An explosion-proof valve for directional exhaust and an energy storage system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of explosion-proof valve technology, and discloses a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve and an energy storage system. The directional exhaust explosion-proof valve includes a main body with an exhaust port for pressure relief; a pressure cap movably mounted on the main body, connected to a drive component for closing or opening the exhaust port; a ventilation shell mounted on the main body, communicating with the exhaust port, and having a side hole on its side opposite to the exhaust direction of the exhaust port, forming a channel for gas flow within the ventilation shell, with the side hole communicating with the exhaust port via the channel; and a fan located at the side hole, with the fan outlet facing the side hole. The energy storage system includes a cabinet and the aforementioned directional exhaust explosion-proof valve, with the main body sealed to the cabinet. This utility model achieves the technical effect of reducing space occupation and meeting higher space utilization requirements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of explosion-proof valve technology, specifically relating to an explosion-proof valve for directional exhaust and an energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] Explosion-proof valves are key components in battery energy storage systems. When the pressure of a battery suddenly increases due to abnormal conditions such as overcharging, high temperature, or internal short circuit, the explosion-proof valve reduces the internal pressure by relieving pressure, thus preventing an explosion.

[0003] An explosion-proof valve mainly consists of a valve body with an vent for pressure relief. An outer cover is located on the valve body to open or close the vent. A drive mechanism on the valve body opens or closes the cover. When a battery energy storage system experiences thermal failure, exothermic reactions such as the decomposition of positive and negative electrode materials and the combustion of the electrolyte release a large amount of heat and flammable gas. The drive mechanism lifts the valve cover to open the vent, allowing the flammable gas to escape and relieve pressure. To accelerate the timely removal of heat and flammable gas, a fan is typically installed inside the valve body. The fan blades rotate to extract smoke from inside the valve body.

[0004] However, the fan's air outlet, drive unit, and exhaust port are coaxially arranged, which means that when the explosion-proof valve is installed in the battery energy storage system cabinet, it will occupy a large amount of space inside the cabinet, making it difficult for the explosion-proof valve to meet the requirements of high space utilization. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the shortcomings of the prior art, this utility model provides a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve and energy storage system. The drive component is installed inside the ventilation housing, and the fan is located at the side hole. The side-mounted fan helps to reduce the space occupied by the explosion-proof valve and solves the problem of space occupation during explosion-proof valve assembly.

[0006] The technical effects to be achieved by this utility model are realized through the following technical aspects:

[0007] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve, comprising a main body having an exhaust port for pressure relief; a pressure cap movably disposed on the main body, the pressure cap being driven by a driving member for driving the pressure cap to close or open the exhaust port; a ventilation shell disposed on the main body, the ventilation shell communicating with the exhaust port and having a side hole on a side opposite to the exhaust direction of the exhaust port, the ventilation shell having a channel for gas flow formed therein, the side hole communicating with the exhaust port through the channel; and a fan disposed at the side hole, the fan's air outlet facing the side hole.

[0008] In some implementations, the ventilation housing has an inner inclined surface that slopes from the exhaust port toward the side hole.

[0009] In some implementations, the ventilation housing is further provided with an outer inclined surface that is inclined from the exhaust port toward the side hole, and the outer inclined surface is opposite to the inner inclined surface.

[0010] In some implementations, the ventilation housing has a cutout on the side opposite to the side hole, and the ventilation housing is provided with a cover plate for closing the cutout.

[0011] In some implementations, the fan abuts against or connects to the ventilation housing at the side opening, and the fan covers the side opening.

[0012] In some implementations, the main body is provided with a crossbar passing through the middle of the exhaust port, and the driving member is vertically disposed in the middle of the crossbar; the driving member is disposed between the fan and the ventilation housing, or disposed inside the ventilation housing.

[0013] In some implementations, the crossbar has a transition hole, the drive unit passes through the transition hole and is connected to the pressure cap for transmission, and the drive unit and the pressure cap are coaxially arranged; the crossbar has guide holes on both sides of the transition hole, and a guide rod passes through the guide hole, one end of the guide rod is connected to the pressure cap.

