Lithium Battery Safety Device with Cooling Conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium electrochemical generator batteries face risks of thermal runaway and self-ignition due to uncontrolled gas expansion and pressure increases, which can lead to the destruction of the entire battery, especially in lithium-ion types, as existing cooling systems are insufficient to manage the heat and gas discharge safely.
Innovation Solution
A safety device comprising a sealed compartment with a venting system, a conduit for gas discharge, and a covering part that tears at a threshold pressure to prevent self-ignition, using materials resistant to high temperatures and pressures to contain and safely release gases outside the battery compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If a vent hole is used for gas discharge, then the gases can be released from the battery, but the gases are not cooled sufficiently and pose ignition risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cooling intermediary system between the gas source (battery) and the external environment. A cooling conduit with cooling channels acts as a mediator to transport hot gases away from the battery while simultaneously cooling them through heat exchange with the surrounding environment or active cooling mechanisms, thereby eliminating the ignition risk without compromising gas discharge capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of cooling fluid (e.g., liquid to vapor) within the cooling channels to absorb excessive heat from the discharged gases. The cooling fluid circulates through the conduit, undergoes phase change to absorb thermal energy, and effectively cools the gases before they are released to the外部环境, preventing self-ignition
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the battery enclosure is made fully sealed to contain gases, then gas containment is improved, but pressure buildup can cause structural failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pressure relief mechanism rather than a static sealed structure. The enclosure includes a controlled release system that activates when internal pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, allowing the structure to adapt its sealing properties dynamically. This maintains gas containment under normal conditions while preventing catastrophic structural failure during thermal runaway events
Solution Approach 2:
The battery enclosure is segmented into multiple compartments or zones with independent pressure management systems. Each segment can handle pressure buildup independently through localized relief mechanisms, preventing the need for the entire structure to withstand maximum pressure loads, thereby maintaining structural integrity while providing effective gas containment
3Temperature
If cooling systems are added to manage heat, then temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling function with the existing gas discharge conduit structure. The cooling channels are integrated into the conduit that already exists for gas transport, combining two functions (gas discharge and heat dissipation) into a single structural element. This eliminates the need for separate cooling systems and reduces overall device complexity while maintaining effective temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is designed to operate passively using natural convection and conduction principles. The cooling fluid circulates through the conduit without requiring active pumps or control systems, utilizing the temperature differential and gravity-driven flow. This self-service cooling mechanism provides effective temperature control while minimizing added complexity and power requirements
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 safety device effectively channels and cools gas discharge, preventing self-ignition and ensuring the battery's integrity by withstanding overpressure, thus ensuring controlled gas release and maintaining the compartment's safety from thermal runaway events.
Implementation Method 1
a covering part designed to be positioned gas-tightly at an opening of a wall of the compartment and the second opening of the conduit, and where said covering part comprises a portion adapted to tear at the threshold pressure Ps
Implementation Method 2
a conduit comprising two openings where one of the openings is designed to be gas-tightly connected to the opening forming a vent of the box
Implementation Method 3
the materials of the box, the cover, the conduit and the sealing part, capable of being in contact with the gases emitted by the lithium electrochemical generators, are materials dimensioned to withstand the gases emitted by said lithium electrochemical generators and withstanding at least a temperature of 150° C.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety device (1) for a lithium electrochemical generator battery, including a box (100), configured to house a plurality of lithium electrochemical generators; a cover (200) arranged gas-tightly on the opening (130) of the box; an opening (120) forming a vent situated in one of the walls of the box (100) or situated in the cover (200); a conduit (300) having two openings (311, 312) where one of the openings (311) is gas-tightly connected to the opening (120) forming a vent of the box; a covering part (400) positioned gas-tightly at an opening of a wall of the compartment and the second opening (312) of the conduit, and where said covering part comprises a portion (410) adapted to tear at a threshold pressure Ps; where the walls of the box, the cover, the conduit and the covering part are secured to each other so as to ensure sealing against the gases up to a pressure above the threshold pressure Ps.