Battery testing method and battery testing apparatus

Abstract

This disclosure aims to provide a safety evaluation method that allows for the confirmation of conditions under which batteries are damaged using a variety of test methods, while ensuring the safety of workers. [Solution] A battery testing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the steps of placing a battery in a container and applying a load to the battery placed in the container.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery test method and a battery test device.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, the use of batteries has been increasing in many fields such as mobile terminals, automobiles, and renewable energy. Batteries may become unusable due to damage depending on the usage environment and conditions. There is a known method of evaluating the safety of a battery by conducting a test of intentionally short-circuiting the battery (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-535568).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In Patent Document 1, by using a battery having a separator disposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode and having a perforation formed therein, and a short-circuit inducing member disposed on the perforation, the battery can be short-circuited without physically deforming the battery, and thus the safety of the battery can be easily evaluated. In addition to short-circuiting, batteries may be damaged by overcharging, impact, or heating, etc., and fragments, contents, etc. may scatter due to such damage. It is required to be able to confirm the conditions under which the battery is damaged by various test methods while ensuring the safety of the operator.

[0005] In view of such circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a safety evaluation method capable of confirming the conditions under which a battery is damaged by various test methods while ensuring the safety of the operator.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A battery testing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure, which was made to solve the above problems, comprises the steps of placing a battery in a container and applying a load to the battery placed in the container. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] A battery testing method according to one aspect of this disclosure allows for the confirmation of conditions under which a battery is damaged using a variety of test methods while ensuring the safety of the worker. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a container and burner included in a battery testing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic front view showing the container and burner of Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] [Description of Embodiments in this Disclosure] First, the embodiments of this disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) A battery testing method according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises the steps of placing a battery in a container and applying a load to the battery placed in the container.

[0011] The test method for the battery in question (hereinafter also simply referred to as "the test method") involves placing the battery in a container and applying a load to it. Therefore, even if the battery is damaged, the container can prevent fragments, contents, etc., from scattering, thus ensuring the safety of the worker. Furthermore, the test method allows for the application of various loads to the battery by applying loads such as overcharging, impact, short circuit, heating, and cooling to the battery placed in the container, or by vibrating the container containing the battery. This allows for the confirmation of various conditions under which the battery may be damaged using diverse test methods.

[0012] (2) The above (1) further includes a step of measuring the concentration of gas generated from the battery when a load is applied and remaining in the container, and the measurement step may be performed from the start of the load application step until after it is stopped. That is, the test method is suitable for detecting gases harmful to the human body (toxic gases) by measuring the concentration of gas generated (ejected or leaked) from the battery when a load is applied to the battery and remaining in the container. The certainty of ensuring worker safety can be improved by detecting the toxic gases. Since the ejection or leakage of the gas from the battery may continue even after the load application step is stopped, or may occur after the load application step is stopped, the measurement step is suitable for being performed until after the load application step is stopped (until a predetermined time has elapsed after it is stopped).

[0013] (3) The above (1) or (2) may further include a step of burning the battery in the container to which a load has been applied. Burning the battery in the container can inactivate the active components contained in the battery, thereby further improving the certainty of ensuring worker safety.

[0014] (4) In (3) above, the combustion step may include supplying oxygen into the container. By supplying oxygen into the container, the ease of burning the battery can be improved.

[0015] (5) In (3) or (4) above, the combustion step may include cooling the container. The combustion of the battery may transfer heat from the container to surrounding equipment, which may damage the equipment. Cooling the container during the combustion step can suppress damage to the equipment.

[0016] (6) In any of the steps (2) to (5) above, the temperature of the battery inside the container may be further measured during the measurement process. Measuring the temperature of the battery inside the container makes it easy to evaluate the circumstances leading to the battery's failure.

[0017] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the battery may be a all-solid-state battery. That is, the test method is suitable for conducting a test (a test for evaluating load resistance) on the process by which the all-solid-state battery reaches damage or the like by applying a load to the all-solid-state battery.

