0014] The fire hazard detection and extinguishing system can comprise a gas detection system and a smoke and temperature detection system. The gas detection system can be configured to detect whether a concentration of a gas reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration, and the gas detection system can be configured to activate the ventilation system and terminate charging and discharging of the at least one battery in response to detecting that the concentration of the gas reaches or exceeds the threshold concentration. The smoke and temperature detection system can be configured to activate an extinguishing system within the container in response to detecting a presence of smoke and a temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature after detecting that the concentration of the gas reaches or exceeds the threshold concentration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 A first perspective view of an example ESS comprising a container and an HVAC system is shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0016] Figure 2 A side view of an ESS introduced in Figure 1 is shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0017] Figure 3 Example ESS components that can be housed within a container introduced in Figure 1 are shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0018] Figure 4 An example system that can be positioned within an ESS introduced in Figure 1 is shown in accordance with an example of the present application, comprising a gas detection system, a smoke and temperature detection system, and an extinguishing system.

[0019] Figure 5 An example gas detection system that can be positioned within an ESS as shown in Figure 4 is shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0020] Figure 6 An example combined smoke and temperature detection system and extinguishing system that can be positioned within an ESS as shown in Figure 4 is shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0021] Figure 7 An example energy storage system deflagration and heat propagation mitigation method is shown in accordance with an example of the present application.

[0022] Figure 8 An example schematic arrangement of a fire hazard detection and extinguishing system is shown in accordance with an example of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A first perspective view of an example ESS 100 including a container 110 and an HVAC system 120 according to an example of the present application is shown. In some embodiments, the example container 110 can include, for example, a twenty (20) foot long International Organization for Standardization (ISO) container in a standard form that can be effectively transported by ship, train, and / or truck. In other embodiments, the container 110 can have other dimensions and / or shapes as desired to meet the needs of a particular application. The container 110 can include various access openings and doors according to the example configuration shown in FIG. 1 or according to any other desired access configuration. Figure 1

[0024] The HVAC system 120 can be mounted on the exterior of the container 110. The HVAC system 120 can be adapted to circulate air through the container 110 via Figure 1 air duct openings on the container 110 that are not visible in FIG. 1. The HVAC system 120 can condition the circulated air, for example, by heating or cooling the circulated air. Generally, the HVAC system 120 can recirculate air within the container 110 such that the air within the container 110 does not exchange with air from outside the container 110.

[0025] The HVAC system 120 can include an opening 125 adapted to introduce outside air into the container 110. The opening 125 can be opened and closed via a damper 126 that is controllable via an HVAC system controller 128 (in the illustrated embodiment, the damper 126 and the HVAC system controller 128 are shown in dashed lines to reflect that they are within the HVAC system 120). In some embodiments, the damper 126 can include an "economizer damper" of the HVAC system 120 that can be operated to reduce heating and / or cooling loads on the HVAC system 120. Embodiments of the present application can further utilize the economizer damper, i.e., operate the economizer damper as described herein to vent gases detected within the container 110.

[0026] One or more alarm devices, such as an example alarm device 130, can be mounted on the exterior of the container 110. The alarm device 130 can include a light and / or sound element that provides visual and / or audible notification related to conditions within the container 110. The alarm device 130 can optionally have several different alarm modes, e.g., different colors of light and / or different sounds corresponding to different conditions within the container 110. For example, a gas detection alarm mode of the alarm device 130 can be activated in response to detecting a gas within the container 110, and a smoke and / or fire alarm mode of the alarm device 130 can be activated in response to detecting smoke and / or heat indicative of a potential fire within the container 110.​

[0027] Figure 2 An example according to the invention is shown in Figure 1 The side view of the ESS 100 introduced in the article. Figure 2 A container 110, another example alarm device 130, an HVAC system 120, various access doors and panels, an access opening 210 for alternating current (AC) input, and an access opening 220 for AC output are shown. The battery within the container 110 can optionally be charged via a first power cable coupled to the ESS 100 via the AC input access opening 210. The battery within the container 110 can optionally be discharged via a second power cable coupled to the ESS 100 via the AC output access opening 220. The ESS 100 can be used to provide AC power to any desired application via the second power cable.

[0028] Figure 3 An example of a device according to the invention is shown that can be accommodated in Figure 1 Example ESS component within container 110 introduced in [the document]. Figure 3 The battery casing 310, inverter 320, power converter 330, HVAC openings 340, 345, and partitioned compartment 350 in container 110 are shown.

