Battery system frame, housing and method for receiving at least one first and at least one adjacent second battery module in a vehicle for forming a battery system

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a battery system framework for receiving at least one first and at least one adjacent second battery module in a vehicle to form a battery system according to the preamble of claim 1, a housing for forming the battery system framework according to the preamble of claim 9 and a method for receiving at least one first and at least one adjacent second battery module in a vehicle to form a battery system according to the preamble of claim 10.

[0002] Battery systems based on lithium-ion battery cells are well-known. For example, such systems are also used in rail vehicles for their traction and on-board electrical systems. A typical lithium-ion battery system for traction and on-board electrical systems can be schematically represented, particularly for defining safety requirements, as shown in FIGURE 1 depicted.

[0003] Accordingly, a battery system used for the aforementioned purpose can be divided into three levels. The first level, E1, is formed by a single battery cell. A battery module is then formed from a number of such cells. This can be considered the second level, E2.

[0004] The battery system, and thus ultimately the third level E3, is usually formed by several battery modules.

[0005] Lithium-ion battery cells are inherently susceptible to fire due to an internal short circuit. This reaction is highly exothermic and is known as thermal runaway (TRA).

[0006] In such a reaction, many times the electrically stored energy is converted into heat. Causes of the internal short circuit can include, for example, manufacturing defects in the cell, such as foreign particles.

[0007] A transient trajectory (TRA) – unless caused by human error, for example – is generally a random event within a cell that can occur spontaneously at any time, both during operation and storage. The causes of a TRA are inherent in the manufacturing process within the cells. Therefore, a TRA cannot be ruled out or prevented; consequently, a safety concept is essential, particularly for large systems like those used in rail vehicles, to ensure operational safety.

[0008] To demonstrate the safety of the battery system, the standard EN 62619 requires the so-called Thermal Propagation Test (TPT). This test must demonstrate that, following an internal short circuit of a single cell, there is no fire at the cell level (first level E1), module level (second level E2), or battery system level (third level E3).

[0009] Known concepts that ensure this include, for example, manufacturing a TRA-resistant container for the entire battery system. However, this solution is expensive, not least because the container is fitted with a heavy outer casing, and becomes impractical above a certain energy level.

[0010] Another approach involves using safer cells, specifically lithium-ion cells designed to have reduced TRA energy and / or equipped with internal protection mechanisms. This approach also results in high costs.

[0011] Another concept involves using flame-retardant barriers, such as phase-change materials, between individual cells within a module, as described, for example, in US Patent 2007 / 144804 Al. However, this concept is not convincing in terms of reliability. In contrast, the approach of continuously supplying cooling water to the system using electrically driven water pumps promises a comparatively cost-effective solution when the vehicle is in operation, since the cooling system is already in place for regular operation. A disadvantage of this approach, however, is that this function cannot be guaranteed while the vehicle is dismantled and the water level in the cooling system is then a safety-critical factor.

[0012] The object underlying the invention is therefore to provide a solution that overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art; in particular, the technical object is to provide a solution that makes it possible to use lithium-ion cells in vehicles, preferably rail vehicles, essentially without restrictions on the design of the cells.

[0013] The object of invention is solved by the battery system framework according to the preamble of claim 1 by its characterizing features, by the housing according to the generic term of claim 9 by its features, and by the method according to the preamble of claim 10 by its characterizing features.

[0014] In the battery system framework according to the invention for receiving at least one first and at least one adjacent second battery module in a vehicle to form a battery system, preferably in an engine room of the vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, a) The first and second battery modules are formed from several battery cells, in particular lithium-ion cells, wherein the first and second battery modules are arranged in separate housings; b) the housing is made of a fire-resistant, in particular thermally insulating material, reinforced by internal thermal insulation attached to the housing; c) the housing includes a pressure relief device; d) the housing includes a fire-resistant interface for connecting and operating the first and second battery modules in the battery system; e) the housing is designed such that an exhaust port is connected to each pressure relief device in such a way that gases emitted by the pressure relief device can be discharged in a controlled manner via the exhaust port using a fire-resistant exhaust device, in particular a chimney; f) the housing, the interface and / or the pressure relief device is designed and / or arranged in such a way as tothat the first and second battery modules are at least temporarily hermetically sealed by the housing, the interface, and the pressure relief device; g) an open support structure for receiving the first and second battery modules is designed such that a multitude of air gaps are formed between the housing of the first battery module and adjacent surfaces, in particular those connected to the second battery modules by heat transfer, which are connected and designed in such a way as to form a structure that dissipates heat emitted by the respective battery module in a controlled manner by means of a chimney effect.

