Battery pack monitoring and cooling system and thermal runaway control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a battery pack monitoring and cooling system and a thermal runaway control method thereof, and relates to the technical field of automobile batteries, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system comprises a shell, a battery cell structure, a separation part and a monitoring device, and a mounting cavity is formed in the inner side of the shell; the battery cell structure is arranged in the mounting cavity; the separation part is mounted between the battery cell structure and the shell corresponding to two sides of an anti-explosion valve of the battery cell structure, so that an airflow channel is formed in the mounting cavity corresponding to the position of the anti-explosion valve, and two ends of the airflow channel are communicated with the outer side of the shell; the monitoring device comprises a pressure detection unit and a flue gas detection unit; the pressure detection unit and the flue gas detection unit are both mounted in the airflow channel; according to the technical scheme, the airflow channel is arranged in the corresponding cell explosion-proof valve area, and the smoke sensor and the pressure sensor are directly arranged in the airflow channel, so that the monitoring efficiency of the sensors is greatly improved, and meanwhile, smoke can be quickly exhausted through the partitioned space structure, so that thermal runaway aggravation caused by heat accumulation is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive battery technology, and in particular to a battery pack monitoring and cooling system and a method for controlling thermal runaway. Background Technology

[0002] Limited by the level of cell technology and the consistency of processes, the thermal runaway problem of power batteries remains a difficult issue that the industry urgently needs to address. Currently, the industry mainly uses passive measures to prevent battery thermal runaway, such as installing pressure sensors or smoke sensors inside the battery pack and using a BMS to monitor real-time data from each cell and combine it with a large-scale early warning model to identify abnormal situations. These measures aim to identify battery thermal runaway in advance, and the BMS transmits signals to the vehicle controller, thereby issuing early warning information to alert the driver to stop using the vehicle and move away quickly. However, the measures currently used by the industry have several shortcomings: 1. Using smoke sensors or pressure sensors results in insufficient timeliness because there is a large amount of space inside the battery pack. The smoke inside the battery pack needs to reach a certain concentration, or the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack needs to reach a certain threshold to trigger an alarm and wake up the BMS (equipment management system). 2. The solution of using BMS to monitor real-time data of each cell and combining it with a large early warning model to judge abnormal situations and issue early warnings requires a large amount of resources and data for training, which is costly. At the same time, the accuracy of the model algorithm still needs to be further improved. Besides potential issues such as insufficient timeliness, high cost, and the need to improve warning accuracy, the above measures currently lack proactive solutions to mitigate the risks of cell thermal runaway and battery pack thermal propagation after a battery thermal runaway failure. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose a battery pack monitoring and cooling system and its thermal runaway control method, which aims to solve the problems of insufficient timeliness of traditional battery pack thermal runaway alarms and the inability to actively delay thermal runaway of the cell structure.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a battery pack monitoring and cooling system, comprising: The housing has an installation cavity formed on its inner side; The battery cell structure is disposed within the mounting cavity; A partition, corresponding to both sides of the explosion-proof valve in the battery cell structure, is installed between the battery cell structure and the housing to form an airflow channel within the mounting cavity corresponding to the position of the explosion-proof valve. Both ends of the airflow channel are connected to the outside of the housing; and, The monitoring device includes a pressure detection unit and a flue gas detection unit, both of which are installed within the airflow channel.

[0005] In one embodiment, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system further includes an exhaust system. The exhaust device includes a manifold and an exhaust device. The manifold is provided on the housing at both ends corresponding to the airflow channel. The exhaust device is connected to one of the manifolds to achieve directional discharge of high-temperature flue gas in the airflow channel.

[0006] In one embodiment, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system further includes a battery liquid cooling system and an air conditioning system. The battery liquid cooling system is disposed in the housing for cooling the cell structure. The air conditioning system is connected to the battery liquid cooling system for providing low-temperature coolant to the battery liquid cooling system.

[0007] In one embodiment, multiple battery cell structures are provided along the length of the mounting cavity to form a battery cell group; The battery cell assemblies are configured in multiple ways and are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the mounting cavity.

[0008] In one embodiment, the partition includes two high-temperature foams, which are disposed on both sides of the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell structure, and the two high-temperature foams extend in the length direction of the mounting cavity to form the airflow channel between the opposite ends of the two high-temperature foams.

