Cooling device, energy storage device and apparatus comprising said device

Abstract

A cooling device (10), an energy storage device (2), in particular an electrochemical cell for a device (1), and a device (1), in particular a vehicle, such as an aircraft, are provided. For cooling an energy storage device (2), such as an electrochemical cell in a device (1), in particular a vehicle, such as an aircraft, the cooling device (10) comprises at least one compression device (18) for providing a cooling medium (C) and / or a coolant (D) for cooling the energy storage device (2) and / or for quenching an exhaust gas (E) that can be generated due to a technical malfunction of at least one energy storage unit (20) of the energy storage device (2), respectively, wherein the compression device (14) is configured to be at least partially driven by the exhaust gas (E).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the technical field of protecting energy storage devices in the event of thermal runaway. In particular, this disclosure relates to a cooling device for cooling energy storage devices, such as electrochemical cells in equipment, particularly vehicles such as aircraft; this disclosure relates to an energy storage device, particularly an electrochemical cell for a vehicle; and this disclosure relates to an equipment, particularly a vehicle such as an aircraft. Background Technology

[0002] Equipment such as vehicles, including aircraft, has long used energy storage devices, such as electrochemical batteries, to store energy. Electrochemical batteries are commonly used as backup power sources or to meet certain energy needs of vehicles that typically generate electricity through generators driven by internal combustion engines, such as powering electronic devices and / or auxiliary equipment. Today, electrochemical batteries are increasingly used to store large amounts of electrical energy to power the vehicles themselves and / or to buffer electrical energy in vehicles with alternative or hybrid energy conversion systems, such as fuel cells.

[0003] Therefore, the energy capacity and energy density of energy storage devices (especially electrochemical cells) are continuously increasing. In the event of electrical and / or mechanical failures in energy storage devices, their high capacity can lead to thermal runaway events, during which exhaust gases containing chemical decomposition and / or combustion products of the energy storage device components may be generated. These exhaust gases have harmful effects due to their high temperature, high pressure, and potential toxicity. Some existing technologies propose mitigating these potential harmful effects through inerting or coolant treatment, adsorption, or catalytic conversion.

[0004] For example, US 2023 / 231268 A1 describes a system including a battery mounting area, a venting area fluidly isolated from the battery mounting area, and a battery cell at least partially disposed within the battery mounting area. The battery cell includes at least one safety relief section fluidly in communication with the venting area. An inerting and / or suppression system may be arranged in fluid communication with the venting area. The inerting or suppression system includes at least one nozzle associated with the venting area, and an inhibitor supply source and / or an inerting agent supply source. The inhibitor supply source and the inerting agent supply source are in the form of self-pressurized containers. Examples of suitable inhibitors or inerting agents include, but are not limited to, water, cleaning agents, inert gases, or other approved media. The inhibitor supply source and / or the inerting agent supply source are arranged in fluid communication with the nozzle via a delivery path defined by a delivery piping system. When venting material is detected in the venting area, inerting agent from the inerting agent supply source is allowed to flow through the delivery piping system to one or more injection nozzles for direct release into the venting area.

[0005] CN 214552549 U relates to a catalytic purification system for thermal runaway flue gas from a power lithium battery pack. The system includes a housing, with the battery pack installed inside. A smoke sensor is disposed on the lower top surface of the housing. The smoke sensor is connected to a controller via a power signal line. Interlayers are disposed on the top of the housing and are interconnected, with air purification material disposed within the interlayers. A top one-way valve communicating with the interlayers is provided on the lower top surface of the housing, and a bottom one-way valve communicating with the interlayers is provided on the lower bottom surface of the housing. The bottom one-way valves are connected to a suction pump via an exhaust pipe, and the suction pump is controlled by the controller. The flue gas generated by battery combustion is treated using an adsorbent and a catalyst. The toxic flue gas is converted into purified gas after adsorption and catalytic conversion, and the purified gas is discharged into the air.

[0006] US 2019 / 296302 A1 relates to articles (e.g., containers, battery packs, etc.) that include lithium materials (e.g., one or more lithium-ion batteries). The articles include sulfur hexafluoride located in an internal compartment of the article to provide an inert atmosphere within the internal compartment. Methods for inertizing such articles (e.g., containers, battery packs, etc.) using sulfur hexafluoride are also described, as well as conveying (e.g., pumping, blowing, etc.) circulating cooling equipment and systems.

[0007] WO 2010 / 032313 A1 describes a mobile unit carrying a secondary battery and including a vehicle body, a first conduit disposed within the vehicle body (having an exhaust port for discharging exhaust gases, and connected to the exhaust port when the secondary battery module is installed), and a hazardous substance suppression unit for detoxifying the exhaust gases in the first conduit. The first conduit is connected to the exhaust port to discharge the exhaust gases discharged from the exhaust port to the outside of the vehicle body. A cooling gas cylinder can be connected to the first conduit via a valve. The cooling gas cylinder is filled with cooling gas. Although the valve is normally closed, in an emergency, the valve opens, and cooling gas is introduced into the first conduit. Furthermore, a radiator (e.g., a water-cooled radiator) can be provided to reduce the temperature of the exhaust gases through heat exchange.

[0008] US 2023 / 277882 A1 describes a battery thermal suppression system for battery arrays and / or traction battery packs. An exemplary thermal suppression system may include one or more aerosol devices adapted to release aerosol particles during a battery thermal event, which may be distributed above and / or around the battery cells / battery array to mitigate heat propagation. The aerosol devices may be active or passive and may be positioned at the battery array level, the traction battery pack level, or both.

[0009] EP 4 165 712 B1, EP 3 492 388 B1, US 11 658 363 B2, WO 2022 / 029380 A1, DE10 2017 128251 A1 and EP 2 942 226 A1 all relate to prior art alternatives for mitigating the potentially harmful effects of thermal runaway reactions in energy storage devices, which are designed to reduce the temperature of exhaust gases by cooling or mixing devices, or to contain or release exhaust gases in a controlled manner.

[0010] In addition to gaseous compounds, exhaust gas from energy storage devices may contain suspended particles, which may originate from the chemical decomposition and / or physical disintegration of the energy storage device during thermal runaway reactions. These particles can be harmful because, on the one hand, due to their high temperatures, they may ignite certain gaseous compounds and carry large amounts of high-energy substances, and on the other hand, they may be toxic. Existing technologies primarily address these problems by proposing filtration techniques or similar methods to remove harmful particles from exhaust gas.

[0011] Existing systems and methods for mitigating the potentially harmful effects of venting generated during thermal runaway reactions in energy storage devices may not meet the demands arising from the increasing energy capacity and density of energy storage devices, particularly electrochemical cells. To meet these requirements and comply with technical safety specifications, known systems may introduce issues related to weight, complexity, and installation space. These issues, in turn, can affect the operational efficiency of vehicles, especially aircraft, which require preferably simple and lightweight solutions to avoid impacting range and passenger capacity requirements. Furthermore, certain reagents used in methods according to the prior art for rapidly cooling runaway reactions or inerting reaction products (e.g., sulfur hexafluoride (S...)...) It may be harmful to the environment. Summary of the Invention

[0012] Therefore, providing protective measures suitable for meeting the conditions arising from the continuous increase in the energy capacity and energy density of energy storage devices can be considered as an objective. Furthermore, the objective can also be considered as meeting the technical safety specifications of energy storage devices (especially electrochemical batteries) used to power vehicles (such as aircraft) in the event of a runaway reaction, without unduly impairing their range and transport capacity, and preferably in an environmentally friendly manner. These objectives are achieved at least in part by the subject matter described in the independent claims.

