System for controlling battery charging and storage

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for controlling battery charging and storage, comprising a container (1) provided with an access gate (11) for accessing an inner room (10) with compartments (2) for charging batteries (3). The system further comprises a security system to prevent overheating or fire of the batteries (3) comprising: a detection and warning device (5) connected to a programmable automaton (4), which comprises temperature sensors (51) and smoke sensors (52); an electric supply circuit (6) of the chargers (61) controlled by the programmable automaton (4) and a hydraulic system (7) for fire extinction or selective cooling by flooding the batteries (3); a programmable automaton (4), and a centre for manually controlling (4a) and activating the security system in the event that the automatic actuation of the security system by the programmable automaton fails.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Battery charging and storage control system.

[0003] Technical sector.

[0004] The present invention relates to a battery charging and storage control system, comprising a container provided with an access door to an interior room in which at least one group of battery charging compartments is housed, and which has a safety system connected to a programmable logic controller and suitable for performing individually: the electrical supply of each of the charging compartments, the detection of alarms for electrical failure, overheating or fire in any of the compartments and the flooding with water of the one or those compartments in which any of said alarms is detected, immediately cooling the battery before it even catches fire.

[0005] Prior art

[0006] Currently, there is an exponential increase in vehicles and equipment that use high-power batteries for their operation, for example, lithium batteries, which must be charged periodically to remain operational.

[0007] These batteries, due to their construction characteristics and components, carry an associated risk: they can overheat to the point of catching fire or exploding, with the consequent damage to nearby facilities or people.

[0008] This risk of overheating and explosion increases significantly during battery charging periods and may be acceptable when charging a single battery; however, it constitutes a very important problem for companies that work with or have large quantities of tools or elements that incorporate these batteries, and in general where multiple batteries are charged simultaneously at times (usually at night) when it is difficult for staff to supervise this charging.

[0009] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) These companies routinely use a range of common equipment, such as machinery, mobility devices, stackers, forklifts, etc., powered by lithium batteries. These companies perform almost continuous charging of multiple batteries within their facilities. In this case, the failure of one battery during charging or storage can cause a fire or chain reaction explosion of nearby batteries, resulting in significant physical and material damage.

[0010] Therefore, the technical problem that arises is the development of a battery charging and storage control system that satisfactorily solves the problems mentioned above.

[0011] Explanation of the invention.

[0012] According to the invention, the battery charging and storage control system of this invention, comprising a container with an access door to an interior room, has technical characteristics that allow the charging or storage of a variable number of batteries inside said container and minimize the risk of damage in case of overheating, fire or explosion of a battery, eliminating the danger of fire before it occurs thanks to the detection and safety systems employed, such as electrical failure or overload, excessive battery temperature sensors and smoke detectors; activating the extinction by immersion of 100% of the battery in water or coolant and extinguishing the fire before it starts and spreads to the rest of the batteries.

[0013] A battery cell fire produces its own oxygen, rendering traditional fire suppression methods ineffective. Therefore, the most effective way to mitigate the spread of the fire is to rapidly cool the cell that started it, as well as those adjacent to it, preventing the excessive heat from spreading to other cells and causing them to ignite and trigger a chain reaction.

[0014] 100% water immersion ensures that the water quickly reaches the inside of the battery and effectively cools the ignition source from within. These batteries are typically protected by a casing that prevents effective cooling of the interior if water sprayers or hoses are used, resulting in considerable water consumption and contamination from toxic elements.

[0015] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) water that is difficult to contain effectively for further treatment.

[0016] To this end, and in accordance with the invention, this load control system comprises at least one group of battery charging compartments, housed in the interior room of the container, made of a fire-resistant and intumescent material, inclined downwards and having in an upper area a front opening manually towards the interior of the charging compartment, and in a lower area at least one charger for connecting and charging a battery.

[0017] This downward slope of the charging compartments, and the arrangement of the door in the upper area and the charger in the lower area, provides a usability advantage, as it facilitates the sliding of the batteries into a lower charging position, significantly reducing the effort required by the user, given the high weight of the batteries, and consequently the risk of injury and work absences.