[0014] In some implementations, the main body has a support plate on one side of the driving member, the driving member is mounted on the support plate, and the support plate is provided with a sensor for detecting the position of the pressure cap to control the driving member to stop or run.

[0015] In some implementations, the main body is provided with a vent hole for auxiliary pressure relief, and the vent hole is located on one side of the exhaust hole.

[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides an energy storage system, including a cabinet and the aforementioned directional exhaust explosion-proof valve, wherein the main body is sealed to the cabinet.

[0017] In summary, this utility model has at least the following advantages:

[0018] 1. The directional exhaust explosion-proof valve provided by this utility model, when the pressure inside the explosion-proof valve rises sharply due to thermal runaway, the driving component drives the pressure cap away from the main body to open the exhaust port. The smoke generated by thermal runaway enters the channel inside the ventilation housing through the side hole, flows along the channel to the exhaust port and is discharged, thus achieving exhaust and pressure relief. After the pressure cap is opened, the fan at the side hole operates, which can draw the smoke into the channel for centralized exhaust. Compared with traditional explosion-proof valves, the side-mounted fan design is compact and reasonable, effectively reducing the space occupied by the explosion-proof valve, significantly reducing the space requirement inside the cabinet, and improving the space utilization rate inside the energy storage system.

[0019] 2. The energy storage system provided by this utility model can effectively reduce the possibility of explosion caused by the volume pressure of combustible gas inside the energy storage system by timely discharge of combustible gas generated by thermal runaway through the explosion-proof valve of directional ventilation, thereby improving the safety performance of the energy storage system. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is an explosion diagram of a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A diagram of the explosion from another angle.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the AA section.

[0024] Figure 5 for Figure 3 A structural diagram from another angle.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the main body of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an explosion inside the ventilation housing of a specific embodiment of this utility model.

[0027] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view along the axial direction of a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve according to a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 9 This is an exploded view of the main body and inner sealing ring of a specific embodiment of the present utility model.

[0029] Marked in the image:

[0030] 1. Main body; 11. Exhaust port; 12. Adapter hole; 13. Guide hole; 14. Guide rod; 141. Bushing; 15. Vent hole; 16. Inner sealing ring; 17. Crossbar; 2. Pressure cap; 21. Drive component; 22. Outer sealing ring; 3. Ventilation shell; 31. Channel; 32. Side hole; 33. Cutout; 34. Cover plate; 341. Inner bevel; 342. Outer bevel; 343. Wire clamp; 4. Fan; 5. Support plate; 51. Sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The described embodiments are some, but not all, of the embodiments of this utility model.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] Example 1:

[0034] Please see Figure 1 The explosion-proof valve for directional exhaust of this utility model can achieve automatic pressure relief and has a compact structure, which can meet the requirements of high space utilization.

[0035] The explosion-proof valve for directional exhaust of this utility model includes a main body 1, on which an exhaust port 11 is provided. In one embodiment, the exhaust port 11 can be a circular or semi-circular through hole. The diameter of the exhaust port 11 is relatively large, which is beneficial for timely discharge of smoke generated by battery thermal runaway. In other specific embodiments, multiple exhaust ports 11 can be provided. It is understood that this is not a specific limitation on the number and shape of the exhaust ports 11, and those skilled in the art can adjust them according to actual needs.

[0036] A pressure cap 2 for opening or closing the vent 11 is movably disposed on the main body 1. In a preferred embodiment, the main body 1 has an outer groove, and an outer sealing ring 22 is disposed within the outer groove. When the vent 11 is closed, the pressure cap 2 is sealed to the main body 1 via the outer sealing ring 22, which helps to ensure the airtightness of the pressure cap 2. The pressure cap 2 is driven by a driving member 21, which drives the pressure cap 2 to move, thereby opening or closing the vent 11. When the driving member 21 drives the pressure cap 2 away from the main body 1, the vent 11 is in the open state; when the driving member 21 drives the pressure cap 2 to reset, the vent 11 is in the closed state. The driving member 21 realizes the automatic pressure relief of the explosion-proof valve.

