Thermal runaway prevention and control container system and thermal runaway suppression methods

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of battery energy storage technology, and discloses a container system for preventing thermal runaway and a method for suppressing thermal runaway. The system includes a container shell, multiple battery packs installed inside, a pressure relief port, a smoke collection trough, and an explosion relief plate assembly. A flow channel is formed inside the battery pack to guide thermal runaway gas to the rear pressure relief port; the smoke collection trough collects the gas and discharges it directionally through the explosion relief plate. A U-shaped flow channel is formed inside the battery pack via a top cover and flow guide strips, and an explosion-proof valve and sealing structure are provided; the smoke collection trough consists of inner and outer sealing plates and baffles, employing a multi-slot independent design to achieve thermal isolation; the explosion relief plate assembly is driven by a spring-telescopic column mechanism for rapid opening. The system uses multi-sensor fusion judgment to simultaneously open the explosion relief plate and activate the fire suppression system upon confirmation of thermal runaway, allowing the extinguishing agent to be precisely injected into the faulty battery pack through the smoke collection trough. This invention achieves directional flow, isolated discharge, and rapid suppression of thermal runaway gas, effectively preventing heat spread and improving system safety.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery energy storage technology, specifically to a container system for preventing thermal runaway and a method for suppressing thermal runaway. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid iteration and large-scale application of new energy technologies, battery systems, as core components in the new energy field, are seeing their application scenarios continuously expand. Large-scale containerized battery energy storage systems, with their modularity and large capacity advantages, are widely deployed in areas such as grid peak shaving and new energy consumption. At the same time, the safety protection requirements for battery systems are becoming increasingly stringent. In particular, the issues of battery thermal runaway and thermal propagation in containerized energy storage systems have become key pain points restricting the industry's development, placing extremely high demands on the safety design of the systems.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream approach to thermal runaway protection in containerized energy storage systems is relatively simple. Most systems directly release the generated flammable gases and high-temperature ejecta into the interior space of the container after thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells.

[0004] However, the flammable gases and high-temperature substances generated by thermal runaway can easily spread inside the container and come into contact with surrounding battery packs and electrical components, greatly increasing the risk of thermal spread and potentially triggering a chain reaction of accidents where multiple battery packs go out of control. Furthermore, the random gas emission can cause harmful gases to accumulate inside the container, which can not only corrode the internal structure and damage precision components, but may also leak from the container gaps into the surrounding environment, posing a secondary safety threat to nearby equipment and personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a thermal runaway prevention and control container system and a thermal runaway suppression method to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a thermal runaway prevention container system, comprising: Container shell; Multiple battery packs are housed inside the container shell, and the battery packs have internal channels for guiding the gas generated by thermal runaway to their tails. The pressure relief port is formed on the inner wall of the container shell and is connected to the tail of the battery pack to draw out the gas discharged from the guide channel. A smoke collection trough, located at the back of the container shell and connected to the pressure relief vent, is used to collect and guide the gas discharged from the pressure relief vent; and The explosion relief plate assembly is installed at the outlet of the smoke collection duct and is used to close or open the smoke collection duct.

[0007] This invention achieves rapid diversion and centralized emission of thermal runaway gas through a simple structural design. The gas is directly led to the outside of the container, reducing the risk of thermal spread inside the container and preventing gas diffusion. It only requires a combination of diversion channels, pressure relief ports, smoke collection channels and explosion relief plate components, without the need for complex control or additional energy, resulting in low cost and a simple and reliable structure.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the battery pack includes: Battery module; The top cover is located on the upper side of the battery module; A flow guide strip is installed on the top of the battery module; the flow guide strip and the top cover together define a U-shaped flow channel, and an explosion-proof valve is provided at the outlet end of the flow channel.