[0009] In one embodiment, the housing includes a lower tray and an upper cover, the upper cover being disposed at the open end of the lower tray to form the mounting cavity, and the partition being disposed between the upper cover and the cell structure.

[0010] In one embodiment, the pressure detection unit includes a pressure sensor; and / or, The smoke detection unit includes a smoke sensor.

[0011] This invention also proposes a thermal runaway control method for a battery pack monitoring and cooling system, based on the battery pack monitoring and cooling system, which includes: The housing has an installation cavity formed on its inner side; The battery cell structure is disposed within the mounting cavity; A partition, corresponding to both sides of the explosion-proof valve in the battery cell structure, is installed between the battery cell structure and the housing to form an airflow channel within the mounting cavity corresponding to the position of the explosion-proof valve. Both ends of the airflow channel are connected to the outside of the housing; and, The monitoring device includes a pressure detection unit and a flue gas detection unit, both of which are installed within the airflow channel. The thermal runaway control method of the battery pack monitoring and cooling system includes the following steps: Set abnormal alarm thresholds within the airflow channel; The internal environment of the airflow channel is monitored by a monitoring device to obtain real-time monitoring data; The working status of the battery pack is determined by monitoring the relationship between real-time data and abnormal alarm thresholds. When the battery pack is in a state of thermal runaway, the high-temperature flue gas in the control airflow channel is discharged, and the cell structure is cooled by the air conditioning system.

[0012] In one embodiment, determining the operating status of the battery pack by monitoring the relationship between real-time data and abnormal alarm thresholds includes: The pressure and flue gas concentration values ​​in the real-time monitoring data are compared with the set pressure and flue gas concentration thresholds, respectively. When at least one of the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value exceeds its corresponding threshold range, the battery pack is determined to be in a state of thermal runaway. When both the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value are within their corresponding threshold ranges, the battery pack is determined to be in normal working condition.

[0013] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the discharge of high-temperature flue gas from the airflow channel and cooling the cell structure through an air conditioning system when the battery pack is in a thermal runaway state includes: When the battery pack is in a state of thermal runaway, the control and early warning device will issue a warning message; The exhaust system continuously discharges the high-temperature gas from the airflow channel; Control the air conditioning system to turn on, and connect the air conditioning system and the battery liquid cooling system; Control the operation power of the air conditioning system and introduce the cooled coolant into the battery liquid cooling system.

[0014] The technical solution of this invention establishes a partitioned space structure, i.e., an airflow channel, in the cell explosion-proof valve area that is most likely to react to thermal runaway. Smoke and pressure sensors are directly installed within this airflow channel, significantly improving sensor monitoring efficiency. Simultaneously, the partitioned space structure allows for rapid smoke exhaust, preventing heat accumulation and subsequent escalation of thermal runaway. Furthermore, a control method to delay thermal propagation is proposed. Upon detecting a thermal runaway signal, the BMS (Battery Management System) rapidly coordinates with various vehicle systems. This method, through the thermal management system, rapidly cools the thermally runaway cell and delays thermal propagation, effectively improving the safety of the entire battery structure. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a partial internal structure schematic diagram of an embodiment of the battery pack monitoring and cooling system provided by the present invention; Figure 2 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the external structure of the battery pack monitoring and cooling system. Figure 3 Based on Figure 1 A control flowchart of an embodiment of a thermal runaway control method for a battery pack monitoring and cooling system; Figure 4 for Figure 3 A detailed control flowchart of an embodiment of "determining the working status of a battery pack by monitoring the relationship between real-time data and abnormal alarm thresholds"; Figure 5 for Figure 3 The specific control flowchart of an embodiment of "when the battery pack is in a thermal runaway state, the high-temperature flue gas in the control airflow channel is discharged, and the cell structure is cooled by the air conditioning system" is shown.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Housing; 11. Lower tray; 12. Top cover; 2. Battery cell structure; 21. Explosion-proof valve; 3. Thermal insulation foam; 4. Airflow channel; 5. Pressure sensor; 6. Smoke sensor.

