Power Storage Module Electrolyte Absorption Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power storage modules in motor vehicles face risks of user exposure to gaseous and liquid electrolytes due to excess pressure and temperature, which can lead to burns when opening the case, as the electrolyte can mix and condense inside the module.
Innovation Solution
A power storage module with an electrolyte absorption device, such as desiccants like silica gel or a chemical indicator unit that changes color, is integrated into the case to absorb and warn about the presence of gaseous and liquid electrolytes, ensuring user safety during maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If excess pressure valves are placed on the cells to expel gas, then the cells can be opened by internal excess pressure, but the user may be in contact with gaseous and/or liquid electrolyte and be subjected to risks of burns
Solution Approach 1:
An electrolyte absorption device is introduced as an intermediary component between the excess pressure valve and the user environment. This device intercepts and absorbs the electrolyte that is expelled with the gas, preventing direct contact between the electrolyte and the user, thus resolving the contradiction between pressure release functionality and user safety
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful electrolyte that is expelled during pressure release is converted into a beneficial situation by using the absorption device to contain and neutralize it. The harmful substance is transformed from a safety hazard into a controlled element, allowing the pressure release function to operate without creating user exposure risks
2Ease of repair
If the case is opened for maintenance, then the user can replace power storage cells, but the user risks contact with gaseous and/or liquid electrolyte inside the case
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte absorption device is pre-installed within the case before any maintenance operations. This preliminary placement ensures that when the case is opened for cell replacement, the absorption device is already in position to capture any electrolyte that may be present, thus enabling safe maintenance operations without exposing users to electrolyte hazards
3Reliability
If gaseous electrolyte is expelled by the cell, then the excess pressure is released, but the gaseous electrolyte condenses into liquid electrolyte in the case creating a hazardous mixture
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolyte absorption device extracts and removes the gaseous electrolyte from the gas phase as it is expelled from the cell. By taking out the electrolyte molecules from the gaseous state and absorbing them onto the desiccant material, the device prevents the condensation process that would otherwise create liquid electrolyte, thus maintaining phase stability and preventing hazardous mixture formation
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 absorption device effectively contains and the indicator unit warns users of electrolyte presence, preventing exposure and ensuring safe handling by absorbing and visually signaling the presence of electrolytes outside the cells, enhancing user safety and module maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an electrolyte absorption device, this device being placed in the case and designed to absorb electrolyte in gaseous and/or liquid form which may be expelled by the cell
Implementation Method 2
When it comes into contact with the case, gas condenses and is transformed into liquid acetonitrile which is found in the case
Data Source
AI summary
A power storage module for a hybrid system. The module includes internal absorption elements for absorbing electrolytes, and gasses thereof, that may have separated from a storage cell within the module owing to overvoltages. The module may further include external indicator(s) for indicating that such separated electrolytes are contained within the module case. It is possible to protect a user of the power storage module who wants to open the case of this module, in the event that the power storage cell has released electrolyte in gaseous and/or liquid form into the interior of the case.