A decommissioned power battery discharging device

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of retired power battery discharging devices, belong to the field of retired battery recycling. The device includes discharging cabinet and discharging water tank, and both are connected by cable. Discharging cabinet is built-in cabinet frame, discharging box and control cabinet, for controlling battery pack discharging and real-time monitoring voltage, current and the like parameters, support manual and automatic control on-off, equipped with energy storage system to realize self-power supply and fast plug-in wiring harness guarantee safety;Discharging water tank contains base, water tank and discharging device, battery pack electric energy is converted into heat energy dissipation by submersible heating pipe. The device solves the problems of high discharge cost, poor compatibility, salt water discharge pollution, insecurity and other problems of existing special equipment, discharging cabinet dynamically monitors parameters, low power automatically reduces flow, quickly powers off when abnormal, combined with explosion-proof heating pipe and water tank design, guarantee discharging safety;Discard corrosive medium, no wastewater is generated, and environmental protection is strong;Support batch processing, modular structure reduces cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of retired battery recycling, specifically to a retired power battery discharge device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of the global new energy vehicle industry, the large-scale recycling and processing of retired power batteries has become a crucial issue that urgently needs to be addressed. During the dismantling of retired power batteries, the battery packs typically store high-voltage energy exceeding 500V. If dismantling is performed without fully discharging the battery, it can not only lead to electric shocks for operators but also cause short circuits, resulting in battery bulging, leakage, or even explosions, seriously threatening life and facility safety. Furthermore, dismantling while the battery is energized can damage the battery material structure, reducing the efficiency of subsequent recovery of metals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Therefore, safely and efficiently releasing the battery pack voltage from its high-voltage state to 0V is a key step in ensuring the safety and environmental friendliness of the power battery recycling process and improving resource recovery efficiency.

[0003] Currently, the industry mainly uses two discharge methods: one is the dedicated equipment discharge method, which connects the battery pack to a dedicated discharge device to consume or convert electrical energy with a constant current. This method can precisely control the discharge process, avoid over-discharge damage to the battery, and help improve the quality of metal recycling. However, such equipment needs to cover a wide voltage range, has high unit cost, and can only process 1-2 battery packs at a time, resulting in extremely high batch processing costs and poor voltage compatibility, making it difficult to meet the economic requirements of large-scale recycling of retired batteries.

[0004] The second method is saltwater discharge, which involves immersing the battery in saltwater and discharging it through a short circuit. This method is simple to operate and has low initial cost, but it has significant drawbacks: saltwater is corrosive to the battery's metal casing, which can easily lead to battery leakage, bulging, and even fires and explosions; if the wastewater containing electrolyte generated during the discharge process is discharged directly without treatment, it will cause serious pollution to the soil and water sources, and wastewater treatment requires additional costs; in addition, the saltwater discharge process is time-consuming and it is difficult to completely discharge the battery, resulting in the risk of residual charge during subsequent disassembly, which affects recycling efficiency and safety.

[0005] The aforementioned existing technologies all face irreconcilable technical contradictions: while specialized equipment discharge methods can precisely control the discharge process, their high cost and low compatibility make them difficult to apply on a large scale; while brine discharge methods are inexpensive, their corrosiveness, pollution, and incomplete discharge problems make them unsuitable for the environmental protection requirements of green recycling. Neither method can achieve a balance between safety, efficiency, environmental protection, and economy in the discharge process, urgently requiring a new discharge solution that can overcome the bottlenecks of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems of high equipment dependence, significant environmental pollution risk, and low discharge efficiency in existing technologies, this invention aims to provide an improved discharge device for retired power batteries. Through innovative system architecture design, it reduces equipment costs while increasing batch processing capacity, avoids the use of corrosive media to prevent wastewater pollution, and achieves dynamic monitoring and precise control of parameters such as voltage and current during the discharge process, ensuring that the battery pack is safely and completely discharged to 0V, thus providing an efficient solution for the green recycling of retired power batteries.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a discharged device for retired power batteries, as disclosed in this embodiment, comprising:

[0008] The discharge cabinet is used to control the discharge of retired power batteries. It includes a cabinet frame, a discharge box, and a control cabinet. The discharge box and control cabinet are installed inside the cabinet frame and are electrically connected. The control cabinet is equipped with an energy storage system that can utilize the electrical energy in the retired power battery pack. The built-in energy storage system enables the equipment to be independent of external power sources, has excellent portability, and can meet the usage needs of different locations.

[0009] The discharge water tank is used to convert the residual electrical energy of retired power batteries into heat energy. It includes a base, a water tank, and a discharge device. The water tank is installed on the base, and the discharge device is installed inside the water tank. The discharge device is electrically connected to the discharge tank and is used to convert the electrical energy output by the discharge tank into heat energy to heat the liquid in the water tank.

