WO2022116906A1 - Container for storing lithium ion battery and energe system including the same - Google Patents

Container for storing lithium ion battery and energe system including the same Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022116906A1
WO2022116906A1 PCT/CN2021/133517 CN2021133517W WO2022116906A1 WO 2022116906 A1 WO2022116906 A1 WO 2022116906A1 CN 2021133517 W CN2021133517 W CN 2021133517W WO 2022116906 A1 WO2022116906 A1 WO 2022116906A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
lithium ion
temperature adjustment
ion batteries
cavity
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/133517
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Zhengjun LEI
Hongxiang Guo
Original Assignee
Sino-Australia Power Storage Technology (Xi'an) Co, Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2020904500A external-priority patent/AU2020904500A0/en
Application filed by Sino-Australia Power Storage Technology (Xi'an) Co, Ltd filed Critical Sino-Australia Power Storage Technology (Xi'an) Co, Ltd
Publication of WO2022116906A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022116906A1/en

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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/05—Accumulators with non-aqueous electrolyte
    • H01M10/052—Li-accumulators
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
    • H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
    • H01M10/48—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte
    • H01M10/486—Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte for measuring temperature
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
    • H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
    • H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
    • H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
    • H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
    • H01M50/30—Arrangements for facilitating escape of gases
    • H01M50/383—Flame arresting or ignition-preventing means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
    • A62C3/00—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places
    • A62C3/16—Fire prevention, containment or extinguishing specially adapted for particular objects or places in electrical installations, e.g. cableways
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates toclean energy, particularly, to acontainer for storing a lithium ion battery and an energy system including the same.
  • Lithium ion batteries are currently being widely used in supply and storage of electrical energy.
  • multiple lithium ion batteries are stored orplaced into a container as an electricity supply and storage unit to supply or store electrical energy.
  • These lithium ion batteries may be connected in series or in parallel in the container.
  • These lithium ion batteries may also be electrically isolatedfrom each other in the container. Electricity from solar panels or an electricity grid can be stored in the lithium ion batteries for later use, which is also referred to as a charging process.
  • the electricity stored in the lithium ion batteries can be supplied to electrical loads (e.g., home appliances, industrial equipment, etc. ) that are electrically connected to the lithium ion batteries in order to power the electrical loads, which is also referred to as a discharging process.
  • the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries is important for the lithium ion batteries to operate in an expected way because the electrolyte solution in the lithium ion batteries is usually sensitive to the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries.
  • Theelectrolyte solution in the lithium ion battery normally contains ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and lithium hexafluorophosphate. Lithium hexafluorophosphate may decompose over 60°C.
  • Organic solvents such as carbonate ester (for example, dimethyl carbonate) have a low flash point and are ofhigh volatility, which may cause heat accumulation and lead to thermal runaway of the lithium ion batteries in the container.
  • the productivity and life of the lithium ion batteries may be negatively impacted.
  • the container may comprise:
  • a first container body including:
  • a second container body having a second container opening and a second connection end
  • the separation panel engaged with the first container body at the first connection end to seal the first connection end and engaged with the second container body at the second connection end to seal the second connection end, the separation panel being configured to form a first cavity with the first container body and to form a second cavity with the second container body, wherein the separation panel includes one or more battery fit openings, each of the one or more battery fit openings is configured to fit each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, in order to be fluidly sealed with each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated, the first cavity is configured to receive a temperature adjustment fluid through the inlet of the first container body to immerse at least part of each of the one or more lithium ion batteries in order toadjust temperature of the one or more lithium ion batteries and to discharge the temperature adjustment fluid through the outlet of the first container body, the second cavity is configured to receive heat resulting from the one or more lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition and to release the heat through the
  • a container end cap engaged with the first container body and the cable sleeve at the first container opening to fluidly seal the first container opening.
  • the container may further comprise one or more temperature sensors to detect temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity.
  • the container may further comprise an alarming device configured to generate an alarming signal upon receipt of the heat in the second cavity.
  • the energy system may comprise:
  • each of the set of lithium ion batteries being fit into each of the one or more battery fit openings of the separation panel of the container, respectively;
  • a temperature adjustment fluid tank for storing and supplying atemperature adjustment fluid
  • a temperature adjustment apparatus for adjusting temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid
  • a series of circulation pipes that are configured to fluidly couple the first cavities of the set of containers, the temperature adjustment apparatus, and the temperature adjustment fluid tank so as to circulate the temperature adjustment fluid
  • an extinguisher tank storing and supplying an extinguishing agent
  • an extinguishing pipe connected to the extinguisher tank to receive the extinguishing agent from the extinguisher tank and to the second container opening of each of the set of containers to receive heat resulting from the set of lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition
  • the extinguisher tank is configured to supply the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing pipe to reduce the heat if the extinguishing pipe receives the heat.
  • the energy system may further comprise a first pump to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid.
  • the inlet of a first container of the set of containers may be fluidly coupled to the outlet of a second container of the set of containers.
  • the energy system may further comprise a second pump fluidly coupled to the extinguishing pipe, the second pump being configured to facilitate expelling the heat or other substances out of the extinguishing pipe.
  • the energy system may further comprisean absorbing tank fluidly coupled to the second pump, the absorbing tank being configured to absorb the heat or other substances.
  • the extinguishing agent may be an extinguishing gas or an extinguishing liquid.
  • the temperature adjustment apparatus may comprise a temperature controller to control the temperature of temperature adjustment fluid based on the one or more temperature sensors of the set of containers.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid may be water.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a container for storing a lithium ion battery in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a separation panelin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an energy systemincluding one or more containers shown in Fig. 1in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary container 100 for storing one or more lithium ion batteries1 (shown in Fig. 2) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view along line B-B of the container 100 shown in Fig. 1
  • the container 100 includes a first container body 3117, a second container body 3116, a separation panel 3114, a cable sleeve 3122, and a container end cap 3121.
