Battery assessment device

Abstract

A battery assessment device, according to some embodiments, may comprise: a chamber which provides a space for assessing a battery; a sensor which detects whether a fire occurs in the battery; and a water supplier which, when the sensor detects a fire, sprays a coolant into the chamber so that the battery is immersed. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention enable completely extinguishing a fire within a short time while preventing damage to the chamber.

Description

Battery evaluation device

[0001] This disclosure claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2024-0115398, filed August 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery evaluation device.

[0003]

[0004] Secondary batteries can convert chemical energy into electrical energy to power external circuits, while also receiving power from an external source and converting that electrical energy into chemical energy for storage. This allows for repeated charging and discharging. Secondary batteries are used in a variety of applications, including vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage devices.

[0005] Therefore, a device capable of evaluating battery performance, etc., is needed. However, since fire may occur during the process of evaluating battery performance, the battery evaluation device must be equipped with a fire suppression device.

[0006] Referring to Fig. 1, a conventional battery evaluation device (10) includes a fire extinguishing agent storage tank (11), a chamber (12), a fire extinguishing agent sprayer (13), and a sensor (14), and a battery (15) is evaluated inside the chamber (12). Referring to Fig. 2, conventionally, when a fire occurs in the battery (15), the sensor (14) detects the fire, and the fire extinguishing agent sprayer (13) receives the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent storage tank (11) and sprays the fire extinguishing agent to extinguish the fire. However, referring to Fig. 3, the conventional fire extinguishing method has a problem in that it cannot completely extinguish the fire in a short period of time, and as a result, the chamber (12) is damaged.

[0007]

[0008] The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to provide a battery evaluation device that can completely extinguish a fire within a short period of time while preventing damage to the chamber.

[0009]

[0010] Some embodiments of the present invention that can solve the above problem are as follows.

[0011] A battery evaluation device according to some embodiments comprises a chamber providing a space for evaluating a battery;

[0012] A sensor that detects whether a fire has occurred in the above battery; and

[0013] The sensor may include a water supply device that supplies water into the chamber so that the battery is submerged when the sensor detects a fire.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water supply may be connected to a cooling water storage tank located outside the chamber.

[0015] In some embodiments, the water storage tank may be a chiller.

[0016] In some embodiments, the sensor and the waterer may be located inside the chamber.

[0017] In some embodiments, a cooling channel through which coolant can flow may be located within the base plate of the chamber.

[0018] In some embodiments, the cooling conduit may be connected to the water storage tank.

[0019] In some embodiments, a Thermal Interface Material (TIM) pad may be positioned on the base plate of the chamber.

[0020]

[0021] Some embodiments of the present invention can completely extinguish a fire quickly while preventing damage to the chamber. Some embodiments of the present invention can prevent fire.

[0022] The effects of the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from practicing the embodiments of the present invention can also be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments of the present invention pertain.

[0023]

[0024] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a conventional battery evaluation device.

[0025] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing how a fire occurs in a conventional battery evaluation device.

[0026] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing how a conventional battery evaluation device extinguishes a fire.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fire occurring in a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments extinguishing a fire.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to some other embodiments.

[0031]

[0032] The terms or words used in this specification should not be interpreted as limited to their usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning that conforms to the technical idea of ​​the present invention based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the meaning of the terms or words to explain his or her own invention in the best way.

[0033] In this specification, it should be understood that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof. In addition, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "on" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly above" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between. Conversely, when it is said that a part such as a layer, film, region or plate is "under" another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly below" the other part, but also the case where there is another part in between.

[0034] It should be understood that the examples and drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications may be substituted for them.

[0035] When describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] Since the drawings are provided to more completely explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shape, size, and number of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. The shape, size, ratio, and number of each component in the drawings do not entirely reflect the actual shape, size, ratio, and number of each component.

