Device for a battery housing

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for a battery housing (1), comprising an air-conditioning unit, wherein the air-conditioning unit is arranged in a housing (13), wherein the air-conditioning unit has a first fan (4), which is designed to draw ambient air (3) into the housing (13) via an inflow (2), wherein the device is designed in such a way that, by means of the first fan (4), the ambient air (3) flows through a first heat exchanger (5) and then out of the housing (13) via an outflow (6), and also comprising a second fan (7), which is designed to feed a stream of heated internal air (8) to a second heat exchanger (9) of the air-conditioning unit, wherein a switchover device (12) is provided, which is designed in such a way that the ambient air (3) is separated from the internal air (8), wherein the switchover device (12) is also designed in such a way that, in the event of a fault, the internal air (8) is connected to the outflow (6) in such a way that the internal air (8) flows out of the battery housing (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Device for a battery housing

[0003] The invention relates to a device for a battery housing, comprising an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing, wherein the air conditioning unit has a first fan which is designed to suck in ambient air via an inflow into the battery housing, wherein the device is designed such that the ambient air flows through a first heat exchanger by means of the first fan and then out of the battery housing via an outflow, further comprising a second fan which is designed to flow heated internal air to an evaporator of the air conditioning unit, wherein a switching device is provided which is designed such that the ambient air is separated from the internal air.

[0004] The invention further relates to a method for operating a battery housing, wherein an air conditioning unit is arranged in the battery housing, wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing, wherein the air conditioning unit can cool down internal air heated in the interior of the battery housing, wherein the air conditioning unit is designed with a first fan, with which the ambient air is flowed through a first heat exchanger and thereby the temperature of the ambient air rises and flows out of the housing via an outflow.

[0005] Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming increasingly important in electrical power systems. This is becoming increasingly important as the integration of fluctuating renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power increases. When generating electricity, it is important to consider the temporal fluctuations of these renewable sources. With the ability to supply or absorb large amounts of power in milliseconds, batteries are indeed very well suited for controlling or limiting the ramp rate, as well as for frequency regulation, load balancing, etc. However, since energy capacity remains a significant cost factor, it is crucial to correctly size the battery for the application.

[0006] Grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) typically consist of multiple battery modules operating in parallel and / or series. During normal BESS operation, a potential difference in the charge and / or discharge of different BESS units can lead to an imbalance between them; i.e., they would have different states of charge (SoCs). State of charge imbalance can also occur when a BESS or a series of BESSs are disconnected and then reconnected, e.g., due to a fault or normal maintenance.

[0007] Battery modules typically contain lithium-ion cells. Such lithium-ion cells, which are formed with liquid or solid electrolyte, or conventional lithium-ion batteries, which are formed as solid-state batteries, reach the end of their service life, often referred to as End of Life (EoL), after a certain period of cyclical and cyclical stress. The lithium-ion cells are assembled into the battery module using both serial and parallel connections. This type of connection is used to increase the voltage, on the one hand, and to increase the maximum current, on the other. Such battery modules are used within a large stationary energy storage system. In this case, however, serial connection is usually used to increase the overall voltage, but sometimes parallel connection is also used to further increase the capacity without exceeding the maximum voltage.The battery modules are arranged in a battery enclosure, which also houses an air conditioning unit. In the event of a fault, electrolyte hydrogen gases can escape from a battery. These gases can create an explosive atmosphere and, in combination with sealed battery enclosures, become extremely dangerous. This can lead to battery fires, which pose a threat to the surrounding area.

[0008] To prevent an explosive atmosphere in a battery room, sensors or detectors detect the release of flammable gases such as hydrogen gas (H2), methane (CH4), long-chain hydrocarbons, or electrolyte gas, and activate an extraction device. The extraction device essentially consists of a fan and an interface to the outside air, protected by a weatherproof grille.

[0009] By extracting the escaping gases and allowing fresh outside air to flow in, the concentration of flammable gases inside the battery housing remains so low that no explosive atmosphere can arise.

[0010] CN114512763A discloses a lithium battery cabinet fire fighting and smoke extraction device based on a universal energy storage system of the base station, consisting of a battery box, a lithium battery, a battery system power supply, a heat dissipation unit, and a fire extinguishing and smoke extraction system. The heat dissipation unit includes a heat dissipation fan arranged on the battery box and a ventilation valve arranged on the battery box, and the fire extinguishing smoke extraction system includes a central processing unit arranged in the battery. The communication unit, the temperature detection unit, the smoke detection unit, the fan control unit, and the air valve controller are sequentially connected to the central processing unit.The fan control unit is connected to the heat dissipation fan, and the air valve control unit is connected to the ventilation air valve to control the heat dissipation and ventilation in the battery box.

[0011] KR100810092B1 discloses a temperature and humidity control device for a distributor to reduce power consumption by efficiently controlling the internal heat and humidity caused by the drive heat of the distributor. The temperature and humidity control device for a distributor comprises a temperature and humidity sensor, an automatic control unit, a vent, and a

[0012] Ventilation fan. The temperature and humidity sensor detects abnormalities in the preset temperature and humidity values ​​inside the manifold. The automatic control unit controls the temperature and humidity information received from the temperature and humidity sensor. The vent and ventilation fan are controlled by interlocking with the automatic control unit.