  • the first container body 3117 includes a first container opening 3120, a first connection end 3118, an inlet 3112, and an outlet 3113.
  • the first container opening 3120 includes a cylindrical segment and a tapered segment.
  • the tapered segment extends from one end of the cylindrical segment and tapers along the longitudinal (axial) direction of the cylindrical segment to form the first container opening 3120.
  • the first connection end 3118 refersto another end of the cylindrical segment opposite to the end from which the tapered end extends.
  • the inlet 3112 is provided on the first container body 3117 and located close to the first connection end 3118.
  • the outlet 3113 is also provided on the first container body 3117 and is located close to the first container opening 3120.
  • the first container opening 3120 is above the first connection end 3118, and the outlet 3113 is above the inlet 3112.
  • the outlet 3113 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 3112. This means a fluid (for example, water, or air) is able to flow into the first container body 3117 via the inlet 3112 and flow out of the first container body 3117 via the outlet 3113.
  • the second container body 3116 includes a second container opening 3111 and a second connection end 3119.
  • the second container body 3116 includes a cylindrical segment and a tapered segment.
  • the tapered segment of the second container body 3116 extends from one end of the cylindrical segment of the second container body 3116 and tapers along the longitudinal (axial) direction of the cylindrical segment to form the second container opening 3111.
  • the second connection end 3119 refers to another end of the cylindrical segment of the second container body 3116 opposite to the end from which the tapered end extends. If the container 100 is oriented in a way as shown in Fig. 1, the second connection end 3119 is above the second container opening 3111.
  • Each of the first connection end 3118 and the second connection end 3119 may also include a flange for the separation panel 3114 to engage with the first container body 3117 and the second container body 3116, respectively.
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional view along line C-C of the container 100 shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a separation panel 3114in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the separation panel 3114 is a round plate that is configured to engage with the first container body 3117 at the first connection end 3118 and engage with the second container body 3116 at the second connection end 3119.
  • the separation panel 3114 may include holes along its edge, as shown in Fig. 3, and the flange of the first connection end 3118 may include holes, and the flange of the second connection 3119 may also include holes, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Further, the holes of the separation panel 3114 align with the holes of the first connection end 3118 and the holes of the second connection end 3119.
  • the separation panel 3114 engages with the first container body 3117 at the first connection end 3118 and engages with the second container body 3116 at the second connection end 3119 via bolts extending through the holes and nuts matching the bolts.
  • the separation panel 3114 seals the first connection end 3118 and forms a first cavity 3131 (also referred to as a temperature adjustment cavity) with the first container body 3117.
  • the separation panel 3114 seals the second connection end 3119 and forms a second cavity 3132 (also referred to as an extinguishing cavity) with the second container body 3116.
  • the separation panel 3114 also includes one or more battery fit openings 3133.
  • Each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133 is configured to fit each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1, respectively.
  • Each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 fluidly seals each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133, respectively, if each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 is secured to the corresponding battery fit opening 3133.
  • the lithium ion battery 1 can be secured to the corresponding battery fit opening 3133 in different ways, for example, welding, bolts and nuts, etc.
  • the first cavity (i.e., the temperature adjustment cavity) 3131 and the second cavity (i.e., the extinguishing cavity) 3132 are fluidly isolated from each other.
  • the first cavity 3131 is configured to receive a temperature adjustment fluid (not shown) through the inlet 3112 of the first container body 3117.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid in the present disclosure can be for example water, which is used to cool down or heat up the lithium ion batteries 1 when necessary.
  • Other temperature adjustment fluids, which can be liquid or gaseous, may also be used if appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid immerses at least part of each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 (e.g., the part of the lithium ion battery in the first cavity 3131) in order to adjust operation temperature of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1.
  • the first cavity 3131 allows the temperature adjustment fluid to directly contacts the one or more lithium ion batteries 1, which leads to a better performance in terms of temperature adjustment.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid is used to cool down the lithium ion batteries 1, the heat generated from the lithium ion batteries 1 can be quickly transmitted to the temperature adjustment fluid, then the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries 1 is lowered quickly.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid is used to heat up the lithium ion batteries 1, the heat in the temperature adjustment fluid can be quickly transmitted from the temperature adjustment fluid to the lithium ion batteries 1, then the lithium ion batteries 1 are heated up quickly.
  • the first cavity 3131 also discharges the temperature adjustment fluid through the outlet 3113 of the first container body 3117so as to keep the flowing of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid flowing out of the first cavity 3131 through the outlet 3113 is able to flow into the first cavity 3131 of an adjacent container 100 through the inlet 3112 of the adjacent container 100 where the inlet 3112 of the adjacent container 100 is fluidly connected to the outlet 3113 of the container 100 via for example a circulation pipe shown in Fig. 4.
  • the inlet 3112 and outlet 3113 enable circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid across the first cavities 3131 of multiple containers 100 to adjust the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries 1 in the multiple containers 100. This makes it possible to construct a high capacity energy system for storage and supply of electricity by fluidly connecting multiple containers 100. An example of such an energy system is described with reference to Fig. 4.
  • part of the lithium ion battery 1 is in the first cavity 3131, while the remaining part of the lithium ion battery 1 is in the second cavity 3132. Further, the part of the lithium ion battery 1 in the first cavity 3131 is at least partially immersed in the temperature adjustment fluid. Under normal operation conditions, the remaining part of the lithium ion battery 1 extends into the second cavity 3132 without contacting the temperature adjustment fluid.
  • the lithium ion battery 1 used in the present disclosure is provided with a pressure/heat release mechanism on the part of lithium ion battery 1 that extends into the second cavity 3132.
