CA2799780C - Method of protecting battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells and protected battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells - Google Patents
Method of protecting battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells and protected battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells Download PDFInfo
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- CA2799780C CA2799780C CA2799780A CA2799780A CA2799780C CA 2799780 C CA2799780 C CA 2799780C CA 2799780 A CA2799780 A CA 2799780A CA 2799780 A CA2799780 A CA 2799780A CA 2799780 C CA2799780 C CA 2799780C
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 51
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 64
- 230000009970 fire resistant effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 30
- WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium Chemical compound [Li] WHXSMMKQMYFTQS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 22
- 229910052744 lithium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 22
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011149 active material Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000112 cooling gas Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000000979 retarding effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 13
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000011449 brick Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000052 comparative effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003618 dip coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008030 elimination Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003379 elimination reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052602 gypsum Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010440 gypsum Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920002635 polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000002062 proliferating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- VBUBYMVULIMEHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N propa-1,2-diene;prop-1-yne Chemical compound CC#C.C=C=C VBUBYMVULIMEHR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000009781 safety test method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
- H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/117—Inorganic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/121—Organic material
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/116—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material
- H01M50/124—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings characterised by the material having a layered structure
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/10—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings
- H01M50/14—Primary casings; Jackets or wrappings for protecting against damage caused by external factors
- H01M50/143—Fireproof; Explosion-proof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/233—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions
- H01M50/24—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders characterised by physical properties of casings or racks, e.g. dimensions adapted for protecting batteries from their environment, e.g. from corrosion
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2200/00—Safety devices for primary or secondary batteries
- H01M2200/10—Temperature sensitive devices
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/10—Batteries in stationary systems, e.g. emergency power source in plant
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M2220/00—Batteries for particular applications
- H01M2220/20—Batteries in motive systems, e.g. vehicle, ship, plane
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M6/14—Cells with non-aqueous electrolyte
- H01M6/16—Cells with non-aqueous electrolyte with organic electrolyte
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/49—Method of mechanical manufacture
- Y10T29/49002—Electrical device making
- Y10T29/49108—Electric battery cell making
- Y10T29/49115—Electric battery cell making including coating or impregnating
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Inorganic Chemistry (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
- Sealing Battery Cases Or Jackets (AREA)
- Battery Electrode And Active Subsutance (AREA)
Abstract
Coating a battery cell, or at least one battery cell in an assembly of battery cells or in a battery, or coating an assembly of battery cells or a battery which contains a battery cell or such an assembly with a fire-resistant coating is effective for protecting the cell, assembly, and battery and for retarding fire propagation.
Description
METHOD OF PROTECTING BATTERY CELLS AND BATTERIES WHICH
CONTAIN BATTERY CELLS AND PROTECTED BATTERY CELLS AND
BATTERIES WHICH CONTAIN BATTERY CELLS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for protecting cells and batteries which contain cells. The present invention also relates to protected cells and protected batteries which contain cells and methods for producing such a protected cell and battery.
DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND
Batteries comprising lithium-based cells can provide the highest energy density of all rechargeable (secondary) cells. Cells are available in a range of energy densities, power densities and packaging options. This energetic battery technology comes at a price, however, as the cells are known for causing a fire hazard when misused.
Today's batteries may be constructed using lithium polymer pouch cells. These pouch cells are welded together to form what are sometimes referred to as bricks, assemblies, or quanta. The quanta are encapsulated and then they are arranged mechanically and electrically to create a battery pack.
Recently, fires caused by lithium-based battery packs have called into question the intrinsic safety and safety testing of such batteries. Currently, there is no alternative for battery power that has high energy density, long cycle life and is safe.
Through good electronics and packaging design, the chance of fires in lithium battery packs can be reduced to a reasonable level. However, even in the best design, fires within cells can and do occur. In many cases a fire in a single cell may be tolerable, but a fire in a multiple cell pack caused by a single cell can quickly turn in to a high energy conflagration that is difficult to extinguish.
Primary batteries (single-use) and secondary batteries (rechargeable) are subject to internal or external failures that cause conflagration of the cell. This conflagration has been shown to propagate rapidly from cell to cell and from battery to battery, releasing tremendous amounts of thermal energy risking human life, facilities, and vehicle platforms.