[0009] When a cell in the battery module experiences thermal runaway, the ejected gas and substances first impact the top cover and the embedded guide strip. Due to the constraint and guiding effect of the U-shaped channel formed by the guide strip and the top cover, these harmful substances are confined within the channel and converge towards the outlet end (i.e., the rear of the battery pack) along the U-shaped path. Finally, the accumulated gas forces open the explosion-proof valve and is discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

[0010] In one alternative embodiment, a sealing strip is provided at the tail of the top cover, and the sealing strip is disposed around the explosion-proof valve.

[0011] Under normal conditions where the battery pack does not experience thermal runaway, the sealing strip continuously provides a static seal. When thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack, the high-pressure gas, after being ejected from the explosion-proof valve, primarily enters the pressure relief port at the front. However, without this sealing structure, some gas could easily leak back into the external space of the battery pack or the interior of the container through the assembly gap between the explosion-proof valve mounting plate and the top cover, or from the top cover and the inner wall of the container. The sealing strip in this embodiment effectively blocks these unintended leakage paths. It forces almost all the gas released from the explosion-proof valve to flow only along the designed main path, i.e., through the pressure relief port into the smoke collection duct.

[0012] In one alternative implementation, a gap is formed between adjacent battery modules, and the gap communicates with a flow channel.

[0013] By increasing the total effective flow-guiding cross-sectional area, the resistance to gas flow is reduced, which helps to release the pressure inside the battery pack more quickly, potentially delaying or suppressing the further spread of thermal runaway. Furthermore, it utilizes the existing structural space inside the battery pack, eliminating the need to add new flow-guiding components, thus achieving functional enhancements with almost no increase in manufacturing costs.

[0014] In one alternative implementation, the smoke collection channel is formed by an inner sealing plate, an outer sealing plate, and a perimeter retaining strip connecting the two of the container shell.

[0015] In one alternative implementation, there are multiple smoke collection troughs, each corresponding to and serving a row of battery packs within the container.

[0016] This invention fundamentally prevents high-temperature flammable gases from entering the areas where other battery packs are located or their ventilation ducts, greatly reducing the risk of a chain reaction.

[0017] In one alternative implementation, the explosion relief plate assembly includes: Explosion relief plate; A drive mechanism is used to open or close the explosion relief plate; and The sealing gasket is fixed to the side of the explosion relief plate closest to the container shell.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, the drive mechanism includes: The telescopic column is fixed to the container shell at its fixed end and to the explosion relief plate at its telescopic end. The limiting block is fixed on the fixed end of the telescopic column; A spring is fitted around the periphery of the telescopic column; both ends of the spring are fixed to the limiting block and the explosion relief plate, respectively. The spring is in a stretched state when the venting plate is closed.

[0019] In one alternative implementation, a control system and a fire suppression system are also included; The control system includes several sensors located at the battery pack pressure relief valve, including at least two of temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and pressure sensors; The control system is configured to open the explosion relief panel assembly and trigger the fire suppression system when it receives trigger signals from at least two of a plurality of sensors. The fire protection system includes a water fire inlet connected to a smoke collection tank, through which the fire protection medium enters the battery pack that has experienced thermal runaway.

[0020] Secondly, the present invention also provides a method for suppressing thermal runaway, the method comprising: Sensors are used to detect whether thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack; When thermal runaway is confirmed based on signals from at least two sensors, a control signal is generated. Based on the control signal, the explosion relief plate assembly is opened to release the thermal runaway gas; At the same time, based on the control signal, the fire protection system is activated, allowing the fire protection medium to be precisely injected into the battery pack that has experienced thermal runaway through the smoke collection tank. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery pack in a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a container shell in a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a thermal runaway prevention container system with the guide window removed from the back, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the rear of a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a smoke collection trough in a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a venting plate assembly in a thermal runaway prevention container system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Container shell; 2. Battery pack; 21. Battery module; 22. Air guide strip; 23. Explosion-proof valve; 24. Sealing strip; 25. Top cover; 3. Pressure relief port; 4. Smoke collection trough; 41. Internal sealing plate; 42. External sealing plate; 43. Baffle strip; 5. Explosion relief plate assembly; 51. Explosion relief plate; 52. Sealing gasket; 53. Telescopic column; 54. Limiting block; 55. Spring; 6. Fire hydrant outlets; 7. Guide window. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, 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, 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.