[0018] (8) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the battery may be a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery. That is, the test method is also suitable for evaluating the load resistance of the sulfide-based all-solid-state battery by applying a load to the sulfide-based all-solid-state battery.

[0019] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (8), the upper part of the container may be open. By having the upper part of the container open, while suppressing the scattering of fragments of the damaged battery, contents, etc., a part of the contents ejected or leaked from the battery can be easily discharged above the container.

[0020] [ (10) A battery test device according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a container having an open part that is partially open, and a gas measuring device that measures gas remaining in the container, and houses a battery.

[0021] Since the battery test device applies a load to the battery housed in a container having an open part that is partially open, even when the battery is damaged or the like, it is possible to suppress the scattering of a part of the fragments, contents, etc. of the battery while discharging the rest, and ensure the safety of the operator. Further, since the battery test device includes a gas measuring device that measures the gas remaining in the container, the certainty of ensuring the safety of the operator can be improved. The battery test device can apply various loads to the battery by applying loads such as overcharging, impact, short circuit, heating, cooling, etc. to the battery arranged in the container, or vibrating the container with the battery arranged therein, etc., so that the conditions under which the battery is damaged or the like can be confirmed by various test methods.

[0022] (11) In the above (10), a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the battery housed in the container may be further provided. By measuring the temperature of the battery in the container, the process by which the battery reaches damage or the like can be easily evaluated.

[0023] (12) In the above (10) or the above (11), a burner for burning the battery housed in the container may be further provided. By burning the battery in the container with the burner, the certainty of ensuring the safety of the operator can be further improved.

[0024] ((13) In any one of the above (10) to the above (12), the container may have cooling fins. By the container having cooling fins, the temperature rise of the container can be suppressed during combustion by the burner.

[0025] (14) In any one of the above (10) to the above (13), the container may have a flow path through which a cooling medium flows. By the container having a flow path through which a cooling medium flows, the temperature rise of the container can be more suppressed during combustion by the burner.

[0026] [Details of the mode for carrying out the invention] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail while referring to the drawings.

[0027] <Battery test method> The test method includes a step of arranging a battery in a container and a step of applying a load to the battery arranged in the container. That is, the test method performs a test (hereinafter, also simply referred to as an "evaluation test") for evaluating the load resistance by housing the battery in the container. For the test method, a battery test device including a container 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be used.

[0028] <Battery test device> The battery test device has an open portion that is partially open, and includes a container 10 that houses a battery B and a gas measuring device (not shown) that measures the gas remaining in the container 10.

[0029] 〔battery〕 Battery B is not particularly limited and can be any rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery. The rechargeable battery may be an all-solid-state battery that is prone to emitting or leaking toxic gases due to damage, and in particular, a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery may be used. Battery B may be formed in a rigid housing in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped or cylindrical shape, or it may be formed in a bag shape by laminating a flexible sheet-like material.

[0030] When a load is applied to the above-mentioned battery, it may be damaged in ways such as rupture, explosion, or partial damage, causing parts of the battery to scatter and its contents to be ejected or leaked (hereinafter, these will also be simply referred to as "release"). The released contents (released material) are mainly gases, but may also include liquids and solids (particulate solid matter). Examples of the gases include inorganic gases such as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide, and flammable gases. Sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries may contain hydrogen sulfide, which is harmful to the human body. The released material is what is released from the battery, either entirely or partially, when a malfunction occurs due to the application of a load, resulting in damage to the battery as a whole or partially. Alternatively, if the battery housing has a safety valve for releasing the released material, or a vulnerable part (a part of the housing that is easily torn) for releasing the released material, the released material may be released from the safety valve or the vulnerable part (hereinafter, these will also simply refer to as "release parts"). The load applied to battery B refers to, for example, thermal runaway due to overcharging and discharging, chemical loads such as short circuits and electrolysis, and physical loads such as shock, vibration, and punctures (nail penetration). An abnormality in battery B means a state in which the battery is unable to perform its normal functions such as charging, storing energy, and discharging (an uncontrollable state).

