UHPC Energy Storage Cabinet for Thermal Runaway Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Metal containers used for energy storage apparatuses are prone to short circuits and fires due to spacer film breakage during storage or transportation, leading to thermal runaway and potential fires.
Innovation Solution
A cabinet with a cube-shaped frame made of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) side plates, bottom, and top plates, which provides enhanced bending strength and thermal insulation, reducing the risk of fire and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If metal containers are used for energy storage apparatuses, then convenient loading and transportation are achieved, but the risk of short circuit and fire increases due to spacer film breakage during storage or transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining metal container structure with concrete lining layers. The concrete material provides fire resistance and thermal insulation properties while the metal structure maintains mechanical strength and transportation convenience. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating the advantages of both materials to achieve both ease of operation and improved reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete lining acts as an intermediary layer between the battery cells and the metal container wall. This intermediary structure prevents direct contact between potential fire sources and the metal container, while also providing thermal insulation to prevent heat transfer. The mediator layer thus reduces the risk of fire propagation while maintaining the structural integrity and transportation benefits of the metal container.
2Strength
If traditional metal cabinets are used, then structural strength is maintained, but thermal insulation performance is insufficient leading to higher energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet structure uses a composite design where the metal framework provides structural strength and the concrete infill layers provide thermal insulation. This composite construction maintains the mechanical strength required for structural integrity while significantly improving thermal insulation performance, thereby reducing energy consumption for temperature control of the energy storage apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The concrete material is applied specifically in regions where thermal insulation is most needed, such as the walls and ceiling of the cabinet, while the metal structure is retained for load-bearing components. This localized application of different material properties optimizes the balance between structural strength and thermal insulation, reducing energy consumption without compromising overall structural integrity.
3Reliability
If concrete structures are used for the cabinet, then fire resistance and thermal insulation are improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet adopts a composite structure where concrete is used for fire-resistant and thermally insulating components, while metal is used for load-bearing structural elements. This composite approach achieves improved fire resistance and thermal insulation with optimized weight, as the metal framework provides structural support with higher strength-to-weight ratio compared to pure concrete construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cabinet is divided into segmented sections with concrete lining layers applied to specific surfaces (walls, ceiling) rather than constructing the entire cabinet from solid concrete. This segmentation allows the fire-resistant and insulating properties of concrete to be utilized where needed, while reducing overall weight by maintaining metal structure for structural components and using thinner concrete layers.
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 concrete cabinet design enhances safety by minimizing the risk of thermal runaway and fire, while also reducing weight and energy consumption through improved thermal insulation.
Implementation Method 1
A cabinet with a cube-shaped frame made of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) side plates, bottom, and top plates, which provides enhanced bending strength and thermal insulation, reducing the risk of fire and damage
Data Source
AI summary
A cabinet for receiving an energy storage apparatus includes a substantially cube-shaped frame and a plurality of sheet-shaped concrete structures attached to the frame. The sheet-shaped concrete structure includes an ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC).