PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-11870092-B1
Application Number: US-201815885126-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: On-board vent gas abatement

Abstract:
Energy storage systems, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include an abatement system for addressing effluent vapors produced by a cell block. The systems may include support structures configured to address vented effluents, and may include oxidants, catalysts, or entrainment systems to assist with the abatement.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A battery system, comprising:
 a battery cell; 
 a support structure configured to contain the battery cell; 
 a plenum defined by a portion of the support structure positioned beneath the battery cell; 
 a vent within the plenum, wherein the vent comprises a hinge coupled to the support structure, the vent configured to open at a first end opposite the hinge and contact a floor of the plenum at the first end opposite the hinge to form an angled path into the plenum beneath the battery cell, wherein the first end of the vent contacts the floor of the plenum at a contact point to form the angled path; and 
 an oxidant located within the plenum and positioned adjacent the contact point to interact with effluent vapors distributed from the battery cell into the plenum. 
 
     
     
       2. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the vent is configured to receive the effluent vapors. 
     
     
       3. The battery system of  claim 2 , wherein the hinge is configured to release at a defined pressure and deliver the effluent vapors into a defined path of the plenum. 
     
     
       4. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the oxidant comprises a metal oxide. 
     
     
       5. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the oxidant lines a base of the plenum. 
     
     
       6. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the plenum defines a flow path from the vent defined beneath the battery cell to an outlet of the battery system, and wherein the path is characterized by a length of at least 1 m. 
     
     
       7. The battery system of  claim 6 , wherein the oxidant is located within the plenum along the flow path, wherein the effluent vapors are flammable, and wherein the oxidant comprises a chemical composition that reacts with the effluent vapors to produce a non-flammable effluent at the outlet. 
     
     
       8. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the oxidant is characterized by a surface area greater than or about 200 m 2 /g. 
     
     
       9. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the oxidant is configured to reduce a carbon monoxide concentration within the effluent vapors from above or about 1000 ppm to below or about 100 ppm. 
     
     
       10. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the oxidant is positioned below the battery cell. 
     
     
       11. The battery system of  claim 1 , wherein the angled path directs the effluent vapors to the oxidant.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/453,078, filed Feb. 1, 2017, entitled “ON-BOARD VENT GAS ABATEMENT”. The disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology relates to venting systems and components. More specifically, the present technology relates to on-board venting for battery systems. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A battery cell that is under abuse or abnormal (“fault”) conditions may vent gas and battery internal materials. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present technology relates to energy storage devices and systems, including battery cells, battery cell blocks, and batteries, which may include lithium-ion batteries. These systems may include structural components and materials to dilute, adsorb, react with, or otherwise address vented effluents from a battery cell or cell block. The systems may include many different features, designs, and material configurations as will be described throughout the disclosure. 
     Energy storage systems, battery cells, and batteries of the present technology may include a battery cell block. The systems may include a vent defined beneath the battery cell block, and the vent may be configured to receive effluent vapors, such as may be produced by a battery cell. The systems may include a support structure configured to contain the battery cell block. The systems may also include a plenum defined by the support structure beneath the battery cell block. The systems may also include an oxidant located within the plenum. 
     The battery system or energy storage system vent may be configured to release the effluent vapors to the plenum in a defined path configured to direct the effluent vapors to the oxidant. The vent may include a hinged release configured to release at a defined pressure or temperature and deliver the effluent vapors into a defined path of the plenum. In embodiments, the oxidant may be or include a metal oxide. In some configurations, the oxide may line at least a base of the plenum. The plenum may define a path from the vent defined beneath the battery cell block to an outlet, and the path may be characterized by a length of at least about 1 m. The oxidant may be located within the plenum along the path, and in embodiments the effluent vapors may be flammable. In some embodiments, the oxidant may be configured to react with the effluent to produce a non-flammable effluent at the outlet. The oxidant may be configured to interact with the effluent vapors at a temperature greater than or about 150° C. The oxidant may be characterized by a surface area greater than or about 200 m 2 /g. In some embodiments, the oxidant may be configured to reduce a carbon monoxide concentration within the effluent vapors from above or about 1000 ppm to below or about 100 ppm. 
     The present technology additionally encompasses battery systems and energy storage systems that may include a battery cell block. The systems may include a vent associated with the battery cell block. The vent may be configured to receive effluent vapors from the battery cell block. The systems may include a support structure configured to contain the battery cell block. The systems may also include an oxidant contained within a vessel in fluid communication with the vent. 
     In exemplary systems, the vessel may be positioned within or adjacent to the battery cell block. The systems may also include a channel defined between the battery cell block and the vessel. In some embodiments, the channel may be configured to deliver effluent vapors from the battery cell block to the vessel. The vessel may include a sealed vessel including a barrier between the vessel and the battery cell block. The barrier may include a temperature or pressure release barrier. The oxidant may include multiple oxidants included within the vessel in some embodiments. A first oxidant may be included within the vessel proximate a fluid entrance to the vessel. The first oxidant may be configured to increase the temperature of the effluent vapors on interaction with the first oxidant. The systems may also include a plenum, and the vessel may be positioned proximate an outlet from the plenum. In some embodiments, the vessel may include at least one structural member in contact with the vessel. The at least one structural member may be configured to dissipate heat from the vessel structure. 