[0031] The term "battery" in this disclosure includes a single battery (a standalone battery), a battery module composed of multiple batteries, a battery unit containing multiple batteries or multiple battery modules within a housing, and a product (such as a device) having a battery, battery module, or battery unit. In other words, the container 10 is configured to accommodate a battery, battery module, battery unit, or product inside.

[0032] 〔container〕 The container 10 has a bottom 11 on which the battery B is placed, and a wall 12 surrounding the battery B placed on the bottom 11, with the top (the part opposite the bottom 11) being open. In other words, the container 10 is a bottomed box without a top or lid, with the top being an open section. By opening the top of the container 10, gases with a relatively high specific gravity, such as hydrogen sulfide, can be easily retained inside the container 10. That is, the container 10 having an open section at the top is particularly suitable when the battery B is a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery. The gas measuring instrument is not particularly limited, and a known measuring instrument for detecting gases harmful to the human body (toxic gases) may be used.

[0033] The container 10 may have an outlet 13 for discharging the gas. The outlet 13 may be provided at the bottom 11, but it is preferable that it be provided at the wall 12. If the battery B is a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery, the outlet 13 may be provided below the wall 12. A gas discharge pipe P1 may be placed at the outlet 13. The gas discharge pipe P1 may be connected to a negative pressure means (means for discharging gas from the container 10), such as a known negative pressure pump. The gas measuring instrument may be placed at the outlet 13, or it may be placed inside the gas discharge pipe P1. If it is placed inside the gas discharge pipe P1, it is preferable that it be placed near the outlet (gas discharge port) of the gas discharge pipe P1 (inside the gas discharge pipe P1 on the inside of the outlet, or in a location close to the gas discharge pipe P1 on the outside of the outlet).

[0034] The battery testing device may be equipped with a thermometer (not shown) for measuring the temperature of battery B. The thermometer is not particularly limited, and examples include known thermocouples. The thermometer may be placed in close proximity to or in contact with battery B within the container 10. By equipping the battery testing device with the thermometer, it is possible to measure the temperature change of battery B under load and observe the temperature change when battery B is damaged (becomes abnormal).

[0035] The battery testing apparatus may be equipped with a burner 20 for burning battery B. If battery B is a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery, burning battery B with the burner 20 can deactivate the sulfides (active components) inside, thereby ensuring the safety of the worker. The gas measuring instrument may also be capable of detecting sulfur oxides generated when hydrogen sulfide burns. Any number of burners may be arranged depending on the internal dimensions of the container, the volume of the battery, etc.

[0036] The container 10 may have a supply port 14 for supplying an oxygen-containing gas. The oxygen-containing gas is not particularly limited and may be, for example, air (atmosphere). The oxygen-containing gas may be supplied when the burner 20 burns the battery B. By supplying the oxygen-containing gas into the container 10 when the burner 20 burns the battery B, the battery B can be burned efficiently. If the outlet 13 is located above the container 10 to discharge a gas with a relatively low specific gravity, the supply port 14 may be located below the container 10. If the outlet 13 is located below the container 10 to discharge a gas with a relatively high specific gravity, the supply port 14 may be located above the container 10. A gas supply pipe P2 connecting the container 10 and a gas supply means (not shown) is provided at the supply port 14.

[0037] The container 10 may have cooling fins (not shown). Alternatively, the container 10 may have a flow path (not shown) through which a cooling medium flows. The container 10 may have both the cooling fins and the flow path. By having the cooling fins or the flow path, the container 10 can suppress heating when the battery B is burned. The cooling fins or the flow path may be formed on at least a part of the outer surface of the bottom 11 and the wall 12. The cooling fins or the flow path may be detachably configured on the outer surface of the container 10. The flow path may be embedded in at least one of the bottom 11 and the wall 12.

[0038] The battery testing device applies a load by housing the battery B in the container 10, thus suppressing the scattering of fragments and other materials when the battery B is damaged. Since the container 10 has an open top, toxic gases with a relatively high specific gravity, such as hydrogen sulfide, in the released materials are retained within the container 10, thus suppressing the diffusion of the toxic gases. Furthermore, the battery testing device is equipped with a gas measuring instrument that measures the gases remaining in the container 10, thus enabling the detection of the toxic gases. For these reasons, the battery testing device ensures the safety of the operator.

