Hybrid fire extinguishing apparatus for lithium-based battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a hybrid fire extinguishing apparatus for a lithium-based battery, capable of, when a fire occurs in a lithium-based battery module of an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle, creating high-pressure spray and cooling environments by using a hybrid fire extinguishing agent having a reinforcing liquid and carbon dioxide (CO2), thereby rapidly and effectively extinguishing the fire to improve fire extinguishing efficiency in the battery and enabling early fire extinguishment. The hybrid fire extinguishing apparatus comprises: a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; a second fire extinguishing agent storage tank storing a second fire extinguishing agent of a different type from a first fire extinguishing agent in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging unit provided in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank to discharge a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of the first fire extinguishing agent and the second fire extinguishing agent supplied from the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank and the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank, respectively; and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejecting unit connected to an outlet of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging unit to eject the hybrid fire extinguishing agent.

Description

Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries

[0001] The present invention relates to a fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries, and more particularly, to a hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries capable of extinguishing a fire in an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle by using a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of a reinforcing agent and carbon dioxide (CO2) to create a high-pressure spray and cooling environment, thereby improving the efficiency of extinguishing a battery fire through rapid and effective fire extinguishment and enabling initial extinguishment.

[0002] In general, in line with the strengthening of global environmental regulations and the trend toward energy conservation, the development and distribution of eco-friendly electricity production technologies are gradually expanding in each country.

[0003] Recently, in Korea, due to the government's strengthening of environmental regulations, the spread of eco-friendly vehicles has expanded, and with the spread of these eco-friendly vehicles and power generation facilities, the spread of ESS (Energy Storage System) and electric mobility has expanded, resulting in an increase in fire occurrences every year.

[0004] In particular, global electric vehicle production has increased dramatically, reaching approximately 6.6 million units in 2021. As electric vehicles expand in popularity, the frequency of battery fires is also increasing.

[0005] Meanwhile, the lithium-ion battery module of ESS (Energy Storage System) or the lithium-ion battery module of electric mobility is composed of battery modules electrically connected in series and parallel and housed in a metal case for external shock and moisture resistance.

[0006] In other words, lithium-ion battery modules for ESS and electric mobility feature a densely packed structure of multiple lithium-ion batteries within a metal case. This generates high temperatures during operation, posing a significant risk of fire.

[0007] These lithium batteries not only have the problem of high fire hazard, but also have the problem of not being easily extinguished with general dry fire extinguishing powder due to chemical reactions caused by alkali metal moisture reaction and structural damage in the event of a fire.

[0008] That is, if a thermal runaway occurs in a single cell inside a battery module, a chain reaction may occur in adjacent cells, potentially resulting in a fire.

[0009] Battery thermal runaway occurs when the temperature within a battery system rises by more than 3 degrees Celsius compared to other batteries. This can lead to increased voltage, swelling, and a rise in the electrolyte temperature, which can eventually lead to a fire or explosion.

[0010] There are various methods of extinguishing fires in lithium batteries, such as water-based fire extinguishers, suffocating fire covers, and temporary water tanks. However, since the fire that broke out inside the battery housing is extinguished by extinguishing agent injected from outside the battery housing, it takes a huge amount of extinguishing agent and a long time to extinguish the fire, making it difficult to extinguish quickly, generating a large amount of toxic gas, causing an explosion when the battery overheats, and spreading to nearby battery modules and nearby vehicles. In addition, if a fire breaks out in an underground parking lot, it is difficult to extinguish the fire in reality.

[0011] In other words, batteries using lithium secondary batteries have the potential to catch fire or explode due to thermal runaway (1350℃) of multiple battery modules, and if this causes heat or flames to be transmitted to adjacent secondary batteries, resulting in secondary ignition or explosion, this could lead to a very serious situation with casualties. Therefore, active development of technologies to prevent such secondary ignition or explosion is being carried out.

[0012] In this way, if a lithium battery fire occurs, there is no way to directly extinguish it. Only measures are available to prevent the fire from spreading. These include using water to prevent the fire from spreading and using suffocating flame-retardant blankets.

[0013] The inventor of the present invention has confirmed through experiments that fire extinguishing agents certified by the National Fire Agency (NFA) were difficult to extinguish in battery module fires. Powder fire extinguishers repeatedly re-ignited, water-based agents continued to re-ignite, and gas-based agents failed to extinguish the fire and continued to re-ignite. All current fire extinguishing agents have the problem of failing to completely address the re-ignition risk of lithium battery fires.

