Battery pack nitrogen protection device, power battery system and new energy vehicle

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of fire prevention and suppression devices suitable for road vehicle battery packs, in particular to a battery pack nitrogen protection device, a power battery system and a new energy vehicle. The battery pack nitrogen protection device comprises a molecular sieve nitrogen making device, the molecular sieve nitrogen making device comprises a tank body and a molecular sieve arranged in the tank body, the tank body is connected with an air end three-way connector, one of the other two connectors of the air end three-way connector forms a gas inlet used for being connected with a high-pressure gas source, and the other connector of the air end three-way connector forms a gas outlet used for being connected with a high-pressure gas source. The other one forms an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas in the tank body, the air end three-way joint is provided with an electromagnetic valve for controlling switching and opening of the gas inlet and the oxygen outlet, and the tank body is further provided with a nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack. The battery pack nitrogen protection device disclosed by the utility model can meet the loading requirement. Compared with separation membrane nitrogen-making equipment, the effect of reducing the cost of a nitrogen protection system is achieved by using the molecular sieve to make nitrogen.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of fire prevention and suppression devices applicable to battery packs of highway vehicles, and in particular to a battery pack nitrogen protection device, a power battery system, and a new energy vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Battery packs are a core component of new energy vehicles, and their fire hazard has attracted widespread attention. Therefore, preventing battery pack fires is a crucial issue for both battery pack manufacturers and new energy vehicle manufacturers. Nitrogen protection is an effective solution to prevent battery pack fires. Its basic principle is to fill the battery pack with a certain amount of nitrogen to create an oxygen-free environment, thereby preventing fire. In nitrogen protection systems, the source of nitrogen is critical. Among commercially available products, using a separation membrane to generate nitrogen from air is a common solution. Some literature mentions using molecular sieves for nitrogen generation, which is less costly than separation membranes. However, none of these studies explain the arrangement of the molecular sieves, and currently, no nitrogen protection system using molecular sieves for nitrogen generation is available on the market. Utility Model Content

[0003] One of the objectives of this invention is to provide a nitrogen protection device for a battery pack, thereby reducing the cost of the nitrogen protection system by using molecular sieve nitrogen generation.

[0004] Meanwhile, the purpose of this utility model is also to provide a power battery system and a new energy vehicle that uses the above-mentioned battery pack nitrogen protection device.

[0005] To solve the above problems, the battery pack nitrogen protection device of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A battery pack nitrogen protection device includes a molecular sieve nitrogen generator, which includes a tank and a molecular sieve disposed in the tank. The tank is connected to an air-end tee connector. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector is configured as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other is configured as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The air-end tee connector is equipped with a solenoid valve that controls the switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet. A nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack is also provided on the tank.

[0007] Furthermore, the solenoid valve is a switching valve, and the solenoid valve is respectively installed on the passage where the air inlet is located and on the passage where the oxygen outlet is located.

[0008] Furthermore, the oxygen outlet is connected to a silencer.

[0009] Furthermore, the tank body is provided with two or more separation chambers connected in series, and each separation chamber is provided with the molecular sieve.

[0010] Furthermore, the separation cavities are arranged side by side.

[0011] Furthermore, the tank body comprises two or more cylindrical bodies connected in parallel series, and the molecular sieve is disposed in each cylindrical body.

[0012] Furthermore, the nitrogen supply port is connected to a nitrogen storage tank, which is provided with a nitrogen outlet for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack.

[0013] Furthermore, the nitrogen outlet of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to a gas detection module, a battery pack connection pipeline, and an exhaust gas discharge pipeline, and the battery pack connection pipeline and the exhaust gas discharge pipeline are respectively equipped with solenoid valves to control their on / off states.

[0014] Furthermore, a flow-limiting valve is installed between the nitrogen outlet and the gas detection module.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this battery pack nitrogen protection device: This battery pack nitrogen protection device is a pioneering invention. Specifically, the device connects an air-end tee connector to the tank of the molecular sieve nitrogen generator. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector serves as an inlet for connecting a high-pressure gas source, and the other serves as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The inlet and outlet can be switched via a solenoid valve, thus meeting the pressure-pressurization and depressurization requirements of the molecular sieve while allowing pressure-pressurization and depressurization to share a single opening and a shared pipeline. This simplifies the tank and pipeline structure, enabling it to be integrated into a small enclosure for vehicle installation. Compared to membrane nitrogen generators, using molecular sieve nitrogen generators reduces the cost of the nitrogen protection system.

[0016] The power battery system of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0017] A power battery system includes a battery pack, which is equipped with a nitrogen protection device. The nitrogen protection device includes a molecular sieve nitrogen generator, which includes a tank and a molecular sieve disposed in the tank. The tank is connected to an air-end tee connector. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector is configured as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other is configured as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The air-end tee connector is equipped with a solenoid valve for controlling the switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet. A nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack is also provided on the tank.