[0015] The battery system framework according to the invention provides fire protection for both the framework itself and the battery system formed therewith, as well as for persons in the vehicle or potentially also in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, against fire and its effects. According to the invention, this is achieved by limiting any fire caused by a battery cell to the battery module containing that cell using the fire-resistant, i.e., at least high-temperature-resistant, material.

[0016] By appropriately dimensioning and designing this system, for example through redundancies, the function of the battery system for the vehicle can therefore not be impaired or only minimally impaired.

[0017] The invention also facilitates the repair of the damage, i.e., essentially the replacement of the affected battery module, and offers protection for maintenance personnel, since these effects according to the invention are present in every operating state of the battery system or the vehicle.

[0018] This protective function is achieved, among other things, through the isolation of the battery modules from one another, but also through the design of the frame elements, i.e., the supporting structure, housing, and / or exhaust system. According to the invention, the coordinated design of these elements ensures that heat and reaction gases are quickly dissipated from the system.

[0019] This is advantageous both in normal operation and in the event of a fire, as it can contribute to maintaining the desired temperatures in normal operation, in addition to the cooling already provided for normal operation, which can also reduce abnormal cell conditions and, in the event of a fire, largely reduce the impact on other battery modules.

[0020] This is further enhanced by the thermal insulation within the housing. This provides an additional degree of freedom for adjusting the amount of heat energy reaching the enclosed module over a specific period. A further degree of freedom can be provided, in particular, by selecting the properties of the housing such that it is permeable to heat only in one direction, or has a greater permeability in that direction—namely, outwards. In such a design, the housing interacts with the thermal insulation in such a way that the insulation leads to a controlled heat release, and the adjacent housing, due to its properties, keeps this controlled energy—already present as reduced thermal energy—away from the second module inside the housing for as long as possible.

[0021] In the event of a fire, the pressure relief device also comes into play, because a fire would cause a pressure increase inside the housing, which would affect its structural stability and could destroy it. According to the invention, a suitable dimensioning of the pressure relief device ensures that the gas responsible for the pressure can escape when or before a destructive pressure is reached.

[0022] In conjunction with the exhaust system, to which this gas is supplied via the exhaust ports, a controlled release of the gas is ensured in such a way that other components of the battery system are not destructively affected. The exhaust ports ensure that the exhaust system of the adjacent modules can continue to function without damage and thus remains operational even after such an incident.

[0023] For this purpose, the device and the exhaust nozzles, as well as all other elements connected or connectable outside the housing, are additionally designed to be fire-resistant.

[0024] The invention is so flexible that battery modules can, in principle, be formed by all types of battery cells where a fire or other destructive events affecting neighboring modules cannot be completely ruled out.

[0025] The battery system is homogeneous, i.e., completely equipped with such battery modules, and thus all battery modules can be enclosed in a housing according to the invention and incorporated into the supporting structure to form the battery system framework.

[0026] The invention thus makes it possible to use and integrate unreliable battery modules, which are at least partially composed of lithium-ion cells, into a vehicle's battery system. This enables the use of more cost-effective and / or higher energy-density battery cells.

[0027] The housing according to the invention is characterized in that it is designed to provide the aforementioned function according to the battery support system according to the invention and / or one of the further developments of this function or for these functions and their combinations specified in the dependent claims. In this way, the housing contributes to the formation of the battery system framework and to realizing the advantages of the method according to the invention and its further developments.

