Lithium Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Termination System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire suppression systems for lithium ion batteries are unable to terminate thermal runaway, and current methods fail to prevent reignition after initial flame extinguishment.
Innovation Solution
A fire protection system that uses a thermal runaway termination agent, such as HFC-227ea, delivered through a temperature-sensitive tube and controlled by a two-way or three-way valve, which is activated upon detecting a threshold temperature, ensuring a specific discharge time, concentration, and hold time to effectively extinguish flames and terminate thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If gaseous clean fire extinguishing agents are used to extinguish flames, then flame extinguishment is achieved, but thermal runaway cannot be terminated and reignition may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the fire suppression system by introducing a thermal runaway termination agent with specific properties (HFC-227ea at concentrations of 17-30% v/v) and controlling delivery parameters (discharge time of 18-180 seconds, hold time of 10-60 minutes) to achieve both flame extinguishment and thermal runaway termination, preventing reignition
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite approach by combining a thermal runaway termination agent (HFC-227ea) with a fire extinguishing agent, delivering them through a temperature-sensitive tube and control valve system to simultaneously address both flame suppression and thermal runaway termination requirements
2Speed
If fire extinguishing agent is delivered quickly to extinguish flame, then flame suppression is improved, but thermal runaway cannot be sufficiently terminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous action by maintaining the thermal runaway termination agent at a hold time of 10-60 minutes after delivery, ensuring sustained concentration (17-30% v/v) in the enclosure to continuously suppress thermal runaway reactions and prevent reignition, rather than providing a single brief discharge
3Reliability
If concentration of thermal runaway termination agent is increased to ensure termination, then thermal runaway termination is improved, but system complexity and substance quantity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter by specifying a precise range (17-30% v/v) for the thermal runaway termination agent HFC-227ea, which is sufficient to achieve thermal runaway termination while avoiding excessive quantities. The controlled delivery system ensures this optimal concentration is achieved through regulated discharge over 18-180 seconds
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 system successfully extinguishes flames, terminates thermal runaway, and prevents reignition in lithium ion battery fires by ensuring the appropriate concentration and duration of the thermal runaway termination agent is delivered.
Implementation Method 1
the tube is located within the enclosure and comprises a temperature sensor for detection of a threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
The delivery of the thermal runaway termination agent is characterized by a discharge time of at least 18 seconds, a HFC-227ea concentration of at least 17% v/v, and a hold time of 10 to 15 minutes or 15 to 30 minutes or 30 to 60 minutes that are sufficient to extinguish the flame and terminate thermal runaway
Implementation Method 3
the hold time is sufficient to cool the enclosure and the lithium ion battery to a temperature sufficient to prevent reignition following the extinguishment of the flame
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for extinguishing a flame and terminating thermal runaway in a device powered by a lithium ion battery. The disclosure also provides a system for extinguishing fires generated by lithium ion batteries exhibiting thermal runaway.