[0018] These compartments are preferably sized to house one or two batteries, and a primary objective of them is to isolate the batteries housed in one compartment from the batteries housed in adjacent compartments, so that in the event of overheating or explosion of one of the batteries, the batteries housed in the other compartments are not affected, minimizing the risk of damage and the costs caused by the failure of a battery.

[0019] Another feature of the invention is that it comprises a safety system against overheating or fire of the batteries housed in each of the cargo compartments. This system is equipped with a detection and alarm device that generates different alarm levels in the event of an electrical failure, overheating, or smoke detection in any of the cargo compartments. It issues specific alarm notifications and automatically performs actions for each notification level, such as cutting off the electrical supply to the cargo compartment where a certain alarm level has been reached, and supplying water to that cargo compartment to flood the battery or batteries housed inside, triggered by the notification or the start of a general alarm.

[0020] This security system is connected to a programmable logic controller (PLC) that is responsible for monitoring the status of each battery individually, receiving alarms, and

[0021] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) to automatically activate actions such as cutting off the power supply and flooding a specific cargo compartment when it receives an alarm signal of electrical failure, overheating above a predetermined value, or smoke detection in said compartment. This programmable logic controller (PLC) is connected to a control center for the operating parameters of the PLC and the room without the need to be physically present at the control panel; said control center comprising a manual control interface for the emergency system in case of failure of automatic control of said emergency system by the PLC.

[0022] According to the invention, the detection and alarm device of the security system is connected to the aforementioned programmable logic controller and the manual control center and comprises temperature sensors and smoke sensors arranged inside each of the cargo compartments and associated with the respective compartments.

[0023] This safety system also includes an electrical power supply circuit for the chargers housed in the respective cargo compartments; this power supply circuit is controlled by the programmable logic controller and includes switches for selective disconnection of the electrical power supply to the charger corresponding to any of the cargo compartments, allowing for the automatic electrical disconnection of the cargo compartment in which an alarm signal is generated.

[0024] This electricity input system controls the power drawn from the grid and safely defines the electrical power supply for each battery charger; preventing overheating of the electrical wiring, controlling or limiting the number of batteries to be charged according to safety parameters defined according to: the type of batteries, grid power, or electrical installation provided for the connection of the room.

[0025] The aforementioned safety system includes a hydraulic system for fire extinguishing or selective cooling by flooding of the battery housed in any of the cargo compartments; said hydraulic system comprising water supply conduits connected to each of the cargo compartments, provided with respective solenoid valves for opening and closing selectively actuated by the programmable logic controller, and return / control conduits for water used in cooling the battery connected to each of the cargo compartments.

[0026] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) The aforementioned programmable logic controller (PLC) is configured so that when it receives an alarm signal of a certain level due to electrical failure, overheating, or smoke from the sensors of any cargo compartment, it automatically cuts off the electrical supply to said cargo compartment and sends an alarm signal to the control panel and remote systems. If the temperature sensor of that battery is activated, it activates a second alarm signal on the control panel and remote systems. If the specific smoke detector is activated, it automatically initiates the extinguishing of that compartment by submerging 100% of the battery in water in less than one minute and activating the main alarm that sends signals to the control panel and remote systems.

[0027] This battery charging and storage control system includes additional features to ensure its safety and operation.

[0028] The programmable logic controller (PLC), with a display outside the room, individually monitors each battery to determine whether it is charging or fully charged. This allows personnel to safely identify, replace, or select the appropriate battery before entering the room. Furthermore, the PLC stores this information in a remote cloud system for access and monitoring from anywhere using a password.

[0029] It features a charge and usage control system that monitors the number of charges for each battery, ensuring equal use of all batteries, extending their lifespan, and preventing overuse. The system alerts personnel before they enter the room which battery to remove. It also informs us of the total number of charges for each battery, providing crucial information for preventative battery maintenance.