  • the lithium ion battery 1 is described in the Australian provisional patent application filed by the Applicant on the same day as the priority date of the present patent application, entitled “A CASE FOR BATTERY AND A LITHIUM ION ATTERY INCLUDING THE SAME” , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the pressure/heat release mechanism can be a foil or a thinning part provided on the bottom of the lithium ion battery 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the lithium ion battery 1 If the lithium ion battery 1 is not working under a normal operation condition due to, for example, an internal or external short circuit, overcharging, overdischarging, thermal failure, mechanical failure, or electrochemical abuse, over the course of charging or discharging the lithium ion battery 1, excessive heat is generated in the lithium ion battery 1. The excessive heat is accumulated in the lithium ion battery 1 and causes evaporation of the electrolyte solution in the lithium ion battery 1, which in turn leads to a dramatic increase in terms of temperature and pressure inside the lithium ion battery 1 within a very short period of time.
  • the pressure/heat release mechanism which is provided on the part of lithium ion battery 1 that extends into the second cavity 3132, is activated. As a result, the pressure and/or heat in the lithium ion battery 1 is released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132. Further, other component (s) inside the lithium ion battery 1, for example, the burning anode, the burning cathode, etc., can also be released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132 if the size of the pressure/heat release mechanism is big enough to release these components.
  • the second cavity 3132 is configured to receive the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 resulting from the lithium ion battery 1 not working under a normal operation condition. Further, the second cavity 3132is configured to release the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1through the second container opening 3111. As shown in Fig. 2, the tapered segment of the second container body 3116 directs the pressure, heat or other component (s) released from the lithium ion battery 1 to the second container opening 3111 to release the pressure, heat or other component (s) out of the container 100 through the second container opening 3111.
  • the cable sleeve 3122 extends through the first container opening 3120 to provide electrical connectivity with the one or more lithium ion batteries1 in the container 100.
  • each of the lithium ion batteries 1 has a cable extending from the top of the lithium ion battery 1.
  • the cables of the individual lithium ion batteries 1 are received in thecable sleeve 3122, collectively shown as a cable 18 in Fig. 2.
  • the cable 18 can be electrically isolated from the cable (s) 18 extending from one or more further containers 100in order for the container 100 to serve as a standalone energy storage and supply unit.
  • the cable 18 can also be electrically connected in series or in parallel with the cable (s) 18 extending from one or more further containers 100 to electrically connect the lithium ion batteries in these containers 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the container end cap 3121 engages with the first container body 3117 and the cable sleeve 3122 at the first container opening 3120 to fluidly seal the first container opening 3120.
  • a gasket 3120 can also be provided between the container end cap 3121 and the first container opening 3120 to enhance the sealing of the first container opening 3120.
  • One or more support legs 3115 can be also provided to support the container 100 and keep the container 100 at the appropriate orientation.
  • the container 100 further includes one or more temperature sensors (not shown) to detect temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131.
  • the temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors can be used to adjust the operation temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid to ensure that the lithium ion batteries 1 operate at the appropriate temperature.
  • the container 100 further includes an alarming device (not shown) togenerate an alarming signal upon receipt of the heat in the second cavity 3132 when thermal runaway occurs.
  • the alarming signal can be a visual alarm (for example, a flashing light) or an audible alarm (for example, a sound alarm) .
  • the alarming signal can also be an email or a short message sent to a technician. Upon awareness or receipt of the alarming signal, the technician can take actions accordingly.
  • Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary energy system 300 including one or more containers 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the energy system 300 includes a set of containers 100 as described above. Although there are seven containers 100 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, there can be more or less containers 100 in other embodiments.
  • the energy system 300 includes a set of lithium ion batteries 1 (shown in Fig. 2) stored in each of the set of containers 100. As described above, each of the set of lithium ion batteries 1 is fit into each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133 of the separation panel 3114 of the container 100, respectively. For each container 100, the set of lithium ion batteries 1 fluidly seal the one or more battery fit openings 3133 of the separation panel 3114 of the container 100, respectively, such that the first cavity 3131 and the second cavity 3132 of the container 100 are fluidly isolated from each other.
  • the energy system 300 includes a temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 for storing and supplying a temperature adjustment fluid.
  • the temperature adjustment fluid in the present disclosure can be for example water, which is used to cool down or heat up the lithium ion batteries 1 when necessary.
  • Other temperature adjustment fluids, which can be liquid or gaseous, may also be used if appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the energy system 300 includes a temperature adjustment apparatus 322 for adjusting temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid.
  • the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 can be for example a heat exchanger to exchange heat with the temperature adjustment fluid in order to adjust temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid.
  • one or more temperature sensors can be provided in the container 100 to detect the temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131.
  • the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 can comprise a temperature controller (not shown) communicatively connected to the one or more temperature sensors in the container 100 to obtain the temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131 of the container 100.
  • the temperature controller controls the temperature of temperature adjustment fluid based on the temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors of the container 100.
  • the temperature controller controls the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 to cool down or heat up the temperature adjustment fluid based on the temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors provided in the container 100to ensure that the lithium ion batteries 1 operate at the appropriate temperature.
  • the energy system 300 includes a series of circulation pipes 324that are configured to fluidly couple the first cavities 3131 of the set of containers 100, the temperature adjustment apparatus 322, and the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 so as to circulate the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300.
  • the series of circulation pipes 324 include a circulation pipe 324-1, a circulation pipe 324-2, and one or more circulation pipes 324-3 between the circulation pipe 324-1 and the circulation pipe 324-2.
  • the series of circulation pipes 324 can include more or less circulation pipes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the set of containers 100 are connected in series between the circulation pipe 324-1 and the circulation pipe 324-2.
  • the inlet 3112 of a container 100 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 3113 of an adjacent container100 via the circulation pipe 324-3.