Thus, there remains a need for lithium-based cells and batteries that are substantially free from the above-discussed problems. In particular, there remains a need for a safe battery system with high power density and high energy and which eliminates or significantly reduces the chance of and extends the time to failure of a cell or battery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide novel battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel battery cells which have a reduced tendency to fail and cause a conflagration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel lithium-based battery cells which have a reduced tendency to fail and cause a conflagration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel assemblies of battery cells which contain one or more such battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel assemblies of battery cells which contain one or more lithium-based battery cells.
CONTAIN BATTERY CELLS AND PROTECTED BATTERY CELLS AND
BATTERIES WHICH CONTAIN BATTERY CELLS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to methods for protecting cells and batteries which contain cells. The present invention also relates to protected cells and protected batteries which contain cells and methods for producing such a protected cell and battery.
DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND
Batteries comprising lithium-based cells can provide the highest energy density of all rechargeable (secondary) cells. Cells are available in a range of energy densities, power densities and packaging options. This energetic battery technology comes at a price, however, as the cells are known for causing a fire hazard when misused.
Today's batteries may be constructed using lithium polymer pouch cells. These pouch cells are welded together to form what are sometimes referred to as bricks, assemblies, or quanta. The quanta are encapsulated and then they are arranged mechanically and electrically to create a battery pack.
Recently, fires caused by lithium-based battery packs have called into question the intrinsic safety and safety testing of such batteries. Currently, there is no alternative for battery power that has high energy density, long cycle life and is safe.
Through good electronics and packaging design, the chance of fires in lithium battery packs can be reduced to a reasonable level. However, even in the best design, fires within cells can and do occur. In many cases a fire in a single cell may be tolerable, but a fire in a multiple cell pack caused by a single cell can quickly turn in to a high energy conflagration that is difficult to extinguish.
Primary batteries (single-use) and secondary batteries (rechargeable) are subject to internal or external failures that cause conflagration of the cell. This conflagration has been shown to propagate rapidly from cell to cell and from battery to battery, releasing tremendous amounts of thermal energy risking human life, facilities, and vehicle platforms.
Thus, there remains a need for lithium-based cells and batteries that are substantially free from the above-discussed problems. In particular, there remains a need for a safe battery system with high power density and high energy and which eliminates or significantly reduces the chance of and extends the time to failure of a cell or battery.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is one object of the present invention to provide novel battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel battery cells which have a reduced tendency to fail and cause a conflagration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel lithium-based battery cells which have a reduced tendency to fail and cause a conflagration.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel assemblies of battery cells which contain one or more such battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel assemblies of battery cells which contain one or more lithium-based battery cells.
2 It is another object of the present invention to provide novel batteries which contain one or more such battery cells or assemblies of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel batteries which contain one or more lithium-based battery cells or assemblies of lithium-based battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a lithium-based battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such an assembly of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such an assembly of lithium-based battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a battery.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a lithium-based battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting an assembly of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting an assembly of lithium-based battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel batteries which contain one or more lithium-based battery cells or assemblies of lithium-based battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a lithium-based battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such an assembly of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such an assembly of lithium-based battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of preparing such a battery.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a lithium-based battery cell.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting an assembly of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting an assembly of lithium-based battery cells.
3 It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a battery which contains one or more battery cells or one or more assemblies of battery cells.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a battery which contains one or more lithium-based battery cells or one or more assemblies of lithium-based battery cells.
These and other objects, which will become apparent during the following detailed description, have been achieved by the inventors' discovery that coating a battery cell, an assembly of battery cells, and/or a battery which contains one or more battery cells or one or more assemblies of battery cells with a fire-resistant coating is effective for protecting the cells, assemblies, and batteries.
Thus, the present invention provides:
(1) A battery cell, in which at least a portion of the exterior of said lithium-based cell is coated with a fire-resistant coating.
(2) A battery cell according to (1), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an ablative coating.
(3) A battery cell according to (1), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an intumescent coating.
It is another object of the present invention to provide novel methods of protecting a battery which contains one or more lithium-based battery cells or one or more assemblies of lithium-based battery cells.
