Detoxification device for battery

Abstract

Provided is a detoxification device for a battery, which is capable of detoxifying hydrogen sulfide, using a simple configuration.　A vehicle 10 is mainly equipped with: a medium circulation unit 30; a medium cooling unit 35; a battery pack housing 23; and an arithmetic control unit 24. The medium circulation unit 30 is disposed between battery cells 22 which include a sulfide, and is configured to allow a cooling medium 33 to circulate in the medium circulation unit. The medium cooling unit 35 is configured to cool the cooling medium 33. A detection unit 25 is configured so as to detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 22. If the detection unit 25 detects that hydrogen sulfide is being generated, the arithmetic control unit 24 causes the cooling medium 33 cooled by the medium cooling unit 35 to flow through the medium circulation unit 30.

Description

Battery detoxification device

[0001] The present invention relates to a detoxification device for a battery.

[0002] In recent years, vehicles equipped with large batteries for driving motors have appeared. Currently, liquid-based lithium-ion batteries are used as such batteries.

[0003] In order to promote higher battery capacity and higher energy density, it is effective to adopt all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries. All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries are basically composed of a ternary or other positive electrode material, a solid electrolyte, and a carbon or other negative electrode. Solid electrolytes are broadly divided into oxide-based solid electrolytes and sulfide-based solid electrolytes. Sulfide-based solid electrolytes are considered suitable for use in electric vehicles and other applications as large-capacity, high-output batteries. However, because sulfide-based solid electrolytes are primarily made from sulfur, there is a risk that they will react with moisture in the air and generate a toxic gas called hydrogen sulfide.

[0004] Patent Document 1 describes an all-solid-state battery that can absorb and neutralize hydrogen sulfide gas generated by a power-generating element. Specifically, Patent Document 1 describes a battery that has a housing that houses the power-generating element, and a hydrogen sulfide neutralizing agent disposed inside the housing. The hydrogen sulfide neutralizing agent neutralizes hydrogen sulfide generated from a sulfide-based solid electrolyte containing sulfur.

[0005] JP 2011-113803 A

[0006] However, the inventions described in the above-mentioned patent documents leave room for improvement in terms of effectively detoxifying hydrogen sulfide.

[0007] Specifically, the invention described in Patent Document 1 employs an alkaline substance, activated carbon, or the like as a hydrogen sulfide detoxifying agent that renders hydrogen sulfide harmless. However, providing such a hydrogen sulfide detoxifying agent requires a holding member or the like for holding the hydrogen sulfide detoxifying agent, which complicates the battery configuration, reduces space efficiency, and further increases costs.

[0008] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery detoxification device that can detoxify hydrogen sulfide with a simple configuration.

[0009] A battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a medium circulation section disposed between battery cells containing sulfides and through which a cooling medium flows, a medium cooling section for cooling the cooling medium, a detection section for detecting the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cells, and an arithmetic and control section, wherein the arithmetic and control section, when the detection section detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide, causes the cooling medium cooled by the medium cooling section to flow through the medium circulation section.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the detection unit detects that hydrogen sulfide has been generated from the solid-state battery, the cooled cooling medium is circulated through the medium circulation unit. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the medium circulation unit, dissolving the hydrogen sulfide in the condensation, and preventing the hydrogen sulfide from diffusing. This allows for a low-cost measure to prevent passengers and other personnel from being adversely affected by hydrogen sulfide.

[0011] 1 is a side view showing a vehicle equipped with a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a battery pack equipped with a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section of the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section according to another embodiment of the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section according to another embodiment of the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which cooling water is used as a cooling medium in the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section of the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which cooling water is used as a cooling medium in the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section of the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which cooling water is used as a cooling medium in the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation part of a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a refrigerant is used as a cooling medium in a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation part of a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a refrigerant is used as a cooling medium in a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation part of a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a refrigerant is used as a cooling medium in a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a refrigerant is used as a cooling medium in a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section of a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration in which a refrigerant is used as a cooling medium in a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation section of a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a method for detoxifying hydrogen sulfide generated from a battery using a battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] A battery detoxification device 20 and a vehicle 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the terms front, back, up, down, left, and right are used, but left and right refer to the left and right when the vehicle 10 is viewed from the front. Furthermore, in the following description, the same components will generally be given the same reference numerals, and repeated description will be omitted.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a vehicle 10 equipped with a battery detoxification device 20. As shown in FIG.

[0014] The vehicle 10 may be, for example, a battery electric vehicle (BEV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), etc. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 mainly includes a vehicle body 11, a battery pack 21, and a battery detoxification device 20.

[0015] The battery pack 21 is configured by housing a plurality of battery cells 22 in a battery pack housing 23. Details of the battery pack 21 will be described later with reference to Fig. 2A. In the vehicle 10, the motor is rotated by electric power generated by the battery cells 22, thereby obtaining driving force for the vehicle body 11.

[0016] The battery detoxification device 20 is configured to detoxify hydrogen sulfide when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery pack 21. The battery detoxification device 20 mainly includes a medium circulation unit 30, a medium cooling unit 35, a detection unit 25, and an arithmetic control unit 24.

[0017] The medium circulating portion 30 is disposed between the battery cells 22 containing sulfide, and is configured so that a cooling medium 33 (described later) circulates through the medium circulating portion 30. Details of the medium circulating portion 30 will be described later with reference to FIG. 2A etc.

[0018] The medium cooling unit 35 is configured to cool the cooling medium 33. Details of the medium cooling unit 35 will be described later with reference to FIG. 4A and the like.

[0019] The detection unit 25 is configured to detect the generation of hydrogen sulfide from the battery cell 22. The detection unit 25 can be a device that directly detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide, such as a hydrogen sulfide sensor disposed inside the battery pack housing 23 (described later). Furthermore, the detection unit 25 can be a device that indirectly detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide, such as a device that detects the temperature or deformation of the battery cell 22, or a collision of the vehicle 10 (described later).

[0020] The calculation control unit 24 is composed of a semiconductor element such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The calculation control unit 24 may include a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a ROM (Read Only Memory) as a storage unit. Such storage unit stores programs, parameters, etc. The calculation control unit 24 executes functions and methods described below based on the programs, parameters, etc. read from the storage unit. In this embodiment, as described below, when the detection unit 25 detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide, the calculation control unit 24 circulates the cooling medium 33 cooled by the medium cooling unit 35 through the medium circulation unit 30 to neutralize the hydrogen sulfide.

