WO2024085546A1

WO2024085546A1 - Electrochemical system fire extinguishing device and heat pump system using composition having low global warming potential

Info

Publication number: WO2024085546A1
Application number: PCT/KR2023/015834
Authority: WO
Inventors: 최종원; 정학근; 최영찬; 이길봉; 이영주
Original assignee: 한국에너지기술연구원
Priority date: 2022-10-17
Filing date: 2023-10-13
Publication date: 2024-04-25

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device and a heat pump system using a composition having a low global warming potential (GWP) and, more specifically, to a fire extinguishing device and a heat pump system, comprising cooling and extinguishing functions of an electrical or chemical heat-generating device using an insulating refrigerant having low environmental impact, wherein the fire extinguishing device cools the electrical or chemical heat-generating device, which is in a normal state, by using a refrigerant of a cooling device, when a fire occurs in the electrical or chemical heat-generating device, senses the occurrence of the fire, extinguishes the fire by means of direct contact jetting onto the electrical or chemical heat-generating device, and uses an insulating refrigerant to be vaporized which has a GWP of 1 or less.

Description

Electrochemical system fire extinguishing device and heat pump system using a composition having a low temperature warming index

This embodiment relates to a composition having a low temperature warming index and a battery fire extinguishing device and system using the same.

Recently, the price of energy sources has risen due to the depletion of fossil fuels, and interest in environmental pollution has increased, and the demand for eco-friendly alternative energy sources has become an essential factor for future life. Accordingly, research continues on various power production technologies such as nuclear power, solar power, wind power, and tidal power, and there is also great interest in power storage devices to use the energy produced in this way more efficiently.

In particular, as technology development and demand for electric vehicles and ESS (Energy Storage System), a renewable energy storage device, increase, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and accordingly, there is a need for batteries that can meet various needs. A lot of research is being done.

Typically, in terms of battery shape, there is a high demand for square-shaped secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be applied to products such as mobile phones due to their thin thickness, and in terms of materials, they have advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability. There is high demand for lithium secondary batteries such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries.

In addition, secondary batteries are classified according to the structure of the electrode assembly, which consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator sandwiched between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. Representative examples include long sheet-shaped positive electrodes and negative electrodes. A jelly-roll type (wound type) electrode assembly with a structure wound with a separator interposed, and a stacked type (laminated type) electrode assembly in which a plurality of anodes and cathodes cut into units of a predetermined size are stacked sequentially with a separator interposed. etc., and recently, in order to solve the problems of the jelly-roll type electrode assembly and the stack-type electrode assembly, an electrode assembly of an advanced structure, which is a mixture of the jelly-roll type and the stack type, has been developed into a predetermined unit. A stacked/folded electrode assembly was developed in which unit cells, in which an anode and a cathode are stacked with a separator interposed between them, are placed on a separator film and wound sequentially.

In addition, depending on the shape of the battery case, secondary batteries are divided into cylindrical batteries and square batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a cylindrical or square metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built in a pouch-shaped case of aluminum laminate sheet. are classified.

These secondary batteries may be exposed to various environments depending on the usage status and conditions, and it is especially necessary to prevent the risk of explosion for the safety of users.

More specifically, the internal high temperature and high pressure that can be caused by abnormal operating conditions of the secondary battery, such as internal short circuit, charging state exceeding the allowed current and voltage, exposure to high temperature, shock due to dropping, etc., are caused by the secondary battery. may cause an explosion.

Considering the above points, it is important to maintain an appropriate temperature in the battery and quickly extinguish a fire in the battery to prevent additional damage.

Therefore, despite the above-described morphological differences, each secondary battery includes a high-pressure relief means that can relieve the high pressure, which is the direct cause of battery explosion.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2416007 discloses a battery case having a battery space in which a plurality of battery cells are each accommodated, a fire extinguishing spray unit installed in the battery case to detect fire and spray fire extinguishing liquid on the battery cells, and the fire extinguishing device. In a battery fire extinguishing system using eco-friendly fire extinguishing liquid, which includes a fire extinguishing liquid supply unit that supplies fire extinguishing liquid to the spray unit, and an injection controller that detects abnormalities in the battery cells and controls the fire extinguishing spray unit, the injection controller controls the temperature of the battery cell. It includes two or more of a temperature sensor that detects smoke, a smoke sensor that detects smoke generated from the battery cell, and a pressure sensor that detects the pressure of the battery cell, and detects a fire based on information detected by the two or more. The occurrence is determined and fire extinguishing liquid is sprayed on the battery cell through the fire extinguishing spray unit. When the fire is detected by the injection controller, the fire extinguishing spray unit moves in the direction where the battery cell is located and penetrates the battery cell to create a plurality of short circuit points. A battery fire extinguishing system using an eco-friendly fire extinguishing liquid including a movable member having a plurality of short-circuit spray nozzles that quickly discharges the battery cell by forming a fire extinguishing liquid and simultaneously spraying the fire extinguishing liquid into the inside of the battery cell is disclosed. However, the fire extinguishing liquid contains a foaming agent that generates bubbles in a solvent containing water from which chlorine ions have been removed, a bubble stabilizer that stabilizes the bubbles, a foam adjuvant that prevents the bubbles from being easily extinguished, and a pour point lowering agent that lowers the freezing temperature of the fire extinguishing mixture. In the normal state of the present invention, the fire extinguishing fluid containing the fire extinguishing agent is used, and in the abnormal state of ignition of the battery cell, it acts as a fire extinguishing fluid that is sprayed directly into contact with the battery cell to perform fire extinguishing. A battery pack fire extinguishing system using an insulating refrigerant with low environmental impact has not been disclosed.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2304158 includes a battery module containing a plurality of battery cells and connected to an external power load; A technology is disclosed that is mounted on the battery module and includes a refrigerant induction unit that passes refrigerant supplied from an external air conditioner and causes the refrigerant to cool the battery module, thereby maintaining the battery cell at an optimal temperature. However, the refrigerant is for cooling the battery cell, and in abnormal conditions such as ignition of the battery cell, the refrigerant is sprayed in direct contact with the battery cell to extinguish the fire, thereby acting as a fire extinguishing liquid that has little environmental impact. A battery pack fire extinguishing system using a refrigerant has not been disclosed.

In Korean Patent Publication No. 10-1066021, microcapsules containing a safety-enhancing material ('safety-enhancing material') are applied to areas that do not directly affect the operation of the battery, and the application area is the battery area. Disclosed is a secondary battery that is prone to heat accumulation and short circuit due to internal/external pressure when abnormalities such as static abnormality or physical shock occur. However, the technology includes microcapsules, a material that ensures the stability of battery cells for additional fire extinguishing, which lowers the energy density of the battery pack containing the battery cells and makes it difficult to control fire extinguishing in abnormal conditions such as ignition. In the normal state of the present invention, it serves as a refrigerant for cooling the battery pack, and in the abnormal state of ignition of the battery cell, it is injected into direct contact with the battery cell and acts as a fire extinguishing liquid to perform fire extinguishing. A battery pack fire extinguishing system using a refrigerant has not been disclosed.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2018-0047439 discloses an electrode assembly including an anode, a cathode, and a separator interposed between the anode and the cathode; a first pack case in which the electrode assembly is stored together with an electrolyte; a second pack case storing the first pack case such that at least a portion of the inner surface is spaced apart from the outer surface of the first pack case; A fire extinguishing agent filled in the space between the outer surface of the first pack case and the inner surface of the second pack case; and a cap assembly coupled to simultaneously seal open surfaces of the first pack case and the second pack case, with the first pack case storing the electrode assembly and the electrolyte and the fire extinguishing agent stored and filled in the second pack case. Includes ;, on the outer surface of the first pack case in the space between the outer surface of the first pack case and the inner surface of the second pack case, when the pressure inside the first pack case is more than the critical pressure, in the space Disclosed is a battery pack characterized in that a first venting portion is formed that opens to allow the filled fire extinguishing agent to flow into the interior of the first pack case. However, in the normal state of the present invention, it acts as a refrigerant for cooling the battery pack, and in the abnormal state of ignition of the battery cell, it is directly injected into the battery cell and acts as a fire extinguishing liquid to perform fire extinguishing, which has a small environmental impact. A battery pack fire extinguishing system using an insulating refrigerant has not been disclosed.