[0039] The battery testing apparatus, equipped with a burner 20, can burn battery B. Specifically, the burner 20 burns battery B to inactivate the components released by battery B. Because the top of the container 10 is open, the burner 20 can be easily positioned in the battery testing apparatus, and battery B can be easily burned. For example, if toxic gases are generated by applying a load, workers may not be able to approach battery B to dispose of it. Also, if the battery is formed in a bag shape by laminating sheet-like material, it may be difficult to move the damaged battery. By equipping the battery testing apparatus with an open-top container 10 and a burner 20, rapid combustion of battery B within the container 10, suppression of gas diffusion, and inactivation of the components can be easily and efficiently performed.

[0040] Combustion by burner 20 may be performed if an abnormality occurs in battery B during the evaluation test, or it may be performed on battery B after the evaluation test has been completed without any abnormality occurring. In other words, if an abnormality occurs in battery B during the evaluation test and it is difficult to continue the evaluation test, battery B may be combusted and the evaluation test may be stopped, or regardless of whether or not there is an abnormality in battery B, if it is possible to continue the evaluation test, battery B may be combusted and disposed of after the evaluation test has been completed.

[0041] Because the container 10 has the cooling fins or the flow path described above, it can suppress heating when the battery B is burned by the burner 20, thereby suppressing heat transfer from the container 10 to surrounding equipment, facilities, and components (hereinafter also referred to as "surrounding equipment, etc.").

[0042] The container 10 may be placed on a heat sink (not shown) made of, for example, aluminum. An insulating plate (not shown) made of, for example, stone may be placed between the container 10 and the heat sink. By placing the container 10 on the heat sink or the insulating plate stacked on the heat sink, heat transfer from the container 10 to the surrounding equipment can be further suppressed.

[0043] The following describes each step of the test method.

[0044] [Placement process] In the placement process, battery B is placed inside container 10. The placement of battery B inside container 10 is not particularly limited and may be determined according to the method of applying the load (the method of performing the above evaluation test on battery B).

[0045] In the above-mentioned placement process, it is advisable to prepare for applying a load to battery B. Specifically, for example, in a charge / discharge test, wiring should be connected to battery B inside container 10; in a heating test, a heating means such as a heater should be attached to battery B inside container 10; in a puncture (nail insertion) test, a jig for puncturing battery B should be placed inside container 10; and in a vibration test, container 10 containing battery B should be placed in a vibration device.

[0046] [Process of applying load] In the load application process, a load is applied to the battery B placed in container 10. That is, the above evaluation tests are performed on the battery B placed in container 10. The above evaluation tests are not particularly limited and include, for example, overcharge tests, over-discharge tests, continuous charge-discharge tests, shock tests, vibration tests, short-circuit tests by perforation, heating tests, cooling tests, submersion tests, and environmental tests. Multiple evaluation tests may be performed simultaneously or sequentially.

[0047] This test method allows for a variety of evaluation tests, enabling the assessment of the load-bearing capacity of battery B under diverse conditions.

[0048] The process of applying the above load should be performed remotely. For example, the operator should perform the evaluation test in a different space from the space where the evaluation test of battery B is conducted. By having the operator perform the operation in a separate room from battery B, the certainty of ensuring the operator's safety can be improved.

[0049] [Measurement process] The test method may further include a step of measuring the concentration of gas generated from battery B when a load is applied and remaining in container 10. The above measurement step may be performed from the start of the load application process until after it is stopped. That is, the measurement using the gas measuring instrument may be started before or simultaneously with the start of the evaluation test, and the measurement may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed after the evaluation test has been stopped. The generation of the gas from battery B when a load is applied may continue even after the load application process is stopped, or the gas may be generated after the load application process has been stopped. To ensure the safety of the worker, the evaluation test may be stopped, and the measurement step may be stopped after a predetermined time has elapsed. That is, the test method may be terminated by stopping the measurement step.

