太空环境下锂离子电池热失控与火灾的研究展望

综述了锂离子电池的热失控机理,介绍了由于电池内部电解液、电池隔膜和电极材料分解的链式热反应过程而引发的热失控和火灾现象。同时,讨论了锂离子电池在微重力太空环境中可能产生的烟黑浓度倍增,加速火蔓延,火焰喷射等极端火行为。进而探讨了开展锂离子电池的低压、落塔和抛物飞行等地面实验模拟太空微重力燃烧的方法可行性,建立数值模型预测太空微重力环境下锂离子电池热失控临界条件与火灾行为的必要性,以及如何通过基础研究科学地指导空间站电池热管理和消防系统的设计。

Perspective on thermal runaway and fire dynamics of lithium-ion battery in spacecraft environments

This paper reviews the thermal runaway mechanism of Li-ion battery, including the fire phenomena caused by thermochemical chain reaction during the decomposition of electrolyte, separator, electrode materials inside the battery. In microgravity spacecraft environment, the thermal runaway of battery may lead to a higher concentration of black smoke, faster fire spread, and extreme fire behaviors like unconfined jet flame. Potential ground-based microgravity experiments on Li-ion battery fire by using low-pressure, tower drop, and parabolic flight are discussed. It is also emphasized that besides the limited and high-cost micrograivty experiments, extensive numerical simulations on battery fire are of importance. Based on these fundamental studies, scientific guidelines can be provided to help design the thermal management system of battery pack and the corresponding fire protection strategies for the space station.