Therefore, the refrigerant of the refrigeration device cools the battery pack in its normal state, and when a fire occurs in a battery cell included in the battery pack, it is sensed and sprayed into direct contact with the battery cell to extinguish the fire and vaporize GWP. There is a need to develop devices and systems that include cooling and extinguishing functions for electrical or chemical heat generation devices using insulating refrigerants with a low environmental impact (Global Warming Potential) of 1 or less.

Against this background, the purpose of this embodiment is to provide a battery fire extinguishing device using a composition or refrigerant that senses when a fire occurs in a battery and is sprayed directly into the battery to extinguish the fire and evaporate.

In addition, the object is to provide a battery fire extinguishing device using a composition or refrigerant that cools the battery in the normal state of the battery and extinguishes the fire by being supplied directly to the battery when a fire occurs in the battery.

In addition, the refrigerant of the cooling device cools the electrical or chemical heat generating device in its normal state, and when a fire occurs in the electrical or chemical heat generating device, it is sensed and sprayed into direct contact with the device to prevent the fire. To provide devices and systems that include cooling and extinguishing functions of electrical or chemical heat generation devices using insulating compositions or refrigerants with low environmental impact using insulating refrigerants with a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 1 or less that extinguish and vaporize. The purpose.

According to one embodiment, in an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device and a heat pump system using a composition having a low-temperature warming index, the composition having a low-temperature warming index may include a refrigerant, and specifically includes a refrigerant having a low-temperature warming index. can do.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, one embodiment provides an electrochemical system for extinguishing a fire using a refrigerant, comprising: a supply unit for supplying the refrigerant so that the refrigerant directly contacts the electrochemical system; It provides an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device including a storage unit for storing the refrigerant.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the supply unit may include an injection device that sprays the refrigerant into the electrochemical system when the electrochemical system is ignited.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the spray device may include a nozzle through which the refrigerant is sprayed.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the injection port of the nozzle may be sealed with a heat sensitive tube.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the storage unit can maintain a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the supply unit includes a refrigerant tube that receives the refrigerant from the storage unit, and when the electrochemical system ignites, the refrigerant is discharged to the electrochemical system to extinguish the fire. can do.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant tube is arranged to be in contact with the electrochemical system, and heat management of the electrochemical system can be performed through heat exchange with the electrochemical system.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant tube may rupture or melt when the electrochemical system ignites.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant tube is composed of a thermally conductive material and a thermally sensitive tube, and the thermally responsive tube may rupture or melt when the electrochemical system ignites.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the electrochemical system may correspond to one of a battery, battery cell, battery module, battery pack, battery rack, hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, ESS (Energy Storage System), and distribution board. You can.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant is a methane-based halogenated carbon compound, refrigerant numbers 10 to 59, and refrigerant numbers 110 to 59 according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34. Ethane-based halogenated carbon compound No. 179, propane-based halogenated carbon compound No. 200 to 299, cyclic butane-based halogenated carbon compound No. 300 to 399, non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant No. 400 to 499, azeotropic mixed refrigerant No. 500 to 599, 600 to 600 It may include one or more of hydrocarbons, oxygen compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, numbered 699, inorganic compounds numbered 700 to 799, and unsaturated organic compounds numbered 1000 to 1999.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant is R1234yf, R-1233zd, R-1234ze, R1224yd, R1336mzz, EC11, EC21, R-448A, R-455A, R-454A, R-454B, Hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants (HFOs), any of R-515B, R-452A, R-466A, R-450A, EC40, R-471A, R-407A, R-407F, R-410A, R-422D , R-134a, R-507A, R-245fa, R-407C, R-408A, R-404A, R-508B, R-23 hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerant (HFCs), R-22, Hydrochloroproporocarbon-based refrigerants (HCFCs), which are any of R-409A, R402A, R-402B, R-123, R-124, R401A, and R-401B, and dodecafluoro-2-methylpentane-3-cause It may contain one or more of fluorinated ketones.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant has a saturation evaporation temperature of -10 or more and 60°C or less at normal pressure, an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm, and a global warming potential (GWP). It is above 0 and below 2, does not fall within the flammable range, and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) may be above 0 and below 0.001.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant contains one or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, CuO, Co, Fe, TiO2, CNT, GO, and Fullerene in an amount of more than 0 to 5% by weight. May contain nanoparticles.

In the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment, the refrigerant may contain more than 0 and less than 5% by weight of a surfactant including one or more of CTAB and Span-80.

In order to achieve the above-described object, one embodiment includes a flash tank that stores refrigerant in a gaseous and liquid state; A compressor that compresses the refrigerant at high temperature and pressure; a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant and the outside and can operate as an evaporator that absorbs heat or a condenser that emits heat; a second heat exchanger that performs an opposite function to the first heat exchanger and can operate as an evaporator or condenser; a first expansion valve connected to the flash tank and supplying low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the flash tank; a second expansion valve connected to the flash tank, receiving liquid refrigerant from the flash tank and putting it in a low temperature and low pressure state; a first four-way valve selectively connecting the flash tank, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the first expansion valve; a second four-way valve selectively connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger; A first valve connected in parallel with the first expansion valve; a second valve connected in parallel with the second expansion valve; a third valve disposed between the flash tank and the compressor; and a fourth valve disposed between the flash tank and the second heat exchanger.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the flash tank includes a device that generates heat by an electrical or chemical reaction, the device exchanges heat with the refrigerant stored in the flash tank, and when a fire occurs in the device, It can be extinguished by the refrigerant stored in the flash tank.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the device may correspond to any one of a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, a battery rack, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, an ESS (Energy Storage System), and a distribution board.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the heat pump system may operate in any one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, and an intermediate mode.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, when the heat pump system operates in cooling mode,

The gaseous refrigerant in the flash tank sequentially circulates through the third valve, the compressor, the second four-way valve, the second heat exchanger operating as a condenser, the first four-way valve, and the first expansion valve. It is supplied to the flash tank as a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and the liquid refrigerant in the flash tank is supplied to the second valve, the first four-way valve, the first heat exchanger operating as an evaporator, the second four-way valve, The compressor, the second heat exchanger operating as a condenser, the first four-way valve, and the first expansion valve may be sequentially circulated to supply low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the flash tank.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, when the heat pump system operates in a heating mode, the liquid refrigerant in the flash tank is supplied to the second expansion valve, the first four-way valve, and the second expansion valve operating as an evaporator. Liquid refrigerant may be supplied to the flash tank by sequentially circulating through the second heat exchanger, the second four-way valve, the compressor, the first heat exchanger operating as a condenser, the first four-way valve, and the first valve.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, when the heat pump system operates in the intermediate mode, the gaseous refrigerant in the flash tank sequentially circulates through the third valve, the second four-way valve, and the second heat exchanger. Thus, it can be supplied to the flash tank.