     The present technology also includes battery systems and energy storage systems that may include a battery cell block. The systems may include a vent defined at an external portion of the battery cell block. The vent may be configured to receive effluent vapors from the battery cell block. The systems may include a support structure configured to contain the battery cell block. The systems may also include a plenum defined by the support structure beneath the battery cell block. The plenum may include an intake configured to dilute the effluent vapors with an oxygen-containing fluid. 
     The systems may further include a catalytic material included within the plenum. In embodiments, the plenum may include a first section and a second section, and the first section may define a portion of the plenum in fluid contact with the vent. The second section may be defined in a fluid path extending from the first section. In some embodiments, the intake may be positioned between the first section and the second section. The intake may be configured to provide the oxygen-containing fluid to the effluent vapors. In some embodiments, a catalytic material may be included within the second section. The second section may define a plurality of exit ports from the plenum in embodiments. The systems may also include an ignition device configured to ignite the effluent vapors proximate the exit ports. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the disclosed embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. 
         FIG.  1    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  2    shows a schematic top plan view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  3 A  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  3 B  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  4    shows a schematic top plan view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  5    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  6 A  shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of a plenum structure according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  6 B  shows a schematic cross-sectional view along line A-A from  FIG.  6 A  according to embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  7    shows a schematic plan view of an outlet structure according to embodiments of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     Several of the figures are included as schematics. It is to be understood that the figures are for illustrative purposes, and are not to be considered of scale unless specifically stated to be of scale. Additionally, as schematics, the figures are provided to aid comprehension and may not include all aspects or information compared to realistic representations, and may include exaggerated material for illustrative purposes. 
     In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same numerical reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first numerical reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first numerical reference label irrespective of the letter suffix. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Energy storage devices and systems may include multiple batteries or battery cell blocks, as well as associated components. Cells or cell blocks may experience events including puncture and other events that may cause effluent vapors to be released. These vapors may be released at high temperature or pressure. If not diverted or released, in multiple battery cell or block systems, the heat generated and released with the vapors may extend to additional cell blocks, which may cause further device failure. 
     Conventional systems may include vents and additional release mechanisms for both containing the generated effluents, as well as delivering or channeling them from the system. Depending on the materials used within the battery, including for the electrolyte as well as the electrode materials, the effluent vapors may include flammable or otherwise undesirable materials. 
     The present technology controls the release of these effluent materials as well as abates the material effects. For example, with oxidants, catalysts, diluents and other materials, contaminant levels within the effluent vapors may be reduced before the effluent vapors are released from the system itself. By performing the abatement within the system, the materials released from the system may be rendered in a more environmentally-friendly manner. Unlike conventional oxidation materials which may oxidize a small amount of a material, the present technology may oxidize a greater amount of one or more components in a limited area within the system. 
     Although the remaining portions of the description will routinely reference lithium-ion batteries, it will be readily understood by the skilled artisan that the technology is not so limited. The present designs may be employed with any number of battery or energy storage devices, including other rechargeable battery types as well as non-rechargeable designs. Moreover, the present technology may be applicable to batteries and energy storage devices used in any number of battery-powered or battery-equipped technologies. Accordingly, the disclosure and claims are not to be considered limited to any particular example discussed, but can broadly be utilized with any number of devices that may exhibit some or all of the electrical, thermal, or chemical characteristics of the discussed examples. For example, many of the components, arrangements, and systems of the present technology may be utilized in any apparatus or system in which effluent release may occur or abatement may be desired. 
       FIG.  1    shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system  100  according to embodiments of the present technology. Exemplary energy storage system  100 , which may be or include a battery system, includes a battery cell block  105 . Cell block  105  includes one or more battery cells in embodiments, and the battery cells may be contained within a housing that may include other components including insulation, electronics, and other devices that may be included within an energy storage system, such as a battery, for example. The battery cells of cell block  105  may be coupled in series or in parallel, and may be used to provide energy to an apparatus or system in which cell block  105  is included. The battery cells may include a variety of materials including nickel-rich materials such as lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide or lithium nickel manganese cobalt, or cobalt-rich materials such as lithium cobalt oxide, as well as other materials. During a fault condition, heat and or pressure may build within the battery cell block, causing the battery cell to release effluent vapors. Although the following description may reference effluent vapors, materials including liquids, solid particulates, and other materials may be included in the effluent vapors, and thus the effluent vapors are not to be considered limited to gases alone. This heat and vapor release may cause structural damage to any of the plurality of battery cells of the cell block  105 , as well as to the cell block itself, and may transfer generated heat to surrounding components. Surrounding components may include other cell blocks as well as other system components of the device in which the cell block  105  is included. These components may be sensitive to heat, and thus management of the effluent vapors before the vapors cause surrounding heat damage is beneficial. 
     Energy storage system  100  includes a housing or support structure  110  that contains the battery cell block  105 . The support structure may include a plurality of cell blocks, which may be separated by structural elements, or may be contained in any of a variety of configurations. Each battery cell of cell block  105  may have one of more vents, such as pressure-release valves, that may allow effluent vapors to be released from the cell, as well as from cell block  105 . Cell block  105  may have individual vents for each included cell, or may have one release vent in fluid communication with each included cell. For example, each cell may include a release vent or valve that may allow the release of effluents into the battery cell block  105 . The battery cell block  105  may have one or more additional vents or release valves configured to release effluent vapors from the battery cell block  105  into the support structure  110 . The support structure  110  may be configured to contain the effluent vapors for a period of time before the effluent vapors are released to an external environment. For example, as explained further below, the support structure  110  may contain the effluent vapors to allow an abatement process to be performed before the effluent vapors are released. 