[0025] With the rapid iteration and large-scale application of new energy technologies, battery systems, as core components in the new energy field, are seeing their application scenarios continuously expand. Large-scale containerized battery energy storage systems, with their modularity and large capacity advantages, are widely deployed in areas such as grid peak shaving and new energy consumption. At the same time, the safety protection requirements for battery systems are becoming increasingly stringent. In particular, the issues of battery thermal runaway and thermal propagation in containerized energy storage systems have become key pain points restricting the industry's development, placing extremely high demands on the safety design of the systems.

[0026] Currently, the mainstream approach to thermal runaway protection in containerized energy storage systems is relatively simple. Most systems directly release the generated flammable gases and high-temperature ejecta into the interior space of the container after thermal runaway occurs in the battery cells.

[0027] However, the flammable gases and high-temperature substances generated by thermal runaway can easily spread inside the container and come into contact with the surrounding battery packs 2 and electrical components, greatly increasing the risk of thermal spread and potentially triggering a chain reaction of accidents where multiple battery packs 2 go out of control. Furthermore, the random gas emission method can cause harmful gases to accumulate inside the container, which can not only corrode the internal structure of the container and damage precision components, but may also leak from the gaps in the container into the surrounding environment, posing a secondary safety threat to nearby equipment and personnel.

[0028] The following is combined Figures 1 to 7 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a thermal runaway prevention container system is provided, comprising a container shell 1, multiple battery packs 2, a pressure relief port 3, a smoke collection channel 4, and a burst relief plate assembly 5. The multiple battery packs 2 are disposed within the container shell 1, and a guide channel is formed inside the battery pack 2 to guide the gas generated by thermal runaway to its tail. The pressure relief port 3 is formed on the inner wall of the container shell 1 and is connected to the tail of the battery pack 2, for leading out the gas discharged through the guide channel. The smoke collection channel 4 is disposed on the back of the container shell 1 and communicates with the pressure relief port 3, for collecting and guiding the gas discharged from the pressure relief port 3. The burst relief plate assembly 5 is disposed at the outlet of the smoke collection channel 4, for closing or opening the smoke collection channel 4.

[0030] The container shell 1 is a standard or customized container structure used to house and protect the internal components. The shell is made of a metallic material (such as steel or aluminum) with sufficient strength and sealing to withstand harsh environments. Battery packs 2 are fixedly mounted within the container shell 1, for example, arranged in multiple rows and columns via brackets or rails. Each battery pack 2 has an internal flow channel configured to direct flammable gases, fumes, and particulate matter to the rear of the battery pack 2 in the event of thermal runaway in one of its cells. The flow channel can be any structure capable of gas guidance, such as through the internal spatial layout of the battery pack 2, baffles, or pipes, but is not limited to a specific shape or material. The outlet of the flow channel is located at the rear of the battery pack 2. A pressure relief port 3 is formed on the inner wall of the container shell 1, precisely aligned with the rear of the battery pack 2. The pressure relief port 3 is an opening or channel whose size and shape match the outlet at the rear of the battery pack 2, used to guide the gas discharged through the flow channel out of the container interior. The pressure relief port 3 can be a simple hole or equipped with a short pipe or flange to enhance sealing. The smoke collection trough 4 is located on the back of the container shell 1 (i.e., the side opposite the rear of the battery pack 2) and communicates with the pressure relief port 3. The smoke collection trough 4 is an integrated channel or cavity for collecting gases discharged from multiple pressure relief ports 3 and guiding these gases to a centralized outlet. The smoke collection trough 4 can be arranged horizontally or vertically along the back of the container, with sufficient internal space to avoid gas stagnation. A burst relief plate assembly 5 is located at the outlet of the smoke collection trough 4 to seal the smoke collection trough 4 under normal conditions, preventing the entry of external foreign objects, moisture, or air; when thermal runaway occurs, the burst relief plate assembly 5 can open to rapidly release the gas accumulated within the smoke collection trough 4. The burst relief plate assembly 5 can be a simple mechanical plate structure, held closed by gravity, a spring 55, or other means, and automatically opened when internal pressure increases; alternatively, it can be a passive burst relief device.