[0018] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0022] Limited by the level of cell technology and the consistency of processes, the thermal runaway problem of power batteries remains a difficult issue that the industry urgently needs to address. Currently, the industry mainly uses passive measures to prevent battery thermal runaway, such as installing pressure sensors or smoke sensors inside the battery pack and using a BMS to monitor real-time data from each cell and combine it with a large-scale early warning model to identify abnormal situations. These measures aim to identify battery thermal runaway in advance, and the BMS transmits signals to the vehicle controller, thereby issuing early warning information to alert the driver to stop using the vehicle and move away quickly. However, the measures currently used by the industry have several shortcomings: 1. Using smoke sensors or pressure sensors results in insufficient timeliness because there is a large amount of space inside the battery pack. The smoke inside the battery pack needs to reach a certain concentration, or the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the battery pack needs to reach a certain threshold to trigger an alarm and wake up the BMS (equipment management system). 2. The solution of using BMS to monitor real-time data of each cell and combining it with a large early warning model to judge abnormal situations and issue early warnings requires a large amount of resources and data for training, which is costly. At the same time, the accuracy of the model algorithm still needs to be further improved. Besides potential issues such as insufficient timeliness, high cost, and the need to improve warning accuracy, the above measures currently lack proactive solutions to mitigate the risks of cell thermal runaway and battery pack thermal propagation after a battery thermal runaway failure.

[0023] This invention proposes a battery pack monitoring and cooling system.

[0024] Please see Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system includes a housing 1, a cell structure 2, a partition, and a monitoring device. The housing 1 has an inner cavity; the cell structure 2 is disposed within the mounting cavity; the partition, corresponding to both sides of the explosion-proof valve 21 of the cell structure 2, is installed between the cell structure 2 and the housing 1, forming an airflow channel 4 within the mounting cavity corresponding to the position of the explosion-proof valve 21, with both ends of the airflow channel 4 communicating with the outside of the housing 1; the monitoring device includes a pressure detection unit and a flue gas detection unit, both of which are installed within the airflow channel 4.

[0025] In the above embodiment, after the cell structure 2 is installed in the mounting cavity, a gap region is formed between the upper end of the cell structure 2 and the housing 1. The gap region can be further subdivided by the partition. Specifically, the partition is located between the upper end of the cell structure 2 and the inner wall of the housing 1, with its two ends extending to two opposite inner wall positions of the housing 1, thereby forming the aforementioned airflow channel 4 between the cell structure 2 and the housing 1.

[0026] It should be noted that the partition is positioned on both sides of the explosion-proof valve 21 of the cell structure 2, thereby enclosing the explosion-proof valve 21 within the airflow channel 4. For thermal runaway of the cell structure 2, the initial explosion point is mostly concentrated at the explosion-proof valve 21. Traditional monitoring methods require the smoke concentration inside the housing 1 or the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the housing 1 to reach a certain value before triggering a warning. Since the internal space of the housing 1 is relatively large, when the aforementioned monitoring value reaches its set threshold, the thermal diffusion within the battery pack is often already very significant. Therefore, this conventional monitoring feedback structure suffers from insufficient timeliness. The structure in the above embodiment can create a relatively small monitoring area at the location of the explosion-proof valve 21.

[0027] Based on this, both the pressure detection unit and the flue gas detection unit are installed in the airflow channel 4, thereby enabling timely feedback on cell thermal runaway. This allows for timely measures to delay the spread of thermal runaway within the battery pack before the conventional thermal runaway trigger point is reached.

[0028] Specifically, the space within the airflow channel 4 is relatively small compared to the remaining installation space inside the entire housing 1. When the temperature at the location of the cell explosion-proof valve 21 rises, the pressure change within the airflow channel 4 per unit time becomes more significant. Similarly, the rate of increase in flue gas concentration within the airflow channel 4 per unit time for the cell structure 2 will also be faster. If the same pressure threshold and flue gas concentration threshold are used as the triggering conditions for thermal runaway anomalies, then the anomaly triggering within the airflow channel 4 will be faster. In other words, when the anomaly triggers within the airflow channel 4, the thermal runaway anomaly in a conventional battery pack structure has not yet reached the triggering condition. Therefore, based on this, the relevant structure in this embodiment can predict the thermal runaway of the cell in advance. Combined with the corresponding cooling response mechanism, it can effectively prevent the spread of thermal runaway, thereby improving the safety of the entire battery pack structure.

