A battery experimental apparatus

Abstract

This invention discloses a battery experimental apparatus, relating to the field of battery safety testing technology. Specifically, it includes: a main housing with a sample stage inside; a thermal runaway triggering system, comprising at least two of a battery surface heating device, a battery surface stress control device, an electric puncture device, and a particulate matter injection device; an environmental control system, comprising a chamber temperature control device and a chamber gas control device; a sampling and analysis system, comprising modules for infrared temperature detection, gas sampling, mass spectrometry analysis, and electrolyte sampling and spectral analysis; and a multi-channel data synchronization controller. The controller is connected to each system, controlling the activation of the triggering system and synchronously controlling the activation of sampling in each module of the sampling and analysis system. This invention aims to achieve real-time in-situ analysis of battery thermal runaway ejecta under multi-factor coupled environments, solving the problems of detection lag and component loss in traditional devices through time-aligned control and short-path sampling.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of battery safety testing technology, and in particular to a battery testing apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] Thermal runaway, the most severe failure mode of lithium-ion batteries, triggers a chain reaction of exothermic reactions that generate large amounts of flammable gases in confined spaces, forming explosive gas mixtures and causing severe property damage and personal injury. In-depth research into the thermal runaway mechanisms of batteries under different operating conditions and the evolution of ejected gases is a prerequisite for improving the safety protection technology of power batteries.

[0003] Current battery thermal runaway testing devices typically employ a single heating triggering method, making it difficult to simulate the complex failure modes resulting from the coupling of multiple factors, such as mechanical collisions, compression, punctures, and foreign object intrusion during manufacturing, commonly seen in traffic accidents. Furthermore, existing testing equipment often has a significant time gap between gas ejection collection and subsequent analysis. The ejected high-temperature gases and particles are highly susceptible to decomposition, condensation, sedimentation, or secondary reactions in the transport pipeline, leading to a significant deviation between the final detected component concentrations and the actual state of the battery during the ejection, making it difficult to accurately recreate the physicochemical processes of the transient thermal runaway. In addition, real-time in-situ analysis methods for the components of the ejected liquid electrolyte are relatively scarce.

[0004] Therefore, how to achieve real-time and accurate in-situ analysis of battery thermal runaway ejecta under multi-factor coupled conditions has become an urgent technical challenge. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a battery experimental apparatus that enables real-time and accurate in-situ analysis of battery thermal runaway ejecta under multi-factor coupled conditions.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes a battery experimental apparatus, characterized in that it comprises: a main housing, wherein a sample stage for placing a battery under test is provided inside; a thermal runaway triggering system, including at least two of the following: a battery surface heating device, a battery surface stress control device, an electric puncture device, and a particulate matter injection device, disposed within the main housing and used for connection with the battery under test; an environmental control system, including a cavity temperature control device and a cavity gas control device disposed within the main housing; a sampling and analysis system, including an infrared temperature detection device, a gas exhaust and sampling device, a mass spectrometer, a battery electrolyte sampling module, and a fiber optic spectrometer module, wherein the infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, the mass spectrometer, the battery electrolyte sampling module, and the fiber optic spectrometer module are collectively referred to as the analysis module; and a multi-channel data synchronization controller, respectively connected to the thermal runaway triggering system, the environmental control system, and the sampling and analysis system, for controlling the activation of the thermal runaway triggering system and synchronously controlling the activation of sampling by each analysis module in the sampling and analysis system, so as to achieve time alignment between the triggering action and the sampling and analysis.

[0007] Preferably, the multi-channel data synchronization controller is electrically connected to the cavity temperature control device, the cavity gas control device, the devices included in the thermal runaway triggering system, the infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, and the battery electrolyte sampling module, respectively; the multi-channel data synchronization controller realizes the start of the thermal runaway triggering system and is aligned with the start of sampling by the infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, and the battery electrolyte sampling module.

[0008] Preferably, the battery surface stress control device includes: a steel pressure head, a force sensor, and a power driver; a pressure port for transmitting stress to the interior is provided on the main housing; the power driver drives a robotic arm to apply stress load to the steel pressure head through the pressure port; the multi-channel data synchronization controller is connected to the power driver; and the force sensor is used to provide real-time feedback on the stress value of the battery under test.