  • the set of containers 100 can also be connected in parallel without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • all the inlets 3112 of the set of the containers 100 are fluidly coupled to the circulation pipe 324-1 and all the outlets 3113 of the set of the containers 100 are fluidly coupled to the circulation pipe 324-2, while there is no circulation pipe 324-3 between a container 100 and another container 100.
  • the set of containers 100 are connected in a hybrid mode without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. That is, some of the set of containers 100 are connected in series, while the remaining containers 100 are connected in parallel.
  • the energy system 300 includes an extinguisher tank 331 forstoring and supplying an extinguishing agent.
  • the extinguishing agent can be an extinguishing gas or an extinguishing liquid.
  • the energy system 300 includes an extinguishing pipe 332.
  • the extinguishing pipe 332 includes a main pipe 3321 and one or more branch pipes 3322.
  • the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332 is connected to the extinguisher tank 331 to receive the extinguishing agent from the extinguisher tank 331.
  • the one or more branch pipes 3322 extends from main pipe 3321 to form one or more branches of the main pipe 3321.
  • the one or more branch pipes 3322 are fluidly coupled to the main pipe 3321. As shown in Fig. 4, each of the one or more branch pipes 3322 is connected to the second container opening 3111 of each of the set of containers 100, respectively.
  • the heat and pressure in the lithium ion battery 1 is released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132.
  • other component (s) inside the lithium ion battery 1 for example, the burning anode, the burning cathode, etc., can also be released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132 if the size of the pressure/heat release mechanism is big enough to release these components.
  • the second cavity 3132 releases the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 through the second container opening 3111.
  • the branch pipe 3322 of the extinguishing pipe 332 is configuredto receive the heat, pressure or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 resulting from the lithium ion battery 1 not working under a normal operation condition.
  • the branch pipe 3322 further directs the heat, pressure or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 into the main pipe 3321.
  • the extinguisher tank 331 is configured to supply the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing pipe 332 (particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332) to reduce the heat when the extinguishing pipe 332receives the heat. This way, the heat can be controlled very quickly without affecting the operation of other lithium ion batteries 1 in the container 100.
  • the energy system 300 further includes a first pump 323 to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300.
  • the first pump 322 isfluidly coupled between the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 and the set of containers 100via the set of circulation pipes 324 to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300.
  • the first pump 321 can be located elsewhere (for example, between the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 and the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the energy system 300 further includes a second pump 333 fluidly coupled to the extinguishing pipe 332, particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332.
  • the second pump 333 is configured to facilitate expelling the heat or other substances (for example, the electrolyte solution vapor resulting from the heat, the burning component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1) out of the extinguishing pipe 332.
  • the energy system 300 further includes an absorbing tank 334 fluidly coupled to the second pump 333.
  • the absorbing tank 334 is configured to absorb the heat or other substances from the extinguishing pipe 332, particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332. Thiscan restrict the heat or other substances into the absorbing tank 334 so as to reduce the impact on the environment around the energy system 300.

Abstract

A container (100) for storing one or more lithium ion batteries (1), comprising: a first container body (3117) having a first container opening (3120); a second container body (3116) having a second container opening (3111) and a second connection end (3119); a separation panel (3114); a cable sleeve (3122) extending through the first container opening (3120) to provide electrical connectivity with the one or more lithium ion batteries (1); and a container end cap (3121) engaged with the first container body (3117) and the cable sleeve (3122) at the first container opening (3120) to fluidly seal the first container opening (3120).

Description

[Title established by the ISA under Rule 37.2] CONTAINER FOR STORING LITHIUM ION BATTERY AND ENERGE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates toclean energy, particularly, to acontainer for storing a lithium ion battery and an energy system including the same.
Background of the Invention
Lithium ion batteries are currently being widely used in supply and storage of electrical energy. In practice, multiple lithium ion batteries are stored orplaced into a container as an electricity supply and storage unit to supply or store electrical energy. These lithium ion batteries may be connected in series or in parallel in the container. These lithium ion batteries may also be electrically isolatedfrom each other in the container. Electricity from solar panels or an electricity grid can be stored in the lithium ion batteries for later use, which is also referred to as a charging process. On the other hand, the electricity stored in the lithium ion batteries can be supplied to electrical loads (e.g., home appliances, industrial equipment, etc. ) that are electrically connected to the lithium ion batteries in order to power the electrical loads, which is also referred to as a discharging process.
The operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries is important for the lithium ion batteries to operate in an expected way because the electrolyte solution in the lithium ion batteries is usually sensitive to the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries. Theelectrolyte solution in the lithium ion battery normally contains ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and lithium hexafluorophosphate. Lithium hexafluorophosphate may decompose over 60℃. Organic solvents such as carbonate ester (for example, dimethyl carbonate) have a low flash point and are ofhigh volatility, which may cause heat accumulation and lead to thermal runaway of the lithium ion batteries in the container. On the other hand, if the operation temperature is too low, the productivity and life of the lithium ion batteries may be negatively impacted.
In the event that a lithium ion battery in the containeris not working under a normal operation condition due to, for example, an internal or external short circuit, overcharging, overdischarging, thermal failure, mechanical failure, or electrochemical abuse, over the course of charging or discharging the lithium ion battery, excessive heat is generated in the lithium ion battery, particularly, in the battery case of the lithium ion battery. The excessive  heat is accumulated in the battery case andcauses evaporation of the electrolyte solution, which in turn leads to a dramatic increase in terms of temperature and pressure inside the lithium ion battery within a very short period of time. The increased temperatureand/or pressure may cause the lithium ion battery to catch fire orexplode. The fire or explosion may spread to or cause damages to other lithium ion batteries in the container.
Therefore, there is a need fora solution to overcome or alleviate one or more of the aforementioned problems.
Any discussion of the background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such background art is prior art, nor that such background art is widely known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the field in Australia or any other country.