[0029] As described above, when the cell structure 2 experiences thermal runaway, the temperature within the airflow channel 4 rises, resulting in high-pressure and high-temperature flue gas. If this high-temperature flue gas is not discharged in a timely manner, it will accelerate the accumulation of heat within the airflow channel 4, thereby speeding up the spread of thermal runaway.

[0030] Considering the above problems, in some embodiments, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system further includes an exhaust system. The exhaust device includes a manifold (not shown in the figure) and an exhaust device (not shown in the figure). The manifold is provided on both ends of the housing 1 corresponding to the airflow channel 4. The exhaust device is connected to one of the manifolds to realize the directional discharge of high-temperature flue gas in the airflow channel 4.

[0031] Because the battery pack structure houses the battery cell structure 2 internally, to prevent short circuits caused by external influences, the casing 1 is generally a highly sealed structure that is waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof. Therefore, since the two ends of the airflow channel 4 can connect to the outside of the casing 1, a sealing pipe structure needs to be installed on the casing 1 at the corresponding ends of the airflow channel 4, which is the aforementioned manifold structure. The manifold can connect to an external exhaust device, allowing the high-temperature gas in the airflow channel 4 to be directionally discharged, preventing the accumulation of high-temperature fumes within the airflow channel 4 and thus delaying the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cell structure 2 to some extent. The exhaust device can be a fan structure, etc.

[0032] Furthermore, it is conceivable that the high-temperature flue gas generated by thermal runaway is harmful. Therefore, the high-temperature flue gas discharged from the airflow channel 4 must be treated before being released. In specific implementation, a corresponding gas treatment structure can be installed at one end of another exhaust manifold.

[0033] In this case, the battery pack structure typically requires the installation of multiple battery cell structures 2 within its casing 1. In this embodiment, as shown... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell structure 2 has multiple cells arranged in the length direction of the mounting cavity to form a battery cell group; the battery cell group is set in multiple ways and is arranged sequentially in the width direction of the mounting cavity.

[0034] Multiple battery cell structures 2 are arranged sequentially along the length of the mounting cavity, and corresponding multiple explosion-proof valve structures 21 are also arranged alternately along the length of the mounting cavity. The separator is installed on both sides of the multiple explosion-proof valves 21, thereby placing the multiple explosion-proof valves 21 within a single airflow channel 4 to achieve synchronous monitoring of thermal runaway of multiple battery cell structures 2. Specifically, as described above, due to the reduced detection space, the timeliness of the monitoring device's feedback on battery cell thermal runaway is significantly improved. Therefore, when the number of battery cell structures 2 increases, and one or more battery cell structures 2 experience thermal runaway, a timely early warning response can be provided through the above method, thereby reducing the spread of thermal runaway of the battery cell structure 2.

[0035] It is conceivable that the battery cell group in this embodiment is set to two. The number of battery cell group structures and the number of battery cell structures 2 in one battery cell group structure need to be set according to actual needs. Under the premise of meeting the terminal needs, a housing 1 of corresponding specifications can be set to install the current number of battery cell groups.

[0036] As described above, the multiple cell structures 2 are installed sequentially. When one or more cell structures 2 experience thermal runaway, it will spread to adjacent cell structures 2. Therefore, in order to mitigate the spread of thermal runaway from the cell structures 2, it is necessary to enhance the cooling effect of the liquid cooling system in the battery pack structure.

[0037] Specifically, in some embodiments, the battery pack monitoring and cooling system further includes a battery liquid cooling system (not shown in the figure) and an air conditioning system (not shown in the figure). The battery liquid cooling system is located on the housing 1 to cool the cell structure 2. The air conditioning system is connected to the battery liquid cooling system to provide low-temperature coolant to the battery liquid cooling system.