[0030] Specifically, this battery charging and storage control system comprises a climate control unit for the interior cavity of the container, the purpose of which is to permanently control the temperature inside the room between 20-25 s C, to improve safety during the charging process, and thus maintain the most suitable temperature for the battery charging process.

[0031] Advantageously, the container includes an access control and door opening device, the purpose of which is to provide information on the access of the different

[0032] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) operators to the inner room for the insertion or removal of batteries, or to perform maintenance tasks.

[0033] The system is intended to include a camera for capturing images of the container's interior, connected to an external device for viewing these images. Its purpose is to allow operators to view the interior of the room before entering and to make a safe entry in case of danger; permanently recording the interior of the room to always have relevant information available for later viewing in case of mishandling, accident, etc.

[0034] The inner room may include an extractor for the extraction and filtering of any gases and fumes released by the batteries and accumulated in the inner room of the container, and a vent and relief panel for any overpressures that may occur in the inner room, for example due to the explosion of one of the batteries housed in the cargo compartments.

[0035] In the event of activation of the fire suppression system, the room has a containment tank for the water used in extinguishing and submerging the battery. Controlling and containing this water in a tank is of vital importance.

[0036] The system has an autonomous power supply system, which allows the operation of the security system, the sending of alarm signals, and the activation of the fire suppression system in case of mains failure.

[0037] The system comprises a collection tank for the water used in the immersion of the battery, connected to each compartment, which prevents overfilling of the compartment, and a drain (with manual opening and closing) at the bottom of the compartment for emptying the contained water.

[0038] The system can have its own autonomous water supply tank for fire suppression, with a booster pump in case there is no possibility of connecting to a fixed water network.

[0039] Brief description of the content of the drawings.

[0040] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) To complement the description being made and in order to facilitate the understanding of the characteristics of the invention, a set of drawings is attached to this descriptive report in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented:

[0041] Figures 1 and 2 show front and rear elevation views of an example embodiment of the battery charging and storage control system according to the invention.

[0042] Figure 3 shows a profile view of the battery charging and storage control system, sectioned by a vertical plane, in which a group of battery charging compartments can be seen, corresponding to one of the sides of the container.

[0043] Figure 4 shows a top plan view of the battery charging and storage control system, sectioned by a horizontal plane and provided with two facing groups of charging compartments and a central aisle.

[0044] Figure 5 shows a side view of one of the groups of cargo compartments, with respective batteries in the loading position and sectioned by a vertical plane; in this figure you can see the inclination of said compartments, the upper access door to them and the intermediate compartment flooded by the hydraulic system.

[0045] Figure 6 shows a diagram of the alarm device and the power supply circuit of any one of the cargo compartments, connected to the programmable logic controller.

[0046] Figure 7 shows a diagram of the hydraulic fire extinguishing or cooling system corresponding to any one of the cargo compartments, in which a battery is housed, and in which said battery has been flooded with water due to the generation of an alarm by it.

[0047] Detailed exposition of modes of implementation of the invention.

[0048] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the battery charging and storage control system comprises a container (1) that delimits an interior room (10) within which two groups of charging compartments (2) are arranged.

[0049] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) batteries (3), facing each other and separated by a central corridor.

[0050] Said container (1) has a door (11), an access control device (12), an interior camera (13) connected to a control panel and which allows viewing on an exterior screen if there are smokes or gases in the interior room (10) that advise against access to said room.

[0051] For safety reasons, the container (1) has a gas and fume extractor (14), and a vent panel (15) and overpressure relief panel for the inner room (10), to minimize the risk of damage in case of explosion of any of the batteries (3) housed in the cargo compartments (2).

[0052] This container (1) has an air conditioning unit (8) for the interior room (10) to maintain an optimal temperature for charging the batteries (3), preventing the heat that the batteries under charge may emit from increasing the temperature to dangerous levels.

[0053] In the embodiment shown in Figures 3 and 4, each group of compartments (2) comprises three independent columns where the batteries (3) housed therein are charged. In this example, each column has three levels of compartments (2), with each compartment (2) capable of housing two batteries (3).

