JP6779090B2 - Thermal runaway suppression system for secondary batteries - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, and relates to, for example, a system for cooling a large-scale secondary battery system attached to a power generation facility or the like by using a coolant.

A secondary battery such as a lithium ion battery is usually cooled by air cooling or the like. When the secondary battery starts thermal runaway and ignites, the fire is extinguished by gas-based fire extinguishing equipment. In this fire extinguishing equipment, for example, a heat detector and a smoke detector detect an ignition and extinguish the fire. In an abnormal situation such as extinguishing a fire, the secondary battery is cut off from the peripheral circuit.

Further, there is known a fire extinguishing system which is provided near a secondary battery and generates a fire extinguishing gas when the temperature becomes high (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2013-178909

By the way, as described above, the secondary battery is usually cooled by air cooling or the like. For example, when the temperature exceeds 60 ° C., the electrolytic solution starts to deteriorate, and when the temperature exceeds 120 ° C., thermal runaway starts and causes ignition. Therefore, it is important to cool the secondary battery before ignition. When thermal runaway starts, even if the secondary battery is cut off from the peripheral circuit, the thermal runaway may not stop and the secondary battery may ignite.

An object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system capable of promptly detecting the start of thermal runaway of a secondary battery.

The first invention is provided with a secondary battery module composed of a battery, a smoke generator that emits smoke when the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, and an air introduction section and an air discharge section. A housing in which the smoke-generating agent is provided in the secondary battery module, a smoke detection unit that detects smoke emitted by the smoke-generating agent , a coolant supply source, and a housing that is installed inside the housing. In order to cool the secondary battery module, it has a pipe for supplying the coolant from the coolant supply source into the housing, and a plurality of partition walls are provided in the housing. The secondary battery module is placed in each of the storage battery chambers partitioned by the plurality of partition walls, and the secondary battery module in the housing is provided from a portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction from the partition wall. A coolant is sprayed toward the battery, and the smoke detection unit detects the smoke in each storage battery chamber and extends from a portion of the pipe that penetrates the partition wall and extends in the vertical direction. It is a thermal runaway suppression system of a secondary battery configured so that a coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber in which the smoke is detected in the housing .

According to the second invention, in the thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery according to the first invention, a plurality of elementary batteries constituting the secondary battery module are lined up at intervals, and the smoke-generating agent is used. , This is a thermal runaway suppression system for secondary batteries provided on both sides of each of the elementary batteries in the direction in which the elementary batteries are lined up.

According to the third invention, in the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery according to the first or second invention, an air introduction section air discharge section is provided, and the secondary battery module and the smoke emitting agent are contained therein. The housing provided includes an air flow generation unit that generates an air flow that is discharged from the air introduction unit through the inside of the housing to the air discharge unit, and the smoke detection unit has the air discharge unit. It is a thermal runaway suppression system for secondary batteries that is configured to detect smoke contained in the air flow in the section.

A fourth invention is the thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery according to any one of the first to third inventions, wherein the pipe is branched on the secondary battery module side, and the branched pipe is used. It is a thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery in which a selection valve is provided for each, and the selection valve is opened and closed so that the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber in which the smoke is detected .

A fifth invention is the thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery according to any one of the first to fourth inventions, wherein the coolant supply source includes a coolant storage container in which the coolant is stored, and the cooling is provided. A container valve for opening and closing the discharge port is provided at the coolant discharge port of the agent storage container, and the coolant is stored in the coolant storage container in a compressed liquefied state. It is a battery thermal runaway suppression system.

In the sixth invention, a secondary battery module composed of a basic battery, a basic battery temperature detecting unit for detecting the temperature of the basic battery, a coolant supply source, and the secondary battery module are provided inside. A housing and a pipe for supplying a cooling agent from the coolant supply source into the housing in order to cool the secondary battery module installed in the housing are provided in the housing. A plurality of partition walls are provided, and the secondary battery module is placed in each of the storage battery chambers partitioned by the plurality of partition walls, and the partition walls of the pipe extend in the vertical direction. The coolant is configured to be sprayed from the portion toward the secondary battery module in the housing, and the temperature of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold in each storage battery chamber in the battery temperature detection unit. Coolant is detected only in the storage battery chamber in which it is detected that the predetermined threshold is exceeded in the housing from the portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction through the partition wall. Is a rechargeable battery thermal runaway suppression system configured to supply .

According to the seventh invention, in the thermal runaway suppression system for the secondary battery according to the sixth invention, a plurality of elementary batteries constituting the secondary battery module are provided, and the elementary battery temperature detection unit is provided. It is a thermal runaway suppression system of a secondary battery configured to detect the temperature of each of the elementary batteries.

According to the eighth invention, in the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery according to the sixth or seventh invention, the pipe is branched on the secondary battery module side and is selected for each of the branched pipes. It is a thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery in which a valve is provided and the selection valve is opened and closed so that the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber that exceeds the predetermined threshold value in the housing .
A ninth aspect of the invention is the thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery according to any one of the sixth to eighth aspects, wherein the coolant supply source includes a coolant storage container in which the coolant is stored, and the cooling is provided. A container valve for opening and closing the discharge port is provided at the coolant discharge port of the agent storage container, and the coolant is stored in the coolant storage container in a compressed liquefied state. It is a battery thermal runaway suppression system.

According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly detect that the thermal runaway of the secondary battery has started.

It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 1 is a view taken along the line II-II in FIG. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is the figure of the arrow IIIB in (a), (c ) Is a view taken along the line IIIC in (a). It is a perspective view which shows the schematic structure of the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the schematic structure around the coolant discharge part in the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is the VB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the nozzle which is installed in the coolant discharge part in the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is the VIB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the VIIB arrow view in (a), (c) is the figure which enlarged the VIIC-VIIC cross section in (a), (d). Is a view taken along the line VIID in (b) and shows the shape of the opening of the horn. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the VIIIB arrow view in (a), (c) is the modification (a) and (b) of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another modification). It is a figure which shows the modified example of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the IXB arrow view in (a), (c) is the modified example ((a) and (b) of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another modification). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XB arrow view in (a), (c) is the modification (a) and (b) of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows another modification). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XIB arrow view in (a), and (c) is the XIC arrow view in (b). It is an arrow view of XII in FIG. 11 (b). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, and (b) is the XIVB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, and (b) is the XVIIB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XVIIIB arrow view in (a), and (c) is the XV1IIC arrow view in (b). Each of (a) to (d) is a diagram showing a modified example of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, and (b) is the XXB-XXB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XXIB-XXIB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XXIIB arrow view in (a), and (c) is the XXIIC arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. 5, (b) is the XXIIIB arrow view in (a), and (c) is the XXIIIC arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the modification of the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the modification of the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, (b) is the XXVB arrow view in (a). It is a figure which shows the schematic structure of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention, and in which a fuming agent is installed. It is sectional drawing of the fuming agent shown in FIG. 27. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the modification of what is shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which installed the elementary battery temperature detection part in the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a circuit diagram of the elementary battery temperature detection part shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which installed the fuming agent in the secondary battery module which is the cooling target of the thermal runaway suppression system of the secondary battery which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system (hereinafter, simply referred to as “thermal runaway suppression system”) 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention is a housing (rechargeable battery housing). ) 3, a coolant supply source 5, a pipe 7, and a selection valve 9.