The heat pump system according to this embodiment may include a pump and a check valve that supply the refrigerant that has passed through the second heat exchanger to the flash tank.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the refrigerant is a methane-based halogenated carbon compound with refrigerant numbers 10 to 50, and refrigerant numbers 110 to 170 according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34. ethane-based halogenated carbon compounds, refrigerant numbers 200 to 290 propane-based halogenated carbon compounds, C300 cyclic butane-based halogenated carbon compounds, 400 non-azeotropic mixed refrigerants, 500 azeotropic mixed refrigerants, 600 hydrocarbons, It may contain one or more of oxygen compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, inorganic compounds in the 700s, and unsaturated organic compounds in the 1000s.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the refrigerant is R1234yf, R-1233zd, R-1234ze, R1224yd, R1336mzz, EC11, EC21, R-448A, R-455A, R-454A, R-454B, R-515B , R-452A, R-466A, R-450A, EC40, R-471A, R-407A, R-407F, R-410A, R-422D, R- Hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerants (HFCs), any of 134a, R-507A, R-245fa, R-407C, R-408A, R-404A, R-508B, R-23, R-22, R-409A , R402A, R-402B, R-123, R-124, R401A, R-401B, any one of hydrochloroproporocarbon-based refrigerants (HCFCs) and dodecafluoro-2-methylpentane-3-one fluorinated ketone It may include one or more of the following.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the refrigerant has a saturation evaporation temperature of -10 or more and 60°C or less at normal pressure, an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm, and a global warming potential (GWP) of 0 or more. and 2 or less, does not fall within the flammable range, and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) may be 0 or more and 0.001 or less.

In the heat pump system according to this embodiment, the refrigerant is,

% by weight of nanoparticles containing one or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, CuO, Co, Fe, TiO2, CNT, GO and Fullerene; 0 to 5% by weight of a surfactant including one or more of CTAB, Span-80; And the refrigerant is insulating oil to improve insulating properties; It may include one or more of the following.

Another embodiment includes a battery module including one or more battery cells; a cooling device containing a refrigerant that performs heat exchange with the battery module; and a fire extinguishing device that supplies the refrigerant to directly contact the battery module.

In the battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment, the cooling device includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and an evaporator through which the refrigerant circulates, and at least a portion of the refrigerant passing through the expansion valve is supplied to the refrigerant inflow passage to the battery. Heat exchange is performed with the module, and the refrigerant that has completed heat exchange with the battery module can be recovered through the refrigerant recovery passage and supplied to the cooling device.

The battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment further includes a BMS (Battery Management System) that senses ignition in the battery module, and when the BMS senses ignition in the battery module, the fire extinguishing device is The entire amount of refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve of the cooling device can be supplied to the battery module.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the risk of ignition or explosion due to an increase in internal temperature and pressure caused by an abnormal operating state of the electrochemical system is effectively prevented using a refrigerant, and the effect of improving stability is achieved. there is.

In addition, in the event of a fire in an electrochemical system including a battery, etc., it has the effect of demonstrating superior safety compared to conventional technology that reduces the internal temperature and pressure by simply using a safety vent.

In addition, rather than installing an additional complicated fire extinguishing device to extinguish the electrochemical system including the battery, it is possible to operate economically by using the refrigerant used in the existing cooling device, which has the effect of increasing the energy density of the battery pack. there is.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the insulating properties of the refrigerant, the low GWP index, and the flammability range are not included, and the vapor pressure is low, so it does not remain in the battery like existing fire extinguishing liquid after extinguishing, which is advantageous for battery recycling.

1 is a configuration diagram of a battery fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram of a battery fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the injection device according to this embodiment.

Figure 4 is another example diagram of a battery fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Figure 5 is an exemplary view of a composition tube according to this embodiment.

Figure 6 is another exemplary view of a composition tube according to this embodiment.

Figure 7 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump system according to this embodiment.

Figure 8 is an exemplary diagram of a flash chamber, which is a component of the heat pump system according to this embodiment.

Figure 9 is a configuration diagram of the heat pump system according to this embodiment when operating in cooling mode.

Figure 10 is a configuration diagram of the heat pump system according to this embodiment when operating in heating mode.

Figure 11 is a configuration diagram of the heat pump system according to this embodiment when operating in an intermediate mode.

Figure 12 is a configuration diagram of the battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment in a normal state.

Figure 13 is a configuration diagram of the battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment in a fire state.

Figure 14 is an example diagram in which the battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment is applied.

Hereinafter, some embodiments will be described in detail through illustrative drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that identical components are given the same reference numerals as much as possible even if they are shown in different drawings. Additionally, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

Additionally, when describing components, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are only used to distinguish the component from other components, and the nature, sequence, or order of the component is not limited by the term. When a component is described as being “connected,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, that component may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but there is another component between each component. It will be understood that elements may be “connected,” “combined,” or “connected.”

1 is a configuration diagram of an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1, the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may include an electrochemical system 110, a supply unit 120, and a storage unit 130.

Here, the electrochemical system 110 may include a device that generates heat through an electrical or chemical reaction. Specifically, the electrochemical system 110 includes a battery, a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, and a battery rack. , it may correspond to any one of a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, an ESS (Energy Storage System), and a distribution board, or may be configured to include one or more of these.

A fire that occurs in a battery may be in a state of thermal runaway, which is an exothermic reaction in which a temperature change further accelerates the temperature change, unlike a fire that is generally caused by combustion of combustible materials. Therefore, if a fire occurs in the battery, continuous additional explosions may occur, and even if the fire is extinguished, there may be a risk of re-ignition. Therefore, it may be difficult to extinguish a fire occurring in a battery using conventional methods.

In the case of fire extinguishing methods using water, water may remain in the battery device and cause corrosion, which may lead to the problem that the battery cannot be recycled. Accordingly, if a fire occurs in the battery, the fire can be extinguished by spraying a refrigerant suitable for extinguishing the battery fire.

The supply unit 120 may be configured to supply refrigerant so that the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the electrochemical system 110.

Here, the refrigerant may have insulating properties, and specifically, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment has electrical conductivity such that no current flows even if supplied to a battery or a device including a battery. You can. That is, it may have an electrical conductivity of 0.1 S/cm or less, 0.01 S/cm or less, 0.001 S/cm or less, 0.0001 S/cm or less, and may have an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm.

Additionally, the refrigerant according to this embodiment may additionally include insulating oil to increase the insulating properties of the refrigerant.

Additionally, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may have a saturation evaporation temperature of -10°C or higher and 60°C or lower at normal pressure. Specifically, it may have a saturation evaporation temperature of -10°C or higher, 0°C or higher, 10°C or higher, 20°C or higher, 30°C or higher, 40°C or higher, and 50°C or higher. Additionally, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment may have a saturation evaporation temperature of 60°C or less, 70°C or less, 80°C or less, 90°C or less, and 100°C or less at normal pressure. Here, atmospheric pressure refers to normal atmospheric pressure and may mean 1 atm. Accordingly, when a fire occurs in the electrochemical system 110, even if the refrigerant is directly supplied to the electrochemical system 110 by spraying or discharging, the refrigerant does not remain in the electrochemical system 110 and existing extinguishing substances Compared to water, which is widely used, problems such as corrosion do not occur, so it can have the advantage of enabling recycling of batteries.