Summary of the Invention
There is provided a container for storing one or more lithium ion batteries. The container may comprise:
a first container body including:
a first container opening,
a first connection end,
an inlet; and
an outlet fluidly coupled to the inlet;
a second container body having a second container opening and a second connection end;
a separation panel engaged with the first container body at the first connection end to seal the first connection end and engaged with the second container body at the second connection end to seal the second connection end, the separation panel being configured to form a first cavity with the first container body and to form a second cavity with the second container body, wherein the separation panel includes one or more battery fit openings, each of the one or more battery fit openings is configured to fit each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, in order to be fluidly sealed with each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated, the first cavity is configured to receive a temperature adjustment fluid through the inlet of the first container body to immerse at least part of each of the one or  more lithium ion batteries in order toadjust temperature of the one or more lithium ion batteries and to discharge the temperature adjustment fluid through the outlet of the first container body, the second cavity is configured to receive heat resulting from the one or more lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition and to release the heat through the second container opening;
a cable sleeve extending through the first container opening to provide electrical connectivity with the one or more lithium ion batteries; and
a container end cap engaged with the first container body and the cable sleeve at the first container opening to fluidly seal the first container opening.
The container may further comprise one or more temperature sensors to detect temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity.
The container may further comprise an alarming device configured to generate an alarming signal upon receipt of the heat in the second cavity.
There is provided an energy system for storage and supply of electricity. The energy system may comprise:
a set of containers as described above;
a set of lithium ion batteries installed in each of the set of containers, each of the set of lithium ion batteries being fit into each of the one or more battery fit openings of the separation panel of the container, respectively;
a temperature adjustment fluid tank for storing and supplying atemperature adjustment fluid;
a temperature adjustment apparatus for adjusting temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid;
a series of circulation pipes that are configured to fluidly couple the first cavities of the set of containers, the temperature adjustment apparatus, and the temperature adjustment fluid tank so as to circulate the temperature adjustment fluid;
an extinguisher tank storing and supplying an extinguishing agent; and
an extinguishing pipe connected to the extinguisher tank to receive the extinguishing agent from the extinguisher tank and to the second container opening of each of the set of containers to receive heat resulting from the set of lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition, the extinguisher tank is configured to supply the extinguishing  agent into the extinguishing pipe to reduce the heat if the extinguishing pipe receives the heat.
The energy system may further comprise a first pump to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid.
The inlet of a first container of the set of containers may be fluidly coupled to the outlet of a second container of the set of containers.
The energy system may further comprisea second pump fluidly coupled to the extinguishing pipe, the second pump being configured to facilitate expelling the heat or other substances out of the extinguishing pipe.
The energy system may further comprisean absorbing tank fluidly coupled to the second pump, the absorbing tank being configured to absorb the heat or other substances.
The extinguishing agent may be an extinguishing gas or an extinguishing liquid.
The temperature adjustment apparatus may comprise a temperature controller to control the temperature of temperature adjustment fluid based on the one or more temperature sensors of the set of containers.
The temperature adjustment fluid may be water.
Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed in the present disclosure.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present disclosure, embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a container for storing a lithium ion battery in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 isa sectional view of the container shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a separation panelin accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Fig. 4 illustrates an energy systemincluding one or more containers shown in Fig. 1in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
It should be noted in the accompanying drawings and description below that like or the same reference numerals in different drawings denote the same or similar elements.
Description of Embodiments
Fig. 1. illustrates an exemplary container 100 for storing one or more lithium ion batteries1 (shown in Fig. 2) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view along line B-B of the container 100 shown in Fig. 1
As shown in Fig. 1, the container 100 includes a first container body 3117, a second container body 3116, a separation panel 3114, a cable sleeve 3122, and a container end cap 3121.
The first container body 3117 includes a first container opening 3120, a first connection end 3118, an inlet 3112, and an outlet 3113. In the embodiment shown Fig. 1, the first container opening 3120 includes a cylindrical segment and a tapered segment. The tapered segment extends from one end of the cylindrical segment and tapers along the longitudinal (axial) direction of the cylindrical segment to form the first container opening 3120. The first connection end 3118 refersto another end of the cylindrical segment opposite to the end from which the tapered end extends. The inlet 3112 is provided on the first container body 3117 and located close to the first connection end 3118. The outlet 3113 is also provided on the first container body 3117 and is located close to the first container opening 3120. This way, if the container 100 is oriented in a way as shown in Fig. 1, the first container opening 3120 is above the first connection end 3118, and the outlet 3113 is above the inlet 3112. The outlet 3113 is fluidly coupled to the inlet 3112. This means a fluid (for example, water, or air) is able to flow into the first container body 3117 via the inlet 3112 and flow out of the first container body 3117 via the outlet 3113.
The second container body 3116 includes a second container opening 3111 and a second connection end 3119. In the embodiment shown Fig. 1, the second container body 3116 includes a cylindrical segment and a tapered segment. The tapered segment of the second container body 3116 extends from one end of the cylindrical segment of the second container body 3116 and tapers along the longitudinal (axial) direction of the cylindrical segment to form the second container opening 3111. The second connection end 3119 refers to another end of the cylindrical segment of the second container body 3116 opposite to the end from which the tapered end extends. If the container 100 is oriented in a way as  shown in Fig. 1, the second connection end 3119 is above the second container opening 3111.
Each of the first connection end 3118 and the second connection end 3119 may also include a flange for the separation panel 3114 to engage with the first container body 3117 and the second container body 3116, respectively.