[0009] Preferably, the electric puncture device includes: a puncture needle and a puncture mechanism driven by a motor; a puncture port for transmitting displacement inward is provided on the main housing; the puncture needle is connected to the puncture mechanism, the puncture needle enters the main housing through the puncture port to puncture the battery under test, and the puncture mechanism is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0010] Preferably, the infrared temperature detection device includes: an infrared camera, an infrared analysis unit, and a first power supply; the main housing has a camera port for providing a field of view to the interior; the infrared camera passes through the camera port and is located inside the main housing; the infrared camera is connected to the infrared analysis unit; and the infrared analysis unit is connected to the first power supply and the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0011] Preferably, the cavity temperature control device includes: a liquid-cooled circulation layer disposed inside the main housing, a circulation outdoor unit disposed outside the main housing, and a second power supply; the circulation outdoor unit is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0012] Preferably, the cavity gas control device includes: an inert gas supply unit and an oxygen concentration sensor; a gas control port for inputting gas into the main housing is provided on the main housing; the inert gas supply unit is connected to the main housing through the gas control port, and the oxygen concentration sensor passes through the gas control port, is located inside the main housing, and is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0013] Preferably, the sample stage includes: an adjustable clamp and a multi-degree-of-freedom displacement platform; the main housing is provided with an observation window and a wiring port for connecting external lines.

[0014] Preferably, the battery surface heating device includes: a resistance heating plate, a battery holder, and a third power source; the resistance heating plate is connected to the battery under test through the battery holder, and the third power source is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0015] Preferably, the gas exhaust and sampling device includes: an exhaust pipe and a first air pump; an exhaust port for exhausting gas to the outside is provided on the main housing; the exhaust pipe passes through the exhaust port and is located inside the main housing; the exhaust pipe is connected to the first air pump; and the first air pump is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0016] Preferably, the mass spectrometer includes: an air inlet pipe, a mass spectrometry detection unit, and a fourth power supply; the air inlet pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe, the mass spectrometry detection unit is connected to the fourth power supply, and the mass spectrometry detection unit is connected to both the air inlet pipe and the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

[0017] The above technical solution has the following advantages: This invention achieves seamless integration of thermal runaway triggering modes and environmental control methods, coupled with a multi-channel data synchronization controller with time alignment capabilities, enabling seamless connection between thermal runaway induction actions and sampling analysis processes. The device directly couples multiple triggering mechanisms within the main casing, including battery surface heating, stress regulation, electric puncture, and particulate matter injection, to realistically reproduce the failure causes of batteries under complex operating conditions. The sampling analysis system highly integrates infrared temperature monitoring, mass spectrometry gas analysis, electrolyte sampling, and spectral analysis modules, significantly shortening the physical path of ejected material from generation to the analysis point. Because the multi-channel data synchronization controller precisely aligns the sampling analysis actions with the thermal runaway trigger command on the time axis, it effectively avoids sub-reactions and energy losses of combustible gases and electrolyte components during traditional transport, thus ensuring the capture of accurate component data during the transient thermal runaway eruption. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure and interface distribution of a battery experimental device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of a thermal runaway triggering system for a battery experimental apparatus provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the external layout of the environmental control system of a battery experimental device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall system coupling principle and internal structure of a battery experimental device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] 1. Main housing; 2. Sample stage; 3. Camera port; 4. Puncture port; 5. Pressure port; 6. Wiring port; 7. Gas control port; 8. Exhaust port; 9. Observation window; 10. Puncture needle mechanism; 11. Electric driver; 12. Circulation unit; 13. Liquid cooling circulation layer; 14. Fixture; 15. Holder; 16. Resistance heating plate; 17. Puncture needle; 18. Infrared camera; 19. Analysis module; 20. Gas concentration sensor; 21. Mass spectrometer; 25. Steel pressure head; 26. Force sensor; 221. First gas pump. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to explain the invention and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0024] Example 1 This embodiment provides a battery experimental apparatus with a rectangular parallelepiped structure, designed to address the problems of limited triggering methods for battery thermal runaway testing and inaccurate component decomposition due to delays in ejected gas collection and analysis in existing technologies. This apparatus can simulate the battery thermal runaway process under the coupled effects of multiple physical and chemical factors, and achieve real-time in-situ analysis of ejected gases and electrolytes. The core structure of the apparatus includes a main housing 1, inside which is a sample stage 2 for stably placing the battery under test. The main housing 1, serving as the sealed reaction space for the entire experiment, is made of high-temperature resistant and explosion-proof metal. An observation window 9 is provided on the main housing 1 to facilitate observation of the internal thermal runaway phenomenon. Furthermore, a wiring port 6 is provided on the main housing 1 for connecting external power and signal lines. The sample stage 2 includes a clamp 14 and a multi-degree-of-freedom displacement platform. The multi-degree-of-freedom displacement platform allows for precise adjustment of the battery's position in space, while the clamp 14 can adapt to power batteries of different specifications and shapes, ensuring that the battery remains fixed in position when subjected to mechanical stress or puncture.

