Waste Li-Ion Battery Discharge Using Conductive Particle Compaction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for recycling waste lithium ion batteries face challenges such as unsafe discharge processes, high costs, environmental pollution, and inefficiencies in discharge speed and compatibility, particularly with the chemical discharge method generating hazardous byproducts and the conductive powder method experiencing slow discharge and dust pollution.
Innovation Solution
A safe discharge method involving the mixing of waste lithium ion batteries with conductive particles at a specific weight ratio, compacted under controlled pressurization pressure, with real-time monitoring and adjustment of internal resistance and temperature to maintain a controlled discharge rate, and air cooling for efficient heat dissipation, ensuring rapid, safe, and environmentally friendly discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chemical discharge method is used, then discharge process is mild and treatment cost is low, but discharge speed is slow and hazardous waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive medium as an intermediary substance between the waste lithium ion batteries and the discharge system. This conductive medium enables direct electrical contact and rapid electron transfer, achieving fast discharge without requiring chemical reactions. The intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing a physical discharge pathway that is both rapid and environmentally clean.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conductive powder discharge method is used, then discharge process is clean and easy to operate, but contact resistance is large and discharge speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the physical parameters of the conductive medium from fine powder to granular particles with specific size ranges (0.5-5mm). This parameter change reduces contact resistance by improving mechanical contact stability while maintaining the environmental advantages of the conductive medium approach. The granular form factor enables better current distribution and lower resistance pathways.
3Productivity
If resistive load discharge method is used, then discharge speed is fast and batteries are thoroughly discharged, but temperature rises and battery type compatibility is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a conductive medium as an intermediary that provides a standardized interface between the discharge system and various battery types. This intermediary layer accommodates different battery form factors (cylindrical, prismatic, pouch) and chemistries while maintaining consistent discharge performance. The conductive medium adapts to different battery geometries, resolving the compatibility issue while preserving fast discharge capabilities.
4Reliability
If liquid nitrogen freezing crushing method is used, then crushing safety is improved, but explosion risk of crushed batteries remains
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies discharge treatment as a preliminary action before the crushing process. By completely discharging the batteries through the conductive medium method prior to crushing, the stored electrical energy is removed, eliminating the primary source of explosion risk during subsequent mechanical processing. This preliminary energy removal ensures safe handling throughout the entire recycling workflow.
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 achieves rapid, safe, and highly compatible discharge of waste lithium ion batteries, reducing environmental impact and operational costs, with improved discharge efficiency and safety, suitable for industrial-scale production.
Implementation Method 1
The waste lithium ion batteries and the conductive particles are compacted at a pressurization pressure of 1000-100000 Pa, so that the waste lithium ion batteries discharge
Implementation Method 2
The waste lithium ion batteries and the conductive particles are compacted at a pressurization pressure of 1000-100000 Pa
Implementation Method 3
air cooling for efficient heat dissipation
Data Source
AI summary
A safe discharge method for waste lithium ion batteries includes steps of mixing the waste lithium ion batteries and conductive particles in a discharge chamber to make the waste lithium ion batteries to discharge, calculating an internal resistance of the discharge chamber according to pressurization pressure; calculating a discharge rate of the waste lithium ion batteries; dynamically adjusting the pressurization pressure to keep the discharge rate of the waste lithium ion batteries to be 0.1-3 C; monitoring an internal temperature of the discharge chamber in real time; when the internal temperature is greater than an early warning temperature, reducing the pressurization pressure by 20%-60%; when the internal temperature is greater than a warning temperature, relieving the pressurization pressure to 0 N, reducing the pressurization pressure by 60%-90% after the internal temperature drops below the early warning temperature, and re-compacting to discharge the waste lithium ion batteries.