[0029] The battery housing 310 can accommodate multiple stacks of lithium-ion batteries or any other desired battery type. The battery housing 310 can be configured to allow air to flow between the multiple stacks. For example, air can exit through HVAC opening 340 and return to HVAC system 120 via HVAC opening 345 after circulating through the battery housing 310. Air can also optionally circulate in the opposite direction, for example, exiting through HVAC opening 345, circulating through the battery housing 310, and returning to HVAC system 120 via HVAC opening 340.

[0030] The power converter 330 can be configured to receive AC input, such as from an external generator, grid, or other power source, and use the AC input to charge the battery in the battery housing 310. The inverter 320 can be configured to receive the direct current (DC) output from the battery in the battery housing 310, convert the DC output to AC output, and provide the AC output to any application powered by the ESS 100 via an output cable.

[0031] The partition compartment 350 may be a compartment separated from the larger enclosed volume of container 110, for example, by a wall or panel. The partition compartment 350 may, but does not necessarily, need to be sealed in a manner that prevents air circulation between the partition compartment 350 and the larger enclosed volume of container 110. The partition compartment 350 may optionally house a power converter 330, an inverter 320, or any other additional electronics associated with the ESS 100. As described herein, in embodiments including the partition compartment 350, fire suppression units may be configured to include fire suppression units for the partition compartment 350.

[0032] Figure 4 Example systems that can be located within an ESS 100 are shown, including a gas detection system comprising a gas detection system controller 420, a smoke and temperature detection system comprising a smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, and a fire suppression system comprising a fire suppression unit 430, all of which are... Figure 1 The container 110 introduced in the middle. Further aspects of the gas detection system, smoke and temperature detection system, and fire extinguishing system will be referred to Figure 5 and Figure 6 Provide a detailed description.

[0033] Figure 4 An example arrangement of components for a gas detection system, smoke and temperature detection system, and fire suppression system is shown. It will be understood that other arrangements can be made to suit other container volumes and layouts. For example, Figure 4 The arrangement of the fire extinguishing unit 430 is shown, which positions the fire extinguishing unit 430 in the partitioned compartment 350 and also positions the fire extinguishing unit 430 within the larger unpartitioned volume of the container 110.

[0034] Figure 5 An example of the invention is shown that can be positioned as follows Figure 4 The example gas detection system 500 within the ESS 100 is shown. The gas detection system 500 includes one or more gas sensors 510 coupled to a gas detection system controller 420 via a connection line 515, a gas sensor 520 serving as a reference sensor, an output connection line 530 coupling the gas detection system controller 420 to a smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, and an output connection line 540 coupling the gas detection system controller 420 to an HVAC system 120 controller.

[0035] In an example embodiment, the gas detection system controller 420 may be configured to detect the concentration of a flammable gas, such as hydrogen, or any other relevant gas within container 110 via gas sensor 510 to determine whether the concentration reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration. The gas detection system controller 420 may optionally be configured to detect the concentrations of multiple different gases and further process one or more of the detected gas concentrations to the threshold concentration. The gas detection system controller 420 may be configured to open a vent 126, such as an economizer damper of HVAC system 120, in response to detecting a concentration reaching or exceeding the threshold concentration. The gas detection system controller 420 may output a signal via output connection line 540, which couples the gas detection system controller 420 to HVAC system 120 (optionally, HVAC system controller 128), and this signal may instruct HVAC system controller 128 to open the economizer damper. Furthermore, this signal may optionally instruct HVAC system 120 to operate a fan to accelerate the exhaust from container 110.

[0036] The gas detection system controller 420 can also be configured to notify the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 in response to detecting that the gas concentration has reached or exceeded a threshold concentration. The gas detection system controller 420 can output a signal via an output connection line 530 coupling the gas detection system controller 420 to the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, and this signal can notify the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 of a gas detection event. The output signal may include, for example, a phase-two relay logic signal.

[0037] In some embodiments, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may be a combined controller configured to control the alarm 130, fire suppression system, HVAC system 120 or components thereof, and the charging / discharging functions of the ESS 100, such as the power converter 330 and inverter 320. By notifying the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 of a gas detection event, the gas detection system controller 420 may, in response to the gas detection event, activate the alarm mode of the alarm 130 and terminate the charging and / or discharging functions of the battery within the container 110.

