TRANSPORTING APPARATUS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL ENERGY STORAGE APPARATUS
A transporting apparatus (100; 102; 104) for at least one electrochemical energy-storage means (150) has at least one accommodating means (110, 120, 130, 140, 160), for accommodating the hazardous substance (150) at least in part, and at least one safety device (132, 134, 136, 138, 142, 170, 180), for safeguarding against a hazard situation caused by the hazardous substance (150) accommodated.
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The present invention relates to a transporting apparatus, particularly for transporting and storing hazardous material, in particular for accommodating electrochemical energy storage apparatus, particularly lithium ion cells or lithium ion batteries.
The following specific risks are known to be associated with lithium ion batteries and lithium ion cells in particular: leaking of liquid electrolytes, short circuits, fires including up to explosions. In order to reduce these risks, such batteries and cells often have housings which have been adapted so as to increase their safety. EP 2 180 537 A2 describes an example of this.
Measures which reduce or eliminate the risk of the interior content being released into the environment under normal storage or transport conditions, particularly which prevent the content from being released into the environment, are therefore to be taken when storing or transporting electrochemical energy storage apparatus, particularly when they are damaged. Simple packaging, such as into cardboard boxes, for example, do not serve this purpose. Instead, accommodating apparatus are required which provide e.g. safety in its accommodation, particularly for the packing and transporting of e.g. electrochemical energy storage apparatus, so as to prevent any hazardous material from leaking out into the surroundings. Further costly measures such as providing fire extinguishers, for example, are often additionally taken in the prior art in order to be able to quickly and effectively control any potential fire.
The new standards for electrochemical energy storage apparatus (highest possible performance at lowest possible weight or size), particularly those which can be used as energy sources in electrically powered motor vehicles, result in their transportation running an increased risk, particularly if they're damaged or defective, since in the case of fire, for example, very violent decomposition reactions including up to explosion can occur, whereby toxic and environmentally hazardous gases such as chlorine or sulfur dioxide can also be produced which can escape into the environment.
Hence, the transporting of such electrochemical energy storage units, predominantly containing organic, liquid electrolytes, is generally subject to strict regulations which are encapsulated into numerous guidelines including the following primarily European guidelines listed as an example:
-
- ADR=European Agreement Concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods on the Road
- RID=European Agreement Concerning the International Transport of Dangerous Goods by Rail
- IMDG Code=international Maritime Dangerous Goods Code
- ADN=European Agreement Concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Inland Waterways
- ICAO-TI and IATA DGR=policies for transporting dangerous goods by air
These guidelines define for example the permitted maximum quantity of hazardous material able to be transported, the allowable types of packaging and packaging materials, and also safety precautions such as securing cargo to prevent shifting or having fire extinguishers on hand.
Yet these guidelines lack a technically sophisticated and above all uniform specification of a compulsory accommodating apparatus for electrochemical energy storage apparatus.
Thus, the regulation applying to used lithium ion cells (from the ADR), for example, stipulates that they may be transported in so-called 1H2 containers. The 1H2 specification hereby stands for the type of container, its material and its classification:
-
- 1=type of container (e.g. pouch, box)
- H=container material (e.g. wood, steel)
- 2=classification (e.g. open or closed)
Yet the above-cited guidelines do not consider cases of noxious or polluting substances never-theless posing a danger, for example escaping. Hence there are no meaningful measures stipulated for such hazardous situations.
CA 2,280,620 A1 discloses a battery case consisting of two parts and battery supports which are spaced apart such that any battery acid which might leak is accommodated in the interspaces therebetween.
WO 02/21614 A1 discloses a container for transporting small batteries, wherein the container has a predefined bursting strength.
The invention is based on the task of providing a safe transporting apparatus, particularly for the transporting and storing of hazardous material, electrochemical energy storage apparatus in particular, which is particularly simple and compact.
This is accomplished in accordance with the invention by the teaching of the independent claims. Preferential embodiments of the invention constitute the subject matter of the subclaims.
As described in detail below, this task is solved by a transporting apparatus for hazardous material, particularly for at least one electrochemical energy storage apparatus, which comprises at least one accommodating apparatus to at least partially accommodate the hazardous material and at least one safety device to counter a hazard posed by the hazardous material.
The advantage of the present invention consists of at least one safety device being integrated into the transporting apparatus. This coupling of an apparatus accommodating hazardous material and a safety device results in the safety function of the safety device being able to directly counteract a potential hazard; i.e. in a more targeted or faster manner, for example.
The accommodating apparatus preferably has an underside which can be configured particularly such that a container can be placed atop an optional base plate by virtue of its comprising protrusions or other support plates to engage in e.g. a Euro pallet, (electro)magnetic retaining elements for securing metallic components, or base elements able to be for example elastically deformable or the like. The underside preferably exhibits at least one substantially level section or is substantially flat such that when the transporting apparatus is positioned as intended, the normal of the level runs perpendicular to the direction of gravity. In the context of the present invention's description, this corresponds to the negative z direction which is also referred to as “downward” (commensurate with the positive z direction: “upward”). Contrastingly, i.e. above the underside, the accommodating apparatus comprises an upper side.