     In some embodiments the battery cell block  105  or the support structure  110  includes a vent  115  positioned beneath the battery cell block  105 . Vent  115  may be configured to receive the effluent vapors from the battery cell block  105  or from the individual cells contained therein. Vent  115  may direct the effluent vapors into the support structure  110 . For example, vent  115  may direct effluent vapors into a defined space such as plenum  120 . Plenum  120  may be defined by a portion of support structure  110 , and may be positioned or located below battery cell block  105 . In other embodiments, plenum  120  may also be defined along sidewalls of the battery cell block  105 . Within the plenum  120  may be a material  125 , which in embodiments may be an oxidant. Material  125  may be configured to interact or react with effluent vapors released from battery cell block  105  before the effluent vapors are released from the energy storage system  100  to a surrounding environment, such as the external atmosphere, for example. The following example may help to further explain energy storage system  100 , but is not intended to limit the claimed technology. 
     When a battery cell experiences a fault, such as by short circuit, mechanical breach, overheating, overcharging, etc., the device may begin to cause reactions within the cell that produce effluent vapors. In lithium-ion battery cells these reactions are exothermic, which can further effluent production, as well as increase heat and pressure within the cell. Once a pressure threshold is reached that either overcomes the cell wall integrity or a temperature or pressure vent, the produced effluents may be released from the cell. The chemical makeup of the effluents may be based or influenced by the materials included within the cell, but majority components may include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and various hydrocarbons including methane, ethane, and ethylene. 
     In some embodiments, the plenum  120  may provide a path through which the effluent vapors are directed. The plenum may be an air-filled space within the structure, or may be purged or charged with an alternative vapor to provide an inert environment, or a more reactive environment. The plenum may provide sufficient contact with material  125  to allow the abatement to occur before the effluent vapors exit the system. Vent  115  may additionally define a portion of the path, or provide additional directionality to the fluid path of the effluent vapors. For example, vent  115  may be configured to open or release the effluent vapors to the plenum  120  in a defined path configured to direct the effluent vapors to or towards the material  125 . Vent  115  may be any type of vent, such as a pressure-release valve or barrier, and may also be an element of support structure  110  that is configured to release at a defined temperature or pressure. For example, as illustrated, vent  115  may be a portion of support structure  110  or battery cell block  105  that may be coupled with support structure  110  or plenum  120  by a hinge  117  or other coupling that allows movement or flexing while maintaining a connection to the surrounding support structure. A release portion of vent  115  may release at a defined pressure or temperature that opens vent  115  at a first end opposite the end with hinge  117 . Vent  115  may rotate at hinge  117  to provide a directed or defined flow path for effluent vapors towards material  125 . Vent  115  may be of any size within support structure  110 , and may be sized to provide a directed flow of effluent vapors into plenum  120 . 
     Material  125  may be any material configured to react or interact with effluent vapors produced by battery cell block  105 . Material  125  may include one or more components including oxidants, catalysts, diluents, or other materials that may react or interact with the effluent vapors, and are discussed here and elsewhere in the present disclosure. Oxidants that may be used in material  125  may include any metal oxide including transition metal oxides, p-block metal or metalloid oxides, as well as other materials that may provide similar characteristics or reactive effects as metal oxides. Exemplary oxides that may be included, but not to be considered limiting, include manganese oxide, copper oxide, iron oxide, nickel oxide, as well as multi-metal oxides including, for example, potassium permanganate, and other oxides of combinations of metals. The oxidants that may be used as material  125  may include combinations or alloys of metal oxides, such as a combination of manganese oxide and copper oxide, for example, in any combination, including Hopcalite I and Hopcalite II. The combinations may be determined based on reactive properties, costs, effluent vapor composition, and any other variable that may affect the combination chosen. 
     The oxidant may be included within the plenum  120  or other portions of the support structure, and in embodiments may be lined, formed, or positioned along the plenum on one or more surfaces. For example, the oxidant may be lined on a single surface of the plenum, such as on a floor or base of the plenum, or may be deposited on multiple surfaces including all exposed surfaces. The amount of oxidant included may be determined based on the amount of battery materials or the amount of possible output effluents in the battery cell block  105 . The oxidant may be reactive with one or more materials including carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and/or one or more hydrocarbons. The oxidant may be configured to react with the effluent vapors at any temperature from a release temperature to ambient temperature. The effluent vapors may be released from the battery cell block at temperatures above 500° C. or lower, and the oxidant may react with the effluent vapors at any elevated temperatures. 
     The reactivity of the oxidant may be in part proportional to the temperature, or may have a threshold temperature based on the amount of oxidant and configuration to provide sufficient abatement for the effluent vapors. For example, the oxidant may be configured to react with the effluent vapors at temperatures above or about 700° C., below or about 700° C., below or about 600° C., below or about 500° C., below or about 400° C., below or about 300° C., below or about 250° C., below or about 200° C., below or about 150° C., below or about 100° C., or lower in embodiments. The oxidant may be configured to react at any temperature greater than the stated temperatures, such as greater than or about 150° C., or any range of temperatures between any stated temperatures or lesser range within any of the stated ranges. Additionally, a path along the plenum, heating elements, or any other configurations may be used to maintain a temperature above a threshold temperature to assist the reaction. However, in some embodiments, the temperature at which the effluent vapors are released, along with the path through the plenum and the amount of oxidant in the path, may be sufficient to maintain the temperature above a threshold until the effluent vapors exit the plenum. 
     The oxidant included with or as material  125  may be formed in a variety of structures to provide a suitable amount of surface area for reaction. For example, the oxidant may line a surface of the plenum or may be incorporated as a structure though which the effluent vapors may flow. The oxidant may also be included in a textured or graded distribution, such as with a thicker or heavier distribution at or proximate the location of vent  115 . As a liner along one or more surfaces of the plenum, the oxidant may be distributed to provide a certain amount of coverage. Additionally, the oxidant may be characterized by a surface area of greater than or about 50 m 2 /g. The oxidant may be characterized by a surface area of greater than or about 100 m 2 /g, greater than or about 125 m 2 /g, greater than or about 150 m 2 /g, greater than or about 175 m 2 /g, greater than or about 200 m 2 /g, greater than or about 225 m 2 /g, greater than or about 250 m 2 /g, greater than or about 275 m 2 /g, greater than or about 300 m 2 /g, greater than or about 325 m 2 /g, greater than or about 350 m 2 /g, greater than or about 375 m 2 /g, greater than or about 400 m 2 /g, or greater depending on a variety of characteristics including the temperature of the reaction performed, where a higher surface area may provide an increased reaction rate at lower temperatures, and other factors understood to contribute to the determination. 
     Turning to  FIG.  2    is shown a schematic top plan view of an energy storage system  200  according to embodiments of the present technology. Energy storage system  200  may include a plurality of cell blocks  205 , which may each include one or more cells. Energy storage systems of the present technology may have or include any number of cell blocks, such as less than or about 5, greater than or about 5, greater than or about 10, greater than or about 20, greater than or about 30, greater than or about 50, greater than or about 70, greater than or about 100, greater than or about 150, greater than or about 300, or more depending on the amount of energy required for an application. Cell blocks  205  may be contained or distributed within a support structure  210 . Support structure  210  may include a variety of components for supporting not only the cell blocks  205 , but any associated equipment for the system. For example, support structure  210  may include cooling equipment, equipment for managing the cell blocks or energy to or from the cell blocks, or devices that receive power from any of the cell blocks. Accordingly, support structure  210  may take on any number of geometries and forms depending on the application, and should not be considered limited to the structure shown for illustrative purposes. 
     Support structure  210  may include or define a plenum  220 , which may be similar to plenum  120  discussed above, and may include any of the aspects of that design. Plenum  220  may be located below the cell blocks  205 , and may be configured to deliver effluent vapors received from a cell block to an outlet  215 . Outlet  215  may be an outlet from the plenum  220 , support structure  210 , as well as the device or system in which energy storage system  200  is included. Plenum  220  and support structure  210  may contain any received effluent vapors within the support structure  210  to limit release to outlet  215 , or any number of other outlets included within the support structure  210 . 
     Plenum  220  may be lined with an oxidant material  225  on any surface, such as a base of plenum  220 . Oxidant material  225  may be any of the oxidants or materials previously discussed, or any combination of materials. Plenum  220  may also include one or more partitions  230  in some embodiments. Partitions  230  may be any number of structures or obstructions within the plenum to create or define a flow path within the plenum  220  and support structure  210 . Partitions  230  are illustrated in one possible configuration that may create a flow path to create a certain length of flow from any particular cell block  205  prior to distribution to outlet  215 . It is to be understood that any other amount or configuration of partitions  230  is also encompassed by the present technology. Partitions  230  may be included in any configuration to create one or more flow paths through the plenum, which may enable a certain amount of interaction between oxidant material  225  and any received effluent vapors. In some embodiments, partitions  230  may be included to define a minimum path length through the plenum from a vent or outlet from any particular cell block. 
     For example, a fluid path defined by or within the plenum beneath or about the cell blocks  205  may have any minimum length. In embodiments, the fluid path may be characterized by a length from any cell block  205  to the outlet  215  of at least about 0.5 m. The fluid path may also be characterized by a length from any cell block  205  of greater than or about 1 m, greater than or about 2 m, greater than or about 3 m, greater than or about 4 m, greater than or about 5 m, greater than or about 6 m, greater than or about 7 m, greater than or about 8 m, greater than or about 9 m, greater than or about 10 m, or greater depending on the size of the energy storage system  200  and the configuration of partitions within the support structure. 
     The oxidant  225  may be distributed within the support structure  210  and the path length may be defined to provide a certain amount of interaction or reaction with any produced effluent vapors. For example, the energy storage system  200  may be configured to reduce or remove one or more components from the effluent vapors produced from any particular battery cell block  205  up to the entire array of cell blocks within the system. In some embodiments, the materials and configuration may be provided to produce a fluid path including an amount of oxidant to reduce flammability of effluent exiting system  200 . In some embodiments, the materials and configuration may be provided to produce a fluid path including an amount of oxidant to reduce components from effluent exiting system  200 , such as hydrogen, methane, or other hydrocarbons or materials. 
