Lithium Ion Battery Electrolyte Removal via Vacuum Aspiration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for lithium ion battery electrolyte removal are inefficient and costly, particularly in large-scale disassembly and recovery of battery constituent members, due to issues with corrosive gas generation and equipment protection during incineration, and difficulties in setting reduced pressure and temperature conditions for solvent vaporization.
Innovation Solution
A method involving forming an opening in the battery casing, aspirating the electrolyte solution into a sealed depressurized recovery trap, injecting a solvent to clean the interior, and repeating the process to efficiently remove and recover the electrolyte, utilizing a pressure relief valve oriented vertically for efficient aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If incineration treatment is used to remove electrolyte, then safety during operation is ensured, but corrosive gases are generated that damage equipment and prevent reuse of battery components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrolyte by controlling temperature and pressure conditions. The electrolyte is heated to its boiling point under controlled pressure conditions, transforming it from liquid to vapor phase for removal, thereby avoiding corrosive gas generation from incineration while ensuring operational safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of the electrolyte from liquid to vapor state through controlled heating and pressure reduction. The electrolyte is vaporized and then condensed in a recovery system, enabling safe removal and reuse of battery components without generating harmful corrosive gases
2Object-generated harmful factors
If freezing method is used to remove electrolyte, then generation of corrosive gases is suppressed, but large-scale freezing equipment is required causing high cost and large installation space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using large-scale freezing equipment, the patent changes the approach by controlling temperature and pressure parameters to achieve electrolyte vaporization at relatively low temperatures. This eliminates the need for complex freezing equipment while still preventing corrosive gas generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical freezing system with a thermal-vaporization system. By using controlled heating and pressure reduction, the electrolyte is removed through phase change rather than freezing, significantly reducing equipment complexity and installation space requirements
3Loss of substance
If solvent vaporization under reduced pressure is used to remove electrolyte, then electrolyte removal is achieved, but it is very difficult to set the temperature and degree of pressure reduction for sufficient removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the parameter settings for solvent vaporization by conducting experiments to determine the precise temperature and pressure conditions. The electrolyte is heated to specific temperature ranges (e.g., 60-80°C) under controlled pressure reduction, making the process easier to operate while ensuring sufficient electrolyte removal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature and pressure conditions are continuously monitored and adjusted. The recovery system provides feedback on the electrolyte removal efficiency, allowing operators to fine-tune the temperature and pressure parameters for optimal performance
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
This method allows for safe disassembly and efficient recovery of lithium ion battery constituent members, including the battery casing, by effectively removing the electrolyte and cleaning the interior without waste, using a simple and efficient solvent injection and aspiration process.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure relief valve, which is provided on the battery casing (12), is arranged to face vertically downward
Implementation Method 2
electrolytic solution aspirating step of sucking out the electrolytic solution from the interior of the battery casing
Implementation Method 3
volatile components of the electrolytic solution containing a fluorine compound are heated and vaporized
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention comprises steps of forming an opening portion in a battery case; aspirating an electrolyte solution from the interior of the battery case through the opening portion and into a sealed and depressurized electrolyte solution recovery trap; injecting a solvent containing no electrolyte from a solvent tank through the opening portion, and into the battery case; and aspirating a mixed solution from the interior of the battery case through the opening portion and into the sealed and depressurized electrolyte solution recovery trap. By performing the above-mentioned process, battery constitutive members including the battery case can be disassembled and recovered efficiently in large quantities.