[0021] FIG. 2A is a plan view showing the battery pack 21 to be detoxified by the battery detoxification device 20. FIG.

[0022] The battery pack 21 mainly includes a battery cell 22 and a battery pack housing 23 .

[0023] All-solid-state batteries are used as the battery cells 22. Here, the battery cells 22 are arranged in a matrix along the left-right and front-rear directions. All-solid-state lithium-ion batteries using a sulfide-based solid electrolyte are used as the battery cells 22. In such cases, moisture that is mixed in or remains in the battery cells during the battery cell manufacturing process may generate hydrogen sulfide inside the battery cells during the charge / discharge cycles when the battery is used, and the hydrogen sulfide may leak out of the battery cells 22 for some reason. In this embodiment, as will be described later, condensation is generated inside the battery pack housing 23, and the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensed water, thereby rendering the hydrogen sulfide harmless.

[0024] The battery pack housing 23 is, for example, a housing having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The battery cells 22, the medium circulating unit 30, etc. are housed inside the battery pack housing 23. The inside of the battery pack housing 23 is a substantially sealed space.

[0025] The medium circulation unit 30 is disposed between the battery cells 22. Here, the medium circulation unit 30 is disposed between the battery cells 22 in the left-right direction. The medium circulation unit 30 has the function of lowering the surface temperature of the medium circulation unit 30 and causing condensation to occur on the surface of the medium circulation unit 30 when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 22. Furthermore, by being disposed between the battery cells 22, the medium circulation unit 30 serves to absorb expansion and contraction of the battery cells 22 during charging and discharging. Furthermore, the medium circulation unit 30 serves to absorb vibrations and shocks input from the outside, thereby reducing the vibrations and shocks transmitted to the battery cells 22. Various shapes can be adopted as the cross section of the medium circulation unit 30. This will be described later with reference to FIG. 2B and subsequent figures.

[0026] The front end and rear end of the medium flow section 30 are connected to the medium cooling section 35. As will be described later, the medium cooling section 35 is a section that cools the cooling medium 33 flowing inside the medium flow section 30.

[0027] 2B is a cross-sectional view showing the medium flow section 30 of the battery detoxification device 20. Fig. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Fig. 2A. Among the battery cells 22, adjacent battery cells 221 and 222 are shown here.

[0028] Here, a separator 31 having an H-shaped cross section is used as the medium circulating portion 30. The medium circulating portion 30 has a hollow structure, and a cooling medium 33 flows through the inside thereof. Taking thermal conductivity into consideration, a metal such as iron or stainless steel is used as the material for the separator 31. Specifically, the separator 31 has a web portion 311, a flange portion 312, and a flange portion 313. The flange portion 312 has an elongated shape extending in the vertical direction and abuts against the right side surface of the battery cell 221. The flange portion 313 has an elongated shape extending in the vertical direction and abuts against the left side surface of the battery cell 222. The web portion 311 connects the approximate center of the flange portion 312 in the vertical direction to the approximate center of the flange portion 313 in the vertical direction.

[0029] Here, the separator 31 also serves as the medium circulation section 30, thereby preventing an increase in the number of parts and making hydrogen sulfide harmless, as will be described later. Furthermore, the medium circulation section 30 has an H-shaped cross section, which increases the surface area of ​​the medium circulation section 30 and allows a large amount of condensation to occur. Furthermore, as will be described later, the upper part of the separator 31 can be used as a section for storing condensation water in which hydrogen sulfide is dissolved.

[0030] 3A is a cross-sectional view showing a medium circulation portion 314 according to another embodiment. The medium circulation portion 314 here has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. The substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape of the medium circulation portion 314 makes it possible to increase the area where the battery cells 221 and 222 come into contact with both side surfaces of the medium circulation portion 314. Here, too, the medium circulation portion 314 has a hollow shape, and the cooling medium 33 flows through the interior thereof.

[0031] 3B is a cross-sectional view showing a medium distribution section 315 according to another embodiment. Here, the medium distribution section 315 has a substantially regular hexagonal cross-sectional shape. Because the cross section of the medium distribution section 315 is a substantially regular hexagonal shape, the side surfaces of the medium distribution section 315 that face each other in the left-right direction can abut against the side surfaces of the battery cells 221 and 222. Here again, the medium distribution section 315 has a hollow shape, and the cooling medium 33 flows through the inside thereof.

[0032] 4A to 6B, a battery detoxification device 20 having a configuration for cooling a battery 40 and the like using a radiator 41 and a refrigeration cycle 36 will be described.

[0033] Figures 4A and 4B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 20 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 5A and 5B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 20, in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled by the cooling water flow path 43 during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 6A and 6B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 20, in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled by the chiller 39 during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40.

[0034] Fig. 4A is a block diagram showing the operation when hydrogen sulfide is generated in the battery detoxification device 20 that uses cooling water 29 as the cooling medium 33. Fig. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery cell 22 and the separator 31.

[0035] The configuration of the battery detoxification device 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 4A. The battery detoxification device 20 has a coolant circuit 34 and a refrigeration cycle 36. The battery detoxification device 20 also employs the coolant circuit 34 as a medium cooling unit 35. This allows the coolant 29 flowing through the medium cooling unit 35 to flow through the separator 31 shown in Fig. 4B.

[0036] The coolant circuit 34 includes a chiller 39 which is a heat exchanger, a battery 40, a radiator 41, a fluid pump 49, and a coolant flow path 43. The coolant circuit 34 is configured so that the inside of the battery pack housing 23 can be cooled via the separator 31 by the coolant 29 flowing through the coolant flow path 43. Here, a pipe line can be used as the coolant flow path 43.

[0037] The chiller 39 is a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant 28 used in the refrigeration cycle 36 and the cooling water 29 used in the cooling water circuit 34 , thereby cooling the cooling water 29 .

[0038] The radiator 41 is a device that cools the coolant 29 by exchanging heat between the coolant 29 flowing inside the radiator 41 and outside air.

[0039] The configuration of the battery 40 is as described above with reference to FIG. 2A and the like.