[0010] As some embodiments of this utility model, the discharge device includes a mounting frame, a mounting plate, and a submersible heating tube. The submersible heating tube of the discharge device is electrically connected to the discharge box. The mounting frame is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the water tank, the mounting plate is fixedly installed on the mounting frame, and several submersible heating tubes are fixedly installed on the mounting plate.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the submersible heating tube is an industrial explosion-proof submersible heating tube.

[0012] As some embodiments of this utility model, the cabinet frame includes uprights, horizontal plates and a back panel. There are at least four uprights placed vertically, and several layers of horizontal plates are fixedly installed between adjacent horizontal uprights. A back panel is longitudinally arranged at the upper end of one side of the horizontal plate.

[0013] As some embodiments of this utility model, the discharge box includes a box body, a discharge interface, a communication interface, and a battery pack interface. The box body straddles a horizontal plate on the same layer and contacts a back plate. One side of the box body has several discharge interfaces and communication interfaces, and the side opposite the discharge interfaces has battery pack interfaces of the same number. Each discharge interface is electrically connected to a submersible heating pipe, each communication interface is electrically connected to a control cabinet, and each battery pack interface is electrically connected to a disassembled retired power battery pack. The box body is used to monitor and control the discharge status of each battery pack. The discharge box and the retired power battery pack are connected using a dedicated wiring harness with quick plug-and-play functionality. In the event of a sudden malfunction in the retired power battery pack, the wiring can be quickly disconnected to ensure a safe discharge process.

[0014] As some embodiments of this utility model, one discharge water tank can be equipped with multiple discharge cabinets.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, the control cabinet includes a panel and control buttons. The panel displays the voltage, power, discharge time, and discharge capacity of each retired power battery pack in real time. The number of control buttons matches the number of discharge interfaces, used for manual control of the discharge on / off of each retired power battery pack. The independent design of the control buttons ensures that manual on / off operations and automatic system on / off operations do not interfere with each other, allowing each to operate independently. The indicator lights clearly and intuitively display the equipment's operating status. The panel can display real-time information such as the voltage, power, discharge time, and discharge capacity of the current battery pack, facilitating timely monitoring by operators and providing them with comprehensive and accurate data references.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the water tank is equipped with an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, a level gauge, and a cable trough. An inlet pipe connecting the inside and outside of the water tank is located at the top, and an outlet pipe connecting the inside and outside of the water tank is located at the bottom. A level gauge is located on one side of the water tank, and the upper part of the water tank is partially submerged to form a cable trough. The level gauge enables the device to accurately monitor the liquid level, allowing real-time acquisition of the liquid level inside the water tank.

[0017] As some embodiments of this utility model, the water tank is also equipped with a float valve, and the inlet pipe is equipped with a float valve at one end inside the water tank. This maintains the water level within the normal operating range and ensures a stable discharge process.

[0018] As some embodiments of this utility model, the discharge box also includes a handle and a fixing plate. The handle and fixing plate are provided on the side of the box away from the back panel. The handle facilitates the loading and unloading of the box, and the fixing plate is used to fix the box to the cabinet frame.

[0019] As some embodiments of this utility model, the discharge cabinet also includes casters and retractable legs disposed at the lower end of the cabinet frame. The casters facilitate the movement of the discharge cabinet, and the retractable legs are used to support the discharge cabinet.

[0020] As some embodiments of this utility model, the discharge water tank also includes a cover plate, which is disposed at the upper end of the water tank.

[0021] As some embodiments of this utility model, the control cabinet is also equipped with an energy storage system, which can utilize the electrical energy in the retired power battery pack to free the equipment from dependence on external power sources.

[0022] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: This utility model, through the innovative combination of the discharge cabinet and the discharge water tank, effectively solves the defects of the existing discharge technology, and has significant advantages such as safety and efficiency, green environmental protection, controllable cost and flexible operation, as detailed below:

[0023] 1. Enhanced environmental friendliness and economic efficiency. Eliminating corrosive media such as brine, the system uses a water tank for heating to dissipate electrical energy, preventing wastewater pollution at the source and eliminating additional treatment costs, thus meeting green recycling requirements. A single discharge tank can be matched with multiple discharge cabinets, and a single discharge cabinet supports the simultaneous discharge of multiple battery packs, significantly improving batch processing efficiency. The modular design of the cabinet structure reduces equipment costs, and the built-in energy storage system eliminates dependence on external power sources, reducing energy consumption while preventing battery over-discharge damage, thus improving the quality and quantity of metal recycling.

[0024] 2. Comprehensive optimization of safety performance. The discharge cabinet monitors battery pack voltage, current and other parameters in real time, supports automatic current reduction control when the battery is low, and avoids the risk of abnormal discharge; the discharge box and battery pack are connected by quick-plug wiring harnesses, which can quickly cut off power in case of sudden abnormalities. Combined with the industrial explosion-proof submersible heating pipe and water tank cover design, it eliminates safety hazards such as short circuits and leakage; it dissipates energy by converting electrical energy into heat energy, stabilizes the internal pressure of the battery, prevents electrolyte leakage, and ensures the safety of personnel and facilities.

[0025] 3. Enhanced operational flexibility and adaptability. The discharge cabinet features casters and retractable legs at the bottom, facilitating equipment movement and securing to meet the needs of different locations. The water tank is equipped with a level gauge and float valve automatic water replenishment system to maintain stable water levels and reduce manual intervention. Operators can customize parameters such as discharge cutoff voltage and temperature. The system automatically shuts down when thresholds are reached. The panel displays key data in real time, and the independent control light knob design supports manual and automatic operation without interference, improving operational convenience and accuracy.

[0026] In summary, this utility model achieves breakthroughs in safety, environmental protection, economy, and user experience through structural innovation and functional integration, providing an efficient and reliable technical solution for the recycling of retired power batteries. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only one embodiment of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the discharge cabinet according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the discharge water tank according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the discharge water tank in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0033] The labels in the attached diagram are as follows: 1. Discharge cabinet; 11. Cabinet frame; 111. Upright pole; 112. Horizontal plate; 113. Back plate; 12. Discharge box; 121. Box body; 122. Discharge interface; 123. Communication interface; 124. Battery pack interface; 125. Handle; 126. Fixing plate; 13. Control cabinet; 131. Panel; 132. Control light button; 14. Casters; 15. Telescopic support leg; 2. Discharge water tank; 21. Base; 22. Water tank; 221. Inlet pipe; 222. Outlet pipe; 223. Level gauge; 224. Cable tray; 225. Float valve; 23. Cover plate; 24. Discharge device; 241. Mounting bracket; 242. Mounting plate; 243. Submersible heating pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the technical means, creative features, objectives and effects of this utility model easier to understand, the technical solutions in the specific embodiments of this utility model are clearly and completely described below to further illustrate this utility model. Obviously, the specific embodiments described are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them.

[0035] This embodiment discloses a discharge device for retired power batteries, including:

[0036] The discharge cabinet 1 is used to control the discharge of retired power batteries. It includes a cabinet frame 11, a discharge box 12, and a control cabinet 13. The discharge box 12 and the control cabinet 13 are installed inside the cabinet frame 11 and are electrically connected. The control cabinet 13 is equipped with an energy storage system that can utilize the electrical energy in the retired power battery pack. The built-in energy storage system enables the equipment to be independent of external power sources, has excellent portability, and can meet the usage needs of different locations.

[0037] The discharge water tank 2 is used to convert the residual electrical energy of the retired power battery into heat energy. It includes a base 21, a water tank 22 and a discharge device 24. The water tank 22 is installed on the base 21, and the discharge device 24 is installed inside the water tank 22. The discharge device 24 is electrically connected to the discharge box 12 and is used to convert the electrical energy output by the discharge box 12 into heat energy to heat the liquid in the water tank 22.

[0038] The discharge device 24 includes a mounting frame 241, a mounting plate 242, and a submersible heating tube 243. The submersible heating tube 243 of the discharge device 24 is electrically connected to the discharge box 12. The mounting frame 241 is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the water tank 22, and the mounting plate 242 is fixedly installed on the mounting frame 241. In this embodiment, the submersible heating tube 243 is an industrial explosion-proof submersible heating tube, and twenty-four submersible heating tubes 243 are arrayed and fixedly installed on the mounting plate 242.

[0039] The cabinet frame 11 includes uprights 111, horizontal plates 112 and back plate 113. In this embodiment, there are four uprights 111 placed vertically, and four layers of horizontal plates 112 are fixedly installed between adjacent uprights 111. A back plate 113 is longitudinally arranged on the upper side of one side of the horizontal plate 112.