[0018] Furthermore, the solenoid valve is a switching valve, and the solenoid valve is respectively installed on the passage where the air inlet is located and on the passage where the oxygen outlet is located.

[0019] Furthermore, the oxygen outlet is connected to a silencer.

[0020] Furthermore, the tank body is provided with two or more separation chambers connected in series, and each separation chamber is provided with the molecular sieve.

[0021] Furthermore, the separation cavities are arranged side by side.

[0022] Furthermore, the tank body comprises two or more cylindrical bodies connected in parallel series, and the molecular sieve is disposed in each cylindrical body.

[0023] Furthermore, the nitrogen supply port is connected to a nitrogen storage tank, which is provided with a nitrogen outlet for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack.

[0024] Furthermore, the nitrogen outlet of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to a gas detection module, a battery pack connection pipeline, and an exhaust gas discharge pipeline, and the battery pack connection pipeline and the exhaust gas discharge pipeline are respectively equipped with solenoid valves to control their on / off states.

[0025] Furthermore, a flow-limiting valve is installed between the nitrogen outlet and the gas detection module.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this utility model's power battery system: This utility model's power battery system is an improved invention. Specifically, the battery pack nitrogen protection device of this utility model's power battery system connects an air-end tee connector to the tank of its molecular sieve nitrogen generator. One of the other two interfaces of the air-end tee connector serves as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other serves as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet can be controlled by a solenoid valve. This allows for the sharing of a single opening and a shared section of piping for both pressurization and depressurization while meeting the pressure and depressurization requirements of the molecular sieve during operation. This simplifies the tank and piping structure, enabling it to meet the requirements of small-space arrangement and be integrated into a small enclosure, satisfying vehicle installation requirements. Compared to membrane nitrogen generators, using molecular sieve nitrogen generators reduces the cost of the nitrogen protection system.

[0027] The new energy vehicle of this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0028] New energy vehicles include a power battery system, which includes a battery pack. The battery pack is equipped with a nitrogen protection device, which includes a molecular sieve nitrogen generator. The molecular sieve nitrogen generator includes a tank and a molecular sieve disposed in the tank. The tank is connected to an air-end tee connector. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector is configured as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other is configured as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The air-end tee connector is equipped with a solenoid valve that controls the switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet. A nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack is also provided on the tank.

[0029] Furthermore, the solenoid valve is a switching valve, and the solenoid valve is respectively installed on the passage where the air inlet is located and on the passage where the oxygen outlet is located.

[0030] Furthermore, the oxygen outlet is connected to a silencer.

[0031] Furthermore, the tank body is provided with two or more separation chambers connected in series, and each separation chamber is provided with the molecular sieve.

[0032] Furthermore, the separation cavities are arranged side by side.

[0033] Furthermore, the tank body comprises two or more cylindrical bodies connected in parallel series, and the molecular sieve is disposed in each cylindrical body.

[0034] Furthermore, the nitrogen supply port is connected to a nitrogen storage tank, which is provided with a nitrogen outlet for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack.

[0035] Furthermore, the nitrogen outlet of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to a gas detection module, a battery pack connection pipeline, and an exhaust gas discharge pipeline, and the battery pack connection pipeline and the exhaust gas discharge pipeline are respectively equipped with solenoid valves to control their on / off states.

[0036] Furthermore, a flow-limiting valve is installed between the nitrogen outlet and the gas detection module.

[0037] The beneficial effects of this new energy vehicle: This new energy vehicle is an improved invention. Specifically, in this new energy vehicle, the nitrogen protection device of the power battery system's battery pack is connected to an air-end tee connector on the tank of its molecular sieve nitrogen generator. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector serves as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other serves as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet can be controlled by a solenoid valve. This satisfies the pressure-pressurization and pressure-relief requirements of the molecular sieve during operation, while allowing pressure-pressurization and pressure-relief to share a single opening and a shared pipeline. This simplifies the tank and pipeline structure, enabling it to meet the requirements of small-space arrangement and be integrated into a small housing, satisfying vehicle installation requirements. Compared to membrane nitrogen generators, using molecular sieve nitrogen generators reduces the cost of the nitrogen protection system. Attached Figure Description

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a battery pack nitrogen protection device;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a molecular sieve nitrogen generator in one embodiment of a battery pack nitrogen protection device;

[0040] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view of the molecular sieve nitrogen generator in the image;

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 AA sectional view.

