Apparatus and method for controlling ventilation and energy storage system including the same

Abstract

A ventilation control device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a ventilation control device installed in a battery container comprising one or more batteries, comprising: a smoke detection unit configured to detect smoke inside the battery container and output a sensing signal when the smoke is detected; and a control unit configured to control the operating state of a ventilation unit installed in the battery container to a turn-on state when the sensing signal is received, and to output a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operating state of the ventilation unit has been controlled to the turn-on state.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a ventilation control device and method for controlling ventilation of a battery container, and an energy storage device comprising a battery container and a control container. Background Technology

[0002] Recently, as the demand for portable electronic products such as laptops, video cameras, and mobile phones has increased rapidly, and the development of electric vehicles, energy storage batteries, robots, and satellites has accelerated, research on high-performance batteries capable of repeated charging and discharging is actively underway.

[0003] Currently commercialized batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium batteries. Among these, lithium batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Energy storage devices utilizing such batteries may be devices that store large amounts of power and provide the stored power to multiple load facilities. For example, energy storage devices are used in forms such as industrial, building, or residential energy management systems, and provide the stored power to load facilities at their respective locations to serve as a regular power grid and / or emergency power grid.

[0005] Conventional energy storage devices were configured in container units, with a single container containing multiple battery racks and switchboards. In other words, a container large enough to accommodate all components of the energy storage device was required. Furthermore, when multiple energy storage devices were provided, each device was configured as an independent container, which presented the problem of having to control each container-unit energy storage device individually.

[0006] Meanwhile, because batteries have the disadvantage of being vulnerable to external surges and high temperatures, energy storage systems (ESS) that store batteries in a concentrated manner face the problem of a persistent fire risk. Generally, fires in energy storage systems begin at the individual battery cell level and can subsequently progress to the battery rack level. In this case, since a fire originating at the battery cell level can spread to the entire energy storage system, it is necessary to monitor for fire occurrences and take prompt countermeasures in the early stages of a fire. The problem to be solved

[0007] The present invention is devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a ventilation control device and method capable of monitoring a fire inside an energy storage device and suppressing the fire at an early stage, as well as an energy storage device including the same.

[0008] Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood from the following description and will become more clearly apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims. means of solving the problem

[0009] A ventilation control device according to one aspect of the present invention is a ventilation control device installed in a battery container comprising one or more batteries, and may include: a smoke detection unit configured to detect smoke inside the battery container and output a sensing signal when the smoke is detected; and a control unit configured to control the operating state of a ventilation unit installed in the battery container to a turn-on state when the sensing signal is received, and to output a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operating state of the ventilation unit has been controlled to the turn-on state.

[0010] The control unit may be configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when it receives a ventilation termination signal for the battery container from the external device after outputting the ventilation operation signal to the external device.

[0011] The control unit may include a first control unit configured to output the ventilation operation signal to a second control unit and an external device when receiving the sensing signal from the smoke detection unit; and the second control unit configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit to the turn-on state when receiving the ventilation operation signal from the first control unit.

[0012] The first control unit may be configured to control the operation state of the fan included in the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when it receives a first ventilation termination signal from the external device.

[0013] The second control unit may be configured to control the operating state of the opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit to a closed state upon receiving a second ventilation termination signal from the external device.

[0014] The first control unit may be configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when it receives a first ventilation termination signal from the external device.

[0015] The first control unit may be configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit to the turn-off state by controlling the operating state of a relay electrically connected to the ventilation unit to the turn-off state.

[0016] An energy storage device according to another aspect of the present invention may include the battery container including a ventilation control device according to one aspect of the present invention; and a control container.

[0017] The above control container may include a main control unit configured to determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery container upon receiving the ventilation operation signal from the control unit.

[0018] The main control unit may be configured to determine whether a fire has occurred based on at least one of the temperature of the battery container, the voltage of one or more batteries, and the temperature of one or more batteries, which are measured over a predetermined period from the time of receiving the ventilation operation signal.

[0019] The main control unit may include a first main control unit configured to receive the ventilation operation signal from the control unit; and a second main control unit configured to determine whether a fire has occurred upon receiving the ventilation operation signal from the first main control unit.

