Non-Flammable Cooling Composition for Battery Thermal Runaway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling systems in electric and hybrid vehicles are insufficient for effectively managing heat generation and are prone to flammability, posing a risk of thermal runaway and fire in battery systems.
Innovation Solution
A non-flammable cooling composition comprising hydrocarbon fluids with an initial boiling point of at least 30°C and perfluorooctyl bromide, optionally with a flame retardant, is used to cool and prevent the spread of fire in mobile and stationary systems, including batteries and power electronics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems (air or water with glycol) are used, then cooling function is provided, but the cooling efficiency is insufficient and flammability risk exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the cooling fluid by using perfluorinated compounds (specifically perfluorooctyl bromide) as the base fluid instead of conventional water-glycol mixtures. This parameter change achieves both superior cooling efficiency through enhanced thermal conductivity and complete flame resistance due to the chemical stability of perfluorinated compounds, directly resolving the contradiction between cooling performance and flammability risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite cooling fluid system by combining perfluorinated base compounds with specifically selected additives including anti-wear agents, corrosion inhibitors, and foam suppressors. This composite formulation achieves both excellent cooling performance and complete fire resistance, eliminating the flammability risk associated with conventional cooling systems while maintaining effective heat dissipation
2Temperature
If hydrocarbon fluids are used for cooling, then cooling function is provided, but lubricating properties are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional cooling fluid that simultaneously provides cooling, lubrication, and fire suppression capabilities. The perfluorinated base compound delivers superior cooling performance, while carefully selected additives including extreme pressure agents and anti-wear compounds provide adequate lubrication for mechanical components. This universal fluid eliminates the need for separate lubricating compositions, directly addressing the lack of lubricating properties in conventional cooling fluids
3Reliability
If heavy halogen compounds are used to achieve non-flammability, then flame resistance is improved, but toxicity and environmental harm increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical structure parameters by using perfluorinated compounds with specific molecular configurations that provide inherent flame resistance without the toxicity associated with heavy halogen compounds. The selected perfluorooctyl bromide and related compounds achieve complete fire resistance through their chemical stability while maintaining lower toxicity profiles compared to traditional heavy halogenated fire suppressants, directly resolving the contradiction between flame resistance and toxicity
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 composition provides effective cooling and flame resistance, preventing thermal runaway and ensuring safety by maintaining stable temperatures and reducing the risk of fire in propulsion systems and batteries.
Implementation Method 1
perfluorooctyl bromide for cooling in a mobile or stationary system and/or to prevent or delay the spread of thermal runaway
Implementation Method 2
The composition provides effective cooling and flame resistance, preventing thermal runaway and ensuring safety
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns the use of a composition including at least one hydrocarbon fluid having an initial boiling point of at least 30° C., or at least one base oil; perfluorooctyl bromide, for cooling in a mobile or stationary system and/or for preventing or delaying the spread of thermal runaway in a mobile or stationary system.