Endothermic Spreader for Battery Gas Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-energy density electrochemical cells, such as lithium-ion batteries, face challenges in managing temperature and spark suppression due to pressurized gases released during operation, which can lead to safety issues like overheating and fires.
Innovation Solution
A temperature and spark reduction device is integrated into the electrochemical assembly, featuring a spreader component with a polymer matrix and embedded additives like sodium bicarbonate, which decomposes into carbon dioxide and water at elevated temperatures, effectively cooling the gas and suppressing sparks through endothermic reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-energy density electrochemical cells are used to increase power output, then energy density and power are improved, but temperature control and spark suppression become more difficult due to pressurized gas release
Solution Approach 1:
A temperature and spark reduction device is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrochemical cell and the external environment. This device includes a spreader component with channels that direct pressurized gas flow, and an additive material that undergoes endothermic phase change to cool the gas and suppress sparks, thereby mediating the harmful effects of high-power operation
Solution Approach 2:
The additive material in the spreader component utilizes endothermic phase change (solid to liquid or gas) to absorb excessive heat from pressurized gas. This phase transition occurs at specific temperatures, providing automatic thermal regulation that cools the gas and prevents overheating and spark generation during high-power operation
2Stress or pressure
If pressure relief valve is used to release pressurized gas, then pressure control is improved, but temperature reduction and spark suppression are not adequately addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve function is merged with temperature reduction and spark suppression functions in a single integrated device. The spreader component with its specific channel geometry and additive material performs multiple functions simultaneously: pressure relief, gas cooling through endothermic phase change, and spark suppression, eliminating the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The spreader component features non-uniform channel geometry with varying cross-sectional areas and configurations. This local variation in channel quality creates specific flow patterns that enhance gas cooling efficiency and spark suppression at critical locations, while the additive material is strategically positioned in regions where temperature and spark risks are highest
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 device efficiently reduces the temperature of pressurized gases and suppresses sparks, enhancing the safety and reliability of electrochemical cells by utilizing endothermic phase change materials and flame retardants to manage thermal and ignition risks.
Implementation Method 1
The additive includes an endothermic phase change material configured to react at a temperature of greater than or equal to about 80° C. to less than or equal to about 250° C.
Implementation Method 2
The additive includes a flame retardant material
Implementation Method 3
The additive includes an intumescent material
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical assembly includes a case defining an interior region, an electrochemical cell, a device, and a pressure relief valve. The electrochemical cell is disposed within the interior region. The device includes a spreader component. The spreader component includes a polymer matrix and an additive embedded in the polymer matrix. The additive includes an endothermic phase change material, a flame retardant material, an intumescent material, or any combination thereof. The device defines a device outlet. The pressure relief valve has a valve inlet fluidly connected to the interior region and a valve outlet fluidly connected to the device. The pressure relief valve is configured to transfer a gas from the interior region to the device when a pressure in the interior region exceeds a predetermined pressure. The spreader component is configured to be in fluid communication with the gas and direct the gas to the device outlet.