[0020] The second main control unit may be configured to output a fire non-occurrence signal to the first main control unit if it is determined that no fire has occurred in the battery container.

[0021] The first main control unit may be configured to output a ventilation termination signal to the control unit upon receiving the fire non-occurrence signal from the second main control unit.

[0022] A ventilation control method according to another aspect of the present invention may include: a smoke detection step for detecting smoke inside a battery container comprising one or more batteries; a ventilation operation step for controlling the operating state of a ventilation unit installed in the battery container to a turn-on state when the smoke is detected; and a ventilation operation signal output step for outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operating state of the ventilation unit has been controlled to the turn-on state.

[0023] A ventilation control method according to another aspect of the present invention may further include a ventilation termination step of controlling the operation state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when, after outputting the ventilation operation signal to the external device, a ventilation termination signal for the battery container is received from the external device. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, a ventilation control device according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to rapidly ventilate a battery container by detecting smoke generated inside the battery container and operating a ventilation unit.

[0025] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description in the claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the invention in conjunction with the detailed description of the invention set forth below; therefore, the invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation control device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery container according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ventilation control operation of an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation control method according to another practical embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0027] Terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0028] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0029] In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known components or functions may obscure the essence of the invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0030] Terms including ordinal numbers, such as first, second, etc., are used for the purpose of distinguishing one of the various components from the rest, and are not used to limit the components by such terms.

[0031] Throughout the specification, when a part is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components.

[0032] Additionally, throughout the specification, when it is said that a part is "connected" to another part, this includes not only cases where they are "directly connected," but also cases where they are "indirectly connected" with other components in between.

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a battery container (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery container (10) may include one or more batteries, a ventilation unit (12), and a measuring unit (13).

[0037] A battery container (10) includes one or more battery racks (11), and each battery rack (11) may include one or more battery modules. Each battery module may include one or more battery cells. Here, a battery cell refers to a single independent cell that is physically separable and has a negative terminal and a positive terminal. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium-polymer battery may be considered as a battery cell. Additionally, the type of battery cell may be cylindrical, prismatic, or pouch type.

[0038] The measurement unit (13) may be configured to measure the temperature of the battery container (10) and the voltage and temperature of the battery contained in the battery container (10). Specifically, the measurement unit (13) may measure the internal temperature of the battery container (10). Additionally, the measurement unit (13) may measure the voltage and temperature of each battery module contained in the battery container (10). Optionally, the measurement unit (13) may also measure the voltage and temperature of each battery cell contained in the battery module. For convenience of explanation, the information regarding the temperature of the battery container (10) and the voltage and temperature of the battery is described below as basic information for fire judgment.

[0039] The ventilation unit (12) may be configured to circulate and ventilate the air inside the battery container (10). Specifically, the ventilation unit (12) may include a fan that circulates the air inside the battery container (10) and discharges the air inside the battery container (10) to the outside. Additionally, the ventilation unit (12) may include an opening and closing unit capable of ventilating the battery container (10) through opening and closing. For example, the opening and closing unit may include a roof vent (roof exhaust vent) and / or a door damper (door intake damper).

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1, the ventilation control device (100) may include a smoke detection unit (110) and a control unit (120).

[0041] The smoke detection unit (110) can be configured to detect smoke inside the battery container (10).

[0042] Specifically, the smoke detection unit (110) may include one or more smoke sensors. And, the smoke detection unit (110) can determine whether smoke is generated inside the battery container (10).

[0043] The smoke detection unit (110) can be configured to output a sensing signal when smoke is detected.

[0044] Specifically, the smoke detection unit (110) can be connected to communicate with the control unit (120). The smoke detection unit (110) can output a sensing signal to the control unit (120) indicating that smoke has been detected. If smoke is not detected, the smoke detection unit (110) may not output a sensing signal to the control unit (120).

[0045] The control unit (120) may be configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) installed in the battery container (10) to a turn-on state when it receives a sensing signal.

[0046] Specifically, when the control unit (120) receives a sensing signal from the smoke detection unit (110), it can control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to turn on to ventilate the battery container (10).