Additionally, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may be non-flammable. In other words, it may not fall within the flammable range, and may be a refrigerant classified as A1 group, indicating non-flammability, by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34.

Additionally, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may be a low-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant may generally refer to a refrigerant whose evaporation pressure is below atmospheric pressure.

Additionally, the refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may be an environmentally friendly refrigerant. That is, a material with a relatively small GWP (Global Warming Potential) can be used as the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant according to this embodiment has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 0 or more, 0.5 or less, 1 or less, 1.5 or less, 2 or less, It can have a GWP of 2.5 or less and 3 or less. In addition, a material with a relatively small ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) can be used as the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant according to this embodiment has a value of 0 or more, 0.1 or less, 0.01 or less, 0.001 or less, 0.0001 or less, and 0.00001. It may have the following ODP.

The refrigerant according to this embodiment can be supplied at a temperature of 0°C or lower, specifically -5°C or lower, and this refrigerant can not only extinguish the fire by lowering the temperature by directly contacting the electrochemical system or the object in which the fire occurred. Rather, it can be expected that the refrigerant can extinguish a fire by cooling the moisture contained in the air and blocking the air. The temperature at which the refrigerant is supplied is not limited to this and may vary depending on the temperature of the place where the electrochemical system is used. In addition, the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the electrochemical system or the object where the fire occurred is vaporized and leaves no residue after the fire is extinguished, which has the effect of preventing corrosion of the electrochemical system and increasing the recyclability of the electrochemical system. You can expect it.

The refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment is a methane-based halogenated carbon compound, refrigerant number 10 to 59 according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34. Ethane-based halogenated carbon compounds Nos. 110 to 179, propane-based halogenated carbon compounds Nos. 200 to 299, cyclic butane-based halogenated carbon compounds Nos. 300 to 399, non-azeotropic mixed refrigerants Nos. 400 to 499, azeotropic mixed refrigerants Nos. 500 to 599, It may include one or more of hydrocarbons numbered from 600 to 699, oxygen compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds, inorganic compounds numbered from 700 to 799, and unsaturated organic compounds numbered from 1000 to 1999.

The refrigerants used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment are R1234yf, R-1233zd, R-1234ze, R1224yd, R1336mzz, EC11, EC21, R-448A, R-455A, R-454A, R- Hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants (HFOs), any of 454B, R-515B, R-452A, R-466A, R-450A, EC40, R-471A, R-407A, R-407F, R-410A, R -Hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerants (HFCs), R- 22, any one of R-409A, R402A, R-402B, R-123, R-124, R401A, R-401B hydrochloroproporocarbon refrigerant (HCFCs) and dodecafluoro-2-methylpentane-3 -May contain one or more of the causal fluorinated ketones.

The refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may further include nanoparticles. Specifically, nanoparticles may be composed of one or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, CuO, Co, Fe, TiO2, CNT (Carbon Nano Tube), GO (Graphene Oxide), and Fullerene, and the nanoparticles can be used as a refrigerant. As a standard, the refrigerant may include 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, 10% by weight, and exceeding 0. and 1 or less, 2 or less, 3 or less, 4 or less, 5 or less, 6 or less, 7 or less, 8 or less, 9 or less, and 10 or less weight percent. Nanoparticles can be added to the refrigerant to further improve thermal conductivity.

The refrigerant used in the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may include a surfactant. Here, a non-flammable surfactant may be used so that the surfactant can be used for fire extinguishing. Specifically, it may include one or more of CTAB and Span-80. Surfactants are included in the refrigerant and can play a role in helping to ensure good contact with the surface of the fire-producing object when the refrigerant is directly supplied to the fire-producing object, including batteries, and the refrigerant can be used in electrochemical systems, etc. Not only can it extinguish a fire by lowering the temperature through an endothermic reaction while attached to the surface, but it can also prevent thermal runaway, which is an additional exothermic reaction.

A specific embodiment of the supply unit 120 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The storage unit 130 may be configured to store the refrigerant according to this embodiment.

The refrigerant stored in the storage unit 130 may be moved to the supply unit 120 through a pump (not shown) or a separate supply device, and may be supplied to the electrochemical system 110 through the supply unit 120.

Alternatively, the inside of the storage unit 130 may be maintained at a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, specifically, may have a pressure of more than 1 atm, more than 1 bar, more than 2 bar, more than 3 bar, and less than 10 bar. You can have it. As the pressure inside the storage unit 130 is maintained higher than atmospheric pressure, refrigerant may be supplied to the electrochemical system 110 without a pump (not shown) or a separate supply device.

The supply unit 120 and the storage unit 130 may be connected to each other through a configuration that allows refrigerant to move.

Figure 2 is an exemplary diagram of an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may include a supply unit 120, and the supply unit 120 supplies refrigerant to the electrochemical system when the electrochemical system 110 is ignited. It may include an injection device 121 that sprays at 110. The injection device 121 may receive refrigerant from the storage unit 130.

The refrigerant may be injected by the injection device 121, the injected refrigerant may be injected and contacted with the electrochemical system 110, and the refrigerant in contact with the electrochemical system 110 absorbs heat and extinguishes the fire. In addition, it can suppress thermal runaway, which is an additional explosive reaction.

In addition, the refrigerant is supplied at a temperature below freezing, specifically -5℃ or lower, so it not only absorbs heat, but also cools the moisture in the air, blocking the oxygen necessary for combustion in the event of a battery fire, which is expected to have an additional fire suppression effect. You can.

Referring to FIG. 3, the injection device 121 according to this embodiment may include a nozzle 1211. The refrigerant stored in the storage unit 130 may be supplied to the injection device 121, and the refrigerant supplied to the injection device 121 may be injected into the electrochemical system 110 through the injection hole of the nozzle 1211. there is.

The injection port of the nozzle 1211 may be sealed with a heat sensitive tube 1212. A heat-sensitive tube may mean a composition made of a material that melts (melts) or ruptures when a certain temperature is reached in the event of a fire. The heat-sensitive tube 1212 may be made of a special polymer material that melts or ruptures in response to heat.

As the injection port of the nozzle 1211 is sealed with the heat sensitive tube 1212 and the storage unit 130 maintains a pressure above atmospheric pressure, the refrigerant is supplied to the electrochemical system 110 in the event of a fire without the need for a separate supply device such as a pump. can be supplied. Specifically, in normal times when a fire does not occur, the injection port of the injection device 121 is sealed by the heat-responsive tube 1212, so the refrigerant may not be released, and in case of a fire, the heat generated by the fire The heat sensitive tube 1212 located in melts or ruptures, and as a result, the refrigerant can be released from the storage unit 130, which maintained a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, without a separate supply device depending on the pressure.

Figure 4 is another exemplary diagram of an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may include a supply unit 120, and the supply unit 120 may include a refrigerant tube 122.

The refrigerant tube 122 can receive refrigerant from the storage unit 130, and the refrigerant tube 122 is used for normal operation of the electrochemical system 110 in normal times when a fire does not occur in the electrochemical system 110. Thermal management can be performed. Typically, batteries show optimal operating performance at 10 to 40°C, and the refrigerant tube 122 performs heat exchange with the electrochemical system 110 so that the electrochemical system 110 can maintain the optimal temperature.

