Lithium cell-based battery pack with enhanced safety and longevity features

Abstract

A battery pack comprising; lithium cells within a sealed steel box, nitrogen gas surrounding the cells to prevent fire and corrosion. The battery pack may comprise heating elements to maintain the tem

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention pertains to lithium cell-based battery packs. It addresses two primary concerns: mitigating the inherent fire hazard due to possible sudden energy release from thermal runaway, and resolving the disparity between lithium cell life warranty and lithium battery life warranty. The disparity arises because the operating environment of lithium cells, controlled inadequately, often leads to a shorter lifespan than warranted by manufacturers. BACKGROUND ART Lithium batteries are widely used due to their high energy density and efficiency. However, they pose significant risks, including thermal runaway, where the battery rapidly releases energy, potentially causing fires. Additionally, the longevity of lithium cells often does not match the warranty periods provided by battery manufacturers. This mismatch is largely due to inadequate control over the operating environment of the cells, which can lead to premature degradation. To address these issues, the proposed invention utilizes a set of lithium cells housed within an insulated and hermetically sealed steel box. This box is filled with nitrogen gas to prevent condensation, inhibit fire by removing oxygen, and prevent corrosion of electronic components. The temperature within the box is regulated between 15°C and 25°C using heating elements and a cooler. The cooler is powered by super capacitors to ensure functionality in case of battery failure and / or high temperature. Electronic control circuits monitor and maintain safe operating conditions, isolating the battery if necessary to prevent thermal runaway. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention involves a battery pack that includes lithium cells housed in an insulated and hermetically sealed steel box filled with nitrogen gas. The nitrogen environment prevents condensation, supports fire prevention, and inhibits corrosion. Heating elements powered by lithium cells and a cooler, powered by super capacitors, maintain the internal temperature between 15°C and 25°C. An electronic control circuit monitors the battery's temperature and charge / discharge currents, isolating the cells if conditions exceed safe limits. A separate control circuit manages the ambient temperature, ensuring independent operation of the heating and cooling systems to prevent thermal runaway or extreme low temperatures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 1. Figure 1: A schematic view of the insulated steel box containing lithium cells. 2. Figure 2: The nitrogen gas filling mechanism within the steel box. 3. Figure 3: The arrangement of heating elements and the cooler inside the box. 4. Figure 4: The electronic control circuit for temperature and current monitoring. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Lithium batteries are prone to thermal runaway, and their operating life often does not match the warranty periods due to uncontrolled operating environments. The invention prevents thermal runaway and extends battery life by ensuring a controlled operating environment for lithium cells. Summary of essential features: - Insulated, hermetically sealed steel box filled with nitrogen gas. - Temperature regulation between 15°C and 25°C. - Heating elements powered by lithium cells and a cooler powered by super capacitors. - Electronic control circuits for monitoring and isolation. The lithium cells are placed inside a steel box with nitrogen gas to prevent condensation and corrosion. Heating elements powered by the battery and a cooler powered by super capacitors maintain the optimal temperature range. Electronic control circuits continuously monitor the temperature and currents, isolating the battery if unsafe conditions are detected. A separate control circuit manages the internal temperature independently to prevent thermal runaway.

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: A set of lithium cells, an insulated and hermetically sealed steel box containing the lithium cells, Nitrogen gas filling the steel box, preventing condensation, supporting fire prevention and inhibiting corrosion.

2. A battery pack according to claim 1, heating elements powered by the battery to maintain the temperature inside the steel box between 15°C and 25°C.

3. A battery pack according to claim 1, a cooler powered by super capacitors, serving as an emergency power source to cool the battery when the temperature exceeds 25°C.

4. A battery pack according to claim 1, an electronic control circuit configured to monitor the temperature of the battery cells, charge and discharge currents, and isolate the battery cells when the monitored parameters exceed predetermined safe limits.

5. A battery pack according to claim 1, a separate electronic control circuit configured to monitor the ambient temperature inside the steel box and operate the heating elements and the cooler independently to maintain the desired temperature range.

6. A battery pack according to claim 1, the nitrogen gas environment eliminates water vapor, preventing condensation within the steel box.

7. A battery pack according to claim 1, the nitrogen gas environment prevents the availability of oxygen that may support combustion in the event of thermal runaway.

8. A battery pack according to claim 1, the electronic control circuit uses the super capacitors as an emergency power source to operate the cooler if the battery temperature exceeds the safe threshold.

9. A battery pack according to claim 4, the electronic control circuit includes a fail-safe mechanism to isolate the battery cells and activate the cooler when the temperature exceeds 25°C.

10. A battery pack according to claim 5, the separate electronic control circuit ensures the cooling mechanism operates independently to enhance the safety of the battery pack and prevent thermal runaway.s