Melting Fire-Extinguishing Pipe for Battery Cell Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire extinguishing systems for energy storage devices require external spraying, which is time-consuming and costly, and internal pipes can deform or clog during fires, hindering effective fire suppression.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage device with a fire extinguishing function that includes a fire extinguishing unit with a melting pipe made of plastic material, which supplies extinguishing agent directly to the interior when heated, and a lower panel to contain the agent, along with a flame blocking member to prevent spread.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a pipe is installed to supply fire extinguishing agent directly to the interior of the energy storage device, then the fire extinguishing speed is improved, but the pipe may be deformed by high temperature heat or clogged due to foreign substances generated during fire
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the pipe from traditional metal or heat-resistant materials to a specific plastic material with controlled melting characteristics. The pipe is designed to melt at a specific temperature range (80-300°C) to automatically open the extinguishing agent supply path when fire occurs, eliminating the need for complex valve mechanisms and ensuring reliable operation under fire conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition (melting) of the plastic pipe material as the core mechanism for fire detection and response. When the temperature reaches the melting point of the plastic material, the pipe transitions from solid to liquid state, automatically opening the flow path for the fire extinguishing agent. This phase transition provides a simple, reliable, and temperature-responsive activation mechanism.
2Device complexity
If external spraying is used to extinguish fire in the energy storage device, then the system structure is simpler, but the fire extinguishing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing the fire extinguishing pipe inside the energy storage device case, positioned to directly reach the battery cells. The pipe remains in place and ready, connected to the fire extinguishing agent storage. When fire occurs, the agent can be immediately supplied through the pre-positioned pipe, eliminating the time required for external spraying and achieving rapid fire suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the fire extinguishing pipe inside the energy storage device case, which is itself nested within the larger system. The pipe is positioned among the battery cells, and the fire extinguishing agent is stored within the device housing. This nested arrangement allows the extinguishing agent to be delivered directly to the fire source from within the device structure.
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 quickly and effectively extinguishes fires by directly supplying extinguishing agent to battery cells, minimizing deformation and clogging issues, and stabilizes fire suppression even in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
the fire extinguishing pipe melts due to heat generated when fire occurs
Implementation Method 2
the lower panel blocks the fire extinguishing agent supplied through the fire extinguishing unit from moving to the bottom surface of the case, so that the fire extinguishing agent is stored inside the case
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage device includes: a case having a mounting space inside the case; a plurality of battery cells installed inside the case; and a fire extinguishing unit extending inside the case and configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent, wherein the fire extinguishing unit is configured to supply an extinguishing liquid to at least one of the battery cells or the mounting space while melting at a temperature of a threshold value or higher.