Here, for convenience of explanation, a predetermined horizontal direction is defined as a lateral direction, another horizontal predetermined direction and a direction orthogonal to the lateral direction is defined as a front-rear direction, and a lateral direction and a front-back direction The direction orthogonal to and is the vertical direction.

The internal space of the housing 3 is partitioned into a plurality of storage battery chambers 13 (13A, 13B, 13C, 13D) by a partition wall (for example, a rectangular flat plate-shaped partition plate; a shelf plate) 11.

Further, the housing 3 includes, for example, a rectangular box-shaped housing main body 15 and a door 17 that opens and closes a rectangular opening on the front surface of the housing main body 15. The rectangular box-shaped housing body 15 includes a bottom plate 19 located at the lower end, two side plates 21 and one back plate 23 standing upward from the bottom plate 19. It includes a top plate 25 that closes the upper ends of these side plates 21 and the back plate 23.

The housing body 15 is formed by appropriately bending or the like into a predetermined shape in which the bottom plate 19, the side plate 21, the back plate 23, and the top plate 25 are integrated. Further, in FIG. 1, the display of the door 17 is omitted in order to make the figure easier to see.

When the opening located on the front surface of the housing body 15 is closed by the door 17, the outer shape of the housing 3 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and the bottom plate 19, the side plate 21, the back plate 23, and the door 17 are formed. A rectangular parallelepiped internal space is formed inside the top plate 25 and the top plate 25. The door 17 (which may be the housing body 15) is provided with an air introduction portion (air introduction hole) 27 (see FIGS. 26 and 29) for taking in outside air into the housing 3 closed by the door 17. An air discharge portion (air discharge hole) 29 (air discharge hole) 29 (air discharge hole) 29 (air discharge hole) 29 for discharging air or the like inside the housing 3 blocked by the door 17 to the outside of the housing 3 (See FIGS. 26 and 29) is provided.

The air introduction hole 27 is provided in the lower part of the housing 3, and the air discharge hole 29 is provided in the upper part of the housing 3. Assuming that the air introduction hole 27 and the air discharge hole 29 are closed with the door 17 closed, complete airtightness is ensured between the outside of the housing 3 and the internal space of the housing 3. No, but generally blocked.

A plurality of partition walls 11 are provided, and the internal space of the housing 3 is divided into, for example, a plurality of storage battery chambers (rectangular parallelepiped storage battery chambers) 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D in the vertical direction. Further, the partition wall 11 is integrally formed with the housing main body 15 in the internal space of the housing 3 so that the thickness directions thereof are in the vertical direction and the partition walls 11 are separated from each other by a predetermined distance in the vertical direction. It is provided.

Each of the lateral ends of the partition wall 11 is fixed to each side plate 21, the rear end of the partition wall 11 is slightly separated from the back plate 23, and when the door 17 is closed, the partition wall 11 is closed. The front end of 11 is slightly away from the door 17. When the door 17 is closed, the air that has entered the housing 3 from the air introduction unit 27 passes through the storage battery chamber 13D, the storage battery chamber 13C, the storage battery chamber 13B, and the storage battery chamber 13A in this order, and the air discharge hole. It is discharged from 29 to the outside of the housing 3. The secondary battery module 33 is air-cooled by the air flow in the housing 3.

Further, the housing 3 is provided with an air flow generating unit 61 (see FIGS. 26 and 29) that forcibly creates the above-mentioned air flow in the housing 3. The air flow generation unit 61 is composed of, for example, an exhaust fan installed in the air discharge unit 29.

The coolant supply source 5 is, for example, separate from the housing 3 and is provided outside the housing 3.

The pipe 7 is on the side of the secondary battery modules 33 (plurality of secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB ... 33BA, ...; See FIG. 1) installed in each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D. Therefore, it is branched into a plurality of pipes 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. Then, the coolant for cooling the secondary battery module 33 is discharged (supplied; discharged) from the coolant supply source 5 into each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D via the pipe 7.

More specifically, the coolant supply source 5 includes a housing (coolant housing) 35 and a coolant storage container 37. The coolant storage container 37 in which the coolant is stored is installed in the housing 35. A coolant (for example, carbon dioxide) is stored (accommodated) in the coolant storage container 37.

A container valve 39 for opening and closing the coolant discharge port of the coolant storage container 37 is provided. The pipe 7 is provided at the tip of the container valve 39, and when the container valve 39 is opened, the coolant in the coolant storage container 37 is sent to the inside of the storage battery chamber 13 through the pipe 7. Further, the coolant supply source 5 is configured to include an operation panel (for example, an operation panel having a display unit such as an LCD and an input unit such as a touch panel or a switch) 41 and a control unit (CPU and memory). A control unit) 43 is provided.

The coolant is stored in the coolant storage container 37 in a compressed liquefied state, and when the container valve 39 is exited or the nozzle 45 described later is exited, the coolant expands adiabatically and the temperature drops.

The pipe 7 includes a main pipe (main pipe) 7M and sub pipes (branch pipes) 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. The main pipe 7M penetrates the coolant housing 35 and the secondary battery housing 3. As a result, one end of the main pipe 7M enters the inside of the coolant housing 35, and the intermediate portion of the main pipe 7M extends between the coolant housing 35 and the secondary battery housing 3. The other end of the main pipe 7M is inserted inside the secondary battery housing 3.

One end of the main pipe 7M that has entered the inside of the coolant housing 35 is connected to the container valve 39. The other end of the main pipe 7M that has entered the inside of the secondary battery housing 3 extends in the vertical direction and penetrates the partition wall 11. The other end of the main pipe 7M that has entered the inside of the secondary battery housing 3 is plugged.

Further, the other end of the main pipe 7M (a portion that enters the inside of the secondary battery housing 3) is located behind the storage battery chamber 13 in the front-rear direction, and one end of the storage battery chamber 13 in the lateral direction. Is located in.

One sub-pipe 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D is provided inside each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D. For example, the sub-pipe 7A extends laterally in the storage battery chamber 13A, and one end of the sub-pipe 7A is connected to the main pipe 7M. The other end (tip) of the sub-pipe 7A is plugged. Further, the sub-pipe 7A is located above the secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, 33AC (inside the storage battery chamber 13A) in the vertical direction, and the secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, 33AC (inside the storage battery chamber 13A) in the front-rear direction. Located behind.

The sub-pipe 7B is provided in the storage battery chamber 13B in the same manner as the sub-pipe 7A, the sub-pipe 7C is also provided in the storage battery chamber 13C in the same manner as the sub-pipe 7A, and the sub-pipe 7D is also provided in the sub-pipe 7A. In the same manner as above, it is provided in the storage battery chamber 13D. As a result, the pipe 7 is branched on the secondary battery module 33 side.