[0038] The gas detection system controller 420 can be optionally configured to close the vent 126 after a predetermined time period (such as 15 minutes or any other time interval) and without any smoke or overheating detection event. The gas detection system controller 420 can output a signal via an output connection 540 that couples the gas detection system controller 420 to the HVAC system 120 controller, and this signal can instruct the HVAC system 120 to close the economizer damper. Embodiments may, but do not necessarily, require reactivation of the ESS operation by reactivating the charging and discharging functions. For safety reasons, embodiments may avoid reactivating the charging and discharging functions until these functions are manually reset.

[0039] In some embodiments, at least one of the gas sensors 510 may be located within the air inlet of a container ventilation system, for example, within the air inlet of an HVAC system 120, such as... Figure 3 The air inlet 345 is shown. In some embodiments, the gas detection system controller 420 may use a reference sensor 520 in conjunction with the gas sensor 510. The reference sensor 520 may reduce false positive gas detection events. The reference sensor 520 may be located at a different location than the gas sensor 510 within the container 110. The gas detection system controller 420 may be configured to determine, based on reference information received from the reference sensor, that a gas concentration (e.g., the concentration of a flammable gas of interest such as hydrogen) is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold. For example, the gas detection system controller 420 may be configured to determine that a gas concentration is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold when the reading of the gas sensor 510 reaches or exceeds the concentration threshold, while the reading of the reference sensor 520 does not.

[0040] Figure 6 An example of the invention is shown that can be positioned as follows Figure 4 The example combination of smoke and temperature detection system and fire suppression system 600 within the ESS 100 is shown. The combined system 600 includes a smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, which can be configured to detect smoke and excessive temperature within container 110 and activate the fire suppression system, as well as perform other functions described herein.

[0041] The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be coupled to the smoke detector 610 and the temperature sensor 620 via various connecting cables 640. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to detect the presence of smoke within the container 110 via the smoke detector 610. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can also be configured to detect temperatures reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature via the temperature sensor 620. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to close the vents 126 within the container 110 (e.g., economizer dampers) and activate the fire suppression system (e.g., fire suppression unit 430) in response to the detection of smoke presence and temperatures reaching or exceeding the threshold temperature.

[0042] The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to detect the presence of smoke within the container 110 by receiving signals or other information from the smoke detector 610 via a connection cable 640. In some embodiments, the smoke detector 610 may include a microprocessor configured to output a detection signal to the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 in response to a smoke detection event. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may receive smoke detection signals from any one of a plurality of smoke detectors 610 located at multiple locations within the container 110.

[0043] The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to detect temperatures reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature via the temperature sensor 620 circuit by detecting a fault in the temperature sensor 620 circuit. The temperature sensor 620 circuit is adapted to conduct current at temperatures below the threshold temperature and to fail at temperatures substantially equal to or above the threshold temperature (e.g., by melting). For example, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can periodically or continuously apply a detection voltage across the temperature sensor 620 circuit to determine whether a circuit fault has occurred based on changes in the detection voltage. In some embodiments, the threshold temperature can be, for example, 60-180 degrees Celsius.

[0044] To close vent 126, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to output a signal via output connection 650. Output connection 650 may include an output connection to HVAC system 120, and HVAC system 120 may close vent 126 in response to a signal from smoke and temperature detection system controller 410.

[0045] To activate the fire suppression system (e.g., fire suppression unit 430) within container 110, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can be configured to switch a circuit (e.g., a 120-volt circuit) coupled to the fire suppression unit 430 via a connection cable 640 to supply power to the fire suppression unit 430. The fire suppression unit 430 can be an electrically activated fire suppression unit of the fire suppression system. In some embodiments, the electrically activated fire suppression unit 430 may be adapted to spray ionized potassium extinguishing agent when activated. By attaching multiple fire suppression units 430 to the same circuit that is activatable by the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, the operation of the fire suppression units 430 can be synchronized. The number and distribution of the multiple fire suppression units 430 may depend on the internal dimensions and configuration of container 110.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, fire suppression unit 630 may be located in a partitioned compartment 350 of container 110. Fire suppression unit 630 may optionally be a different type of fire suppression unit than fire suppression unit 430. For example, fire suppression unit 630 may be a self-activating "thermal generator" at a threshold temperature (e.g., 70-150 degrees Celsius), while fire suppression unit 430 is configured as a generator activated by smoke and temperature detection system controller 410.

