Battery evaluation apparatus and battery evaluation method using same

Abstract

According to example embodiments of the present invention, provided are a battery evaluation apparatus and a battery evaluation method using same. The battery evaluation apparatus comprises: a chamber having a space in which a battery to be evaluated is installed; and a control unit connected to the chamber. The chamber comprises: a holder capable of holding the battery; and a first detection sensor capable of detecting water located in a lower portion of the holder and a state of the battery. The holder comprises: a fixing unit fixed to the chamber; and an openable door coupled to the fixing unit. When it is determined that the battery is abnormal on the basis of the battery state data of the first detection sensor, the control unit may open the door so as to cause the battery to fall into the water located below the door. Accordingly, the evaluation safety can be improved.

Description

Battery evaluation device and battery evaluation method using the same

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0104509, filed August 10, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery evaluation device and a battery evaluation method using the same, and more particularly, to a battery evaluation device capable of improving safety by preventing fire hazards and a battery evaluation method using the same.

[0003]

[0004] Batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times and are used as an energy source for various electronic devices. The performance of the batteries built into these electronic devices can gradually deteriorate over time depending on the number of charges and discharges. Batteries whose performance degrades beyond a certain level may need to be replaced to ensure the smooth operation of the electronic device. For example, batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs) may need to be replaced if their initial capacity drops below a certain level due to operational issues such as slow charging, reduced driving range, and increased risk.

[0005] These replacement batteries, or used batteries, can be reused as batteries for other electronic devices, depending on their condition, such as remaining lifespan or charge / discharge efficiency. Furthermore, accurately assessing the residual value of used batteries is crucial for appropriately repurposing them.

[0006] However, used batteries are not new, but rather used batteries that have been used once. This can lead to problems such as fire or explosion due to overcharging or overdischarging, or electric shock due to insulation failure. Therefore, research is needed on battery evaluation devices and methods that enhance safety.

[0007]

[0008] Accordingly, the first technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to provide a battery evaluation device with enhanced safety. The second technical idea of ​​the present invention aims to provide a battery evaluation method with enhanced safety.

[0009]

[0010] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the first problem described above, a battery evaluation device is provided. According to some embodiments, the battery evaluation device includes a chamber having a space in which a battery to be evaluated is installed, and a control unit connected to the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a holder located at an upper portion of the chamber and for holding the battery; water located at a lower portion of the chamber; and a first detection sensor for detecting a state of the battery, wherein the holder includes a fixing portion fixed to the chamber and an openable door connected to the fixing portion, and the control unit receives data of the first detection sensor, and when the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal based on the battery state data of the first detection sensor, the control unit can open the door and drop the battery into the water located at a lower portion of the door.

[0011] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the second problem described above, a battery evaluation method is provided. In some embodiments, the battery evaluation method may include the steps of: accommodating a battery on a holder of a chamber; measuring a temperature of the battery by a detection sensor located inside the chamber; receiving temperature data of the detection sensor by a control unit connected to the chamber; determining, by the control unit, whether the battery is normal based on the temperature data; and, if the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal, opening a door of the holder and dropping the battery into water located below the door.

[0012]

[0013] A battery evaluation device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention includes a chamber having a space for housing a battery and a control unit connected to the chamber. The chamber includes a holder for holding the battery, water positioned below the holder, and a first detection sensor capable of detecting the state of the battery. When the first detection sensor detects an abnormal state of the battery, the control unit can open the door of the holder. That is, the control unit can drop the battery in the abnormal state into the water positioned below the door, thereby improving the safety of battery evaluation.

[0014] The effects that can be obtained from the exemplary embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects that arise from practicing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015]

[0016] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device with an open door according to exemplary embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a battery evaluation method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0020]

[0021] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the first problem described above, a battery evaluation device is provided. According to some embodiments, the battery evaluation device includes a chamber having a space in which a battery to be evaluated is installed, and a control unit connected to the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a holder located at an upper portion of the chamber and for holding the battery; water located at a lower portion of the chamber; and a first detection sensor for detecting a state of the battery, wherein the holder includes a fixing portion fixed to the chamber and an openable door connected to the fixing portion, and the control unit receives data of the first detection sensor, and when the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal based on the battery state data of the first detection sensor, the control unit can open the door and drop the battery into the water located at a lower portion of the door.