Fig. 3is a sectional view along line C-C of the container 100 shown in Fig. 1 to illustrate a separation panel 3114in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In this example, the separation panel 3114is a round plate that is configured to engage with the first container body 3117 at the first connection end 3118 and engage with the second container body 3116 at the second connection end 3119. For example, the separation panel 3114 may include holes along its edge, as shown in Fig. 3, and the flange of the first connection end 3118 may include holes, and the flange of the second connection 3119 may also include holes, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Further, the holes of the separation panel 3114 align with the holes of the first connection end 3118 and the holes of the second connection end 3119. Therefore, the separation panel 3114 engages with the first container body 3117 at the first connection end 3118 and engages with the second container body 3116 at the second connection end 3119 via bolts extending through the holes and nuts matching the bolts. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the separation panel 3114 seals the first connection end 3118 and forms a first cavity 3131 (also referred to as a temperature adjustment cavity) with the first container body 3117. At the same time, the separation panel 3114 seals the second connection end 3119 and forms a second cavity 3132 (also referred to as an extinguishing cavity) with the second container body 3116.
The separation panel 3114 also includes one or more battery fit openings 3133. Each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133 is configured to fit each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1, respectively. Each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 fluidly seals each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133, respectively, if each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 is secured to the corresponding battery fit opening 3133. The lithium ion battery 1 can be secured to the corresponding battery fit opening 3133 in different ways, for example, welding, bolts and nuts, etc. As a result, the first cavity (i.e., the temperature adjustment cavity) 3131 and the second cavity (i.e., the extinguishing cavity) 3132 are fluidly isolated from each other. This means the fluid (for example, liquid or gas) in the first cavity 3131 cannot flow into the second cavity 3132, or vice versa. As shown in Fig.  2, for each of the lithium ion batteries 1, part of the lithium ion battery is in the first cavity 3131, while the remaining part of the lithium ion battery 1 is in the second cavity 3132.
The first cavity 3131 is configured to receive a temperature adjustment fluid (not shown) through the inlet 3112 of the first container body 3117. The temperature adjustment fluid in the present disclosure can be for example water, which is used to cool down or heat up the lithium ion batteries 1 when necessary. Other temperature adjustment fluids, which can be liquid or gaseous, may also be used if appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The temperature adjustment fluid immerses at least part of each of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1 (e.g., the part of the lithium ion battery in the first cavity 3131) in order to adjust operation temperature of the one or more lithium ion batteries 1. The first cavity 3131 allows the temperature adjustment fluid to directly contacts the one or more lithium ion batteries 1, which leads to a better performance in terms of temperature adjustment. Particularly, if the temperature adjustment fluid is used to cool down the lithium ion batteries 1, the heat generated from the lithium ion batteries 1 can be quickly transmitted to the temperature adjustment fluid, then the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries 1 is lowered quickly. On the other hand, if the temperature adjustment fluid is used to heat up the lithium ion batteries 1, the heat in the temperature adjustment fluid can be quickly transmitted from the temperature adjustment fluid to the lithium ion batteries 1, then the lithium ion batteries 1 are heated up quickly.
As shown in Fig. 1, the first cavity 3131also discharges the temperature adjustment fluid through the outlet 3113 of the first container body 3117so as to keep the flowing of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131. This way, the temperature adjustment fluid flowing out of the first cavity 3131 through the outlet 3113 is able to flow into the first cavity 3131 of an adjacent container 100 through the inlet 3112 of the adjacent container 100 where the inlet 3112 of the adjacent container 100 is fluidly connected to the outlet 3113 of the container 100 via for example a circulation pipe shown in Fig. 4. The inlet 3112 and outlet 3113 enable circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid across the first cavities 3131 of multiple containers 100 to adjust the operation temperature of the lithium ion batteries 1 in the multiple containers 100. This makes it possible to construct a high capacity energy system for storage and supply of electricity by fluidly connecting multiple containers 100. An example of such an energy system is described with reference to Fig. 4.
As described above, for each of the lithium ion batteries 1, part of the lithium ion battery 1 is in the first cavity 3131, while the remaining part of the lithium ion battery 1 is in the second cavity 3132. Further, the part of the lithium ion battery 1 in the first cavity 3131 is at least partially immersed in the temperature adjustment fluid. Under normal operation conditions, the remaining part of the lithium ion battery 1 extends into the second cavity 3132 without contacting the temperature adjustment fluid. The lithium ion battery 1 used in the present disclosure is provided with a pressure/heat release mechanism on the part of lithium ion battery 1 that extends into the second cavity 3132. An example of the lithium ion battery 1 is described in the Australian provisional patent application filed by the Applicant on the same day as the priority date of the present patent application, entitled “A CASE FOR BATTERY AND A LITHIUM ION ATTERY INCLUDING THE SAME” , the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. As another example, the pressure/heat release mechanism can be a foil or a thinning part provided on the bottom of the lithium ion battery 1 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
If the lithium ion battery 1 is not working under a normal operation condition due to, for example, an internal or external short circuit, overcharging, overdischarging, thermal failure, mechanical failure, or electrochemical abuse, over the course of charging or discharging the lithium ion battery 1, excessive heat is generated in the lithium ion battery 1. The excessive heat is accumulated in the lithium ion battery 1 and causes evaporation of the electrolyte solution in the lithium ion battery 1, which in turn leads to a dramatic increase in terms of temperature and pressure inside the lithium ion battery 1 within a very short period of time. When the pressure inside the lithium ion battery 1 reaches a release pressure, the pressure/heat release mechanism, which is provided on the part of lithium ion battery 1 that extends into the second cavity 3132, is activated. As a result, the pressure and/or heat in the lithium ion battery 1 is released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132. Further, other component (s) inside the lithium ion battery 1, for example, the burning anode, the burning cathode, etc., can also be released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132 if the size of the pressure/heat release mechanism is big enough to release these components.
