Waste battery pack diagnosis system
The waste battery pack diagnostic system accurately assesses recyclability and swiftly extinguishes fires, addressing the inefficiencies and risks of conventional methods.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- IND ACADEMIC COOPERATION FOUND HONAM UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2023-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-27
AI Technical Summary
Conventional methods for determining the recyclability of waste battery packs from electric vehicles are cumbersome and reliant on worker skill, leading to variable accuracy, and pose a fire risk during diagnosis.
A waste battery pack diagnostic system with environment control, state measurement, and data analysis modules, along with a fire detection and extinguishing unit, to assess recyclability and rapidly extinguish fires.
Enables accurate and rapid determination of recyclability by non-experts and effective fire suppression during the diagnostic process.
Smart Images
Figure 112023135982625-PAT00001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a waste battery pack diagnostic system, and more specifically, to a waste battery pack diagnostic system that diagnoses a waste battery pack separated from an electric vehicle and determines whether it is recyclable. Background Technology
[0002] Research on electric vehicles is actively underway as they are considered the most promising alternative for solving future automotive pollution and energy problems.
[0003] An electric vehicle (EV) is a vehicle that obtains power by driving an AC or DC motor primarily using power from a battery. It is broadly classified into battery-only EVs and hybrid EVs. Battery-only EVs use battery power to drive the motor and recharge when the power is depleted, whereas hybrid EVs generate electricity by operating the engine to charge the battery, and then use this electricity to drive the electric motor and move the vehicle.
[0004] Recently, a technology has been developed to reuse batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan (based on SOH 80%) in electric vehicles for economic and environmental purposes, such as ESS (Energy Storage System), electric excavators, electric wheelchairs, and household use.
[0005] Reuse technology for waste electric vehicle batteries consists of inspection-related technologies that determine usability through the external condition, electrical characteristics, and precision inspection of collected waste batteries, as well as repurposement technologies for utilizing batteries determined to be reusable for other purposes.
[0006] When an electric vehicle is scrapped, the battery is separated from the vehicle body, cleaned, and inspected externally. Afterward, an analysis is conducted regarding the remaining capacity and safety. Subsequently, the battery module is disassembled from the battery pack and evaluated for capacity and protection circuits. Waste batteries that meet or exceed a certain evaluation grade are reused for ESS (Energy Storage Systems). However, the conventional battery pack reuse process has the disadvantage that it is cumbersome because a worker must directly analyze the condition of the waste battery pack to determine whether it can be recycled, and the accuracy of the judgment varies depending on the worker's skill level. Prior art literature
[0007] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1574641: Waste Battery Disassembly Device The problem to be solved
[0008] The present invention was devised to improve upon the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a waste battery pack diagnostic system capable of measuring the condition of a waste battery pack separated from an electric vehicle, determining whether the waste battery pack can be recycled based on information regarding the measured condition of the waste battery pack, and rapidly extinguishing a fire that occurs during the diagnosis process of the waste battery pack. means of solving the problem
[0009] A waste battery pack diagnostic system according to the present invention for achieving the above objective comprises: a storage body having an internal receiving space to accommodate a waste battery pack separated from an electric vehicle; an environment control unit provided in the storage body to control the environment of the receiving space; a connection unit connected to the waste battery pack accommodated in the storage body; a state diagnostic module for measuring the state of the waste battery pack connected to the connection unit; an input module for inputting usage information regarding the waste battery pack connected to the connection unit; and a data analysis module for simulating the recycling status of the waste battery pack based on the usage information provided by the input module and the measurement information measured by the state diagnostic module, and determining whether the battery pack is recyclable based on the simulation results.
[0010] Meanwhile, the waste battery pack diagnostic system of the present invention may further comprise a fire detection unit that determines whether a fire has occurred in a waste battery pack contained within the storage body, and a fire extinguishing unit that extinguishes the waste battery pack when the fire detection unit determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack.
[0011] The fire extinguishing unit is set on the ceiling surface of the storage body and comprises a fire extinguishing blanket made of a fire-resistant material to cover the waste battery pack, a first restraint unit installed in the storage body capable of restraining the fire extinguishing blanket to the ceiling surface of the storage body or releasing the restraint state on the ceiling surface of the storage body so that the fire extinguishing blanket falls to the floor surface of the storage body, and a restraint control unit that controls the first restraint unit so that when the fire detection unit determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack, the restraint state of the fire extinguishing blanket on the storage body can be released so that the fire extinguishing blanket can fall onto the waste battery pack to cover and extinguish the fire on the waste battery pack.
[0012] The fire extinguishing unit further comprises a second restraining unit for restraining the fire extinguishing cloth falling from the ceiling surface of the storage body to the floor surface of the storage body, wherein the second restraining unit is installed at the edge of the fire extinguishing cloth and comprises at least one auxiliary magnetic body having a predetermined magnetic property and a restraining electromagnet installed on the floor surface of the storage body so that the auxiliary magnetic body can be magnetically coupled to restrain the fire extinguishing cloth falling from the ceiling surface of the storage body to the floor surface of the storage body.