[0040] The fluid pump 49 is interposed in a cooling water flow path 433 (described later) and generates pressure for circulating the cooling water 29 inside the cooling water flow path 43. Specifically, the fluid pump 49 generates pressure in a midway portion of the cooling water flow path 433 such that the cooling water 29 flows from the cooling water flow path 433 toward the cooling water flow path 432 or the cooling water flow path 434.

[0041] The battery 40, the radiator 41, and the chiller 39 are connected to one another by a cooling water flow path 43, which is a pipe. The cooling water flow path 43 has cooling water flow paths 431 to 4310, and is a path through which the cooling water 29 circulates.

[0042] Cooling water flow path 431, cooling water flow path 432, cooling water flow path 434, and cooling water flow path 435 are paths that connect the chiller 39 and the radiator 41. Cooling water flow path 433 is a path that connects the junction of the cooling water flow path 432 and the cooling water flow path 434 to the battery 40. Cooling water flow path 436, cooling water flow path 437, cooling water flow path 439, and cooling water flow path 4310 are paths that connect the chiller 39 and the radiator 41. Cooling water flow path 438 is a path that connects the junction of the cooling water flow path 437 and the cooling water flow path 439 to the battery 40.

[0043] The cooling water circuit 34 is provided with a three-way valve 481 and a three-way valve 482 for switching the flow direction of the cooling water 29 .

[0044] The three-way valve 481 is a valve installed at the connection point between the cooling water flow path 432, the cooling water flow path 434, and the cooling water flow path 433. When hydrogen sulfide is generated, the three-way valve 481 is switched so that the cooling water 29 that has flowed in from the cooling water flow path 433 flows toward the cooling water flow path 432.

[0045] The three-way valve 482 is a valve installed at the connection point of the cooling water flow path 437, the cooling water flow path 439, and the cooling water flow path 438. When hydrogen sulfide is generated, the three-way valve 482 is switched so that the cooling water 29 that has flowed in from the cooling water flow path 437 flows toward the cooling water flow path 438.

[0046] The refrigeration cycle 36 is a refrigerant circuit. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle 36 is a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and includes a compressor 45, a condenser 37, an expansion valve 46, and an evaporator 38. The refrigeration cycle 36 is also connected to a chiller 39.

[0047] The compressor 45, the condenser 37, the expansion valve 46, the evaporator 38, and the chiller 39 are interconnected by a refrigerant flow path 42, which is a pipe. The refrigerant flow path 42 has refrigerant flow paths 421 to 4210. The refrigerant 28 used in the vapor compression refrigeration cycle 36 flows through the refrigerant flow path 42. For example, ammonia, hydrocarbon, carbon dioxide, or the like is used as the refrigerant 28.

[0048] The refrigerant flow path 42 will now be described in detail. Refrigerant flow path 421, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 423, and refrigerant flow path 424 are paths that connect the compressor 45 and the chiller 39. Refrigerant flow path 425 is a path that connects the junction of refrigerant flow path 422 and refrigerant flow path 423 with the evaporator 38. Refrigerant flow path 426 is a path that connects the compressor 45 and the condenser 37. Refrigerant flow path 429 is a path that connects the condenser 37 with the expansion valve 46. Refrigerant flow path 4210 and refrigerant flow path 428 are paths that connect the expansion valve 46 with the chiller 39. Refrigerant flow path 427 is a path that connects the junction of refrigerant flow path 4210 and refrigerant flow path 428 with the evaporator 38.

[0049] In the refrigerant flow path 42, a switching valve 471, a switching valve 472, a switching valve 473, and a switching valve 474 are arranged.

[0050] The switching valve 471 is a valve interposed in the refrigerant flow path 425. The switching valve 472 is a valve interposed in the refrigerant flow path 427. The switching valves 471 and 472 are linked to the operation of an air conditioner that conditions the passenger compartment. That is, when the passenger compartment air conditioner is ON, the switching valves 471 and 472 are open, and the refrigerant 28 flows through the evaporator 38. On the other hand, when the passenger compartment air conditioner is OFF, the switching valves 471 and 472 are closed, and the refrigerant 28 does not flow through the evaporator 38.

[0051] The switching valve 473 is a valve interposed in the refrigerant flow path 423. The switching valve 474 is a valve interposed in the refrigerant flow path 4210. The switching valves 473 and 474 are normally closed when no hydrogen sulfide is generated, and the refrigerant 28 is not supplied to the chiller 39. When hydrogen sulfide is generated, the switching valves 473 and 474 are opened, and the refrigerant 28 is supplied to the chiller 39.

[0052] The path of the coolant 28 in the coolant flow path 42 is as follows.

[0053] Specifically, when the passenger compartment air conditioner is ON, the switching valves 471 and 472 are open. The refrigerant 28 is compressed by the compressor 45 and sent to the refrigerant flow path 426. The refrigerant 28 condenses by dissipating heat in the condenser 37 and is sent to the expansion valve 46 via the refrigerant flow path 429. The refrigerant 28 expanded by the expansion valve 46 is sent to the evaporator 38 via the refrigerant flow path 4210, the switching valve 472, and the refrigerant flow path 427. The refrigerant 28 evaporated by absorbing heat in the evaporator 38 returns to the compressor 45 via the refrigerant flow path 425, the switching valve 471, the refrigerant flow path 422, and the refrigerant flow path 421.

[0054] Furthermore, a portion of the refrigerant 28 expanded in the expansion valve 46 is sent to the chiller 39 via the refrigerant flow path 4210, the switching valve 474, and the refrigerant flow path 428. The refrigerant 28 that has cooled the cooling water 29 in the cooling water circuit 34 in the chiller 39 returns to the compressor 45 via the refrigerant flow path 424, the switching valve 473, the refrigerant flow path 423, the refrigerant flow path 422, and the refrigerant flow path 421.

[0055] When hydrogen sulfide is generated, the flow of the cooling water 29 in the cooling water flow path 43 is as follows. In this case, the three-way valve 481 is switched to allow the cooling water 29 to flow from the cooling water flow path 433 to the cooling water flow path 432. The three-way valve 482 is also switched to allow the cooling water 29 to flow from the cooling water flow path 437 to the cooling water flow path 438. The fluid pump 49 is also operated.