[0047] For example, the control unit (120) can ventilate the battery container (10) by operating the fan and opening the opening / closing unit.

[0048] The control unit (120) may be configured to output a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) has been controlled to a turned-on state.

[0049] Specifically, the control unit (120) can notify that the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) has been controlled to a turned-on state by outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device connected to enable communication.

[0050] Here, the external device is a device located outside the ventilation control unit and may be included inside or outside the battery container (10). Specifically, the external device is a higher-level control device for the ventilation control unit and is a device capable of determining whether the ventilation unit (12) has been operated due to a smoke detection error of the smoke detection unit (110). That is, the control unit (120) can request a determination from the external device regarding whether a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) by outputting a ventilation operation signal to the external device.

[0051] A ventilation control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to quickly ventilate a battery container (10) by detecting smoke generated inside a battery container (10) and operating a ventilation unit (12).

[0053] Meanwhile, the control unit (120) provided in the ventilation control device (100) may optionally include a processor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc., known in the art, to execute various control logics performed in the present invention. Additionally, when the control logic is implemented in software, the control unit (120) may be implemented as a set of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be stored in memory and executed by the control unit (120). The memory may be located inside or outside the control unit (120) and may be connected to the control unit (120) by various well-known means.

[0054] Additionally, the ventilation control device (100) may further include a storage unit (130). The storage unit (130) may store data or programs necessary for each component of the ventilation control device (100) to perform operations and functions, or data generated during the process of performing operations and functions. The storage unit (130) is not subject to any special restrictions on its type as long as it is a known information storage means capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. As an example, the information storage means may include RAM, flash memory, ROM, EEPROM, registers, etc. Additionally, the storage unit (130) may store program codes that define processes executable by each component of the ventilation control device (100).

[0056] The control unit (120) may be configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state when it receives a ventilation termination signal for the battery container (10) from the external device after outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device.

[0057] Specifically, the control unit (120) can determine whether to readjust the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) through feedback from an external device.

[0058] For example, if the external device determines that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10), the external device may not output a signal to the control unit (120). In this case, since the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) is maintained in the turned-on state, gas and smoke inside the battery container (10) are discharged to the outside, and the internal temperature of the battery container (10) can be reduced. In addition, the spread of fire can be prevented by controlling the oxygen concentration inside the battery container (10).

[0059] As another example, if the external device determines that no fire has occurred in the battery container (10), the external device may output a ventilation termination signal to the control unit (120) to stop the operation of the ventilation unit (12). When the control unit (120) receives the ventilation termination signal from the external device, it may control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state.

[0060] Generally, since the smoke detection unit (110) detects smoke inside the battery container (10), it can detect smoke generated not only in situations where a fire has occurred but also in situations where no fire has occurred. Additionally, due to a malfunction of the smoke detection unit (110), a sensing signal indicating that smoke has been detected in an environment without smoke may be output to the control unit (120). In such cases, since the operation of the ventilation unit (12) must be stopped, the control unit (120) can control the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) again based on a signal received from an external device.

[0061] It is assumed that the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) is controlled to the turn-on state after the external device determines whether a fire has occurred in the battery container (10). In this case, since the control unit (120) can only control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) when it receives a separate signal from the external device, fire suppression may not proceed quickly. For example, if smoke is detected in a situation where a fire has occurred but the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) cannot be controlled immediately due to communication delays between the control unit (120) and the external device, there is a problem that the fire in the battery container (10) will spread further.

[0062] Conversely, even if the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) is controlled to the turned-on state due to a malfunction of the smoke detection unit (110), damage to the battery container (10) is not caused by the operation of the ventilation unit (12). That is, a delay in the operation of the ventilation unit (12) in a fire situation can cause greater damage than when the ventilation unit (12) operates incorrectly due to a malfunction of the smoke detection unit (110).

[0063] Accordingly, the ventilation control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of being able to respond quickly in the event of a fire by prioritizing the control of the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) based on the sensing signal of the smoke detection unit (110). In addition, the ventilation control device (100) has the advantage of being able to correct a malfunction of the ventilation unit (12) by controlling the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) again based on a signal from an external device.