Additionally, the refrigerant tube 122 may be arranged to be in direct contact with the electrochemical system 110 for heat exchange with the electrochemical system 110. Additionally, the refrigerant tube 122 may be made of a thermally conductive material. Here, the thermally conductive material may include metal or thermally conductive plastic, but is not limited thereto, and various thermally conductive materials may be used.

The refrigerant tube 122 may rupture or melt when a fire occurs (ignition) in the electrochemical system 110, and the refrigerant present inside the refrigerant tube 122 may be supplied to the electrochemical system 110. That is, the refrigerant is discharged or discharged in direct contact with the electrochemical system 110, thereby suppressing fire and thermal runaway conditions occurring in the electrochemical system 110.

Additionally, at least a portion of the refrigerant tube 122 may be composed of a heat-sensitive tube. In this case, the heat-sensitive tube forming at least a portion of the refrigerant tube 122 is melted or ruptured by heat and removed when a fire occurs (when ignited) in the electrochemical system 110, and thus, inside the refrigerant tube 122. Any refrigerant present may be discharged or discharged directly into the electrochemical system 110.

The electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment may include one or more refrigerant tubes 122. Additionally, the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 shown in FIG. 4 is merely an example, and the configuration and arrangement of the refrigerant tube 122 may be changed in various ways.

Figure 5 is an exemplary diagram of a refrigerant tube according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 5, the refrigerant tube 122 according to this embodiment may include one or more circular heat-sensitive tubes 1221.

If a fire occurs in the electrochemical system 110, the heat-sensitive tube 1221 included in the refrigerant tube 122 may be melted or ruptured by the heat generated by the fire, and accordingly, the heat-sensitive tube 1221 may be melted or ruptured in the refrigerant tube 122. Holes may form. In addition, the refrigerant present inside the refrigerant tube 122 may be discharged or discharged out of the refrigerant tube 122 through the hole created by heat, and the refrigerant is supplied to directly contact the electrochemical system 110, causing fire and heat. It may be possible to extinguish the runaway.

Figure 6 is another exemplary diagram of a refrigerant tube according to this embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 6, the refrigerant tube 122 according to this embodiment may include one or more linear heat-sensitive tubes 1222.

If a fire occurs in the electrochemical system 110, the heat-sensitive tube 1222 included in the refrigerant tube 122 may be melted or ruptured by the heat generated by the fire, and accordingly, the heat-sensitive tube 1222 may be melted or ruptured by the heat generated by the fire. A straight hole may be formed. In addition, the refrigerant present inside the refrigerant tube 122 may be discharged or discharged out of the refrigerant tube 122 through the hole created by heat, and the refrigerant is supplied to directly contact the electrochemical system 110, causing fire and heat. It may be possible to extinguish the runaway.

The heating runaway temperature of a lithium ion secondary battery typically increases from 188°C to 527°C, causing heat generation and ignition. The overcharge thermal runaway temperature of a lithium-ion secondary battery increases from 110°C to 317°C, causing heat generation and ignition. That is, the electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment not only lowers the temperature of the electrochemical system in order to extinguish and suppress such ignition and thermal runaway, but also blocks oxygen to prevent additional fire damage. Effects can be expected.

Additionally, the normal operating temperature of the battery may be 20°C to 60°C, 30°C to 50°C, or about 40°C. The electrochemical system fire extinguishing device 100 according to this embodiment not only performs a fire extinguishing operation in the event of a fire, but also maintains an appropriate temperature of the electrochemical system through a refrigerant. In other words, when the electrochemical system goes down to too low a temperature, it can supply heat, and when the electrochemical system goes up to a too high temperature, it can absorb heat.

Referring to FIG. 7, the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment includes a flash tank 1010, a compressor 1020, a first heat exchanger 1030, a second heat exchanger 1040, and a first expansion valve ( 1050), second expansion valve (1060), first four-way valve (1070), second four-way valve (1080), first valve (1090), second valve (1100), third valve (1110) and fourth It may include a valve 1120.

Additionally, the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment may include a storage unit 1130, a pump 1140, and a check valve 1150.

The heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment may circulate a refrigerant as a working fluid.

The flash tank 1010 may be configured to store refrigerant in gaseous and liquid states. Additionally, the flash tank 1010 may include a device 1160 that generates heat through an electrical or chemical reaction. Heat exchange between the refrigerant and the device 1160 can occur in the flash tank 1010, and when a fire occurs in the device 1160, the fire can be extinguished through the refrigerant stored in the flash tank 1010.

The compressor 1020 may be configured to compress refrigerant to a high temperature. Specifically, it may be configured to compress low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant in a gaseous state into a high-temperature and high-pressure state.

Referring to FIG. 7, the compressor 1020 according to this embodiment may be connected to the flash tank 1010, and a third valve may be disposed between the flash tank 1010 and the compressor 1020. Additionally, the compressor 1020 may be connected to the second four-way valve 1080. Additionally, the compressor 1020 may be connected to the first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040 through the second four-way valve 1080.

The first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040 may be configured to exchange heat while the refrigerant passes through them. The first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040 may operate as an evaporator or a condenser.

Here, the evaporator may be configured to allow the refrigerant to absorb heat, and specifically, may be configured to allow the liquid refrigerant in a low temperature state to absorb heat and change into a gaseous refrigerant. Additionally, the condenser may be configured to allow the refrigerant to emit heat. Specifically, it may be configured to allow a high-temperature and high-pressure gaseous refrigerant to emit heat and change into a liquid refrigerant.

The first heat exchanger 1030 according to this embodiment may be connected to the first four-way valve 1070 and the second four-way valve 1080. The first heat exchanger 1030 can be selectively connected to the first expansion valve 1050 and the second expansion valve 1060 through the first four-way valve 1070, and the compressor ( 1020) can be optionally connected. Here, selectively connecting may mean that the connection method of each component may vary depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000.

The second heat exchanger 1040 according to this embodiment may be connected to the first four-way valve 1070 and the second four-way valve 1080. The second heat exchanger 1040 may be selectively connected to the first expansion valve 1050 and the second expansion valve 1060 through the first four-way valve 1070, and the second It can be selectively connected to the compressor 1020 through the four-way valve 1080.

The first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040 according to this embodiment may perform opposite functions to each other. That is, when the first heat exchanger 1030 operates as a condenser, the second heat exchanger 1040 can operate as an evaporator, and when the first heat exchanger 1030 operates as an evaporator, the second heat exchanger 1040 can operate as an evaporator. can operate as a condenser.

The first expansion valve 1050 and the second expansion valve 1060 may be configured to lower the pressure of the refrigerant through volume expansion. Specifically, by depressurizing the liquid refrigerant, the pressure and temperature can be lowered and the refrigerant can exist in a gas, liquid, or gas and liquid state.

The first expansion valve 1050 can supply low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the flash tank 1010 and can be turned on/off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000. Here, on refers to a state in which the refrigerant passes and the component operates, and off refers to a state in which the refrigerant does not pass and the component does not operate.

Additionally, the first expansion valve 1050 may be connected to the first four-way valve 1070, and may be connected to the first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040 depending on the operating mode.

The second expansion valve 1060 can receive refrigerant from the flash tank 1010 and supply it to the first four-way valve 1070, and the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment through the first four-way valve 1070. Depending on the operating mode, refrigerant can be selectively supplied to the first heat exchanger 1030 and the second heat exchanger 1040. Additionally, the second expansion valve 1060 may be turned on/off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000.