[0047] The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can optionally be configured to activate the alarm 130 in a gas detection alarm mode in response to gas detection by the gas detection system 500. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can also be configured to activate the alarm 130 in a first alarm mode, different from the gas detection alarm mode, in response to the detection of smoke in the container 110 or a temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature. The first alarm mode may include, for example, a white or other first-color alarm light. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 can also be configured to activate the alarm 130 in a second alarm mode, different from the gas detection and first alarm modes, in response to the detection of smoke and a temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature of the container 110. The second alarm mode may include, for example, a blue or other second-color alarm light that operates in a flashing (strobe) mode and is accompanied by an audible sound such as a horn.

[0048] Figure 7 An example ESS deflagration and heat propagation mitigation method 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. In some embodiments, the illustrated operation may be performed by one or more controllers within the ESS 100. For example, in Figures 1-6In the examples shown, operations 702, 704, 706, 710, and 712 can be performed using a first controller (e.g., gas detection system controller 420), optionally in cooperation with the HVAC system 120 controller and / or the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410. Operations 708, 714, 716, 718, 720, and 722 can be performed using a second controller (e.g., smoke and temperature detection system controller 410), which may also optionally cooperate with other controllers and components described herein. While one or more steps of method 700 (and in some examples, all steps of method 700) can be performed by a single controller (e.g., gas detection system controller 420), the example steps of method 700 will be described below as being performed by various controllers cooperating in the operation.

[0049] At 702, a first controller (gas detection system controller 420) can determine whether a flammable gas of interest, such as hydrogen, is detected within container 110. In an embodiment, the first controller may be configured to receive first information from a first sensor (e.g., gas sensor 510) indicating the concentration of a gas present within container 110. At least one of the gas sensors 510 may be located within the inlet 345 of a container ventilation system, such as HVAC system 120. The first controller may be configured to determine, based on the first information, that the concentration is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold. In some embodiments, determining that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold may be further based on reference information received from a reference sensor 520, wherein the first sensor 519 and the reference sensor 520 are located at different locations within container 110.

[0050] At 704, the first controller (gas detection system controller 420) can open the vent 126 of container 110 to expel flammable gas. For example, the first controller can be configured to open the vent 126 of HVAC system 120, such as an economizer damper, based on a determined concentration being greater than or equal to a concentration threshold, and activate the fans of HVAC system 120 to disperse flammable gas from container 110. In response to a determined concentration being greater than or equal to the concentration threshold, the fire suppression system does not need to be activated within container 110. Activation of the fire suppression system can be delayed until a positive detection result is obtained according to operations 708 and / or 716.

[0051] At 706, the first controller (gas detection system controller 420) can terminate the battery charging and / or discharging functions of the ESS 100. For example, based on determining that the concentration is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold, the first controller can terminate at least one of the charging or discharging functions of one or more lithium-ion batteries. Terminating the charging function may include terminating the operation of the power converter 330, and terminating the discharging function may include terminating the operation of the inverter 320. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first controller may be configured to notify the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 in response to detecting that the concentration has reached or exceeded a threshold concentration.

[0052] At 708, the second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can determine whether smoke and / or overheating are detected. If not, after a predetermined period of time (such as 5-30 minutes) and no smoke and / or overheating are detected, the first and / or second controllers can be configured to close the vent at operation 710 and optionally reset the battery charging / discharging function at operation 712. In some embodiments, a manual reset can be performed at 712 to ensure the safety of container 110. After restoring safe conditions, the first controller can return to normal gas monitoring operation, proceeding to operation 702 if further detection is performed.

[0053] If yes at 708, the second controller detects smoke or overheating. For example, after opening vent 126 based on gas detection at operation 704, the second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) may receive one of two pieces of information: a second piece of information from a second sensor (e.g., smoke detector 610) or a third piece of information from a third sensor (e.g., temperature sensor 620). The second piece of information indicates the presence of smoke within container 110 and may be received from any of a plurality of smoke detectors 610 located at multiple locations within container 110. The third piece of information indicates that the temperature within container 110 has reached or exceeded a threshold temperature. Receiving the third piece of information may include detecting a fault in circuitry adapted to conduct current at temperatures below the threshold temperature and adapted to malfunction at temperatures substantially equal to or above the threshold temperature.

[0054] If yes at 708, then at 714, the second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can activate the first alarm mode of the alarm 130. For example, the second controller can activate the first alarm mode of the alarm device 130 located outside the container 110 based on one of the received second or third information. However, the second controller does not need to activate the fire suppression system in response to one of the received second or third information, because embodiments can activate the fire suppression system after receiving both the second and third information.