[0038] In the battery pack structure, a liquid cooling system is used to cool the cell structure 2. Typically, the heat exchange structure of the liquid cooling system is located inside the housing 1 and exchanges heat with the multiple cell structures 2 within the housing 1. When a cell structure 2 experiences thermal runaway, it generates a significant amount of heat per unit time. At this point, relying solely on the battery liquid cooling system is insufficient to meet the actual cooling requirements, and the propagation of thermal runaway in the cell structure 2 intensifies as its temperature continues to rise. In this embodiment, when the cell structure 2 experiences thermal runaway, the air conditioning system can be activated. At this time, the compressor in the air conditioning system operates at full power, and the internal water pump also rotates at full speed. When the coolant temperature in the air conditioning system has sufficiently decreased, the cooling water pipes of the air conditioning system and the cooling water pipes of the battery liquid cooling system can be connected, allowing the water pump in the air conditioning system to deliver low-temperature water to the battery liquid cooling system to cool the cell structure 2. Due to the intervention of the air conditioning system, the water temperature of the battery liquid cooling system can drop rapidly in a short time, thereby quickly removing the large amount of heat generated during the thermal runaway of the cell structure 2, and effectively delaying the spread of thermal runaway of the cell structure 2. It should also be noted that the liquid cooling structure of the battery pack and the vehicle air conditioning equipment are existing conventional structures. Although the relevant structures are not shown in the illustrations in the above embodiment, this does not affect the integrity of the system structure described in this solution.

[0039] In the specific structure, the battery liquid cooling system can cool the cell structure 2 during the normal operation of the battery pack. The air conditioning system and the battery pack liquid cooling system are connected, and the connection position can be set with a corresponding valve structure for conduction control. During the actual cooling process, the degree of intervention of the air conditioning system can be changed according to the actual temperature of the cell structure 2, so as to meet the requirements of energy saving while ensuring the cooling needs of the battery pack.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the partition includes two high-temperature foams, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the explosion-proof valve 21 of the battery cell structure 2, and the two high-temperature foams extend in the length direction of the mounting cavity to form the airflow channel 4 between the opposite ends of the two high-temperature foams.

[0041] Specifically, the partition is configured as two insulating foams 3 extending along the length of the mounting cavity. The two insulating foams 3 are arranged alternately on both sides of the plurality of explosion-proof valves 21 in the width direction of the mounting cavity. The airflow channel 4 is located between the opposite ends of the two insulating foams 3. When smoke is generated, under the action of the exhaust device, the smoke flows between the two insulating foams 3 towards the manifold on the side of the housing 1, thereby allowing the high-temperature smoke generated by the battery cell structure 2 to be discharged from the mounting cavity in a timely manner, preventing its accumulation and further increase in temperature of the battery cell structure 2.

[0042] In some embodiments, the housing 1 includes a lower tray 11 and an upper cover 12, the upper cover 12 being disposed at the open end of the lower tray 11 to form the mounting cavity, and the partition being disposed between the upper cover 12 and the cell structure 2.

[0043] The lower tray 11 has a certain depth and is equipped with a corresponding limiting installation structure inside for limiting the installation of the battery cell structure 2. After multiple battery cell structures 2 are installed on the lower tray 11, the two heat insulation foams 3 can be positioned corresponding to the two ends of multiple expansion valves. Then, the upper cover 12 is installed on the open end of the lower tray 11, and the heat insulation foams 3 are pressed down and limited by the inner wall of the upper cover 12, so that the two heat insulation foams 3 can form the airflow channel 4 corresponding to the explosion-proof valve 21. In the specific structure, in order to ensure the stability of the installation position of the heat insulation foam 3 and avoid changes in its installation position due to environmental vibration, in the actual structure, a corresponding groove structure or convex structure can be provided on the inner wall of the upper cover 12 to limit the installation of the heat insulation foam 3, thereby ensuring the stability of the airflow channel 4 structure.

[0044] The pressure detection unit includes a pressure sensor 5, and the smoke detection unit includes a smoke sensor 6. Both the pressure sensor 5 and the smoke sensor 6 are installed in the airflow channel 4. Both the pressure sensor 5 and the smoke sensor 6 are connected to an external information unit. To improve the accuracy and continuity of information transmission, a preferred connection method is a combination of physical cables and wireless transmission. In actual structural design, the configuration can be selected based on the actual production conditions.

[0045] The structural configurations described in the above embodiments effectively improve the timeliness of the response to thermal runaway in the cell structure 2. In practical applications, this is equivalent to providing early warning of thermal runaway in the cell structure 2, thereby allowing more reaction time for the relevant system structures to respond in advance and delay the spread of thermal runaway among multiple cell structures 2.

