Container for at least one rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, in particular a lithium-ion battery

Abstract

Container (1) for at least one rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, in particular a lithium-ion battery, comprising a lockable housing (10) which encloses a receiving space (17) for the at least one battery, a sensor device (2) for monitoring the receiving space (17) and a warning device that can be activated by the sensor device (2), characterized in that the sensor device (2) comprises a gas analysis unit which is able to analyze the composition of gases in the receiving space (17) over time in order to detect the venting gases before the occurrence of a thermal runaway.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container for at least one rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, in particular a lithium-ion battery, hereinafter referred to as "battery", comprising a lockable housing which defines a receiving space for the at least one battery, a sensor device for monitoring the receiving space and a warning device that can be activated by the sensor device.

[0002] Rechargeable batteries serve as a power source in a steadily growing number of devices and tools and require regular recharging via a suitable charger connected to the mains. Lithium-ion batteries, in particular, have become the standard. However, these batteries pose a significant fire risk. Under certain circumstances, such as a defective battery, a faulty charger, overheating, or mechanical damage to the battery or even individual battery cells, battery fires, known as thermal runaway, can occur. This involves an open flame with very high temperatures and large amounts of smoke, occurring within an extremely short time of just a few seconds. When individual battery cells ignite, the gas pressure inside them increases. Upon cell rupture, the pressure is released explosively, carrying burning or glowing debris that can be scattered several meters around the surrounding area.Such battery fires are documented and often cause major fire damage.

[0003] It has therefore been proposed on several occasions to provide containers into which the batteries to be charged are inserted, with or without a charger. In the event of a fire, the container is intended to prevent the spread of the fire to surrounding areas or at least delay it long enough for firefighting measures to be initiated. Typically, the container includes sensor devices for monitoring the storage area, which detect smoke and / or high temperatures within the storage area and then activate the warning device. An example of such a container is disclosed in DE 10 2019 108 622 A1.

[0004] Warehouses for larger quantities of such batteries or accumulators of various designs are also equipped according to the same principle (temperature sensors and fire detectors).

[0005] A major disadvantage of these known containers is that the installed sensor devices only detect a fire after the onset of thermal runaway based on the associated temperature increase and smoke development, so that only the fighting of the already broken-out fire and its damage minimization can take place.

[0006] The object of the invention is to propose a container of the type mentioned above which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0007] To solve the problem posed, the invention proposes the design of a container according to the features of claim 1.

[0008] Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0009] The inventive proposal provides that the sensor device comprises a gas analysis unit capable of analyzing the composition of gases in the recording space over time.

[0010] The invention is based on the understanding that a battery with a defect that will cause a thermal runaway produces so-called venting gases, which escape from the battery, due to its cell chemistry at a very early stage of escalation, some time before the fire starts. The sensor device provided according to the invention is designed as a gas analysis unit and is capable of detecting the increase of these gases, characteristic of an impending thermal runaway of a rechargeable battery in the container according to the invention, over a certain period of time within the receiving chamber. This allows the warning device to be activated before the battery escalation progresses to the point where the actual thermal runaway with intense heat and smoke development occurs. Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to gain valuable time even before a battery fire starts, in order to take measures to limit or prevent the fire.to initiate measures to prevent the fire and its spread to the surrounding area, thereby creating a significant safety advantage.

[0011] According to one proposal of the invention, the sensor device is designed as a gas analysis unit, which is particularly sensitive to the detection of gases characteristic of an impending thermal runaway, especially carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and / or hydrogen, and can analyze their composition in the recording space over time.

[0012] According to a further proposal of the invention, the housing is provided on its inner side facing the receiving space with a fire-retardant lining layer in order to limit any fire that may occur as much as possible to the receiving space of the container.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the housing is designed with ventilation openings into which a device for preventing flame propagation to the outside and / or filter devices are inserted. During normal operation, the ventilation openings serve to dissipate the heat generated during battery charging. Furthermore, pressure generated within the receiving chamber in the event of a fire can be relieved via the ventilation openings. Flame arrestors in the ventilation openings prevent open flames from escaping the container according to the invention. The filter devices provided in the ventilation openings, either alternatively or additionally, reduce the composition of the smoke and prevent smoke and electrolyte gases from escaping unhindered into the open air.