[0025] To achieve multi-factor coupled thermal runaway induction, this device integrates a thermal runaway triggering system. This system includes various triggering devices housed within the main housing 1 and used to connect to the battery under test. Specifically, a battery surface heating device is tightly fitted to the battery via a resistance heating plate 16. The resistance heating plate 16 is connected to an external heating power supply and controlled by a multi-channel data synchronization controller, capable of simulating the thermal runaway triggering process of the battery under high-temperature conditions. The battery surface stress control device includes a steel pressure head 25, a force sensor 26, and an electric actuator 11. A pressure port 5 is provided on the side of the main housing 1. The electric actuator 11 drives a robotic arm through this pressure port 5 to apply stress load to the internal steel pressure head 25. The force sensor 26 monitors and provides feedback on the stress value experienced by the battery in real time, thereby simulating thermal runaway caused by the battery being compressed and deformed. The electric puncture device includes a puncture needle 17 and a puncture mechanism 10 driven by a motor. A puncture port 4 is provided on the top surface of the main housing 1. The puncture needle 17 enters the main housing 1 through the puncture port 4 to puncture the battery, simulating the failure mode of the battery after being impacted by a sharp object. In addition, the device is equipped with a controllable particulate injection module for injecting foreign particles into the battery or a specific area to simulate short-circuit faults caused by internal impurities during battery manufacturing. In this embodiment, the thermal runaway triggering system includes at least two of the above-mentioned devices to achieve multi-factor coupled simulation.

[0026] To precisely control the environmental conditions during experiments, this apparatus is equipped with an environmental control system. This system includes a chamber temperature control device and a chamber gas control device. The chamber temperature control device consists of a liquid-cooled circulation layer 13 located inside the main housing 1, a circulation external unit 12 located outside the main housing 1, and a corresponding power supply. By supplying refrigerant or heat to the liquid-cooled circulation layer 13 through the circulation external unit 12, the reference ambient temperature inside the main housing 1 can be rapidly adjusted to achieve thermal runaway experiments under high or low temperature conditions. The chamber gas control device includes an inert gas supply unit and a gas concentration sensor 20. A gas control port 7 is provided on the main housing 1, through which the inert gas supply unit introduces nitrogen or argon gas. Combined with real-time monitoring by the gas concentration sensor 20, the gas composition inside the main housing 1 can be precisely controlled, for example, to create oxygen-deficient, oxygen-rich, or completely inert atmospheres to explore the effects of different environments on the oxidation reaction of thermal runaway ejecta.

[0027] The key innovation of this device lies in its highly integrated sampling and analysis system, which consists of multiple analysis modules and achieves zero-delay analysis of the ejected material. The infrared temperature detection device includes an infrared camera 18 passing through the camera port 3 of the main housing 1, an analysis module 19, and a first power supply (i.e., an external power supply). The infrared camera 18 can capture the temperature evolution field on the battery surface in real time during thermal runaway, recording the highest temperature point and the rate of heat spread. The infrared camera 18 is connected to the external power supply and also to the analysis module 19. The analysis module 19 is connected to both the external power supply and the controller. The gas exhaust and sampling device includes an exhaust pipe and a first gas pump 221. An exhaust port 8 is provided on the main housing 1, and the exhaust pipe passes through the exhaust port 8 and penetrates deep into the area inside the main housing 1 where the ejected material is most concentrated. The first gas pump 221 directly pumps the ejected high-temperature mixed gas to the mass spectrometer 21 through an extremely short path. The mass spectrometer 21 includes an inlet pipe, a mass spectrometry detection module, and a gas collection bag. Specifically, the inlet pipe is connected to both the gas collection bag and the detection module. The detection module is connected to an external power supply located outside the housing, and is also connected to the air inlet pipe and the controller. Due to the extremely short sampling path and synchronization with the triggering action, condensation, sedimentation, or secondary decomposition reactions of combustible gases during transportation are effectively avoided, ensuring the accuracy of gas component detection. Simultaneously, the device also includes a battery electrolyte sampling module and a fiber optic spectrometer module. The electrolyte sampling module collects the components of the liquid electrolyte ejected during thermal runaway, while the fiber optic spectrometer module analyzes the changes in the chemical composition of the electrolyte in real time, providing data support for studying the electrolyte decomposition mechanism.

