Energy Storage Container Roof Flap Venting Under Explosion Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage containers lack effective safety mechanisms to prevent harm from explosive and toxic gas releases during technical failures, posing risks to people and materials.
Innovation Solution
The energy storage container features a mechanically fixed roof flap that automatically opens at predetermined pressure, combined with a sensing system and control unit to safely release gases, and includes redundant safety features like multiple detectors and a fire suppression device to manage potential failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the container housing is made sealed and reinforced to withstand explosion pressure, then the structural strength and safety are improved, but the ability to release explosive and toxic gases is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The upper covering is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable roof flap. The roof flap can be opened to release gases while the fixed portion maintains structural integrity. This segmentation allows the container to both withstand pressure and release harmful gases when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The explosion pressure that could harm the container and surrounding people is converted into a beneficial force that automatically opens the roof flap through the lock mechanism. The harmful pressure builds up until it triggers the safety release, transforming the threat into a protective function.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical lock is used to secure the roof flap, then the containment and structural integrity are improved, but the automatic gas release function is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism is designed to automatically open the roof flap when the internal pressure reaches a predetermined level. The system serves itself by using the explosion pressure to trigger the lock's breaking mechanism, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism responds to changes in the pressure parameter. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the lock's mechanical properties change as it breaks, allowing the roof flap to open. This parameter-based triggering ensures automatic operation based on physical conditions.
3Reliability
If the roof flap is made movable for gas release, then the safety function is improved, but the structural strength and sealing capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The upper covering is divided into a fixed sealed portion and a movable roof flap portion. The fixed portion maintains the sealing capability and structural strength, while the movable flap provides the safety release function. This segmentation allows both contradictory requirements to be satisfied in different parts of the same structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The roof flap transitions from a static sealed state to a dynamic movable state when needed. During normal operation, the flap remains closed maintaining sealing. When pressure exceeds the threshold, the flap dynamically opens to release gases, then can be closed again to restore sealing capability.
4Measurement precision
If a sensing system and control unit are added to automatically unlock the lock, then the precision of gas release timing is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The complex electronic sensing and control system is replaced with a simple mechanical pressure-sensitive lock mechanism. The lock directly responds to pressure changes through mechanical means, eliminating the need for sensors, controllers, and electronic circuits while achieving the same gas release timing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism itself performs the sensing and actuation functions that would otherwise require separate sensors and controllers. The mechanical structure automatically detects pressure changes and triggers the opening action, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating additional components.
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 ensures controlled and safe release of gases, reducing the risk of explosions and toxic exposure, while allowing for safe operation and transportation of energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
The lock is configured to partially break and release the roof flap when a predetermined pressure inside the container is reached or exceeded due to an explosion
Implementation Method 2
The housing wall and the upper covering are reinforced to withstand an explosion pressure inside the container
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Energy storage container (1) in which at least one energy storage device (8) is arranged, including at least one housing wall (2) and one upper covering (3), wherein the upper covering (3) includes at least one roof flap (4), wherein the housing wall (2) and the upper covering (3) are reinforced to withstand an explosion pressure (PE) inside the energy storage container (1), wherein the roof flap (4) is lockable with a lock (5) and the lock (5) is arranged at an upper end of the housing wall (2), wherein the lock (5) is configured to partially break and release the roof flap (4) when a predetermined pressure (P1) inside the energy storage container (1) is reached or exceeded, wherein the predetermined pressure (P1) is lower than the explosion pressure (PE), a sensing system (6) configured to measure at least one parameter (S) related to a technical failure in the container (1), and a control unit (7) configured to receive a parameter value (V) measured by the sensing system (6),wherein the control unit (7) is further configured to compare the measured value (V) with a predetermined value (VP) and to unlock the lock (5).