[0013] The fire extinguishing unit further comprises an external force application unit installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body to apply an external force downward to the fire extinguishing cloth, so as to allow the fire extinguishing cloth, whose restraint state with respect to the ceiling surface of the storage body, to be dropped, and the restraint control unit activates the external force application unit to apply an external force to the fire extinguishing cloth when the fire detection unit determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack.
[0014] The above-mentioned fire extinguishing unit may further include a suction part installed in the storage body to discharge air between the fire extinguishing cloth and the bottom surface of the storage body to the outside so that the fire extinguishing cloth covering the waste battery pack adheres to the waste battery pack.
[0015] The above storage body is provided with a setting area on its bottom surface where the waste battery pack is placed, and a plurality of restraining electromagnets are installed spaced apart from each other along the edge of the setting area, and the suction part is equipped with a suction nozzle installed on the bottom surface of the storage body within the setting area to suck air inside the storage body, and a compressor installed on the suction nozzle to provide suction force to the suction nozzle.
[0016] The above storage body has a ventilation opening formed therein to allow outside air to flow into the receiving space, and the environment control unit comprises a humidity sensor installed in the storage body to measure the humidity of the receiving space, a blower installed on the side of the ventilation opening to forcibly blow outside air into the receiving space through the ventilation opening, and an environment control unit that operates the blower to blow outside air into the receiving space when the humidity of the receiving space is greater than or equal to a preset standard humidity value based on measurement information provided by the humidity sensor.
[0017] The above-mentioned environment control unit comprises a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the receiving space, a heating unit installed in the storage body for heating the air within the receiving space, a cold air supply unit installed in the storage body to supply low-temperature cold air to the receiving space, and an environment control unit that controls the heating unit and the cold air supply unit to change the temperature within the receiving space according to test conditions input by a manager.
[0018] The above environment control unit comprises a moving plate installed on the floor surface of the receiving space so as to be movable along a preset movement path and having a seating surface on which the waste battery pack is seated on the upper surface, a vibration applying member installed on the moving plate to apply vibration to the waste battery pack, a plate driving unit that moves the moving plate back and forth along the movement path, and an environment control unit that controls the plate driving unit and the vibration applying member so that the moving plate moves back and forth along the movement path at a predetermined speed while vibration is applied to the waste battery pack in response to test conditions input by the manager. Effects of the invention
[0019] The waste battery pack diagnostic system according to the present invention measures the condition of a waste battery pack connected to a connection part and determines whether the waste battery pack can be recycled based on the measured condition information of the waste battery pack, so even a non-expert operator can obtain a determination result of the waste battery pack more quickly and accurately.
[0020] In addition, the waste battery pack diagnostic system of the present invention can prevent the spread of fire by rapidly extinguishing it through a fire extinguishing unit even if a fire occurs in the waste battery pack during the diagnostic process. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a waste battery pack diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the waste battery pack diagnostic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the waste battery pack diagnostic system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a waste battery pack diagnostic system according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views of a waste battery pack diagnostic system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0022] Hereinafter, a waste battery pack diagnostic system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. As the present invention is susceptible to various modifications and may take various forms, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used for similar components in the description of each drawing. In the attached drawings, the dimensions of the structures are shown enlarged compared to the actual dimensions for the clarity of the present invention.
[0023] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.
[0024] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.
[0026] FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate a waste battery pack diagnostic system (100) according to the present invention.
[0027] Referring to the drawing, the waste battery pack diagnostic system (100) comprises a storage body having an internal receiving space to accommodate a waste battery pack (10) separated from an electric vehicle, an environment control unit provided in the storage body to control the environment of the receiving space, a connection unit (110) connected to the waste battery pack accommodated in the storage body, a state diagnostic module (120) for measuring the state of the waste battery pack (10) connected to the connection unit (110), an input module (160) for inputting usage information for the waste battery pack (10) connected to the connection unit (110), and a data analysis module (130) for determining whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable based on the usage information provided by the input module (160) and the measurement information measured by the data analysis module (130). Here, the waste battery pack (10) is a battery pack that was installed in an electric vehicle and supplied electricity to the driving means of the electric vehicle, but was separated from the electric vehicle after its battery life was exhausted (SOH 80% or less) due to long-term use, and is equipped with a plurality of battery cells.
[0028] The above storage body (300) is provided with a receiving space (301) inside, and an input port is formed on the front so that a waste battery pack (10) can be inserted into the receiving space (301). In addition, the storage body (300) is rotatably installed with an opening / closing door (302) so as to open and close the input port. Here, it is preferable that the opening / closing door (302) be formed of a transparent material so that a worker can recognize the condition of the waste battery pack (10) from the outside.
[0029] In addition, the storage body (300) has a ventilation opening (303) formed on the left side for outside air to flow into the receiving space (301), and a plurality of exhaust openings (304) formed on the right side for air inside the receiving space (301) to be discharged to the outside.
[0030] The above environment control unit (400) is equipped with a temperature sensor (410), a heating unit (420), a cold air supply unit (430), a blower (440), a vibrator (450), a noise output unit (460), a water spray unit (470), and an environment control unit.
[0031] The above temperature sensor (410) is installed on the inner wall surface of the storage body (300) to measure the temperature within the corresponding receiving space (301). Since the above temperature sensor (410) is a conventional temperature measuring sensor generally used to measure ambient temperature, a detailed description is omitted.
[0032] The heating unit (420) is installed on the inner side of the storage body (300) and is equipped with a plurality of heating wires that generate heat by applied power. The heating unit (420) is controlled by an environment control unit to heat the air in the receiving space (301).
[0033] The above cold air supply unit (430) is equipped with a cold air spray nozzle (431) installed in the storage body (300) to spray cold air into the receiving space (301), and a cold air supply unit (not shown) that supplies the cold air to the cold air spray nozzle (431).
[0034] The cold air injection nozzle (431) is installed inside the storage body (300) and has a spray hole formed at its end through which cold air is sprayed. The cold air supply unit is connected to the cold air injection nozzle (431) by a supply pipe and supplies low-temperature cold air to the cold air injection nozzle (431). Although not shown in the drawing, the cold air supply unit cools the outside air using a cooling means such as a thermoelectric element and then supplies it to the cold air injection nozzle (431). Meanwhile, the cold air supply unit is not limited to this, and any cold air supply means capable of supplying low-temperature cold air to the cold air injection nozzle (431) can be applied.
[0035] The internal temperature of the receiving space (301) of the storage body (300) can be controlled by the heating unit (420) and the cold supply unit (430) described above.
[0036] The blower (440) is installed on the storage body (300) on the side of the ventilation port (303) and forcibly blows outside air to the waste battery pack (10) contained in the receiving space (301). Since the blower (440) is a conventional blower device that circulates outside air by rotating a propeller, a detailed description is omitted. Here, the blower (440) may change the wind speed applied to the waste battery pack (10) by adjusting the rotation speed of the propeller. The blower (440) can implement an operating situation where wind blows.
[0037] A vibrator (450) is installed on the bottom surface of a storage body (300) to generate vibrations. The vibrations generated by the vibrator (450) are transmitted through the storage body (300) to a waste battery pack (10) contained within a receiving space (301). Here, the vibrator (450) can implement an operating situation in which vibrations are generated, such as an earthquake.
[0038] The above noise output unit (460) is installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) and comprises a speaker (461) for outputting noise and an acoustic providing member (not shown) that provides acoustic data to cause the speaker (461) to output noise. Here, the acoustic providing member is controlled by an environment control unit and may change the frequency of the noise output from the speaker (461).
[0039] The water spraying unit (470) sprays water into the receiving space (301) at a location spaced apart from the waste battery pack (10) to increase the humidity within the receiving space (301), and is equipped with a spray nozzle (471) and a water supply unit (not shown) that supplies water to the spray nozzle (471).
[0040] The above spray nozzle (471) is installed in the storage body (300) to spray water onto the inner wall surface of the storage body (300) spaced apart from the waste battery pack (10) in order to prevent water from being sprayed onto the waste battery pack (10). Since the spray nozzle (471) is a conventional spraying means generally used to spray supplied water, a detailed description is omitted.
[0041] Although not shown in the drawing, the water supply unit is connected to the spray nozzle (471) by a water supply pipe and is equipped with a water tank containing a large amount of water inside, and a supply pump installed in the water supply pipe to pump the water contained in the water tank to the spray nozzle (471). Meanwhile, the water supply unit is not limited to this, and any supply means capable of supplying water to the spray nozzle (471) can be applied.
[0042] The above-described water spray unit (470) sprays water into the receiving space (301) to control the humidity within the receiving space (301), thereby enabling the operation of the waste battery pack (10) with relatively high humidity.
[0043] The environmental control unit operates the heating unit (420), cold air supply unit (430), blower (440), vibrator (450), noise output unit (460), and water spray unit (470) according to the test conditions entered by the manager. For example, when testing the operating condition of a waste battery pack (10) in a low-temperature or high-temperature environment, the manager inputs temperature information within the receiving space (301) corresponding to the low-temperature or high-temperature environment to be tested into the environmental control unit as the test conditions. The environmental control unit operates the heating unit (420) and the cold air supply unit (430) so that the temperature of the receiving space (301) measured by the temperature sensor (410) corresponds to the temperature information of the input test conditions.
[0044] Additionally, when testing the operating condition of the waste battery pack (10) in a windy environment, the manager inputs information regarding the wind speed corresponding to the windy situation to be tested into the environment control unit as a test condition. The environment control unit controls the blower (440) so that the wind speed of the outside air blown to the waste battery pack (10) through the blower (440) corresponds to the wind speed of the test condition.