[0014] Additionally, it takes about 4 hours or more to extinguish a fire in a lithium-ion battery pack, and a large amount of water is supplied.

[0015] Accordingly, research and development of fire extinguishing methods capable of initial suppression in the event of thermal runaway or fire in lithium batteries is necessary.

[0016] Accordingly, the purpose of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems is to provide a hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries capable of improving fire extinguishing efficiency and initial extinguishing by extinguishing the fire through high-pressure spraying and cooling using a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of a reinforcing agent and carbon dioxide (CO2) when a fire occurs in a lithium-based battery module of an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle.

[0017] The problems solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0018] According to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above objects and other features of the present invention, a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery is provided, comprising: a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; a second fire extinguishing agent storage tank storing a second fire extinguishing agent of a different type from the first fire extinguishing agent of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means provided in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank and configured to discharge a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of the first fire extinguishing agent and the second fire extinguishing agent supplied from each of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank and the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank; and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharging means connected to an outlet of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means and configured to discharging the hybrid fire extinguishing agent.

[0019] In the present invention, the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank may be configured to store the second fire extinguishing agent in a high-pressure state, and the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank may be configured to store the first fire extinguishing agent in a non-pressurized state or at a pressure lower than the pressure of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank.

[0020] In the present invention, the first fire extinguishing agent may be a liquid fire extinguishing agent, and the second fire extinguishing agent may be a high-pressure gaseous fire extinguishing agent.

[0021] In the present invention, the first extinguishing agent may be a strengthening agent, and the second extinguishing agent may be carbon dioxide.

[0022] In the present invention, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means may include a coupling body having a fire extinguishing agent discharge path formed therein and being connected to the discharge port of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank at the lower portion; a second fire extinguishing agent supply line coupling port formed at a side of the coupling body and into which a second fire extinguishing agent is introduced; a second fire extinguishing agent input path formed at the second fire extinguishing agent supply line coupling port; a second fire extinguishing agent main supply path formed at the coupling body portion so as to be connected to the second fire extinguishing agent input path and to supply the second fire extinguishing agent into the interior of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; and a second fire extinguishing agent sub-supply path formed at the coupling body so as to connect the second fire extinguishing agent input path and the fire extinguishing agent discharge path.

[0023] In the present invention, the second extinguishing agent main supply path may be formed parallel to the first extinguishing agent discharge path, and the second extinguishing agent sub-supply path may be formed orthogonal to the first extinguishing agent discharge path.

[0024] In the present invention, the diameter of the second extinguishing agent sub-supply channel is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the first extinguishing agent discharge channel, and the hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means may further include a safety valve provided in the combined body.

[0025] In the present invention, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means may include a hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line having one end connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means; a fire extinguishing gun having one end connected to the other end of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line; and a nozzle port provided at the other end of the fire extinguishing gun.

[0026] In the present invention, the fire extinguisher gun is provided with a manually operated opening / closing valve that controls the supply of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent, the inlet side of the nozzle port may be formed with a plurality of inlet holes, and the discharge side of the nozzle port may be formed with a single discharge hole.

[0027] The hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention provides the following effects.

[0028] First, the present invention has the effect of enabling easy and quick extinguishing of a fire in the early stages of a lithium battery module fire.

[0029] Second, the present invention has the effect of improving the efficiency of fire suppression by using a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of a reinforcing agent and carbon dioxide (CO2) to suppress the fire under high-pressure spray and cooling conditions.

[0030] Third, the present invention has the effect of completely preventing the possibility of re-ignition in the event of a fire in a lithium battery.

[0031] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

[0032] Figure 1 is a schematic drawing schematically showing the configuration of a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the internal and discharge operation of a first extinguishing agent storage tank included in a hybrid extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the internal configuration of a hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means included in a hybrid extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means included in a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a nozzle port of a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means included in a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention, where (A) is an internal configuration diagram, (B) is an inlet-side cross-sectional view, and (C) is a discharge-side cross-sectional view.

[0037] Figure 6 is a photograph of a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium battery according to the present invention.

[0038] Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention can be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0039] Before going into a detailed description of the present invention, it should be understood that the present invention can be modified in various ways and can have various embodiments, and that the examples described below and illustrated in the drawings are not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0040] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0041] In addition, when describing with reference to the attached drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the drawing numbers, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. When describing the present invention, if a detailed description of a related known technology is judged to unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention, such detailed description will be omitted.