[0065] Below, an embodiment of the control unit (120) will be described in detail.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit (120) may include a first control unit (121) and a second control unit (122).

[0067] The first control unit (121) may be configured to output a ventilation operation signal to the second control unit (122) and an external device when it receives a sensing signal from the smoke detection unit (110).

[0068] Specifically, the first control unit (121) can be connected to communicate with the smoke detection unit (110), the second control unit (122), and an external device. And, when the first control unit (121) receives a sensing signal from the smoke detection unit (110), it can output a ventilation operation signal to the second control unit (122) and the external device.

[0069] For example, the first control unit (121) may be a fire alarm control panel (FACP).

[0070] The second control unit (122) may be configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-on state when it receives a ventilation operation signal from the first control unit (121).

[0071] Specifically, the second control unit (122) may be configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit (12). For example, the second control unit (122) may control the operating state of the fan included in the ventilation unit (12) to a turned-on state. Also, the second control unit (122) may control the operating state of the opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit (12) to an open state (turn-on state).

[0072] Preferably, since the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122) are included in the ventilation control unit, the second control unit (122) can receive the ventilation operation signal before the external device. Therefore, the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) can be controlled to turn on before the first control unit (121) receives the ventilation termination signal from the external device.

[0073] For example, if the battery container (10) is referred to as M-LINK, the second control unit (122) may be an M-PLC (Programmable logic controller) included in the battery container (10). The second control unit (122) is connected to the HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning), uninterruptible power supply unit, door sensor, switch, SMPS (Switching mode power supply), FSS (Fire suppression system), smoke detection unit (110), and ventilation unit (12) included in the battery container (10), and can control these components.

[0074] When the external device determines that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10), it may output a first ventilation end signal to the first control unit (121) and a second ventilation end signal to the second control unit (122). Here, the first ventilation end signal is a signal to notify the first control unit (121) of the cancellation of the ventilation diagnosis, and the second ventilation end signal is a signal to control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state. Depending on the embodiment, the first ventilation end signal and the second ventilation end signal may be implemented as the same or different signals.

[0075] In one embodiment, the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122) can control the operating state of different devices among the ventilation units (12).

[0076] For example, the first control unit (121) may be configured to control the operating state of the fan included in the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state when it receives a first ventilation end signal from an external device. And, the second control unit (122) may be configured to control the operating state of the opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit (12) to a closed state when it receives a second ventilation end signal from an external device.

[0077] In another embodiment, the first control unit (121) may be configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state when it receives a first ventilation termination signal from an external device. That is, in order to stop the operation of the ventilation unit (12) more quickly, the first control unit (121) may directly control the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state.

[0078] For example, the first control unit (121) can control the operating state of both the fan and the opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit (12) to a turned-off state. Specifically, the first control unit (121) may be configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turned-off state by controlling the operating state of a relay electrically connected to the ventilation unit (12) to a turned-off state.

[0079] Since the ventilation control device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention independently includes a first control unit (121) and a second control unit (122), the other control unit (120) can operate normally even if a problem occurs in one control unit (120). Therefore, the system safety of the ventilation control device (100) can be increased compared to when only one control unit (120) is used. In addition, since each control unit (120) is designed as an independent module, maintenance and replacement can be made easier. Furthermore, the first control unit (121) is optimized for processing communication with the smoke detection unit (110), the second control unit (122), and external devices, and the second control unit (122) is optimized for controlling the operating state of the ventilation unit (12), thereby allowing the functions of each control unit (120) to be implemented more detailedly and professionally.

[0081] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an energy storage device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 3, the energy storage device (1) may include a battery container (10) and a control container (20). Here, the battery container (10) may be an M-LINK or B-LINK containing one or more batteries, and the control container (20) may be an E-LINK.

[0083] The control container (20) may include a main control unit (21) configured to determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) upon receiving a ventilation operation signal from the control unit (120).

[0084] Specifically, the main control unit (21) may be configured to determine whether a fire has occurred based on at least one of the temperature of the battery container (10), the voltage of one or more batteries, and the temperature of one or more batteries, which are measured over a predetermined period from the time of receiving the ventilation operation signal.

[0085] Here, since the main control unit (21) is included in the control container (20), it can receive fire judgment basic information from the control unit (120).