[0045] Then, when testing the operating condition of the waste battery pack (10) in an environment where vibrations such as an earthquake are applied, the manager inputs vibration information regarding the earthquake situation to be tested, namely vibration intensity or vibration application time, into the environment control unit as a test condition. The environment control unit controls the vibrator (450) so as to adjust the intensity or application time of vibration applied to the waste battery pack (10) in accordance with the test condition.
[0046] Meanwhile, when testing the operating condition of a waste battery pack (10) under conditions where noise is applied for a long time, the manager inputs information regarding the frequency of the noise or the duration of the noise application for the noise situation to be tested into the environment control unit as test conditions. The environment control unit can control the noise output unit (460) so as to adjust the frequency of the noise or the duration of the output from the noise output unit (460) in accordance with the test conditions.
[0047] Additionally, when testing the operating condition of the waste battery pack (10) in a high-humidity environment or a dry situation, the manager inputs humidity information regarding the high-humidity environment or dry situation to be tested into the environment control unit as a test condition. The environment control unit controls the water spray unit (470) and the blower (440) so that the humidity of the corresponding receiving space (301) is adjusted in accordance with the test condition.
[0048] The connecting part (110) is provided with a plurality of connecting cables (not shown) so that the waste battery pack (10) and the condition diagnosis module (120) can be connected. The connecting part (110) is not limited to this, but any connecting means capable of connecting the waste battery pack (10) and the condition diagnosis module (120) can be applied. Here, a plurality of connecting parts (110) are provided so that a plurality of waste battery packs (10) can be connected simultaneously.
[0049] A state diagnosis module (120) is connected to a waste battery pack (10) via a connection part (110) and measures state information such as cell impedance, internal resistance, voltage, or current of the battery pack. Additionally, the state diagnosis module (120) may calculate the charge amount, i.e., the remaining power amount, of the waste battery pack (10) based on the measured information such as voltage or current of the waste battery pack (10).
[0050] Here, the state diagnosis module (120) can measure the operating state of the waste battery pack (10) with respect to the environment within the receiving space changed by the environment control unit (400) when the environment control unit (400) is operated. The state diagnosis module (120) transmits the measured operating state information, along with the test conditions of the waste battery pack (10), to the data analysis module (130).
[0051] The input module (160) receives usage information of the waste battery pack (10) from the operator. The usage information of the waste battery pack (10) includes the usage time of the waste battery pack (10), the type or specifications of the electric vehicle in which the waste battery pack (10) was installed, etc.
[0052] The above data analysis module (130) can calculate performance information of the waste battery pack (10) based on data measured by the state diagnosis module (120). First, the data analysis module (130) calculates performance information of the waste battery pack (10) while the environment control unit (400) is not in operation. Here, the performance information of the waste battery pack (10) includes SOH (State of Health, capacity life), which is a value representing the current state capacity as a percentage compared to the initial state of the battery pack; SOC (State of Charge, current charge amount), which is a value representing the current usable battery capacity divided by the total capacity as a percentage; or SOP (State of Power, output life), which is a value representing the current usable power amount as a percentage. In addition, the current performance information of the waste battery pack (10) also includes SOB (State of Balance, balancing), which is a value representing the mutual similarity, such as voltage between cells or modules of the waste battery pack (10), measured as a percentage.
[0053] The data analysis module (130) determines whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable based on the performance information of the waste battery pack (10) calculated and the usage information of the waste battery pack provided by the input module (160). Here, the data analysis module (130) simulates the recycling situation of the waste battery pack (10) based on the performance information of the waste battery pack (10). The recycling situation applies to products produced by recycling the waste battery pack (10) or the operating environment of the recycled products. Here, the recycled products apply to batteries for ultra-small electric mobility, household or industrial ESS batteries, etc., and the operating environment of the products includes the operating environment of ultra-small electric mobility and information about the environment surrounding the battery when recycled into an ESS battery.
[0054] The above data analysis module (130) can determine whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable based on the calculated simulation results. That is, the data analysis module (130) can determine that the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable if it operates for more than a preset reference time during the recycling situation of the waste battery pack (10).
[0055] Meanwhile, the data analysis module (130) may derive whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable by applying the measurement information provided by the state diagnosis module (120) to a neural network model that has been constructed to calculate whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable based on the usage information of the waste battery pack provided by the input module (160) and the measurement information measured by the data analysis module (130).
[0056] The above neural network model is constructed by processing multiple training data input from the manufacturer according to a supervised learning technique. Here, the training data includes multiple data regarding the usage information, device information, and performance information of the waste battery, as well as operation information regarding the battery in various recycling situations. Here, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) may be applied to the neural network model, but it is not limited thereto; any neural network model capable of producing simulation results of the waste battery pack (10) may be applied.
[0057] Here, the data analysis module (130) can transmit the analysis result, that is, information regarding whether the waste battery pack (10) is recyclable, to a management server or a manager's terminal.
[0058] Meanwhile, when the environment control unit (400) is operated, the data analysis module (130) simulates the recycling status of the waste battery pack (10) based on the measurement information measured by the state diagnosis module (120) and the test conditions provided to the environment control unit of the environment control unit (400). Since the data analysis module (130) receives and analyzes information regarding the operating status of the waste battery pack (10) under various test conditions from the operation measurement member (500), it is possible to obtain a more accurate result value regarding the recycling status of the waste battery pack (10).
[0059] The waste battery pack diagnostic system (100) according to the present invention configured as described above measures the condition of a waste battery pack (10) connected to a connection part (110) and determines whether the waste battery pack (10) can be recycled based on the measured condition information of the waste battery pack (10), so that even a non-expert worker can obtain a determination result of the waste battery pack (10) more quickly and accurately.
[0060] Meanwhile, FIG. 4 illustrates an environment control unit (400) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0061] Elements that perform the same function as those in the previously illustrated drawings are indicated by the same reference numeral.
[0062] Referring to the drawing, the environment adjustment unit (400) further comprises a reciprocating unit (480) that reciprocates the waste battery pack (10) inside the storage body.
[0063] The above reciprocating unit (480) is installed on the bottom surface of the receiving space (301) so as to be movable along a preset movement path, and comprises a moving plate (482) having a seating surface on its upper side on which the waste battery pack (10) is placed, and a plate driving unit (483) that reciprocates the moving plate (482) along the movement path.
[0064] The above-mentioned moving plate (482) is formed as a plate having a predetermined thickness, and its upper surface is formed flat so that the seating surface is provided on the upper surface. Here, the moving plate (482) is installed so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction on the floor surface of the receiving space by means of a moving rail. The moving rail is installed on the floor surface of the receiving space, extends in the front-rear direction, and a plurality of them are arranged spaced apart from each other along the left-right direction. Additionally, a moving groove extending in the front-rear direction is formed on the upper surface of the moving rail. Here, a plurality of moving wheels (485) are installed on the lower surface of the moving plate (482) so that it can move along the moving rail. The moving wheels (485) are rotatably installed on the lower surface of the moving plate (482) so that their lower portions are inserted into the moving groove of the moving rail.
[0065] Meanwhile, a vibration applying member is installed on the moving plate (482) to apply vibration to the waste battery pack. Since the vibration applying member utilizes a conventional vibration generating means to generate a specific vibration, a detailed description is omitted. Since the vibration applying member generates vibration when the moving plate (482) moves, it is possible to recreate a situation where the waste battery pack is installed on a moving means moving over an area with an irregular road surface.
[0066] The plate drive unit (483) is equipped with a plurality of drive motors (484) that are each installed on the moving wheels (485) and rotate the moving wheels (485) in a forward or reverse direction. Here, the drive motor (484) is an electric motor that generates rotational force by applied electricity. Meanwhile, the plate drive unit (483) is not limited to this, and any rotational means capable of rotating the moving wheels (485) can be applied.
[0067] The reciprocating unit (480) described above moves the waste battery pack (10) at a constant speed within the storage body (300), thereby enabling movement by means of transportation such as a vehicle or a small moving device.
[0068] Here, the environment control unit controls the plate drive unit (483) and the vibration application member so that the moving plate (482) moves back and forth along the moving path at a predetermined speed while vibration is applied to the waste battery pack in response to the test conditions input by the manager. When testing the operating state of the waste battery pack (10) installed in a small moving mechanism, the manager inputs information including the expected moving speed of the moving mechanism to be tested into the environment control unit as a test condition. The environment control unit operates the corresponding drive motors (484) so that the moving plate (482) moves at a speed corresponding to the moving speed included in the test condition.
[0069] The reciprocating unit (480) configured as described above has the advantage of being able to measure the operating state of the waste battery pack (10) in a situation where it is installed on a means of transportation such as a small mobile device, by reciprocating the waste battery pack (10) at a predetermined speed.
[0070] Meanwhile, FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate a waste battery pack diagnostic system (100) according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0071] Referring to the drawing, the waste battery pack diagnostic system (100) further comprises a fire detection unit (not shown) for determining whether a fire has occurred in a waste battery pack (10) contained within the storage body (300), and a fire extinguishing unit (500) for extinguishing the waste battery pack when the fire detection unit determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10).
[0072] The fire detection unit receives measurement information from the temperature sensor (410) of the environment control unit (400) to determine whether a fire has occurred. Additionally, although not shown in the drawing, the fire detection unit further includes a gas sensor that detects carbon monoxide, hydrogen gas, and ethylene gas inside the storage body (300), and a flame detection sensor installed in the storage body (300) to detect flames generated inside the storage body (300), and receives measurement information from the gas sensor and the flame detection sensor.
[0073] The fire detection unit determines whether a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10) stored in the storage body (300) by applying the measurement information provided by the temperature sensor (410), gas sensor, and flame detection sensor to a neural network model that has been established based on the measurement information within the receiving space (301) to determine whether a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10).