[0037] In this specification, for the convenience of explanation, the positions of components, the shapes of components, and the relationships between components are described using a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis are indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, the "X-direction" means a direction parallel to the X-axis. In this specification, the "+X-direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the X-axis indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, the "-X-direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the X-axis indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, the "Y-direction" means a direction parallel to the Y-axis. In this specification, the "+Y-direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Y-axis indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, the "-Y-direction" means the opposite direction to the arrow direction of the Y-axis indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, the "Z-direction" means a direction parallel to the Z-axis. In this specification, the "+Z-direction" means the same direction as the arrow direction of the Z-axis indicated in FIGS. 1 to 7. In this specification, “-Z direction” means the opposite direction of the arrow direction of the Z axis shown in FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0038]

[0039] (First embodiment)

[0040] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 4, a battery evaluation device (100) according to some embodiments may include a water storage tank (110), a chamber (120), a water supply (130), and a sensor (140).

[0042] In some embodiments, the water storage tank (110) may be located outside the chamber (120). In some embodiments, the water storage tank (110) may be connected to a water supply (130). The water storage tank (110) may supply water to the water supply (130) when the sensor (140) detects a fire.

[0043] The temperature of the water inside the water storage tank (110) is not limited. As an example, the temperature of the water inside the water storage tank (110) may be in the range of about 0°C to about 50°C. The amount of water stored inside the water storage tank (110) may be set to an amount capable of submerging the battery (150). The amount of water stored inside the water storage tank (110) may be determined in consideration of the size of the chamber (120), the size of the battery (150), the capacity of the battery (150), the position of the battery (150), etc.

[0044] In some embodiments, the water storage tank (110) may be a chiller. The chiller can store water at a low temperature. As an example, the chiller can store water at a temperature of approximately 0°C to 20°C. The chiller can supply low-temperature water to the water supply (130), which may be advantageous for fire suppression.

[0045] In some embodiments, the chamber (120) can provide a space for evaluating the battery (150). The chamber (120) can be maintained in a constant temperature and humidity state by a temperature maintenance device and a humidity maintenance device.

[0046] In some embodiments, the water supply (130) may supply water into the chamber (120) to flood the battery (150) when the sensor (140) detects a fire. The water supply (130) may supply water from the water storage tank (110) into the chamber (120). The water supply (130) may stop supplying water into the chamber (120) when the battery (150) is flooded. In some embodiments, the water supply (130) may be located inside the chamber (120).

[0047] The direction and shape of the water ejected from the water dispenser (130) are not particularly limited. As a non-limiting example, the water dispenser (130) may eject multiple water streams radially. As a non-limiting example, the water dispenser (130) may eject water streams in the -Z direction. As a non-limiting example, the water dispenser (130) may eject small water particles radially.

[0048] In some embodiments, the sensor (140) can detect whether a battery fire has occurred. The method by which the sensor (140) detects whether a fire has occurred is not particularly limited. As a non-limiting example, the sensor (140) can detect whether a fire has occurred through smoke, heat, temperature, flame, gas, etc. inside the chamber (120). In some embodiments, the sensor (140) can be located inside the chamber (120).

[0049] The sensor (140) and the water storage tank (110) may be connected to a central control unit via a wired or wireless communication network. The sensor (140) may transmit a fire occurrence signal to the central control unit when it detects the occurrence of a fire. The central control unit, which receives the fire occurrence signal from the sensor (140), may transmit a water supply signal to the water storage tank (110). The water storage tank (110), which receives the water supply signal from the central control unit, may supply water to the interior of the chamber (120) via the water supply unit (130).

[0050] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fire occurring in a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 5, when a fire occurs in the battery evaluation device, a sensor (140) detects the occurrence of a fire and a water supply (130) can supply water into the chamber (120). FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a fire extinguishing in a battery evaluation device according to some embodiments. Referring to FIG. 6, a fire can be extinguished by flooding a battery (150) with water supplied from a water supply (130). In this way, some embodiments extinguish a fire by flooding the battery (150), thereby preventing damage to the chamber while quickly and completely extinguishing the fire.

[0051] In some embodiments, a battery evaluation device (100) may include a charging / discharging unit, a measuring unit, and an output unit. The charging / discharging unit may charge and discharge the battery (150) for evaluation of the battery (150). The measuring unit may be connected to the battery (150) to measure performance of the battery (150), such as temperature, current, voltage, and capacity.

[0052] The battery (150) may be one battery cell, multiple battery cells, one battery module, multiple battery modules, one battery pack, or multiple battery packs.