     The amount of reduction may be based on the component concentration, or may be based on a fraction of the total effluent. For example, the effluent vapors may include a concentration of hydrogen that is greater than or about 500 ppm, and may be greater than or about 600 ppm, greater than or about 700 ppm, greater than or about 800 ppm, greater than or about 900 ppm, greater than or about 1000 ppm, greater than or about 1200 ppm, or greater. The oxidant  225  and flow path from a battery cell block  205  to the outlet  215 , may be configured to reduce a concentration of hydrogen below or about 500 ppm, and may be configured to reduce a concentration of hydrogen below or about 400 ppm, below or about 300 ppm, below or about 200 ppm, below or about 100 ppm, below or about 50 ppm, below or about 30 ppm, below or about 20 ppm, below or about 10 ppm, below or about 1,000 ppb, below or about 100 ppb, or less. 
     The system may also reduce a fraction of hydrogen or any other component either as a percentage of the total amount of the component, or as a fraction of the effluent vapors. For example, hydrogen may be included in the effluent vapors at a concentration of greater than or about 10% of the total volume of materials within the effluent, and may be greater than or about 20%, greater than or about 30%, or more. The present technology may reduce the volume fraction to less than or about 20%, less than or about 15%, less than or about 10%, less than or about 5%, less than or about 1%, or may substantially or essentially remove the hydrogen or other component from the system. Additionally, the system may remove greater than or about 50% of produced hydrogen, and may remove greater than or about 60%, greater than or about 70%, greater than or about 80%, greater than or about 90%, greater than or about 95%, greater than or about 99%, or may substantially or essentially remove all of the component. 
     The present technology may reduce or remove an amount of carbon monoxide. For example, the effluent vapors may include a concentration of carbon monoxide that is greater than or about 500 ppm, and may be greater than or about 600 ppm, greater than or about 700 ppm, greater than or about 800 ppm, greater than or about 900 ppm, greater than or about 1000 ppm, greater than or about 1200 ppm, or greater. The oxidant  225  and flow path from a battery cell block  205  to the outlet  215 , may be configured to reduce a concentration of carbon monoxide below or about 500 ppm, and may be configured to reduce a concentration of carbon monoxide below or about 400 ppm, below or about 300 ppm, below or about 200 ppm, below or about 100 ppm, below or about 50 ppm, below or about 30 ppm, below or about 20 ppm, below or about 10 ppm, below or about 1,000 ppb, below or about 100 ppb, or less, and may substantially or essentially remove any carbon monoxide from the produced effluent vapors in embodiments. 
     The system may also reduce a fraction of carbon monoxide either as a percentage of the total amount of the component, or as a fraction of the effluent vapors. For example, carbon monoxide may be included in the effluent vapors at a concentration of greater than or about 10% of the total volume of materials within the effluent, and may be greater than or about 20%, greater than or about 30%, or more. The present technology may reduce the volume fraction to less than or about 20%, less than or about 15%, less than or about 10%, less than or about 5%, less than or about 1%, or may substantially or essentially remove the carbon monoxide from the system. Additionally, the system may remove greater than or about 50% of produced carbon monoxide, and may remove greater than or about 60%, greater than or about 70%, greater than or about 80%, greater than or about 90%, greater than or about 95%, greater than or about 99%, or may substantially or essentially remove all of the component before the remaining effluent is delivered to the system outlet. 
       FIG.  3 A  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system  300  according to embodiments of the present technology. Energy storage system  300  may be similar to energy storage systems  100  or  200 , and may include any of the components discussed above with regard to those systems. Energy storage system  300  may be or include a battery system including a cell block  305 . Cell block  305  may include one or more battery cells  307 . Although four battery cells  307  are shown, it is to be understood that cell block  305  may include more or less cells in embodiments. Cell block  305  may be included with a support structure  310  as previously described. Support structure  310  may contain the cell block  305 , and may define or include a plenum  320  positioned beneath the cell block  305 . In some embodiments, the plenum may be positioned about the cell block, and may not be limited to space below the cell block  305 . 
     Cell block  305  may have a vent  315  associated with the cell block, and vent  315  may be configured to receive effluent vapors from the battery cell block. The vent may be in fluid communication with a vessel  325 , which in embodiments may include or contain any materials previously discussed including an oxidant. Vessel  315  may be included within the cell block housing, or vessel  315  may be positioned adjacent or proximate the cell block  305 . A channel  330  may be defined between the battery cell block  305  and the vessel  325  in embodiments. Channel  330  may be configured to deliver effluent vapors from the battery cell block  305  to the vessel  325 , which may deliver treated effluents to plenum  320  through outlet  327 . In embodiments, the effluents delivered from outlet  327  may be abated to any of the numbers discussed above for any constituent component of the effluent vapors. Additionally, in some embodiments energy storage system  300  may have multiple stages of abatement where vessel  325  is a first stage abatement. Vessel  325  may be combined with energy storage system  100  in embodiments to effect greater compositional adjustments to the effluents by utilizing multiple materials throughout the system. 
     Vessel  325  may include any oxidant or combination of oxidant materials as previously described. Additionally, vessel  325  may include oxidants within a sealed environment that may have reduced water content or may be under vacuum. For example, vessel  325  may include a sealed vessel having a barrier between the vessel and the battery cell block  305 . The barrier may be or include channel  330 , which may have pressure or temperature sensitive seals at either end. Vent  315  may also be a barrier to channel  330  and vessel  325 , which may be under vacuum or other environmental constraints in embodiments. Vent  315 , channel  330 , or a barrier at the entrance of vessel  325  may be a temperature or pressure release barrier that provides access to a controlled environment within vessel  325 . Outlet  327  may similarly be a temperature or pressure release barrier that provides access to plenum  320 . The temperature or pressure sensitive barriers may be configured to release at a pressure between about 3 kPa to about 110 kPa in embodiments, and may be configured to release at a temperature between about 50° C. and about 900° C., between about 100° C. and about 800° C., or between about 150° C. and about 700° C. Smaller ranges within the stated ranges are also specifically encompassed. 