[0028] In the inventive method for incorporating at least one first and at least one adjacent second battery module into a vehicle to form a battery system, preferably in an engine room of the vehicle, in particular a rail vehicle, a) The first and second battery modules are formed and operated from several battery cells, in particular lithium-ion cells; b) The first and second battery modules are operated in separate housings; c) The housing is made of a fire-resistant, in particular thermally insulating material, reinforced by internal thermal insulation (TI) attached to the housing; d) The housing includes a pressure relief device; e) The housing includes a fire-resistant interface for connecting and operating the respective battery module in the battery system; f) The housing is operated in such a way that an exhaust port is connected to each pressure relief device in such a way that gases emitted by the pressure relief device can be discharged in a controlled manner via the exhaust port using a fire-resistant exhaust device, in particular a chimney; g) The housing, the interface and / or the pressure relief device are designed and / or arranged in such a way as to be operated.that the battery module is at least temporarily hermetically sealed by the housing, the interface and the pressure relief; h) an open support structure for receiving the first and second battery modules is designed and operated in such a way that a multitude of air gaps are formed between the housing of the first battery module and adjacent surfaces, in particular those connected to the second battery modules by heat transfer, which are connected and designed in such a way as to form a structure that dissipates heat emitted by the respective battery module in a controlled manner by means of a chimney effect.

[0029] The method according to the invention enables the provision and operation of the battery system framework according to the invention and thus also has its advantages as well as the advantages of its further developments.

[0030] Further advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0031] If the battery system framework according to the invention is further developed such that the housing, and in particular as many of the elements of the battery system framework as possible, is made of stainless steel, especially stainless steel provided with a suitable insulating material, and is operated in this manner, a housing is obtained that offers a very good combination of fire resistance, stability, and thermal insulation. Furthermore, with stainless steel, the coating and painting often necessary with other materials to prevent rust are unnecessary. These other materials are potentially flammable. Therefore, this design also reduces the fire load.

[0032] Preferably, according to a further development, the battery system framework according to the invention can be designed and operated such that the thermal insulation is formed from a bidirectional insulating material. This allows heat dissipation to be metered in both directions. This provides additional degrees of freedom for optimizing the protection.

[0033] The battery system framework according to the invention can also be further developed and operated alternatively or additionally in such a way that the pressure relief device is designed and operated as a bursting membrane connected to the housing and / or the thermal insulation. This provides a simple and cost-effective implementation of the pressure relief device, which bursts in the direction of the exhaust device from a determined pressure caused by combustion gases and / or upon reaching a determined temperature, thereby allowing exhaust gases and / or heat to be discharged. This membrane can then be part of the housing and / or the thermal insulation.

[0034] Preferably, the battery system framework according to the invention is designed and operated such that the pressure relief device is configured as a rupture disc connected to the housing and / or the thermal insulation. Such rupture discs are standardized and generally include a rupture membrane with the aforementioned advantages, so that a standardized mounting option can be provided in the housing or thermal insulation. These standardized parts are generally available in larger quantities and therefore, in addition to the aforementioned advantage, also offer the benefit of being more cost-effective.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the battery system framework according to the invention can be further developed in such a way that the pressure protection is designed and operated as at least one spring-loaded overpressure flap connected to the housing and / or the thermal insulation.

[0036] Such a pressure relief valve has the advantage of only allowing gases above a certain pressure to pass through. A spring-loaded pressure relief valve has the advantage of only allowing solids smaller than the diameter of the valve opening to pass through. In contrast to a rupture membrane or rupture disc, only very small, and usually easily removable, solids can enter the exhaust system. Furthermore, the pressure relief valve itself is not susceptible to damage and snaps back into place after the overpressure is released, thus interrupting the oxygen supply to the interior of the module. This further enhances fire protection.

[0037] Preferably, burst diaphragms and / or spring-loaded pressure relief valves have an opening dimensioned such that blockage by solid parts can be ruled out or the probability of this is almost zero.

[0038] In addition, the battery system framework according to the invention can be further developed such that at least one passive cooling device is connected to at least one housing and / or the thermal insulation. This supplements the passive cooling already provided by the air gaps in the framework structure and can provide a cooling function that exceeds the protection required, in particular, by standards or TPT.

[0039] Preferably, this additional passive cooling system will be further developed and operated in such a way that the housing and / or the thermal insulation is connected to and configured with an expansion tank filled with a coolant, in particular water, such that the coolant, which has been evaporated by heat on the housing and / or the thermal insulation, flows from the expansion tank by gravity, collects the evaporated coolant in the expansion tank, and is cooled. This creates a closed circuit that provides cooling independently of the chimney effect.