The selection valve 9 (9A, 9B, 9C, 9D) is provided in each of the branched pipes 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D. That is, a selection valve 9A composed of a two-way valve is provided at one end of the sub-pipe 7A (the end on the main pipe 7M side) in the middle of the sub-pipe 7A, and is between the main pipe 7M and the sub-pipe 7A. To be closed or open. Similarly, the selection valve 9B is provided in the middle of the sub-pipe 7B, the selection valve 9C is provided in the middle of the sub-pipe 7C, and the selection valve 9D is provided in the middle of the sub-pipe 7D.

Further, nozzles 45 are provided at a portion of the sub-pipe 7A on the other end side of the selection valve 9 at predetermined intervals, and when the container valve 39 and the selection valve 9A are opened, a coolant is provided. The coolant in the storage container 37 is discharged from the nozzle 45 toward the secondary battery modules 33 (33AA, 33AB, 33AC) in the storage battery chamber 13A. Similarly, nozzles 45 are provided at a portion of the sub-pipe 7B on the other end side of the selection valve 9 at a predetermined interval, and nozzles 45 are provided at a portion of the sub-pipe 7C on the other end side of the selection valve 9. Nozzles 45 are provided at predetermined intervals, and nozzles 45 are provided at a portion of the sub-pipe 7D on the other end side of the selection valve 9 at predetermined intervals.

Further explaining, a selection valve 9A is provided at the base end of the sub-pipe 7A, and a plurality of nozzles 45AA, 45AB, 45AC are predetermined in the lateral direction at a portion of the sub-pipe 7A on the tip side of the selection valve 9A. It is provided at intervals of. Similarly, the sub-pipe 7B is provided with a selection valve 9B and a plurality of nozzles 45BA, 45BB, 45BC, the sub-pipe 7C is provided with a selection valve 9C and a plurality of nozzles 45CA, 45CB, 45CC, and the sub-pipe 7D is provided. Is provided with a selection valve 9D and a plurality of nozzles 45DA, 45DB, 45DC.

Then, when the container valve 39 and, for example, the selection valve 9A are opened from the state where the container valve 39 is closed and the selection valves 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are closed, the coolant storage container 37 is used as the main. The coolant flowing through the pipe 7M and the sub pipe 7A is discharged from the nozzles 45AA, 45AB, 45AC only to the inside of the storage battery chamber 13A.

A plurality of secondary battery modules (battery units) 33 are installed in one storage battery chamber (battery storage chamber) 13 at predetermined intervals in the lateral direction, for example. That is, inside one storage battery chamber 13A, secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, 33AC are arranged at predetermined intervals in the lateral direction.

Each of the nozzles 45 discharges a coolant toward each of the secondary battery modules 33. For example, the nozzle 45AA discharges the coolant towards the secondary battery module 33AA, the nozzle 45AB discharges the coolant towards the secondary battery module 33AB, and the nozzle 45AC towards the secondary battery module 33AC. Release the coolant.

Here, the secondary battery module 33 will be described in detail.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, one secondary battery module 33 integrally supports a plurality of elementary batteries (battery cells; single batteries) 47 (47A to 47H) and a plurality of elementary batteries 47. The element battery support 49 and the external electrodes 51 (51A, 51B) are provided. The secondary battery module 33 and the elementary battery 47 may be simply referred to as a "secondary battery". Further, the elementary battery support 49 is not shown in FIG. 3, and detailed display is omitted in FIG.

The elementary battery 47 includes a container 53, an electrode (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown) and a separator (not shown) provided in the container 53, and a terminal 55 slightly protruding from the container 53. It is configured with and.

Here, for convenience of explanation, a predetermined one direction in the secondary battery module 33 is the X direction, a predetermined one direction orthogonal to the X direction is the Y direction, and the X direction and the Y direction are relative to each other. The orthogonal direction is the Z direction.

The elementary battery 47 (container 53) is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape having predetermined dimensions in each of the X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction, for example. A pair of terminals (+ terminal, -terminal) 55 slightly protrude from one end surface of the elementary battery 47 in the Z direction.

The plurality of elementary batteries 47A to 47H supported by the elementary battery support 49 are integrated with each other and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. Then, each of the one terminal (each terminal on one end side in the X direction) 55 protruding from each of the elementary batteries 47A to 47H has + terminals and-terminals arranged alternately in the Y direction. In each of the other terminals (each terminal on the other end side in the X direction) 55 protruding from each of the elementary batteries 47A to 47H, the-terminal and the + terminal are arranged alternately in the Y direction.

Further, the elementary batteries 47A to 47H supported by the elementary battery support 49 are connected in series by a plurality of conductive terminal connecting members 57. An external electrode (external electrode member) 51A is connected to one end terminal (the upper terminal in FIGS. 3A and 4) of the elementary batteries 47A to 47H connected in series, and the elementary batteries 47A to 47H are connected in series. The external electrode (external electrode member) 51B is also connected to the terminal at the other end of the above (terminal in FIG. 3A and lower in FIG. 4) (see also FIG. 22A and the like).

In the secondary battery module 33, the X direction coincides with the lateral direction, the Y direction coincides with the front-rear direction, the terminal side (+ side) in the Z direction is on the top, and the bottom side (-side) is on the bottom. It is placed on the partition wall 11 in line with the direction. In the above description, the elementary batteries 47A to 47H are connected in series, but the elementary batteries 47 may be connected in parallel. Further, for each elementary battery 47, a series connection and a parallel connection may be used in combination. For example, with respect to the six elementary batteries 47, three sets of two elementary batteries 47 connected in parallel may be provided, and these three sets of elementary batteries 47 may be connected in series.

Further, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the secondary battery modules 33 is provided with a temperature sensor 59 that detects the temperature of the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47). The temperature sensor 59 detects the temperature of each of the secondary battery modules 33 (may be each of the elementary batteries 47).

Then, under the control of the control unit 43, the temperature detected by the predetermined temperature sensor among the temperature sensors 59 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 120 ° C., which is the temperature at which the elementary battery 47 starts thermal runaway). Occasionally, the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber 13 in which the secondary battery module 33 provided with the predetermined temperature sensor 59 is installed.

For example, when the temperature sensor 59 of the secondary battery module 33BC in the storage battery chamber 13B shown in FIG. 1 detects a temperature rise, the container valve 39 and the selection valve 9B are opened to open the secondary battery module in the storage battery chamber 13B. The coolant is discharged from the coolant discharge unit 65 only toward 33BA, 33BB, and 33BC.

In the above description, the coolant is discharged for each storage battery chamber 13, but one selection valve 9 is provided for one secondary battery module 33, and a secondary battery in which a temperature rise is detected is provided. It may be configured to release the coolant only towards the module 33. In this case, it is desirable to further partition the inside of the housing 3 and provide one secondary battery module 33 in one storage battery chamber 13.

Here, opening and closing of the coolant discharge port of the coolant storage container 37 by the container valve 39 (particularly, when changing from the closed state to the open state) will be described in detail with an example.

When the electromagnetic switch (not shown) constituting the starting device receives the starting signal (starting signal due to temperature rise) transmitted from the control unit 43, the electromagnetic switch (not shown) operates. Then, the needle (not shown) connected to the electromagnetic switch protrudes and breaks the seal plate of the starting gas container (not shown) filled with the starting gas, and the starting gas enters the conduit (not shown). Is sent.

The delivered starting gas is guided to the container valve 39 at the head of the coolant storage container 37, breaks the sealing plate (not shown) of the container valve 39, and the container valve 39 changes from the closed state to the open state.

The released coolant is also guided to a pressure switch (not shown) via the pipe 7, the pressure switch is operated by the pressure of the released gas, the output signal is input to the control unit 43, and the pipe 7 is used. When the signal of the pressure switch that detects that the gas pressure inside has risen to a predetermined pressure is received, the control unit 43 turns off the start signal to the electromagnetic release device.

As described above, the coolant discharge unit (discharge port) 65 of the pipe 7 includes a nozzle 45 that discharges the coolant toward the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47) installed in the storage battery chamber 13. The arrow A1 shown in each figure such as FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 indicates the flow of the coolant.

Further explaining, the nozzle 45AA, the nozzle 45AB, and the nozzle 45AC are provided in the pipe 7A, the nozzle 45AA discharges the coolant toward the secondary battery module 33AA, and the nozzle 45AB is directed to the secondary battery module 33AB. The nozzle 45AC discharges the coolant toward the secondary battery module 33AC.

Similarly, the pipe 7B is provided with nozzles 45BA, 45BB, 45BC, the pipe 7C is provided with nozzles 45CA, 45CB, 45CC, and the pipe 7D is provided with nozzles 45DA, 45DB, 45DC. It is provided.

The nozzle 45 is installed to promote cooling of the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47). That is, by installing the nozzle 45 in the coolant discharging portion 65, the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is efficiently sprayed on the secondary battery module 33 (see arrow A1 in FIG. 5). More specifically, since the nozzle 45 is provided, most of the coolant discharged from the pipe 7 is sprayed on the secondary battery module 33.

The nozzle 45 is configured as shown in FIG. 6, and the coolant is discharged through a plurality of (for example, three) small holes 71. The coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 spreads in a conical shape, for example, as shown by arrow A1 in FIG. 5, and most of the coolant is sprayed toward the secondary battery module 33.

The horn 69 may be provided in place of or in addition to the nozzle 45 provided in the pipe 7.

For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, a horn 69 may be provided at the tip of the nozzle 45 in order to further promote the cooling of the secondary battery module 33. By providing the horn 69, the coolant discharged from the pipe 7 through the nozzle 45 is not blocked by the horn 69 and spreads more than necessary, and almost all of the coolant is contained in the secondary battery module 33. It is sprayed directly on the top surface.

Explaining the horn 69 in detail, the horn 69 is formed in a tubular shape. However, the cross-sectional shape of the cylinder (the shape of the cross section by a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the cylinder) is not a constant shape but changes in the extending direction of the central axis.

To explain in more detail with an example, the cross-sectional shape of the tubular horn 69 is formed in an annular shape such as an annular shape, an elliptical ring shape, or a rectangular ring shape (“R” shape), but the extension direction of the central axis. At one end (the end on the nozzle 45 side), the diameter becomes the minimum, and the diameter gradually increases toward the other end (the end on the secondary battery module 33 side) in the extending direction of the central axis, and the central axis is extended. At the other end of the direction, the diameter is maximal. Further, the diameter gradually increases at a constant rate from one end to the other end in the extending direction of the central axis, but the rate of increasing the diameter may gradually increase or decrease. ..

As is already understood, the horn 69 has one end having the smallest diameter connected to the nozzle 45 installed in the pipe 7, and the other end having the largest diameter is the secondary battery. It is installed on the pipe 7 or the nozzle 45 so as to be on the module 33 side.

Further, in the horn 69 installed in the pipe 7 and the nozzle 45, the central axis thereof extends in the vertical direction when viewed from the front-rear direction, and extends diagonally when viewed from the lateral direction (upper rear). Extends downward and forward from). The annular lower end surface of the horn 69 and the opening at the lower end inside the lower end surface are horizontally developed and oblique to the central axis of the horn 69.

As a result, when viewed from the lateral direction or the front-rear direction, the horizontal upper surface of the secondary battery module 33 and the horizontal lower end surface of the horn 69 are slightly separated from each other and parallel to each other.

Looking at the annular lower end surface of the horn 69 in the vertical direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 7D, the annular lower end surface of the horn 69 has a rectangular shape that matches the shape of the rectangular parallelepiped secondary battery module 33. Is formed in. Then, when viewed in the vertical direction, it substantially overlaps with the secondary battery module 33. When viewed in the vertical direction, the annular lower end surface of the horn 69 may slightly protrude from the secondary battery module 33, or the annular lower end surface of the horn 69 is located inside the secondary battery module 33. May be good. Further, the shape of the annular lower end surface of the horn 69 may be formed into an elliptical shape as shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 7 (d).

When the nozzle 45 is provided with the horn 69, as shown in FIG. 7 (c), the nozzle 45 is provided with a plurality of small holes 71, and the coolant is provided in the direction orthogonal to the nozzle 45 (with respect to the central axis of the nozzle 45). Is emitted in the direction orthogonal to each other. The released coolant is guided by the horn 69 toward the secondary battery module 33.

Although the horn 69 is connected to the pipe 7 with the nozzle 45 in between, the nozzle 45 may be deleted and the horn 69 may be directly connected to the pipe 7.

By the way, in the above description, the central axes of the nozzle 45 and the horn 69 extend diagonally, and the coolant discharged from the pipe 7 (nozzle 45) is placed on the secondary battery module 33 (the upper end of the secondary battery module 33). It flows diagonally downward from the portion above) and is sprayed onto the secondary battery module 33.

On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 9 (c), 10 (a), (b) and (c), the central axes of the nozzle 45 and the horn 69 may extend in the vertical direction, and FIG. As shown by, the central axis of the nozzle 45 and the horn 69 may extend in the horizontal direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the central axis of the conical side surface or quadrangular pyramid side surface horn 69 extends in the vertical direction, and the central axis is secondary when viewed in the vertical direction. It almost coincides with the center of the battery module 33.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9C, the annular cross section of the horn 69 has a constant shape (an annular shape having a constant diameter or a rectangular annular shape) in the extending direction of the central axis. For example, the horn 69 has a cylindrical box shape. In the one shown in FIG. 10 (c), the internal space 73 on the upper side of the horn 69 is formed in a spherical shape, for example, and the internal space 75 on the lower side of the horn 69 is formed in a truncated cone shape or a quadrangular pyramid shape, for example. Then, the annular cross section of the horn 69 changes in the extending direction of the central axis.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 17, when the conical side surface or quadrangular pyramid side surface horn 69 is located behind the secondary battery module 33 and the central axis of the horn 69 extends in the front-rear direction and is viewed in the front-rear direction. The central axis substantially coincides with the center of the secondary battery module 33. Then, the coolant is sprayed on the side surface (for example, the rear surface) of the secondary battery module 33. The horn 69 having the form shown in FIGS. 9 (c) and 10 (c) may be provided so that the central axis extends in the horizontal direction as shown in FIG.