[0028] The multi-channel data synchronization controller is the nerve center of the entire device. This controller is electrically connected to the resistance heating plate 16, electric driver 11, and needle mechanism 10 in the thermal runaway triggering system; the circulating outdoor unit 12 and inert gas supply unit in the environmental control system; and the infrared camera 18, first gas pump 221, mass spectrometer detection unit, and fiber optic spectrometer module in the sampling and analysis system. The multi-channel data synchronization controller can perform extremely strict time alignment control. The moment the controller issues a thermal runaway trigger command, the infrared camera 18 and first gas pump 221 simultaneously start sampling and spectral analysis. This high degree of temporal consistency ensures that every frame of temperature data and every gas sample acquired in the experiment accurately corresponds to a specific stage of thermal runaway, such as the gas production stage, violent eruption stage, or afterburning stage, thereby constructing a complete and accurate physicochemical evolution model of thermal runaway.

[0029] Example 2 Building upon Example 1, this example further details how to simulate the internal short circuit and thermal runaway evolution process of a battery caused by collision and compression using this device. In this experimental scenario, the battery under test is first adjusted to a predetermined position using a multi-degree-of-freedom displacement platform on the sample stage 2, and pre-secured using clamps 14. Subsequently, a specific proportion of mixed gas is introduced into the main housing 1 through the cavity gas control device in the environmental control system, simulating, for example, a high-altitude low-pressure or oxygen-deficient environment. During this process, a gas concentration sensor 20 monitors the internal atmosphere in real time through the gas control port 7, ensuring that the initial experimental environment meets the preset conditions.

[0030] Specifically, during the mechanical stress triggering process, the multi-channel data synchronization controller sends a command to the power driver 11 of the battery surface stress regulation device, driving the robotic arm to pass through the pressure port 5 on the main housing 1. The steel pressure head 25 contacts the surface of the battery under test at a constant rate. At this time, the force sensor 26 collects stress values ​​in real time and feeds them back to the multi-channel data synchronization controller to achieve high-precision load control. When the battery undergoes mechanical deformation and is accompanied by a sharp rise in temperature, the infrared camera 18 captures infrared thermal images through the camera port 3, and the analysis module 19 calculates the maximum temperature and the rate of temperature rise in real time.

[0031] To achieve more realistic multi-factor coupling, this device can also simultaneously activate the battery surface heating device. The resistance heating plate 16 is tightly connected to the battery under test via the fixture 15, powered by a third power source, and heated at a specific heating slope under the regulation of the multi-channel data synchronization controller. This coupled simulation of thermal and mechanical stress can realistically reproduce the extreme working conditions after battery pack damage in traffic accidents.

[0032] The sampling and analysis system functions instantly upon the occurrence of thermal runaway. The first gas pump 221 in the gas exhaust and sampling device is activated under control, and the ejected gas generated within the main casing 1 is rapidly discharged through the exhaust pipe. To prevent the high-temperature gas from condensing in the pipeline and affecting component analysis, the exhaust pipeline employs an extremely short path design and is directly connected to the mass spectrometer 21. The mass spectrometer 21 receives the gas through the inlet pipe, and its mass spectrometry detection unit, supported by a fourth power source, scans the molecular mass-to-charge ratio of the gas in real time, identifying the molar fractions of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and various alkane products. Simultaneously, the electrolyte sampling module collects the liquid products splashed onto the bottom of the main casing 1 and uses the fiber optic spectrometer module for component identification. The fiber optic spectrometer module identifies the electrolyte solvent as either ethylene carbonate or dimethyl carbonate decomposition products by analyzing the absorption spectra in specific wavelength bands.

[0033] Example 3 This embodiment focuses on the application of the device in simulating a short circuit caused by a foreign object inside a battery. In this scenario, a controllable particulate injection module is used to inject tiny conductive particles into a specific area inside the battery. To accurately observe this process, researchers can visually monitor it through the observation window 9 on the main housing 1. Meanwhile, the wiring port 6 on the main housing 1 ensures the connection of external devices such as high-speed cameras or voltage sampling lines.

[0034] Throughout the experimental cycle, the cavity temperature control device precisely controls the thermal balance inside the main shell 1 through the external circulation unit 12 and the liquid-cooled circulation layer 13. The liquid-cooled circulation layer 13, closely attached to the inner wall of the main shell 1, circulates the refrigerant via a second power source, stabilizing the ambient temperature within the specific experimental requirements. A multi-channel data synchronization controller ensures that the activation of the thermal runaway device is synchronized with the sampling times of the infrared camera 18, the first gas pump 221, and the electrolyte. This extremely high temporal resolution allows researchers to accurately capture each critical node in the thermal runaway chain reaction, providing the most reliable raw data for safety protection technology verification and hazard assessment of ejected materials.