       FIG.  3 B  shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system  350  according to embodiments of the present technology. Energy storage system  350  may be similar to any of the previously discussed energy storage systems, and may include some or all of the previously described components. Energy storage system  350  may include cell blocks  355   a ,  355   b  in some embodiments, and may include any number of cell blocks, each including any number of cells, as previously described. Energy storage system  350  may include a plenum  360  as previously described, and may include any amount of support structure to contain the cell blocks, define the plenum, or incorporate any other components. 
     Energy storage system  350  may include a vessel  370 , which may have one or more materials contained within, including an oxidant in embodiments. Vessel  370  may be positioned proximate or between cell blocks  355   a - b , which allows the vessel  370  to be accessible by more than one cell block in an event that may release effluent vapors. Positioned in communication with each component may be a channel  372  that may provide access to each cell block  355  as well as an entrance  375  to vessel  370 . The channel  372  may or may not be held under an adjusted atmosphere, such as under vacuum, water tight, heated, cooled, etc. Channel  372  may include two separate channels directed towards entrance  375  to prevent effluent vapors from one cell block from accessing another cell block, or channel  372  may include one or more devices or characteristics to limit interaction of effluent vapors between the cell blocks, such as a barrier proximate the midpoint of the channel  372  to prevent flow from passing the entrance  375 . 
     Channel  372  may include one or more devices creating a barrier between the cell blocks  355  and the vessel  370  in embodiments. For example, a pressure sensitive or temperature sensitive barrier may be included at interfaces  374   a ,  374   b  between the cell blocks  355  and the channel  372 . An additional or alternative barrier may be positioned at entrance  375  in embodiments. Vessel  370  may also be characterized by an outlet  376  from the vessel configured to deliver treated effluents to plenum  360 . Outlet  376  may also be pressure or temperature sensitive, and may be breached by effluents within the vessel  370  after interaction with a material contained within the vessel. Vessel  370  may be configured to maintain a particular pressure drop across the vessel  370  in embodiments, and may add pressure up to or about 100 kPa in embodiments, but may increase a pressure drop by less than or about 100 kPa, less than or about 80 kPa, less than or about 60 kPa, less than or about 50 kPa, less than or about 40 kPa, less than or about 30 kPa, less than or about 20 kPa, less than or about 10 kPa, less than or about 5 kPa, or less in embodiments to minimize added pressure through the energy storage system. 
     In some embodiments, vessel  370 , or any of the other systems discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, may include multiple oxidants in a structured arrangement. For example, vessel  370  may include a first region  378  and a second region  380  within the vessel. In some embodiments the first region may be proximate or adjacent entrance  375 , while the second region may be proximate or adjacent outlet  376 . The regions may be any amount of space within the vessel, and only a single example is included in the illustration. For example, the first and second regions may be any amount of vertical space within the vessel  370 , and may be in communication along the vessel as well. For example, the first region  378  may include a first material, such as an oxidant, at a first position radially outward from a central axis through the vessel  370 . The second region  380  may include a second material, and may be at a second position radially outward from the first position to create a layered structure of materials within the vessel. Any number of other variations or incorporations are also encompassed by the present technology as would be understood by the skilled artisan. 
     Including one or more oxidants or materials within the vessel  370  may allow targeting of multiple components of the effluent vapors, or may allow activation of the effluent vapors in embodiments. For example, a more active oxidant may be incorporated within the first region  378  of vessel  370 , which may be configured to heat the effluent vapors above a discharge temperature from the cell blocks  355 . On interaction with the oxidant within the first region  378 , the temperature of the effluent vapors may be raised above or about 200° C., and may be raised to a temperature greater than or about 300° C., greater than or about 400° C., greater than or about 500° C., greater than or about 600° C., greater than or about 700° C., greater than or about 800° C., greater than or about 900° C., greater than or about 1000° C., greater than or about 1100° C., greater than or about 1200° C., greater than or about 1300° C., greater than or about 1400° C., greater than or about 1500° C., or higher in embodiments. 
     By heating the effluent vapors during the abatement or adjustment, additional reactions may be performed, additional efficiency of oxidation may be achieved, and the increased temperature may provide additional efficiency for a second oxidant contained within second region  380  or elsewhere in energy storage system  350 . The heat that may be generated within vessel  370  or during the interaction of the effluent vapors with one or more materials within vessel  370  may be distributed away from the vessel  370  in embodiments. For example, structural members  385  may be or include heat sinks configured to dissipate heat from the vessel structure. Structural members  385  may include ceramics, metals, or other materials configured to dissipate heat from vessel  370 . Structural members  385  may also take any number of forms geometrically, and may be or include plates, fins, rods, grids, or other structures configured to dissipate heat from vessel  370 . 
       FIG.  4    shows a schematic top plan view of an energy storage system  400  according to embodiments of the present technology. Energy storage system  400  may include some or all of the components of any of the previously discussed systems, and may be similar to energy storage system  200  discussed above, and may include any of the materials, characteristics, or configurations of that system. Energy storage system  400  may include, for example, a plurality of cell blocks  405 , which may include any number of internal cells within each block. Cell blocks  405  may be incorporated or housed within support structure  410 , which may define an outlet  415  and/or a plenum  420  as previously described. Energy storage system  400  may also include a vessel  425  including one or more oxidants or materials as discussed above. 