[0040] Further advantages and details of the invention will be discussed starting from the section on Figure 1 the state of the art as presented in the Figures 2 to 3 The illustrated views of an embodiment of the invention are explained.

[0041] This shows FIGURE 1 schematically shows a definition of distinguishable levels applicable to a battery system according to the prior art, FIGURE 2 schematically shows the front view of an embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, FIGURE 3 schematically shows a side view of the embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention.

[0042] In the views of the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, which further develop the invention independently of one another and can therefore also be regarded individually or in a combination other than that shown as part of the invention defined by the claims.

[0043] Furthermore, the components of the illustrated embodiment described can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0044] Any information regarding functions and mode of operation should also be considered as an exemplary embodiment of the inventive method, even if this is not explicitly mentioned.

[0045] The same reference symbols have the same meaning in the different figures.

[0046] In the FIGURE 1 As described at the beginning, the diagram shows the breakdown of a typical lithium-ion battery system for traction and vehicle electrical system applications. This breakdown serves as the basis for determining functional units. These are used, among other things, for defining safety requirements according to the EN 62619 standard.

[0047] The first level, E1, is visible, representing the first functional unit formed by a battery cell. The second level, E2, is also visible, representing the second functional unit formed by one or more battery modules, which is typically composed of multiple cells, i.e., first functional units. Finally, the third level, E3, is visible, representing the third functional unit formed by a battery system, consisting of at least one battery module.

[0048] The safety requirement according to the standard EN 62619, the so-called Thermal Propagation Test (TPT), is met if it can be demonstrated that the system is designed in such a way that fires can be ruled out in the event of a TRA either at cell level E1, module level E2 or at battery system level E3.

[0049] The invention to which in FIGURE 2 and FIGURE 3The front and side view of an embodiment of the invention is shown, and proposes a concept for implementing TRA protection at module level E2, which leads to fire protection at level E3 and thus realizes the second alternative according to the standard.

[0050] In the FIGURE 2 The front view is shown as an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, with reference to which a method of the invention is also schematically illustrated as an embodiment and the inventive method is explained.

[0051] A receiving support structure TS can be seen. According to the exemplary embodiment, this support structure TS is formed as an open framework, which is further designed such that – as in the FIGURE 2It can be seen that the frame is designed to accommodate multiple battery modules B1...B4, and that this design is such that, with the battery modules B1...B4 installed, air gaps LS are formed at least between the battery modules B1...B4. The frame is designed as a rivet-and-screw construction, as shown in the example. This allows for the replacement of individual components after assembly or installation in a machine room.

[0052] The invention is not limited to shaping the air gaps solely on the supporting structure TS. Rather, the battery modules B1...B4, that is, for example, a housing EG of the battery module accommodating the cells that form the battery module, can alternatively or additionally be shaped such that these air gaps LS are formed after being placed in a supporting structure TS – either together with the supporting structure TS or alternatively. The function of the air gaps LS, i.e., a process step according to an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention, is to ensure heat dissipation based on convective cooling.

[0053] For this purpose, the supporting structure TS and / or the battery modules, in particular the cells of the

[0054] The housing EG accommodating battery modules B1...B4, according to an exemplary embodiment of the arrangement, is designed such that the formed air gaps LS close up in such a way as to create a chimney effect that can quickly and controllably dissipate the heat emitted in the air gaps LS. This closure, at least with parts of the battery system or frame, creates this chimney effect. Furthermore, these slots LS can extend towards an exhaust chimney (chimney) AK, so that the chimney also participates in the chimney effect via the air gap LS and, in addition to its function of exhaust gas removal, can contribute to cooling the structure. According to a further step in an exemplary embodiment of the inventive method, exhaust gases generated in the event of a fire from one of the battery modules B1...B4 are directed in the form of hot gases to at least one chimney AK1...AK2 is used, which ensures the extraction of these exhaust gases, so that the chimney effect provides for rapid heat / exhaust gas extraction or cooling, and the separate chimney AK1...AK2 protects the other battery modules B1...B4.