[0035] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. The present invention, through a highly integrated multi-factor triggering system and in-situ sampling analysis system, effectively solves the problems of single induction modes and delayed ejecta detection in traditional devices for battery thermal runaway research, providing a scientific and precise experimental method for battery safety assessment.

Claims

1. A battery experimental apparatus, characterized in that, include: The main housing contains a sample stage for placing the battery under test. The thermal runaway triggering system includes at least two of the following: a battery surface heating device, a battery surface stress control device, an electric puncture device, and a particulate injection device, which are disposed in the main housing and used to connect with the battery under test; An environmental control system includes a cavity temperature control device and a cavity gas control device disposed within the main housing; The sampling and analysis system includes an infrared temperature detection device, a gas exhaust and sampling device, a mass spectrometer, a battery electrolyte sampling module, and a fiber optic spectrometer module. The infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, the mass spectrometer, the battery electrolyte sampling module, and the fiber optic spectrometer module are collectively referred to as the analysis module. A multi-channel data synchronization controller is connected to the thermal runaway triggering system, the environmental control system, and the sampling analysis system, respectively. It is used to control the start of the thermal runaway triggering system and synchronously control the start of sampling of each analysis module in the sampling analysis system, so as to achieve time alignment between the triggering action and the sampling analysis.

2. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The multi-channel data synchronization controller is electrically connected to the cavity temperature control device, the cavity gas control device, the devices included in the thermal runaway triggering system, the infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, and the battery electrolyte sampling module, respectively. The multi-channel data synchronization controller realizes the start of the thermal runaway triggering system and is aligned with the start of sampling by the infrared temperature detection device, the gas exhaust and sampling device, and the battery electrolyte sampling module.

3. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery surface stress control device includes: a steel pressure head, a force sensor, and an electric actuator; a pressure port for transmitting stress to the interior is opened on the main housing; the electric actuator drives a robotic arm to apply stress load to the steel pressure head through the pressure port; the multi-channel data synchronization controller is connected to the electric actuator; and the force sensor is used to provide real-time feedback on the stress value of the battery under test.

4. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric puncture device includes: a puncture needle and a puncture mechanism driven by a motor; a puncture port for transmitting displacement inward is provided on the main housing; the puncture needle is connected to the puncture mechanism, and the puncture needle enters the main housing through the puncture port to puncture the battery under test; the puncture mechanism is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

5. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The infrared temperature detection device includes an infrared camera, an infrared analysis unit, and a first power supply; the main housing has a camera port for providing a field of view to the interior; the infrared camera passes through the camera port and is located inside the main housing; the infrared camera is connected to the infrared analysis unit; the infrared analysis unit is connected to the first power supply and the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

6. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity temperature control device includes: a liquid cooling circulation layer disposed inside the main housing, a circulation outdoor unit disposed outside the main housing, and a second power supply; the circulation outdoor unit is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

7. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cavity gas control device includes: an inert gas supply unit and an oxygen concentration sensor; a gas control port for inputting gas into the main housing is provided on the main housing; the inert gas supply unit is connected to the main housing through the gas control port, and the oxygen concentration sensor is located inside the main housing through the gas control port and is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

8. The battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample stage includes: an adjustable clamp and a multi-degree-of-freedom displacement platform; the main housing is provided with an observation window and a wiring port for connecting external lines.

9. A battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery surface heating device includes: a resistance heating plate, a battery holder, and a third power source; the resistance heating plate is connected to the battery under test through the battery holder, and the third power source is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

10. A battery experimental apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas exhaust and sampling device includes: an exhaust pipe and a first air pump; an exhaust port for exhausting gas to the outside is provided on the main housing; the exhaust pipe passes through the exhaust port and is located inside the main housing; the exhaust pipe is connected to the first air pump; and the first air pump is connected to the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

11. A battery experimental apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that, The mass spectrometer device includes an air inlet pipe, a mass spectrometry detection unit, and a fourth power supply; the air inlet pipe is connected to the exhaust pipe, the mass spectrometry detection unit is connected to the fourth power supply, and the mass spectrometry detection unit is connected to both the air inlet pipe and the multi-channel data synchronization controller.

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