[0056] Specifically, first, the cooling water 29 cooled by the refrigeration cycle 36 in the chiller 39 flows into the battery 40 via the cooling water flow path 436, the cooling water flow path 437, the three-way valve 482, and the cooling water flow path 438. The cooling water 29 that has cooled the battery 40 by flowing through the separator 31 shown in FIG. 4B returns to the chiller 39 via the fluid pump 49, the cooling water flow path 433, the three-way valve 481, the cooling water flow path 432, and the cooling water flow path 431.

[0057] 4B , inside the battery 40, the cooling water 29 flows through the inside of the separator 31. As a result, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 22, condensation occurs on the surface of the separator 31, and the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensed water, thereby rendering the hydrogen sulfide harmless.

[0058] Fig. 5A is a block diagram showing the operation when, under normal circumstances when no hydrogen sulfide is generated, coolant 29 cooled by a radiator 41 is used as the cooling medium 33. Fig. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a battery cell 22 and a separator 31.

[0059] 5A , the switching valves 471 and 472 of the refrigeration cycle 36 are in an open state. The switching valves 473 and 474 of the refrigeration cycle 36 are in a closed state. In the coolant circuit 34, the three-way valve 481 is switched so that the coolant 29 flows from the coolant flow path 434 to the coolant flow path 433. The three-way valve 482 is switched so that the coolant 29 flows from the coolant flow path 438 to the coolant flow path 439. The fluid pump 49 is operated.

[0060] The operation of the battery detoxification device 20 with the valve switched in this manner will be described below.

[0061] In the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates through the compressor 45, the refrigerant flow path 426, the condenser 37, the refrigerant flow path 429, the expansion valve 46, the refrigerant flow path 4210, the switching valve 472, the refrigerant flow path 427, the evaporator 38, the switching valve 471, the refrigerant flow path 425, the refrigerant flow path 422, the refrigerant flow path 421, and the compressor 45 in this order, thereby cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. The specific operation of the refrigeration cycle 36 is as described with reference to FIG.

[0062] In the coolant circuit 34, the coolant 29 circulates in the following order: battery 40, coolant flow path 438, three-way valve 482, coolant flow path 439, coolant flow path 4310, radiator 41, coolant flow path 435, coolant flow path 434, three-way valve 481, coolant flow path 433, fluid pump 49, and battery 40. As a result, the coolant 29 dissipates heat in the radiator 41 and absorbs heat from the battery 40, thereby cooling the battery 40.

[0063] 5B, inside the battery 40, the coolant 29 cooled by the radiator 41 flows through the inside of the separator 31. This allows the battery cells 221 and 222 to be cooled effectively.

[0064] Fig. 6A is a block diagram showing the operation of the battery detoxification device 20 when, under normal circumstances when no hydrogen sulfide is generated, cooling water 29 cooled by a chiller 39 is used as the cooling medium 33. Fig. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery cell 22 and the separator 31.

[0065] 6A , the switching valves 471 and 472 of the refrigeration cycle 36 are in an open state. The switching valves 473 and 474 of the refrigeration cycle 36 are also in an open state. In the coolant circuit 34, the three-way valve 481 is switched so that the coolant 29 flows from the coolant flow path 433 to the coolant flow path 432. The three-way valve 482 is switched so that the coolant 29 flows from the coolant flow path 437 to the coolant flow path 438.

[0066] The operation of the battery detoxification device 20 with the valve switched in this manner will be described below.

[0067] In the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates through the compressor 45, the refrigerant flow path 426, the condenser 37, the refrigerant flow path 429, the expansion valve 46, the refrigerant flow path 4210, the switching valve 472, the refrigerant flow path 427, the evaporator 38, the switching valve 471, the refrigerant flow path 425, the refrigerant flow path 422, the refrigerant flow path 421, and the compressor 45 in this order, thereby cooling the passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. The specific operation of the refrigeration cycle 36 is as described with reference to FIG.

[0068] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle 36, a portion of the refrigerant 28 that passes through the expansion valve 46 passes through the refrigerant flow path 4210, the switching valve 474, the refrigerant flow path 428, the chiller 39, the refrigerant flow path 424, the refrigerant flow path 423, the switching valve 473, the refrigerant flow path 422, and the refrigerant flow path 421.

[0069] In the coolant circuit 34, the coolant 29 circulates in the following order: chiller 39, coolant flow path 436, coolant flow path 437, three-way valve 482, coolant flow path 438, battery 40, fluid pump 49, coolant flow path 433, three-way valve 481, coolant flow path 432, coolant flow path 431, and chiller 39. As a result, the coolant 29 is cooled in the chiller 39 by the refrigerant 28 of the refrigeration cycle 36, and cools the battery cells 22 in the battery 40.

[0070] 6B, inside the battery 40, the cooling water 29 cooled by the chiller 39 flows through the inside of the separator 31. This allows the battery cells 221 and 222 to be cooled effectively.

[0071] 7A to 9B, a battery detoxification device 201 having a configuration for cooling a battery 40 by a refrigeration cycle 36 will be described.

[0072] Figures 7A and 7B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 8A and 8B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 in which the battery 40 is not cooled during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 9A and 9B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 in which the battery 40 is cooled by the refrigeration cycle 36 during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40.

[0073] Fig. 7A is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Fig. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery cell 22 and the separator 31 in this state.

[0074] Referring to FIG. 7A, the battery detoxification device 201 includes a compressor 45 , a condenser 37 , an expansion valve 46 , an evaporator 38 and a battery 40 .

[0075] The refrigerant flow path 42 is configured to interconnect the various devices that make up the battery detoxification device 201. The refrigerant flow path 42 has refrigerant flow paths 421 to 4212. Refrigerant flow paths 421, 422, 423, and 424 are paths that connect the compressor 45 and the battery 40. Refrigerant flow path 429 is a path that connects the junction of refrigerant flow paths 422 and 423 with the evaporator 38. Refrigerant flow path 4211 is a path that connects the compressor 45 and the condenser 37. Refrigerant flow paths 428 and 4212 are paths that connect the condenser 37 and the expansion valve 46. Refrigerant flow paths 427, 426, and 425 are paths that connect the expansion valve 46 and the battery 40. The refrigerant flow path 4210 is a path that connects the junction between the refrigerant flow path 427 and the refrigerant flow path 426 to the evaporator 38 .