[0013] According to one aspect, a cooling device is provided for cooling an energy storage device, such as an electrochemical battery in a device, particularly a vehicle, such as an aircraft, the cooling device comprising at least one compression device for providing a cooling medium and / or coolant to cool the energy storage device, and / or to rapidly cool exhaust gas that may be generated due to a technical failure of at least one energy storage unit of the energy storage device, wherein the compression device is configured to be at least partially driven by the exhaust gas.

[0014] According to one aspect, an energy storage device is provided, particularly an electrochemical battery for use in vehicles, which includes a corresponding cooling device.

[0015] According to one aspect, a device, particularly a means of transportation such as an aircraft, is provided, which includes a corresponding cooling device and / or a corresponding energy storage device.

[0016] The compression device can be driven by energy extracted from the exhaust gas. This can help ensure the intrinsic safety of the cooling device, and the energy required to drive the compression device to provide the cooling medium and / or coolant can be obtained at least partially from the exhaust gas generated due to a potential technical failure. Providing the cooling medium and / or coolant, thereby providing a cooling and / or quenching device containing the compression device, helps to absorb the heat energy that may be generated due to a potential technical failure, without which this heat energy may not be able to be transferred away from the at least one energy storage unit. This is particularly likely to occur in battery systems including solid electrolyte cells (SEC) or solid electrolyte batteries (SEB), which no longer contain any liquid electrolyte, which would otherwise help transfer heat energy away from the faulty energy storage unit by evaporation and / or outflow from the corresponding at least one energy storage unit.

[0017] The proposed solution offers an alternative to mitigating or diverting the potentially harmful effects of failures in energy storage devices across various vehicles, including but not limited to aircraft. This solution includes energy storage devices for aircraft comprising electrochemical cells with high energy capacity and density, as these can be used for aircraft propulsion purposes and / or as an APU (Automatic Power Unit), and can be integrated with fuel cell systems. The proposed solution opens up efficient, simple, and lightweight protection pathways for energy storage devices, providing intrinsic safety by suppressing the harmful effects of exhaust emissions resulting from thermal runaway events without the need for external detection, external energy, or functional actuators.

[0018] Further development options can be derived from the dependent claims and from the following description. The features described in conjunction with the apparatus and arrangement can be implemented as method steps, or vice versa. Therefore, the description provided in the context of cooling and / or quenching devices, energy storage devices and / or equipment is also applicable to the corresponding methods in a similar manner. In particular, the functions of cooling and / or quenching devices, energy storage devices and / or vehicles and they or their respective components can be implemented as method steps of the corresponding methods, and the method steps can also be implemented as functions of cooling and / or quenching devices, energy storage devices and / or equipment.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include an expansion device arranged in the exhaust flow path and configured to depressurize the exhaust. The exhaust flow path may be provided at least partially by an exhaust duct of the cooling device having at least one inlet connected to the at least one energy storage unit. Depressurizing the exhaust can cool it, thereby further contributing to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the expansion device includes a turbine configured to generate mechanical and / or electrical energy by depressurizing exhaust gas. The exhaust gas may flow at least partially through the turbine. Depressurizing the exhaust gas and the turbine's ability to cool it further contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the compression device is mechanically and / or electrically connected to the expansion device so as to be at least partially driven by the expansion device. The at least one compression device and expansion device can be provided as a pressurization unit configured to be at least partially driven by exhaust gas and to pressurize the cooling medium and / or coolant. Alternatively or additionally, the compression device can be electrically driven. This pressurization unit can further contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device. Providing electrical drive can particularly facilitate the start-up phase of the pressurization unit and / or support the pressurization unit, as well as ensure rapid and continuous cooling.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include at least one bypass conduit for bypassing the expansion device, wherein the bypass conduit is provided with a pressure-reducing valve configured to release the pressure of the exhaust gas when the pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold. The bypass conduit cooperates with the pressure-reducing valve to bypass the expansion device when the exhaust pressure and / or flow rate exceeds the corresponding capacity of the expansion device. Therefore, bypassing the expansion device in the event of such overpressure conditions can help ensure the proper operation of the expansion device to avoid its stalling and / or choking. This further contributes to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the at least one compression device is arranged in the coolant flow path from the coolant supply source to the energy storage device. The compression device can facilitate the delivery of coolant and / or cooling medium from the coolant supply source to the energy storage device. Thus, an adequate supply of coolant and social cooling medium can be provided in the event of a technical failure in the at least one energy storage unit.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the coolant flow path is at least partially constituted by a coolant conduit having at least one outlet connected to an energy storage device. The coolant conduit can be configured such that coolant and cooling medium are forced into the at least one energy storage unit and / or energy storage device. This can further contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include a one-way valve arranged in the coolant flow path between the at least one compression device and the energy storage device to prevent exhaust gas, cooling medium and / or coolant from flowing toward the compression device.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include a heat exchange assembly configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas to the cooling medium. The heat exchange assembly may be arranged downstream of the expansion device in the exhaust gas flow path and may contribute to additional cooling of the at least one energy storage unit and / or energy storage device. Thus, the heat exchange assembly improves the overall cooling capacity of the cooling device.

[0027] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the heat exchange assembly includes a coolant channel that at least segmentally surrounds and / or provides enclosure for the energy storage device. The coolant channel can provide a double-layered shell or jacket for at least a portion of the energy storage device. Thus, the heat exchange assembly can further enhance the overall cooling capacity of the cooling device.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include a mixing component arranged in the exhaust flow path and configured to mix the coolant with the exhaust gas. The mixing component may be arranged downstream of the expansion device in the exhaust flow path and may contribute to additional cooling of the at least one energy storage unit and / or energy storage device. Thus, the mixing component improves the overall cooling capacity of the cooling device.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include at least one additional compression device for supplying coolant to the mixing assembly. The additional compression device may be configured to be at least partially driven by exhaust gas. The compression device and the at least one additional compression device may supply cooling medium and / or coolant to corresponding dedicated parts and components of the cooling device. For example, the compression device may directly supply cooling medium and / or coolant to at least one energy storage unit that may be arranged inside an energy storage device, while the at least one additional compression device may supply cooling medium and / or coolant to heat exchange components, cooling channels, and / or mixing assemblies. Thus, the at least one additional compression device may help to further specifically enhance the cooling capacity of the cooling device for each corresponding component.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the cooling device, the cooling device may further include a quenching agent for rapidly cooling exhaust gas and / or increasing the pressure within the cooling device to accelerate the start-up of the compressor. The quenching agent may be contained outside and / or inside the at least one energy storage unit. The quenching agent may be contained in a fluid within the at least one energy storage unit. The quenching agent may be held in at least one depot. On the one hand, the quenching agent can help rapidly cool any exothermic reaction and / or exhaust gas; on the other hand, the quenching agent can serve as a propellant that can help drive the compressor. Thus, the quenching agent can further contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling and / or quenching device.