[0042] Hereinafter, a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium battery according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure and discharge operation of a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank included in the hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the internal structure of a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means included in the hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means included in the hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a nozzle port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means included in the hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention, wherein (A) is an internal configuration diagram, (B) is a cross-sectional view of the inlet side, and (C) is a cross-sectional view of the discharge side. FIG. 6 is a photograph taken after manufacturing a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention.

[0044] The hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention is a fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery module, such as a lithium-ion battery module of an electric vehicle or a lithium-ion battery module of an energy storage system (ESS), and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, largely includes a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100), a second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200), a second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210), a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300), and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejecting means (400).

[0045] Specifically, a hybrid fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery according to the present invention is a fire extinguishing device for a lithium-based battery module, such as a lithium-ion battery module of an electric vehicle or a lithium-ion battery module of an energy storage system (ESS), and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6, comprises: a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) in which a first fire extinguishing agent is stored; a second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) in which a second fire extinguishing agent of a different type (different type) from the first fire extinguishing agent is stored in a pressurized state; a second fire extinguishing agent supply line (or second fire extinguishing agent supply hose) (210) having one end connected to an upper end of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) and through which the second fire extinguishing agent is supplied from the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200); It includes a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) provided at the upper end of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) and connected to the other end of the second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210) so as to mix the first fire extinguishing agent and the second fire extinguishing agent and discharge the mixed hybrid fire extinguishing agent; and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharging means (400) connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) so as to discharge the hybrid fire extinguishing agent.

[0046] The first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) is a component in which the first fire extinguishing agent is stored, and the first fire extinguishing agent stored in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) is made of a liquid fire extinguishing agent.

[0047] Preferably, in the present invention, the first extinguishing agent is a strengthening solution that is a strongly alkaline aqueous solution containing an aqueous solution such as potassium carbonate as a main component.

[0048] In the present invention, the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) stores the reinforcing agent in a non-compressed state. The fact that the first fire extinguishing agent is stored in a non-compressed state in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) is closely related to the fact that the second fire extinguishing agent is stored in a compressed state in the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200), which will be described in detail below.

[0049] Of course, the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) can store the first fire extinguishing agent in a compressed state, but it is preferable that it be stored at a pressure lower than the internal pressure of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200).

[0050] In addition, the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) includes a discharge pipe (110) for discharging the first fire extinguishing agent to the outside, and one end (lower end) of the discharge pipe (110) is provided spaced apart from the bottom of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) by a predetermined height, and the other end (upper end) of the discharge pipe (110) is connected to a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) to be described in detail below.

[0051] Continuing, the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) is a component in which a second fire extinguishing agent of a different type (different kind) from the first fire extinguishing agent, which is a reinforcing agent, is stored under pressure.

[0052] The above second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) is configured to store a gaseous fire extinguishing agent as the second fire extinguishing agent.

[0053] Preferably, in the present invention, the second extinguishing agent may be carbon dioxide (CO2) stored under high pressure.

[0054] The high-pressure carbon dioxide gas stored in the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) functions as a source of discharge force that applies pressure to the inside of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) through the hybrid mixing-discharge means (300), that is, applies pressure so that the first fire extinguishing agent inside the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) is discharged through the discharge pipe (110).

[0055] That is, the high-pressure carbon dioxide gas stored in the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) not only serves as a means of applying force for discharging the first fire extinguishing agent, but also serves as a fire extinguishing agent for extinguishing a battery fire by blocking oxygen and creating a cooling environment.

[0056] In addition, the gas discharge section of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) is provided with a high-pressure gas valve (201) configured to enable pressure drainage, and a regulator (220) capable of setting and controlling the discharge pressure of the second fire extinguishing agent.

[0057] And the second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210) is a component that is connected at one end to the upper end of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200) so that the second fire extinguishing agent is supplied from the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank (200), and can be formed as a flexible hose or a metal pipe.

[0058] Next, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) is a component that is provided at the upper end of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) and is connected to the other end of the second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210), so that the first fire extinguishing agent and the second fire extinguishing agent are mixed, and the mixed hybrid fire extinguishing agent is discharged.