[0055] At 716, the second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can determine whether a second of smoke and / or overheating is detected. If not, according to operation 714, the first alarm mode can remain active, and the second controller can continue to monitor for the second of smoke and / or overheating; however, activation of the fire suppression system is not required. If yes at 716, after opening vent 126 at operation 704 and after receiving one of the second or third information at operation 708, the second controller can receive the other of the second or third information. If smoke is detected at 708, the second controller can receive overheat / high temperature detection information at 716. If overheat / high temperature is detected at 708, the second controller can receive smoke detection information at 716.

[0056] At 718, a second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can close the vent 126 of container 110 to at least partially seal container 110 from the external environment. For example, the second controller can close the vent 126 based on another of a second or third received message. The second controller can be configured to close the vent 126 of HVAC system 120, such as an economizer damper, based on determining that smoke and / or overheating are detected.

[0057] At 720, a second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can activate the fire suppression system. For example, the second controller can activate the fire suppression system within container 110 based on another of the received second or third information. The fire suppression system may include one or more electrically activatable fire suppression units 430, and activating the fire suppression system may include switching circuitry coupled to the electrically activatable fire suppression units 430 to supply power to the electrically activatable fire suppression units 430.

[0058] At point 722, the second controller (smoke and temperature detection system controller 410) can activate the second alarm mode. For example, the second controller can activate the second alarm mode of alarm device 130 based on another of the received second or third information. After point 722, container 110 is sealed, the fire suppression system has been activated, and the alarm has been activated. After a period of time such as 10-48 hours, container 110 can be considered safe and ready for inspection.

[0059] Figure 8 An example schematic layout of a fire hazard detection and extinguishing system according to an example of the present invention is shown. Figure 8 Included Figures 1-6The system includes an HVAC controller 128, a vent 126, a gas detection system controller 420, a sensor 510, a sensor 520, an alarm device 130, a smoke and temperature detection system controller 410, a fire extinguishing agent unit 430, a smoke detector 610, and a temperature sensor 620. Figure 8 It also includes a battery charging / discharging function 802, which can be, for example, through... Figure 3 This is achieved using the inverter 320 and power converter 330 shown.

[0060] According to Figure 8 In the example, the gas detection system controller 420 can receive sensor information from sensor 510 and reference sensor 520. In response to a gas detection event, where the gas detection system controller 420 determines that the concentration of a flammable gas is greater than or equal to a concentration threshold, the gas detection system controller 420 can communicate with HVAC controller 128 and / or vent 126 to open vent 126. The gas detection system controller 420 can also communicate with battery charging / discharging function 802 to stop battery charging / discharging function 802. Furthermore, the gas detection system controller 420 can also communicate with smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 and / or alarm device 130 to activate a gas detection alarm mode.

[0061] If no further smoke and / or overheating is detected for a period of time (e.g., 15 minutes or any other desired time period), the temperature detection system controller 410 or the gas detection system controller 420 may optionally close the vent 126 via communication with the HVAC controller 128 and / or the vent 126.

[0062] In response to either smoke detected by smoke detector 610 or excessive temperature detected by temperature sensor 620, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may optionally keep the fire suppression unit 430 in a deactivated state. The smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may optionally activate a preliminary fire alarm mode via alarm device 130. The preliminary fire alarm mode may optionally be selected from different preliminary fire alarm options to distinguish between smoke and excessive temperature / deflagration.

[0063] In response to either smoke detected by smoke detector 610 or excessive temperature detected by temperature sensor 620, thus detecting both smoke and excessive temperature / deflagration, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may communicate with HVAC controller 128 and / or vent 126 to close vent 126, and the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may activate fire suppression unit 430. Furthermore, the smoke and temperature detection system controller 410 may optionally activate a fire alarm mode via alarm device 130, wherein the fire alarm mode indicates that smoke and excessive temperature have been detected and activates fire suppression unit 430.

[0064] Industrial applicability

[0065] This invention describes systems and methods for preventing and responding to gas detection events, smoke, and overheating / deflagration in an ESS (Emergency Safe Storage System). Example ESSs may include a container equipped with a lithium-ion battery; an AC input for charging the battery; an AC output for discharging the battery; a ventilation system; and a fire hazard detection and extinguishing system. The fire hazard detection and extinguishing system may include, for example... Figure 5 The gas detection system shown, and such as Figure 6 The smoke / temperature detection system shown can activate the fire suppression system.

