Battery Storage Flooding Control for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current safety mechanisms for managing thermal runaway in energy storage systems, such as batteries in buildings, are inadequate, as they often require complex and risky manual procedures to flood the battery compartments, and existing sprinkler systems are not dimensioned for this purpose, posing safety concerns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A control unit that initiates and controls the flooding of only the necessary parts of an energy storage space using a nearby fluid reservoir, allowing for targeted submersion of affected battery packs, reducing the risk of fluid leakage and pressure buildup, and enabling efficient handling of critical conditions like thermal runaway without fully submerging all batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual flooding procedures are used to cool down battery packs, then thermal runaway can be handled, but the procedure is complex and poses safety risks to personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic flooding through a control unit that detects critical conditions and activates flooding without requiring manual intervention. The battery compartment is equipped with automatic valves and fluid distribution systems that self-activate upon detection of thermal runaway conditions, eliminating the need for personnel to manually open compartments and pour water.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical flooding operations with an automated control system that uses sensors, control units, and automated valve mechanisms. The system substitutes human operators with electronic detection and actuation systems that automatically respond to thermal conditions.
2Reliability
If complete battery compartment flooding is performed, then all batteries are cooled, but unnecessary damage occurs to unaffected batteries and fluid leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements localized flooding by directing coolant fluid specifically to the battery pack experiencing thermal runaway rather than flooding the entire compartment. The system uses targeted fluid distribution channels and positioning to apply cooling only where needed, preserving unaffected batteries and reducing overall fluid requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the battery storage space into individual addressable compartments or zones, allowing selective flooding of specific battery packs rather than treating the entire space as a single unit. This segmentation enables precise control over which batteries receive coolant.
3Reliability
If sealed compartments are used for flooding, then water can be inserted, but the sealing wall insertion is complex and requires manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-installed sealing mechanisms and fluid injection systems within the battery compartment design. The compartments are manufactured with integrated seals, valves, and fluid distribution networks already in place, eliminating the need for manual sealing wall insertion during emergency response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system features automatic valve activation and self-sealing mechanisms that respond to thermal conditions without requiring external intervention. The compartment sealing and flooding processes are automated through sensors and control systems that trigger appropriate actions.
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 solution effectively mitigates safety risks by allowing for controlled flooding of only affected areas, minimizing damage to unaffected batteries, and reducing the need for additional resources, ensuring safe operation and cost-effectiveness in managing critical conditions within energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
it is necessary to cool down the complete battery pack to ensure that oxygen is not able to be produced, driving the runaway further
Implementation Method 2
cool down the complete battery pack to ensure that oxygen is not able to be produced, driving the runaway further
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method performed by a control unit (101) for controlling flooding of at least part of an energy storage space (103). The energy storage space (103) comprises at least one Energy Storage System, ESS, (105). The control unit (101) detects (201) that a critical condition associated with the at least one ESS (105) is present. When the critical condition has been detected, the control unit initiates (202) flooding of at least part of the energy storage space (103) with a fluid from a reservoir (108). The control unit (101) controls (204) the flooding of the energy storage space (103) such that the at least one ESS (105) is submersed to a submersion level where the critical condition is no longer present.