The first four-way valve 1070 and the second four-way valve 1080 may have a connection method that changes depending on the operating mode. Accordingly, the first four-way valve 1070 may be configured to selectively connect the flash tank 1010, the first heat exchanger 1030, the second heat exchanger 1040, and the first expansion valve 1050. Additionally, the second four-way valve 1080 may be configured to selectively connect the compressor 1020, the first heat exchanger 1030, and the second heat exchanger 1040. Here, selectively connecting may mean that the connection method of each component may vary depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000.

The first valve 1090, the second valve 1100, the third valve 1110, and the fourth valve 1120 may be configured to control the flow of refrigerant on/off. The first to

fourth valves

1090, 1100, 1110, and 1120 may be configured as solenoid valves. However, it is not limited to this and may be changed in various ways as needed.

The first valve 1090 may be connected in parallel with the first expansion valve 1050 and may be turned on and off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000. When the first valve 1090 is on, the first expansion valve 1050 may be off, and when the first valve 1090 is off, the first expansion valve 1050 may be on. The second valve 1100 may be connected in parallel with the second expansion valve 1060 and may be turned on and off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000. When the second valve 1100 is on, the second expansion valve 1060 may be off, and when the second valve 1100 is off, the second expansion valve 1060 may be on.

The third valve 1110 may be disposed between the flash tank 1010 and the compressor 1020. That is, the third valve 1110 is turned on and off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000, so that it can be selected whether to supply the refrigerant from the flash tank 1010 to the compressor 1020. The refrigerant passing through the third valve 1110 may be a refrigerant in one or more of liquid and gas states.

The fourth valve 1120 may be disposed between the second heat exchanger 1040 and the flash tank 1010. That is, the fourth valve 1120 can be turned on and off depending on the operating mode of the heat pump system 1000, so that it can be selected whether to supply the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 1040 to the flash tank 1010. there is.

The storage unit 1130 may be disposed between the flash tank 1010 and the second heat exchanger 1040 and may be configured to temporarily store liquid refrigerant.

The pump 1140 and the check valve 1150 may be disposed between the flash tank 1010 and the second heat exchanger 1040, and the pump 1140 allows the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 1040 to flow into the flash tank ( Energy may be supplied to 1010, and the check valve 1150 may be configured to prevent the refrigerant from the second heat exchanger 1040 from flowing back.

Each component of the heat pump system 1000 can be added or removed as needed, and the arrangement and connection relationship can be changed in various ways as needed.

The refrigerant used in the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment may be a refrigerant with insulating properties. Additionally, it may be a refrigerant with environmentally friendly characteristics.

Specifically, the refrigerant used in this embodiment may have a saturation evaporation temperature of -10°C or higher and 60°C or lower at normal pressure. Specifically, it may have a saturation evaporation temperature of -10°C or higher, 0°C or higher, 10°C or higher, 20°C or higher, 30°C or higher, 40°C or higher, and 50°C or higher. Additionally, the refrigerant used in this embodiment may have a saturation evaporation temperature of 60°C or less, 70°C or less, 80°C or less, 90°C or less, and 100°C or less at normal pressure. Here, atmospheric pressure refers to normal atmospheric pressure and may mean 1 atm. Accordingly, in the event of a fire in a battery or a device containing a battery, no refrigerant remains even if the refrigerant is supplied directly by spraying or discharge, so problems such as corrosion are eliminated compared to water, which is commonly used as an extinguishing agent. This can have the advantage of not occurring, making it possible to recycle the battery.

Additionally, the refrigerant used in this embodiment may be a low-pressure refrigerant. Low-pressure refrigerant may generally refer to a refrigerant whose evaporation pressure is below atmospheric pressure.

The refrigerant used in this example may be non-flammable. In other words, it may not fall within the flammable range, and may be a refrigerant classified as A1 group, indicating non-flammability, by ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34.

The refrigerant used in this embodiment may have electrical conductivity such that no current flows even when supplied to a battery or a device including a battery. That is, it may have an electrical conductivity of 0.1 S/cm or less, 0.01 S/cm or less, 0.001 S/cm or less, 0.0001 S/cm or less, and may have an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm.

The refrigerant used in this embodiment may be an environmentally friendly refrigerant. In other words, a material with a relatively low GWP (Global Warming Potential) can be used as the refrigerant. Specifically, the refrigerant used in this embodiment has a GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 0 or more, 0.5 or less, 1 or less, 1.5 or less, and 2 or less. , may have a GWP of 2.5 or less and 3 or less. In addition, the refrigerant may be a material with a relatively low ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential). Specifically, the refrigerant used in this embodiment has 0 or more, 0.1 or less, 0.01 or less, 0.001 or less, 0.0001 or less, It can have an ODP of less than 0.00001.

The refrigerant used in this example is a methane-based halogenated carbon compound with refrigerant numbers 10 to 50 and an ethane-based halogenated carbon compound with refrigerant numbers 110 to 170 according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34. Compound, refrigerant number 200 to 290 propane halogenated carbon compound, C300 cyclic butane halogenated carbon compound, 400 non-azeotropic mixed refrigerant, 500 azeotropic mixed refrigerant, 600 hydrocarbon, oxygen compound, sulfur compound , nitrogen compounds, inorganic compounds in the 700s, and unsaturated organic compounds in the 1000s.

In addition, the refrigerants used in this example are R1234yf, R-1233zd, R-1234ze, R1224yd, R1336mzz, EC11, EC21, R-448A, R-455A, R-454A, R-454B, R-515B, R- Hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants (HFOs), any of 452A, R-466A, R-450A, EC40, R-471A, R-407A, R-407F, R-410A, R-422D, R-134a, R -507A, R-245fa, R-407C, R-408A, R-404A, R-508B, R-23 hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (HFCs), R-22, R-409A, R402A, Hydrochloroproporocarbon-based refrigerants (HCFCs), which are any of R-402B, R-123, R-124, R401A, and R-401B, and at least one of dodecafluoro-2-methylpentane-3-origin fluorinated ketones may include.

The refrigerant used in this example may further include nanoparticles. Specifically, nanoparticles may be composed of one or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, CuO, Co, Fe, TiO2, CNT (Carbon Nano Tube), GO (Graphene Oxide), and Fullerene, and the nanoparticles can be used as a refrigerant. As a standard, the refrigerant may include 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, 10% by weight, and exceeding 0. and 1 or less, 2 or less, 3 or less, 4 or less, 5 or less, 6 or less, 7 or less, 8 or less, 9 or less, and 10 or less weight percent. Nanoparticles can be added to the refrigerant to further improve thermal conductivity.

The refrigerant used in this embodiment may contain a surfactant. Here, a non-flammable surfactant may be used so that the surfactant can be used for fire extinguishing. Specifically, it may include one or more of CTAB and Span-80. Surfactants are included in the refrigerant, and when the refrigerant is directly supplied to a fire-generating object, including a battery, it can play a role in helping to make good contact with the surface of the fire-generating object, and the refrigerant is used to generate heat. While attached to the surface of a device, it can not only extinguish a fire by lowering the temperature through an endothermic reaction, but also prevent thermal runaway, which is an additional exothermic reaction.