[0031] The at least one storage tank can be arranged along a predetermined flow path for exhaust. The at least one storage tank can be arranged in the exhaust flow path such that the exhaust is forced to flow through and / or mix with the quenching agent. The exhaust flow path can be at least partially formed by a duct of a cooling device having at least one inlet connected to the at least one energy storage unit. This can further contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling and / or quenching device.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, a propellant and / or initiator may be provided to enhance the startup performance of the compressor. The propellant and / or initiator may contribute to providing an intrinsically safe cooling device. For example, the propellant and / or initiator may be provided by a gas generator. Such a generator may be provided in the form of, for example, a pyrotechnic nitrogen generator, etc. Such a generator may be triggered and / or ignited by heat generated due to a technical failure of the at least one battery cell. The generated gas may help provide sufficient energy and / or pressure to start the compressor. After startup, the process of driving the compressor can be self-sustaining because the coolant and / or cooling medium supplied to the at least one energy storage unit is heated during cooling and can subsequently be used to drive the compressor. Furthermore, an electric drive may be used to support the compressor, at least during the startup phase.

[0033] According to an alternative or additional solution, a quenching device is provided for quenching exhaust gas from an energy storage device (e.g., an electrochemical battery in a vehicle), the exhaust gas being generated due to a technical failure of at least one energy storage unit of the energy storage device, the quenching device comprising a quenching agent for quenching the exhaust gas, wherein the quenching agent is contained outside and / or inside the at least one energy storage unit.

[0034] The quenching agent can be provided in a designated device, for example, directly disposed inside or outside the enclosure or housing of the at least one energy storage unit, and is particularly suitable for quenching in situ the exothermic chemical reactions that could lead to a runaway event, thereby suppressing the flame or fire and thus reducing or at least limiting the temperature and / or pressure of the exhaust gas. This helps to prevent the harmful effects of a thermal runaway event at its source. Further mitigation measures can then be taken, specifically tailored to manage the quenched exhaust gas.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching agent is contained in a fluid within the at least one energy storage unit. The fluid can be a liquid. For example, the storage unit can be a battery cell. The quenching agent can be contained in the electrolyte of the battery cell. Thus, any undesirable exothermic reactions can be suppressed at an early stage within the energy storage unit.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching agent is stored in at least one reservoir. The reservoir can be advantageously arranged to release the quenching agent at locations where undesirable exothermic reactions may occur. This further helps to suppress undesirable exothermic reactions in their early stages.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the at least one storage tank is arranged along a predetermined exhaust flow path. This exhaust flow path can be defined by the quenching device. Thus, the exhaust can be directed to the at least one storage tank. This facilitates quenching the exhaust in a controlled manner, thereby preventing or at least mitigating any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the at least one reservoir is arranged in the exhaust flow path such that the exhaust is forced to flow through and / or mix with the quenching agent. The quenching agent can be retained in the reservoir, allowing it to contact the exhaust and / or be released into the exhaust. This forces the exhaust to be exposed to the quenching agent as it flows through the at least one reservoir. This helps to further prevent or at least mitigate any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust.

[0039] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the exhaust flow path is at least partially constituted by a duct of the quenching device having at least one inlet connected to the at least one energy storage unit. The manifold may provide multiple inlets to collect the exhaust. This further facilitates quenching the exhaust in a controlled manner, thereby preventing or at least mitigating any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching device further includes a particulate separator for separating particles contained in the exhaust gas. The particulate separator may include at least one cyclone vessel. The inlet of the cyclone vessel may be connected to the outlet of a duct. Thus, potentially harmful particles (including particles that could act as an ignition source for the exhaust gas) can be separated from the exhaust gas, allowing the particles and / or exhaust gas to be further processed or directed as needed to prevent or at least mitigate any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust gas. Furthermore, the particulate separator can help prevent blockage of the quenching device or any fluid path defined by it, because any component downstream of the particulate separator does not need to process the separated particles and can be designed to perform other functions, such as exhaust gas purification, filtration, or similar functions.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching device further includes a mixing unit configured to mix exhaust gas with a coolant. The mixing unit may include a venturi nozzle for mixing the coolant with the exhaust gas. The coolant may include air, such as ambient air. The mixing unit helps to reduce the overall temperature of the exhaust gas. Alternatively or additionally, any combustible components in the exhaust gas may be cooled below their respective ignition temperatures to prevent the exhaust gas from being ignited.

[0042] The mixing unit provides an effective alternative and / or additional solution to prevent or at least mitigate any potentially harmful effects of exhaust gases. Furthermore, any components of the quenching device located downstream of the mixing unit can be designed to withstand only lower temperatures. In other words, the number of components or assemblies requiring high-temperature resistance in the quenching device is reduced, thereby lowering the overall complexity, weight, and cost of the quenching device.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching device further includes a heat exchange unit configured to transfer heat from exhaust gas to a cooling medium. The heat exchange unit may define at least a portion of an exhaust gas flow path downstream of the mixing unit. The cooling medium may be guided through the heat exchange unit along a coolant flow path. The exhaust gas flow path and the coolant flow path may extend parallel to each other at least in segments.

[0044] For example, the exhaust flow path and the coolant flow path can be arranged coaxially with respect to each other. The heat exchange unit can be configured as a co-flow, crossflow, and / or counterflow heat exchanger. The heat exchange unit helps to reduce the overall temperature of the exhaust. Therefore, it can provide another effective alternative and / or additional solution for preventing or at least mitigating any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust.

[0045] As an additional and / or alternative aspect of the solution, an encompassing arrangement may be provided for at least partially encompassing an exhaust inlet and / or exhaust passage, manifold, and / or exhaust line that at least partially defines the exhaust flow path. The encompassing arrangement may be part of a mixing unit and / or a heat exchange unit. The encompassing arrangement may include parallel flow sections, counter-flow sections, and / or cross-flow sections, wherein the coolant flow path of the cooling medium is arranged substantially parallel, counter-current, and / or transversely relative to the flow path of the exhaust and / or the cooling medium itself, respectively. Thus, particularly high cooling capacity can be provided at corresponding temperature levels as needed.

[0046] Such solutions can help provide particularly high cooling capacity at locations where exhaust temperatures are expected to be relatively high. The cladding device can be axially fitted over the corresponding exhaust inlet requiring specialized cooling, preferably radially surrounding the corresponding area. The material of the corresponding mixer walls and / or cooler walls of the cladding device can be selected to withstand relatively high temperatures and exhaust pressures, such as stainless steel or similar materials. Although the corresponding portion of the cladding device may therefore be relatively heavy, its advantage lies in providing high localized cooling capacity, which in turn allows for the use of lighter materials with lower heat and / or pressure resistance to manufacture other parts of the ductwork for guiding exhaust gas.

[0047] As an additional and / or alternative aspect of the solution, the mixing unit and / or heat exchange unit (particularly the cladding device) may provide an exhaust cooling section, a self-cooling section, and / or a redirection section for cooling the exhaust gas, self-cooling the cooling medium, and / or a combination of the above functions. Overlapping areas may include the exhaust cooling section, the self-cooling section, and / or the redirection section. This helps to provide high cooling capacity at corresponding temperature levels as needed.

[0048] As an additional and / or alternative aspect of the solution, a combined mixing and / or heat exchange unit may be provided. This combined mixing and / or heat exchange unit may include the cladding device and / or the overlapping region. This can further contribute to providing sufficient cooling capacity in areas where exhaust temperatures may be expected to be relatively high, and to achieving rapid, efficient quenching of the exhaust. Similarly, the materials of the combined mixing and / or heat exchange unit may be selected to withstand particularly high temperatures and pressures, thereby allowing other sections (e.g., piping assemblies) to have lower cooling capacity in areas where exhaust temperatures are expected to be relatively low.