[0046] This invention also proposes a thermal runaway control method for a battery pack monitoring and cooling system. The method includes a battery pack monitoring and cooling system, the specific structure of which is described in the above embodiments. Since this thermal runaway control method is based on all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it possesses at least all the beneficial effects brought about by the technical solutions of the above embodiments, which will not be elaborated upon here. The thermal runaway control method for the battery pack monitoring and cooling system includes the following steps: Set the abnormal alarm threshold within airflow channel 4; As mentioned above, the explosion-proof valve 21 usually corresponds to the initial outbreak point of thermal runaway in the battery cell. Regarding the thermal runaway monitoring of the battery cell structure 2, the temperature at the explosion-proof valve 21 is relatively high, and the continuous heating of the battery cell structure 2 will cause the pressure inside the battery pack casing 1 to rise rapidly, even generating smoke due to the high temperature. Therefore, in actual monitoring, a pressure sensor 5 and a smoke sensor 6 are installed in the airflow channel 4, and alarm thresholds for the pressure sensor 5 and the smoke sensor 6 are set, which are the trigger settings for judging the thermal runaway of the battery cell structure 2. Since this solution further reduces the monitoring space at the explosion-proof valve 21 of the battery cell structure 2 through the isolation section, it can achieve the aforementioned early response effect, which will not be elaborated further here.

[0047] Furthermore, it is not difficult to imagine that the detection process in this solution is a continuous process. During the operation of the battery pack, the internal environment of the airflow channel 4 will be monitored by the monitoring device to obtain real-time monitoring data. The monitoring device is specifically configured as the pressure sensor 5 and smoke sensor 6 mentioned above. It can continuously acquire the pressure and smoke concentration values ​​at the cell structure 2 and corresponding to the airflow channel 4 during the operation of the battery pack structure, thereby generating real-time monitoring data corresponding to the abnormal alarm threshold.

[0048] The real-time monitoring data obtained in the airflow channel 4 will be uploaded to the corresponding analysis and control system. The analysis and control system will determine the working status of the battery pack by the relationship between the real-time monitoring data and the abnormal alarm threshold. Specifically, the aforementioned analysis and control system compares the pressure value and flue gas concentration value in the real-time monitoring data with the set pressure threshold and flue gas concentration threshold, respectively; and determines the thermal runaway state of the battery cell structure 2 by comparing and analyzing the corresponding pressure values ​​and the flue gas concentration values.

[0049] Specifically, if at least one of the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value exceeds its corresponding threshold range, the battery pack is determined to be in a state of thermal runaway. When both the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value are within their corresponding threshold ranges, the battery pack is determined to be in normal working condition.

[0050] Abnormal pressure and abnormal smoke concentration within airflow channel 4 are both abnormal triggering states for cell thermal runaway. When either the real-time pressure or the real-time smoke concentration becomes abnormal, thermal runaway is triggered. Only when both the real-time pressure and the real-time smoke concentration are normal can cell structure 2 be considered to be in normal working condition.

[0051] Because the airflow channel 4 in this solution can provide early warning of the thermal runaway state of the cell structure 2, when the cell structure 2 is determined to be in a thermal runaway state within the airflow channel 4 using the aforementioned determination method, corresponding countermeasures need to be initiated in advance to delay the thermal diffusion of the cell structure 2 within the battery pack. These corresponding measures include controlling the discharge of high-temperature flue gas from the airflow channel 4 when the battery pack is in a thermal runaway state, and cooling the cell structure 2 using an air conditioning system.

[0052] Specifically, when the battery pack is in a state of thermal runaway, the control and early warning device issues a warning message; When thermal runaway is triggered, the abnormal signal is first transmitted to the equipment management system. The early warning device in the equipment management system will issue a corresponding warning message, which will be sent to each terminal structure to remind relevant personnel to implement appropriate response strategies. Furthermore, the warning message will also be fed back to the analysis and control system, allowing the analysis and control system to control the output feedback of each structure used to cool the cell structure 2.

[0053] The analysis and control system first controls the exhaust device to continuously discharge the high-temperature gas in the airflow channel 4. When thermal runaway is triggered, the analysis and control system will simultaneously control the exhaust device to open, thereby expelling the high-temperature flue gas in the airflow channel 4 to avoid heat accumulation in the airflow channel 4, which would exacerbate the spread of thermal runaway.

[0054] Furthermore, the analysis and control system will simultaneously control the air conditioning system to turn on and connect the air conditioning system and the battery liquid cooling system so that the air conditioning system can intervene when the cell structure 2 experiences thermal runaway, thereby working with the battery liquid cooling system to efficiently cool the cell structure 2 and delay the spread of thermal runaway.