Further, when the horn 69 is not provided, the direction of the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is as shown in FIGS. 8 (a) (b), 9 (a) (b), 15, 16 and the like. It may be in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 8 (a) and 8 (b) and 9 (a) and 9 (b), the direction of the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is mainly in the vertical direction (from top to bottom), although the coolant is diffused. The coolant is sprayed on the upper surface of the secondary battery module 33.

Further, in the aspect shown in FIG. 15, the direction of the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is mainly the horizontal direction and is oblique to the front-rear direction and the lateral direction, although the coolant is diffused. In the aspect shown in FIG. 16, the direction of the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is the front-rear direction (the direction from the rear to the front). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the coolant discharged from the nozzle 45 is sprayed onto the central portion of the rear surface of the secondary battery module 33.

Here, a further modification of the coolant discharge unit 65 will be described.

In a further modification, the pipes 7 (sub pipes 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D) are located in the vicinity of the secondary battery module 33 installed in each of the storage battery chambers 13, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. It is further branched into the pipes 7AA, 7AB ..., And is provided in the pipes 7AA, 7AB ..., Where the coolant discharge portion 65 is branched.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, branched pipes 7AA and 7AB extend from the middle of the sub pipe 7A. The pipe 7AA (7AB) extends in the front-rear direction in the space between the secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other. Further, a nozzle 45 is provided at the front end of the pipe 7AA (7AB), and the coolant is applied from the nozzle 45 toward the side surface (for example, the center of the side surface) of each of the secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other. discharge.

Further, as shown in FIG. 15, branched pipes 7AA, 7AB, and 7AC extend from the middle of the sub pipe 7A. The pipe 7AA (7AB, 7AC) is formed in a “Y” shape, so that the pipe 7AA (7AB, 7AC) is further branched into two on the secondary battery module 33 side. Nozzles 45 are provided at two locations at the tips of the pipes 7AA (7AB, 7AC), and coolant is applied from these nozzles 45 toward the rear surfaces of the secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other. discharge.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, a nozzle 45 may be provided from the middle of the sub-pipe 7A to the tip of the branched pipe 7AA via the extension pipe 7X. The pipe 7AA and the extension pipe 7X are provided so that the nozzle 45 is brought closer to the central portion of the secondary battery module 33.

In another modification, instead of or in addition to branching the pipe 7 (sub-pipes 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D), the pipe 7 is as shown in FIGS. 11, 13, 18, 19, 19 and the like. It is winding (winding) in the vicinity of the secondary battery module 33 installed in each of the storage battery chambers 13. The coolant discharge portion 65 is provided in the bent pipe 7.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the pipe 7AA that branches and extends from the middle of the sub pipe 7A is bent in a "J" shape when viewed in the vertical direction. The pipe 7AA is slightly separated from the upper surface of the secondary battery module 33 on the secondary battery module 33. As shown in FIG. 12, the pipe 7AA is provided with a large number of small holes 77, and the coolant is discharged from these small holes 77 toward the upper surface of the secondary battery module 33.

Further, it may be configured as shown in FIG. The aspect shown in FIG. 13 is different from the aspect shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 in that the pipe 7AA is bent in a “U” shape when viewed in the vertical direction. Both ends of the pipe 7AA shown in FIG. 13 are connected to the sub pipe 7A.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18, the branched pipes 7AA and 7AB may be bent and extended from the middle of the sub pipe 7A. The pipe 7AA (7AB) extends in the front-rear direction in the space between the secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other. More specifically, the pipe 7AA (7AB) is formed in a "J" shape as shown in FIG. 18 (c) when viewed in the lateral direction. As shown in FIG. 12, the pipe 7AA (7AB) shown in FIG. 18 (c) is also provided with a large number of small holes, and the two secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other are provided from these small holes, respectively. Discharge the coolant towards the sides of the.

Further, it may be configured as shown in FIG. The aspect shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B is different from the aspect shown in FIG. 18 in that the pipe 7AA is bent in an “S” shape when viewed in the lateral direction. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19 (c), the pipe 7AA is branched into a plurality of (for example, three) pipes to form a fork-shaped (branch-shaped) tableware when viewed in the lateral direction. different. The aspect shown in FIG. 19D is different from the aspect shown in FIG. 18 in that the pipe 7AA is bent in an “8” shape when viewed in the lateral direction.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 19, the coolant is sprayed on the side surfaces of the secondary battery modules 33 adjacent to each other, but the pipe 7AA is provided on the secondary battery module 33 as shown in FIG. , The coolant may be sprayed on the upper surface of the secondary battery module 33.

Further, in a further modification, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the coolant discharging portion 65 of the pipe 7 is provided at one location or a plurality of locations (at least one location) with respect to one secondary battery module 33. It may be provided.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 8B, a plurality of (for example, three) nozzles 45 are provided in the pipe 7AA branched from the middle of the sub pipe 7A. Then, the coolant is discharged from each nozzle 45, and the coolant is sprayed on a plurality of places on the upper surface of one secondary battery module 33 located below each nozzle 45. In addition, in the aspect shown in FIG. 8B, in place of or in addition to the upper surface of one secondary battery module 33, as shown in FIGS. 14, 15 and the like, the side surface of one secondary battery module 33 is cooled. The agent may be sprayed. Further, the horn 69 may be provided at the tip of the nozzle 45.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 8C, neither the nozzle 45 nor the horn 69 is provided, and a large number of small holes 77 are provided in the pipe 7AA branched from the middle of the sub-pipe 7A, and one of these small holes 77 is provided. The coolant is discharged onto the upper surface of the secondary battery module 33. Also in this embodiment, a plurality of coolant discharge portions 65 of the pipe 7 are provided for one secondary battery module 33. Also in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 11, 12, 13, 14, 14, 15, 18, and 19, a plurality of coolant discharge units 65 are provided for one secondary battery module 33.

By the way, in the above description, it is assumed that at least one coolant discharging portion 65 of the pipe 7 is provided for one secondary battery module 33, but as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, a plurality of secondary batteries are provided. One coolant discharge unit 65 may be provided for the battery module (a plurality of secondary battery modules installed in one storage battery chamber 13) 33.

For example, as shown in FIG. 20, one selection valve 9 and one nozzle 45 are provided in the middle of the main pipe 7M in one storage battery chamber 13A, and the coolant discharged from the one nozzle 45 is used as a storage battery. The configuration may be such that all of the plurality of secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, and 33AC installed in the chamber 13A are sprayed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 21, one selection valve 9, one nozzle 45, and one horn 69 are provided in the middle of the main pipe 7M in one storage battery chamber 13A, and the one nozzle 45 and the horn are provided. The coolant released from 69 may be sprayed on all of the plurality of secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, and 33AC installed in the storage battery chamber 13A.

