Battery Rack Cooling Barrier for Coolant Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems face risks of coolant leakage, which can lead to damage and fire hazards due to the proximity of coolant flow paths to critical components, and potential leakage outside the system.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system with a blocking portion comprising a blocking member and accommodation portion to contain leaked coolant, a drain hole with an opening/closing member, and a fire extinguishing line to manage and prevent external leakage and potential fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a water cooling method is used for efficient cooling control, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the risk of coolant leakage and fire hazards increases
Solution Approach 1:
A blocking member is introduced as an intermediary component between the cooling line and the external environment. This blocking member includes an accommodation portion that captures and contains coolant if leakage occurs, preventing direct contact between leaked coolant and surrounding components, thus resolving the contradiction between efficient water cooling and leakage risk
Solution Approach 2:
The accommodation portion of the blocking member converts the harmful effect of coolant leakage into a contained situation. By providing a dedicated space to hold leaked coolant, the system transforms potential fire hazards into a controlled scenario where coolant is isolated from ignition sources and other components
2Temperature
If the coolant flow path is positioned close to critical components for efficient cooling, then cooling performance is improved, but the risk of damage to the battery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member acts as a protective intermediary positioned between the cooling line and critical components such as the battery module, control module, and electrical connectors. This intermediary structure allows the cooling line to remain close to components for efficient cooling while providing a physical barrier that contains any potential coolant leakage away from these critical elements
3Reliability
If a blocking portion is added to prevent coolant leakage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed with multi-functionality to minimize added complexity. It simultaneously serves as a structural support element, a coolant containment barrier, and a protective shield for critical components. The integration of these multiple functions into a single component reduces the overall complexity increase while achieving improved safety
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 effectively contains and manages coolant leakage, reducing the risk of damage and fire hazards, ensuring the safety and integrity of the energy storage system.
Implementation Method 1
a blocking member in the container and spaced apart from the rack frame; and an accommodation portion in the blocking member and is configured to accommodate the coolant leaking from the battery module or the cooling line
Implementation Method 2
a cooling line that is connected to the battery module and configured to allow coolant to circulate through the battery module
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An energy storage system (100) includes a container, a rack frame (200) inside the container, a battery module (300) configured to be stored in the rack frame, a cooling line (400) that is connected to the battery module and configured to allow coolant to circulate through the battery module, and a blocking portion (500) configured to block the coolant from leaking to an outside of the container.