[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the container can be equipped with a power connection and power strips arranged within the compartment, allowing the charging station to accommodate not only the at least one battery to be charged but also its corresponding charger. Manufacturers of higher-capacity batteries, in particular, point out that these batteries may only be charged with the corresponding charger. For smaller batteries, which can be charged via USB-C ports with appropriate chargers, the power strips can also be equipped with USB-C PD connectors. A visual signal, such as an indicator light on the outside of the container according to the invention, can indicate that current is flowing and the batteries are being charged. Furthermore, the container according to the invention can be equipped with overcharge protection, which protects the sometimes very expensive batteries from voltage spikes.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, an active fan, controllable by the sensor device, can be provided for ventilating the receiving chamber. The sensor device is particularly capable of also detecting the temperature in the receiving chamber of the container according to the invention. If the measured temperature exceeds an adjustable threshold, the sensor device can activate the fan. Furthermore, if a predefined threshold indicating a fire is exceeded, the sensor device can also trigger a visual and / or audible alarm at the container according to the invention.

[0016] It is understood that the container according to the invention can also be equipped with further sensor devices, for example an electronic fire detector in the receiving space, which can also trigger the warning device of the container according to the invention by detecting smoke gases.

[0017] In addition to optical-acoustic warning devices, the container according to the invention can also have other warning devices, for example signal transmitters that exchange corresponding warning signals via Bluetooth, WLAN or mobile communications with suitable apps and trigger an alarm in the event of an impending battery fire or a detected fire in the recording room.

[0018] Further embodiments and details of the container according to the invention are explained below with reference to an exemplary embodiment in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 in perspective view a container according to the invention in a closed state; Fig. 2 the container according to Fig. 1 in the open state; Fig. 3 the container according to Fig. 2 from a different perspective.

[0019] The figures show a container 1 with a housing 10, which encloses a receiving space 17 arranged inside the container 1.

[0020] The housing 10 is designed as a metal housing with a base 11, side walls 12, a rear wall 13, a lid 14 and an open door 15, through which the receiving space 17 is accessible or closed. Fig. 1 shows the container in a closed position and the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 in open configuration.

[0021] The interior surfaces of the floor 11, side walls 12, rear wall 13, and lid 14 facing the recording chamber 17 are each provided with and lined with a lining layer 3 made of a fire-resistant or fire-retardant material. A similar lining layer is also applied to the inside of the openable door 15 facing the recording chamber 17.

[0022] In recording compartment 17, a power strip 4 is located, connected to a power grid via a connection cable (not shown). This power strip may, for example, have several Schuko sockets and / or USB-C charging ports. Chargers can be plugged into the sockets of the power strip 4 to position them, along with their corresponding rechargeable batteries, in recording compartment 17 of container 1. Batteries can also be directly connected to the USB-C charging ports and charged.

[0023] It is therefore obvious that one or more rechargeable batteries, if necessary together with their associated specific chargers, can be placed and charged in the receiving compartment 17 of the container 1, with this charging taking place with the door 15 closed in the receiving compartment 17 which is completely enclosed by the container 1.

[0024] The removal of waste heat generated inside the receiving chamber 17 can be achieved, for example, via a fan 60 inserted into a ventilation opening 6, which can be activated by a temperature-controlled sensor device 2 inside the receiving chamber 17. Furthermore, additional ventilation openings 6 can be provided and, if necessary, equipped with a device to prevent flame propagation to the outside in the event of a fire and / or filter devices for combustion gases.

[0025] The sensor device 2 installed in the receiving compartment 17 of the container 1 can be combined with temperature and / or smoke detectors and is able to control further functions, such as the triggering of warning devices, when defined threshold values ​​are exceeded.

[0026] The sensor device 2, arranged in the receiving chamber 17 of the container 1, further comprises a gas analysis unit capable of analyzing the composition of the gases in the receiving chamber 17 over time, particularly with regard to gases that typically escape from a battery prior to thermal runaway. These gases are usually carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, various hydrocarbons, and / or hydrogen.

[0027] If a thermal runaway occurs during the charging process of a battery located in the receiving chamber 7 and connected, for example, to the power strip 4, the sensor device 2 detects the release of the characteristic gases in the interior 17 several minutes prior to the actual fire and triggers the warning device, which may consist, for example, of a signal horn and a warning light 5, which can also indicate the charging of a battery connected to the power strip 4 during normal operation.