[0022] In some embodiments, the fixed portion of the stand and the door of the stand are hingedly connected, and the door is rotatable.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the first detection sensor can detect the temperature of the battery, and the control unit can determine that the battery is abnormal when the temperature of the battery is 60°C or higher.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the first detection sensor is one or more of a temperature sensor, a voltage sensor, and a resistance sensor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the battery may be an End of Life (EOL) battery.

[0026] In some embodiments, the water may be salt water.

[0027] In some embodiments, the chamber may be a constant temperature and constant humidity chamber.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the device further includes a second detection sensor capable of detecting gas generated from the battery and an openable ventilation port capable of discharging the gas, and the control unit can open the openable ventilation port when the second detection sensor detects gas.

[0029] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention for solving the second problem described above, a battery evaluation method is provided. In some embodiments, the battery evaluation method may include the steps of: accommodating a battery on a holder of a chamber; measuring a temperature of the battery by a detection sensor located inside the chamber; receiving temperature data of the detection sensor by a control unit connected to the chamber; determining, by the control unit, whether the battery is normal based on the temperature data; and, if the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal, opening a door of the holder and dropping the battery into water located below the door.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the control unit may determine that the battery is abnormal when the temperature of the battery received from the detection sensor is 60°C or higher.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the battery evaluation method may further include a step of detecting gas generated from the battery by a second detection sensor located at an upper portion of the chamber, and a step of the control unit receiving gas data of the second detection sensor and opening the openable ventilation port.

[0032]

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0034] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0035] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0036] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0037]

[0038] Battery evaluation device

[0039] (First embodiment)

[0040] FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to exemplary embodiments.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device with an open door according to exemplary embodiments.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery evaluation device (100) may include a chamber (110) having a space in which a battery (113) to be evaluated is housed, and a control unit (120) connected to the chamber (110). The battery evaluation device (100) is a device for evaluating the remaining value of a battery (113). For example, the battery evaluation device (100) may evaluate the remaining capacity, internal resistance, capacity loss per cycle, energy efficiency, and characteristics of the battery (113) according to temperature.

[0043] According to exemplary embodiments, the battery (113) may be a battery cell, a battery module, or a battery pack. The battery cell may be a basic unit of a lithium-ion battery, i.e., a secondary battery. The battery module may be an assembly of battery cells, including a plurality of battery cells and a frame on which the plurality of battery cells are mounted. The battery pack may be the final form of a battery system installed in a mobility vehicle, etc.

[0044] The battery (113) may be a used battery. According to exemplary embodiments, the battery (113) may be a battery used in an electric vehicle (EV) or an energy storage system (ESS). According to exemplary embodiments, the battery (113) may be an end-of-life (EOL) battery. An EOL battery may be a battery whose initial capacity has reached 80%. Alternatively, an EOL battery may be a battery whose capacity has been reduced to 60% or less.

[0045] The chamber (110) can control environmental factors for assessing the residual value of a battery (113). The battery (113), which is the subject of the assessment, can be sealed and separated from the external environment by the chamber (110). An opening / closing door (not shown) can be positioned at the front of the chamber (110) through which the battery (113), which is the subject of the assessment, can be inserted or removed.

[0046] The chamber (110) may include water (111) located at the bottom of the chamber, a holder (112) located at the top of the chamber, and a first detection sensor (114) capable of detecting the status of the battery (113). The chamber (110) may maintain humidity through the water (111) located at the bottom. In an exemplary embodiment, the holder (112) may include perforated grooves arranged at regular intervals.

[0047]

[0048] When evaluating the residual value of a battery (113), the battery (113) and the holder (112) holding the battery (113) may be positioned at the upper part of the chamber (110), and the water (111) may be positioned at the lower part of the chamber (110). The holder (112) may be positioned at the upper part of the water (111), thereby separating the battery (113) in a normal state from the water (111).