[0059] Specifically, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means (300) comprises a coupling body (310) configured to be connected in a longitudinal direction with a extinguishing agent discharge path (311) and a discharge pipe (110) of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) while being connected to the discharge port of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) at the bottom, a second fire extinguishing agent supply line coupling port (320) formed at a side of the coupling body (310) and to which the second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210) is coupled (i.e., the other end of the second fire extinguishing agent supply line (210) is coupled), a second fire extinguishing agent injection path (330) formed in the second fire extinguishing agent supply line coupling port (320), and a second fire extinguishing agent injection path (330) connected to the second fire extinguishing agent injection path (330) and configured to supply carbon dioxide, which is a second fire extinguishing agent, into the interior of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100). It includes a second fire extinguishing agent main supply path (340) formed in the body part (310), and a second fire extinguishing agent sub-supply path (350) formed in the combined body (310) so that the second fire extinguishing agent input path (330) and the fire extinguishing agent discharge path (311) are connected.

[0060] The second main supply path (340) of the extinguishing agent is formed parallel to the first discharge path (311). Here, the second main supply paths (340) of the extinguishing agent may be formed in multiple numbers. In this case, the first discharge path (311) is formed in an annular ring shape in the circumferential direction of the coupling body (310), and the second main supply paths (340) may be formed in multiple numbers with an interval in the circumferential direction while each upper end is connected to the first discharge path (311).

[0061] And the second fire extinguishing agent sub-supply channel (350) is formed orthogonally to the first fire extinguishing agent discharge channel (311) and has a function of uniformly maintaining the pressure of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) and the pressure on the side of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means (400). That is, by allowing a portion of the pressure of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) to be bypassed to the side of the second fire extinguishing agent sub-supply channel (350), the pressure of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) and the pressure on the side of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means (400) are uniformly maintained, so that the hybrid fire extinguishing agent can be ejected from the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means (400) at a constant pressure.

[0062] And the diameter of the second digestive agent sub-supply channel (350) is formed smaller than the diameter of the first digestive agent discharge channel (311).

[0063] Meanwhile, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) may further include a safety valve (360) formed in the combined body (310) and configured to automatically control the pressure by discharging a portion of the pressure to the outside when the pressure within the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100) is greater than a predetermined pressure, or when the pressure formed in the first fire extinguishing agent discharge path (311) is greater than a predetermined pressure.

[0064] Since the above safety valve (360) can adopt the configuration of a known safety valve (relief valve, safety valve), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0065] Drawing symbol 312 is an O-ring (or rubber ring) that hermetically seals the connection body (310) and the discharge port when the connection body (310) is connected to the discharge port of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank (100).

[0066] Next, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means (400) is a component configured to eject a hybrid fire extinguishing agent connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-ejection means (300).

[0067] The hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means (400) includes a hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line (410) having one end connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means (300), a fire extinguishing gun (420) connected to the other end of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line (410) and held by a user, and a nozzle port (430) provided at the end of the fire extinguishing gun (420) through which the hybrid fire extinguishing agent is ejected.

[0068] The above hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line (410) may be formed of a flexible hose or may be formed of a metal pipe.

[0069] And, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line (410) may be configured to include a T-shaped pipe (411) equipped with a three-way valve.

[0070] The above fire extinguisher (420) is configured with a handle so that the user can easily hold it, and is equipped with a manually operated opening / closing valve (421) that controls the supply of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent.

[0071] The above nozzle port (430) is formed with a flow path (431) whose diameter decreases by three or more stages from the inlet side to the discharge side as shown in (A) of Fig. 5. As a result, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent passing through the flow path increases in velocity as it moves toward the discharge side, allowing it to be ejected at a high speed through the discharge hole.

[0072] And, in the nozzle port (430), the inlet side cross-section is formed with a plurality of inlet holes (432) having a filter function as shown in (B) of FIG. 5, so that the hybrid extinguishing agent can be introduced through the inlet holes (432), and the discharge side cross-section is formed with a single discharge hole (433) as shown in (C) of FIG. 5.

[0073] The diameter (size) of the above discharge hole (433) is formed to be larger than the diameter of the above inlet hole (431). That is, the discharge hole of the nozzle port is formed to be tapered so that the diameter increases from the end of the flow path toward the discharge end, so that the hybrid extinguishing agent can be diffusely ejected.

[0074] In addition, in the present invention, the nozzle port (430) may be configured as a male connector that is connected in a one-touch manner to a female connector (not shown) provided on the case of a battery module in which battery cells are accommodated. For example, the nozzle port (430) may be configured in a bayonet manner to a female connector formed on the case of the battery module.