The accommodating apparatus preferably comprises or consists of a frame or a rack. It is preferably respectively designed such that it enframes or encompasses the volume to be accommodated. The accommodating apparatus, the frame or rack in particular, is preferably designed to provide resistance against mechanical stress on the accommodating apparatus in order to ensure stability. The accommodating apparatus preferably resists load due to positive or negative pressure of +/−1 bar or higher/lower within the accommodating apparatus, whereby these pressure differences act to delimit the interior of the accommodating apparatus from its exterior in terms of a notional or actual casing for the accommodating apparatus. The accommodating apparatus preferably resists external load of preferably up to 130 N/cm2 or higher, essentially without the accommodating apparatus sustaining any damage.
The frame or the rack can comprise securing devices so as to be able to fix the accommodating apparatus, and thus the transporting apparatus, i.e. limit or preferably prevent their displacement in relation to their surroundings, e.g. the floor of a truck. A securing device can comprise locking means by means of which fixing can occur by locking the transporting apparatus into place via complementary locking means provided in the surroundings. Complementary securing means, e.g. complementary locking means, can also be disposed on the accommodating apparatus or the transporting apparatus itself. In this case, a plurality of transporting apparatus and/or accommodating apparatus can be connected together, e.g. locked into place, in order to form an assemblage of multiple transporting apparatus, for example, or in order to form a transporting apparatus comprising e.g. a plurality of accommodating apparatus. Coupling multiple accommodating apparatus of transporting apparatus restricts their mobility which can increase safety during storage or transport.
The accommodating apparatus preferably comprises a base plate. The base plate can be formed by a preferably rectangular body, particularly a body stable to loads of up to 2000 kg or more, for example by at least one plate in accordance with an industry standard, e.g. a Euro pallet, preferably a Euro pallet in accordance with DIN EN 13698, which preferably has a surface area of from 0.1 to 2 m2, preferably 0.5 to 1.5 m2, preferably 0.7 to 1.0 m2, preferably 0.96 m2. The surface area can preferably also be larger or smaller. The Euro pallet preferably exhibits an external length dimension of from 100 to 2000 mm, preferably 800 to 1500 mm, preferably 1000 to 1300 mm, preferably 1200 mm. The Euro pallet preferably exhibits an external width dimension of from 50 to 2000 mm, preferably 300 to 1500, preferably 700 to 1200 mm, preferably 800 mm. The Euro pallet preferably exhibits an external height dimension of from 10 to 500 mm, preferably 50 to 350 mm, preferably 70 to 200 mm, preferably 144 mm. The length and/or width and/or height dimensions of the Euro pallet can preferably also be larger or smaller. Using a Euro pallet in accordance with DIN EN 13698, for example, provides the advantage of being able to optimally utilize many devices which are already incorporated into transport and warehousing systems, for example loading platforms on trucks, railway freight cars or shipping containers since they are often optimally dimensioned to the standard dimensions of the Euro pallet. The base plate can comprise a securing device to fix the accommodating apparatus to the base plate or to fix the transporting apparatus with respect to its surroundings so as to enable fixation; i.e. limit or preferably prevent the displacing of the accommodating apparatus or transporting apparatus.
The periphery of the base plate can preferably correspond to the periphery of the optional frame or optional rack. The periphery of the base plate can however also be larger or smaller than the frame or rack periphery.
The accommodating apparatus can comprise a locking device, e.g. a locking plate, which can be configured as a cover device. The locking device can be a separate component, particularly connectable to the accommodating apparatus, or can be fixedly connected to the accommodating apparatus; i.e. not detachable without destroying same. The accommodating apparatus can further comprise a retention device to hold the locking device. The retention device can comprise a hinge arrangement or a rail arrangement so that the locking arrangement can be realized as a swivel catch or sliding lock. The locking plate can comprise a securing device so that it can be fixed to the accommodating apparatus. The securing device can have locking means, for example, or magnetic locking or interlocking elements.
The periphery of the locking plate can preferably correspond to the periphery of the optional frame or optional rack. The periphery of the locking plate can however also be larger or smaller than the frame or rack periphery.
The accommodating apparatus can be designed as or comprise an open or closed container exhibiting for example base plate, frame or rack and locking plate. The container preferably has at least one side wall which can be formed in the shape of a hollow cylinder, for example, or has preferably at least four connected side walls substantially enclosing a cube-shaped volume. The capacity volume of the container is preferably suited to accommodating a liquid volume of for example preferably 1 to 1000 dm3, 100 to 800 dm3, 200 to 700 dm3, 500 to 700 dm3 or more or less and safeguarding it from leaking at least in the gravitational direction (downward) under the force of gravity.
The (one or more) accommodating apparatus can be closed or closable to the environment. The accommodating apparatus preferably comprises
at least one opening or a number (e.g. >2) or a plurality (e.g. >8) of openings, in particular openings which enable an operable connection between the interior of the accommodating apparatus and the exterior of the accommodating apparatus or transporting apparatus. Doing so particularly enables a safety device able to interact with the interior of the accommodating apparatus, e.g. with the hazardous material, for example to extinguish a fire. This at least one opening is preferably formed at or in the upper side of the accommodating apparatus or close thereto, preferably in the optional locking device.
The components of the transporting apparatus, for example the base plate or frame or rack or the side walls of the accommodating apparatus, can consist of any material suited to accommodating the respective hazardous material, preferably treated, e.g. coated, or untreated wood, or respectively similar plastic, metal, steel, aluminum, steel sheet, steel plate, fiber, fiber structure, felt or composite materials.