[0076] Switching valves 471 to 474 are disposed in the refrigerant flow path 42 of the battery detoxification device 201. Specifically, switching valve 471 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 429, and switching valve 472 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 4210. Switching valves 471 and 472 are valves that are opened when an air conditioning system that conditions the passenger compartment of vehicle 10 is turned on. Switching valve 473 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 423, and switching valve 474 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 426. Switching valves 473 and 474 are valves that are opened when cooling the battery 40.

[0077] When hydrogen sulfide is generated inside battery 40, switching valves 473 and 474 are opened. On the other hand, switching valves 471 and 472 are opened when the passenger compartment air conditioner is turned on.

[0078] Within the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4211, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 428, refrigerant flow path 4212, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 427, refrigerant flow path 4210, switching valve 472, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0079] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant 28 that has passed through the expansion valve 46 flows through the refrigerant flow path 427 , the switching valve 474 , the refrigerant flow path 426 , the refrigerant flow path 425 , the battery 40 , the refrigerant flow path 424 , the refrigerant flow path 423 , the switching valve 473 and the refrigerant flow path 422 .

[0080] 7B , inside the battery 40, the refrigerant 28 flows through the inside of the separator 31. As a result, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 22, condensation occurs on the surface of the separator 31, and the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensed water, thereby rendering the hydrogen sulfide harmless.

[0081] Fig. 8A is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 when the battery 40 is not cooled during normal operation when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Fig. 8B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery cell 22 and the separator 31 in this state.

[0082] 8A, switching valves 471 and 472 are opened to air-condition the passenger compartment of vehicle 10. Switching valves 473 and 474 are closed because they do not cool battery 40.

[0083] In the battery detoxification device 201, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4211, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 428, refrigerant flow path 4212, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 427, refrigerant flow path 4210, switching valve 472, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0084] On the other hand, because the switching valves 473 and 474 are closed, the refrigerant 28 is not supplied to the battery 40. Therefore, the refrigerant 28 does not flow through the separator 31.

[0085] 8B, the refrigerant 28 does not flow inside the separator 31. Therefore, the separator 31 does not cool the battery cells 221 and 222.

[0086] Fig. 9A is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 201 when cooling the battery 40 under normal circumstances when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view showing the battery cell 22 and the separator 31 in this state.

[0087] 9A, switching valves 471 and 472 are opened to air-condition the passenger compartment of vehicle 10. Switching valves 473 and 474 are opened to cool battery 40.

[0088] In the battery detoxification device 201, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4211, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 428, refrigerant flow path 4212, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 427, refrigerant flow path 4210, switching valve 472, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0089] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant 28 that has passed through the expansion valve 46 flows through the refrigerant flow path 427 , the switching valve 474 , the refrigerant flow path 426 , the refrigerant flow path 425 , the battery 40 , the refrigerant flow path 424 , the refrigerant flow path 423 , the switching valve 473 and the refrigerant flow path 422 .

[0090] 9B, in the battery 40, the refrigerant 28 flows through the separator 31. This cools the battery cells 221 and 222.

[0091] 10A to 12B, a battery detoxification device 202 having a configuration for cooling a battery 40 using a cooling water circuit 34 and a refrigeration cycle 36 will be described.

[0092] Figures 10A and 10B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 202 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 11A and 11B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 202 in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled by the cooling water flow path 43 during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 12A and 12B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 202 in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled by the chiller 39 during normal times when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40.

[0093] 10A, the configuration of the battery detoxification device 202 will be described. The battery detoxification device 202 has a refrigeration cycle 36 and a coolant circuit 34 as a medium cooling section 35.

[0094] The refrigeration cycle 36 includes components that constitute the refrigeration cycle. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle 36 includes a compressor 45, a condenser 37, an expansion valve 46, and an evaporator 38. Furthermore, a chiller 39 and a battery 40 are connected to the refrigeration cycle 36.

[0095] The devices constituting the refrigeration cycle 36 are connected by a refrigerant flow path 42. Specifically, refrigerant flow path 421, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 423, refrigerant flow path 4211, and refrigerant flow path 4212 are paths connecting the compressor 45 and the battery 40. Refrigerant flow path 425 is a path connecting the junction of refrigerant flow path 422 and refrigerant flow path 423 to the evaporator 38. Refrigerant flow path 424 is a path connecting the junction of refrigerant flow path 423 and refrigerant flow path 4211 to the chiller 39. Refrigerant flow path 4215 is a path connecting the compressor 45 and the condenser 37. Refrigerant flow path 426 is a path connecting the condenser 37 and the expansion valve 46. Refrigerant flow path 429, refrigerant flow path 4210, refrigerant flow path 4213, and refrigerant flow path 4214 are paths connecting the expansion valve 46 and the battery 40. The refrigerant flow path 427 is a path that connects a midpoint of the refrigerant flow path 429 to the evaporator 38. The refrigerant flow path 428 is a path that connects the connection portion between the refrigerant flow paths 4210 and 4213 to the chiller 39.

[0096] Switching valves 471 to 474 are disposed in refrigerant flow path 42. Switching valve 471 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 425, switching valve 472 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 427, switching valve 473 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 423, and switching valve 474 is disposed in refrigerant flow path 4210. Furthermore, three-way valves 483 and 484 are disposed in refrigerant flow path 42. Three-way valve 483 is disposed at a junction of refrigerant flow path 423, refrigerant flow path 4211, and refrigerant flow path 424. Three-way valve 484 is disposed at a junction of refrigerant flow path 4210, refrigerant flow path 428, and refrigerant flow path 4213.

[0097] The coolant circuit 34 is a circuit through which the coolant 29 circulates among the fluid pump 49 , the radiator 41 , the battery 40 and the chiller 39 .

[0098] The components constituting the coolant circuit 34 are connected by a coolant flow path 43. Specifically, coolant flow path 431, coolant flow path 432, coolant flow path 434, and coolant flow path 435 are paths that connect the chiller 39 and the radiator 41. Coolant flow path 433 is a path that connects the connection between the coolant flow path 432 and the coolant flow path 434 to the battery 40. Coolant flow path 436, coolant flow path 437, coolant flow path 439, and coolant flow path 4310 are paths that connect the chiller 39 and the radiator 41. Coolant flow path 438 is a path that connects the connection between the coolant flow path 437 and the coolant flow path 439 to the battery 40. In addition, a fluid pump 49 is interposed in the coolant flow path 433.