[0037] A ventilation shell 3 is provided on the side of the main body 1 away from the pressure cover 2. A channel 31 for gas circulation is provided inside the ventilation shell 3. A side hole 32 is opened on the side of the ventilation shell 3 opposite to the exhaust port 11 in the exhaust direction. The side hole 32 is connected to the exhaust port 11 via the channel 31. A fan 4 for accelerating the exhaust of smoke is provided on the main body 1 at the side hole 32. The air outlet of the fan 4 faces the side hole 32. In some embodiments, there is a certain angle between the air outlet direction of the fan 4 and the air outlet direction of the exhaust port 11. This angle can be a right angle or other angles close to a right angle, so that the fan 4 can be mounted on the side opposite to the ventilation shell 3 and close to the exhaust port 11.

[0038] When the explosion-proof valve needs to exhaust smoke and relieve pressure, fan 4 is turned on. At the same time, drive component 21 drives pressure cap 2 away from main body 1, and exhaust port 11 opens. Smoke and other gases are discharged in time through the inlet channel 31 of fan 4 and exhaust port 11. The pressure inside the explosion-proof valve is also reduced as the exhaust port 11 opens to prevent explosion. The fan 4 is located at the side hole 32, adopting a side-mounted method. The layout is reasonable and compact. Compared with the traditional coaxial arrangement, the directional exhaust explosion-proof valve can reduce the overall space occupation in the vertical direction while ensuring the exhaust and pressure relief effect, reducing the internal space requirements of the battery energy storage system, thus solving the problem of the large space occupation of existing explosion-proof valves.

[0039] Example 2:

[0040] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that this embodiment further optimizes the structure of the ventilation shell 3 and the driving component 21 of this utility model. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figures 2-8 .

[0041] Please see Figures 2-4 The ventilation housing 3 has an inner inclined surface 341 that slopes from the exhaust port 11 towards the side port 32. This inner inclined surface 341 causes the channel 31 to be in an inclined state. When smoke enters the channel 31, it flows along the inner inclined surface 341 to the exhaust port 11. The inclined inner inclined surface 341 reduces resistance during smoke exhaust, and the channel 31 of the ventilation housing 3 guides the smoke to the exhaust port 11, facilitating concentrated smoke exhaust and improving exhaust efficiency. This also solves the problem of smoke scattering during traditional smoke extraction when the fan 4 is located far from the exhaust port 11. In some specific embodiments, the ventilation housing 3 also has an outer inclined surface 342 that slopes from the exhaust port 11 towards the side port 32. The outer inclined surface 342 is opposite to the inner inclined surface 341. The outer inclined surface 342 can further reduce the space occupied by the ventilation housing 3, lowering the space requirements of the battery energy storage system.

[0042] Please see Figure 2In a preferred embodiment, the ventilation shell 3 is detachably connected to the main body 1. The ventilation shell 3 has a cutout 33 on the opposite side of the side hole 32. The ventilation shell 3 is provided with a cover plate 34 for closing the cutout 33. Specifically, the cover plate 34 is detachably connected to the ventilation shell 3. Preferably, the cover plate 34, the ventilation shell 3 and the main body 1 are assembled by flat-head screws. In other specific embodiments, the cover plate 34 can be integrally formed with the ventilation shell 3.

[0043] The inner inclined surface 341 and the outer inclined surface 342 can be provided on the cover plate 34. Specifically, the cover plate 34 is provided with a wire clamp 343 for fixing the wire harness on the outer inclined surface 342. The wire clamp 343 can be assembled to the outer inclined surface 342 by screws.

[0044] The channel 31 is a closed cavity formed inside the ventilation shell 3, which is connected to the outside only through the exhaust port 11 and the side port 32. After the fan 4 draws the smoke into the channel 31, the ventilation shell 3 plays a role in directional discharge of the smoke at the channel 31, reducing the possibility of smoke and other gases running around randomly. Directional discharge of gas can avoid internal gas pressure buildup that could lead to an explosion.

