DE102012023433A1 - Receiving device for an electrochemical energy storage unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Receiving device (1) for an electrochemical energy storage unit (100), comprising: a gas-permeable first container (20) with a wall that defines a first interior (21) for accommodating the storage unit, a volume of the first interior being adapted to the storage unit that a receptacle (Z1) enveloping the storage unit is formed between the latter and the wall of the first container; a gas-permeable second container (50) with a wall which defines a second interior (51) in which the first container is accommodated, a volume of the second interior being adapted to the first container in such a way that between the first and the second container one the first container-enclosing second space (Z2) is formed; in each case non-flammable, thermally insulating and gas-absorbing first and second insulating means (10, 30) which are arranged in the first or second intermediate space, so that they envelop the storage unit or the first container; and gas barrier means in the form of a plastic sleeve (40) which is arranged in the second intermediate space (Z2) so that it envelops the second insulating means and the first container and conforms to the second container.

Description

The invention relates to a trained according to the preamble of claim 1 receiving device for an electrochemical energy storage unit such as a battery module, a battery or a battery cell, in particular based on lithium ions.

In recent years, increased demands on the power density of electrochemical energy storage units, in particular made by the automotive industry, have been invested in the further development of these. In the course of this development, in particular lithium-ion-based electrochemical energy storage units have proven to be particularly powerful. However, just lithium ion-based electrochemical energy storage units can show very violent heat-generating decomposition reactions to the point of explosion if damaged, and in addition to the associated high risk of fire environmentally hazardous chemicals such as chlorine, sulfur dioxide or hydrogen fluoride can be released.

Because of the high environmental hazard potential of electrochemical energy storage units, in particular of lithium-ion-based electrochemical energy storage units, it is envisaged by legal regulations recording equipment or hazardous goods boxes for this dictate when it comes to transport damaged energy storage units.

Alternate methods of transposing damaged energy storage units, such as immersing the energy storage units in saline so that they are electrically discharged, or freezing the energy storage units in liquid nitrogen to -200 ° C are difficult because of the required special permits, because of the destruction of the energy storage units and thus Analysis of their failure or because of the high technical complexity and cost, especially in retail impracticable.

A recording device according to the preamble of claim 1, for example, from JP 2004071427 A known. In this receiving device, the first and the second insulating means are formed as non-flammable electrically insulating inorganic material and the respective walls of the first and the second container are each made of metal and each gas-tight, so that the gas barrier means are formed by these walls.

The problem with this solution, however, is that in the interior of the container by the gas-tight and massive design, a very high gas pressure by a z. B. damaged energy storage unit leaking gas could build, which could result in exceeding the pressure holding capacity of the container to a dangerous overpressure-based explosion. But even when opening such a highly pressurized container can pose a threat to the people handling it. In addition, it could in a damaged energy storage unit to a strong heat in the energy storage unit and a transfer of heat to the outer second container come, which can cause injury and fire hazard.

The invention has for its object to provide a trained according to the preamble of claim 1 receiving device so that a higher level of security against resulting from the energy storage unit environmental hazards is achieved.

This is achieved with a receiving device according to claim 1. Further developments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to the invention, a receiving device for an electrochemical energy storage unit comprises: a dimensionally stable first container having a wall defining a closed, but selectively accessible first interior for receiving the energy storage unit, wherein a volume of the first interior is adapted to predetermined outer dimensions of the energy storage unit, that when absorbed energy storage unit between this and the wall of the first container, the energy storage unit completely enveloping the first space is formed; first insulating means, which are non-flammable and which are arranged in the first space, so that they completely envelop the energy storage unit; a dimensionally stable second container having a wall defining a closed but selectively accessible second internal space in which the first container is received, wherein a volume of the second internal space is adapted to predetermined outer dimensions of the first container that between the first container and the Wall of the second container is formed a first space completely enveloping the second space; second insulating means which are non-flammable and which are arranged in the second space so as to completely envelop the first container; and gas blocking means arranged to block leakage of gas generated by the energy storage unit from the receiving means.

The receiving device according to the invention is characterized in that the first and the second insulating means are each formed thermally insulating and gas-absorbing; that the walls of the first and the second container are each gas-permeable; and that the gas barrier means comprise a plastic sheath disposed in the second space so as to completely encase the second insulating means and the first container and conform to the wall of the second container.

