Train under nickel-hydrogen battery box fire suppression device and system

Abstract

This utility model discloses a fire suppression device for a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) battery box under a train, including a box for housing the NiMH battery and a multi-parameter detector and a fire extinguishing device disposed within the box. The wiring terminals of the NiMH battery are located on the top of the NiMH battery body. The multi-parameter detector includes a housing and a smoke detector, a temperature detector, an H2 detector, and a CO detector located within the housing. The housing is fixed to the inner wall of the top plate of the box and is positioned facing the wiring terminals of the NiMH battery. The nozzle of the fire extinguishing device is positioned facing the NiMH battery. This utility model also provides a fire suppression system for a NiMH battery box under a train, including the aforementioned fire suppression device for a NiMH battery box under a train. By adopting the above technical solution and using a multi-parameter detector, the accuracy and response speed of early fire identification are significantly improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a fire suppression device and system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, belonging to the field of railway fire safety technology. Background Technology

[0002] During the charging and discharging process of nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries, uneven internal chemical reactions can lead to localized temperature increases. When the temperature reaches a certain level, thermal runaway can occur, causing the battery to expand, leak, and generate large amounts of heat and gas. In particular, overcharging of NiMH batteries causes oxygen evolution at the positive electrode and hydrogen evolution at the negative electrode. Damage to the battery separator disrupts the internal gas recombination balance, leading to a rapid increase in internal pressure. Simultaneously, overcharging causes significant hydrogen evolution, ultimately resulting in battery leakage. When the hydrogen concentration reaches a certain level, an explosion can occur.

[0003] Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are widely used in battery boxes under railway trains. These battery boxes are originally designed with protective devices such as temperature sensors and circuit breakers. However, existing protective devices cannot meet the fire detection requirements in the event of thermal runaway of NiMH batteries, and the detection technology has serious defects and deficiencies, leading to fires. Through on-site testing and analysis of NiMH battery boxes, it was found that the internal terminals of NiMH battery boxes under trains are numerous. After long-term use, the internal materials of the batteries degrade, leading to increased resistance and greater heat generation. This increases the risk of short circuits in the internal structure. Furthermore, the chemical reaction during the charging and discharging of NiMH batteries is a process of both heat generation and release. When the thermal reaction process malfunctions or the battery is overcharged, the heat reaches a certain level, causing thermal runaway. The electrolyte vaporizes, producing excess flammable gas, which can ignite or explode through arcing or contact with an open flame. Therefore, the battery box under the train is a key fire protection area, requiring the development of targeted detectors with active detection capabilities and thermal runaway fire suppression devices. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a fire suppression device and system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains. Taking into account the characteristics of nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, it adopts smoke detection, temperature detection, and H2 and CO combustible gas detection for comprehensive monitoring to ensure rapid alarm and timely fire extinguishing.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a fire suppression device for a nickel-metal hydride battery box under a train, comprising a box for housing the nickel-metal hydride battery and a multi-parameter detector and a fire extinguishing device disposed within the box. The wiring terminals of the nickel-metal hydride battery are located on the top of the battery body. The multi-parameter detector includes a housing and a smoke detector, a temperature detector, an H2 detector, and a CO detector located within the housing. The housing is fixed to the inner wall of the top plate of the box and is positioned facing the wiring terminals of the nickel-metal hydride battery. The nozzle of the fire extinguishing device is positioned facing the nickel-metal hydride battery.

[0006] The smoke detection device is a dual-light source smoke detector.

[0007] The housing includes a base plate and a protective cover fastened to the base plate. The base plate is fixed to the inner side wall of the top plate of the housing. The protective cover is provided with a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent, which are respectively corresponding to the smoke detector, the H2 detector, and the CO detector. The temperature detector is located near the first vent.

[0008] Two multi-parameter detectors are installed inside each of the boxes.

[0009] The fire extinguishing device is a non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device.

[0010] The non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device is equipped with L-shaped fixing plates at both the front and rear ends. One end of the fixing plate is fixed to the non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device, and the other end is fixed to the side wall of the box.