The refrigerant used in this embodiment may additionally include insulating oil to increase the insulating properties of the refrigerant. Based on the refrigerant, the insulating oil may contain 1% by weight, 2% by weight, 3% by weight, 4% by weight, 5% by weight, 6% by weight, 7% by weight, 8% by weight, 9% by weight, and 10% by weight by weight. and may include weight percent greater than 0, 1 or less, 2 or less, 3 or less, 4 or less, 5 or less, 6 or less, 7 or less, 8 or less, 9 or less, and 10 or less.

The refrigerant according to this embodiment can be supplied at a temperature of 0°C or lower, specifically -5°C or lower, and not only can this refrigerant directly contact an object on fire to lower its temperature and extinguish the fire, but the refrigerant can also extinguish the fire. The effect of extinguishing a fire can be expected by cooling the moisture contained in the air and blocking the air. The temperature at which the refrigerant is supplied is not limited to this and may vary depending on the temperature of the place where it is used. In addition, the refrigerant that absorbs the heat from the object where the fire occurred is vaporized and leaves no residue after the fire is extinguished, which can be expected to prevent corrosion of devices such as batteries and increase the possibility of recycling.

Referring to FIG. 8, a device 1160 may be placed inside the flash tank 1010. The heat-generating device 1160 may be in direct contact with the gas and liquid stored in the flash tank 1010.

Here, the device 1160 may include a battery cell, a battery module, a battery pack, a battery rack, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, an ESS (Energy Storage System), and a distribution board. That is, the refrigerant used in this embodiment can be used in a variety of ways, such as electronic devices or mechanical devices that can generate heat.

The heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment can be used in a variety of ways, such as electronic devices or mechanical devices that can generate heat, as well as batteries.

Additionally, the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment may operate in one of a cooling mode, a heating mode, and an intermediate mode.

The heating runaway temperature of a lithium ion secondary battery typically increases from 188°C to 527°C, causing heat generation and ignition. The overcharge thermal runaway temperature of a lithium-ion secondary battery increases from 110°C to 317°C, causing heat generation and ignition. That is, the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment can be expected to not only lower the temperature of the device in order to extinguish and suppress such ignition and thermal runaway, but also prevent additional fire damage by blocking oxygen. there is.

Additionally, the normal operating temperature of the battery may be 20°C to 60°C, 30°C to 50°C, or about 40°C. The heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment not only extinguishes fire in the event of a fire, but also maintains the appropriate temperature of the device 1160 through refrigerant. That is, when the device 1160 goes down to a temperature that is too low, it can supply heat, and if it goes up to a temperature that is too high, it can absorb heat.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment operates in the cooling mode, the gaseous refrigerant in the flash tank 1010 flows through the third valve 1110, the compressor 1020, and the third valve 1110. The second four-way valve (1080), the second heat exchanger (1040) operating as a condenser, the first four-way valve (1070), and the first expansion valve (1050) are sequentially circulated to use a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant in the flash tank (1010). It can be supplied to the liquid refrigerant in the flash tank 1010, the second valve 1100, the first four-way valve 1070, the first heat exchanger 1030 operating as an evaporator, and the second four-way valve 1080. ), the compressor 1020, the second heat exchanger 1040 operating as a condenser, the first four-way valve 1070, and the first expansion valve 1050 are sequentially circulated to produce a flash tank 1010 as a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant. can be supplied to

Additionally, referring to FIG. 9, when the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment operates in the cooling mode, the second expansion valve 1060, the first valve 1090, and the fourth valve 1120 It may be in an off state.

As the low-temperature refrigerant that has passed through the first expansion valve 1050 is supplied to the flash tank 1010, the device 1160 included in the flash tank 1010 can exchange heat with the refrigerant to achieve cooling.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the heat pump system 1000 according to the present embodiment operates in the heating mode, the liquid refrigerant in the flash tank 1010 flows through the second expansion valve 1060 and the first four-way valve ( 1070), a second heat exchanger (1040) operating as an evaporator, a second four-way valve (1080), a compressor (1020), a first heat exchanger (1030) operating as a condenser, a first four-way valve (1070), a first By sequentially circulating the valve 1090, liquid refrigerant can be supplied to the flash tank 1010.

Additionally, referring to FIG. 10, when the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment operates in the heating mode, the first expansion valve 1050, the second valve 1100, the third valve 1110, and The fourth valve 1120 may be in an off state.

The liquid refrigerant that has passed through the compressor 1020 and the first heat exchanger 1030 operating as a condenser may be in a relatively warm (high temperature) state, and as this refrigerant is supplied to the flash tank 1010, the flash tank 1010 ) The device 1160 included can be heated by heat exchange with the refrigerant. Batteries and devices including batteries have an appropriate temperature for normal operation, and if the temperature of the device is lowered to a too low temperature, normal operation may not occur, so it can be said that there is a need to maintain it at an appropriate temperature.

Referring to FIG. 11, when the heat pump system 1000 according to this embodiment operates in the intermediate mode, the gaseous refrigerant in the flash tank 1010 flows through the third valve 1110 and the second four-way valve 1080. ) and the second heat exchanger 1040 may be sequentially circulated and supplied to the flash tank 1010. Here, the gaseous refrigerant may be phase changed to a liquid state through the second heat exchanger 1040. The heat pump system 1000 may include a storage unit 1130, a pump 1140, and a check valve 1150. The storage unit 1130 may be configured to temporarily store the liquid refrigerant that has passed through the fourth valve 1120, and the pump 1140 provides power so that the refrigerant can reach the flash tank 1010. The check valve 1150 may be configured to prevent backflow of refrigerant.

The intermediate mode of the heat pump system 1000 may be a mode that operates when cooling and heating of the device 1160 are not required.

Referring to FIG. 12, the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment may include a cooling device 210, a fire extinguishing device 220, and a battery module 230. Additionally, the battery fire extinguishing system 200 may allow refrigerant to circulate as a fluid and may include a flow control valve 240 that controls the flow rate of the refrigerant moving from the cooling device 210 to the fire extinguishing device 220. The cooling device 210 may include a compressor 211, a condenser 212, an expansion valve 213, and an evaporator 214. Here, the battery module 230 may be configured to include battery cells.

The normal state of the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment may mean a state in which no fire occurs in the battery module 230.

The refrigerant may circulate through the cooling device 210, which is one component of this embodiment, and part of the refrigerant coming from the expansion valve 213 may be supplied to the fire extinguishing device 220, and the other part may be supplied to the evaporator 214. It can be. The fire extinguishing device 220 can receive refrigerant from the cooling device 210 through the refrigerant inflow passage, and recover the refrigerant to the cooling device 210 through the refrigerant recovery passage and supply it again.

The fire extinguishing device 220 can supply refrigerant to directly contact the battery module 230, and thus the refrigerant can exchange heat with the battery module 230.

The battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment may include a battery management system (BMS) (not shown) that senses a fire in the battery module 230. The BMS may be a component of the battery fire extinguishing system 200 or a component of the fire extinguishing device 220.

The refrigerant used in the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment may be a refrigerant with insulating properties. Additionally, it may be a refrigerant with environmentally friendly characteristics.

The heating runaway temperature of a lithium ion secondary battery typically increases from 188°C to 527°C, causing heat generation and ignition. The overcharge thermal runaway temperature of a lithium-ion secondary battery increases from 110°C to 317°C, causing heat generation and ignition. That is, the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment not only lowers the temperature of the battery module 230 in order to extinguish and suppress such ignition and thermal runaway, but also blocks oxygen to prevent additional fire damage. Effects can be expected.