[0042] In the diagram: 101, tank body; 102, end cap; 103, separation chamber. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The features and performance of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0044] Combustion, as a violent redox reaction, requires the simultaneous fulfillment of three basic conditions, known as the three elements of combustion: a combustible material (fuel), an oxidizer (usually oxygen), and an ignition source. Correspondingly, the absence of any one of these elements will prevent combustion, and the destruction of any one element will terminate combustion. Based on this principle, introducing nitrogen gas into the battery pack and using it to expel oxygen from the pack, maintaining an oxygen-free or oxygen-deficient state, is equivalent to eliminating the oxidizer in the battery pack, thereby preventing the battery pack from catching fire.

[0045] The battery pack nitrogen protection device utilizes the aforementioned principle to protect the battery pack, achieving good fire prevention. In this device, the nitrogen source, i.e., the nitrogen generation module, is a crucial component. In existing technologies, the nitrogen generation module of battery pack nitrogen protection devices often uses a nitrogen separation membrane as its core component, resulting in high overall costs. As another common nitrogen generation method, molecular sieve nitrogen generation (PSA pressure swing adsorption air separation nitrogen generation) has the advantage of low cost; however, this process is currently mostly used for industrial nitrogen production, characterized by large equipment size and complex pipeline layouts. Battery pack nitrogen protection devices often need to be integrated into a small enclosure to meet vehicle installation requirements. To apply molecular sieve nitrogen generation to battery pack nitrogen protection devices, the problems of complex structure and pipeline layout must first be addressed. This invention simplifies the structure of the molecular sieve nitrogen generation device, redesigning it to meet the requirements of battery pack nitrogen protection devices, thus proposing technical solutions for battery pack nitrogen protection devices, power battery systems, and new energy vehicles.

[0046] Based on the above inventive concept, the specific implementation of the battery pack nitrogen protection device of this utility model is as follows:

[0047] The battery pack nitrogen protection device of this utility model includes a molecular sieve nitrogen generator, which includes a tank 101. As the sieve bed of the molecular sieve, the tank 101 is typically a vertical single-cylinder structure, its inner cavity forming a separation chamber for arranging the molecular sieve to achieve the separation of nitrogen and oxygen. Figure 2 As shown, in some cases, the container 101 can also be configured as a double or triple cylinder structure, with the inner cavities of each cylinder connected in series, thereby obtaining nitrogen gas with higher purity. Alternatively, multiple cylinders can be connected in series to form a container, with molecular sieves placed in each cylinder. Regarding the cross-sectional shape of the container, it can be any shape such as circular, square, or polygonal, which will not be elaborated here.

[0048] like Figure 1As shown, an air-end tee connector is provided on the tank 101 of the molecular sieve nitrogen generator. This air-end tee connector is a tee connector located near the air inlet end of the tank (generally at the lower end). The air-end tee connector can be located on the end cap 102 of the tank 101 or on the outer circumferential surface of the tank near the air inlet end. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector serves as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other serves as an oxygen outlet for discharging the oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. In use, the air inlet can be connected to a high-pressure gas source, which supplies the molecular sieve nitrogen generator with the gas required for nitrogen production and the pressure required for the molecular sieve to operate. The high-pressure gas source can be the vehicle's main air supply for new energy vehicles or a separately configured air compressor. To ensure air quality, an air treatment device such as a dust filter can be connected after the high-pressure gas source. The oxygen outlet provides a pressure relief channel during molecular sieve operation, allowing the oxygen adsorbed by the molecular sieve to be discharged through this outlet.

[0049] The air-end tee connector is equipped with a solenoid valve that controls the switching between the air inlet and oxygen outlet. A nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack is also provided on the tank. The solenoid valve switches the opening of the air inlet and oxygen outlet in a regular pattern: opening the air inlet and closing the oxygen outlet, and vice versa, thus meeting the pressure increase and depressurization requirements during molecular sieve operation. The nitrogen supply port, used to supply the produced nitrogen to the battery pack, is typically located at the top of the tank, which is related to the density characteristics of oxygen and nitrogen.

[0050] By adopting the aforementioned air-end tee connector and solenoid valve, the number of openings in the tank (dedicated pressure relief holes) can be reduced, and the exhaust and intake can share a section of pipeline, thereby improving the reliability of the molecular sieve nitrogen generator and simplifying its structure to meet vehicle loading requirements.

[0051] As a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the solenoid valve is a switching valve, and it is installed on both the air inlet passage and the oxygen outlet passage. Here, the solenoid valve corresponding to the air inlet passage is defined as a pressure-boosting solenoid valve, and the solenoid valve corresponding to the oxygen outlet passage is defined as a pressure-relief solenoid valve. The pressure-boosting and pressure-relief solenoid valves are each connected to a controller and can operate in a predetermined mode under the control of the controller.

[0052] It should be noted that although the solenoid valves in the above embodiments are switching valves and two are provided, those skilled in the art should understand that there are already two-position three-way switching valves with integrated three-way structures in the prior art, and the two switching valves mentioned above can be replaced by a single switching valve.