[0055] Specifically, the analysis and control system will increase the operating power of the air conditioning system and introduce the cooled coolant into the battery liquid cooling system. When the compressor in the air conditioning system is running at full power, it can lower the temperature of the coolant in its pipes in a short time. Then, the pump in the air conditioning system will introduce the fully cooled coolant into the battery liquid cooling system, thereby enabling efficient heat exchange between the battery cell structure 2 and the battery liquid cooling system, further preventing the temperature of the battery cell structure 2 from rising continuously and rapidly.

[0056] It should be noted that when thermal runaway is detected in the airflow channel 4, the exhaust device and the air conditioning system are turned on simultaneously. Through their synergistic effect, the spread of thermal runaway in the cell structure 2 can be slowed down in a short time, thereby maximizing the safety of the entire battery pack structure.

[0057] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A battery pack monitoring and cooling system, characterized in that, include: The housing has an installation cavity formed on its inner side; The battery cell structure is disposed within the mounting cavity; A partition, corresponding to both sides of the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell structure, is installed between the battery cell structure and the housing to form an airflow channel within the mounting cavity corresponding to the position of the explosion-proof valve. Both ends of the airflow channel are connected to the outside of the housing; and, The monitoring device includes a pressure detection unit and a flue gas detection unit, both of which are installed within the airflow channel.

2. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack monitoring and cooling system also includes an exhaust system. The exhaust device includes a manifold and an exhaust device. The manifold is provided on both ends of the airflow channel on the housing. The exhaust device is connected to one of the manifolds to achieve directional discharge of high-temperature flue gas in the airflow channel.

3. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack monitoring and cooling system also includes a battery liquid cooling system and an air conditioning system. The battery liquid cooling system is located in the housing to cool the cell structure. The air conditioning system is connected to the battery liquid cooling system to provide low-temperature coolant to the battery liquid cooling system.

4. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The battery cell structure has multiple cells arranged along the length of the mounting cavity to form a battery cell group; The battery cell assemblies are configured in multiple ways and are arranged sequentially in the width direction of the mounting cavity.

5. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The partition includes two high-temperature foams, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the explosion-proof valve of the battery cell structure, and the two high-temperature foams extend in the length direction of the mounting cavity to form the airflow channel between the opposite ends of the two high-temperature foams.

6. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes a lower tray and an upper cover. The upper cover is disposed at the open end of the lower tray to form the mounting cavity. The partition is disposed between the upper cover and the cell structure.

7. The battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The pressure detection unit is equipped with a pressure sensor; and / or, The smoke detection unit includes a smoke sensor.

8. A thermal runaway control method for a battery pack monitoring and cooling system, based on the battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The thermal runaway control method of the battery pack monitoring and cooling system includes the following steps: Set abnormal alarm thresholds within the airflow channel; The internal environment of the airflow channel is monitored by a monitoring device to obtain real-time monitoring data; The working status of the battery pack is determined by monitoring the relationship between real-time data and abnormal alarm thresholds. When the battery pack is in a state of thermal runaway, the high-temperature flue gas in the control airflow channel is discharged, and the cell structure is cooled by the air conditioning system.

9. The thermal runaway control method for the battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The method of determining the operating status of the battery pack by monitoring the relationship between real-time data and abnormal alarm thresholds includes: The pressure and flue gas concentration values ​​in the real-time monitoring data are compared with the set pressure and flue gas concentration thresholds, respectively. When at least one of the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value exceeds its corresponding threshold range, the battery pack is determined to be in a state of thermal runaway. When both the real-time pressure value and the real-time smoke concentration value are within their corresponding threshold ranges, the battery pack is determined to be in normal working condition.

10. The thermal runaway control method for the battery pack monitoring and cooling system as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the battery pack is in a thermal runaway state, controlling the discharge of high-temperature flue gas in the airflow channel and cooling the cell structure through the air conditioning system includes: When the battery pack is in a state of thermal runaway, the control and early warning device will issue a warning message; The exhaust system continuously discharges the high-temperature gas from the airflow channel; Control the air conditioning system to turn on, and connect the air conditioning system and the battery liquid cooling system; Control the operation power of the air conditioning system and introduce the cooled coolant into the battery liquid cooling system.

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