[0031] Under normal conditions, battery pack 2 operates smoothly, the explosion relief plate assembly 5 remains closed, and the smoke collection channel 4 is sealed. When thermal runaway occurs within a battery pack 2: The high-temperature gases and substances generated by thermal runaway are directed to the rear of battery pack 2 through the internal guide channels. The gases then enter the smoke collection tank 4 through the pressure relief port 3, where they are collected and guided to the explosion relief plate assembly 5. As the gases accumulate, the pressure inside the smoke collection tank 4 increases. The explosion relief plate assembly 5 opens under pressure or triggered by an external signal, safely releasing the gases into the atmosphere outside the container. This entire process achieves isolated and directed emission of harmful gases, preventing their diffusion within the container and thus protecting other battery packs 2 and components from impact.

[0032] This embodiment achieves rapid diversion and centralized emission of thermal runaway gas through a simple structural design. The gas is directly led to the outside of the container, reducing the risk of thermal spread inside the container and preventing gas diffusion. It only requires a combination of diversion channel, pressure relief port 3, smoke collection channel 4 and explosion relief plate assembly 5, without the need for complex control or additional energy, resulting in low cost and a simple and reliable structure.

[0033] In one embodiment, the battery pack 2 includes a battery module 21, a top cover 25, and a flow guide strip 22. The top cover 25 covers the upper side of the battery module 21. The flow guide strip 22 is disposed on the top of the battery module 21. The flow guide strip 22 and the top cover 25 together define a U-shaped flow guide channel. An explosion-proof valve 23 is provided at the outlet end of the flow guide channel.

[0034] The battery module 21, as the core functional unit, includes multiple battery cells and necessary electrical connection components. A top cover 25 is installed on the upper side of the battery module 21, serving as the structural cover for the battery pack 2. A flow guide 22 is fixedly installed on the top of the battery module 21, located between the battery cells and the top cover 25. The cross-section of the flow guide 22 has a specific shape (e.g., an inverted U-shape, an Ω-shape, or a similar arched structure), and its sides contact the top of the battery module 21. The flow guide 22 cooperates with the inner surface of the top cover 25 to define a roughly U-shaped flow channel. Specifically, the arrangement of the flow guide 22 maintains a gap between the top of the battery module 21 and the inner surface of the top cover 25, forming the top flow channel; while the sides of the flow guide 22 cooperate with the top cover 25 and the module to guide the airflow along a predetermined path. This U-shaped structure effectively encloses and confines the ejected material released from the top area of ​​the battery cells within the channel. An explosion-proof valve 23 is located at the outlet end of the U-shaped flow channel. The explosion-proof valve 23 can be directly installed at the end of the top cover 25, with its inlet facing the outlet of the guide channel. When the pressure inside the channel exceeds a predetermined threshold due to the accumulation of thermal runaway gas, the explosion-proof valve 23 is activated and opens, becoming the outlet for the release of high-temperature and high-pressure gas.

[0035] When a cell in battery module 21 experiences thermal runaway, the ejected gas and substances first impact the top cover 25 and the embedded guide strip 22. Due to the constraint and guiding effect of the U-shaped channel formed by the guide strip 22 and the top cover 25, these harmful substances are confined within the channel and converge towards the outlet end (i.e., the tail of battery pack 2) along the U-shaped path. Finally, the accumulated gas breaks through the explosion-proof valve 23 and is discharged to the outside of battery pack 2.

[0036] In one embodiment, the tail of the top cover 25 is provided with a sealing strip 24, which is disposed around the explosion-proof valve 23.