[0075] Here, the bayonet coupling method refers to a method of coupling by turning it to the left or right at a predetermined rotation angle and fixing it at once.

[0076] For example, the female connector provided on the case of the battery module is formed with a female bayonet coupling structure, and the nozzle port (430) is formed with a male bayonet coupling structure. The female bayonet coupling structure is formed with a female bayonet body portion that protrudes in a cylindrical shape, a pair of longitudinal coupling grooves that are formed symmetrically in the longitudinal direction on the outer surface of the female bayonet body portion, and a transverse fastening groove that is formed with a predetermined length in the circumferential direction of the female bayonet body portion at each of the lower ends of the pair of longitudinal fastening grooves. In addition, the male bayonet coupling structure is formed with a female bayonet annular ring that is fitted into the outer surface or inner surface of the female bayonet body portion, and a pair of fastening protrusions that are formed protruding on the inner or outer side of the male bayonet annular ring.

[0077] The above-mentioned fastening projection is fitted along the longitudinal joining groove and then rotated to the left or right (in the direction in which the above-mentioned transverse fastening groove is formed) to be fastened to the transverse fastening groove. Here, a stopper projection may be formed on the upper and lower inner walls of the longitudinal end of the above-mentioned transverse fastening groove so as to more firmly fasten the fastening projection at the longitudinal end.

[0078] In the present invention, the nozzle port (430) may be configured to adjust the degree of diffusion when the hybrid fire extinguishing agent is ejected or sprayed. Here, a nozzle port capable of adjusting the degree of diffusion of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent may be any known nozzle, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0079] Meanwhile, the inventor of the present invention conducted an experiment to confirm the fire suppression effect of the hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium-based batteries of the present invention, and verified the fire suppression test and re-ignition.

[0080] Comparative Example 1: In the test, a fire was extinguished using 10 L and 20 L of reinforcing liquid and an N₂ fire extinguishing device, but the 10 L fire re-ignited after 120 seconds, and the 20 L fire re-ignited after 600 seconds.

[0081] Comparative Example 2: When CO2 was pressurized into the reinforcing liquid, the reinforcing liquid and CO2 gas were not stably radiated but were irritating and the reinforcing liquid and high-pressure CO2 gas were irregularly radiated, making fire suppression impossible.

[0082] Comparative Example 3: A separate mixing tank was used for the test, but even when the reinforcing liquid and CO2 gas were mixed and radiated, the radiation was irregular, cooling was not done well, and the fire was not extinguished.

[0083] Comparative Example 4: When CO2 gas was pressurized and radiated in a reinforcement tank, it was radiated irregularly, cooling was not done well, and fire extinguishing was not done.

[0084] Comparative Example 5: In a test where a high-pressure CO2 gas pipe was installed in a reinforcement tank and CO2 gas was pressurized and radiated into the reinforcement tank, the gas was radiated irregularly, cooling was not done well, and the fire was not extinguished.

[0085] Example 1 is a test related to the fire extinguishing device of the present invention, in which a hole was formed in the cylinder plug of the reinforcing liquid tank (corresponding to the hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300)) so that CO2 gas could be discharged directly, and the CO2 high-pressure gas mainly played a role in pushing out the reinforcing liquid, and the pushing out reinforcing liquid and the CO2 high-pressure gas were directly mixed, so that cooling was good, but it was irregularly emitted, but it was confirmed that the emitted liquid was greatly improved compared to the comparative examples.

[0086] Example 2 Test is also a test related to the fire extinguishing device of the present invention, in which a hole through which CO2 gas directly exits was formed in the cylinder plug of the reinforcing liquid tank (corresponding to the hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means (300)), and the CO2 gas hole size was varied to conduct a test, and it was confirmed that the radiation was unstable or stable depending on the cylinder container size and the CO2 gas hole size and nozzle hole size of the cylinder plug (corresponding to the hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means (300)), and it was also confirmed that it was excellent compared to a case where cooling was not performed.

[0087] Test Example 3 is a test on the fire extinguishing device of the present invention, and a fire was extinguished using a fire extinguishing device that includes a first fire extinguishing agent storage tank of 6 L and 30 L of reinforcing agent and a second fire extinguishing agent storage tank of CO2, and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means (300) and a hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge means (400), and it was confirmed that the lithium ion battery fire was extinguished and there was no re-ignition when the fire was extinguished for 190 seconds using the reinforcing agent 6 L and CO2 fire extinguishing device.