The second cavity 3132 is configured to receive the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 resulting from the lithium ion battery 1 not working under a normal operation condition. Further, the second cavity 3132is configured to release the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1through the second container opening 3111. As shown in Fig. 2, the tapered segment of the second container  body 3116 directs the pressure, heat or other component (s) released from the lithium ion battery 1 to the second container opening 3111 to release the pressure, heat or other component (s) out of the container 100 through the second container opening 3111. Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs, the pressure or heat resulting from the thermal runaway, or the burning component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 do not spread to other lithium ion batteries 1 in the container 100, and the damage caused by the thermal runaway is dramatically reduced.
The cable sleeve 3122 extends through the first container opening 3120 to provide electrical connectivity with the one or more lithium ion batteries1 in the container 100. Particularly, as shown in Fig. 2, each of the lithium ion batteries 1 has a cable extending from the top of the lithium ion battery 1. The cables of the individual lithium ion batteries 1 are received in thecable sleeve 3122, collectively shown as a cable 18 in Fig. 2. The cable 18 can be electrically isolated from the cable (s) 18 extending from one or more further containers 100in order for the container 100 to serve as a standalone energy storage and supply unit. The cable 18 can also be electrically connected in series or in parallel with the cable (s) 18 extending from one or more further containers 100 to electrically connect the lithium ion batteries in these containers 100 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
As shown in Fig. 2, the container end cap 3121 engages with the first container body 3117 and the cable sleeve 3122 at the first container opening 3120 to fluidly seal the first container opening 3120. A gasket 3120 can also be provided between the container end cap 3121 and the first container opening 3120 to enhance the sealing of the first container opening 3120.
One or more support legs 3115 can be also provided to support the container 100 and keep the container 100 at the appropriate orientation.
The container 100 further includes one or more temperature sensors (not shown) to detect temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131. The temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors can be used to adjust the operation temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid to ensure that the lithium ion batteries 1 operate at the appropriate temperature.
The container 100 further includes an alarming device (not shown) togenerate an alarming signal upon receipt of the heat in the second cavity 3132 when thermal runaway  occurs. The alarming signal can be a visual alarm (for example, a flashing light) or an audible alarm (for example, a sound alarm) . The alarming signal can also be an email or a short message sent to a technician. Upon awareness or receipt of the alarming signal, the technician can take actions accordingly.
Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary energy system 300 including one or more containers 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
The energy system 300 includes a set of containers 100 as described above. Although there are seven containers 100 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, there can be more or less containers 100 in other embodiments.
The energy system 300 includes a set of lithium ion batteries 1 (shown in Fig. 2) stored in each of the set of containers 100. As described above, each of the set of lithium ion batteries 1 is fit into each of the one or more battery fit openings 3133 of the separation panel 3114 of the container 100, respectively. For each container 100, the set of lithium ion batteries 1 fluidly seal the one or more battery fit openings 3133 of the separation panel 3114 of the container 100, respectively, such that the first cavity 3131 and the second cavity 3132 of the container 100 are fluidly isolated from each other.
The energy system 300 includes a temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 for storing and supplying a temperature adjustment fluid. The temperature adjustment fluid in the present disclosure can be for example water, which is used to cool down or heat up the lithium ion batteries 1 when necessary. Other temperature adjustment fluids, which can be liquid or gaseous, may also be used if appropriate without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The energy system 300 includes a temperature adjustment apparatus 322 for adjusting temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid. The temperature adjustment apparatus 322 can be for example a heat exchanger to exchange heat with the temperature adjustment fluid in order to adjust temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid. As described above, one or more temperature sensors (not shown) can be provided in the container 100 to detect the temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131. The temperature adjustment apparatus 322 can comprise a temperature controller (not shown) communicatively connected to the one or more temperature sensors in the container 100 to obtain the temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity 3131 of the container 100. The temperature controller controls the temperature  of temperature adjustment fluid based on the temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors of the container 100. For example, the temperature controller controls the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 to cool down or heat up the temperature adjustment fluid based on the temperature detected by the one or more temperature sensors provided in the container 100to ensure that the lithium ion batteries 1 operate at the appropriate temperature.
The energy system 300 includes a series of circulation pipes 324that are configured to fluidly couple the first cavities 3131 of the set of containers 100, the temperature adjustment apparatus 322, and the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 so as to circulate the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the series of circulation pipes 324 include a circulation pipe 324-1, a circulation pipe 324-2, and one or more circulation pipes 324-3 between the circulation pipe 324-1 and the circulation pipe 324-2. In another embodiment, the series of circulation pipes 324 can include more or less circulation pipes without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the set of containers 100 are connected in series between the circulation pipe 324-1 and the circulation pipe 324-2. In other words, the inlet 3112 of a container 100 is fluidly coupled to the outlet 3113 of an adjacent container100 via the circulation pipe 324-3. In another embodiment, the set of containers 100 can also be connected in parallel without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, all the inlets 3112 of the set of the containers 100 are fluidly coupled to the circulation pipe 324-1 and all the outlets 3113 of the set of the containers 100 are fluidly coupled to the circulation pipe 324-2, while there is no circulation pipe 324-3 between a container 100 and another container 100. In a further embodiment, the set of containers 100 are connected in a hybrid mode without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. That is, some of the set of containers 100 are connected in series, while the remaining containers 100 are connected in parallel.
The energy system 300 includes an extinguisher tank 331 forstoring and supplying an extinguishing agent. the extinguishing agent can be an extinguishing gas or an extinguishing liquid.
The energy system 300 includes an extinguishing pipe 332. The extinguishing pipe 332 includes a main pipe 3321 and one or more branch pipes 3322. The main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332 is connected to the extinguisher tank 331 to receive the  extinguishing agent from the extinguisher tank 331. The one or more branch pipes 3322extends from main pipe 3321 to form one or more branches of the main pipe 3321. The one or more branch pipes 3322 are fluidly coupled to the main pipe 3321. As shown in Fig. 4, each of the one or more branch pipes 3322 is connected to the second container opening 3111 of each of the set of containers 100, respectively.