[0074] The above neural network model is an artificial neural network model such as a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, which is a layered model used to extract features of input data by alternately performing multiple computation layers (Convolutional Layer, Pooling Layer). The above neural network model is constructed by processing multiple sample data containing measurement information, such as the temperature of the storage space (301) containing the waste battery pack (10), detected smoke information, gas information, and whether a flame is detected, and information regarding whether a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10) based on the measurement information, according to a supervised learning technique. Meanwhile, the neural network model is not limited to this, and any artificial neural network model capable of determining whether a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10) based on the measurement information can be applied.
[0075] The above fire extinguishing unit (500) is set on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) and includes a fire extinguishing cloth (510) made of a fire-resistant material to cover the waste battery pack (10), a first restraining unit (530) installed in the storage body (300) that restrains the fire extinguishing cloth (510) to the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) or releases the restraint state on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) so that the fire extinguishing cloth (510) falls to the floor surface of the storage body (300), and when the fire detection unit (130) determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10), the first restraining unit (530) allows the fire extinguishing cloth (510) to fall onto the waste battery pack (10) so that the fire extinguishing cloth (510) can cover and extinguish the fire on the waste battery pack (10). The device is equipped with a restraint control unit (not shown) that controls the first restraint unit (530) to release the restraint state of the fire extinguisher (510) on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300), and a second restraint unit (540) that restrains the fire extinguisher (510) that has fallen from the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) to the floor surface of the storage body (300).
[0076] The above fire extinguishing cloth (510) is secured by the first restraining unit (530) on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) and is formed to have an area larger than that of the waste battery pack (10) so as to cover the waste battery pack (10) stored in the receiving space (301). Additionally, it is preferable that the fire extinguishing cloth (510) be formed of a flexible material that is non-combustible and has low breathability so that when it falls downward from the ceiling surface of the storage body (300), it covers the waste battery pack (10) and blocks the supply of air to the waste battery pack (10), thereby extinguishing the fire generated in the waste battery pack (10).
[0077] The first restraint unit (530) is installed on the fire extinguisher (510) and comprises a plurality of main magnetic bodies (531) having a predetermined magnetic property, and a main electromagnet (532) installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) which is magnetically coupled to the main magnetic bodies (531) so as to restrain the fire extinguisher (510) to the ceiling surface of the storage body (300), or which is magnetically coupled to the main magnetic bodies (531) so as to release the magnetic coupling state so that the fire extinguisher (510) falls downward from the ceiling surface of the storage body (300).
[0078] The above main magnetic body (531) is installed in a plurality of locations spaced apart from one another along the edge of the fire extinguisher (510) at a predetermined distance from the edge toward the center, and is formed of a metallic material such as iron having a predetermined magnetism. Meanwhile, the main magnetic body (531) is not limited to this, and one may be installed in the center of the fire extinguisher (510) depending on the size of the fire extinguisher (510).
[0079] The main electromagnet (532) is installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) facing the main magnetic body (531), and is magnetized depending on the applied power or loses its magnetic force when no power is applied. Since a conventional main electromagnet (532) is applied, a detailed description is omitted. It is preferable that multiple main electromagnets (532) be installed on the cover (112) at a position facing each main magnetic body (531). The main electromagnets (532) are controlled by a restraint control unit.
[0080] The second restraining unit (540) is installed at the edge of the fire extinguisher (510) and comprises a plurality of auxiliary magnetic bodies (541) having a predetermined magnetic property, and a restraining electromagnet (542) installed on the bottom surface of the storage body (300) so that the auxiliary magnetic bodies (541) can be magnetically coupled to restrain the fire extinguisher (510) that has fallen from the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) to the bottom surface of the storage body (300).
[0081] The above auxiliary magnetic body (541) is installed in multiple numbers spaced apart from one another along the edge of the fire extinguisher (510) and is formed of a metallic material such as iron having a predetermined magnetic property. Meanwhile, the auxiliary magnetic body (541) is not limited to this and may be formed to extend a predetermined length along the edge.
[0082] A restraining electromagnet (542) is installed on the bottom surface of the storage body (300) facing the auxiliary magnetic body (541). Here, the storage body (300) is provided with a setting area on its bottom surface where a waste battery pack (10) is placed. Although not shown in the drawing, the storage body (300) may have a marking line having a predetermined color along the edge of the setting area on its bottom surface so as to indicate the setting area.
[0083] The above-mentioned restraining electromagnets (542) are installed in multiple numbers spaced apart from each other along the edge of the setting area, and are magnetized according to applied power or lose their magnetic force when power is not applied. Since conventional electromagnets are generally used, a detailed description is omitted. The restraining electromagnets (542) are controlled by a restraining control unit.
[0084] Meanwhile, the fire extinguishing unit further comprises an external force application part (550) installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) to apply an external force downward to the fire extinguishing cloth (510) so that the fire extinguishing cloth (510) whose restraint state with respect to the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) is released can be dropped, and a suction part (560) installed on the storage body (300) to discharge air between the fire extinguishing cloth (510) and the bottom surface of the storage body (300) to the outside so that the fire extinguishing cloth (510) covering the waste battery pack (10) is in close contact with the waste battery pack (10).
[0085] The above external force application unit (550) is installed on the upper part of the storage body (300) such that its lower end penetrates the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) and is drawn downward, and is equipped with an actuator (551) whose vertical length is extended, and a contact pad (552) installed at the lower end of the actuator (551) and in contact with the fire extinguishing cloth.
[0086] The actuator (551) is installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) at a position opposite to the fire extinguisher (510), and an operating device such as a hydraulic cylinder or screw jack is used, which extends and retracts in the vertical direction by applied hydraulic or electric power. The actuator (551) moves the contact pad (552) downward relative to the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) or moves it toward the ceiling surface of the storage body (300).
[0087] The contact pad (552) is moved up and down by the actuator (551), and when it moves downward from the ceiling surface of the storage body (300), it presses the fire extinguishing cloth (510) downward. It is preferable that the contact pad (552) be formed of a rubber or silicone material to prevent static electricity from being generated when it comes into contact with the fire extinguishing cloth (510). When a fire occurs in the waste battery pack (10), the contact pad (552) is lowered by the actuator (551) to press the fire extinguishing cloth (510), thereby preventing the fire extinguishing cloth (510) from being attached to the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) by static electricity, adhesives, etc. It is preferable that multiple external force application units (550) described above be installed spaced apart from each other on the ceiling surface of the storage body (300) facing the fire extinguishing cloth (510).
[0088] The above suction unit (560) is equipped with a suction nozzle (561) installed on the bottom surface of the storage body (300) within the setting area to suck air inside the storage body (300), and a compressor (562) installed on the suction nozzle (561) to provide suction power to the suction nozzle (561).
[0089] The suction nozzle (561) is installed at the lower part of the storage body (300) corresponding to the setting area, with its upper end penetrating into the receiving space (301). The suction nozzle (561) has a suction hole (not shown) formed at its upper end for sucking in air. Although not shown in the drawing, it is preferable that multiple suction nozzles (561) be installed spaced apart from each other within the setting area.
[0090] The compressor (562) is connected to the corresponding suction nozzle (561) by a suction pipe and provides suction force to the corresponding suction nozzle (561). Since the compressor (562) utilizes a conventional air suction means to suck in air and discharge it to the outside, a detailed description is omitted. The suction unit (560) described above discharges the air between the fallen fire extinguishing cloth (510) and the storage body (300) to the outside, thereby causing the fire extinguishing cloth (510) to adhere to the waste battery pack (10), thus improving the fire extinguishing efficiency by the fire extinguishing cloth (510).
[0091] When no fire occurs in the waste battery pack (10), the restraint control unit applies power to the main electromagnet (532) so that the main electromagnets (532) can be magnetically coupled with each main magnetic body (531), thereby magnetizing the main electromagnet (532). Meanwhile, when the fire detection unit (130) determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10), the restraint control unit cuts off the power supply to the main electromagnet (532) so that the main magnetic body (531) is separated from the main electromagnet (532). At this time, the restraint control unit operates the actuator (551) of the external force application unit (550) so that the contact pad (552) descends to apply an external force downward to the fire extinguisher (510). Here, the main magnetic body (531) is separated from the main electromagnet (532), and the fire extinguishing cloth (510) falls downward relative to the cover (112). The falling fire extinguishing cloth (510) covers the waste battery pack (10) and extinguishes the fire generated in the waste battery pack (10).
[0092] Meanwhile, when the fire detection unit (130) determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack (10), the restraint control unit cuts off the power supply to the main electromagnet (532) so that the main magnetic body (531) is separated from the main electromagnet (532), and then supplies power to the restraint electromagnet (542) so that the auxiliary magnetic body (541) can be magnetically coupled to the restraint electromagnet (542). At this time, the restraint control unit operates the compressor (562) for a preset operating time so that the fallen fire extinguisher (510) adheres to the waste battery pack (10). Here, the operating time is applied as 1 minute or less, but is not limited to this and can be arbitrarily set by the manager depending on the size of the fire extinguisher (510). The fire extinguishing cloth (510) that falls onto the bottom surface of the main body (111) has its edges restrained to the bottom surface of the main body (111) by the auxiliary magnetic body (541) and the restraining electromagnet (542), so that it can firmly maintain the state of covering the waste battery pack (10), which has the advantage of improving fire extinguishing efficiency.
[0093] The fire extinguishing unit (500) configured as described above has the advantage of being able to extinguish the fire more quickly by not only spraying a fire extinguishing agent when a fire occurs in the waste battery pack (10) but also covering the waste battery pack (10) with a fire extinguishing cloth (510).