[0086] Preferably, the second control unit (122) can receive basic fire judgment information from the measurement unit (13). And, the main control unit (21) can receive basic fire judgment information from the second control unit (122).

[0087] For example, the main control unit (21) may determine that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) if at least one of the following persists for a predetermined period: when the temperature of the battery container (10) is above a first threshold temperature, when the temperature of at least one battery is above a second threshold temperature, and when the voltage of at least one battery is above a threshold voltage. For example, the predetermined period may be pre-set to 30 seconds.

[0088] However, it should be noted that since the main control unit (21) can determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) in various ways based on basic information for fire determination, the method of determining whether a fire has occurred by the main control unit (21) is not particularly limited by the embodiment described above.

[0089] First, it is assumed that the main control unit (21) determines that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10). In this case, since the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) is already controlled to the turn-on state, the main control unit (21) may not output a separate signal to the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122).

[0090] Conversely, it is assumed that the main control unit (21) determines that no fire has occurred in the battery container (10). In this case, since the ventilation unit (12) is operating unnecessarily, the main control unit (21) can output a ventilation termination signal to the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122).

[0091] An energy storage device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention can quickly suppress a fire by activating a ventilation unit (12) when smoke is detected, even before it is determined whether a fire has occurred. In addition, if no fire has occurred, the operation of the ventilation unit (12) can be stopped, thereby preventing the ventilation unit (12) from operating unnecessarily.

[0093] Meanwhile, the main control unit (21) provided in the energy storage device (1) may optionally include a processor, an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), other chipsets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc., known in the art, to execute various control logics performed in the present invention. Additionally, when the control logic is implemented in software, the main control unit (21) may be implemented as a set of program modules. In this case, the program modules may be stored in memory and executed by the main control unit (21). The memory may be located inside or outside the main control unit (21) and may be connected to the main control unit (21) by various well-known means.

[0095] Below, an embodiment of the main control unit (21) will be described in detail.

[0096] The main control unit (21) may include a first main control unit (211) and a second main control unit (212).

[0097] The first main control unit (211) may be configured to receive a ventilation operation signal from the control unit (120). The first main control unit (211) may transmit the received ventilation operation signal to the second main control unit (212).

[0098] Specifically, the first main control unit (211) can be connected to communicate with the first control unit (121), the second control unit (122), and the second main control unit (212). That is, the main control unit (21) connected to communicate with the ventilation control device (100) is the first main control unit (211).

[0099] For example, if the control container (20) is referred to as E-LINK, the first main control unit (211) may be an E-PLC. The first main control unit (211) is connected to components such as HVAC, uninterruptible power supply unit, door sensor, fuse, switch, SMPS, FSS, surge protection unit, and insulation measurement unit (13) included in the control container (20), and can control these components.

[0100] The second main control unit (212) may be configured to determine whether a fire has occurred when it receives a ventilation operation signal from the first main control unit (211).

[0101] Specifically, the second main control unit (212) can receive basic fire judgment information from the second control unit (122) through the first main control unit (211). More specifically, the measurement unit (13) transmits the basic fire judgment information to the second control unit (122), the second control unit (122) transmits the basic fire judgment information to the first main control unit (211), and the first main control unit (211) transmits the basic fire judgment information to the second main control unit (212). That is, the basic fire judgment information output from the measurement unit (13) can reach the second main control unit (212) via the second control unit (122) and the first main control unit (211).

[0102] For example, the second main control unit (212) is a BSC (battery system controller) and is the top-level controller included in the energy storage device (1). That is, the second main control unit (212) can receive all signals regarding the internal operation of the control container (20) and the battery container (10).

[0103] The second main control unit (212) may be configured to output a fire non-occurrence signal to the first main control unit (211) when it is determined that no fire has occurred in the battery container (10). Additionally, the first main control unit (211) may be configured to output a ventilation termination signal to the control unit (120) upon receiving the fire non-occurrence signal from the second main control unit (212). Upon receiving the ventilation termination signal from the second main control unit (212), the control unit (120) may control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state.