[0055] In the illustrated embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention, two chimneys AK1...AK2 are installed. However, the number of chimneys AK1...AK2 is not limited to this. Rather, any number of chimneys AK can be used, or the individual chimneys AK can be combined into a single chimney for the entire system. This depends on the desired effect or degree of optimization and / or predetermined parameters such as degrees of freedom in the dimensioning of the arrangement.

[0056] Since the battery modules B1...B4 are arranged in two rows and two columns in the illustrated embodiment, each of the two chimneys AK1...AK2 has been assigned to one column. However, a solution independent of the number of columns would also be conceivable. For example, one chimney for the two columns, or even three or more chimneys, depending on the focus of the design. In the example shown, an advantage is that uniform heat dissipation across all columns can be assumed or is the goal.

[0057] How to FIGURE 2Furthermore, it can be seen that a first battery module B1, a second battery module B2, and a third battery module B3 are not subject to a TRA event. Only in the case of the fourth battery module B4 is a TRA event considered to have occurred spontaneously for the purposes of explaining the exemplary embodiments. This event poses a risk of fire due to the TRA. This fourth battery module B4 is therefore also equipped, for example, with at least one lithium-ion cell, which is considered unsafe; for example, because it has a high energy density and / or lacks special internal cell safety measures that prevent short circuits and thus TRA events and / or reduce the probability to a minimum.

[0058] According to the exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, all modules are equipped with battery modules B1...B4 which are "uncertain" with regard to TRA probability.

[0059] One possible further development of the invention is provided in the exemplary embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention by a compensation tank AB. This tank is filled with water and is connected to the one unsafe fourth battery module B4 according to the exemplary embodiment in such a way that its water flows to the fourth battery module B4 by gravity.

[0060] The fourth battery module B4, like the other battery modules B1...B3, is designed in such a way that it can heat this water until it evaporates, and water can flow in from the expansion tank AB in proportion to the volume of the evaporated water.

[0061] This further development adds a cooling method using enthalpy of vaporization to the arrangements according to the invention for further improvement. This method is not strictly necessary according to the invention, particularly not for passing the TPT (Total Temperature Pressure) test, since the exemplary embodiments of the arrangement according to the invention already meet the safety requirements in principle without such an expansion vessel AB. Rather, this further development represents an additional passive cooling option that can offer enhanced safety, thus acting as a buffer, so to speak.

[0062] Preferably, in the case of the use of this further training, each unsafe battery module B1...B3 will be connected to such a buffer tank AB and designed accordingly in order to be able to carry out this additional process step for cooling.

[0063] The number of connected unsafe battery modules B1...B3 to the expansion tank AB can be freely selected according to the respective requirements of the system to be placed in a vehicle.

[0064] In the FIGURE 2 It can also be seen that the battery modules B1...B4 are formed according to the exemplary embodiment in such a way that they are surrounded by thermal insulation WD.

[0065] This thermal insulation (WD) is preferably designed to be bidirectional. Furthermore, the thermal insulation will be installed almost completely around each module B1...B4. As a rule, only the interfaces or openings for this purpose, or other absolutely necessary openings, will remain free of it.

[0066] The battery modules B1...B4 are also supplemented with a burst membrane BM, which is not visible in this view.

[0067] Furthermore, the necessary interfaces of the battery modules B1...B4 are designed to be fire-resistant.

[0068] Thermal insulation WD and burst membrane BM are in turn enclosed by the housing EG except for necessary recesses, which is shaped or formed in such a way as to be incorporated into the supporting structure TS and / or also forms or supplements part of the supporting function of the supporting structure.

[0069] As now in the FIGURE 3 As can be seen in the illustrated side view of the embodiment of the arrangement according to the invention, the stainless steel housing EG of the modules B1...B4 is each designed such that the bursting membrane BM is brought to rest on an exhaust gas nozzle AS, so that the respective battery module B1...B4 is connected to the exhaust gas stacks AK via the exhaust gas nozzle AS.

[0070] The rupture membrane BM can be designed as a rupture disc containing a rupturing membrane. It is also conceivable that the membrane is integrated with the thermal insulation WD, located on the side of the exhaust gas outlet AS, in a manner analogous to the construction of a rupture disc.