[0099] A three-way valve 481 and a three-way valve 482 are disposed in the cooling water flow path 43. The three-way valve 481 is disposed at a connection point between the cooling water flow path 432, the cooling water flow path 433, and the cooling water flow path 434. The three-way valve 482 is disposed at a connection point between the cooling water flow path 437, the cooling water flow path 438, and the cooling water flow path 439.

[0100] When hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40, the states of the valves are as follows: The switching valves 471 and 472 are open when the passenger compartment air conditioner is turned on. The switching valves 473 and 474 are open. The three-way valve 483 of the coolant circuit 34 is switched to allow the refrigerant 28 to flow from the refrigerant flow path 4211 to the refrigerant flow path 423. The three-way valve 484 is switched to allow the refrigerant 28 to flow from the refrigerant flow path 4210 to the refrigerant flow path 4213. The fluid pump 49 is not operated.

[0101] In the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4215, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 426, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 472, refrigerant flow path 427, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 425, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0102] In addition, in the refrigeration cycle 36, a portion of the refrigerant 28 is used to cool the battery 40. Specifically, a portion of the refrigerant 28 circulates through the compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4215, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 426, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 474, refrigerant flow path 4210, three-way valve 484, refrigerant flow path 4213, refrigerant flow path 4214, battery 40, refrigerant flow path 4212, refrigerant flow path 4211, three-way valve 483, refrigerant flow path 423, switching valve 473, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45, in that order.

[0103] 10B is a cross-sectional view showing separator 31, water cooling unit 50, and battery cell 22 as medium cooling unit 35. Here, separator 31 and water cooling unit 50 are used as a path through which coolant 33 flows. Separator 31 is a path through which refrigerant 28 flows, and water cooling unit 50 is a path through which coolant 29 flows.

[0104] A heat transfer sheet 44 is disposed between the lower surface of the battery cell 221 and the upper surface of the battery pack housing 23. Similarly, a heat transfer sheet 44 is disposed between the lower surface of the battery cell 222 and the upper surface of the battery pack housing 23. The heat transfer sheet 44 is made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity, such as metal.

[0105] Water cooling units 50 are disposed on the underside of the battery pack housing 23 in portions corresponding to the lower sides of the battery cells 221 and 222. The water cooling units 50 are rectangular shaped conduits and are disposed so as to be in close contact with the lower side of the battery pack housing 23. In other words, the water cooling units 50 are disposed on the outside of the battery pack housing 23. The water cooling units 50 are thermally coupled to the battery cells 221 and 222 via the battery pack housing 23 and the heat transfer sheet 44. One end of the water cooling unit 50 is connected to the cooling water flow path 433 shown in FIG. 10A and the other end is connected to the cooling water flow path 438.

[0106] Inside the battery 40, the refrigerant 28 flows through the separator 31. As a result, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 22, condensation occurs on the surface of the separator 31, and the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensed water, making the hydrogen sulfide harmless.

[0107] Fig. 11A shows the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 202 in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled by the coolant circuit 34 during normal operation when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Fig. 11B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration for cooling the battery cells 22 in this state.

[0108] The state of each valve will be described with reference to FIG. 11A . The switching valves 471 and 472 are open when the passenger compartment air conditioner is turned on. The switching valves 473 and 474 are closed. The three-way valve 483 is in any state because the refrigerant 28 does not flow through it. The three-way valve 484 is in any state because the refrigerant 28 does not flow through it. The three-way valve 481 of the coolant circuit 34 is switched to allow the coolant 29 to flow from the coolant flow path 434 to the coolant flow path 433. The three-way valve 482 is switched to allow the coolant 29 to flow from the coolant flow path 438 to the coolant flow path 439. The fluid pump 49 is operated.

[0109] In the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4215, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 426, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 472, refrigerant flow path 427, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 425, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0110] In the cooling water flow path 43, the cooling water 29 circulates in the following order: fluid pump 49, cooling water flow path 433, battery 40, cooling water flow path 438, three-way valve 482, cooling water flow path 439, cooling water flow path 4310, radiator 41, cooling water flow path 435, cooling water flow path 434, three-way valve 481, cooling water flow path 433, and fluid pump 49.

[0111] 11B , cooling water 29 cooled by radiator 41 flows through the inside of water-cooling unit 50. As a result, cooling water 29 flowing through water-cooling unit 50 cools battery cell 221 and battery cell 222 via heat transfer sheet 44.

[0112] Fig. 12A is a block diagram showing the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 202, in which the refrigeration cycle 36 is operated and the battery 40 is cooled via the chiller 39 during normal operation when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration for cooling the battery cells 22 in this state.

[0113] The state of each valve will be described with reference to FIG. 12A . The switching valves 471 and 472 are open when the passenger compartment air conditioner is turned on. The switching valves 473 and 474 are open. The three-way valve 483 is switched so that the refrigerant 28 flows from the refrigerant flow path 424 to the refrigerant flow path 423. The three-way valve 484 is switched so that the refrigerant 28 flows from the refrigerant flow path 4210 to the refrigerant flow path 428. The three-way valves 481 and 482 of the coolant circuit 34 do not allow the coolant 29 to flow therethrough, and therefore the switching method therefor is arbitrary. The fluid pump 49 is not operated.

[0114] In the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4215, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 426, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 472, refrigerant flow path 427, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 425, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0115] Furthermore, in the refrigeration cycle 36, a portion of the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4215, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 426, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 474, refrigerant flow path 4210, three-way valve 484, refrigerant flow path 428, chiller 39, refrigerant flow path 424, three-way valve 483, refrigerant flow path 423, switching valve 473, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0116] In the coolant circuit 34, the coolant 29 circulates in the following order: fluid pump 49, coolant flow path 433, three-way valve 481, coolant flow path 432, coolant flow path 431, chiller 39, coolant flow path 436, coolant flow path 437, three-way valve 482, coolant flow path 438, battery 40, coolant flow path 433, and fluid pump 49. In this manner, the chiller 39 can cool the coolant 29 in the coolant circuit 34 by the refrigerant 28 of the refrigeration cycle 36. The cooled coolant 29 is sent to the battery 40.