The components, for example base plate, side walls, frame or rack and locking plate can preferably be joined together in a form-fit and/or force-fit and/or material engagement, wherein unwanted leakage of material from the transporting apparatus into the environment and vice versa, substance infiltrating the transporting apparatus from the environment, can preferably be reduced, and even more preferentially prevented, particularly in an emergency. The accommodating apparatus or the transporting apparatus can be designed as a module able to be joined to other modules in a form-fit, preferentially force-fit and/or particularly preferentially material engagement, wherein a compact network of accommodating apparatus within a transporting apparatus or a network of transporting apparatus can be obtained.
The accommodating apparatus can be designed to be flexible, in particular elastic; i.e. having an elasticity modulus of e.g. <0.5 kN/mm2 (or 0.1 or 0.05), which can be
achieved by using elastomers, for example silicone rubber. Alternatively or additionally hereto, the accommodating apparatus can be designed to be rigid, in particular substantially inelastic, for example having an elasticity modulus of >0.5 kN/mm2 (or 0.1 or 0.05). The accommodating apparatus can furthermore comprises flexible components combined with rigid components or can be without any rigid components, same also being associated with a safety device, for example. Elastic properties offer the advantage of being able to absorb mechanical shocks acting on the accommodating apparatus, for example from the outside, which can prevent damage. Rigid properties prevent unwanted deformation and provide dimensional stability, which can likewise be preferential in providing a stable accommodating apparatus.
The accommodating apparatus preferably comprises at least one damping device. Said device can exhibit one or more elastic or inelastic deformable sections which can convert kinetic energy into deformation and thermal energy upon mechanical shocks such as impacts, for example, in order to substantially absorb mechanical shocks or vibrations, thus protecting the hazardous material. Such sections can be components of the respectively optional side walls, locking device, base plate, frame, rack or casing of the accommodating apparatus. The number of sections can be 1, 2 to 5, 6 to 10, 11 to 20, 30 to 50 or more. They can be arranged on one or more sides of the accommodating apparatus and particularly be distributed evenly, e.g. equidistantly. The sections can furthermore be separate components disposed or fixed on the accommodating apparatus or one of its components. For example, said deformable section can also be designed as a closed or partial casing for the accommodating apparatus so as to form an “outer buffer zone.”
An accommodating apparatus can preferably essentially comprise one single component and be integrally formed, for example as an
aluminum composite film or an aluminum part, and/or a plurality of components, for example a base plate, a frame, a rack or a locking plate.
The transporting apparatus can be configured such that a first accommodating apparatus completely or at least partially encloses at least one second accommodating apparatus. A first accommodating apparatus can completely or at least partially enclose at least one second accommodating apparatus so that there is no operable connection whatsoever between the at least second accommodating apparatus and the surroundings of the first accommodating apparatus and thus the transporting apparatus as a whole. A first accommodating apparatus can completely or at least partially enclose the at least one second accommodating apparatus so as to enable an operable connection between the at least one second accommodating apparatus and the environment. A first accommodating apparatus can be operably connected to at least one second accommodating apparatus. A first accommodating apparatus can have no operable connection whatsoever to at least one second accommodating apparatus. A first accommodating apparatus can have common components with at least one second accommodating apparatus. A first accommodating apparatus can be in form-fit and/or force-fit and/or material engagement with at least one second accommodating apparatus.
This variety of combination options between at least one first and one second accommodating apparatus allows the creating of a transporting apparatus having particular advantages in terms of functionality, flexibility, receptacle safety, content protection and manageability.
A first transporting apparatus can preferably be joined to at least one second transporting apparatus in a preferably form-fit and force-fit and/or material engagement.
In one embodiment, (one or more) accommodating apparatus is (an) outer packaging which at least partially delimits the transporting apparatus outwardly respective the environment and is in particular recyclable or not recyclable and can be accordingly reused or not reused.
In one embodiment, (one or more) accommodating apparatus is (a) salvageable packaging apparatus which can repeatedly accommodate hazardous material such that it can be recovered from hazardous situations (e.g. accidents, storage damage, etc.), for example, and which is preferably recyclable and able to be accordingly reused.
The safety device can be a component of the transporting apparatus alone or in combination with other safety devices. Preferably, at least one accommodating apparatus or component of an accommodating apparatus can be joined to at least one safety device in a preferably form-fit and/or force-fit and/or material engagement.
The safety device(s) can be disposed within the interior of the accommodating apparatus. The safety device(s) can be disposed at/on the accommodating apparatus externally. The safety device(s) can be disposed between a first and at least one second accommodating apparatus. One or more components of the safety device(s) can be disposed at/on the (one or more) accommodating apparatus externally and/or parts inside said accommodating apparatus.
The safety device(s) can be in operable connection with the (one or more) accommodating apparatus and/or the environment. The safety device(s) can have no operable connection whatsoever to the (one or more) accommodating apparatus and/or environment.
In one embodiment, at least two safety devices can be provided. The at least two safety devices can be disposed within the interior of the (one or more) accommodating apparatus. The at least two safety devices can be disposed at/on the (one or more) accommodating apparatus externally. The at least two safety devices can be situated between accommodating apparatus. The at least two safety devices can comprises components(s) external of the (one or more) accommodating apparatus and/or components within the interior of the (one or more) accommodating apparatus.