[0037] The sealing strip 24 is precisely positioned around the periphery of the explosion-proof valve 23. Specifically, it is arranged around the mounting base or mounting hole of the explosion-proof valve 23, located on the mating surface where the top cover 25 contacts the inner wall of the container shell 1. When the battery pack 2 is installed by mating its tail with the pressure relief port 3 inside the container shell 1, the sealing strip 24 is compressed between the tail of the top cover 25 and the inner wall of the container shell 1, forming an annular sealing area. This sealing area isolates the outlet of the explosion-proof valve 23 from the gap between the tail of the battery pack 2 and the inner wall of the container.

[0038] Under normal conditions where the battery pack 2 does not experience thermal runaway, the sealing strip 24 continuously provides a static seal. When thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack 2, the high-pressure gas, after being ejected from the explosion-proof valve 23, primarily enters the pressure relief port 3 at the front. However, without this sealing structure, some gas could easily leak back into the external space of the battery pack 2 or the interior of the container through the assembly gap between the explosion-proof valve 23 mounting plate and the top cover 25, or from the top cover 25 and the inner wall of the container. The sealing strip 24 of this embodiment effectively blocks these unintended leakage paths. It forces almost all the gas released from the explosion-proof valve 23 to flow only along the designed main path, i.e., through the pressure relief port 3 into the smoke collection trough 4.

[0039] In one embodiment, a gap is formed between adjacent battery modules 21, and the gap communicates with a flow channel.

[0040] This gap is a longitudinal space located between two side-by-side battery modules 21 within the same battery pack 2. It is not an additional component or complex conduit, but rather a physical separation inherent in the module-level assembly of the battery pack 2. Spatially, this gap communicates with the U-shaped flow channel defined by the guide strip 22 and the top cover 25. Specifically, the top opening of the gap communicates with the flow channel area of ​​the U-shaped flow channel, making the gap an integral part of the U-shaped flow channel system.

[0041] When thermal runaway occurs in battery module 21, gas generation can be very violent and sudden. In addition to the main U-shaped flow channel formed by the guide strip 22 and the top cover 25, the gaps between adjacent battery modules 21 act as additional, parallel gas flow channels. Some of the high-temperature gas can quickly enter these gaps between modules and merge into the main flow channel through its top opening, flowing together towards the explosion-proof valve 23. This provides more paths for rapid gas discharge, effectively diverting the flow. Even in extreme cases where the main U-shaped flow channel experiences partial blockage or poor flow, these gaps can still serve as backup flow paths, ensuring that gas can be effectively discharged.

[0042] This embodiment increases the total effective flow-guiding cross-sectional area, reducing gas flow resistance and facilitating faster pressure release within the battery pack 2, potentially delaying or suppressing further thermal runaway. Furthermore, it utilizes the existing structural space within the battery pack 2, eliminating the need for new flow-guiding components, thus enhancing functionality with virtually no increase in manufacturing costs.

[0043] In one embodiment, the smoke collection trough 4 is formed by the inner sealing plate 41, the outer sealing plate 42, and the surrounding baffles 43 connecting the two of the container shell 1.

[0044] This embodiment provides a robust, easy-to-manufacture, and well-sealed smoke collection channel 4, which is constructed using existing components of the container shell 1. The inner sealing plate 41 is part of the inner wall of the container shell 1, or an additional plate fixed to the internal frame. It faces the interior of the container and has a pressure relief port 3 to collect gases discharged from the battery pack 2. This plate constitutes one main side of the smoke collection channel 4. The outer sealing plate 42 is part of the outer wall of the container shell 1, or an outer skin parallel to the inner wall. It constitutes another main side of the smoke collection channel 4, opposite to the inner sealing plate 41. Peripheral baffles 43 are strip-shaped structures connecting the inner sealing plate 41 and the outer sealing plate 42. They are arranged around the perimeter of the smoke collection channel 4 area, fixing the inner sealing plate 41 and the outer sealing plate 42 together by welding, bolting, or riveting, maintaining a certain distance between them. These baffles 43, together with the two sealing plates, define a closed flow channel with a specific cross-sectional shape (e.g., rectangular). In a thermal runaway event, the gas discharged from the pressure relief port 3 directly enters the cavity formed by the three components mentioned above, namely the smoke collection channel 4. The gas gathers in this channel and flows along the path defined by the baffle 43 to the outlet where the explosion relief plate assembly 5 is located.