According to the invention, closed but selectively accessible interior means that the container has an access (such as a one-piece or multi-part lid or a one- or multi-part door) to its interior, which can be opened to an object to place in the interior, and which can be closed, so that the interior or the container is closed on all sides.

According to the invention, the electrochemical energy storage unit may be, in particular, a battery module consisting of a plurality of batteries, a battery consisting of a plurality of battery cells, or a single battery cell for storing electrical energy. The energy storage unit preferably operates on a lithium-ion, lithium-sulfur or lithium-air base.

The first and second insulating means may be formed of identical material or materials. Further, the first and second insulating means may particularly include inorganic material having high temperature resistance, high thermal insulation capability, high surface area for gas absorption, and low weight.

The fact that in the receiving device according to the invention, the walls of the first and the second container are each gas-permeable, the risk is ruled out that a high gas pressure in the interior of which by z increased due to the increased stability of the dimensionally stable container. B. damaged energy storage unit escaping gas is built and could trigger a pressure-based explosion of the receiving device.

The defined as defined according to the invention plastic shell as a gas barrier means it ensures that environmentally hazardous chemicals such as chlorine, sulfur dioxide or hydrogen fluoride are prevented from releasing them. The preferred gas-tight plastic shell provides in particular by their resistance to hydrofluoric acid formed from the hydrogen fluoride reliable protection of the environment against emerging from a damaged energy storage unit highly hazardous chemicals. However, since the plastic sheath does not have such stability as the first and second containers, it can prevent explosive gas pressure in the receiving device from being too high due to failure (eg overpressure-based tearing) and thus acts like a pressure relief valve or safety device ,

Since the first and the second insulating means are formed in addition to their non-combustibility in each case gas-absorbing, can be reliably bound from a damaged energy storage unit leaking gas in the receiving device, so that is minimized in case of failure of the plastic sheath gas outlet. Since the first and the second insulating means are also thermally insulating, a transmission of the heat generated by a damaged energy storage unit to the outside of the second (outer) container and thus a risk of fire and injury can be reliably avoided.

With the receiving device according to the invention for an electrochemical energy storage unit thus increased security against resulting from the energy storage unit environmental hazards is achieved.

Thus, with increased safety, a nondestructive transport of a damaged electrochemical energy storage unit can be guaranteed, so that it can be analyzed for failure reasons and possibly also repaired again.

In addition, the receiving device according to the invention can be delivered to consumers such as the trade completely prefabricated and reused several times, which ensures high practicality of the receiving device.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plastic sheath on a first and a second plastic film, which are laid on two layers of each other, so that the plastic sheath is double-walled. According to one embodiment, the two plastic films may each be in the form of a plastic bag, wherein the two plastic bags are nested, so that a double-layered or double-walled plastic bag or the double-walled plastic sleeve is formed.

Due to the double-walledness of the plastic cover, even in case of failure (eg gas leakage due to damage, etc.) of one of the two plastic films, a reliable protection of the environment against the escape of chemicals can be maintained.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, each of the first and the second plastic film has a closure over which the envelope formed by the respective plastic film after insertion of the second insulating means and the first container with the first insulating means and the energy storage unit can be closed in a gastight manner and over which the closed shell can be opened again to access the second insulating means, the first container, the first insulating means and the energy storage unit gain. The closure of the first plastic film is preferably arranged offset relative to the closure of the second plastic film.

Due to the offset of the two closures, a chemical leak is effectively counteracted even in the event of failure, since the offset forms a labyrinth seal which inhibits the escape of chemicals.

According to yet an embodiment of the invention, the first and the second insulation means are each at least one of mineral wool such as glass wool and rockwool, vermiculite, and hollow glass spheres (also under the trade name PyroBubbles ^® known) and in particular consist of at least one of mineral wool, vermiculite, and hollow glass spheres.

In particular, these materials exhibit the properties of high temperature resistance, high thermal insulation capability, high surface area for gas absorption and low weight. If mineral wool is provided, it is preferably made of rock wool.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the walls of the first and the second container are each made of at least one of wood such as in particular plywood, plastic and cardboard. These materials are inexpensive and light in weight. Metal is also conceivable as material for the walls of the first and the second container, but may possibly have the disadvantages of higher costs and / or higher weight.