[0066] The gas detection system can be configured to detect whether the concentration of a flammable gas (such as hydrogen) reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration. The gas detection system can also be configured to activate a ventilation system, for example, by opening its economizer damper, and to terminate battery charging and discharging in response to the detection that the concentration of a flammable gas has reached or exceeded a threshold concentration.

[0067] The smoke and temperature detection system can be configured to activate a fire suppression system within container 110 in response to the detection of both the presence of smoke and a temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature after detecting a concentration of flammable gas that has reached or exceeded a threshold concentration. The fire suppression system may include one or more electrically activated fire suppression units adapted to spray ionized potassium extinguishing agent. The smoke and temperature detection system can be further configured to activate an alarm in response to the detection of either or both of the presence of smoke and a temperature reaching or exceeding a threshold temperature.

[0068] Embodiments of the present invention can improve existing systems by detecting and subsequently venting flammable gases from the ESS before smoke and / or fire are detected. Furthermore, embodiments can similarly avoid potentially unnecessary activation of the fire suppression unit by preventing activation before smoke and fire are detected.

Claims

1. A method (700) comprising: Receive first information from the first sensor (510), the first information indicating the concentration of gas present in the container (110); Based on the first information, it is determined that the concentration (702) is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold; The vent (704) (126) is opened to release the gas from the container (110) based on the determination that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold; When the vent (126) is in the open position, the first of the following is received: a second message (708) from the second sensor (610) or a third message from the third sensor (620): The second information indicates the presence of smoke inside the container (110), while the third information indicates that the temperature inside the container (110) is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature, and The fire suppression system (430) remains in a deactivated state after receiving the first of the second or third information; Receive (716) the second of the second information or the third information; Based on the receipt (716) of the second information or the third information, the second closure (718) of the vent (126); and Based on the second activation (720) of the second information or the third information received, the fire extinguishing system (430) inside the container (110) is activated.

2. The method (700) according to claim 1, further comprising: The first alarm mode is based on the first activated (714) alarm (130) receiving the second information or the third information; as well as The second alarm mode of the alarm (130) is activated based on the second activation (722) of the second information or the third information received.

3. The method (700) according to claim 1, wherein: The receiving of the first information and the determination (702) based on the first information that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold are at least partially performed by the first controller (420), and The receipt (708) of the first of the second or third information, the receipt (716) of the second or third information, and the activation (720) of the fire extinguishing system (430) are performed at least in part by a second controller (410) separated from the first controller (420).

4. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein one or more lithium-ion batteries (310) are disposed within the container (110), and wherein the method (700) further comprises at least one of a charging function or a discharging function (802) of the one or more lithium-ion batteries (310) based on determining that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold.

5. The method (700) of claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing system (430) comprises one or more electrically activatable fire extinguishing units (430), and wherein activating the fire extinguishing system (430) comprises operating a circuit (640) coupled to the electrically activatable fire extinguishing unit (430) to supply power to the electrically activatable fire extinguishing unit (430).

6. The method (700) according to claim 1, wherein determining that the concentration is greater than or equal to the concentration threshold is further based on reference information received from the reference sensor (520).

7. A container (110) comprising: At least one battery (310) inside the container (110); Input (210), through which at least one battery (310) can be charged; Output (220), through which the at least one battery (310) can discharge; Ventilation system (120); as well as Fire hazard detection and extinguishing systems (500, 600) include: A gas detection system (500) configured to detect whether the concentration of a gas reaches or exceeds a threshold concentration, wherein the gas detection system (500) is configured to activate the ventilation system (120) and terminate the charging and discharging of the at least one battery (310) in response to detecting that the concentration of the gas reaches or exceeds the threshold concentration. as well as A smoke and temperature detection system (600) is configured to activate a fire suppression system (430) within the container (110) in response to detecting the presence of smoke and a temperature that reaches or exceeds a threshold temperature after the concentration of the gas is detected to reach or exceed the threshold concentration.

8. The container (110) according to claim 7, wherein the gas detection system (500) is configured to activate the ventilation system (120) by causing the ventilation system (120) to open the economizer damper (126).

9. The container (110) according to claim 7, further comprising an alarm (130) on the exterior of the container (110), wherein the smoke and temperature detection system (600) is further configured to activate the alarm (130) in response to both the detection of the presence of smoke and the temperature reaching or exceeding the threshold temperature.

10. The container (110) according to claim 7, wherein the fire extinguishing system (430) comprises one or more electrically activated fire extinguishing units (430) adapted to spray ionized potassium fire extinguishing agent.

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