[0094] The description of the presented embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to use or practice the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein, but should be interpreted in the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein. Explanation of the symbols
[0095] 100: Waste battery pack diagnostic system 110: Connection part 120: Status Diagnosis Module 130: Data Analysis Module 160: Input Module 300: Storage Main Body 301: Storage space 302: Opening / closing door 303: Vent 400: Environmental control unit 410: Temperature sensor 420: Heating unit 430: Cold supply unit 431: Cold injection nozzle 440: Blower 450: Vibrator 460: Noise output section 461: Speaker 470: Water spray unit 471: Spray nozzle
Claims
Claim 1 A storage body having an internal receiving space to accommodate a waste battery pack separated from an electric vehicle; an environment control unit provided in the storage body to control the environment of the receiving space; a connection unit connected to the waste battery pack received in the storage body; a state diagnosis module for measuring the state of the waste battery pack connected to the connection unit; an input module for inputting usage information regarding the waste battery pack connected to the connection unit; and a data analysis module for simulating the recycling status of the waste battery pack based on the usage information provided by the input module and the measurement information measured by the state diagnosis module, and determining whether the battery pack is recyclable based on the simulation results; and a fire determination unit for determining whether a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack received in the storage body. The fire detection unit comprises: a fire extinguishing unit that extinguishes the waste battery pack when it is determined that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack; wherein the fire extinguishing unit is set on the ceiling surface of the storage body and is made of a fire-resistant material to cover the waste battery pack; a first restraint unit installed in the storage body that can restrain the fire extinguishing unit to the ceiling surface of the storage body or release the restraint state on the ceiling surface of the storage body so that the fire extinguishing unit falls to the floor surface of the storage body; a restraint control unit that controls the first restraint unit so that when it is determined that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack, the restraint state of the fire extinguishing unit on the storage body can be released so that the fire extinguishing unit falls to the waste battery pack so that the fire extinguishing unit can cover and extinguish the fire on the waste battery pack; and a second restraint unit that restrains the fire extinguishing unit falling from the ceiling surface of the storage body to the floor surface of the storage body.The fire extinguishing unit is provided with, wherein the second restraining unit is installed at the edge of the fire extinguishing blanket and comprises at least one auxiliary magnetic body having a predetermined magnetic property and a restraining electromagnet installed on the bottom surface of the storage body so that the auxiliary magnetic body can be magnetically coupled to restrain the fire extinguishing blanket that has fallen from the ceiling surface of the storage body to the bottom surface of the storage body; and the fire extinguishing unit further comprises a suction part installed in the storage body so as to discharge air between the fire extinguishing blanket and the bottom surface of the storage body to the outside so that the fire extinguishing blanket covering the waste battery pack adheres to the waste battery pack; the storage body has a setting area provided on the bottom surface where the waste battery pack is placed, and a plurality of restraining electromagnets are installed spaced apart from each other along the edge of the setting area, and the suction part has a suction nozzle installed on the bottom surface of the storage body within the setting area so as to suck in air inside the storage body; A waste battery pack diagnostic system comprising: a compressor installed in the suction nozzle and providing suction force to the suction nozzle. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 In claim 1, the fire extinguishing unit further comprises an external force application unit installed on the ceiling surface of the storage body to apply an external force downward to the fire extinguishing cloth, so as to allow the fire extinguishing cloth, whose restraint state with respect to the ceiling surface of the storage body, to be dropped; and the restraint control unit operates the external force application unit to apply an external force to the fire extinguishing cloth when the fire determination unit determines that a fire has occurred in the waste battery pack. Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A waste battery pack diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the storage body has a ventilation opening formed therein to allow outside air to flow into the receiving space, and the environmental control unit comprises: a humidity sensor installed in the storage body to measure the humidity of the receiving space; a blower installed on the side of the ventilation opening to force outside air into the receiving space through the ventilation opening; and an environmental control unit that operates the blower to blow outside air into the receiving space when the humidity of the receiving space is greater than or equal to a preset standard humidity value based on measurement information provided by the humidity sensor. Claim 9 A waste battery pack diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the environment control unit comprises: a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature within the receiving space; a heating unit installed in the storage body for heating the air within the receiving space; a cold air supply unit installed in the storage body to supply low-temperature cold air to the receiving space; and an environment control unit for controlling the heating unit and the cold air supply unit so as to change the temperature within the receiving space according to test conditions input by an administrator. Claim 10 A waste battery pack diagnostic system according to claim 1, wherein the environment control unit comprises: a moving plate installed on the floor surface of the receiving space so as to be movable along a preset movement path, and having a seating surface on its upper side on which the waste battery pack is seated; a vibration applying member installed on the moving plate to apply vibration to the waste battery pack; a plate driving unit that reciprocates the moving plate along the movement path; and an environment control unit that controls the plate driving unit and the vibration applying member so that the moving plate reciprocates along the movement path at a predetermined speed while vibration is applied to the waste battery pack in response to test conditions input by an administrator.