[0040] The discharge box 12 includes a box body 121, discharge interfaces 122, communication interfaces 123, and battery pack interfaces 124. The box body 121 is mounted across a horizontal plate 112 on the same level and contacts a back plate 113. In this embodiment, one side of the box body 121 has three discharge interfaces 122 and a communication interface 123. The side of the box body 121 opposite to the discharge interfaces 122 has the same number of battery pack interfaces 124. The discharge interfaces 122 are electrically connected to the submersible heating pipes 243 one-to-one. The communication interfaces 123 are electrically connected to the control cabinet 13. The battery pack interfaces 124 are electrically connected to the disassembled retired power battery packs one-to-one. The box body 121 is used to monitor and control the discharge status of each battery pack. The discharge box 12 and the retired power battery packs are connected by a dedicated wiring harness with quick plug-in / out functionality. In the event of a sudden abnormality in the retired power battery pack, the wiring can be quickly disconnected to ensure the safety of the discharge process.

[0041] In this embodiment, one discharge water tank 2 can be equipped with two discharge cabinets 1.

[0042] The control cabinet 13 includes a panel 131 and control buttons 132. The panel 131 displays real-time information such as the voltage, power, discharge time, and discharge capacity of each retired power battery pack. The number of control buttons 132 matches the number of discharge interfaces 122, used for manual control of the discharge on / off state of each retired power battery pack. A unique dual-break design allows simultaneous control of the positive and negative terminals, and the independent control mechanism effectively prevents short-circuit risks caused by circuit abnormalities. The independent design of the control buttons 132 ensures that manual on / off operations and automatic system switching operations do not interfere with each other, operating independently, and clearly and intuitively displaying the equipment's operating status through indicator lights. The panel 131 can display real-time information such as the voltage, power, discharge time, and discharge capacity of the current battery pack, allowing operators to promptly grasp the situation and providing comprehensive and accurate data references.

[0043] The water tank 22 is equipped with an inlet pipe 221, an outlet pipe 222, a level gauge 223, and a cable trough 224. The inlet pipe 221 connects the inside and outside of the water tank 22 at the top, and the outlet pipe 222 connects the inside and outside of the water tank 22 at the bottom. A level gauge 223 is installed on one side of the water tank 22, and the upper part of the water tank 22 is partially submerged to form the cable trough 224. The level gauge 223 enables the device to accurately monitor the liquid level, allowing real-time acquisition of the liquid level inside the water tank 22.

[0044] The water tank 22 is also equipped with a float valve 225, and the end of the water inlet pipe 221 located inside the water tank 22 is also equipped with a float valve 225. When the water level drops below the limit threshold set by the float valve 225, the automatic water replenishment mechanism is activated to maintain the water level within the normal operating range and ensure the stability of the discharge process.

[0045] The discharge box 12 also includes a handle 125 and a fixing plate 126. The handle 125 and the fixing plate 126 are provided on the side of the box body 121 away from the back plate 113. The handle 125 facilitates the loading and unloading of the box body 121, and the fixing plate 126 is used to fix the box body 121 to the cabinet frame 11.

[0046] The discharge cabinet 1 also includes casters 14 and retractable legs 15 located at the lower end of the cabinet frame 11. The casters 14 facilitate the movement of the discharge cabinet 1, and the retractable legs 15 are used to support the discharge cabinet 1.

[0047] The discharge water tank 2 also includes a cover plate 23, which is located on the upper end of the water tank 22.

[0048] The retired power battery discharge device provided in this embodiment consists of a discharge cabinet 1 and a discharge water tank 2, which are connected by cables. The discharge process can be started after the discharge cabinet 1 is connected to the retired power battery pack. The discharge cabinet 1 is mainly used to control the battery pack discharge process and monitor key parameters such as voltage and current in real time; the discharge water tank 2 is responsible for converting the battery pack's electrical energy into heat energy for safe dissipation. This device, through a safe discharge process, can stabilize the internal pressure of the battery, prevent electrolyte leakage, and while ensuring personnel safety and environmental friendliness, improve metal recovery rates and promote the green and sustainable development of the battery recycling industry.

[0049] The device employs a low-voltage control circuit to dynamically adjust the high-voltage circuit of the battery pack, achieving real-time adaptation of the discharge current. During discharge, the system can monitor parameters such as discharge voltage and current in real time based on changes in the battery pack voltage, ensuring safe and efficient discharge operation. For example, when the battery pack is detected to be in a low-charge state, the system automatically reduces the discharge current, effectively avoiding potential risks caused by abnormal current and voltage.

[0050] Operators can set parameters such as discharge cutoff voltage and cutoff temperature according to battery type and recycling requirements. When the battery condition reaches the preset threshold, the system will automatically terminate the discharge to avoid over-discharge and damage to the battery, thus achieving protective discharge control for the battery.