These and other objects, which will become apparent during the following detailed description, have been achieved by the inventors' discovery that coating a battery cell, an assembly of battery cells, and/or a battery which contains one or more battery cells or one or more assemblies of battery cells with a fire-resistant coating is effective for protecting the cells, assemblies, and batteries.
Thus, the present invention provides:
(1) A battery cell, in which at least a portion of the exterior of said lithium-based cell is coated with a fire-resistant coating.
(2) A battery cell according to (1), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an ablative coating.
(3) A battery cell according to (1), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an intumescent coating.
(4) A battery cell according to (1), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an endothermic coating.
5 (5) An assembly of battery cells, which comprises at least one battery cell according to (1).
(6) A battery, which comprises at least one battery cell according to (1).
(7) A battery, which comprises at least one assembly of battery cells according to (5).
(8) A method of preparing a battery cell, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell with a fire-resistant coating.
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell with a fire-resistant coating.
(9) A method according to (8), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an ablative coating.
(10) A method according to (8), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an intumescent coating.
(11) A method according to (8), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an endothermic coating.
(12) A method of preparing an assembly of battery cells, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said assembly with a fire-resistant coating.
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said assembly with a fire-resistant coating.
(13) A method according to (12), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an ablative coating.
(14) A method according to (12), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an intumescent coating.
(15) A method according to (12), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an endothermic coating.
(16) A method of preparing a battery which contains at least one battery cell or at least one assembly of battery cells, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery with a fire-resistant coating.
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery with a fire-resistant coating.
(17) A method according to (16), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an ablative coating.
(18) A method according to (16), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an intumescent coating.
(19) A method according to (16), wherein said fire-resistant coating is an endothermic coating.
(20) A method according to (8), wherein said battery cell is a secondary, rechargeable battery cell.
(21) A method according to (8), wherein said battery cell is a primary, single use battery cell.
(22) A method according to (8), wherein said coating serves to retard fire propagation.
(23) A method according to (8), wherein said coating serves to direct the incendiary event.
(24) A battery cell according to (1), which is a lithium-based battery cell.
(25) A method according to (8), wherein said battery cell is a lithium-based battery cell.
In another aspect the present invention resides in a battery cell, in which at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell is coated with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
In a further aspect the present invention resides in a method of preparing a battery cell, said method comprising: coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
In yet a further aspect the present invention resides in a method of preparing a battery which contains at least one battery cell or at least one assembly of battery cells, said method comprising: coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Thus, the present invention provides a cell or quanta (or brick) or battery that has a significant improvement in the reduction or elimination of proliferating events within battery packs through application of ablative, intumescent, and/or endothermic coatings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The design and production of battery cell, assemblies and batteries which contain such lithium-based cells are known in the art and described in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fifth Edition, Wiley Interscience, NY, NY, vol.
3, pp. 407-561 (2004), and David Linden, Handbook of Batteries, McGraw Hill, Inc, ISBN 0-07-037921-1.
In the battery cells of the present invention, at least a portion of the exterior is coated with a fire-resistant coating. Preferably, substantially all of the exterior is coated with a fire-resistant coating. Similarly, it is preferred that substantially all of the exterior of the present assemblies and batteries be coated with a fire resistant coating. The term substantially all of the exterior should be understood to mean all of the exterior with the exception of the areas which must not be coated to permit electrical and/or mechanical connection of the cell, assembly, or battery for installation and/or proper functioning, maintenance, and inspection.
The fire resistant coating may be either an ablative coating, an intumescent coating, or an endothermic coating. Examples of ablative coatings include modified epoxy binders filled with thermally active materials which form cooling gases when exposed to extreme temperatures and polyurethane based coatings containing active fillers that form a liquid film at high temperatures. Such coatings are commercially available and are sold under the names FIREXTM 2373, FIREXTM 2376, and FIREXTM
23903, by MINTEQ International Inc.
An intumescent is a substance which swells as a result of heat exposure, thus increasing in volume, and decreasing in density.
Examples of endothermic coatings include concrete and gypsum.
The coating may be applied by any suitable technique, such as spraying, dip coating, or molding.
The thickness of the coating will depend on the identity of the fire-resistant coating and the degree of protection desired. Generally speaking, the thickness of the coating will range from Ito 25 mm, preferably 1.5 to 20 mm, more preferably 2 to 15 mm.