In the aspect shown in FIG. 21, as shown in FIG. 21A, the opening at the lower end of the horn 69 and the secondary battery modules 33 substantially overlap each other in a plan view. Further, as shown in FIG. 21B, the lower end of the horn 69 is developed parallel to the upper surface of each secondary battery module 33, and is slightly separated from the upper surface of each secondary battery module 33.

By the way, as described above, the secondary battery module (one secondary battery module) 33 is configured to include a plurality of elementary batteries 47, and the respective elementary batteries 47 are spaced apart from each other in a predetermined direction in one direction (Y). Since the batteries are provided along the direction), a gap 79 is formed between the elementary batteries 47 adjacent to each other as shown in FIG. 22 (see also FIGS. 3 and 4).

Then, in order to cool each elementary battery 47, a coolant is discharged into at least each of the gaps 79.

Further, as shown in FIG. 22A, in one secondary battery module 33 composed of a plurality of elementary batteries 47, a plurality of terminals 55 are arranged in the front-rear direction on one side in the lateral direction. Each of the terminals 55 arranged in this line is appropriately connected by a plurality of terminal connecting members 57. Further, a plurality of terminals 55 are arranged in the front-rear direction on the other side in the lateral direction, and the arranged terminals 55 are also appropriately connected by the plurality of terminal connecting members 57. As a result, the terminal connecting members 57 are provided in substantially two rows in the horizontal direction.

Then, the pipe 7AA branched in the middle of the sub-battery 7A is located slightly away from the secondary battery module 33 on the secondary battery module 33 in the vertical direction and at the center of the secondary battery module 33 in the horizontal direction. And stretch in the front-back direction. A plurality of nozzles 45 (which may be small holes) are provided at the lower end of the pipe 7AA, and the coolant is discharged from each of the nozzles 45 toward each of the gaps 79.

Further, as shown in FIG. 24, a bent plate-shaped heat radiating member 81 may be provided in each of the gaps 79. The heat radiating member 81 is made of a material such as metal having a high heat transfer coefficient.

More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24A, the heat radiating member 81 is made of a corrugated plate-like material and is provided in the gap 79. When viewed in a plan view, the corrugated sheet is formed in a sinusoidal shape (may be another wave shape such as a triangular wave or a square wave), and a plurality of upper ends of the wave (a portion corresponding to the maximum value of the wave amplitude) form a gap 79. The side surface of the constituent 1 elementary battery 47 is in line contact, and the plurality of lower ends of the wave (the portion corresponding to the minimum value of the wave amplitude) are in line contact with the side surface of the other 1 elementary battery 47 constituting the gap 79. .. When the corrugated sheet is formed in a rectangular wave shape, the upper end portion of the rectangular wave and the lower end portion of the rectangular wave come into surface contact with the side surface of the elementary battery 47.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 24B, the heat radiating member 81 is composed of a corrugated plate-shaped material and two flat plate-shaped materials, and one of the thickness directions of one flat plate-shaped material. Almost the entire surface of the surface is in surface contact with almost the entire side surface of one of the elementary batteries 47, and almost the entire surface of one surface in the thickness direction of the other flat material is the side surface of the other elementary battery 47. A corrugated plate-shaped material is provided between the two flat plate-shaped materials in the same manner as in the case shown in FIG. 24A, in surface contact with almost the entire surface.

Then, the coolant is discharged from the coolant discharging unit 65 into each of the gaps 79 in which the heat radiating member 81 is provided. The coolant released into the gap 79 provided with the heat radiating member 81 flows from top to bottom through the gap between the corrugated plates of the heat radiating member 81.

In the aspect shown in FIGS. 24 (a) and 24 (b), for example, two elementary batteries 47 adjacent to each other are urged by the heat radiating member 81 in a direction in which they are separated from each other.

By the way, as shown in FIG. 25, almost all of the gaps 79 may be filled with the heat radiating member 83 made of a material such as metal having a high heat transfer coefficient. In this case, the coolant is discharged from the coolant discharging unit 65 toward at least the heat radiating member 83.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 25 will be described in more detail. In a side view (when viewed from the X direction), one linear portion of the heat radiating member 83 formed in an "L" shape (the actual shape is a rectangular flat plate). The shaped portion) is inserted so as to be sandwiched between (gap) 79 between two elementary batteries 47 adjacent to each other (see FIG. 25 (b)). Almost the entire surface of one plane in the thickness direction of the invading portion is in surface contact with almost the entire side surface of the one elementary battery 47, and almost the entire surface of the other plane is approximately the entire side surface of the other elementary battery 47. Surface contact with the entire surface.

Almost the entire surface of one flat surface (the surface on the elementary battery 47 side) of the other linear portion of the "L" -shaped heat radiating member 83 (the portion whose actual shape is also a rectangular flat plate) It comes into surface contact with the flat upper surface (almost the entire surface of the flat surface developed between the pair of terminals 55) of one of the two adjacent elementary batteries 47.

Further, the heat radiating member 83 is provided with fins 86. The fin 86 is composed of a plurality of flat plate-shaped fin structures, and is substantially equal to the other surface (the surface opposite to the elementary battery 47) of the other linear portion of the "L" -shaped heat radiating member 83. Stand up from the entire surface. The thickness direction of each fin component is the Y direction, and the fin components are arranged at predetermined intervals in the Y direction.

Then, the coolant supplied from the coolant supply source 5 is discharged from the coolant discharge unit 65 toward at least the fins 86. When the fins 86 are not provided, the coolant is discharged toward the other linear portion of the “L” -shaped heat radiating member 83.

It should be noted that a plurality of heat radiating members 83 penetrating in the Z-axis direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 25B) penetrating the portion of the heat radiating member 83 that is sandwiched between the two adjacent elementary batteries 47. Through holes and notches may be provided so that the coolant passes through these through holes and notches from top to bottom. In this case, one linear portion of the "L" -shaped heat radiating member 83 is similar to the heat radiating member 81 shown in FIG. 24.

Next, a case where the terminal connecting member 57 is cooled by the coolant will be described with reference to FIG. 23.

As described with reference to FIG. 22, the terminals 55 of the elementary batteries 47 are connected by the terminal connecting member 57, and the coolant is discharged from the coolant discharging unit 65 at least toward the terminal connecting member 57.

Further explaining, in FIG. 23, the pipe 7AA branched in the middle of the sub-pipe 7A is placed on each terminal connecting member (terminal connecting member on one side in the horizontal direction) 57 of the secondary battery module 33 in the vertical direction. It is slightly separated from the secondary battery module 33 and extends in the front-rear direction. A plurality of nozzles 45 (which may be small holes) are provided at the lower end of the pipe 7AA, and the coolant is discharged from each of the nozzles 45 toward each terminal connecting member 57.

Similarly, the pipe 7AB branched in the middle of the sub-pipe 7A is placed on each terminal connecting member (terminal connecting member on the other side in the horizontal direction) 57 of the secondary battery module 33 in the vertical direction. It extends slightly away from 33 and extends in the anteroposterior direction. A plurality of nozzles 45 are also provided at the lower end of the pipe 7AB, and the coolant is discharged from each of the nozzles 45 toward each terminal connecting member 57.