     Vessel  425  may be positioned within plenum  420  in some embodiments. Vessel  425  may be included in addition to or as an alternative to any of the other described vessels. For example, a first vessel may be positioned adjacent one or more cells, while vessel  425  may provide additional adjustment, attenuation, or abatement of effluent vapors. Vessel  425  may have or include a different material from any other vessel, or may include any of the previously discussed oxidants or materials. Vessel  425  may also be configured to adjust effluent vapors in one or more ways, including to reduce a temperature or pressure of the effluent vapors, or to provide any other type of adjustment. Vessel  425  may be positioned proximate outlet  415  in embodiments, and may receive effluent vapors that have distributed across a path defined within the plenum as previously described. Vessel  425  may have a directly coupled outlet with outlet  415 , or may include an additional channel  430  distributing effluents from vessel  425  to outlet  415  in embodiments. In this way, outlet  415  may be used as a general system outlet for any other vapors produced, while vessel  425  may be maintained as a sealed vessel during normal system operation. If a cell block  405  vents effluent vapors into plenum  420 , the effluent vapors may be at a temperature or pressure that may breach a barrier at an entrance to vessel  425 , and may also breach a barrier at an exit of vessel  425  as previously described. Once the effluent vapors have been modified by materials within vessel  425 , the treated vapors may be released from energy storage system  400  through outlet  415 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  5    is shown a schematic cross-sectional view of an energy storage system  500  according to embodiments of the present technology. Energy storage system  500  may include some or all of the components or characteristics discussed in any of the previously described energy storage systems. Energy storage system  500  may include a battery cell block  505 , which may include any number of internal cells. Additionally, energy storage system  500  may include an array of cell blocks as previously described. Energy storage system  500  may include a support structure  510  configured to contain the battery cell block  505 , and which may include a vent  515 . Vent  515  may be part of the cell block  505  structure, or may be defined by the support structure  510 , but may be positioned at an external portion of the battery cell block. Vent  515  may be configured to receive effluent vapors from the battery cell block  505  in embodiments, which may be generated by any of the constituent cells. 
     Energy storage system  500  may also include a plenum  520 , which may be defined as part of the support structure  510  beneath the battery cell block. Plenum  520  may include or define an intake  525  configured to provide a fluid into the plenum. For example, the delivery may be to dilute the effluent vapors, and may be to incorporate an additional component with the effluent vapors, such as an oxygen-containing fluid. The oxygen-containing fluid may be air, water, or any other gases or liquids including an oxygen component. Intake  525  may be a passive or forced intake in embodiments. For example, intake  525  may be delivered from a fluid pump that may include or be in communication with one or more sensors. For example, when a sensor detects that a battery cell block  505  has released effluent vapors, a pump may engage and deliver an oxygen-containing fluid to plenum  520  to be mixed with the effluent vapors. Additionally, plenum  520  may be configured as illustrated to draw an oxygen-containing fluid into the effluent vapors. 
     In some embodiments plenum  520  may include multiple sections, including a first section  522 , and a second section  524 . The first portion  522  of the plenum  520  may define a portion of the plenum in fluid contact with vent  515 . First portion  522  may receive effluent vapors from the battery cell block  505 , and may direct the effluent vapors along the first portion in any of the ways previously described. First portion  522  may direct the effluent vapors to the second section  524  in embodiments. Second section  524  may be defined as a portion of the plenum  520  extending from the first section  522  as a continued fluid path. Intake  525  may be positioned, located, or defined in any of the first section  522 , the second section  524 , or between the first section  522  and the second section  524 , and may be configured to provide the oxygen-containing fluid to the effluent vapors as the effluent vapors are delivered from the first section  522  to the second section  524 . 
     A transition between first section  522  and second section  524  may provide a structure allowing or generating the intake of an oxygen-containing fluid from intake  525 . For example, transition  528  may form a reduction in the plenum space between first section  522  and second section  524 . This reduction may increase the fluid velocity of the effluent vapors as they pass intake  525 . The increased velocity may cause a pressure drop across the intake  525 , which may draw or entrain an oxygen-containing fluid into the effluent stream. For example, intake  525  may be a port to atmosphere or some other environment. The pressure drop across intake  525  may draw air into the energy storage system  500 , adding oxygen into the effluent stream. Based on the velocity, pressure, effluent vapor characteristics, and intake fluid characteristics, a pre-determined amount of oxygen-containing fluid may be entrained with the effluent vapors. This oxygen may be included or incorporated prior to the effluent vapors contacting a material  530  positioned within the plenum. 
     Material  530  may include any of the materials previously discussed including an oxidant, a catalyst, or any other material. In some embodiments material  530  may be or include an oxidant either along the plenum  520  or included within a vessel as previously discussed. In some embodiments material  530  may be or include a catalytic material configured to catalyze reactions between the entrained oxygen-containing fluid and components of the effluent vapors, such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The catalytic material may be included in the second section of the plenum downstream from the intake  525 . 