Together with the lightweight first and second insulating means, the receiving device according to the invention can thus be provided with a particularly low total weight, which facilitates handling and reduces transport costs. In addition, the materials of the receiving device according to the invention are chosen so that they do not constitute hazardous waste.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plastic cover is made of at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE or Teflon). In addition, z. As well as materials such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyamide (PA) and ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) are considered.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the volume (in particular height × width × depth) of the first interior is dimensioned such that when the energy storage unit is received a distance between it and the wall of the first container around the energy storage unit is at least 15 cm.

Such a distance has been found to be optimal for safe heat and gas escape inhibition in the first security area (first container with first insulation means) and to reliably prevent ignition of the first container. Consequently, according to embodiments of the invention at z. B. constant size configuration of the outer second container depending on the size of the male electrochemical energy storage unit different size configurations of the first container possible. The volume (in particular height × width × depth) of the second interior is preferably also dimensioned such that when the first container is received, a distance between it and the wall of the second container around the first container is at least 10 cm, preferably 15 cm.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, screwing means and / or bracing means are provided to reinforce the wall of the first container and / or the wall of the second container. This contributes in particular with regard to impact loads of the receiving device according to the invention, as described for. B. in traffic accidents and transport accidents (eg., The falling of lifting devices) may occur, to an increased mechanical stability and thus increased security against failure of the receiving device at.

According to yet a further embodiment of the invention, the second inner space defined in the second container is cuboid-shaped, wherein the plastic casing with a cuboidal shape is preformed inserted into the second inner space.

In other words, the second container is designed as a cuboid, what its transport z. B. facilitated by lifting devices such as forklifts. The preforming of the plastic casing with a cuboid shape facilitates both its insertion into the second interior and the introduction of the filled with the energy storage unit and the first insulating first container and the second insulating means in the second interior.

According to further embodiments of the invention, both the first container and the second container each formed as a cuboid, wherein the second container may preferably have a provided as a footprint rectangular outer surface with the dimensions of a Europallette (length: 1200 mm × width: 800 mm). A purely exemplary height of the second container may be 800 mm. The dimensions of the first container are adapted to those of the second container and can, for. B. length: 850 mm × width: 450 mm × height: 450 mm. Other dimensions of the first and second containers are expressly possible.

With this box-in-box principle, the manufacture, assembly, transport and storage of the receiving device according to the invention are further facilitated.

The invention expressly extends to such embodiments, which are not defined by combinations of features explicit back references of the claims, whereby the disclosed features of the invention - as far as is technically feasible - can be combined with each other.

In the following the invention will be described by means of a preferred embodiment and with reference to the attached figures.

1 shows a schematic perspective view of a trained according to an embodiment of the invention receiving means for an electrochemical energy storage unit.

2 shows a schematic sectional view of the receiving device of 1 ,

The 1 and 2 show a trained according to an embodiment of the invention receiving device 1 for an electrochemical energy storage unit 100 ,

The electrochemical energy storage unit 100 (hereafter simply "energy storage unit 100 "Works) works on lithium-ion-based and may be a battery consisting of several battery module, a battery cell consisting of several cells or a single battery cell for storing electrical energy. The energy storage unit 100 has in the present embodiment maximum z. B. cuboid external dimensions of z. Length: 500 mm × width: 100 mm × height: 100 mm.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the energy storage unit 100 was mechanically and / or electrically damaged and to be transported for analysis or repair. For this purpose, the energy storage unit 100 in the receiving device according to the invention 1 placed as in the 1 and 2 shown.

The recording device 1 has first insulating agent 10 , a dimensionally stable first container 20 , second insulation 30 , Gas barrier in the form of a plastic shell 40 and a dimensionally stable second container 50 which are arranged in this order from inside to outside.

The first container 20 has a gas-permeable wall made of plywood and having a closed but selectively accessible first interior 21 for receiving the energy storage unit 100 Are defined.

A volume of the first interior 21 is so to the outer dimensions of the energy storage unit 100 adjusted that when the energy storage unit 100 between this and the wall of the first container 20 a the energy storage unit 100 completely enveloping first gap Z1 is formed.

The first container 20 is a cuboid with the dimensions of z. B. about length: 850 mm × width: 450 mm × height: 450 mm, so that the volume of the first interior 21 is dimensioned so that when recorded energy storage unit 100 a distance A between this and the wall of the first container 20 around, ie on both sides in the length direction, width direction and height direction, at least 15 cm (150 mm).

To realize the accessibility of the first interior 21 indicates the first container 20 a one-piece lid 22 (only in 2 shown), which can be opened to the energy storage unit 100 in the first interior 21 to place, and which can be closed, leaving the first interior 21 or the first container 20 is closed on all sides.

The first insulating agent 10 are designed so that they are not flammable, thermally insulating and gas absorbing. In the present embodiment, the first insulating means 10 made of matte rock wool (mineral wool). The first insulating agent 10 be with the lid open 22 in the first container 20 introduced so that they are arranged in the first space Z1 this completely filling and the energy storage unit 100 completely envelop.

The second container 50 has a gas-permeable wall made of plywood and having a closed but selectively accessible second interior 51 defined in which the first container 20 is received or recorded.

A volume of the second interior 51 is so to the outer dimensions of the first container 20 adjusted that between the first container 20 and the wall of the second container 50 a first container 20 completely enveloping second gap Z2 is formed.

The second container 50 is a cuboid with the dimensions of z. B. about length: 1200 mm × width: 800 mm × height: 800 mm, so that the volume of the second interior space 51 is dimensioned so that when recorded first container 20 a distance B between this and the wall of the second container 50 around, ie on both sides in the length direction, width direction and height direction, at least 15 cm (150 mm). An intended as a stand rectangular outer surface 53 of the second container 50 has the dimensions of a europallet (length: 1200 mm × width: 800 mm).

To realize the accessibility of the second interior 51 has the second container 50 a one-piece lid 52 (only in 2 shown), which can be opened to the first container 20 in the second interior 51 to place, and which can be closed, leaving the second interior 51 or the second container 50 is closed on all sides.

The second insulation 30 are designed so that they are not flammable, thermally insulating and gas absorbing. In the present embodiment, the second insulating means 30 made of matte rock wool (mineral wool). The second insulation 30 be with the lid open 52 in the second container 50 introduced so that they in the second space Z2 this except for the plastic shell 40 claimed volume are arranged completely filling and the first container 20 completely envelop.

The gas-tight plastic cover 40 is arranged in the second space Z2, so that they are the second insulating means 30 and the first container 20 completely enveloped and attached to the wall of the second container 50 snugly. Thus, the plastic shell 40 set up, one from the receiving device 1 Leaking from the energy storage unit 100 escaping chemicals, especially gases and liquids.

The plastic cover 40 is preformed with cuboid shape in the second interior 51 Inserted so that it attaches to the wall of the second container 50 snugly. The plastic cover 40 has an inner first plastic film 41 and an outer second plastic film 42 on, which are placed on two layers of each other, leaving the plastic cover 40 is formed double-walled.

How out 2 can be seen, the first plastic film 41 a closure 41a on and has the second plastic film 42 a closure 42a on. About the respective closures 41a . 42a can match that of the respective plastic film 41 respectively. 42 formed envelope after introduction of the second insulating means 30 and the first container 20 with the first insulating agents 10 and the energy storage unit 100 be closed gas-tight and the closed shell can also be opened again to access the second insulating means 30 , to the first container 20 , the first insulating agent 10 and to the energy storage unit 100 to get.

How out 2 also evident is the shutter 41a the first plastic film 41 offset to the shutter 42a the second plastic film 42 arranged so that in relation to the two closures 41a . 42a a labyrinth arrangement or labyrinth seal is formed.

The plastic cover 40 and thus the two plastic films 41 . 42 For example, in the present embodiment, they are made of polyethylene (HDPE - High Density PE or LDPE - Low Density PE).

Although in the 1 and 2 not shown, also screwing and / or bracing means are provided to the wall of the first container 20 and the wall of the second container 50 to reinforce.

Clamping means may be exemplified in the form of one or more around the outer periphery of the respective container 20 . 50 be provided around strained metal bands.

In a test carried out with a lithium-ion battery as the electrochemical energy storage unit (in the receiving device 1 located lithium-ion battery) 6 Cells of the 72 cells were manipulated on a 5 Ah lithium-ion battery so that they could be overloaded until the 6 cells had been blown off.

In this test, it was found that the reactions of the overloaded 6 cells resulting from the overload remained limited to these. The overloaded 6 cells reached temperatures greater than 400 ° C, but no flashover of the reactions to adjacent cells was observed. The temperature at the inner first container reached a maximum of 32-36 ° C. The outer second container was retained as a redundant protective device unrestricted, so that an external change of the receiving device 1 as well as a gas leak could not be determined from this.

The recording device according to the invention 1 can thus be used for safe recording and safe transportation of an electrochemical energy storage unit and can, for. B. for damaged or undamaged energy storage units from vehicles such as hybrid or electric vehicles, mobile phones, cordless screwdrivers, laptops or notebooks, industrial applications and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS's) can be used. Of course, further fields of application are not excluded.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

recording device

10

first insulating agent

20

first container

21

first interior

22

cover

30

second insulating center

40

Plastic sheath

41

first plastic film

41a

shutter

42

second plastic film

42a

shutter

50

second container

51

second interior

52

cover

53

Outer surface (base)

100

Energy storage unit

A

distance

B

distance

Z1

first gap

Z2

second space

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• JP 2004071427A [0005]

Claims (10)

Recording device ( 1 ) for an electrochemical energy storage unit ( 100 ), comprising: a dimensionally stable first container ( 20 ) having a wall defining a closed but selectively accessible first interior space ( 21 ) for receiving the energy storage unit ( 100 ), wherein a volume of the first interior ( 21 ) so to predetermined outer dimensions of the energy storage unit ( 100 ), that when the energy storage unit ( 100 ) between this and the wall of the first container ( 20 ) the energy storage unit ( 100 ) enveloping first gap (Z1) is formed, first insulating means ( 10 ) which are non-flammable and which are arranged in the first space (Z1), so that they are the energy storage unit ( 100 ), a dimensionally stable second container ( 50 ) having a wall defining a closed but selectively accessible second interior ( 51 ), in which the first container ( 20 ), wherein a volume of the second interior ( 51 ) to predetermined outer dimensions of the first container ( 20 ), that between the first container ( 20 ) and the wall of the second container ( 50 ) a first container ( 20 ) enveloping second gap (Z2) is formed, second insulating means ( 30 ) which are non-flammable and which are arranged in the second space (Z2) so as to hold the first container (Z2). 20 ), and gas blocking means arranged to allow leakage from the energy storage unit (10). 100 ) generated gas from the receiving device ( 1 ), characterized in that the first and second insulating means ( 10 . 30 ) are each formed thermally insulating and gas-absorbing, that the walls of the first and the second container ( 20 . 50 ) are each made gas-permeable, and that the gas-locking means comprise a plastic envelope ( 40 ), which is arranged in the second intermediate space (Z2), so that the second insulating means (Z2) 30 ) and the first container ( 20 ) completely enveloped and against the wall of the second container ( 50 ) clings. Recording device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the plastic shell ( 40 ) a first and a second plastic film ( 41 . 42 ), which are stacked in two layers, so that the plastic shell ( 40 ) is double-walled. Recording device ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein each of said first and second plastic films ( 41 . 42 ) a closure ( 41a . 42a ), and wherein the closure ( 41a ) of the first plastic film ( 41 ) offset to the shutter ( 42a ) of the second plastic film ( 42 ) is arranged. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and the second insulating means ( 10 . 30 ) each have at least one of mineral wool, vermiculite and hollow glass spheres. Recording device ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the mineral wool is formed of rock wool. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the walls of the first and the second container ( 20 . 50 ) are each made of at least one of wood, plastic and cardboard. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the plastic envelope ( 40 ) is made of at least one of polyethylene, polypropylene and polytetrafluoroethylene. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the volume of the first interior ( 21 ) is dimensioned such that when the energy storage unit ( 100 ) a distance (A) between this and the wall of the first container ( 20 ) is at least 10 cm, preferably 15 cm. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein screwing means and / or bracing means are provided to the wall of the first container ( 20 ) and / or the wall of the second container ( 50 ) to reinforce. Recording device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein in the second container ( 50 ) defined second interior ( 51 ) is cuboid, and wherein the plastic shell ( 40 ) with cuboidal shape preformed in the second interior ( 51 ) is used.

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