By the way, although the pipe 7 is installed in a state of being exposed to the atmosphere over the entire length, a part of the pipe 7 or the entire length of the pipe 7 may be covered with a heat insulating material.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the thermal runaway suppression system 1 is provided with a smoke emitting agent 87 and a smoke detecting unit 85. The smoke emitting agent 87 is provided in the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47), and emits smoke when the temperature of the elementary battery 47 exceeds a predetermined threshold value (for example, 120 ° C., which is the temperature at which thermal runaway starts). ..

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, the smoke agent 87 includes a smoke agent main body (for example, a small amount of paraffin wax) 91 and a smoke agent container 93 containing the smoke agent main body 91 inside. It is configured and is attached to the elementary battery 47.

As the smoke detection unit 85, for example, the ultra-sensitive smoke detection system VESDA manufactured by Nippon Dry-Chemical Co., Ltd. is adopted.

Then, in the thermal runaway suppression system 1, when the smoke detection unit 85 detects the smoke of the smoke generator 87, the coolant supply source 5 is transferred to the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47) under the control of the control unit 43. The coolant is released as directed and as described above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 26, as described above, the housing 3 is discharged from the air introduction unit 27, the air discharge unit 29, and the air introduction unit 27 to the air discharge unit 29 through the inside of the housing 3. An air flow generation unit (exhaust fan) 61 is provided to generate the air flow to be generated. Then, downstream of the exhaust fan 61 (downstream in the air flow direction), the smoke detection unit 85 provided at the exhaust fan 61 is the smoke generating agent 87 included in the air flow in the air discharge unit 29. Detect smoke.

As shown in FIG. 29, a smoke detection unit 85 may be provided downstream of the exhaust fan 61 and away from the exhaust fan 61. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 26 and 29, for example, all the air that has passed through the exhaust fan 61 passes through the smoke detection unit 85.

Further, when the coolant is released, the air flow generation unit 61 is stopped. Further, it is desirable that the air introduction section 27 and the air discharge section 29 are automatically closed when the coolant is released.

As shown in FIG. 30, the smoke detection unit 85 may be configured to detect smoke (smoke generated from the smoke generator 87) for each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D.

In the aspect shown in FIG. 30, a smoke suction pipe 95 (95A, 95B, 95C, 95D) connects each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, 13D to the smoke detection unit 85. Then, an exhaust fan (not shown in FIG. 30) generates an air flow discharged to the air discharge unit 29. The suction device of the smoke detection unit 85 generates an air flow (see arrow A2) flowing from each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D to the smoke detection unit 85.

Then, the coolant is discharged from the coolant discharge unit 65 only toward the secondary battery module 33 in the storage battery chamber 13 in which smoke is detected. For example, when the generation of smoke is detected in the storage battery chamber 13A, the coolant is released only into the storage battery chamber 13A.

As shown in FIG. 33, the smoke generator 87 is provided on both sides of each of the elementary batteries 47 in the direction in which the elementary batteries 47 are arranged (two smoke agents 87 are provided in one elementary battery 47). However, it is sufficient that at least one smoke generator 87 is provided in one elementary battery 47.

Next, the operation of the thermal runaway suppression system 1 will be described by taking as an example a configuration in which the smoke detection unit 85 detects smoke in each of the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D, as shown in FIG.

As an initial state, the container valve 39 and all the selection valves 9 are closed.

In the normal state where the temperature of the elementary battery 47 is normal (for example, less than 60 ° C.) in the above initial state, the air flow generator 61 operates and air flows in the housing 3, and the secondary battery module 33 It is cooled.

In the above initial state, the temperature of the elementary battery 47 of the secondary battery module 33 installed in a storage battery chamber (for example, the storage battery chamber 13A) among the storage battery chambers 13A, 13B, 13C, and 13D has a predetermined threshold value. At (for example, 120 ° C.), the smoke-generating agent 87 installed in the elementary battery 47 emits smoke due to this temperature rise. The smoke generated by this smoke generation reaches the smoke detection unit 85 through the smoke suction pipe 95A.

When smoke is detected by the smoke detection unit 85, the container valve 39 and the selection valve 9A are opened, and the cooling agent is sprayed on the secondary battery modules 33AA, 33AB, 33AC installed in the storage battery chamber 13A. The secondary battery module 33 is cooled.

According to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the pipe 7 is branched on the secondary battery module 33 side installed in each of the storage battery chambers 13, and the branched pipes 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D are selected. Since the valves 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D are provided, the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber 13 in which the secondary battery module 33 where the thermal runaway has started is installed, and the secondary battery module where the thermal runaway has started. Before the 33 ignites, the secondary battery module 33 at which the thermal runaway has started can be quickly cooled.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the smoke of the smoke emitting agent 87 is detected as shown in FIG. 30, and the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber 13 in which the smoke is detected. With a small amount of coolant, the ignition of the secondary battery module 33 at which thermal runaway has started can be reliably suppressed.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the coolant discharging portion 65 of the pipe 7 is provided with a nozzle 45 and a horn 69 for discharging the cooling agent toward the secondary battery module 33, so that the cooling agent is provided. Can be discharged toward the secondary battery module 33 without waste, and the secondary battery module 33 at which thermal runaway has started can be efficiently cooled.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since at least one coolant discharging portion 65 of the pipe 7 is provided for one secondary battery module 33, any of the secondary battery modules 33 is provided. Even if there is a thermal runaway in the secondary battery module 33, ignition in the secondary battery module 33 in which the thermal runaway is occurring can be reliably suppressed.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the pipe 7 is further branched and bent in the vicinity of the secondary battery module 33 installed in each of the storage battery chambers 13, and the coolant discharge unit is provided at these locations. Since the 65 is provided, the entire secondary battery module 33 to be cooled can be cooled evenly and substantially uniformly.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the secondary battery module 33 is configured to include a plurality of elementary batteries 47, and a gap 79 is formed between the elementary batteries 47 adjacent to each other. The heat generated by the elementary battery 47 can be efficiently cooled even in a normal state, and the occurrence of thermal runaway can be suppressed.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the coolant is configured to be discharged into the gap 79 between the elementary batteries 47, the elementary battery 47 in which the thermal runaway has started is efficiently cooled from this wide surface. be able to.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the bent plate-shaped heat dissipation member 81 is provided in the gap 79 between the elementary batteries 47, a wider heat dissipation area can be obtained and the elementary batteries 47 can be efficiently cooled. can do.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the gap 79 between the elementary batteries 47 is filled with the heat radiating member 83, each elementary battery 47 can be firmly fixed to each other and directly by the air flow. The elementary battery 47 can be efficiently cooled via the heat radiating member 83, which has a higher heat transfer coefficient than that of cooling.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the coolant is configured to be discharged toward the heat radiating member 83, the piping 7 is compared with the case where the coolant is directly discharged toward the elementary battery 47. The elementary battery 47 can be efficiently cooled while simplifying the configuration of the coolant discharge unit 65.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the fins 86 are provided on the heat radiating member 83, it becomes easy to increase the heat radiating area of the elementary battery 47. Since the coolant is configured to be discharged toward the fins 86, the elementary battery 47 in which the thermal runaway has started can be cooled more efficiently.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, since the coolant is configured to be discharged toward the terminal connecting member 57, the elementary battery 47 has a simple configuration without separately providing a cooling member. Can be cooled efficiently.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, by covering the pipe 7 with a heat insulating material, a lower temperature coolant can be discharged toward the secondary battery module 33.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, when the temperature of the elementary battery 47 exceeds the thermal runaway temperature of the elementary battery 47, the smoke generator 87 emits smoke, and the smoke detection unit 85 emits smoke emitted from the smoke agent 87. Since it is detected, it is possible to quickly detect that the thermal runaway of the elementary battery 47 has started. Then, the cooling of the secondary battery module 33 can be started quickly. In addition, since the smoke generator 87 is used without using a temperature sensor that generates an electric signal, wiring for temperature detection becomes unnecessary, and the risk of failure such as disconnection can be avoided, and the system can be used. The configuration of can be simplified.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the smoke emitting agent 87 is provided on both sides of each of the elementary batteries 47 in the direction in which the elementary batteries 47 are lined up, so that the temperature of each of the elementary batteries 47 rises. It can be detected reliably.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the air flow generation unit 61 generates an air flow that is discharged from the air introduction unit 27 of the housing 3 to the air discharge unit 29 of the housing through the inside of the housing 3. Since the smoke detection unit 85 detects the smoke contained in the air flow in the air discharge unit 29, the secondary battery module 33 can be efficiently cooled by the air flow, and the smoke is surely generated. Can be detected.