The at least two safety devices can be operably connected to the (one or more) accommodating apparatus. The at least two safety devices can have no operable connection whatsoever to the (one or more) accommodating apparatus. The at least two safety devices can have no operable connection whatsoever to the environment. The at least two safety devices can be operably connected to the environment.
The at least two safety devices can be operably connected to one another. The at least two safety devices can have no operable connection whatsoever to each other. The at least two safety devices can be operably connected to one another and/or the (one or more) accommodating apparatus and/or the environment. The at least two safety devices can have no operable connection whatsoever to each other and/or the (one or more) accommodating apparatus and/or the environment. The at least two safety devices can be operably connected to at least one accommodating apparatus and the environment. The at least two safety devices can have no operable connection whatsoever to at least one accommodating apparatus or the environment.
The safety devices can serve the same purpose, for example fire prevention. The safety devices can serve different purposes, for example a first
safety device can serve in fire prevention and a second safety device can serve in containing leaking fluids.
At least one safety device for fire prevention and/or firefighting is advantageously a component of the transporting apparatus. At least one safety device for preventing substance leakage from the transporting apparatus is advantageously a component of the transporting apparatus. At least one safety device for preventing substance seeping into said transporting apparatus from the environment surrounding the transporting apparatus is advantageously a component of the transporting apparatus.
At least three safety devices are advantageously provided, wherein at least one first safety device serves in fire prevention and/or firefighting, at least one second safety device serves in absorbing and/or eliminating solid, liquid or gaseous (chemical) substances from the interior of an accommodating apparatus, and at least one third safety device serves in absorbing and/or eliminating solid, liquid or gaseous (chemical) substances from the external environment of an accommodating apparatus.
Preferably, the safety device(s) can be respectively inserted prior to, during and subsequent to assembling the transporting apparatus.
A safety device, particularly a container of fire extinguishing agent, is preferably positioned on a first accommodating apparatus, wherein the safety device in particular discharges extinguishing agent upon a minimum temperature and/or a minimum pressure. A quick-dissolving capsule preferably triggers the discharge of extinguishing agent upon a minimum temperature and/or a minimum pressure. The extinguishing agent is preferably discharged by atomization.
The safety device is preferably designed as a container, preferably a pad. A pad is to be understood as a container containing a filler material. A pad preferably comprises an internal space for accommodating substance, for example fire extinguishing agents, which are preferably dry, gel-like, liquid or preferably aerosol extinguishing agents. The space for accommodating the cited substance is preferably defined by a casing of the pad which is preferably flexible. The casing is preferably of film-like design. The casing can be of multi-piece or one-piece configuration. A predetermined breaking point is preferably provided in the casing at a specific position or positions which gives way upon the exceeding or falling short of specific parameter values, for example increased pressure or increased temperature, and discharges the contents into the surroundings. Such a predetermined breaking point can be designed e.g. as a seam, a welded seam in particular.
A quick-dissolving capsule is preferably disposed in the casing or inside the casing which triggers an increase in pressure within the casing upon the exceeding or falling short of specific parameter values, for example increased pressure or increased temperature, for example by means of releasing gases which discharge the extinguishing agent, preferably by atomization, preferably by one or more of the predetermined breaking points opening. It is however also conceivable for an extinguishing agent to be disposed within the casing which, following activation, for example subsequent a rise in temperature over a defined period of time, is activated and converted into a rapidly expanding extinguishing agent, for example into an aerosol.
In one embodiment, at least one safety device is advantageously designed as a fire extinguishing device. The fire extinguishing device preferentially contains at least one fire extinguishing agent or a mixture of extinguishing agents. The fire extinguishing agent can consist of or comprise inert gas, particularly C02, Ar or N2 or a mixture of gases. The extinguishing agent can consist of or comprise a reaction-inhibiting medium and/or expanding foam. The extinguishing agent can consist of or comprise coolant containing at least one extinguishing additive. The extinguishing agent can further consist of or comprise an aerosol. Said aerosol can be a dry aerosol. The extinguishing agent can be an extinguishing powder, particularly an ABC powder, a BC powder or a D powder.
At least one fire extinguishing additive preferably consists of a polymer solution which absorbs multiple times its own weight in water and employs an adhesive and heat-shielding gel consisting of evenly thickened water without any air bubbles.
At least one extinguishing agent additive preferably exhibits good adhesiveness even to smooth perpendicular surfaces. Coating thicknesses up to 10 mm preferably ensue. The coating thickness can, however, also be thicker or thinner. Due to its physicochemical properties, the at least one extinguishing agent additive preferably reduces the evaporation rate of the water even at high temperatures. This further preferably reduces the amount of extinguishing water used. The at least one extinguishing agent additive is preferably at least partly biodegradable. Particularly preferential extinguishing agent additives have a product viscosity of 200-500 mPas at 20° C. Product viscosity can, however, also be higher or lower. Further particularly preferential extinguishing agent additives have a density of 1.05 g/cm3. The density can, however, also be higher or lower.