[0045] This structure integrates the smoke collection trough 4 with the container shell 1, utilizing the rigidity of the shell to allow the smoke collection trough 4 to withstand pressure fluctuations and impacts that may occur during gas emission, making it less prone to deformation or damage. No complex external piping system is required. During container manufacturing, the smoke collection trough 4 can be easily formed by adding baffles 43 and external sealing plates 42 (or by adding internal sealing plates 41 to the existing outer wall), resulting in a simple process and controllable costs.

[0046] In one embodiment, there are multiple smoke collection channels 4, each smoke collection channel 4 corresponding to and serving a row of battery packs 2 inside the container.

[0047] Each fume duct 4 spatially corresponds strictly to and serves a row of battery packs 2 within the container. Here, "row" refers to a group of battery packs 2 arranged along the length of the container. Each fume duct 4 is an independent gas collection and emission channel. They are structurally separated and do not communicate with each other. For example, multiple independent channels, each consisting of its own inner and outer sealing plates and baffles 43, can be arranged side-by-side along the width of the container's back. All pressure relief ports 3 at the tail of each row of battery packs 2 are connected only to the specific fume duct 4 assigned to that row. High-temperature gases generated by thermal runaway are discharged from the battery pack 2 and enter the dedicated fume duct 4 serving that row through the pressure relief port 3. Because each fume duct 4 is independent, these harmful gases are completely confined within the fume duct 4 of that row. They do not flow laterally into fume ducts 4 serving other rows of battery packs 2, thus ensuring that thermal runaway events are strictly isolated within the row where the failure occurred. Finally, the gases are discharged through the explosion relief plate assembly 5 at the end of the independent fume duct 4.

[0048] This embodiment fundamentally prevents high-temperature flammable gases from entering the area where other battery packs 2 are located or their ventilation ducts, greatly reducing the risk of a chain reaction.

[0049] In one embodiment, the explosion relief plate assembly 5 includes an explosion relief plate 51, a drive mechanism, and a sealing gasket 52. The drive mechanism is used to drive the explosion relief plate 51 to open or close; the sealing gasket 52 is fixed to the side of the explosion relief plate 51 near the container shell 1. Specifically, the drive mechanism includes a telescopic column 53 and a spring 55. The fixed end of the telescopic column 53 is fixed to the container shell 1, and the telescopic end is fixed to the explosion relief plate 51; a limiting block 54 is fixed to the fixed end of the telescopic column 53; the spring 55 is sleeved around the periphery of the telescopic column 53; both ends of the spring 55 are fixed to the limiting block 54 and the explosion relief plate 51, respectively; wherein, the spring 55 is in a stretched state when the explosion relief plate 51 is closed.

[0050] During normal system operation, the drive mechanism (e.g., via hydraulic, pneumatic, or motor self-locking) keeps the telescopic column 53 in its normal state, and in conjunction with the tension of the spring 55, presses the explosion relief plate 51 tightly against the outlet of the smoke collection chamber 4. At this time, the stretched spring 55 and the sealing gasket 52 work together to ensure a tight seal at the outlet of the smoke collection chamber 4. When it is necessary to open the explosion relief plate 51, the telescopic column 53 extends forward, the explosion relief plate 51 is in the open state, and the gas is discharged.

[0051] In one embodiment, a guide window 7 is provided on the outer side of the explosion relief plate assembly 5 to guide the gas flowing out of the smoke collection tank 4.

[0052] In one embodiment, the thermal runaway prevention container system also includes a control system and a fire suppression system; The control system includes several sensors located at the pressure relief valve of the battery pack 2, including at least two of temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and pressure sensors; The control system is configured to open the explosion relief panel 5 and trigger the fire suppression system when it receives trigger signals from at least two of the multiple sensors. The fire protection system includes a water fire inlet 6 connected to the smoke collection tank 4, through which the fire protection medium enters the battery pack 2, which has experienced thermal runaway, via the water fire inlet 6 and the smoke collection tank 4.