[0050] The above measurement step should involve measuring the temperature of battery B inside container 10. Specifically, the above measurement step should involve measuring the gas inside container 10 and measuring the temperature of battery B using the thermometer. By measuring the temperature of battery B, it is possible to measure the temperature change of battery B during the evaluation test and evaluate the effect of temperature changes that could lead to damage to battery B.

[0051] [The combustion process] The test method may further include a step of burning the battery B inside the loaded container 10. The burning step may be either burning the battery B with the burner 20 when the concentration of the measured gas exceeds a preset value, or burning the battery B with the burner 20 after the loading step has been completed without the concentration of the gas exceeding a preset value, or it may include both. That is, if the gas is detected and there is a high urgency to deactivate the gas to ensure the safety of the workers, the battery B may be burned without waiting for the evaluation test to be completed, or even if the gas is detected, if the safety of the workers is ensured, the evaluation test may be continued and the battery B may be burned after it has been completed.

[0052] The above combustion process may include supplying oxygen into the container 10. By operating the burner 20 while supplying oxygen into the container 10, the battery B can be reliably burned.

[0053] The above combustion process may include cooling the container 10. By burning the battery B while cooling the container 10, the transfer of heat from the combustion to the peripheral equipment can be suppressed, thereby preventing damage to the peripheral equipment. The means for cooling the container 10 are not particularly limited; for example, a cooling medium may be circulated through the flow path.

[0054] The above combustion process may include cooling the peripheral equipment. Cooling the peripheral equipment during the combustion of battery B can further suppress damage to it. The means for cooling the peripheral equipment are not particularly limited; for example, a known fan may be used to blow air onto the peripheral equipment.

[0055] [Other embodiments] The above embodiments do not limit the configuration of the present invention. Accordingly, the above embodiments allow for the omission, substitution, or addition of components of each part of the above embodiments based on the description herein and common technical knowledge, and all such omissions, substitutions, or additions should be interpreted as falling within the scope of the present invention.

[0056] The opening at the top of the above-mentioned container is not particularly limited as long as the top is open. The container may have a top or lid, and one or more through holes may be provided in this top or lid to form an opening, or the container may have a top or lid, and through holes may be provided in the upper part of the wall to form an opening. [Industrial applicability]

[0057] The battery testing method described herein can evaluate the load-bearing capacity of a battery in various ways while ensuring the safety of the worker, and is therefore suitable for use in improving and developing battery quality. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0058] 10 containers 11 Bottom 12 Wall 13 Outlet 14 supply ports 20 burners B battery P1 Gas discharge pipe P2 Gas supply pipe

Claims

1. The process of placing the battery inside the container, A step of applying a load to the battery placed in the above container and A battery testing method that includes [a specific feature / feature].

2. The process further includes measuring the concentration of the gas generated from the battery when a load is applied and which remains in the container. The battery testing method according to claim 1, wherein the above measurement step is performed from the start to the stop of the above load application step.

3. The battery testing method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of burning the battery in the container to which a load has been applied.

4. The battery testing method according to claim 3, wherein the combustion step includes supplying oxygen into the container.

5. The battery testing method according to claim 3, wherein the combustion step includes cooling the container.

6. The battery testing method according to claim 2, wherein the temperature of the battery inside the container is further measured in the above measurement step.

7. A method for testing a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery is an all-solid-state battery.

8. A method for testing a battery according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the battery is a sulfide-based all-solid-state battery.

9. A battery testing method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the top of the above container is open.

10. A container for housing a battery, having a partially open opening, A gas measuring instrument that measures the gas that remains in the container from the gases emitted from the contained batteries, A battery testing device equipped with the following features.

11. The battery testing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a thermometer for measuring the temperature of a battery housed in the above-mentioned container.

12. The battery testing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a burner for burning the battery contained in the above container.

13. The battery testing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the above container has cooling fins.

14. The battery testing apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the above container has a flow path through which a cooling medium flows.

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