Particularly preferential extinguishing agent (additives) have a pH value between 6.9 and 7.1 at 20° C. The pH value can, however, also be higher or lower. The preferential dosing rate of the extinguishing agent (additives) amounts to 1.0% to 1.5% during fire fighting, 2.0% to 3.0% when shielding, and 1.0% to 2.0% for extinguishers. The dosing rate can, however, also be higher or lower. An example of such a fire extinguishing agent additive is marketed by the Evonik company under the trade name of “Firesorb” (2010; registration number PL 1-98).
At least one safety device preferably comprises a pressure relief device which is preferably re-closable and which can in particular comprise a valve, for example a Hoerbiger valve and/or flap, for example a multi-element flap which can for example comprise a plurality of lamellae, wherein adjacent lamellae can be in contact in the closed state. The flap can in particular be a spring-loaded flap.
The safety device can further comprise a predetermined breaking point, particularly in a component of the accommodating apparatus, for example in the locking device.
The transporting apparatus preferably comprises at least one pan element. A pan element can be a trough-shaped component, a drip pan in particular. At least one safety device is preferably designed as a drip pan for fluids leaking from the accommodating apparatus, and preferably configured from suitable material or a combination of suitable material, particularly steel, sheet metal, aluminum, copper, metal, plastic, for example PVC or PE, or also from one or more films of one or more of these materials. The accommodating apparatus is preferably disposed within and/or external of the drip pan and preferably disposed within the drip pan. Said drip pan is preferably laterally dimensioned so as not to exceed the lateral dimensions of a standard Euro pallet or so that the lateral dimensions of the drip pan are substantially consistent with the lateral dimensions of a standard Euro pallet. The drip pan can be joined to at least one accommodating apparatus in a form-fit and/or force-fit and/or material engagement, particularly fixedly; i.e. not detachable without destroying same. It is however also possible for the drip pan to not be connected to the at least one accommodating apparatus.
The base or the sides of a pan element preferably comprise at least one spacer device, for example one or more plinths or ribs, in order to distance the base of the pan from the underside of the accommodating device's base arranged above same. However, the underside of the accommodating device's base can also exhibit the cited spacer device. Said spacer devices are preferably composed of material suited to the purpose such as wood or metal, for example. Said spacer devices are preferably joined together in a force-fit and/or material engagement with the base of the drip pan and the underside of the accommodating device's base. A spacer device can comprise locking means by means of which fixation can be achieved by locking the transporting apparatus into place with complementary locking means on the pan.
The at least one safety device is preferably capable of chemical and/or physical adsorption and/or chemical and/or physical absorption of solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous (chemical) substances.
The hazardous material is preferably enclosed by at least one safety device which is capable of chemical and/or physical adsorption and/or chemical and/or physical absorption of solid and/or liquid and/or gaseous chemical substances.
In one embodiment, the safety device is configured as quick-hardening foam. Said foam can exhibit fire-retardant and/or moisture-absorbing and/or shock-absorbing properties, for example.
At least one safety device is preferably designed as a flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material, particularly for fire prevention purposes, preferably consisting
of composite film and/or ceramic spraying material (for example that from the Evonik Industries AG company going by the trade name of Separion) and/or heat-shielding adhesive gel and/or expanding foam with anti-combustion protection and/or PCM (phase change material) and is preferably sprayed onto the hazardous material from containers.
The flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material can preferably consist of a polymer solution which absorbs multiple times its own weight in water and employs an adhesive and heat-shielding gel consisting of evenly thickened water without any air bubbles. The flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material preferably exhibits good adhesiveness even to smooth perpendicular surfaces. Coating thicknesses of up to 10 mm preferably ensue. The coating thickness can, however, also be thicker or thinner. Due to its physicochemical properties, the flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material preferably reduces the evaporation rate of the water even at high temperatures. This further preferably reduces the amount of extinguishing water used. The flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material is preferably at least partly biodegradable. Particularly preferential flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casings for hazardous material have a product viscosity of 200-500 mPas at 20° C. Product viscosity can, however, also be higher or lower. Further particularly preferential flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casings for hazardous material have a density of 1.05 g/cm3. However, the density can also be higher or lower.
Particularly preferential flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casings for hazardous material have a pH value between 6.9 and 7.1 at 20° C. The pH value can, however, also be higher or lower.
The preferential dosing rate of the flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for the hazardous material amounts to 2.0% to 3.0% when shielding. The dosing rate can, however, also be higher or lower. An example of such a flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for hazardous material is marketed by the Evonik company under the trade name of “Firesorb” (2010; registration number PL 1-98).
It is particularly preferential for at least one safety device to be designed as a flame-retardant and/or gas and/or fluid-tight casing for hazardous material which is capable of shielding heat. The casing is preferably designed such that the respective preferable temperature at the hazardous material within an accommodating apparatus cannot exceed 100° C., 150° C. or 200° C.
The at least one safety device preferably comprises a gas extraction device which can comprise a fan, for example. The gas extraction device preferably comprises a filter device, an activated charcoal filter system for example, which for example suctions off and can preferably filter a gas (mixture) produced inside an accommodating apparatus in order to reduce, modify or prevent gas from leaking into the environment surrounding the accommodating apparatus. The filter system can be a catalytic and/or mechanical filter system. The safety device can further comprise a filter device independent of the gas extraction device.