In the case of an assembly, one or more of the cells within the assembly may be coated. Alternatively, only the exterior of the assembly may be coated. In another embodiment, one or more of the cells within the assembly may be coated and the exterior of the assembly may also be coated.
In the case of a battery, one or more of the cells or assemblies within the battery may be coated. Alternatively, only the exterior of the battery may be coated.
In another embodiment, one or more of the cells or assemblies within the battery may be coated and the exterior of the battery may also be coated.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell is a lithium-based battery cell.
Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments which are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.
EXAMPLES
Comparative Example 1.
In a first test, a cell was placed directly on a plate that was heated by a MAPP gas torch. The cell erupted in flame in around 24 seconds and reached a maximum temperature of 320 C.
Example 1.
In a second test a cell coated with FIREX was placed on the metal plate and heated under the same conditions as in Comparative Example I. The cell did not catch fire after 3 minutes. Instead the coating prevented heat from damaging the cell and inspection of the cell after the fire showed no visible sign of physical damage.
Where a numerical limit or range is stated herein, the endpoints are included.
Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
In another aspect the present invention resides in a battery cell, in which at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell is coated with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
In a further aspect the present invention resides in a method of preparing a battery cell, said method comprising: coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
In yet a further aspect the present invention resides in a method of preparing a battery which contains at least one battery cell or at least one assembly of battery cells, said method comprising: coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Thus, the present invention provides a cell or quanta (or brick) or battery that has a significant improvement in the reduction or elimination of proliferating events within battery packs through application of ablative, intumescent, and/or endothermic coatings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The design and production of battery cell, assemblies and batteries which contain such lithium-based cells are known in the art and described in Kirk-Othmer, Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology, Fifth Edition, Wiley Interscience, NY, NY, vol.
3, pp. 407-561 (2004), and David Linden, Handbook of Batteries, McGraw Hill, Inc, ISBN 0-07-037921-1.
In the battery cells of the present invention, at least a portion of the exterior is coated with a fire-resistant coating. Preferably, substantially all of the exterior is coated with a fire-resistant coating. Similarly, it is preferred that substantially all of the exterior of the present assemblies and batteries be coated with a fire resistant coating. The term substantially all of the exterior should be understood to mean all of the exterior with the exception of the areas which must not be coated to permit electrical and/or mechanical connection of the cell, assembly, or battery for installation and/or proper functioning, maintenance, and inspection.
The fire resistant coating may be either an ablative coating, an intumescent coating, or an endothermic coating. Examples of ablative coatings include modified epoxy binders filled with thermally active materials which form cooling gases when exposed to extreme temperatures and polyurethane based coatings containing active fillers that form a liquid film at high temperatures. Such coatings are commercially available and are sold under the names FIREXTM 2373, FIREXTM 2376, and FIREXTM
23903, by MINTEQ International Inc.
An intumescent is a substance which swells as a result of heat exposure, thus increasing in volume, and decreasing in density.
Examples of endothermic coatings include concrete and gypsum.
The coating may be applied by any suitable technique, such as spraying, dip coating, or molding.
The thickness of the coating will depend on the identity of the fire-resistant coating and the degree of protection desired. Generally speaking, the thickness of the coating will range from Ito 25 mm, preferably 1.5 to 20 mm, more preferably 2 to 15 mm.
In the case of an assembly, one or more of the cells within the assembly may be coated. Alternatively, only the exterior of the assembly may be coated. In another embodiment, one or more of the cells within the assembly may be coated and the exterior of the assembly may also be coated.
In the case of a battery, one or more of the cells or assemblies within the battery may be coated. Alternatively, only the exterior of the battery may be coated.
In another embodiment, one or more of the cells or assemblies within the battery may be coated and the exterior of the battery may also be coated.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell is a lithium-based battery cell.
Other features of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following descriptions of exemplary embodiments which are given for illustration of the invention and are not intended to be limiting thereof.
EXAMPLES
Comparative Example 1.
In a first test, a cell was placed directly on a plate that was heated by a MAPP gas torch. The cell erupted in flame in around 24 seconds and reached a maximum temperature of 320 C.