[0011] This utility model also provides a fire suppression system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, including the fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described above and a control module. The control module is connected to a smoke detector, a temperature detector, an H2 detector, a CO detector and a fire extinguishing device, and is used to receive data from the smoke detector, the temperature detector, the H2 detector and the CO detector and to control the activation of the fire extinguishing device.

[0012] The fire suppression system for the nickel-metal hydride battery box under the train also includes a train fire alarm host, which is connected to the control module.

[0013] The control module communicates with multiple multi-parameter detectors in multiple enclosures via CAN token ring.

[0014] The control module is powered by an air switch connected to one of the nickel-metal hydride battery boxes.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the fire suppression device and system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains of this utility model have the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0016] 1. Employing a quadruple detection technology encompassing smoke (dual light source), temperature, H2, and CO gases, this system covers characteristic parameters of the entire thermal runaway process (such as early electrolyte vaporization, hydrogen accumulation, and sudden temperature rise), significantly improving the accuracy and response speed of early fire identification. The dual-light source smoke detector boasts strong anti-interference capabilities, making it suitable for complex electrical environments and reducing false alarms and missed alarms.

[0017] 2. The detector housing is installed facing the battery terminals (a region prone to thermal runaway), and separate vents optimize the detection efficiency of gas and smoke. A temperature detector is positioned near the smoke vent to collaboratively monitor heat accumulation and smoke generation, triggering an earlier warning. Each enclosure is equipped with dual detectors; this redundancy design enhances reliability.

[0018] 3. The non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device eliminates the risk of pressurized storage and is suitable for train vibration environments. Perfluorohexanone does not corrode electrical equipment and can quickly inhibit chemical reactions, preventing reignition. Maintenance is simple, avoiding the 3-year strength inspection requirement for pressurized gas cylinders, resulting in low operating costs.

[0019] 4. CAN token ring communication connects multiple detector enclosures, offering strong anti-interference capabilities and suitability for long-distance distributed monitoring of trains. The control module is linked to the fire alarm host for centralized management, supporting remote monitoring and rapid response. An air switch ensures system power independence, preventing battery failure from affecting detection functionality. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the fire suppression device for the nickel-metal hydride battery box under the train in this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the external structure of a multi-parameter detector.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a multi-parameter detector.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the train undercarriage nickel-metal hydride battery box fire suppression system of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0026] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the present invention provides a fire suppression device for a nickel-metal hydride battery box under a train, comprising a box 2 for loading nickel-metal hydride batteries 1, a multi-parameter detector 3 and a fire extinguishing device 4 installed inside the box 2.

[0027] The terminals of the nickel-metal hydride battery 1 are located on the top of the battery body. The multi-parameter detector 3 includes a housing and a smoke detector 31, a temperature detector 32, an H2 detector 33, and a CO detector 34 located inside the housing. The housing includes a base plate 301 and a protective cover 302 fastened to the base plate 301. The base plate 301 is fixed to the inner wall of the top plate of the housing 2. The protective cover 302 is provided with a first vent 302a, a second vent 302b, and a third vent 302c, respectively, corresponding to the smoke detector 31, the H2 detector 33, and the CO detector 34. The temperature detector 32 is located near the first vent 302a. With the above structure, the housing is fixed to the inner wall of the top plate of the housing 2 and is positioned towards the terminals of the nickel-metal hydride battery 1 in the area prone to thermal runaway. The distribution of the vents is optimized, improving the detection efficiency of gas and smoke. The smoke detector is a dual-light source smoke detector, which can effectively reduce the false alarm rate.

[0028] Two multi-parameter detectors 3 are installed in each of the housings 2, and the redundancy design can improve reliability.

[0029] The fire extinguishing device 4 is a non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device, with its nozzle 41 facing the nickel-metal hydride battery 1. L-shaped fixing plates 42 are respectively installed at the front and rear ends of the non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device. One end of the fixing plate 42 is fixed to the non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device, and the other end is fixed to the side wall of the housing 2.

[0030] like Figure 5 As shown, this utility model also provides a fire suppression system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, including the fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described above and a control module. In this embodiment, taking a 25T train as an example, it generally has 16 carriages, with two nickel-metal hydride battery boxes on the left and right sides of each carriage. Each carriage is equipped with one control module, and each nickel-metal hydride battery box is equipped with two multi-parameter detectors 3 and two non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing devices. The control module is installed in a four-in-one cabinet on the train. The input voltage of the control module is DC110V, which is drawn from the air switch inside the nickel-metal hydride battery box. The control module communicates with multiple multi-parameter detectors 3 in multiple boxes 2 via CAN token ring. The control module is used to receive data from the smoke detector 31, temperature detector 32, H2 detector 33 and CO detector 34 in each multi-parameter detector 3, and to control the fire extinguishing devices 4.

[0031] Because the control module is powered by dual power sources, the other nickel-metal hydride battery pack can still reliably supply power when one of the nickel-metal hydride battery packs fails or catches fire.

[0032] The fire suppression system for the nickel-metal hydride battery box under the train also includes a train fire alarm host, which is connected to the control module.

[0033] The detector and control module communicate via CAN token ring, forming a ring network to ensure that the fire alarm signal can still be transmitted to the control module even if there is a break in the line. The control module uploads the fire signal to the train fire alarm host via switch communication, and the train fire alarm host displays the fire signal to the crew. The control module outputs a DC24V start signal to activate the fire extinguishing device 4 in the burning nickel-metal hydride battery compartment 1, which sprays perfluorohexanone extinguishing medium to suppress the fire in the battery compartment.

[0034] Because this utility model uses a multi-parameter detector 3 to detect the physical characteristics of the battery in the battery box, such as smoke, temperature, H2, and CO gas, it can detect characteristic gases in the early stage of thermal runaway, thereby changing passive detection to active detection, ensuring rapid alarm and timely fire extinguishing.

[0035] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, characterized in that: The device includes a housing for housing nickel-metal hydride batteries, and a multi-parameter detector and a fire extinguishing device disposed within the housing. The terminals of the nickel-metal hydride batteries are located on the top of the battery body. The multi-parameter detector includes a housing and a smoke detector, a temperature detector, an H2 detector, and a CO detector located within the housing. The housing is fixed to the inner wall of the top plate of the housing and is positioned facing the terminals of the nickel-metal hydride batteries. The nozzle of the fire extinguishing device is positioned facing the nickel-metal hydride batteries.

2. The fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The smoke detection device is a dual-light source smoke detector.

3. The fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The housing includes a base plate and a protective cover fastened to the base plate. The base plate is fixed to the inner side wall of the top plate of the housing. The protective cover is provided with a first vent, a second vent, and a third vent, which are respectively corresponding to the smoke detector, the H2 detector, and the CO detector. The temperature detector is located near the first vent.

4. The fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: Two multi-parameter detectors are installed inside each of the boxes.

5. The fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The fire extinguishing device is a non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device.

6. The fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device is equipped with L-shaped fixing plates at both the front and rear ends. One end of the fixing plate is fixed to the non-pressurized perfluorohexanone fire extinguishing device, and the other end is fixed to the side wall of the box.

7. A fire suppression system for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains, characterized in that: The device includes a fire suppression device for nickel-metal hydride battery boxes under trains as described in any one of claims 1-5, and a control module. The control module is connected to a smoke detector, a temperature detector, an H2 detector, a CO detector, and a fire extinguishing device, and is used to receive data from the smoke detector, the temperature detector, the H2 detector, and the CO detector, and to control the activation of the fire extinguishing device.

8. The train undercarriage nickel-metal hydride battery box fire suppression system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The fire suppression system for the nickel-metal hydride battery box under the train also includes a train fire alarm host, which is connected to the control module.

9. The train undercarriage nickel-metal hydride battery box fire suppression system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The control module communicates with multiple multi-parameter detectors in multiple enclosures via CAN token ring.

10. The train undercarriage nickel-metal hydride battery box fire suppression system as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The control module is powered by an air switch connected to one of the nickel-metal hydride battery boxes.

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