[0117] 12B , cooling water 29 cooled by chiller 39 flows through the inside of water cooling unit 50. As a result, cooling water 29 flowing through water cooling unit 50 cools battery cell 221 and battery cell 222 via heat transfer sheet 44.

[0118] 13A to 14B, a battery detoxification device 203 having a configuration for cooling the battery 40 by a refrigeration cycle 36 and a radiator 41 will be described. Figures 13A and 13B show the configuration and operation of the battery detoxification device 203 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40. Figures 14A and 14B show the operation of the battery detoxification device 203 under normal circumstances when hydrogen sulfide is not generated inside the battery 40.

[0119] The configuration of the battery detoxification device 203 shown in Fig. 13A is substantially the same as that of the battery detoxification device 201 shown in Fig. 7A. The battery detoxification device 203 shown here has a part that cools the battery 40 by a radiator 41 added to the battery detoxification device 201 shown in Fig. 7A. The radiator 41 is connected to the battery 40 via a refrigerant flow path 4213 and a refrigerant flow path 4214. A fluid pump 49 is provided in the refrigerant flow path 4214.

[0120] The cross-sectional configuration shown in FIG. 13B is similar to the configuration described with reference to FIG. 10A.

[0121] 13A and 13B, the operation of the battery detoxification device 203 when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40 will be described. Fig. 13A is a block diagram showing such a case, and Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view showing such a case.

[0122] 13A , the state of each valve when hydrogen sulfide is generated inside battery 40 will be described. Switching valves 471 and 472 are open when the passenger compartment air conditioner is on. Switching valves 473 and 474 are open. Fluid pump 49 is not operated.

[0123] Within the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4211, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 428, refrigerant flow path 4212, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 427, refrigerant flow path 4210, switching valve 472, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0124] In addition, a portion of the refrigerant 28 that has passed through the expansion valve 46 flows through the refrigerant flow path 427 , the switching valve 474 , the refrigerant flow path 426 , the refrigerant flow path 425 , the battery 40 , the refrigerant flow path 424 , the refrigerant flow path 423 , the switching valve 473 and the refrigerant flow path 422 .

[0125] 13B , inside the battery 40, the refrigerant 28 flows through the inside of the separator 31. As a result, when hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cell 22, condensation occurs on the surface of the separator 31, and the hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensed water, thereby rendering the hydrogen sulfide harmless.

[0126] 14A and 14B, the operation of the battery detoxification device 203 under normal circumstances when no hydrogen sulfide is generated inside the battery 40 will be described. Fig. 14A is a block diagram showing such a case, and Fig. 14B is a cross-sectional view showing such a case.

[0127] 14A, when the passenger compartment air conditioner is on, the switching valves 471 and 472 are open, the switching valves 473 and 474 are closed, and the fluid pump 49 is in operation.

[0128] Within the refrigeration cycle 36, the refrigerant 28 circulates in the following order: compressor 45, refrigerant flow path 4211, condenser 37, refrigerant flow path 428, refrigerant flow path 4212, expansion valve 46, refrigerant flow path 427, refrigerant flow path 4210, switching valve 472, evaporator 38, refrigerant flow path 429, switching valve 471, refrigerant flow path 422, refrigerant flow path 421, and compressor 45.

[0129] The coolant 29 pumped by the fluid pump 49 flows through the refrigerant flow path 4214, the battery 40, the refrigerant flow path 4213, the radiator 41, and the fluid pump 49 in this order.

[0130] 14B, cooling water 29 flows through the inside of water-cooling unit 50, thereby cooling battery cells 221 and 222 via battery pack housing 23 and heat transfer sheet 44.

[0131] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a method for detoxifying hydrogen sulfide generated from the battery cell 22.

[0132] In step S10, vehicle 10 is placed in a normal state. For example, referring to Fig. 1, vehicle 10 drives a motor using electric power generated from battery pack 21, and the wheels are rotated by the motor, thereby placing vehicle 10 in a running state.

[0133] In step S11, the calculation control unit 24 determines whether hydrogen sulfide has been detected. Specifically, the detection unit 25 shown in FIG. 1 determines whether hydrogen sulfide is being generated from the battery cell 22. Hydrogen sulfide detection inside the battery pack housing 23 can be performed directly or indirectly. When the detection is performed directly, a hydrogen sulfide sensor serving as the detection unit 25 is disposed inside the battery pack housing 23, and the calculation control unit 24 determines whether hydrogen sulfide has been detected based on the output of the hydrogen sulfide sensor. When the detection is performed indirectly, a device that detects the temperature or deformation of the battery cell 22, a collision of the vehicle 10, or the like is employed as the detection unit 25. For example, the calculation control unit 24 determines that hydrogen sulfide is being generated when the temperature or deformation of the battery cell 22 exceeds a threshold value.

[0134] If the answer is YES in step S11, that is, if hydrogen sulfide is detected, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S12.

[0135] If the answer is NO in step S11, that is, if hydrogen sulfide is not detected, the calculation control unit 24 returns to step S10.

[0136] In step S12, the calculation control unit 24 determines whether condensation can occur inside the battery pack housing 23. Specifically, referring to FIG. 1 , the calculation control unit 24 measures the amount of moisture and temperature inside the battery pack housing 23, the lower limit temperature of the cooling medium 33 in the medium circulation unit 30, and the like. The amount of moisture in the battery pack housing 23 can be calculated from the humidity measured using a hygrometer disposed inside the battery pack housing 23. The temperature of the battery pack housing 23 is measured using a thermometer disposed inside the battery pack housing 23. The lower limit temperature of the cooling medium 33 can be stored in advance by the calculation control unit 24 as a performance parameter of the battery detoxification device 20. Next, the calculation control unit 24 determines whether the amount of moisture contained in the air inside the battery pack housing 23 can reach a saturated water vapor amount and condensation can occur based on the amount of moisture and temperature inside the battery pack housing 23 and the lower limit temperature of the cooling medium 33 in the medium circulation unit 30, and the like.

[0137] If the answer to step S12 is YES, that is, if condensation can be generated inside the battery pack housing 23, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S14.

[0138] If the answer is NO in step S12, that is, if condensation cannot be generated inside the battery pack housing 23, the calculation control unit 24 proceeds to step S13.