[0049] The combined mixing and / or heat exchange unit and / or covering device can be at least partially fitted onto any exhaust inlet, exhaust passage, manifold, and / or exhaust line that at least partially defines the exhaust flow path, for example, in a funnel-shaped configuration. Therefore, the combined mixing and / or heat exchange unit and / or covering device can have a frustoconical shape, or any other shape that tapers along the flow path. Exhaust can enter from the bottom end of this tapering shape and be funnel-guided through corresponding cooling and / or mixing devices, including parallel flow sections, counter-flow sections, cross-flow sections, exhaust cooling sections, self-cooling sections, redirection sections, and / or inlet cooling sections, the form and number of which can be arbitrarily configured as needed. For example, when forming overlapping areas, multiple exhaust flow paths and / or coolant flow paths can be arranged to achieve the desired cooling capacity at the corresponding temperature levels. This helps to provide particularly high cooling capacity in areas where exhaust temperatures are expected to be relatively high, while mitigating the corresponding requirements in areas where lower temperatures are expected, such as piping systems connected to inlet and / or outlet openings (for introducing cooling medium and / or discharging exhaust, exhaust mixture).

[0050] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching agent is provided at least partially in powder form. The exhaust gas can be mixed with and / or carry the powder, thereby effectively quenching any undesirable exothermic reactions that may cause, occur in, or result from the exhaust gas. This further facilitates the controlled quenching of the exhaust gas, thereby preventing or at least mitigating any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust gas.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching agent comprises potassium bicarbonate. Potassium bicarbonate (also known as potassium hydrogen carbonate or potassium acid carbonate, with the chemical formula KHCO3) is a solid at standard chemical temperature and pressure (STP) and is commonly used as a fire extinguishing agent. As a quenching agent or at least a portion thereof, it provides an effective and reliable means of preventing or at least mitigating any potentially harmful effects of exothermic reactions, particularly runaway reactions.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the quenching agent is configured to be propelled by and / or contain a propellant. For example, the propellant may be disposed in a gas and / or powder cartridge. The propellant may be mixed with powder. Propelling the quenching agent facilitates very rapid quenching of the exhaust gas, and may thereby allow for early suppression and / or interruption of exothermic reactions.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the quenching device, the propellant comprises nitrocellulose. Although nitrocellulose (also known as cellulose nitrate or guncotton) is highly flammable and reactive, it helps to propel the quenching agent in a rapid and controlled manner, allowing the quenching agent to come into rapid contact with the exhaust gas in a highly dispersed manner, thereby achieving extremely rapid suppression and / or interruption of the exothermic reaction. This can further help prevent or at least mitigate the exhaust gas and any potentially harmful effects of exothermic reactions that may occur in the energy storage device. Attached Figure Description

[0054] The subject matter of the invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, and wherein: Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a vehicle in the form of an aircraft, which includes an energy storage device equipped with cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0055] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional line AA shown in the figure intercepts... Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle shown.

[0056] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0057] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0058] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0059] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another additional embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of another additional embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0061] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of another additional embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0062] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of yet another embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0063] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of yet another additional embodiment of an energy storage device, which includes cooling and / or quenching devices.

[0064] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a quenching agent containing propellant.

[0065] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a quenching agent equipped with a propellant charge.

[0066] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a combined mixing unit and heat exchange unit for cooling and / or quenching devices. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The following detailed description is exemplary in nature only and is not intended to limit the invention or its uses. Furthermore, it is not intended to be bound by any theories set forth in the foregoing background section or the following detailed description. The representations and illustrations in the drawings are schematic and not drawn to scale. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. A fuller understanding of the subject matter can be obtained by reviewing the drawings and examining the following detailed description.

[0068] Figure 1A schematic diagram of device 1 is shown, which is in the form of a vehicle, such as an aircraft, and includes an energy storage device 2, such as an electrochemical battery. The energy storage device 2 can supply power to multiple energy-consuming devices 3 of device 1, such as electronic devices 3a and / or electric motors 3b, which drive propulsion devices 4 (e.g., propellers, wheels, etc.) to propel device 1. Energy (particularly electrical energy) can be supplied from the energy storage device 2 to the energy-consuming devices 3 via transmission lines 5.

[0069] Figure 2 It is along Figure 1 The cross-sectional line AA shown in the figure intercepts... Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the vehicle 1. It is clearly visible that the device 1 includes a housing 6 (e.g., in the form of a fuselage) as part of its main body, which surrounds an internal space 7 of the device 1, housing an energy storage device 2. The housing 6 has an inlet opening 8 and an outlet opening 9, respectively for communicating with the surrounding environment S of the device 1.

[0070] The device 1 is equipped with a cooling and / or quenching device 10, which can be considered as being connected to and / or integrated into the energy storage device 2. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 has an inlet pipe 11 connected to an inlet opening 8 and an outlet pipe 12 connected to an outlet opening 9. Coolant C and / or cooling medium D (e.g., ambient air from the surrounding environment S) can be drawn in through the inlet opening 8 and supplied to the cooling and / or quenching device 10 via the inlet pipe 11, while the cooling and / or quenching device 10 can discharge exhaust gas E from the energy storage device 2 to the surrounding environment S (see outlet opening 9) via the outlet pipe 12. Figure 3 ).

[0071] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of one embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, including a cooling and / or quenching device 10, and is shown in partial cross-sectional view. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 further includes a conduit 13, a compression device 14, and an expansion device 15. Additionally, a mixing unit 16 and a heat exchange unit (see [link to documentation]) may also be provided. Figure 4 , 5 6 to 10 and Figure 13 The device includes a cooling agent 18. The cooling agent 18 may be contained in at least one storage tank 19, which is arranged within the energy storage device 2 and / or the cooling device 10.

[0072] The energy storage device 2 includes a plurality of energy storage units 20 and includes an enclosure 21. Each energy storage unit may have its own housing 22, which provides an airtight interior 23. The housing 22 may have a cylindrical shape, a rectangular shape, and / or any other shape required or desired for a particular application of the energy storage device 2. The interior 23 may contain a fluid, such as an electrolyte when the energy storage unit 20 is implemented as an electrochemical cell. Each housing 22 may include a bursting element 25, which is arranged, for example, on the top of the housing 22 and configured to rupture when the temperature and / or pressure within the housing 22 exceeds a certain threshold, thereby generating a bursting load. Through rupture, the bursting element 25 forms a predetermined opening.

[0073] Furthermore, conduit 13 may include a manifold (not shown), a coolant line 31, and an exhaust line 32. The manifold may be arranged such that it collects any exhaust gas E discharged from the energy storage device 2. Thus, the manifold serves as an inlet and / or outlet for conduit 13 connected to the energy storage device 2. Coolant line 31 may introduce coolant C and / or cooling medium D into the energy storage device 2. Exhaust line 32 of conduit 13 may discharge exhaust gas E out of enclosure 21. Thus, conduit 13 defines flow paths 33 for exhaust gas E, coolant C, and / or cooling medium D, respectively.

[0074] In this example, a technical malfunction may occur in the energy storage device 2 during the operation of the vehicle 1. This technical malfunction may lead to a reaction R, which may be an exothermic reaction. Reaction R may occur in one of the energy storage units 20. Due to reaction R, the components and / or fluid 24 of the energy storage unit 20 may evaporate, thereby generating vapor, which may contain exhaust gases and / or exhaust particles, and thus at least partially contribute to the generation of exhaust gas E.