[0054] The compartments (2) are made of intumescent and fire-resistant materials for 60-90-120 minutes, and feature ergonomic and safety characteristics designed to facilitate the charging and discharging of batteries, and to minimize the risk of damage in case of explosion of the battery contained within.

[0055] For this purpose, these compartments (2) are inclined downwards, which allows the battery to be supported on an inclined surface both during its removal and insertion, preventing the user from having to support the entire weight of the battery during these operations.

[0056] Each compartment (2) has two batteries controlled independently by the programmable logic controller (PLC). Each compartment is numbered and specifically assigned to a battery, allowing the PLC to control them.

[0057] The REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) specifies the number of charges and usage for each battery, ensuring similar usage of each battery and informing the user via the external control panel which battery to use. This control prevents the danger of excessive battery usage. Batteries in the middle and closest to the door will always be used more frequently.

[0058] The compartments (2) have in their upper area a front opening with a door (21) that opens manually into the corresponding compartment (2) and cannot be turned outwards, which minimizes the risk of damage in case of explosion of the battery housed inside.

[0059] At the lower end of the compartments (2) is housed the charger (61) for connecting and charging the corresponding battery, which facilitates the connection of the battery with the charger during the descent of the battery (3) towards the lower end of said compartment.

[0060] This charger and the electrical system are connected to the programmable logic controller, so that in case of detecting a fault / danger it cuts off the power supply.

[0061] The programmable logic controller (PLC) allows for the definition of various temperature levels for the sensors, adjusting and programming them according to the battery type and safety recommendations defined by the battery manufacturer; allowing the room to be used even if the battery model and type are changed (2). This PLC, through the sensors, automatically performs a series of actions aimed at mitigating overheating in any of the batteries. The system is also planned to have a control center (4a) and monitoring system that allows for the manual activation of the extinguishing actions.

[0062] Figure 6 schematically represents the detection and alarm device (5) corresponding to any one of the compartments (2) and connected to the aforementioned programmable logic controller (4). This detection and alarm device (5) comprises temperature sensors (51), smoke sensors (52) housed in each of the cargo compartments (2) and associated in the programmable logic controller (4) with the corresponding compartment, and a visual and / or audible alarm display / indicator (53).

[0063] One of the temperature sensors (51) arranged in the middle part of the compartment (2)

[0064] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) is in contact with the battery (3), to detect overheating of the batteries under charge, or already charged, housed in each of the compartments; said temperature sensor being connected to the programmable logic controller that cuts off the current to this compartment, if necessary, as a safety measure.

[0065] In this specific embodiment, the system has a first level of warning that indicates an anomaly due to failure of the electrical circuit or charger of each battery in any of the compartments (2); a second level of warning indicating that a predetermined maximum temperature has been reached in a temperature sensor connected directly to the battery of each compartment individually (2); a third level of warning, main or general alarm, by detection of smoke that causes the activation of actions aimed at extinguishing the fire or overheating in the compartment (2) in which said third level of warning has been detected, and a fourth level of warning for the manual activation from the control center (4a), referred to in figures 6 and 7, of the emergency extinguishing system and water entry into the compartment (2), in case of failure of the automatic activation by the programmable logic controller (4).

[0066] Figure 6 also schematically represents the power supply circuit for any one of the battery charging compartments (2), which is controlled by the programmable logic controller (PLC) (4) and includes a switch (62) for selectively disconnecting the power supply to the charger (61) corresponding to each of the compartments (2). Thus, when any current, temperature, or smoke alarm is activated in any of the compartments (2), the PLC (4) opens the switch (62) corresponding to that compartment (2), cutting off its power supply. This power cut-off occurs simultaneously in all compartments if a smoke alarm is activated in any of them.

[0067] It should be mentioned that the alarm warning signals of each type and battery charge status also cause the lighting of luminous and / or acoustic indicators (53), (only activated by alarms), or on an external control panel by the programmable logic controller (4), which allows a visual monitoring of the operating status of the system, the charge status of each battery, and to define the battery to use, by an operator.