[0053] The battery (150) may be a used battery that has been used in various fields such as vehicles, portable electronic devices, and energy storage devices.

[0054] The battery (150) may be a secondary battery, and as a non-limiting example, may be a lithium secondary battery.

[0055]

[0056] (Second embodiment)

[0057] For the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first embodiment are specifically described, and the description of the parts that are substantially the same as the first embodiment is omitted.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 7, a battery evaluation device (200) according to some embodiments may include a water storage tank (210), a chamber (220), a water supply (230), a sensor (240), and a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) pad (260).

[0059] In some embodiments, a cooling conduit (222) through which cooling water can flow may be positioned within the base plate (221) of the chamber (220). The material of the base plate (221) may have high thermal conductivity. As a non-limiting example, the material of the base plate (221) may be a metal such as aluminum, brass, copper, nickel, tungsten, beryllium, silver, or gold. As one example, considering the economic aspect, the material of the base plate (221) may be aluminum.

[0060] The shape of the cooling channel (222) illustrated in FIG. 7 is merely exemplary. As a non-limiting example, the cooling channel (222) may be formed by arranging a plurality of channels extending in the Y direction in the X direction, or by arranging a plurality of channels extending in the X direction in the Y direction.

[0061] In some embodiments, the water storage tank (210) may be a chiller (210). In some embodiments, a cooling conduit (222) may be connected to the chiller (210). The chiller (210) and the cooling conduit (222) may supply cooling water to each other. Cooling water supplied from the chiller (210) to the cooling conduit (222) may cool the battery (250). Cooling water supplied from the cooling conduit (222) to the chiller (210) may be cooled again by the chiller (210) and supplied again to the cooling conduit (222).

[0062] In some embodiments, the TIM pad (260) may be positioned on the base plate (221) of the chamber (220). The battery (250) may be positioned on the TIM pad (260). The TIM pad (260) may enable more effective heat transfer between the battery (250) and the cooling conduit (222). As a non-limiting example, the material of the TIM pad (260) may be silicone rubber, polyurethane rubber, or the like. As a non-limiting example, the TIM pad (260) may include alumina, magnesium oxide, boron nitride, carbon nanotubes, aluminum nitride, or the like as a filler.

[0063]

[0064] The above description is intended solely to illustrate the present invention. The scope of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent or equivalent thereto should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.

[0065]

[0066] * This invention was developed through the Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning's "Development and demonstration of 2MWh-class ESS technology for renewable energy using recycled and remanufactured batteries."

[0067] - Assignment number: 20215710100310

[0068] - Ministry name: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy

[0069] - Project Management (Professional) Organization Name: Korea Institute of Energy Technology Evaluation and Planning

[0070] - Research Project Name: Energy Technology Development Project - Demonstration Project

[0071] - Research Project Name: Development and Demonstration of 2MWh ESS Technology for Renewable Energy Utilizing Reused and Remanufactured Batteries

[0072] - Contribution rate: 1 / 1

[0073] - Project implementation organization name: Korea Battery Research Association

[0074] Research period: January 1, 2024 - December 31, 2024

[0075]

[0076] [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 100, 200: Battery evaluation device

[0078] 110, 210: Water storage tank

[0079] 120, 220: Chamber

[0080] 221: Base Plate

[0081] 222: Cooling Euro

[0082] 130, 230: Water dispenser

[0083] 140, 240: Sensor

[0084] 150, 250: Battery

[0085] 260: TIM pad

Claims

1. A chamber providing space for evaluating the battery; A sensor that detects whether a fire has occurred in the above battery; and A water supply device that supplies water inside the chamber so that the battery is submerged when the sensor detects a fire; A battery evaluation device comprising:

2. In claim 1, The above water supply device is a battery evaluation device connected to a water storage tank located outside the chamber.

3. In claim 2, The above water storage tank is a battery evaluation device that is a chiller.

4. In claim 2, A battery evaluation device in which the sensor and the water supply are located inside the chamber.

5. In claim 2, A battery evaluation device having a cooling channel through which coolant can flow located inside the base plate of the chamber.

6. In claim 5, The above cooling path is a battery evaluation device connected to the water storage tank.

7. In claim 5, A battery evaluation device having a TIM (Thermal Interface Material) pad positioned on the base plate of the chamber.

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