Further, according to the thermal runaway suppression system 1, the smoke detection unit 85 detects the smoke generated by the smoke generator 87 in each storage battery chamber 13, and only the secondary battery module 33 in the storage battery chamber 13 in which the smoke is detected is detected. Since the coolant is discharged toward the engine, the consumption of the coolant can be reduced and the secondary battery module 33 can be efficiently cooled.

By the way, in the above description, the temperature rise of the secondary battery module 33 (elementary battery 47) is detected by using the fuming agent 87 or the like, but instead of or in addition to using the fuming agent 87, the secondary battery module 33 The temperature rise of the (elementary battery 47) may be detected by an electric signal generated by the elementary battery temperature detection unit 97 (temperature sensor 59). The elementary battery temperature detection unit 97 is composed of, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, or a bimetal.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, each of the elementary batteries 47 is provided with a bimetal 97 for detecting the temperature of the elementary battery 47, and the temperature of the elementary battery 47 sets a predetermined threshold value in the bimetal 97. When it is detected that the temperature has been exceeded (when the signal emitted by the battery temperature detection unit 97 indicates that the temperature of the battery 47 exceeds the temperature at which the thermal runaway starts), the coolant supply source 5 The control unit 43 controls the coolant supply source 5 and the like so as to discharge the coolant toward the secondary battery module 33.

1 Thermal runaway suppression system for secondary batteries 3 Housing 5 Coolant supply source 7 Piping 9 Selection valve 11 Partition wall 13 Storage battery room 27 Air introduction unit 29 Air discharge unit 33 Secondary battery module 45 Nozzle 47 Elementary battery 57 Terminal connection member 61 Air flow generator 65 Coolant discharge unit 69 Horn 79 Gap between batteries 81 Heat dissipation member 83 Heat dissipation member 85 Smoke detector 86 Fin 87 Smoke generator 97 Battery temperature detector

Claims (9)

A secondary battery module composed of elementary batteries and
A smoke-producing agent that emits smoke when the temperature of the elementary battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value,
A housing in which an air introduction part and an air discharge part are provided, and the smoke agent is provided in the secondary battery module inside, and a housing.
A smoke detection unit that detects the smoke emitted by the smoke agent, and
Coolant source and
It has a pipe for supplying a coolant from the coolant supply source into the housing in order to cool the secondary battery module installed in the housing.
A plurality of partition walls are provided in the housing.
The secondary battery module is mounted in each of the storage battery chambers partitioned by the plurality of partition walls.
The coolant is configured to be sprayed from the portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction on the partition wall toward the secondary battery module in the housing.
The smoke detection unit detects the smoke in each storage battery chamber,
It is configured that the coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber in which the smoke is detected in the housing from the portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction through the partition wall. The characteristic thermal runaway suppression system for secondary batteries. In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to claim 1.
A plurality of elementary batteries constituting the secondary battery module are lined up at intervals.
A thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, wherein the smoke-generating agent is provided on both sides of each of the elementary batteries in a direction in which the elementary batteries are arranged. In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to claim 1 or 2.
It has an air flow generation unit that generates an air flow that is discharged from the air introduction unit through the inside of the housing to the air discharge unit, and the smoke detection unit is included in the air flow at the air discharge unit. A secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system characterized by being configured to detect smoke. In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The pipe is branched on the secondary battery module side, a selection valve is provided for each of the branched pipes, and the coolant is applied only to the storage battery chamber in which the smoke is detected in the housing. A thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, characterized in that the selection valve is opened and closed so as to be supplied . In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The coolant supply source includes a coolant storage container in which the coolant is stored, and a container valve for opening and closing the discharge port is provided at the coolant discharge port of the coolant storage container. A thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, characterized in that the coolant is stored in the coolant storage container in a compressed liquefied state . A secondary battery module composed of elementary batteries and
The elementary battery temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the elementary battery,
Coolant source and
A housing in which the secondary battery module is provided, and
It has a pipe for supplying a coolant from the coolant supply source into the housing in order to cool the secondary battery module installed in the housing.
A plurality of partition walls are provided in the housing.
The secondary battery module is mounted in each of the storage battery chambers partitioned by the plurality of partition walls.
The coolant is configured to be sprayed from the portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction on the partition wall toward the secondary battery module in the housing.
The elementary battery temperature detection unit detects whether or not the temperature of the elementary battery exceeds a predetermined threshold value for each storage battery chamber.
The coolant is supplied only to the storage battery chamber in which it is detected that the predetermined threshold value has been exceeded from the portion of the pipe extending in the vertical direction through the partition wall. A secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system characterized by being configured . In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to claim 6.
A plurality of elementary batteries constituting the secondary battery module are provided.
The secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system is characterized in that the elementary battery temperature detecting unit is configured to detect the temperature of each of the elementary batteries. In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to claim 6 or 7.
The pipe is branched on the secondary battery module side, and a selection valve is provided for each of the branched pipes, and a coolant is provided only in the storage battery chamber in the housing that exceeds the predetermined threshold value. A thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, characterized in that the selection valve is opened and closed so that In the secondary battery thermal runaway suppression system according to any one of claims 6 to 8.
The coolant supply source includes a coolant storage container in which the coolant is stored, and a container valve for opening and closing the discharge port is provided at the coolant discharge port of the coolant storage container. A thermal runaway suppression system for a secondary battery, characterized in that the coolant is stored in the coolant storage container in a compressed liquefied state .

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