[0068] When the third warning level is reached, once the power supply to all compartments (2) has been cut off, the programmable logic controller (4) activates a hydraulic system (7),

[0069] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) shown in Figure 7, for fire extinguishing or selective flood cooling of the battery (3) housed in that compartment (2) in which the alarm has been generated.

[0070] Said hydraulic system (7) comprises for each of the loading compartments (2) a water supply conduit (71) provided with an opening and closing solenoid valve (72) selectively actuated by the programmable automaton (4) and water return conduits (73) from said compartments to a water accumulation tank (74).

[0071] These return lines are connected to each of the charging compartments (2) at a point above the battery (3), so that when water enters compartment (2) through the supply line, it floods the battery (3), causing it to shut down or cool down. Therefore, this system acts directly on the battery (3) that fails and triggers the alarm, without affecting the other batteries (3) located in other compartments (2).

[0072] In the example shown, the water supply conduit (71) to each of the compartments (2) is connected to a main water supply conduit (75), common to all supply conduits (71) and which in the example shown is connected to a water supply pipe (77), belonging to a fire extinguishing system of the industry or factory in question, and to the water accumulation tank (74) by means of a water booster pump (76) controlled automatically by the programmable logic controller (4) or manually by means of an interface of the control center (4a) in case of failure of the automatic drive by the programmable logic controller (4).

[0073] Once the nature of the invention has been sufficiently described, as well as an example of a preferred embodiment, it is noted for the appropriate purposes that the materials, shape, size and arrangement of the elements described may be modified, provided that this does not imply an alteration of the essential characteristics of the invention claimed below.

[0074] REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A battery charging and storage control system, comprising a container (1) provided with a door (11) for access to an interior room (10); characterized in that it comprises: - at least one group of independent battery charging compartments (2) (3), housed in the inner room (10), made of fire-resistant material, inclined downwards and having in an upper area a front opening with a door (21) that opens manually into said compartment (2) and at a lower end at least one battery connection and charging charger (3); - a safety system against overheating or fire of the batteries (3) housed in each of the charging compartments (2) and comprising: - a detection and alarm device (5) connected to a programmable logic controller (4) and comprising temperature sensors (51) and smoke sensors (52) arranged inside each of the cargo compartments (2) and associated with the respective compartments (2); - an electrical power supply circuit (6) for the chargers (61) housed in the respective compartments (2), said electrical power supply circuit (6) is controlled by the programmable logic controller (4) and comprises switches (62) for selective disconnection of the electrical power supply to the charger (61) corresponding to any of the compartments (2); - a hydraulic system (7) for fire extinguishing or selective flood cooling of the battery (3) housed in any of the compartments (2); said hydraulic system (7) comprising water supply conduits (71) connected to each of the compartments (2), provided with respective solenoid valves (72) for opening and closing selectively actuated by the programmable logic controller (4), and water return conduits (73) from the compartments (2) to an accumulation tank (74), and - a programmable controller (4) that automatically activates the power supply cut-off switch (62) of the cargo compartment (2) when it receives an alarm signal for overheating or fire from the temperature (51) or smoke (52) sensors of a cargo compartment (2) and then opens the water supply to said cargo compartment (2), flooding the battery (3) housed therein. - a control center (4a) and manual activation of the safety system in case of failure of automatic activation of the safety system by the programmable logic controller REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26) (4).

2. The battery charging and storage control system, according to claim 1, comprising an air conditioning unit (8) for the interior room (10) of the container (1).

3. The battery charging and storage control system, according to any preceding claim, wherein the container (1) comprises an access control device (12) and a door opening device.

4. The battery charging and storage control system, according to any previous claim, comprising an interior camera (13) for capturing images of the interior room (10), connected to an external device for displaying said images.

5. The battery charging and storage control system, according to any previous claim, wherein the container (1) comprises a gas and fume extractor (14) from the interior room (10) to the outside of the container (1).

6. The battery charging and storage control system, according to any previous claim, wherein the container (1) has a vent panel (15) and an inner room overpressure relief (10). REPLACEMENT SHEET (RULE 26)

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