     Various catalytic materials may be used that are or include platinum, palladium, nickel, or other metals, including transition metals, oxides, or other components. The material  530  may include a combination of materials in a structured arrangement such as previously described, and may include a combination of catalytic materials and oxidants in embodiments. In some embodiments the catalytic materials may not be depleted by the reaction, but in some embodiments the reaction may at least partially consume the catalytic material. The material  530  may be layered within the plenum or lined along the plenum walls, or may be included in a structured shape with fluid paths through the material. Material  530  may be heated or unheated in embodiments. For example, the effluent vapors may be at a sufficient temperature upon contacting material  530  to cause constituent reactions to occur. In some embodiments, a heating element, such as a resistive heater, may be incorporated with material  530 , and may be engaged when a sensed release of effluent vapors has occurred from battery cell block  505 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates an exemplary plenum structure, although it is to be understood that additional plenum configurations may be included. For instance,  FIG.  6 A  shows a partial cross-sectional view of a plenum structure  600  according to embodiments of the present technology. Plenum structure  600  may include a defined space, which may be defined by support structure  620 .  FIG.  6 A  illustrates plenum structure  600  including an intake  625 , a transition  628 , and a material  630 , such as an oxidant, catalytic material, combination, or other material as previously described. Plenum  600  may be used with any of the previously discussed systems. As shown, plenum structure  600  may not include a first portion and second portion in a stacked arrangement as previously illustrated. In some embodiments, plenum structure  600  may include a configuration that arranges the first and second section laterally from one another as discussed further below. 
       FIG.  6 B  shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view along line A-A of  FIG.  6 A  according to embodiments of the present technology. As shown, the plenum structure utilizes a corrugated arrangement that may include a support structure  620 , which may define a first section  622  and a second section  624  in embodiments. First section  622  may be in fluid communication with a vent from one or more battery cell blocks as discussed above. Second section  624  may provide access to a material  630  configured to interact with the effluent vapors after an oxygen-containing fluid has been entrained within the effluent vapor stream from intake  625 . Such an arrangement may include one intake  625 , or may have a separate air intake  625  in each defined second section  624 , which may also each include an individual material  630 . Material  630  may be a structure positioned within the second section  624 , or may be lined along one or more surfaces of each second section  624  as previously described. In embodiments each first section  622  and each second section  624  may be fluidly isolated from one another. In other embodiments each first section  622  and/or each second section  624  may be in fluid communication with each other similar section. 
     Any of the previous designs may also utilize a strategy of diluting effluent vapors or igniting effluent vapors in addition to or as an alternative to any of the previously described embodiments.  FIG.  7    shows a schematic plan view of an outlet structure  700  according to embodiments of the present technology. Outlet structure  700  may be a portion of a plenum of any of the previously discussed designs, and may be a portion of a second section of a plenum, such as located downstream of an air entrainment arrangement as discussed above with  FIG.  5   . Outlet structure  700  may be positioned downstream of an oxidant material, a catalytic material, or any other material configured to interact with the effluent vapors. 
     As illustrated, outlet structure  700  may include a support structure  710  defining a plurality of apertures  715  through the structure. The apertures may be exit ports from a plenum or contained environment to provide access to an external environment to allow the release of effluent vapors, which may have been diluted with entrained fluid as discussed previously. The apertures  715  may also allow egress of an ignited effluent vapor in embodiments. Depending on the constituents of the effluent vapor, an oxygen-containing fluid may or may not be entrained, injected, or otherwise incorporated with the effluent vapors. One or more apertures  715  may have an associated ignition device  720 , which may be configured to ignite the effluent vapors proximate the exit ports  710 . For example, one or more exit ports may include an ignition device  720 , which may include a resistive element, a pyrophoric element, a piezoelectric element, or any other mechanism for igniting effluent vapors. The ignition device  720  may be configured to create a temperature or pressure barrier along the apertures  715 , which may be breached by effluent vapors. This may expose a pyrophoric component, or may engage any other ignition device. Additionally, the ignition device may be positioned directly upstream of the plurality of apertures  715 , and configured to ignite the effluent vapors prior to their release through apertures  715 . 
     In the preceding description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous details have been set forth in order to provide an understanding of various embodiments of the present technology. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that certain embodiments may be practiced without some of these details, or with additional details. 
     Having disclosed several embodiments, it will be recognized by those of skill in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the embodiments. For example, embodiments of components described above may be incorporated into battery packs including stacked designs such as bipolar and mono-cell stack batteries. Additionally, a number of well-known processes and elements have not been described in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present technology. Accordingly, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the technology. 
     Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the smallest fraction of the unit of the lower limit, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Any narrower range between any stated values or unstated intervening values in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed. The upper and lower limits of those smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither, or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the technology, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included. Where multiple values are provided in a list, any range encompassing or based on any of those values is similarly specifically disclosed. 
     As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a material” includes a plurality of such materials, and reference to “the cell” includes reference to one or more cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth. 
     Also, the words “comprise(s)”, “comprising”, “contain(s)”, “containing”, “include(s)”, and “including”, when used in this specification and in the following claims, are intended to specify the presence of stated features, integers, components, or operations, but they do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, components, operations, acts, or groups.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20180131
Publication Date: 20240109
Grant Date: 20240109
Priority Date: 20170201
Inventors: KAYE, STEVEN
WILHELM, LUKE ASHER
MILER, Josef L.
Clarabut, Alexander J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H01M50/325", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/523", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/308", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/0525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/325", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/0525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/523", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/308", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "Y02E60/10", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/325", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/523", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/425", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/308", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/0525", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M10/058", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/367", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/383", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/394", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/358", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H01M50/30", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 89434965