[0045] Please see Figure 5 In some specific embodiments, the fan 4 is detachably connected to the ventilation shell 3 at the side hole 32, and the fan 4 covers the side hole 32. At this time, the smoke drawn in by the fan 4 can be concentrated into the channel 31 and discharged directionally along the channel 31, which can improve the efficiency of smoke discharge.

[0046] Please see Figures 6-8 In a preferred embodiment, the main body 1 is provided with a crossbar 17 that passes through the middle of the exhaust hole 11, and the driving member 21 is vertically disposed in the middle of the crossbar 17. The driving member 21 is disposed between the fan 4 and the ventilation shell 3, or disposed inside the ventilation shell 3. The driving member 21, the fan 4 and the ventilation shell 3 are reasonably arranged and have a compact structure.

[0047] In some specific embodiments, a transition hole 12 is provided on the crossbar 17, located on one side of the exhaust hole 11. The driving component 21 passes through the transition hole 12 and is connected to the pressure cover 2 for transmission. The driving component 21 and the pressure cover 2 are coaxially arranged. In some specific embodiments, the driving component 21 can be an electric actuator. A connecting sleeve is provided at the center of the pressure cover 2. The transmission end of the electric actuator can be threadedly connected to the connecting sleeve. The electric actuator drives the pressure cover 2 to move closer to or away from the main body 1 at the center of the pressure cover 2, which helps to improve the stability of the movement of the pressure cover 2. At the same time, the installation position of the driving component 21 is reasonable, and the layout inside the ventilation shell 3 is compact.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the crossbar 17 has guide holes 13 on both sides of the adapter hole 12. Multiple guide holes 13 can be provided, located on both sides of the adapter hole 12 and symmetrically arranged relative to the axis of the adapter hole 12. A guide rod 14 for guiding the movement of the pressure cap 2 passes through the adapter hole 12. Specifically, a bushing 141 passes through the adapter hole 12, and the guide rod 14 is movably inserted within the bushing 141. The corresponding end of the guide rod 14 is detachably connected to the pressure cap 2. The guide rod 14 is preferably, but not limited to, a screwdriver. When the driving member 21 drives the pressure cap 2 to open or close the vent hole 11, the pressure cap 2 drives the guide rod 14 to reciprocate within the bushing 141. The guide rod 14 guides the movement of the pressure cap 2, further improving the stability of the pressure cap 2's movement.

[0049] Furthermore, a mounting groove is provided on the side of the crossbar 17 away from the exhaust port 11 at the adapter hole 12. A support plate 5 is provided on the crossbar 17 at the mounting groove. Preferably, the support plate 5 and the crossbar 17 can be assembled with screws. The drive component 21 is provided on the support plate 5, and a sensor 51 is provided on the support plate 5 for detecting the position of the pressure cap 2 to control the stop or start of the drive component 21. The sensor 51 is electrically connected to the drive component 21. The sensor 51 is preferably, but not limited to, a limit switch. In a specific embodiment, the drive component 21 may be located on the side of the support plate 5 closer to the fan 4, while the sensor 51 is located on the other side of the support plate 5.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the crossbar 17 has a vent 15 on one side of the adapter hole 12 for auxiliary pressure relief. In one embodiment, the vent 15 can be a semi-circular through hole, and the vent 15 and the exhaust hole 11 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the crossbar. Smoke that is not drawn into the channel 31 by the fan 4 can be discharged through the vent 15, and the vent 15 can further improve the pressure relief effect of the explosion-proof valve. In another embodiment, the vent 15 and the exhaust hole 11 can also share the same channel structure, and the specific implementation method can be determined according to the actual situation.

[0051] Example 3:

[0052] This embodiment, based on the above embodiments, provides an energy storage system, including a cabinet and the aforementioned directional venting explosion-proof valve, wherein the main body 1 is sealed to the cabinet. Please refer to... Figure 9 Specifically, the main body 1 has an inner groove on the side away from the pressure cover 2, and an inner sealing ring 16 is provided in the inner groove. The main body 1 is sealed to the cabinet through the inner sealing ring 16, which can improve airtightness.