[0105] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the ventilation control operation of an energy storage device (1) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] In step S10, the smoke detection unit (110) can be operated to detect smoke inside the battery container (10). For example, the smoke detection unit (110) can detect smoke at preset intervals.

[0107] In step S11, if the smoke detection unit (110) detects smoke inside the battery container (10) (YES), step S20 is performed, and if not (NO), step S10 can be performed.

[0108] In step S20, the smoke detection unit (110) can output a sensing signal to the first control unit (121) indicating that smoke has been detected inside the battery container (10).

[0109] In step S30, the first control unit (121) can output a ventilation operation signal to the second control unit (122) and the first main control unit (211).

[0110] In step S40, the second control unit (122) that receives the ventilation operation signal can control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turned-on state. For example, the operation state of both the fan and the opening / closing unit can be controlled to a turned-on state by the second control unit (122).

[0111] In step S50, the first main control unit (211) can transmit a ventilation operation signal to the second main control unit (212). Then, the second main control unit (212) can determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) based on fire judgment basis information for a predetermined period from the time of receiving the ventilation operation signal.

[0112] Here, since the physical distance between the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122) is shorter than the physical distance between the first control unit (121) and the first main control unit (211), the ventilation unit (12) can be operated from a point in time before the second main control unit (212) determines whether a fire has occurred. Additionally, the ventilation unit (12) can be operated even while the second main control unit (212) determines whether a fire has occurred.

[0113] In step S51, if it is determined that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10) (YES), step S60 is performed, and if not (NO), the ventilation control operation can be terminated.

[0114] In step S60, if the second main control unit (212) determines that no fire has occurred in the battery container (10), it may output a ventilation end signal to the first main control unit (211). Then, the first main control unit (211) may output a ventilation end signal to the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122). Specifically, the first main control unit (211) may output a first ventilation end signal to the first control unit (121) and a second ventilation end signal to the second control unit (122).

[0115] In one embodiment, at step S70, the first control unit (121) and the second control unit (122) that receive the ventilation termination signal can control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state. For example, the first control unit (121) can control the operation state of the fan included in the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state, and the second control unit (122) can control the operation state of the opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit (12) to a closed state.

[0116] In another embodiment, in step S70, in order to quickly stop the operation of the ventilation unit (12), the first control unit (121) that receives the ventilation termination signal can control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state.

[0118] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a ventilation control method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 5, the ventilation control method may include a smoke detection step (S100), a ventilation operation step (S200), and a ventilation operation signal output step (S300).

[0120] Preferably, each step of the ventilation control method can be performed by a ventilation control device (100). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, content that overlaps with the previously described content is omitted or briefly explained.

[0121] The smoke detection step (S100) is a step of detecting smoke inside a battery container (10) containing one or more batteries, and can be performed by a smoke detection unit (110).

[0122] For example, the smoke detection unit (110) includes one or more smoke sensors and can detect smoke inside the battery container (10).

[0123] The ventilation operation step (S200) is a step of controlling the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) installed in the battery container (10) to turn on when smoke is detected, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0124] For example, when the control unit (120) receives a sensing signal from the smoke detection unit (110), it can control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to turn on to ventilate the battery container (10).

[0125] The ventilation operation signal output step (S300) is a step of outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) has been controlled to a turn-on state, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0126] Specifically, the control unit (120) can notify that the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) has been controlled to a turned-on state by outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device connected to enable communication.

[0128] Referring further to FIG. 5, the ventilation control method may further include a ventilation termination step (S400).

[0129] The ventilation termination step (S400) is a step of controlling the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to turn off when a ventilation termination signal for the battery container (10) is received from the external device after outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device, and can be performed by the control unit (120).

[0130] For example, if the external device determines that a fire has occurred in the battery container (10), the external device may not output a signal to the control unit (120). In this case, since the operating state of the ventilation unit (12) is maintained in the turned-on state, gas and smoke inside the battery container (10) are discharged to the outside, and the internal temperature of the battery container (10) can be reduced. In addition, the spread of fire can be prevented by controlling the oxygen concentration inside the battery container (10).

[0131] As another example, if the external device determines that no fire has occurred in the battery container (10), the external device may output a ventilation termination signal to the control unit (120) to stop the operation of the ventilation unit (12). When the control unit (120) receives the ventilation termination signal from the external device, it may control the operation state of the ventilation unit (12) to a turn-off state.