[0088] According to the hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium-based batteries according to the present invention as described above, when a fire occurs in a lithium-based battery module used in an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle, the fire can be easily and quickly extinguished in the early stages, and the fire extinguishing efficiency can be improved by creating a cooling environment while spraying a hybrid fire extinguishing agent of a reinforcing agent and carbon dioxide (CO2) at high pressure, thereby extinguishing the fire, and there is an advantage in that the possibility of re-ignition can be completely prevented when a fire occurs in a lithium-based battery.

[0089] The embodiments described in this specification and the attached drawings are merely illustrative of some of the technical concepts encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are intended to illustrate, rather than limit, the technical concepts of the present invention. Therefore, it is self-evident that the scope of the technical concepts of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. All modifications and specific embodiments that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technical concepts contained in the specification and drawings of the present invention should be construed as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention.

Claims

1. 1st extinguishing agent storage tank; A second fire extinguishing agent storage tank in which a second fire extinguishing agent of a different type from the first fire extinguishing agent of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank is stored; A hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means provided in the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank and configured to discharge hybrid fire extinguishing agents of the first fire extinguishing agent and the second fire extinguishing agent supplied from each of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank and the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank; and A hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means, characterized in that it comprises a hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-ejection means and configured to eject the hybrid fire extinguishing agent; Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

2. In paragraph 1, The above second fire extinguishing agent storage tank is configured to store the second fire extinguishing agent under high pressure. The first fire extinguishing agent storage tank is characterized in that the first fire extinguishing agent is stored in a non-pressurized state or at a pressure lower than that of the second fire extinguishing agent storage tank. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

3. In paragraph 2, The above first extinguishing agent is a liquid extinguishing agent, The above second extinguishing agent is characterized in that it is a high-pressure gaseous extinguishing agent. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

4. In paragraph 3, The above first digestive agent is a strengthening agent, The second extinguishing agent is characterized in that it is carbon dioxide. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

5. In paragraph 1, The above hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means A joint body having a fire extinguishing agent discharge path formed inside and connected to the discharge port of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank at the bottom; A second extinguishing agent supply line joint formed on the side of the above-mentioned joint body and into which a second extinguishing agent is introduced; A second extinguishing agent injection path formed in the second extinguishing agent supply line coupling port; A second fire extinguishing agent main supply path formed in the combined body part so that the second fire extinguishing agent is connected to the second fire extinguishing agent injection path and supplied into the interior of the first fire extinguishing agent storage tank; and It is characterized by including a second extinguishing agent sub-supply path formed in the coupling body to connect the second extinguishing agent injection path and the extinguishing agent discharge path; Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

6. In paragraph 5, The above second extinguishing agent main supply path is formed parallel to the above first extinguishing agent discharge path, The second extinguishing agent sub-supply path is characterized in that it is formed orthogonal to the first extinguishing agent discharge path. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

7. In paragraph 6, The diameter of the second extinguishing agent sub-supply channel is formed smaller than the diameter of the first extinguishing agent discharge channel. The hybrid extinguishing agent mixing-discharging means is characterized in that it further includes a safety valve provided in the combined body. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

8. In the first paragraph, the hybrid fire extinguishing agent ejection means, A hybrid fire extinguishing agent discharge line having one end connected to the discharge port of the hybrid fire extinguishing agent mixing-discharge means; A fire extinguisher having one end connected to the other end of the hybrid fire extinguisher discharge line; and A nozzle port provided at the other end of the fire extinguisher gun; characterized in that it includes Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

9. In paragraph 8, The above fire extinguisher is equipped with a manually operated opening / closing valve that controls the supply of hybrid fire extinguishing agent. The inlet side of the above nozzle is formed with a plurality of inlet holes, The discharge side of the above nozzle is formed with a single discharge hole, The above discharge hole is formed with a tapered diameter that increases toward the discharge end so that the hybrid extinguishing agent can be diffusely ejected. The above nozzle port is characterized by being formed with a path whose diameter decreases in three or more stages from the inlet side to the discharge side. Hybrid fire extinguishing device for lithium batteries.

10. In claim 8, A lithium-based hybrid fire extinguishing device, characterized in that the nozzle port is composed of a male connector that is connected to a female connector provided in a case of a battery module in which battery cells are accommodated.

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