[0071] The bursting membrane BM - implemented with or without bursting discs - ensures the protection of the remaining battery modules B1...B4 or the entire supporting structure TS in the event of overpressure in the respective battery module B1...B4 encapsulated in the thermal insulation WD and the stainless steel housing EG, in which the overpressure, upon reaching a critical level, causes the membrane BM to burst and the pressure can thus escape in a controlled manner through the exhaust gas nozzles AS and the exhaust gas chimneys AK.

[0072] This ensures one of the advantageous functions of the invention, namely that in the event of a TRA (Torque Explosive Activation), the damage remains limited to the affected, individual battery module B1...B4. This means that, in principle, one exhaust port AS per unsafe battery module BM would be sufficient for this purpose. The illustrated embodiment therefore goes beyond the necessary protection and the effect of the invention in this respect as well, since it also connects safe modules B1...B3, and represents one of the possible further developments that are feasible according to the invention to offer additional safety.

[0073] The air gaps LS, the stainless steel housings EG, and the bidirectional thermal insulations WD contribute to this goal. The housing EG, which provides both stability and thermal conductivity, and the thermal insulation WD, protect the respective battery modules B1...B4 from externally penetrating heat and restrict heat dissipation during normal operation, but especially during a TRA (Temperature Adjustment), to such an extent that this alone and / or in conjunction with the other features of the arrangement or method according to the invention is sufficient to ensure that the functionality of the safe battery modules B1...B3 is not impaired.

[0074] The invention is therefore particularly suitable for use with "unsafe" cells. This makes it possible to use lithium cells with very high energy density in vehicles, especially rail vehicles.

[0075] Another advantage that also supports this use is that the TRA is limited to a battery module B3 affected by TRA, which is usually unsafe.

[0076] The invention thus defines, in a sense, a smallest combustible unit that is exhausted within a battery module B3. The safe or remaining modules B1...B3, which are not affected by the TRA, remain fully functional.

[0077] The concept is specifically designed for lithium-ion cells that lack TRA protection at the cell level. However, it is not limited to this. Essentially, the invention offers a reduction in damage from the destructive energy of a fire in any module B1...B4. However, its protection concept is particularly advantageous when using potentially unsafe cells.

[0078] The invention makes it possible to replace only the affected module after a fire. Depending on the control and interconnection of modules B1...B4, and supported by redundancies, the operation of the BS battery system can continue almost without interruption in such a case, even in the event of a fire.

[0079] Since the arrangement and method according to the invention make an active cooling circuit obsolete and the cooling methods provided according to the invention and its further developments are purely passive solutions, the protection according to the invention is provided in operating states, in particular also during dismantling or when the vehicle is switched off.

[0080] The invention therefore allows for protection sufficient according to TPT with regard to a safety mechanism required at the cell level in the first level E1. Significantly less expensive lithium-ion cells can be used. These are available in a much larger number than safer lithium-ion cells and thus reduce the cell costs of the battery system according to the invention.

[0081] The solution according to the invention also eliminates the need for a concept essentially realized in the third level E3, which is also very difficult to implement, since the released TRA energy of the entire burning battery system with a high number of cells makes any protective measures technically unrealizable and uneconomical.

[0082] The invention thus overcomes the disadvantage that arises when using a TRA-resistant container for the entire battery system BS. In such cases, a fire caused by a TRA in a single cell of a module results in the loss of the entire system. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for heavy outer casings, which are costly and must be dimensioned to handle large energy capacities.

[0083] The invention also reduces failure probabilities.

[0084] Furthermore, the invention provides such a robust solution that it even includes a design buffer for future cell generations with even higher energy density. It therefore offers more than sufficient protection for current systems.

[0085] The effort required for this is limited to an acceptable use of additional material and / or weight for the TRA protection according to the invention, since the housings EG also form parts of the framework TS.

[0086] The invention is not limited to the illustrated and discussed embodiments of the arrangement and the method, as well as their further developments. Rather, the invention, as defined by the claims, is intended to encompass all variants covered by the claims, including those not explicitly mentioned.

