Battery Deep Discharge Using Cooling Load to Prevent Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deep discharging batteries prior to recycling are unsafe and time-consuming, posing significant safety risks and high costs in large-scale recycling processes due to uncontrolled energy discharge and chemical reactions.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize an electrical cooling element connected to the battery to divert and utilize residual energy for cooling, regulating discharge based on temperature and voltage thresholds, ensuring safe and accelerated discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the battery is discharged quickly to reduce processing time, then productivity increases, but thermal runaway risk increases due to uncontrolled heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the battery before discharge and during discharge phases. The cooling system is activated in advance to reduce initial temperature, and continues operating based on real-time temperature monitoring. This preliminary and continuous cooling action prevents thermal runaway even during rapid discharge, enabling both high productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through temperature sensors that continuously monitor battery temperature during discharge. The cooling system operates based on feedback signals from temperature measurements, adjusting cooling intensity to maintain safe operating conditions. This feedback mechanism allows rapid discharge while preventing thermal runaway through dynamic temperature control.
2Reliability
If chemical deactivation or slow deep discharge is used to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but processing duration increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-cooling the battery before discharge and during discharge phases. The cooling system is activated in advance to reduce initial temperature, and continues operating based on real-time temperature monitoring. This preliminary and continuous cooling action prevents thermal runaway even during rapid discharge, enabling both high productivity and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temperature parameter through active cooling, maintaining battery temperature below critical thresholds during discharge. By controlling the temperature parameter, the system enables rapid discharge rates that would otherwise cause thermal runaway, thus reducing processing time while maintaining safety.
3Reliability
If the battery is cooled during discharge to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but additional equipment and process complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing a cooling system that serves multiple purposes: it cools the battery during storage, pre-cools before discharge, and provides active cooling during discharge. This universal cooling system integrates temperature monitoring and control functions, reducing the need for separate systems and managing complexity through consolidated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through an automated temperature monitoring and control system. Temperature sensors continuously monitor battery temperature and automatically activate the cooling system when thresholds are approached, without requiring manual intervention. This self-regulating system manages the complexity of cooling integration through automation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method and device enable safe and rapid discharge of batteries by converting residual energy into cooling, preventing thermal runaway and reducing process time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
The effective short circuit of the battery at approximately...A voltage of 0 V causes the remaining current to be converted into heat across the battery's internal resistance
Implementation Method 2
Excessive heating can induce thermal runaway in the cell and lead to thermal propagation of the entire module
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for deep discharging a battery (2) for a recycling process, comprising the following steps: - measuring the temperature of the battery (2), - connecting at least one load (4) for discharging the battery (2) characterized in that - an electrical cooling element (6) is physically arranged to the battery (2) for cooling - a temperature threshold (Ts) for the temperature (T) of the battery (2) is set at a temperature measuring point (8) of the battery (4) - and the load (4) in the form of the cooling element (6) is switched on, - when the temperature threshold (Ts) is exceeded.