[0075] To mitigate the potentially harmful effects of reaction R within energy storage unit 20, a quenching agent 18 may be provided within energy storage unit 20. For example, quenching agent 18 may be contained in fluid 24, such as in the form of a dispersion, emulsion, and / or solution. Thus, reaction R may be suppressed or at least mitigated within energy storage unit 20, allowing reaction R and / or any venting E to be contained within the housing 22 of energy storage unit. If reaction R cannot be suppressed within energy storage unit 20, or at least cannot be completely suppressed, the bursting element 25 may rupture when the temperature and / or pressure caused by reaction R and / or venting E exceeds the corresponding bursting load of the bursting element 25.

[0076] Alternatively or additionally, the potential harmful effects of reaction R and / or exhaust E can be mitigated inside or around the energy storage unit 20 by placing a quenching agent 18 near the bursting element 25. For example, a storage tank 19 containing the quenching agent 18 can be placed in or around the area where the bursting element 25 is located. Thus, the quenching agent 18 can be released into reaction R and / or exhaust E in the area of ​​the bursting element 25, which can facilitate quenching of reaction R and / or exhaust E in such a way that they can be contained within the enclosure 21 that receives the energy storage unit 20. Typically, reaction R and / or exhaust E can be contained within the enclosure 21.

[0077] If, within the enclosure 21 that receives the corresponding energy storage unit 20 affected by reaction R, the reaction R cannot be suppressed or at least cannot be completely suppressed, and if the temperature and / or pressure caused by reaction R, quench agent 18 and / or exhaust E exceed the corresponding threshold, exhaust E can subsequently be discharged from enclosure 21 via conduit 13 along flow path 33.

[0078] Therefore, exhaust gas E can be received in a controlled manner by conduit 13, for example, a manifold (not shown) collects all exhaust gas E from energy storage device 2 and directs it to exhaust line 32. Another reservoir 19 containing quenching agent 18 can be provided within conduit 13. For example, at least one of the reservoirs 19 can be located in manifold 31 and / or exhaust line 32. In this example, the reservoir 19 can be arranged within exhaust line 32 such that all exhaust gas E collected in manifold 31 is forced to flow through the reservoir 19.

[0079] A quench zone Q can be formed by a quenching agent 18 disposed within the enclosure 21 and / or conduit 13. For example, the quenching agent 18 can be released into the exhaust gas E from at least one reservoir 19 located at an advantageous position within the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E. Thus, the quenching agent 18 can form the quench zone Q, and / or chemical and / or physical reactions between the quenching agent 18 and the exhaust gas E may lead to the formation of the quench zone Q. Due to such chemical and / or physical reactions between the quenching agent 18 and the exhaust gas E, further particles can be formed, for example, through aggregation, coagulation, or similar processes. If the exhaust gas E cannot be contained, or at least cannot be completely contained, and / or any reaction R in the exhaust gas E cannot be suppressed within the quench zone Q, the exhaust gas E will continue to be guided in a controlled manner along the flow path 33.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, coolant C and / or cooling medium D may be introduced into quench zone Q and / or form quench zone Q. Therefore, compression unit 14 can compress coolant C and / or cooling medium D along the flow path 33 of coolant C and / or cooling medium D, which serves as the corresponding conduit 13 serving as coolant line 31. To prevent exhaust gas E, or the exhaust gas mixture M formed by exhaust gas E and coolant C and / or cooling medium D, from flowing back into the conduit 13 supplying coolant line 31, at least one check valve 34 may be provided, which is arranged to suppress any fluid flow from energy storage device 2 toward compression unit 14.

[0081] The compression device 14 may be at least partially driven by the expansion device 15, which may be arranged in the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E, or the exhaust gas mixture M formed by the exhaust gas E and the coolant C and / or the cooling medium D. The expansion device 15 can generate mechanical energy by depressurizing the exhaust gas E and / or the exhaust gas mixture M. For this purpose, the expansion device 15 may include a turbine.

[0082] Therefore, the compression device 14 and the expansion device 15 can form a pressurization unit 40. A shaft 41 can be used to transfer mechanical energy to the compression device 14. For example, the shaft 41 can connect the expansion device 15 to the compression device 14. The inlet pipe 11 can guide the coolant C and / or cooling medium D to the compression device 14.

[0083] Coolant line 31 leads from compression unit 14 to energy storage unit 2. Thus, in the event of a technical malfunction that could lead to reaction R, coolant C and / or cooling medium D, compressible by compression unit 14, can be supplied to energy storage unit 2. In particular, an intrinsically safe cooling and / or quenching device 10 can be provided by using exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M generated during the reaction R to drive expansion unit 15.

[0084] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment will be described below. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 includes a mixing unit 16 and / or a heat exchange unit 17 for further cooling and / or quenching the exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M, and subsequently releasing the further cooled or quenched exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M through an outlet pipe 12.

[0085] The mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 can be supplied with coolant C and / or cooling medium D via an additional coolant line 31 to further cool and / or quench exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M. This additional coolant line 31 can branch off, for example, from the coolant line 31 leading to the energy storage device 2, preferably upstream of the one-way valve 34. The compression unit 14 can deliver coolant C and / or cooling medium D to the mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 via this additional coolant line 31.

[0086] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of another embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. The mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 can be supplied with coolant C and / or cooling medium D through an additional coolant line 31 to further cool and / or quench exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M, which can, for example, branch off from the inlet pipe 11 leading to the compression unit. The branched inlet pipe 11 can lead to another compression unit 14, which can deliver coolant C and / or cooling medium D to the mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 through the additional coolant line 31, thereby providing an independent supply of coolant C and / or cooling medium D to the mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17, while the energy storage device 2 can be supplied with coolant C and / or cooling medium D through the compression unit 14.

[0087] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another additional embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. The enclosure 21 may be provided with an additional outer wall 28. Between the additional outer wall 28 and the enclosure 21, a coolant channel 29 may be formed, at least partially surrounding the enclosure 21. A cooling medium D may be supplied from a coolant line 31 to the coolant channel 29, and then flows at least in sections around the enclosure 21, thereby cooling the enclosure 21, before entering the enclosure 21. The cooling medium D may then be used as a coolant C to mix with the exhaust gas E for cooling and / or quenching it.

[0088] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of yet another additional embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 is provided with a mixing unit 16 and / or a heat exchange unit 17, and further includes a jacket 28 for at least partially forming a coolant passage 29.

[0089] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of another additional embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. A drive unit 42, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic motor, is provided for at least partially driving the compression device 14. For example, the drive unit 42 may be arranged such that it is mechanically connected to the shaft 41.

[0090] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of yet another further embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 includes a bypass line 35 for bypassing the expansion device 15. The bypass line 35 may be equipped with a pressure reducing valve 36. When the pressure caused by the exhaust gas E and / or the exhaust gas mixture M exceeds a predetermined threshold, the pressure reducing valve 36 can open the bypass line 35, allowing the exhaust gas E and / or the exhaust gas mixture M to bypass the expansion device 15.

[0091] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of yet another additional embodiment of the energy storage device 2 is shown, which includes a cooling and / or quenching device 10. For the sake of brevity and efficiency, only the differences between the illustrated embodiment and the previously described embodiment are described below. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 includes a heat exchange unit 17, which may be at least partially configured as a counter-current heat exchanger.

[0092] The heat exchange unit 17 can be supplied with a cooling medium D for cooling the exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M discharged from the expansion device 15. The cooling medium D can be supplied to the heat exchange unit 17 via an additional coolant line 31. For example, the cooling medium D flowing out of the coolant passage 29 can be directed to the heat exchange unit 17 to cool the exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M before the cooling medium D, exhaust gas E, and / or exhaust gas mixture M are released via a corresponding outlet pipe 12.

