Search

US-20260124479-A1 - Battery Fire Control

US20260124479A1US 20260124479 A1US20260124479 A1US 20260124479A1US-20260124479-A1

Abstract

The description relates to battery safety and more specifically to containing battery fires. One example can include displacement sub-systems configured to physically separate an affected battery pack from other battery packs. Another example can include a 3D deployable fire curtain configured to automatically deploy around a battery pack to limit the spread of fire between battery packs. A further example can include a media reservoir positioned over a battery pack that is configured to hold non-combustible smothering media. A media retainer can be interposed between the battery pack and the media reservoir and configured to automatically release the non-combustible smothering media into the battery pack support structure when the battery pack experiences a fire.

Inventors

  • Jose Seah DELAPAZ
  • Richard Donald HAGE
  • Sarah Hisham ELDIN
  • Nathan Andrew ELLIS
  • PAUL ANDREW CHURNOCK
  • Sean Patrick Abbott

Assignees

  • MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING, LLC

Dates

Publication Date
20260507
Application Date
20260101

Claims (20)

  1. 1 . A system, comprising: an array of battery packs in physical proximity to one another to store and supply electrical power to an electrical network; and, displacement sub-systems associated with individual battery packs, the displacement sub-systems configured to physically separate individual distressed battery packs from the array of battery packs.
  2. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein individual battery packs are positioned in battery pack support structures and the displacement sub-systems are configured to physically separate individual distressed battery packs linearly away from a remainder of the array of battery packs.
  3. 3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the displacement sub-systems comprise potential energy storage mechanisms that are configured to store potential energy to physically separate the individual distressed battery packs during an electrical power outage.
  4. 4 . (canceled)
  5. 5 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the displacement sub-systems comprise linear guidance mechanisms configured to control a path of the distressed battery packs away from remaining battery packs.
  6. 6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the linear guidance mechanisms comprise rails on a ground surface and wheels on the battery pack support structures.
  7. 7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the rails are sloped away from the array of battery packs so that the linear guidance mechanisms also function as the potential energy storage mechanisms.
  8. 8 - 20 . (canceled)
  9. 21 . The system of claim 7 , further comprising stopping mechanisms configured to stop respective distressed battery packs after travelling along the rails.
  10. 22 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the displacement sub-systems comprise grooves or channels in a surface on which respective distressed battery packs roll away from the array of battery packs.
  11. 23 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the potential energy storage mechanisms comprise compressed springs that are biased against the battery pack support structures.
  12. 24 . The system of claim 23 , wherein the springs are in a compressed state prior to automatically displacing an individual battery pack.
  13. 25 . The system of claim 24 , further comprising locks configured to release the springs from the compressed state.
  14. 26 . The system of claim 25 , further comprising sensors configured to detect a fire and send a signal that causes the locks to release responsive to detecting the fire.
  15. 27 . The system of claim 26 , the sensors being heat sensors.
  16. 28 . The system of claim 25 , wherein the locks are configured to unlock responsive to receiving an unlock signal based on user input from a human.
  17. 29 . The system of claim 25 , further comprising sensors configured to determine when the linear guidance mechanisms are obstructed by an object and prevent the locks from releasing the springs when the linear guidance mechanisms are obstructed.
  18. 30 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the potential energy storage mechanisms are operable during a fire.
  19. 31 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the displacement sub-systems comprise electric motors.
  20. 32 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the battery packs comprise Lithium-Ion battery packs.

Description

BACKGROUND Battery packs, such as Lithium-Ion battery packs, are seen as a backup power option for industrial facilities such as data center campuses. One of the risks involved with the inclusion of battery packs on datacenter campuses, or other industrial facilities, is the potential for a fire that is inextinguishable with typical methods. The use of water can result in an explosion that produces steam vapor. This vapor is extremely toxic and can include heavy metals. When inhaled, these vapors have harmful effects on sensitive sinus and lung tissue. The present concepts can address these and/or other issues. SUMMARY This patent relates to battery safety and more specifically to containing battery fires. One example can include displacement sub-systems configured to physically separate an affected battery pack away from other battery packs. Another example can include a three-dimensional (3D) deployable fire curtain configured to automatically deploy around a battery pack to limit the spread of fire between battery packs. A further example can include a media reservoir positioned over a battery pack that is configured to hold non-combustible smothering media. A media retainer can be interposed between the battery pack and the media reservoir and be configured to automatically release the non-combustible smothering media into the battery pack support structure when the battery pack experiences a fire. This example is intended to provide a summary of some of the described concepts and is not intended to be inclusive or limiting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustrate implementations of the concepts conveyed in the present document. Features of the illustrated implementations can be more readily understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Like reference numbers in the various drawings are used wherever feasible to indicate like elements. Further, the left-most numeral of each reference number conveys the figure and associated discussion where the reference number is first introduced. Where space permits, elements and their associated reference numbers are both shown on the drawing page for the reader's convenience. Otherwise, only the reference numbers are shown. Note that some figures illustrate many elements/components and adding lead lines to all of the elements/components can diminish readability of the figure. Accordingly, not every element is designated in every figure. FIGS. 1A-1H, 2A-2C, 5A, and 5B show perspective views of example systems in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts. FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B show elevational views of example systems in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts. FIG. 5C shows a sectional view of example components in accordance with some implementations of the present concepts. DESCRIPTION The present concepts can help to reduce the impact and spread of a potential battery pack fire. Battery pack fires tend to be difficult and dangerous to extinguish. Accordingly, fire departments may choose to let them burn rather than risk firefighter injury. This approach, while justified, tends to result in destruction of all of the battery packs and potentially the entire facility. The present concepts relate to complementary fire spread reduction systems that can reduce fire growth relative to an individual battery pack and/or fire spread between battery packs. Introductory FIGS. 1A-1H collectively show an example system 100 that can include battery packs 102. The battery packs can be associated in close physical proximity to one another as a battery array 104 (e.g., group of battery packs). The battery array 104 may also be in close proximity to other structures, such as a datacenter 106 or other facility structures. The battery array 104 can store and/or supply electrical power to an electrical network 108 (shown in ghost to indicate the network is underground) to function as a battery storage power station. The electrical power can be used locally, such as in datacenter 106 and/or generally over the electrical grid. In the present implementation, the battery packs 102 can be positioned in battery pack support structures 110 (hereinafter, “support structures). Though sizes vary, battery packs 102 tend to be relatively large. For instance, in some configurations, the battery packs can be similar in size to commercial shipping containers. Other sizes can also be employed. The size and weight can make it difficult to move the battery packs even under normal conditions. Further, battery fires tend to be difficult to extinguish and tend to release hazardous compounds. As a result, firefighting tactics tend to involve establishing a perimeter and letting the fire burn itself out. This strategy tends to result in destruction of many or all of the battery packs 102 of the battery array 104 and/or any adjacent structures, such as datacenters, networks, et