Additionally, the normal operating temperature of the battery may be 20°C to 60°C, 30°C to 50°C, or about 40°C. The battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment not only extinguishes fire in the event of a fire, but also maintains the appropriate temperature of the battery module 230 through refrigerant. That is, when the battery module 230 falls to a temperature that is too low, it may supply heat, and if the temperature rises to a too high temperature, it may absorb heat.

Figure 13 is a configuration diagram of the battery fire extinguishing system according to this embodiment in an abnormal state.

Referring to FIG. 13, the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment may have a different operating method. That is, if a fire occurs in the battery module 230, all of the refrigerant circulating in the cooling device 210 and exiting the expansion valve 213 may be supplied to the fire extinguishing device 220. Additionally, the refrigerant can be supplied to directly contact the battery module 230 to extinguish the fire. Additionally, the refrigerant may be recovered through the refrigerant recovery passage.

Referring to FIG. 14, the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment can be applied to the battery pack 300, and specifically, the cooling device 210 and the fire extinguishing device 220 are applied to the battery pack 300. It can be applied. Here, the cooling device 210 and the fire extinguishing device 220 may be formed and applied as a single configuration.

As the battery fire extinguishing system 200 according to this embodiment is applied to the battery pack 300, heat exchange can occur with the battery pack 300 through the refrigerant, and when a fire occurs in the battery pack 300, the refrigerant It can also be supplied for direct contact to extinguish a fire.

Terms such as “include,” “comprise,” or “have,” as used above, mean that the corresponding component may be included, unless specifically stated to the contrary, and do not exclude other components. It should be interpreted that it may further include other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, unless otherwise defined, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. Commonly used terms, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely an illustrative explanation of the technical idea of the present invention, and various modifications and variations will be possible to those skilled in the art without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but are for illustrative purposes, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted in accordance with the claims below, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be construed as being included in the scope of rights of the present invention.

Claims

In an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device that extinguishes a fire using a refrigerant,

a supply unit that supplies the refrigerant so that the refrigerant comes into direct contact with the electrochemical system;

a storage unit that stores the refrigerant;

Including, electrochemical system fire extinguishing device.
According to claim 1,

The supply unit includes an injection device for spraying the refrigerant into the electrochemical system when the electrochemical system is ignited.
According to claim 2,

The injection device includes a nozzle through which the refrigerant is sprayed, and the injection port of the nozzle is sealed with a heat sensitive tube.
According to claim 1,

The supply unit includes a refrigerant tube that receives the refrigerant from the storage unit,

An electrochemical system fire extinguishing device that extinguishes the fire by releasing the refrigerant into the electrochemical system upon ignition of the electrochemical system.
According to claim 4,

The refrigerant tube is an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device that performs heat management of the electrochemical system through heat exchange with the electrochemical system.
According to claim 4,

The refrigerant tube is composed of a thermally conductive material and a thermally sensitive tube,

The heat sensitive tube is ruptured or melted when the electrochemical system ignites.
According to claim 1,

The electrochemical system is an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device that corresponds to one of a battery cell, battery module, battery pack, battery rack, hybrid vehicle, electric vehicle, ESS (Energy Storage System), and distribution board.
According to claim 1,

The refrigerant is a methane-based halogenated carbon compound with refrigerant numbers 10 to 59, an ethane-based halogenated carbon compound with refrigerant numbers 110 to 179, and refrigerant numbers 200 to 299 according to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) Standard 34. Propane-based halogenated carbon compounds of Nos. 300 to 399, cyclic butane-based halogenated carbon compounds of Nos. 300 to 399, non-azeotropic mixed refrigerants of Nos. 400 to 499, azeotropic mixed refrigerants of Nos. 500 to 599, hydrocarbons, oxygen compounds, sulfur compounds, nitrogen compounds of Nos. 600 to 699, An electrochemical system fire extinguishing device, comprising at least one of the inorganic compounds numbered 700 to 799 and the unsaturated organic compounds numbered 1000 to 1999.
According to claim 1,

The refrigerants are R1234yf, R-1233zd, R-1234ze, R1224yd, R1336mzz, EC11, EC21, R-448A, R-455A, R-454A, R-454B, R-515B, R-452A, R-466A, R Hydrofluoroolefin-based refrigerants (HFOs), any of -450A, EC40, or R-471A,

Any of R-407A, R-407F, R-410A, R-422D, R-134a, R-507A, R-245fa, R-407C, R-408A, R-404A, R-508B, R-23 Hydrofluorocarbon-based refrigerants (HFCs),

Hydrochloroproporocarbon-based refrigerants (HCFCs), which are any of R-22, R-409A, R402A, R-402B, R-123, R-124, R401A, and R-401B, and

An electrochemical system fire extinguishing device comprising one or more of the following fluorinated ketones: dodecafluoro-2-methylpentane-3-causal fluorinated ketone.
According to claim 1,

The refrigerant has a saturation evaporation temperature of -10 or more and 60°C or less at normal pressure, an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm, a global warming potential (GWP) of 0 or more and 2 or less, and a flammable range. ), and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, and is an electrochemical system fire extinguishing device.
According to claim 1,

The electrochemical system fire extinguishing device, wherein the refrigerant contains more than 0 and less than or equal to 5% by weight of nanoparticles including one or more of Au, Ag, Cu, Al, CuO, Co, Fe, TiO2, CNT, GO and Fullerene.
According to claim 1,

The electrochemical system fire extinguishing device, wherein the refrigerant contains more than 0 and less than or equal to 5% by weight of a surfactant including one or more of CTAB and Span-80.
A flash tank that stores refrigerant in gaseous and liquid states;

A compressor that compresses the refrigerant at high temperature and pressure;

a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant and the outside and can operate as an evaporator that absorbs heat or a condenser that emits heat;

a second heat exchanger that performs an opposite function to the first heat exchanger and can operate as an evaporator or condenser;

a first expansion valve connected to the flash tank and supplying low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant to the flash tank;

a second expansion valve connected to the flash tank, receiving liquid refrigerant from the flash tank and putting it in a low temperature and low pressure state;

a first four-way valve selectively connecting the flash tank, the first heat exchanger, the second heat exchanger, and the first expansion valve;

a second four-way valve selectively connecting the compressor, the first heat exchanger, and the second heat exchanger;

A first valve connected in parallel with the first expansion valve;

a second valve connected in parallel with the second expansion valve;

a third valve disposed between the flash tank and the compressor; and

a fourth valve disposed between the flash tank and the second heat exchanger;

Including,

A device that generates heat by electrical or chemical reaction is disposed inside the flash tank,

The device exchanges heat with the refrigerant stored in the flash tank, and when a fire occurs in the device, it is extinguished by the refrigerant stored in the flash tank.
According to claim 13,

The refrigerant has a saturation evaporation temperature of -10 or more and 60°C or less at normal pressure, an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm, a global warming potential (GWP) of 0 or more and 2 or less, and a flammable range. ), and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, a heat pump system.
According to claim 13,

The refrigerant has a saturation evaporation temperature of -10 or more and 60°C or less at normal pressure, an electrical conductivity of 0 S/cm, a global warming potential (GWP) of 0 or more and 2 or less, and a flammable range. ), and the ozone depletion potential (ODP) is greater than 0 and less than 0.001, a heat pump system.