Preferably at least one safety device comprises a sensor system which in particular measures atmospheric pressure and/or mechanical pressure and/or the temperature and/or moisture and/or air composition within and/or external of the transporting apparatus and/or within and/or external of the accommodating apparatus and/or within and/or external of the hazardous material. The sensor system can comprise at least one temperature sensor. The safety device, particularly the sensor system, can comprise a control device which can in particular comprise a
computing device, for example integrated circuits or a microcontroller.
The sensor system can preferably be operably connected to the vehicle and/or the hazardous material, for example in contact with the battery management system (BMS) of an electrochemical energy storage unit, and preferably trigger an extinguishing system, for example, upon the exceeding or falling short of the defined parameter values of at least one further safety device.
In one embodiment, the sensor system can be operably connected to at least one safety device, for example one designed for preventing or controlling fires.
Operable connection as used herein also refers to the sensor system measuring specific parameters, for example battery temperature or state of charge, and effecting for example the release of extinguishing agent from a safety device upon the exceeding or falling short of specific predefined values. However, the sensor system can also for example effect the notifying of the driver of the vehicle, for example by means of a warning light situated inside the vehicle cabin, or by an audible signal, that certain parameter values have been exceeded or fallen short of so that the driver can take appropriate measures such as activating a safety device designed as a fire extinguisher, for example.
The sensors are advantageously in contact with a control element which is part of the sensor system and which compares parameter values measured by the sensor system such as pressure or temperature, for example, to predefined parameter values and triggers safety devices such as a fire extinguishing system, for example, upon the exceeding or falling short of predefined values. The values measured by the sensor system
for parameters such as pressure or temperature are preferentially indicated to the driver so that the driver can activate safety devices upon the exceeding or falling short of predefined values.
The transporting apparatus preferably comprises a control device which can comprise electrical circuits, a microcontroller, data and power supply elements. It can further be connected to sensors, the optional components of the transporting apparatus, particularly the accommodating apparatus or safety device. Doing so thus enables actively controlling and monitoring the transporting apparatus.
The transporting apparatus preferably comprises a cooling and/or temperature device which can in particular be monitored by the control device. This thereby counteracts the developing of a critical temperature within the transporting apparatus, the accommodating apparatus respectively.
The transporting apparatus preferably comprises means for monitoring the state of charge of electrochemical energy storage elements, e.g. cells, batteries, secondary batteries. Said means are in particular designed for monitoring the charging and/or discharging of such energy storage apparatus. Doing so thus enables for example monitoring the state of energy storage apparatus disposed within the transporting apparatus during transport or storage, for example, particularly any charging and/or discharging during the transport or storage.
The transporting apparatus, accommodating apparatus respectively, preferably comprises electrical connections to connect electrochemical energy storage units.
Thus, a transporting apparatus is obtained which is particularly safe and compact, particularly for transporting hazardous material, for example electrochemical energy storage units.
In one embodiment, a pallet, preferably a Euro pallet, advantageously constitutes a component of the transporting apparatus as the base plate. In one embodiment, a collar made for example of wood, sheet metal, steel or plastic advantageously constitutes a component of the transporting apparatus as a demarcation from the surroundings. One embodiment advantageously utilizes an accommodating apparatus composed of aluminum composite film and PU foam padding enclosing the hazardous material. In one embodiment, a safety device, particularly a container of extinguishing agent, is advantageously positioned on a first transporting apparatus, whereby the safety device releases the extinguishing agent upon a minimum temperature and/or minimum pressure, preferably a quick-dissolving capsule triggering the discharge of the extinguishing agent upon a minimum temperature and/or minimum pressure.
The method according to the invention for assembling the inventive accommodating apparatus comprises the following, respectively optional, steps:
All the components of an accommodating apparatus are furnished in a first step. In a further step, the furnished components of the accommodating apparatus are joined together. All the components of a safety device are furnished in a further step. In a further step, all the components of the safety device are joined together. Alternatively, already pre-assembled safety devices (for example fire extinguishers) or accommodating apparatus (for example crates) can be used. In a further step, the safety device can be disposed on or in the accommodating apparatus and vice versa, thereby producing an inventive transporting apparatus. Alternatively, at least one safety device can be provided for a plurality of accommodating apparatus
in order to produce an inventive transporting apparatus.
The inventive transporting apparatus can preferably be used to transport in particular new, new types of, newly developed or market-ready shipments of hazardous material or freight, particularly to transport new, new types of, newly developed or market-ready electrochemical energy storage units.
The inventive transporting apparatus can preferably be used to transport in particular damaged, defective or leaking shipments of hazardous material or freight, particularly to transport damaged, defective or leaking electrochemical energy storage units.
Features of the inventive method and device can be combined to configure the respectively inventive object.
The following terms are defined in particular with respect to describing the invention:
A “salvage packaging” is a packaging apparatus used to transport damaged, defective or leaking hazardous material which has spilled or leaked so as to transport same for the purpose of recycling or disposal.
“Hazardous material” is also referred to as dangerous goods or hazardous substances. The term encompasses substances, items, products, devices, components, solutions, compounds, preparations or mixtures which contain substances which can leak during their transport due to their chemical and/or physical properties and/or chemical and/or
physical state and/or nature and pose a danger to important goods or the health or life of people, animals, the environment, nature or other entities, as well as to the public, public safety or order, such as electrochemical energy storage apparatus (e.g. lithium ion cells), for example. The hazardous material can for example already be enclosed within a first casing.