[0049] The stand (112) may include a fixing member (112_1) fixed to the chamber (110) and a door (112_2) coupled with the fixing member (112_1). The chamber (110) and the fixing member (112_1) may be coupled by welding. The fixing member (112_1) is a means for fixing the stand (112) to a wall inside the chamber (110). In addition, the fixing member (112_1) may provide a space in which the door (112_2) may be hinged.

[0050] The door (112_2) can be hinge-coupled to the fixed part (112_1). The left and right sides of the door (112_2) connected to the fixed part (112_21) can be axially coupled to the fixed part (112_2). For example, the door (112_2) can be a pair of structures that can rotate while facing each other using hinges.

[0051] The door (112_2) may be configured to support the battery (113). The door (112_2) may be a pair of rotatable structures facing each other. The door (112_2) may have a shape in which a pair of plates are connected. As long as the door (112_2) can support the battery (113), the shape of the door (112_2) is not limited. According to an exemplary embodiment, the door (112_2) may include a plurality of holes. According to an exemplary embodiment, the door (112_2) may have a mesh shape.

[0052] The first detection sensor (114) can detect the status of the battery (113) mounted on the door (112_1). Specifically, the first detection sensor (114) can detect one or more of the temperature, voltage, and resistance of the battery (113). According to exemplary embodiments, the first detection sensor (114) can be located on a wall inside the chamber (110). According to exemplary embodiments, the first detection sensor (114) can be located on the battery (113).

[0053] The control unit (120) is connected to the chamber (110) and can control the opening and closing of the door (112_2). The connection may be a wireless connection or a wired connection. The control unit (120) can receive battery status data of the first detection sensor (114). If the control unit (120) determines that the battery (113) is abnormal based on the battery status data of the first detection sensor (114), the control unit (120) can open the door (112_2) to drop the battery (113) into the water (111) located at the bottom of the door (112_2). According to exemplary embodiments, the control unit (120) can determine that the battery is in an abnormal state when the temperature of the battery (113) detected by the first detection sensor (114) is 60° C. or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the control unit (120) may determine that the battery is in an abnormal state when the temperature of the battery (113) detected by the first detection sensor (114) is 70°C or higher. When the control unit (120) opens the door (112_2), the battery (113) may be submerged. That is, the battery evaluation device (100) may submerge the battery (113) in water, which may pose a risk of thermal runaway or fire, thereby enhancing the safety of the evaluation.

[0054] Water (111) can lower the temperature of the battery (113) and prevent fire and thermal runaway that may occur in the battery (113). According to exemplary embodiments, the water (111) may be salt water. The salt water can prevent internal reactions in the battery. The battery may experience thermal runaway and swelling due to internal short circuits, and the battery can be disposed of after being immersed in the salt water and discharged.

[0055]

[0056] (Second embodiment)

[0057] FIG. 3 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to other exemplary embodiments.

[0058] The battery evaluation device (100) may further include a second detection sensor (115) capable of detecting gas generated from the battery (113) and an openable ventilation port (116) capable of discharging the gas. When the second detection sensor (115) detects gas generated from the battery (113), the control unit (120) may open the ventilation port (116). The openable ventilation port (116) may include a damper (not shown), and the control unit (120) may adjust the opening rate of the damper. The battery evaluation device (110) may improve the safety of the evaluation by moving the gas generated from the battery (113) to the outside of the chamber (110).

[0059]

[0060] Battery Evaluation Method

[0061] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a battery evaluation method according to exemplary embodiments.

[0062] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the battery evaluation method includes a step (P110) of storing a battery (113) on a holder (112) of a chamber (110); a step (P120) of detecting the status of the battery (113) by a first detection sensor (114) located inside the chamber (110); a step (P130) of receiving status data of the battery (113) from the first detection sensor (114) by a control unit (120) connected to the chamber (110); a step (P140) of determining whether the battery (113) is normal based on the status data of the battery (113). And if the control unit (120) determines that the battery (113) is abnormal, the step (P150) of opening the door (112_2) of the stand (112) and dropping the battery (1113) into the water (111) located below the door (112_2) may be included. At this time, the stand (112) may include a fixing part (112_1) fixed to the chamber (110) and a door (112_2) hingedly connected to the fixing part (112_1).