[0093] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of a quencher 18 containing propellant is shown. In this example, quencher compound 80 is mixed with propellant compound 90. Thus, the combination of quencher compound 80 and propellant compound 90 provides quencher 18. The quencher 18 may be shaped such that it is provided in the form of a reservoir 19. Propellant compound 90 may facilitate the rupture of reservoir 19, thereby dispersing the quencher 18 from its interior to release the quencher 18 into exhaust gas E and / or reaction R.

[0094] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a quencher 18 is shown, comprising a quenching charge 81 and a propellant charge 91. The quenching charge 81 may consist substantially of the quencher 18. The propellant charge 91 may consist substantially of a propellant (i.e., a corresponding propellant compound 90). The propellant charge 91 may be arranged below and / or behind the quenching charge 81 such that the propellant compound can facilitate the rupture of the reservoir 19 from the rear and / or below, thereby dispersing the quencher 18 to release it into the exhaust gas E and / or the reaction R.

[0095] Potassium bicarbonate can be used, for example, as the quenching agent 18 and / or quenching compound 80. The propellant compound 90 can facilitate the mixing of the quenching agent 18 and / or quenching compound 80 into the exhaust gas E and / or reaction R in aerosol form. In other words, the quenching agent 18 and / or quenching compound 80 can be discharged from the storage tank 19 into the exhaust gas E and / or reaction R in the form of extinguishing particles. Thus, if reaction R causes fuel and / or combustion to occur, the corresponding free radical chain reaction participating in reaction R can be blocked by the aerosol.

[0096] The aerosol may contain particles of quenching agent 18 and / or quenching compound 80, which may be released onto and / or around the exhaust gas E and / or reaction R (e.g., a combustion flame (ionization zone)) upon contact with the exhaust gas E and / or reaction R. These particles may cool the flame and absorb heat to inhibit ignition and / or provide an endothermic reaction to convert heat back into the chemical energy of a preferably inert chemical substance.

[0097] For example, the chemical action (chain reaction inhibition) of potassium bicarbonate-containing quenching agent 18 and / or quenching compound 80 can be described as follows, based on the assumption that during an exothermic reaction R (e.g., combustion), free radicals O°, H°, and OH° are generated. These free radicals can initiate chain reactions, and the heat released by reaction R generates K° free radicals, thereby causing the corresponding intermediate products, mainly KOH and... O: K° + OH° → KOH KOH + H° → K° + O, O° + H° → OH° H° + OH° → O.

[0098] The intermediate product can further undergo the following reaction, ultimately producing mainly potassium carbonate, carbon dioxide, and water: KOH + C → C (Because of the existence of C) ), KHC → C + C + O (result of the reaction).

[0099] The release of quencher 18 and / or quencher compound 80 can be triggered by heat or directly by an electronic system (not shown). The triggering temperature of propellant compound 90 can be adjusted by specific chemical additives (e.g., sulfur). The corresponding amounts of quencher 18 and / or quencher compound 80 provided (e.g., in the form of reservoir 19) can be adjusted according to the corresponding parameters of energy storage unit 20 in order to preferably completely suppress and / or neutralize, or at least mitigate any potentially harmful reactions R and / or exhaust gases E.

[0100] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the mixing unit 16 and heat exchange unit 17 of the cooling and / or quenching device 10 is shown. Any exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M can be guided into the mixing unit 16 along the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E. Within the mixing unit 16, the exhaust gas E can be mixed with the coolant C. Before contacting the coolant C, the flow of exhaust gas E can be at least partially stabilized in the stilling section 67, which helps to prevent any residual particles and / or excess exhaust gas E from entering the mixing chamber 63. Thus, on the one hand, the flow of exhaust gas E can be controlled so that it neither clogs the mixing unit 16 (especially its nozzle 68) nor forms a choked flow within the mixing unit 16 (especially the nozzle 68) that would hinder the discharge of exhaust gas E. On the other hand, at least partially stabilizing the exhaust gas E in the stilling section 67 helps to prevent any particles with critical temperatures from entering the mixing chamber 63 when they might ignite the exhaust gas mixture M. Alternatively or additionally, a filter element F may be provided at the exhaust inlet 61 and / or within the flow stabilization section 67 of the mixing unit 16. Thus, the mixing unit 16 can provide controlled mixing and / or cooling of the exhaust gas E, thereby preventing any potentially harmful effects of the exhaust gas E.

[0101] In this example, any remaining exhaust gas E (specifically, exhaust gas mixture M) is directed from mixing unit 16 to heat exchange unit 17. In heat exchange unit 17, exhaust gas E can be further cooled with the aid of cooling medium D. This further prevents the potential harmful effects of exhaust gas E. Subsequently, exhaust gas E itself or exhaust gas mixture M can be safely directed in a controlled manner through outlet pipe 12 to be released from vehicle 1 into the surrounding environment S, preferably at a relatively low temperature, thereby preventing any potential harmful effects of exhaust gas E.

[0102] The mixing unit 16 may include a mixing reservoir 60, an exhaust inlet 61, and a coolant inlet 62. The mixing reservoir 60 provides a mixing chamber 63, which can be considered as part of the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E. The mixing chamber 63 is surrounded by a mixer wall 64, which defines not only the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E but also a coolant flow path 65 of the coolant C to introduce the exhaust gas E and the coolant C into the mixing chamber 63, thereby forming an exhaust gas mixture M, which is then discharged from the mixing unit 16 from the mixer outlet 66.

[0103] The exhaust inlet 61 of the mixing unit 16 can be configured to provide or be followed by a flow stabilizing section 67 for stabilizing the exhaust gas E. Therefore, the flow stabilizing section 67 can, for example, include an expansion element or expansion device to at least temporarily expand the exhaust gas and thereby reduce the exhaust pressure, which can help lower the temperature, especially when the flow stabilizing section 67 is cooled using a cooling medium D. The flow stabilizing section 67 can also cause residual particles P in the exhaust gas E to settle, thereby preventing these particles from clogging the mixing unit 16 and / or entering the mixing chamber 63, where these particles may ignite the exhaust gas E due to the presence of oxygen in the mixture C. Furthermore, a filter element F, such as a screen, filter mesh, and / or washing solution, can be provided in the region of the exhaust inlet 61 of the mixing unit 16 to filter out residual particles.

[0104] Nozzle 68 may be located after exhaust inlet 61 and / or flow stabilizer 67. The nozzle may be configured as a Venturi nozzle and / or a Laval nozzle, such that exhaust gas E constitutes the input volume and coolant C constitutes the replenishment volume, both combined in mixing chamber 63 for subsequent discharge through outlet pipe 69 of mixing unit 16 (particularly its mixing reservoir 60). In this arrangement of nozzle 68, mixing chamber 63 and / or outlet pipe 69 may be configured to provide a diffuser for discharging exhaust gas E from mixing unit 16, while coolant inlet 62 may become a suction inlet. Mixing pipe 69 may provide a mixer outlet 66 connected to heat exchange unit 17, and / or may already be part of heat exchange unit 17.

[0105] The heat exchange unit 17 may include a cooling reservoir 70 and / or a coolant pipe 71 and at least one exhaust pipe 72. The cooling reservoir 70 and / or coolant pipe 71 may be configured as a conduit surrounding the exhaust pipe 72. For example, an inlet pipe 11 may at least partially supply the cooling reservoir 70 and / or coolant pipe 71, while an outlet pipe 12 may at least partially supply the exhaust pipe 72. In this example, the heat exchange unit 17 and the mixing unit 16 are configured such that the cooling medium D becomes coolant C, for example, in the form of air from the surrounding environment S.