“Transport” is the shipping of goods of any type by water, land or air. In conjunction with the present invention, the term “transport” in particular encompasses transporting, storing, salvaging, packaging, shipping, etc. of hazardous material.
“Chemical substances” encompasses compounds, substances, solutions, mixtures and/or preparations in solid, liquid or gaseous state.
The “outer packaging” is the external casing of a combined or composite packaging including all the devices which are needed and/or suited to enclosing and/or protecting inner receptacles or inner packaging.
A first component is “operably connected” to a second component when a change in the state of the first component also effects a change in state of the second component and/or vice versa. If, for example, a sensor measures a rise in temperature and thus triggers a fire extinguishing system, the sensor and fire extinguishing system are thus operably connected. If, however, a sensor measures a rise in temperature, for example, but only signals the increased temperature, for example to the driver and the driver only thereupon triggers the fire extinguishing system, then the fire extinguishing system and sensor are in no way operably connected.
An “electrochemical energy storage apparatus” refers to an apparatus which also comprises at least one galvanic cell. The apparatus also comprises further devices serving the at least one galvanic cell's operation. The at least one galvanic cell and supplementary devices can thereby be disposed in one common housing. As of a certain number of galvanic cells, the electro-chemical energy storage apparatus can also consist of a plurality of units. The term “galvanic cell” encompasses all types of electrical energy stores, particularly electrochemical energy stores; i.e. primary and secondary cells in particular but also other electrical energy stores such as e.g. capacitors.
A “plate” is a substantially cube-shaped body, its preferred expansion in preferably the vertical direction (height) being less than its two-dimensional preferably horizontal expansion (length and/or width). The plate is preferably stable, for example it will not deform even under a weight load in the direction of gravity. The Euro pallet is defined as being an example of a plate.
The “periphery” is defined by the sum of all lines which span a common plane. A “periphery” preferably refers to the periphery of a substantially cube-shaped body defined by its two-dimensional preferably horizontal expansion, also referred to as the length and width.
“Adsorption” describes a process in which substances at a phase boundary between two phases (e.g. a surface) accumulate.
“Absorption” describes a process in which substances are absorbed in the absorbing phase.
Further advantages, features and application possibilities of the present invention will be evident from the following description of embodiments coupled with the drawings, which show:
The frame 120, cover 130 and base plate 110 of the accommodating apparatus are connected together, preferably such that there can be no gas or fluid exchange between the transporting apparatus 100 and the environment and vice versa.
A first step involves furnishing the accommodating apparatus comprised of a frame 120, a cover 130 and the base or bottom plate 110 formed by a Euro pallet. In a second step, the frame 120 is placed on and connected to the base plate 110.
In a third, separate step, the hazardous material 150 is inserted into a container 140 which can comprise a casing 144 containing filler material 142, which can also be designed as a safety device surrounding the hazardous material 150. The casing 144 can be formed of aluminum composite film, for example, preferably so that neither gases nor fluids can reach the environment through the casing 144 and vice versa. The filler material 142 can be composed of quick-hardening foam, for example, e.g. PU foam.
The hazardous material 150 can be inserted prior to filling the container 140 with filler material 142 or also afterwards. The hazardous material 150 is preferably inserted into the container 140 such that the filler material 142 evenly surrounds the hazardous material 150 in all spatial directions.
In a fourth step, the container 140 containing the hazardous material 150, casing 144 and filler material 142 is inserted into the accommodating apparatus comprised by the base plate 110 and frame 120.
The volume of the container 140 is preferably selected so as to correspond to the interior volume of the accommodating apparatus comprised by the frame 120 and base plate 110. The upper delimitation corresponds to the height of the frame 120. The lateral dimensions of the container 140 are selected so as not to exceed the lateral dimensions of the Euro pallet 110. Any gaps there might be between the frame 120, base plate 110 and container 140 can be filled with filler material, for example PU foam, Styrofoam or paper so as to restrict, preferably eliminate, movement of the container 140 within the accommodating apparatus 110, 120.
In a fifth step, a locking device, namely a cover 130, is placed on the accommodating apparatus filled with the container 140 and fixedly connected to said accommodating apparatus, more specifically to its frame 120, preferably such that no fluid or gas can be exchanged between the environment and the finished transporting apparatus 100. The cover 130 preferably sits flush with the container 140. Any gaps there might be between the cover 130 and the container 140 can be filled with filler material, for example PU foam, Styrofoam or paper so as to provide a flush closure between the cover 130 and the container 140.
The cover 130 comprises a safety device with fire extinguishing agent 132 and a further safety device 134, for example a dissolving capsule, which triggers the release of the extinguishing agent 132 within the transporting apparatus 100 upon a rise in temperature or pressure, preferably by atomization.
The cover 130 is assembled in a separate step. A cover 130 provided with a cavity can for example be furnished.
A container filled e.g. with extinguishing agent 132 under pressure and comprising a predetermined breaking point can be situated in said cavity. The activating device 134, e.g. a dissolving capsule, can be situated at the predetermined breaking point of the container filled with extinguishing agent 132 which triggers a break at the predetermined breaking point upon a rise in temperature or pressure, for example. When, for example, the container filled with extinguishing agent 132 is under pressure, the extinguishing agent can be discharged by atomization, which is preferential with respect to the present invention.