[0051] Actual testing verified that the device's discharge current and voltage exhibit a proportional relationship, with faster discharge speeds in the high-voltage range. Test data shows that when the battery pack voltage exceeds 500V, the discharge current can reach 90A, but there is a risk of rapid cell bulging. Conversely, when a single module discharges at 60V, the initial current is only 10A, resulting in a longer discharge time. Considering safety, efficiency, and cost, the device achieves the optimal balance between safety, discharge efficiency, and cost-effectiveness when the battery pack's initial voltage is controlled at around 300V and the discharge current is 50A.

[0052] The main technical features, basic principles, and related advantages of this utility model have been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this utility model is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the concept or basic characteristics of this utility model. Therefore, the above-described embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of this utility model is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this utility model.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes various embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This way of describing the specification is only for clarity. Those skilled in the art should regard the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A discharge device for retired power batteries, characterized in that, include: The discharge cabinet (1) is used to control the discharge of retired power batteries. It includes a cabinet frame (11), a discharge box (12) and a control cabinet (13). The discharge box (12) and the control cabinet (13) are installed in the cabinet frame (11) and are electrically connected. The discharge water tank (2) is used to convert the residual electrical energy of the retired power battery into heat energy. It includes a base (21), a water tank (22) and a discharge device (24). The water tank (22) is installed on the base (21). The discharge device (24) is installed inside the water tank (22). The discharge device (24) is electrically connected to the discharge box (12) and is used to convert the electrical energy output by the discharge box (12) into heat energy to heat the liquid in the water tank (22).

2. The discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge device (24) includes a mounting frame (241), a mounting plate (242), and a submersible heating tube (243). The submersible heating tube (243) of the discharge device (24) is electrically connected to the discharge box (12). The mounting frame (241) is fixedly installed on the inner wall of the water tank (22). The mounting plate (242) is fixedly installed on the mounting frame (241). Several submersible heating tubes (243) are fixedly installed on the mounting plate (242).

3. The discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cabinet frame (11) includes uprights (111), horizontal plates (112) and back plate (113). There are at least four uprights (111) and they are placed vertically. Several layers of horizontal plates (112) are fixedly installed between horizontally adjacent uprights (111). A back plate (113) is longitudinally arranged on the upper side of one side of the horizontal plate (112).

4. The discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 3, characterized in that, The discharge box (12) includes a box body (121), a discharge interface (122), a communication interface (123), and a battery pack interface (124). The box body (121) is mounted on the same layer of horizontal plate (112) and contacts the back plate (113). A number of discharge interfaces (122) and communication interfaces (123) are provided on one side of the box body (121). On the side of the box body (121) opposite to the discharge interfaces (122), there are battery pack interfaces (124) with the same number as the discharge interfaces (122). The discharge interfaces (122) are electrically connected to the submersible heating pipes (243) one by one. The communication interfaces (123) are electrically connected to the control cabinet (13). The battery pack interfaces (124) are electrically connected to the disassembled retired power battery packs one by one. The box body (121) is used to monitor and control the discharge status of each battery pack.

5. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The control cabinet (13) includes a panel (131) and control buttons (132). The panel (131) is used to display the voltage, power, discharge time and discharge capacity of each retired power battery pack in real time. The number of control buttons (132) is the same as the number of discharge interfaces (122), and they are used to manually control the discharge of each retired power battery pack.

6. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water tank (22) is provided with an inlet pipe (221), an outlet pipe (222), a level gauge (223), and a cable trough (224). An inlet pipe (221) connecting the inside and outside of the water tank (22) is provided at the top of the water tank (22), an outlet pipe (222) connecting the inside and outside of the water tank (22) is provided at the bottom of the water tank (22), a level gauge (223) is provided on one side of the water tank (22), and the upper part of the water tank (22) is partially sunken to form a cable trough (224).

7. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 6, characterized in that, The water tank (22) is also equipped with a float valve (225), and the water inlet pipe (221) is equipped with a float valve (225) at one end inside the water tank (22).

8. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 4, characterized in that, The discharge box (12) also includes a handle (125) and a fixing plate (126). The handle (125) and the fixing plate (126) are provided on the side of the box body (121) away from the back plate (113). The handle (125) facilitates the loading and unloading of the box body (121), and the fixing plate (126) is used to fix the box body (121) to the cabinet (11).

9. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge cabinet (1) also includes casters (14) and retractable legs (15) located at the lower end of the cabinet frame (11). The casters (14) facilitate the movement of the discharge cabinet (1), and the retractable legs (15) are used to support the discharge cabinet (1).

10. A discharge device for a decommissioned power battery according to claim 1, characterized in that, The discharge water tank (2) also includes a cover plate (23), which is located on the upper end of the water tank (22); the control cabinet (13) is also equipped with an energy storage system.

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