[0053] Several sensors are arranged at or near the pressure relief valve location of battery pack 2. These sensors include at least two types of sensors, such as temperature sensors, smoke sensors, and pressure sensors, to monitor characteristic signals of thermal runaway from different physical dimensions. The control system (typically a PLC or dedicated controller) is configured to execute a critical decision logic: a valid thermal runaway event is confirmed only if trigger signals are received from at least two different sensors. This "AND logic" or "multi-condition confirmation" mechanism greatly avoids system malfunctions caused by false alarms from a single sensor, thus improving reliability.

[0054] The fire protection system includes one or more water inlets 6 connected to the smoke collection tank 4. These water inlets 6 serve as the entry point for the fire-fighting medium into the smoke collection tank 4 network. The flow path of the fire-fighting medium (typically water, water-based extinguishing agents, or two-phase media such as perfluorohexanone) is designed as follows: starting from an external water source or fire extinguishing device, it enters the smoke collection tank 4 through the water inlet 6, then flows in the opposite direction to the smoke emission, and finally enters the interior of the battery pack 2 through the pressure relief port 3 corresponding to the battery pack 2 where thermal runaway occurred.

[0055] When the system is running, the control system continuously monitors the data from each sensor. If an anomaly occurs near a battery pack 2, such as a sudden temperature rise accompanied by smoke, or a rapid increase in internal pressure accompanied by high temperature, and the condition of "at least two sensors triggering" is met, the control system immediately determines that thermal runaway has occurred at that location. After determination, the control system sends an opening signal to the drive mechanism of the explosion relief plate assembly 5, quickly opening the explosion relief plate 51 to establish a high-pressure gas release channel, rapidly reducing the container back pressure and the internal temperature of the battery pack 2. Simultaneously, an activation signal is sent to the fire suppression system to open the valves and release the fire suppression medium. The fire suppression medium is injected into the smoke collection tank 4 through the water fire inlet 6, and utilizing the flow guiding characteristics of the smoke collection tank 4, it flows precisely to the pressure relief port 3 connected to the thermally runaway battery pack 2, thus directly and centrally acting on the fault point. This method has high fire suppression efficiency, minimal water waste, and minimizes the impact on other normal battery packs 2.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, in another aspect, a method for suppressing thermal runaway is also provided, the method comprising: The sensor detects whether thermal runaway has occurred in battery pack 2; When thermal runaway is confirmed based on signals from at least two sensors, a control signal is generated. According to the control signal, the explosion relief plate assembly 5 is opened to release the thermal runaway gas; At the same time, the fire protection system is activated according to the control signal, so that the fire protection medium is precisely injected into the battery pack 2 that has experienced thermal runaway through the smoke collection tank 4.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for suppressing thermal runaway is provided. This method is implemented based on the thermal runaway prevention and control container system of any of the foregoing embodiments. Its core lies in improving the accuracy of judgment through a multi-signal confirmation mechanism and utilizing the system's unique structure to achieve simultaneous and precise execution of smoke extraction and fire extinguishing.

[0058] This method detects the state of battery pack 2 using multiple sensors (including at least two of temperature, smoke, and pressure sensors) positioned at the pressure relief valve location, collecting physical signals that may characterize thermal runaway. Upon receiving signals from these sensors, a logical decision is made. Specifically, a control signal is generated only when thermal runaway is confirmed based on signals from at least two different types of sensors (i.e., at least two signals are triggered). This step is crucial to the reliability of the method, effectively eliminating system malfunctions caused by a single sensor failure or false alarm. After generating the control signal, the system performs the following two actions in parallel to achieve rapid suppression: Open the explosion relief panel assembly 5: Based on the control signal, the explosion relief panel assembly 5 is immediately activated, establishing a rapid release channel to the atmosphere for the high-temperature combustible gas accumulated in the smoke collection tank 4. This action can quickly reduce the pressure and temperature inside the battery pack 2 and the container, curbing the escalation of thermal runaway.