Hence, a safe, simple and compact transporting apparatus 100 is obtained for the transporting and storage of hazardous material 150.
The container 140 consists of a preferably stable casing 144. The casing 144 encloses a volume in which the hazardous material 150 can be accommodated. The volume of the hazardous material 150 and the volume defined by the inner wall of casing 144 is preferably selected such that there will be space remaining after the hazardous material 150 is inserted into the casing 144 which can then be filled with filler material 142. The filler material 142 preferably surrounds the hazardous material 150 so as to restrict, preferably eliminate, movement of the hazardous material 150 within the container 140. The hazardous material 150 is preferably inserted into the casing 144 such that the filler material 142 will evenly surround the hazardous material 150 in all spatial directions.
Gases escaping from the hazardous material 150 can be aspirated and/or preferably rendered harmless by a gas extraction device 180, preferably comprising an activated charcoal filter system.
The containers 140 respectively consist of a casing 144 which preferably allows a plurality of containers 140 to be stacked. Each casing 144 encompasses a respective volume in which the hazardous material 150 and the filler material 142 are inserted. The filler material 142 preferably encloses the hazardous material 150 so as to restrict, preferably eliminate, movement of the hazardous material 150 within the container 140. The hazardous material 150 is preferably positioned in the casing 144 such that the filler material 142 encloses the hazardous material 150 substantially evenly in all spatial directions.
A sensor 135 is affixed to the respective hazardous material 150 in a container 140. Said sensor 135 can also extend into the hazardous material. If the hazardous material 150 is an electro-chemical energy storage apparatus, for example, the sensor 135 can then be connected to the BMS (battery management system) of the electrochemical energy storage apparatus 150.
The sensor 135 can measure parameters such as pressure, temperature and air composition, for example, and transmit the data to the control device 138. Further sensors 136 are preferably disposed inside and external of the outer casing 190 of the transporting apparatus 104 in order to measure parameters such as pressure, temperature and air composition, for example, and transmit the data to the control device 138.
Said control device 138 can for example compare the parameter values returned by the sensors 135, 136 to predetermined parameter values and activate or discharge the extinguishing agent 132 within the interior of the transporting apparatus 104 upon an exceeding or falling short of said predefined limit values. The control device 138 preferably alerts the driver of such parameter values received, the driver then also being able to initiate the discharge of the extinguishing agent 132 from the extinguisher.
REFERENCE NUMERALS
- 100, 102, 104 transporting apparatus
- 110, 160 base plate, bottom plate
- 120 frame
- 130 locking device, cover
- 132 extinguishing agent
- 134 activating device
- 135, 136 sensors
- 138 control device
- 140 container
- 142 filler material
- 144 casing
- 150 hazardous material
- 170 drip pan
- 172 spacer device(s)
- 180 gas extraction apparatus
- 190 outer casing
Claims
1-13. (canceled)
14. A transporting apparatus for hazardous material, particularly for at least one electrochemical energy storage apparatus, comprising:
- at least one accommodating apparatus configured to at least partially accommodating the hazardous material; and
- at least one safety device configured to counter a hazard posed by the accommodated hazardous material.
15. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device comprises at least one means for chemical adsorption and/or physical adsorption and/or chemical absorption and/or physical absorption of liquid and/or gaseous and/or solid substances.
16. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device comprises at least one device for at least one of (a) fire prevention and (b) fire control.
17. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device comprises a gas extraction apparatus.
18. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the gas extraction apparatus comprises a filter system.
19. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device comprises at least one drip pan.
20. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device comprises a sensor configured to measure a parameter and the safety device is thereby configured to automatically trigger a safety procedure as a function of the measured parameter.
21. The transporting apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the parameter is at least one of (a) temperature and (b) pressure.
22. The transporting apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the at least one safety device comprises an extinguishing agent.
23. The transporting apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the at least one safety device comprises a pad, the interior of which accommodates an extinguishing agent.
24. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the accommodating apparatus comprises at least one base plate substantially formed as a Euro pallet and at least one container for accommodating the hazardous material, the length and width dimensions of which in particular substantially correspond to or are smaller than a Euro pallet.
25. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the accommodating apparatus comprises at least one container for accommodating the hazardous material, wherein said container is at least partially filled with a filler material.
26. The transporting apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the at least one safety device is operably connected to a battery management system accommodated by the accommodating apparatus.
27. A method of producing a transporting apparatus according to claim 14, comprising at least the following steps in any order:
- furnishing at least one accommodating apparatus configured to at least partially accommodate the hazardous material which can comprise a casing; and
- disposing at least one safety device on or in said accommodating apparatus to counter a hazard posed by the accommodated hazardous material.
28. A method comprising:
- using the transporting apparatus according to any claim 14, for the transporting or storage of lithium-based electrochemical energy storage apparatus or their components, particularly for the salvaging of defective electrochemical energy storage apparatus.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 2, 2011
Publication Date: Sep 19, 2013
Applicant: LI-TEC BATTERY GMBH (Kamenz)
Inventors: Michael Loehrke (Floersheim-Wicker), Tim Schaefer (Harztor)
Application Number: 13/820,139
International Classification: B65D 85/84 (20060101); B65B 57/00 (20060101);