Claims

1. Battery system frame for accommodating at least a first battery module (B4) and at least one adjacent second battery module (B1...B3) in a vehicle in order to form a battery system, preferably in an engine compartment of the vehicle, in particular of a rail vehicle, wherein a) the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) can be formed of multiple, in particular lithium ion battery cells, characterized in that b) the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) can be arranged in a separate housing (EG) of the battery system frame, c) the housing (EG) is made of a fire-resistant, thermally insulating material, the thermal insulation effect in particular being enhanced by a thermal insulation (WD) mounted on the inner wall of the housing, d) the housing (EG) comprises a pressure relief arrangement, e) the housing (EG) comprises a fire-resistant interface for connection and operation of the battery module (B4) in the battery system (BS), f) the housing (EG) is configured such that an exhaust gas port (AS) can be connected to each pressure relief means such that gases emitted by the pressure relief means can be discharged through the exhaust gas port (AS) by means of a fire-resistant exhaust air device (AK1... AK2), in particular a chimney, in a controlled way, g) the housing (EG), the interface and / or the pressure relief means are configured and / or arranged such that the respective battery module (B1...B4) is at least temporarily hermetically sealed by the housing (EG), the interface and the pressure relief means, h) an open support structure (TS) for accommodating the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) is configured such that a multiplicity of air gaps (LS) is formed between the housing (EG) of the first battery module (B4) and adjoining surfaces in particular connected to the second battery modules (B1...B3) by way of heat transfer, and these air gaps are connected and configured such that they form a structure which dissipates heat given off by the respective battery module (B1... B4) by virtue of a chimney effect in a controlled way.

2. Battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (EG) is made of stainless steel.

3. Battery system frame according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the thermal insulation (WD) is made of a bidirectionally insulating material.

4. Battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure relief means (BM) is in the form of a rupture membrane connected to the housing (EG) and / or to the thermal insulation (WD).

5. Battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure relief means is in the form of a rupture disk connected to the housing (EG) and / or to the thermal insulation (WD).

6. Battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pressure relief means (BM) is in the form of at least one spring-loaded pressure relief flap connected to the housing (EG) and / or to the thermal insulation (WD).

7. Battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one passive cooling device (AB) is connected to at least one housing (EG) and / or to the thermal insulation (WD).

8. Battery system frame according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the passive cooling means (AB) is configured such that the housing and / or the thermal insulation (WD) is connected to a compensating vessel (AB) filled with a cooling liquid, in particular water, and is configured such that the cooling liquid that was caused to evaporate on the housing and / or on the thermal insulation owing to heat is made to run out of the compensating vessel (AB) by gravitational force and the evaporated cooling liquid is collected and cooled in the compensating vessel (AB).

9. Housing (EG) for forming the battery system frame according to one of the preceding claims.

10. Method for accommodating at least a first battery module (B4) and at least one second battery module (B1...B3) in a vehicle in order to form a battery system by means of a battery system frame according to one of Claims 1 to 8, preferably in an engine compartment of the vehicle, in particular of a rail vehicle, wherein a) the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) can be formed of and operated on the basis of multiple, in particular lithium ion battery cells, characterized in that b) the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) are operated in a separate housing (EG) of the battery system frame, c) the housing (EG) is made of a fire-resistant, thermally insulating material, the thermal insulation effect in particular being enhanced by a thermal insulation (WD) mounted on the inner wall of the housing, d) the housing (EG) comprises a pressure relief arrangement (BM), e) the housing (EG) comprises a fire-resistant interface for connection and operation of the respective battery module (B1... Bq4) in the battery system (BS), f) the housing (EG) is operated such that an exhaust gas port (AS) is connected to each pressure relief means (BM) such that gases emitted by the pressure relief means (BM) can be discharged through the exhaust gas ports (AS) by means of a fire-resistant exhaust air device (AK1...AK2), in particular a chimney, in a controlled way, g) the housing (EG), the interface and / or the pressure relief means (BM) are configured and / or operated in an arrangement such that the battery module (B4) is at least temporarily hermetically sealed by the housing (EG), the interface and the pressure relief means (BM), h) an open support structure (TS) for accommodating the first battery module (B4) and the second battery module (B1...B3) is configured and operated such that a multiplicity of air gaps (LS) is formed between the housing (EG) of the first battery module (B4) and adjoining surfaces in particular connected to the second battery modules (B1...B3) by way of heat transfer, and these air gaps are connected and configured such that they form a structure which dissipates heat given off by the respective battery module (B1...B4) by virtue of a chimney effect in a controlled way.