As described above, when a lithium ion battery 1 in one of the set of the containers 100 is not working under a normal operation condition (particularly, when thermal runaway occurs) and the pressure/heat release mechanism of the lithium ion battery 1 is activated, the heat and pressure in the lithium ion battery 1 is released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132. Further, other component (s) inside the lithium ion battery 1, for example, the burning anode, the burning cathode, etc., can also be released from within the lithium ion battery 1 to the second cavity 3132 if the size of the pressure/heat release mechanism is big enough to release these components. Further, the second cavity 3132 releases the pressure, heat or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 through the second container opening 3111.
The branch pipe 3322 of the extinguishing pipe 332 is configuredto receive the heat, pressure or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 resulting from the lithium ion battery 1 not working under a normal operation condition. The branch pipe 3322 further directs the heat, pressure or other component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1 into the main pipe 3321. The extinguisher tank 331 is configured to supply the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing pipe 332 (particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332) to reduce the heat when the extinguishing pipe 332receives the heat. This way, the heat can be controlled very quickly without affecting the operation of other lithium ion batteries 1 in the container 100.
The energy system 300 further includes a first pump 323 to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the first pump 322 isfluidly coupled between the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321 and the set of containers 100via the set of circulation pipes 324 to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid in the energy system 300. In other embodiments, the first pump 321 can be located elsewhere (for example, between the temperature adjustment apparatus 322 and the temperature adjustment fluid tank 321) without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
The energy system 300 further includes a second pump 333 fluidly coupled to the extinguishing pipe 332, particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332. The second pump 333 is configured to facilitate expelling the heat or other substances (for example, the electrolyte solution vapor resulting from the heat, the burning component (s) of the lithium ion battery 1) out of the extinguishing pipe 332.
The energy system 300 further includes an absorbing tank 334 fluidly coupled to the second pump 333. The absorbing tank 334is configured to absorb the heat or other substances from the extinguishing pipe 332, particularly, the main pipe 3321 of the extinguishing pipe 332. Thiscan restrict the heat or other substances into the absorbing tank 334 so as to reduce the impact on the environment around the energy system 300.
Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is meant to provide the broadest scope, consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims.
In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising” are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.
Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Claims (11)

  1. A container for storing one or more lithium ion batteries, comprising:
    a first container body including:
    a first container opening,
    a first connection end,
    an inlet; and
    an outlet fluidly coupled to the inlet;
    a second container body having a second container opening and a second connection end;
    a separation panel engaged with the first container body at the first connection end to seal the first connection end and engaged with the second container body at the second connection end to seal the second connection end, the separation panel being configured to form a first cavity with the first container body and to form a second cavity with the second container body, wherein the separation panel includes one or more battery fit openings, each of the one or more battery fit openings is configured to fit each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, in order to be fluidly sealed with each of the one or more lithium ion batteries, respectively, such that the first cavity and the second cavity are fluidly isolated, the first cavity is configured to receive a temperature adjustment fluid through the inlet of the first container body to immerse at least part of each of the one or more lithium ion batteries in order toadjust temperature of the one or more lithium ion batteries and to discharge the temperature adjustment fluid through the outlet of the first container body, the second cavity is configured to receive heat resulting from the one or more lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition and to release the heat through the second container opening;
    a cable sleeve extending through the first container opening to provide electrical connectivity with the one or more lithium ion batteries; and
    a container end cap engaged with the first container body and the cable sleeve at the first container opening to fluidly seal the first container opening.
  2. The container according to claim 1, further comprising:
    one or more temperature sensors to detect temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid in the first cavity.
  3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:
    an alarming device configured to generate an alarming signal upon receipt of the heat in the second cavity.
  4. An energy system for storage and supply of electricity, comprising:
    a set of containers according to claim 1;
    a set of lithium ion batteries installed in each of the set of containers, each of the set of lithium ion batteries being fit into each of the one or more battery fit openings of the separation panel of the container, respectively;
    a temperature adjustment fluid tank for storing and supplying atemperature adjustment fluid;
    a temperature adjustment apparatus for adjusting temperature of the temperature adjustment fluid;
    a series of circulation pipes that are configured to fluidly couple the first cavities of the set of containers, the temperature adjustment apparatus, and the temperature adjustment fluid tankso as to circulate the temperature adjustment fluid;
    an extinguisher tank storing and supplying an extinguishing agent; and
    an extinguishing pipe connected to the extinguisher tank to receive the extinguishing agent from the extinguisher tank and to the second container opening of each of the set of containers to receive heat resulting from the set of lithium ion batteries not working under a normal operation condition, the extinguisher tank is configured to supply the extinguishing agent into the extinguishing pipe to reduce the heat if the extinguishing pipe receives the heat.
  5. The energy system according to claim 4, further comprising a first pump to facilitate circulation of the temperature adjustment fluid.
  6. The energy system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the inlet of a first container of the set of containers is fluidly coupled to the outlet of a second container ofthe set of containers.
  7. The energy system according to any one of claims 4 to6, further comprising:
    a second pump fluidly coupled to the extinguishing pipe, the second pump being configured to facilitate expelling the heat or other substances out of the extinguishing pipe.
  8. The energy system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising:
    an absorbing tank fluidly coupled to the second pump, the absorbing tank being configured to absorb the heat or other substances.
  9. The energy system according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the extinguishing agent is an extinguishing gas or an extinguishing liquid.
  10. The energy system according to any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the temperature adjustment apparatus comprises a temperature controller to control the temperature of temperature adjustment fluid based on the one or more temperature sensors of the set of containers.
  11. The energy system according to any one of claims 4 to 10, wherein the temperature adjustment fluid is water.
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