Example 1.
In a second test a cell coated with FIREX was placed on the metal plate and heated under the same conditions as in Comparative Example I. The cell did not catch fire after 3 minutes. Instead the coating prevented heat from damaging the cell and inspection of the cell after the fire showed no visible sign of physical damage.
Where a numerical limit or range is stated herein, the endpoints are included.
Also, all values and subranges within a numerical limit or range are specifically included as if explicitly written out.
Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.
Claims (13)
- We claim:
I. A battery cell, in which at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell is coated with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures. - 2. An assembly of battery cells, which comprises at least one battery cell according to claim 1.
- 3. A battery, which comprises at least one battery cell according to claim 1.
- 4. A battery, which comprises at least one assembly of battery cells according to claim 2.
- 5. A method of preparing a battery cell, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery cell with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures. - 6. A method according to claim 5, wherein said battery cell is a secondary, rechargeable battery cell.
- 7. A method according to claim 5, wherein said battery cell is a primary, single use battery cell.
- 8. A method according to claim 5, wherein said coating serves to retard fire propagation.
- 9. A method according to claim 5, wherein said coating serves to direct an incendiary event.
- 10. A battery cell according to claim 1, which is a lithium-based battery cell.
- 11. A method according to claim 5, wherein said battery cell is a lithium-based battery cell.
- 12. A method of preparing an assembly of battery cells, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said assembly with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures. - 13. A method of preparing a battery which contains at least one battery cell or at least one assembly of battery cells, said method comprising:
coating at least a portion of the exterior of said battery with an ablative fire-resistant coating comprising a modified epoxy binder filled with a thermally active material that forms a cooling gas when exposed to extreme temperatures.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US34418810P | 2010-06-07 | 2010-06-07 | |
| US61/344,188 | 2010-06-07 | ||
| PCT/US2011/039409 WO2011156345A1 (en) | 2010-06-07 | 2011-06-07 | Method of protecting battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells and protected battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2799780A1 CA2799780A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
| CA2799780C true CA2799780C (en) | 2016-12-13 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2799780A Expired - Fee Related CA2799780C (en) | 2010-06-07 | 2011-06-07 | Method of protecting battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells and protected battery cells and batteries which contain battery cells |
Country Status (7)
| Country | Link |
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| US (2) | US9012062B2 (en) |
| EP (1) | EP2577768B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP6309270B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR20130115989A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU2011265071A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2799780C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2011156345A1 (en) |
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| US10790489B2 (en) | 2012-10-11 | 2020-09-29 | Cadenza Innovation, Inc. | Lithium ion battery |
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| WO2020041375A1 (en) * | 2018-08-21 | 2020-02-27 | Richard Theodore Wurden | Batteries for electric marine propulsion systems, and associated systems and methods |
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| KR102770329B1 (en) | 2020-01-13 | 2025-02-18 | 주식회사 엘지에너지솔루션 | Battery Module Including Absorption Member, Battery Rack Including the Same and Power Storage System |
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- 2011-06-07 KR KR1020127031966A patent/KR20130115989A/en not_active Ceased
- 2011-06-07 AU AU2011265071A patent/AU2011265071A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2011-06-07 EP EP11793001.6A patent/EP2577768B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2011-06-07 CA CA2799780A patent/CA2799780C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-06-07 WO PCT/US2011/039409 patent/WO2011156345A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2011-06-07 US US13/154,763 patent/US9012062B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2011-06-07 JP JP2013514290A patent/JP6309270B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2015
- 2015-03-20 US US14/663,769 patent/US20150194643A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO2011156345A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
| AU2011265071A1 (en) | 2012-12-06 |
| EP2577768A4 (en) | 2013-12-25 |
| US20110300431A1 (en) | 2011-12-08 |
| EP2577768A1 (en) | 2013-04-10 |
| US20150194643A1 (en) | 2015-07-09 |
| JP2013528911A (en) | 2013-07-11 |
| CA2799780A1 (en) | 2011-12-15 |
| US9012062B2 (en) | 2015-04-21 |
| JP6309270B2 (en) | 2018-04-11 |
| KR20130115989A (en) | 2013-10-22 |
| EP2577768B1 (en) | 2016-12-21 |
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