[0106] The cooling reservoir 70 and / or coolant pipe 71 may have a coolant outlet 73, which may be connected to, and / or merged with, the coolant inlet 62 of the mixing unit 16. In other words, the coolant pipe 71 may be configured to deliver a cooling medium D along the mixing unit 16, such that the cooling medium D can at least partially cool the exhaust gas E. For example, the cooling reservoir 70 and / or coolant pipe 71 may at least partially surround the flow stabilization section 67 and / or nozzle 68. Thus, the cooling medium D can be used to cool the exhaust gas E, for example in a counter-current arrangement in the heat exchange unit 17 and / or in the region of the outlet pipe 69, after which the cooling medium D is deflected or directed to provide a parallel flow arrangement of the cooling medium D and exhaust gas E in the region of the flow stabilization section 67 and / or nozzle 68.

[0107] The exhaust pipe 72 of the heat exchange unit 17 can provide an exhaust inlet 74. The exhaust mixture M can enter the heat exchange unit 17 through the exhaust inlet 74, specifically through the exhaust pipe 72. In this example, the exhaust inlet 74 is connected to the mixer outlet 66. Here, the outlet pipe 69 can be and / or provide the exhaust pipe 72. In the region of the mixer outlet 66, the exhaust E and the cooling medium D can be arranged in a counter-current manner.

[0108] Coolant pipe 71 can be connected to inlet opening 8. Exhaust pipe 72 can be connected to outlet opening 9. Thus, cooling medium D can be drawn (e.g., sucked into) the surrounding environment S of device 1 from the environment S through inlet opening 8, thereby extending at least partially through housing 6 and into the interior space 7 of vehicle 1. Exhaust gas E (particularly an exhaust mixture M comprising exhaust gas G and coolant C) can be discharged from exhaust pipe 72 through outlet opening 9.

[0109] exist Figure 13 As can be clearly seen, the mixing unit 16 and the heat exchange unit 17 are integrated, that is, integrated upstream and / or downstream of the mixing chamber 63. The flow path 33 can be cooled by means of a cooling medium D, which can become a coolant D along the flow path. Therefore, the heat exchange unit 17 can at least partially surround the mixing unit 16, and in particular around the mixing chamber 63. Any mixer wall 64 of the mixing unit 16 can be used as a cooler wall 75 of the heat exchange unit 17, and vice versa.

[0110] For example, heat exchange unit 17 may include a covering device 160 that can at least partially cover and / or adjacent to at least a portion of mixing unit 16. In particular, the covering device 160 can at least partially cover exhaust inlet 61, mixing chamber 63, and / or flow stabilization section 67. Alternatively or additionally, covering device 170 can at least partially cover and / or adjacent to any portion of conduit 13, and / or any other portion of quenching device 10 providing flow path 33 to cool exhaust gas E and / or any portion of quenching device 10 that guides exhaust gas E.

[0111] The heat exchange unit 17, particularly its enclosure 160, may include and / or share with the mixing unit 16 a mixing reservoir 60, an exhaust inlet 61, a coolant inlet 62, a mixing chamber 63, a mixer wall 64, a coolant flow path 65, a mixer outlet 66, a flow stabilizing section 67, a nozzle 68, and / or an outlet pipe 69, and / or be part of the mixing unit 16. The heat exchange unit 17 may provide a parallel flow section 161, a counter-flow section 162, and / or a cross-flow section 163, in which the coolant flow path 65 is respectively arranged substantially parallel, counter-current, and / or transversely relative to the flow path 33 of the exhaust gas E. The cooler walls 75 of the heat exchange unit 17 can be arranged such that they provide: an exhaust cooling section 164, in which the cooler walls 75 separate the cooling medium D from the exhaust gas E to provide cooling capacity for the exhaust gas E; a self-cooling section 165, in which the cooler walls 75 separate the incoming cooling medium D from the outgoing cooling medium D to provide self-cooling capacity; and a redirection section 166 located between the exhaust cooling section 164 and the self-cooling section 165, in which the cooling medium D is redirected.

[0112] The heat exchange unit 17, particularly its enclosure 160, can provide an inlet cooling section 167 in which the cooling medium D is most likely to separate from the exhaust gas E in the region where it may encounter the highest exhaust gas temperature within the mixing unit 16 and / or the heat exchange unit 17. Here, for example, a counter-flow section 162 and / or a cross-flow section 163 can be arranged to provide high cooling capacity. In the corresponding region where the most reliable cooling capacity is required, an overlapping region 168 of the heat exchange unit 17, particularly its enclosure 160, can be arranged, in which at least one exhaust cooling section 164 overlaps with at least one self-cooling section 165 in a projection substantially perpendicular to the respective flow paths 33, 65, thereby simultaneously cooling the exhaust gas E, while the cooling medium D cooling the exhaust gas E can be further cooled. Conversely, the piping arrangement 170 and cooling flow path 65 of the heat exchange unit 17 are arranged only such that the flow path 33 is able to provide cooling capacity for the exhaust gas E and / or exhaust gas mixture M in areas where the exhaust gas E, cooling medium D and / or exhaust gas mixture M may be encountered at relatively low temperatures.

[0113] In this example, exhaust gas E enters the combined mixing unit 16 and heat exchange unit 17 at exhaust inlet 61. Here, the covering device 160 is at least partially provided with an overlapping region 168, such that both the exhaust gas E to be cooled and the cooling medium D used to cool the exhaust gas E can become the further flowing cooling medium D. Furthermore, any exhaust particles P still present in the exhaust gas E at this stage can be separated from the exhaust gas G by the filter element F, which may also require corresponding cooling. Therefore, the filter element F can be located within the area of ​​the covering device 160, thereby benefiting from a preferably higher cooling capacity.

[0114] When exhaust gas E enters the mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 at exhaust inlet 61 through the covering device 160, the exhaust gas may have a relatively high temperature, while the cooling medium D has a medium temperature because it has absorbed some heat from itself, exhaust gas E, and / or exhaust gas mixture M during its flow from inlet opening 8 to exhaust inlet 61. The temperature of cooling medium D will further increase as it flows through mixing chamber 63 and / or outlet opening 9, while the temperature of exhaust gas E will continuously decrease as it flows from exhaust inlet 61 to outlet opening 9. Intermediate cooling of cooling medium D can be provided in the overlapping region 168, for example, by arranging the coolant flow path 65 in a meandering manner, thereby providing self-cooling capability.

[0115] Therefore, the covering device 160 can reduce the temperature of the exhaust gas E to a level at which it can be safely guided through the piping device 170. The piping device 170 can provide at least a portion of the counterflow section 162 of the heat exchange unit 17. Within the piping device 170, the cooling pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 72 can at least partially share the cooler wall 75.

[0116] At a certain point, the cooling pipe 71 and the exhaust pipe 72 may branch off to connect to the inlet opening 8 and the outlet opening 9, respectively. At this point, or at the point of branching (not shown), the cooling medium D, the exhaust gas E, and / or the exhaust gas mixture M should have a relatively low temperature, preferably the corresponding minimum temperature. In particular, the temperature of the exhaust gas E and / or the exhaust gas mixture M should be close to the temperature of the ambient environment S to ensure the safe discharge of the exhaust gas E and / or the exhaust gas mixture M.

[0117] Various modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. The cooling and / or quenching device 10 can be configured such that each energy storage unit 20 (e.g., a battery cell) can have multiple reservoirs 19 to contain the quenching agent 18 and / or at least one quenching compound 80, as needed or required. The size of the reservoirs 19 can be adjusted according to the corresponding needs, such that larger reservoirs 19 can be used for combined protection of the energy storage device 2, and / or smaller reservoirs 19 can be used for individual protection of the energy storage unit 20. As a substitute for or supplement to the thermal propellant compound 90 (e.g., nitrocellulose), the quenching compound 80 and / or quenching charge 81 can also be triggered by electricity, gas detection, etc., for example by means of appropriate sensors and actuators (emission gas detection).

[0118] The inlet pipe 11, outlet pipe 12, conduit 13, compression device 14, expansion device 15, mixing unit 16, and / or heat exchange unit 17 can be combined with each other and can be arranged in any number to meet the requirements of achieving the desired level of protection. For example, the mixing unit 16 and the heat exchange unit 17 can be combined in one device. The mixing unit 16 and / or heat exchange unit 17 can be provided for each energy storage unit 20, a row of energy storage units 20 within the energy storage device 2, and / or the entire energy storage device. Alternatively or additionally, the filter element F can be provided and / or supplied as a grid, filter screen, and / or pneumatic edge.

[0119] It should be noted that the embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to different subjects. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method claims, while others are described with reference to apparatus claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the foregoing and following description that, unless otherwise stated, this application also discloses any combination of features relating to different subjects, in addition to any combination of features belonging to the same subject type. Furthermore, all features can be combined to provide a synergistic effect that goes beyond the effect of simply adding up the features.

[0120] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative or exemplary, and not restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Those skilled in the art, through study of the drawings, description, and dependent claims, will be able to understand and implement other variations of the disclosed embodiments when practicing the claimed invention.

[0121] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plural. A single processor or other unit can perform the function of multiple items referenced in the claims. The fact that certain measures are described only in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of protection.

[0122] List of reference numerals

[0123] 1. Equipment / Transportation / Aircraft

[0124] 2. Energy storage device

[0125] 3. Energy consumption device

[0126] 3a Electronic devices

[0127] 3b Electric Motor

[0128] 4. Propulsion device

[0129] 5. Transmission lines

[0130] 6. Chassis

[0131] 7. Interior Space

[0132] 8. Inlet opening

[0133] 9. Exit opening

[0134] 10 Cooling and / or quenching device

[0135] 11. Imported Pipeline

[0136] 12 Export Pipelines

[0137] 13 catheters

[0138] 14. Compression device

[0139] 15. Expansion device

[0140] 16 Hybrid Units

[0141] 17 Heat Exchange Unit

[0142] 18. Quenching agent

[0143] 19 Storage Warehouse

[0144] 20 energy storage units

[0145] 21 Enclosure

[0146] 22. Shell

[0147] 23 Internal

[0148] 25 Explosive Components

[0149] 28. Jacket

[0150] 29 Coolant passage

[0151] 30 Exhaust passage

[0152] 31 Coolant lines

[0153] 32 Exhaust pipe

[0154] 33 Flow Path

[0155] 34 Check valve

[0156] 35 Bypass pipeline

[0157] 36 Pressure reducing valve

[0158] 40 booster unit

[0159] 41 axis

[0160] 42 Drive Units / Motors

[0161] 60 Mixing Container

[0162] 61 Exhaust Inlet

[0163] 62 Coolant Inlet

[0164] 63 Mixing Chamber

[0165] 64 Mixer wall

[0166] 65 Coolant Flow Path

[0167] 66 Mixer outlet

[0168] 67. Steady Flow Section

[0169] 68 nozzles

[0170] 69 Export pipe

[0171] 70 Cooling reservoir

[0172] 71 Coolant pipe

[0173] 72 Exhaust pipe

[0174] 73 Coolant Outlet

[0175] 74 Exhaust Inlet

[0176] 75 Cooler wall

[0177] 80 Quench compounds

[0178] 81 Quench charging

[0179] 90 Propellant Compounds

[0180] 91 Propel the loading process

[0181] 160 Coating Device

[0182] 161 Parallel Flow Section

[0183] 162 Countercurrent Section

[0184] 163 Crossflow section

[0185] 164 Exhaust Cooling Section

[0186] 165 Self-cooling section

[0187] 166 Redirection segment

[0188] 167 Inlet Cooling Section

[0189] 168 Overlapping Area

[0190] 170 Piping Installation

[0191] C Coolant

[0192] D Cooling medium

[0193] E exhaust

[0194] F filter element

[0195] M exhaust mixture

[0196] Q quench zone

[0197] R reaction

[0198] S Surrounding environment

Claims

1. A cooling device (10) for cooling an energy storage device (2), such as an electrochemical cell in a device (1), particularly a vehicle, such as an aircraft, the cooling device (10) comprising at least one compression device (18) for providing a cooling medium (C) and / or a coolant (D) to cool the energy storage device (2) accordingly, and / or to rapidly cool exhaust gas (E) that may be generated due to a technical failure of at least one energy storage unit (20) of the energy storage device (2), wherein the compression device (18) is configured to be at least partially driven by the exhaust gas (E).

2. The cooling device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising an expansion device (15) arranged in the flow path (33) of the exhaust gas (E) and configured to depressurize the exhaust gas (E).

3. The cooling device (10) according to claim 2, wherein the expansion device (15) includes a turbine configured to generate mechanical energy and / or electrical energy by depressurizing the exhaust gas (E).

4. The cooling device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the compression device (14) is mechanically and / or electrically connected to the expansion device (15) so as to be driven at least in part by means of the expansion device (15).

5. The cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 2 to 4, further comprising at least one bypass conduit (35) for bypassing the expansion device (15), wherein the bypass conduit is provided with a pressure reducing valve (36) configured to release the pressure of the exhaust gas (E) when the pressure of the exhaust gas (E) exceeds a predetermined pressure threshold.

6. The cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one compression device (14) is arranged in the coolant flow path (33) from the coolant supply source to the energy storage device (2).

7. The cooling device (10) according to claim 6, wherein the coolant flow path (33) is provided at least in part by a coolant conduit (13) having at least one outlet connected to the energy storage device (2).

8. The cooling device (10) according to claim 6 or 7 further includes a one-way valve (34) arranged in the coolant flow path (33) between the at least one compression device (14) and the energy storage device (2) for preventing the exhaust gas (E), the cooling medium (C) and / or the coolant (D) from flowing toward the compression device (14).

9. The cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising a heat exchange assembly configured to transfer heat from the exhaust gas (E) to the cooling medium (D).

10. The cooling device (10) according to claim 9, wherein the heat exchange assembly includes a coolant channel (29) that at least segmentally surrounds and / or provides an enclosure (21) for the energy storage device (2).

11. The cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a mixing component arranged in the flow path (33) of the exhaust gas (E) and configured to mix the coolant (C) with the exhaust gas (E).

12. The cooling device (10) according to claim 11, further comprising at least one additional compression device (14) for supplying the coolant (C) to the mixing assembly.

13. The cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a quenching agent (18) for quenching the exhaust gas (E) and / or increasing the pressure within the cooling device (10) to accelerate the start-up of the compression device (14).

14. An energy storage device (2), particularly an electrochemical battery for a vehicle (1), said energy storage device comprising a cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A device (1), particularly a means of transportation, such as an aircraft, comprising a cooling device (10) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13 and / or an energy storage device (2) according to claim 14.

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