[0028] In addition to visual and audible signaling devices, the warning system can preferably include wireless communication modules that can transmit warning signals to external devices or building automation systems via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or cellular networks to signal the incident. This allows for both local and remote alerting, for example to a fire department, a fire alarm control panel, or an app on a mobile device.

[0029] Since the gas emissions detected by sensor 2, which precede a thermal runaway, are detected early, even before the actual fire starts, an immediate response is possible, and the charging process can be interrupted by disconnecting the container 1 from the power supply. The container 1 can also be quickly moved to a safe area, such as outdoors, using the provided handles 16, to prevent a fire from spreading to the surrounding area.

[0030] If such a fire were to occur in the receiving room 17, the container 1, due to its stable metal construction and the inner lining layer 3, would prevent the fire from spreading to the surrounding area.

[0031] It goes without saying that the container 1 described above can be designed in various sizes, from a single battery to large storage cabinets. Batteries of different sizes, such as those used in e-bikes, power tools, or other battery-operated devices and tools, can be safely stored and charged in it.

[0032] To increase its practicality, compartment 17 can also be equipped with a modular interior system that allows for the organized storage of batteries, chargers, and accessories. Depending on the application, different specific versions can be offered, e.g., for e-bike batteries and bicycle accessories (battery-powered lights, bike computers), garden tools, power tools, household appliances, or RC models.

[0033] The container described above is a fire-resistant storage container in a wide variety of sizes, from a container for a single battery to a large storage cabinet, also suitable for large warehouses, which is equipped with a highly sensitive sensor system for early fire detection based on the venting gases preceding a thermal runaway.

[0034] Advantages of this development / combination: • Early detection of battery damage as early as the stage of venting gas formation, even before the onset of thermal runaway; • Early and safe evacuation of the surrounding area; • Early alerting of the fire department (arrival before the onset of the thermal runaway); • If necessary, evacuate the container from the building; • Protection of the surroundings from heat exposure; • Protection of the surrounding area from flame spread; • Protection of the surroundings from flying, glowing battery (cell) debris; • Flexibility through different sizes and modular interior fittings; • Integration into digital communication systems; • Order and clarity through predefined sizes and equipment variants for different applications. Reference symbol list: 1 container 10 cases 11 Floor 12 side walls 13 Back panel 14 lids 15 Door 16 Carrying handle 17 Recording room 2 Sensor device 3 lining layer 4 power strips 5 Control and alarm lights 5 ventilation openings 60 fans QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2019 108 622 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Container (1) for at least one rechargeable electrochemical energy storage device, in particular a lithium-ion battery, comprising a lockable housing (10) which encloses a receiving space (17) for the at least one battery, a sensor device (2) for monitoring the receiving space (17) and a warning device that can be activated by the sensor device (2), characterized by , that the sensor device (2) includes a gas analysis unit capable of analyzing the composition of gases in the receiving chamber (17) over time in order to detect the venting gases prior to the occurrence of a thermal runaway. [2] Container (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the gases escape from a battery before a thermal runaway. [3] Container (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the gas analysis unit is designed for the detection of venting gases selected from the group comprising carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrocarbons and / or hydrogen. [4] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the housing (10) is provided on its inner side facing the receiving chamber (17) with a fire-retardant lining layer (3). [5] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the housing (10) is designed with ventilation openings (6) into which a device for preventing flame propagation to the outside and / or filter devices are inserted. [6] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that it is equipped with a power connection and power strips (4) arranged in the recording room (17). [7] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that a fan (60) controllable by the sensor device (2) is provided for the ventilation of the recording room (17). [8] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the sensor device (2) additionally includes temperature and / or smoke detectors. [9] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the warning device includes optical and / or acoustic signaling devices. [10] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the warning device additionally includes wireless communication means via which signals can be transmitted to external devices or systems. [11] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by, that the receiving space (17) is equipped with a modular interior designed for the orderly storage of batteries, chargers and accessories and is configurable for different applications such as e-bikes, garden tools, power tools, household appliances, RC models. [12] Container (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by , that it is designed in different sizes, from portable single boxes with and without carrying handles (16) to large-format storage cabinets or containers.

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