[0053] When the explosion-proof valve with directional exhaust discharges smoke to relieve pressure, the fan 4 is turned on, and at the same time the drive component 21 drives the pressure cover 2 away from the main body 1, the exhaust port 11 is opened, and the smoke and other gases are discharged in time through the inlet channel 31 of the fan 4 and from the exhaust port 11. The pressure inside the explosion-proof valve is also reduced as the exhaust port 11 is opened to prevent explosion.

[0054] The energy storage system of this invention uses a directional exhaust explosion-proof valve to directionally discharge smoke. The explosion-proof valve enables timely pressure relief, preventing the cabinet from exploding due to smoke accumulation and improving the safety of the energy storage system.

[0055] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0056] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0057] Furthermore, terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" do not imply that components must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that they can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0058] In this invention, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above or below" the first feature may include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on" the first feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the first feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] Although the description of this utility model has been given in conjunction with the specific embodiments described above, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that many substitutions, modifications, and variations can be made based on the above description. Therefore, all such substitutions, modifications, and variations are included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An explosion relief valve for directional venting, characterized in that include The main body (1) has an exhaust port (11) for depressurization; A pressure cap (2) is movably mounted on the main body (1), and the pressure cap (2) is connected to a drive member (21) for driving the pressure cap (2) to close or open the exhaust port (11); A ventilation housing (3) is disposed on the main body (1). The ventilation housing (3) is connected to the exhaust port (11) and has a side hole (32) on the side opposite to the exhaust direction of the exhaust port (11). A channel (31) for gas flow is formed inside the ventilation housing (3). The side hole (32) is connected to the exhaust port (11) through the channel (31). A fan (4) is provided at the side hole (32), and the air outlet of the fan (4) faces the side hole (32).

2. The explosion relief valve of claim 1, wherein, The ventilation housing (3) has an inner inclined surface (341) that is inclined from the exhaust hole (11) toward the side hole (32).

3. The explosion-proof, directional venting valve of claim 2, wherein, The ventilation housing (3) is also provided with an outer inclined surface (342) that is inclined from the exhaust hole (11) toward the side hole (32), and the outer inclined surface (342) is opposite to the inner inclined surface (341).

4. The explosion-proof, directional venting valve of claim 1, wherein, The ventilation housing (3) has a cutout (33) on the opposite side of the side hole (32), and the ventilation housing (3) is provided with a cover plate (34) for closing the cutout (33).

5. The explosion relief valve of claim 1, wherein, The fan (4) abuts against or connects to the ventilation housing (3) at the side hole (32), and the fan (4) covers the side hole (32).

6. The explosion relief valve of claim 1, wherein, The main body (1) is provided with a crossbar (17) that passes through the middle of the exhaust hole (11), and the driving member (21) is vertically disposed in the middle of the crossbar (17); The drive unit (21) is located between the fan (4) and the ventilation housing (3), or inside the ventilation housing (3).

7. The explosion relief valve of claim 6, wherein, The crossbar (17) has a transition hole (12), the drive member (21) passes through the transition hole (12) and is connected to the pressure cover (2) in a transmission manner, and the drive member (21) and the pressure cover (2) are coaxially arranged; The crossbar (17) has guide holes (13) on both sides of the adapter hole (12), and a guide rod (14) is inserted into the guide hole (13). One end of the guide rod (14) is connected to the cover (2).

8. The explosion relief valve of claim 1 or 6, wherein, The main body (1) has a support plate (5) on one side of the driving member (21), the driving member (21) is mounted on the support plate (5), and the support plate (5) is provided with a sensor (51) for detecting the position of the pressure cap (2) to control the driving member (21) to stop or run.

9. The explosion relief valve of claim 1, wherein, The main body (1) is provided with a vent hole (15) for assisting in depressurization, and the vent hole (15) is located on one side of the exhaust hole (11).

10. An energy storage system characterized by, It includes a cabinet and an explosion-proof valve for directional exhaust as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the main body (1) is sealed to the cabinet.

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