[0139] In step S13, the calculation control unit 24 creates an environment inside the battery pack housing 23 where the amount of water vapor reaches saturation. For example, by introducing outside air into the battery pack housing 23, the amount of water vapor inside the battery pack housing 23 is increased. Alternatively, by introducing internal air from the vehicle into the battery pack housing 23, the amount of water vapor inside the battery pack housing 23 is increased. Furthermore, the temperature of the cooling medium 33 is lowered relative to the internal temperature of the battery pack housing 23. By performing these operations, an environment inside the battery pack housing 23 where the amount of water vapor reaches saturation can be created.

[0140] In step S14, the calculation control unit 24 cools the inside of the battery pack housing 23. Specifically, the inside of the battery pack housing 23 is cooled by the method described with reference to Figures 4A, 7A, 10A, and 13A. As a result, the air temperature around the separator 31 inside the battery pack housing 23 drops, the amount of moisture in the air around the separator 31 inside the battery pack housing 23 reaches the saturated water vapor amount, and condensation occurs on the surface of the separator 31.

[0141] In step S15, referring to FIG. 4B , for example, condensation water is generated on the surface of the separator 31 inside the battery pack housing 23. Because the separator 31 has an H-shaped cross section, the condensation water collects in a recessed region formed in the upper part of the separator 31. Furthermore, because hydrogen sulfide has a larger specific gravity than air, the hydrogen sulfide can be collected on the upper part of the separator 31. The hydrogen sulfide dissolves in the condensation water, thereby rendering the hydrogen sulfide inside the battery pack housing 23 harmless.

[0142] The technical ideas that can be understood from the above-described embodiment will be described below together with their effects.

[0143] A battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a medium circulation section disposed between battery cells containing sulfide and through which a cooling medium flows, a medium cooling section for cooling the cooling medium, a detection section for detecting hydrogen sulfide generation from the battery cells, and an arithmetic and control section. When the detection section detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide, the arithmetic and control section causes the cooling medium cooled by the medium cooling section to flow through the medium circulation section. According to an embodiment of the present invention, when the detection section detects the generation of hydrogen sulfide from a solid-state battery, the arithmetic and control section causes the cooled cooling medium to flow through the medium circulation section. This prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the medium circulation section, dissolving hydrogen sulfide into the condensation and preventing the hydrogen sulfide from diffusing. This prevents occupants and other passengers from being adversely affected by hydrogen sulfide.

[0144] In addition, in the battery detoxification device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the medium circulation part is a separator disposed between the battery cells. According to the embodiment of the present invention, since the separator also serves as the medium circulation part, it is possible to detoxify hydrogen sulfide while suppressing an increase in the number of parts.

[0145] In the battery detoxification device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the medium cooling unit is a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant used in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle flows. According to the embodiment of the present invention, by cooling the medium flow unit with the refrigerant, condensation can be effectively generated around the medium flow unit.

[0146] In addition, in the battery detoxification device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium is cooling water, and the medium cooling unit is a cooling water circuit including a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the cooling water and a refrigerant used in a vapor compression refrigeration cycle, and through which the cooling water flows. According to the embodiment of the present invention, condensation can be effectively generated around the medium flow unit with a simple configuration.

[0147] In the battery detoxification device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the medium circulation part has an H-shaped cross section, which increases the surface area of ​​the medium circulation part and allows more condensation to occur.

[0148] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to these and can be modified within the scope of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0149] REFRIGERATION CYCLE 10 Vehicle 11 Vehicle body 20 Battery detoxification device 201 Battery detoxification device 202 Battery detoxification device 203 Battery detoxification device 21 Battery pack 22 Battery cell 221 Battery cell 222 Battery cell 23 Battery pack housing 24 Calculation control unit 25 Detection unit 28 Refrigerant 29 Cooling water 30 Medium circulation unit 31 Separator 311 Web unit 312 Flange unit 313 Flange unit 314 Medium circulation unit 315 Medium circulation unit 33 Cooling medium 34 Cooling water circuit 35 Medium cooling unit 36 ​​Refrigeration cycle 37 Condenser 38 Evaporator 39 Chiller 40 Battery 41 Radiator 42 Refrigerant flow path 421 Refrigerant flow path 422 Refrigerant flow path 423 Refrigerant flow path 424 Refrigerant flow path 425 Refrigerant flow path 426 Refrigerant flow path 427 Refrigerant flow path 428 Refrigerant flow path 429 Refrigerant flow path 4210 Refrigerant flow path 4211 Refrigerant flow path 4212 Refrigerant flow path 4213 Refrigerant flow path 4214 Refrigerant flow path 4215 Refrigerant flow path 43 Cooling water flow path 431 Cooling water flow path 432 Cooling water flow path 433 Cooling water flow path 434 Cooling water flow path 435 Cooling water flow path 436 Cooling water flow path 437 Cooling water flow path 438 Cooling water flow path 439 Cooling water flow path 4310 Cooling water flow path 44 Heat transfer sheet 45 Compressor 46 Expansion valve 471 Switching valve 472 Switching valve 473 Switching valve 474 Switching valve 481 Three-way valve 482 Three-way valve 483 Three-way valve 484 Three-way valve 49 Fluid pump 50 Water cooling unit

Claims

1. A device for detoxifying a battery, comprising: a medium flow-through portion disposed between battery cells containing sulfides and through which a cooling medium flows; a medium cooling portion for cooling the cooling medium; a detection portion for detecting that hydrogen sulfide is generated from the battery cells; and an arithmetic control portion, wherein when the detection portion detects that hydrogen sulfide is generated, the arithmetic control portion circulates the cooling medium cooled by the medium cooling portion through the medium flow-through portion.

2. The device for detoxifying a battery according to claim 1, wherein the medium flow-through portion is a separator disposed between the battery cells.

3. The device for detoxifying a battery according to claim 1, wherein the medium cooling portion is a refrigerant circuit through which a refrigerant used in a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle flows.

4. The device for detoxifying a battery according to claim 1, wherein the cooling medium is cooling water, and the medium cooling portion includes a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between a refrigerant used in a vapor compression type refrigeration cycle and the cooling water, and is a cooling water circuit through which the cooling water flows.

5. The device for detoxifying a battery according to claim 1, wherein the medium flow-through portion has an H-shaped cross section.

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