Encapsulated fire-retardant materials to improve battery safety
US8309240B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 13, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 30, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49108
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
This invention provides a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, that includes an encapsulated fire-retardant material. In some embodiments, stable polymer spheres are used to encapsulate an effective fire-retardant material. Under normal operating conditions, the fire-retardant material does not contact the electrolyte, cathode, or anode, thus minimizing performance reduction that occurs when fire-retardant materials are in the direct presence of the electrolyte. Under thermal runaway or excessive temperatures, the fire retardant material vaporizes through the melted encapsulating phase, thereby releasing fire-retardant material to minimize or prevent flammability in the battery.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.