[0053] Furthermore, as another preferred embodiment, a silencer is connected to the oxygen outlet to reduce noise generated by the molecular sieve nitrogen generator during pressure relief. The type of silencer is not limited here, as long as it meets the noise reduction function and is small in size.

[0054] like Figure 2-4 As shown, in a preferred embodiment, the tank 101 is provided with two or more interconnected separation chambers 103, each of which contains a molecular sieve (not shown in the figure). This allows the molecular sieve nitrogen generator to have a longer separation stroke, obtaining nitrogen with higher purity. Simultaneously, the "one tank, multiple chambers" structure makes the molecular sieve nitrogen generator more compact and reliable. To reduce height, the separation chambers are arranged side-by-side. Adjacent separation chambers can be connected either through channels on the corresponding walls of the tank or through external pipelines. Correspondingly, in other embodiments, the tank can also be configured as a structure of multiple interconnected cylinders, with each cylinder arranged side-by-side in series, and each cylinder containing a molecular sieve, achieving a similar equivalent effect.

[0055] Based on the above embodiments, as a preferred embodiment, the nitrogen supply port is connected to a nitrogen storage tank, and the nitrogen storage tank is provided with a nitrogen outlet for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack. Due to the operating characteristics of the molecular sieve nitrogen generator, it only produces nitrogen under pressure, that is, the nitrogen production process is discontinuous. By setting up the nitrogen storage tank, the continuity of downstream nitrogen supply can be ensured by temporarily storing nitrogen.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment, the nitrogen outlet of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to a gas detection module, a battery pack connection pipeline, and an exhaust gas discharge pipeline. The battery pack connection pipeline and the exhaust gas discharge pipeline are each equipped with a solenoid valve to control their on / off state. The gas detection module can be used to detect the quality of the nitrogen to be supplied to the battery pack. Qualified nitrogen can be supplied to the battery pack through the solenoid valve on the battery pack connection pipeline, while unqualified nitrogen is considered waste gas and can be vented by opening the solenoid valve (exhaust solenoid valve) on the exhaust gas discharge pipeline.

[0057] In addition, as a preferred embodiment, a flow limiting valve is provided between the nitrogen outlet and the gas detection module to avoid damage to downstream equipment.

[0058] Specific implementation of the power battery system of this utility model:

[0059] The power battery system of this utility model includes a battery pack (electric box) and a battery pack nitrogen protection device. The battery pack nitrogen protection device is the battery pack nitrogen protection device of this utility model. The structure of the battery pack and its cooperation structure with the battery pack nitrogen protection device are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0060] Specific implementation method of the new energy vehicle of this utility model:

[0061] The new energy vehicle of this utility model includes a power battery system, wherein the power battery system is the power battery system of this utility model, which will not be described in detail here.

[0062] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. The patent protection scope of the present utility model shall be determined by the claims. Similarly, any equivalent structural changes made based on the description and drawings of the present utility model shall also be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A battery pack nitrogen protection device, characterized in that, The device includes a molecular sieve nitrogen generator, comprising a tank and a molecular sieve disposed within the tank. The tank is connected to an air-end tee connector. One of the other two ports of the air-end tee connector serves as an air inlet for connecting to a high-pressure gas source, and the other serves as an oxygen outlet for discharging oxygen-enriched gas from the tank. The air-end tee connector is equipped with a solenoid valve that controls the switching between the air inlet and the oxygen outlet. A nitrogen supply port for supplying nitrogen to a battery pack is also provided on the tank.

2. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The solenoid valve is a switching valve, and it is installed in the passage where the air inlet is located and in the passage where the oxygen outlet is located.

3. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The oxygen outlet is connected to a silencer.

4. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tank body is provided with two or more separation chambers connected in series, and each separation chamber is provided with the molecular sieve.

5. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The separation chambers are arranged side by side.

6. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The tank comprises two or more cylindrical bodies connected in parallel, and each cylindrical body contains the molecular sieve.

7. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The nitrogen supply port is connected to a nitrogen storage tank, and the nitrogen storage tank is provided with a nitrogen outlet for supplying nitrogen to the battery pack.

8. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The nitrogen outlet of the nitrogen storage tank is connected to a gas detection module, a battery pack connection pipeline, and an exhaust gas discharge pipeline. The battery pack connection pipeline and the exhaust gas discharge pipeline are respectively equipped with solenoid valves to control their on / off state.

9. The battery pack nitrogen protection device according to claim 7, characterized in that, A flow-limiting valve is installed between the nitrogen outlet and the gas detection module.

10. A power battery system, comprising a battery pack, wherein the battery pack is equipped with a battery pack nitrogen protection device, characterized in that, The battery pack nitrogen protection device is the battery pack nitrogen protection device according to any one of claims 1-9.

11. A new energy vehicle, including a power battery system, characterized in that, The power battery system is the power battery system as described in claim 10.

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