Layered Battery Storage for Thermal Runaway Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion battery fires pose a significant risk of extensive damage due to thermal runaway, releasing flammable gases and chemicals, necessitating a storage solution that prevents environmental harm.
Innovation Solution
A battery storage device with multiple layers of fire-resistant and chemical-resistant materials, including a fire-resistant inner layer, chemical-resistant outer layer, and a void for insulation, designed to contain and isolate potential fire and chemical hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-layer storage container is used, then the device complexity is low, but the protection against fire and chemical damage is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container wall is divided into multiple distinct layers, each performing a specific protective function. The inner layer contains chemical-resistant material for chemical protection, the middle layer contains fire-resistant material for thermal protection, and the outer layer provides structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one type of protection, achieving comprehensive safety while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container employs a composite wall structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The inner layer uses chemical-resistant material (such as polyethylene or polypropylene), the middle layer uses fire-resistant material (such as fiberglass or fire-retardant foam), and the outer layer uses structurally sound material. This composite approach creates a synergistic effect where the combination of materials provides superior protection compared to any single material alone.
2Reliability
If multiple layers of protective material are used, then the protection against fire and chemical damage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each layer of the wall structure is assigned a specific quality or property tailored to its protective function. The inner layer is specifically designed with chemical resistance to handle potential battery electrolyte leakage, the middle layer is designed with fire resistance to withstand thermal runaway temperatures, and the outer layer is designed for structural integrity. This local quality assignment ensures that each layer contributes optimally to its specific protective role, achieving high containment reliability without requiring excessive complexity in any single layer.
3Reliability
If the storage device is designed with fire-resistant and chemical-resistant layers, then the safety against thermal runaway is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process is segmented into distinct steps for creating each layer, allowing for specialized production techniques to be applied to each material type. The chemical-resistant inner layer can be manufactured using standard plastic molding processes, the fire-resistant middle layer can be added through lamination or coating techniques, and the outer structural layer can be formed using conventional manufacturing methods. This segmentation of the manufacturing process makes it easier to produce each layer with appropriate quality control while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
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 effectively inhibits fire and chemical damage to the surrounding environment by containing and isolating hazards within the storage compartment, ensuring safe storage of multiple batteries.
Implementation Method 1
the walls of the storage compartment include a first layer that is manufactured from fire retardant material
Implementation Method 2
the walls of the storage compartment include a second layer that is manufactured from a chemical resistant material
Implementation Method 3
a void is present intermediate all three layers of the wall of the storage compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A battery storage device that is configured to receive and store batteries in order to inhibit damage to a surrounding environment in the event of a battery failure. The present invention is provided in both a rigid and collapsible environment wherein the difference is the construction of the outer layer of the wall. A rigid embodiment employs plastic or metal wherein the collapsible embodiment employs an outer layer of nylon or similar material. Both embodiments include a wall having a first layer and a second layer wherein the first layer is manufactured from a fire-resistant material and is adjacent the interior volume of the battery storage device. The second layer of the wall is manufactured from a chemically resistant material. A void is present on both sides of the second layer of the wall. Spacing members are present within the void.