[0133] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not limited to implementation through devices and methods, but may also be implemented through a program that realizes a function corresponding to the configuration of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which such a program is recorded. Such implementation can be easily achieved by a person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, based on the description of the embodiments described above.

[0134] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

[0135] Furthermore, since the present invention described above allows for various substitutions, modifications, and changes within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention, it is not limited by the aforementioned embodiments and attached drawings, but rather all or part of each embodiment may be selectively combined to allow for various modifications. Explanation of the symbols

[0136] 1: Energy storage device 10: Battery Container 11: Battery rack 12: Ventilation unit 13: Measurement unit 20: Control Container 21: Main control unit 211: 1st Main Control Unit 212: Second Main Control Unit 100: Ventilation control unit 110: Smoke detector 120: Control unit 121: First control unit 122: Second control unit 130: Storage section

Claims

Claim 1 A ventilation control device installed in a battery container comprising one or more batteries, comprising: a smoke detection unit configured to detect smoke inside the battery container and output a sensing signal when the smoke is detected; and a control unit configured to control the operating state of a ventilation unit installed in the battery container to a turn-on state when the sensing signal is received, and output a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operating state of the ventilation unit has been controlled to the turn-on state. Claim 2 A ventilation control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when, after outputting the ventilation operation signal to the external device, it receives a ventilation termination signal for the battery container from the external device. Claim 3 A ventilation control device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit comprises: a first control unit configured to output the ventilation operation signal to a second control unit and an external device upon receiving the sensing signal from the smoke detection unit; and the second control unit configured to control the operation state of the ventilation unit to the turn-on state upon receiving the ventilation operation signal from the first control unit. Claim 4 A ventilation control device according to paragraph 3, wherein the first control unit is configured to control the operating state of a fan included in the ventilation unit to a turn-off state upon receiving a first ventilation termination signal from the external device, and the second control unit is configured to control the operating state of an opening / closing unit included in the ventilation unit to a closed state upon receiving a second ventilation termination signal from the external device. Claim 5 In paragraph 3, the first control unit is a ventilation control device configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when it receives a first ventilation termination signal from the external device. Claim 6 In claim 5, the first control unit is a ventilation control device configured to control the operating state of the ventilation unit to the turn-off state by controlling the operating state of a relay electrically connected to the ventilation unit to the turn-off state. Claim 7 An energy storage device comprising: a battery container including a ventilation control device according to any one of claims 1 to 6; and a control container, wherein the control container comprises a main control unit configured to determine whether a fire has occurred in the battery container upon receiving a ventilation operation signal from the control unit. Claim 8 An energy storage device according to claim 7, wherein the main control unit is configured to determine whether a fire has occurred based on at least one of the temperature of the battery container measured for a predetermined period from the time of receiving the ventilation operation signal, the voltage of one or more batteries, and the temperature of one or more batteries. Claim 9 An energy storage device according to claim 7, wherein the main control unit comprises: a first main control unit configured to receive the ventilation operation signal from the control unit; and a second main control unit configured to determine whether a fire has occurred upon receiving the ventilation operation signal from the first main control unit. Claim 10 An energy storage device according to claim 9, wherein the second main control unit is configured to output a fire non-occurrence signal to the first main control unit when it is determined that no fire has occurred in the battery container, and the first main control unit is configured to output a ventilation termination signal to the control unit when it receives the fire non-occurrence signal from the second main control unit. Claim 11 A ventilation control method comprising: a smoke detection step for detecting smoke inside a battery container including one or more batteries; a ventilation operation step for controlling the operating state of a ventilation unit installed in the battery container to a turn-on state when the smoke is detected; and a ventilation operation signal output step for outputting a ventilation operation signal to an external device indicating that the operating state of the ventilation unit has been controlled to the turn-on state. Claim 12 A ventilation control method according to claim 11, further comprising a ventilation termination step of controlling the operating state of the ventilation unit to a turn-off state when, after outputting the ventilation operation signal to the external device, a ventilation termination signal for the battery container is received from the external device.

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