[0059] Activate the fire suppression system: Simultaneously, the fire suppression system is activated based on the same control signal. Fire suppression medium (such as water or extinguishing agent) is injected through the water fire inlet 6 pre-installed on the smoke collection tank 4, and is precisely guided and delivered to the specific battery pack 2 where thermal runaway has occurred through this dedicated channel of the smoke collection tank 4, achieving direct and efficient cooling and extinguishing of the fire source or high-temperature point.

[0060] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container system for preventing thermal runaway, characterized in that, include: Container shell (1); Multiple battery packs (2) are disposed inside the container shell (1), and the battery packs (2) have flow channels formed inside to guide the gas generated by thermal runaway to its tail. A pressure relief port (3) is formed on the inner wall of the container shell (1) and is connected to the tail of the battery pack (2) to draw out the gas discharged from the guide channel; A smoke collection trough (4), located on the back of the container shell (1) and connected to the pressure relief port (3), is used to collect and guide the gas discharged from the pressure relief port (3); and An explosion relief plate assembly (5) is provided at the outlet of the smoke collection trough (4) for closing or opening the smoke collection trough (4).

2. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery pack (2) includes: Battery module (21); The top cover (25) is placed on the upper side of the battery module (21); A flow guide strip (22) is provided on the top of the battery module (21); the flow guide strip (22) and the top cover (25) together define the U-shaped flow guide channel, and the outlet end of the flow guide channel is provided with an explosion-proof valve (23).

3. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The upper cover (25) is provided with a sealing strip (24) at its tail end, and the sealing strip (24) is provided around the explosion-proof valve (23).

4. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, A gap is formed between adjacent battery modules (21), and the gap is connected to the flow channel.

5. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The smoke collection channel (4) is formed by the inner sealing plate (41), the outer sealing plate (42) of the container shell (1) and the surrounding baffles (43) connecting the two.

6. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 5, characterized in that, There are multiple smoke collection channels (4), each of which corresponds to and serves a row of battery packs (2) inside the container.

7. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The explosion relief plate assembly (5) includes: Explosion relief plate (51); A drive mechanism is used to drive the explosion relief plate (51) to open or close; and The sealing gasket (52) is fixed to the side of the explosion relief plate (51) near the container shell (1).

8. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The drive mechanism includes: The telescopic column (53) has its fixed end fixed to the container shell (1) and its telescopic end fixed to the explosion relief plate (51); The limiting block (54) is fixed on the fixed end of the telescopic column (53); A spring (55) is sleeved around the telescopic column (53); the two ends of the spring (55) are respectively fixed to the limiting block (54) and the explosion relief plate (51); The spring (55) is in a stretched state when the vent plate (51) is closed.

9. The thermal runaway prevention container system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes control systems and fire protection systems; The control system includes several sensors located at the pressure relief valve of the battery pack (2), and the sensors include at least two of the following: a temperature sensor, a smoke sensor, and a pressure sensor; The control system is configured to: when it receives trigger signals from at least two of a plurality of sensors, control the explosion relief plate assembly (5) to open and trigger the fire protection system to start; The fire protection system includes a water fire inlet (6) connected to the smoke collection tank (4), and the fire protection medium enters the battery pack (2) that has experienced thermal runaway through the water fire inlet (6) and the smoke collection tank (4).

10. A method for suppressing thermal runaway, characterized in that, The method includes: The sensor detects whether thermal runaway has occurred in the battery pack (2); When thermal runaway is confirmed based on signals from at least two sensors, a control signal is generated. According to the control signal, the explosion relief plate assembly (5) is opened to release the thermal runaway gas; At the same time, the fire protection system is activated according to the control signal, so that the fire protection medium is accurately injected into the battery pack (2) that has experienced thermal runaway through the smoke collection tank (4).

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