[0063] The step (P120) in which the first detection sensor (114) detects the state of the battery (113) may be a step in which the first detection sensor (114) measures at least one of the temperature, voltage, and resistance of the battery (113).

[0064] According to exemplary embodiments, the step (P140) in which the control unit (120) determines whether the battery (113) is normal based on the status data of the battery (113) may include a step in which the control unit (120) receives temperature data of the battery (113) from data detected by the first detection sensor (114), and a step in which the control unit (120) determines that the battery (113) is abnormal when the temperature of the battery (113) is 60° C. or higher. According to exemplary embodiments, the control unit (120) may determine that the battery (113) is abnormal when the temperature of the battery (113) is 70° C. or higher.

[0065] On the other hand, if the control unit (120) determines that the state of the battery (113) is normal, it can keep the door (112_2) closed.

[0066] According to other exemplary embodiments, the battery evaluation method may further include a step of detecting gas generated from the battery (113) by a second detection sensor (115) located at the upper portion of the chamber (110), and a step of opening a closable ventilation hole (116) by a control unit (120) upon receiving the gas data of the second detection sensor (115).

[0067]

[0068] [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 100: Battery evaluation device

[0070] 110: Chamber

[0071] 111: Water

[0072] 112: Stand

[0073] 112_1: Fixed part

[0074] 112_2: Door

[0075] 113: Battery

[0076] 114: First detection sensor

[0077] 115: Second detection sensor

[0078] 116: Retractable ventilation vent

[0079] 120: Control unit

Claims

1. Includes a chamber having a space in which a battery to be evaluated is built in and a control unit connected to the chamber, The above chamber, A stand located at the top of the chamber and holding the battery; Water located at the bottom of the above stand; and Including a first detection sensor that detects the status of the above battery, The above-mentioned stand includes a fixing member fixed to the chamber and an openable door coupled to the fixing member, The above control unit receives data from the first detection sensor, A battery evaluation device that opens the door and drops the battery into water located below the door when the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal based on the battery status data of the first detection sensor.

2. In paragraph 1, The above fixing part of the above stand and the above door of the above stand are hinge-joined, A battery evaluation device characterized in that the above door is of a rotating type.

3. In paragraph 1, The above first detection sensor detects the temperature of the battery, The above control unit is a battery evaluation device that determines that the battery is abnormal when the temperature of the battery is 60°C or higher.

4. In paragraph 1, A battery evaluation device characterized in that the above battery is an EOL (End of Life) battery.

5. In paragraph 1, It further includes a second detection sensor for detecting gas generated from the battery and an openable ventilation hole for discharging the gas. The above control unit is a battery evaluation device that opens the ventilation hole when the second detection sensor detects gas.

6. Step of storing the battery on the stand of the chamber; A step of detecting the status of the battery by a first detection sensor located inside the chamber; A step of receiving status data of the battery from the first detection sensor by a control unit connected to the chamber; A step in which the control unit determines whether the battery is normal based on the status data of the battery; If the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal, the step of opening the door of the stand and dropping the battery into water located under the door is included. A battery evaluation method, wherein the above-mentioned stand includes a fixing member fixed to the chamber and a door hinged to the fixing member.

7. In paragraph 6, The above first detection sensor detects the temperature of the battery, A battery evaluation method in which the control unit determines that the battery is abnormal when the temperature of the battery received from the detection sensor is 60°C or higher.

8. In paragraph 6, A step in which a second detection sensor located at the upper part of the chamber detects gas generated from the battery; and A battery evaluation method further comprising a step of the control unit receiving gas data of the second detection sensor and opening the closable ventilation hole located at the upper portion of the chamber.

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