[0013] JP2003338270A discloses a one-way valve that can adequately function as a pressure relief valve in a battery compartment.

[0014] Chillers, also known as refrigeration machines or water chillers, are also known. A chiller is a device used to cool liquids, usually water or a water-glycol mixture. This cooled liquid is then pumped through a system in a closed circuit to remove heat from a specific area or process. Chillers are used in a variety of applications, including air conditioning for buildings, industrial processes, data centers, and medical facilities. A chiller typically consists of the following main components:

[0015] Evaporator: Here, the refrigerant is evaporated by absorbing heat from the liquid being cooled. The liquid is thereby cooled and can then be used to cool the desired area or process.

[0016] Compressor: The compressor increases the pressure of the evaporated refrigerant, thereby raising its temperature. This is necessary for the refrigerant to condense in the next step.

[0017] Condenser: In the condenser, the refrigerant releases the absorbed heat to the environment and condenses back into a liquid. This can be achieved using air- or water-cooled condensers.

[0018] Expansion valve: The expansion valve reduces the pressure of the liquid refrigerant, thereby lowering its temperature. The refrigerant is now ready to return to the evaporator and begin the cooling cycle again.

[0019] Chillers can be divided into two main categories:

[0020] Air-cooled chillers: These use air to remove heat from the condenser. They are generally easier to install and maintain, but require adequate space and ventilation.

[0021] Water-cooled chillers: These use water to remove heat in the condenser. They are more efficient than air-cooled chillers, but require additional infrastructure such as cooling towers or another water source for heat removal. Chillers are critical for maintaining temperature control in many applications and contribute to improving energy efficiency and process stability.

[0022] It is desirable to have a simple device to prevent the accumulation of toxic gases in the event of an accident.

[0023] This is where the invention comes in, the object of which is to offer a device and a method with which the accumulation of disruptive gases in a battery housing can at least be reduced.

[0024] This object is achieved by a device for a battery housing, comprising an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing, wherein the air conditioning unit has a first fan which is designed to suck in ambient air via an inflow into the housing, wherein the device is designed such that the ambient air flows through a first heat exchanger by means of the first fan and then out of the housing via an outflow, further comprising a second fan which is designed to flow heated internal air to a second heat exchanger of the air conditioning unit, wherein a switching device is provided which is designed such that the ambient air is separated from the internal air, wherein the switching device is further designed such that in the event of a fault the internal air is connected to the outflow in such a way that the internal air flows out of the battery housing.

[0025] The object is also achieved by a method for operating a battery housing, wherein an air conditioning unit is arranged in the battery housing, wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing, wherein the air conditioning unit can cool internal air heated inside the battery housing, wherein the air conditioning unit is designed with a first fan, with which the ambient air is flowed through a first heat exchanger and as a result the temperature of the ambient air rises and flows out of the battery housing via an outflow, wherein in the event of a fault a switching device connects the internal air to the outflow so that the internal air flows out of the housing.

[0026] The invention is based on the idea that an existing fan or blower of the air conditioning unit can be used to transport the disruptive gases from the interior of the battery housing.

[0027] The housing can also be called the air conditioning unit housing and is located inside the battery housing.

[0028] A malfunction is defined as a condition in which gases are generated inside the battery casing that are considered disruptive, and in any case, the accumulation of these gases within the battery casing is undesirable. Examples of such disruptive gases include hydrogen gas, methane, or long-chain hydrocarbons.

[0029] In an operating state that assumes normal operation, the outside air is drawn through a first heat exchanger by a first fan. The cooling medium in the heat exchanger is thereby liquefied and flows to a throttle valve. An evaporator with a second fan, which is used for internal cooling, is spatially separated from this by a switching device. As soon as an interfering gas is detected in the event of a fault, the switching device is activated, so that the inside air containing the interfering gas is sucked out of the battery housing by the first fan. Fresh ambient air is supplied by the second fan.

[0030] One advantage of the invention is that the existing air conditioning unit is used to extract the harmful gases. Another advantage is that it saves space and allows for a more compact housing design.

[0031] Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims.

[0032] In a first advantageous further development, in the event of a fault, the device is designed such that the ambient air flows into the interior of the battery housing via the inflow.

[0033] In a further advantageous development, the switching device is designed as a pivotable flap.

[0034] In a further advantageous development, a sensor is provided which detects the fault and sends a fault signal, so that in the event of a fault the switching device connects the internal air with the outflow in such a way that the internal air flows out of the battery housing and fresh air flows into the battery housing.

[0035] In a further advantageous development, the device is designed such that the internal air is used to cool the interior of the battery housing.

[0036] In a further advantageous development, the sensor is designed to detect hydrogen.

[0037] The invention is also applicable to chillers.

[0038] In a chiller according to the invention, a fan draws outside air through the chiller housing via a heat exchanger, where it condenses the cooling medium. In the lower half of the system, there is a pump and a water reservoir-evaporator unit, which is responsible for internal cooling.

[0039] The air circuit is separated from the interior of the battery storage system by a closed rear wall of the chiller. According to the invention, in the event of hydrogen detection, the rear wall is provided with two openings, for example, flaps or sliders. This allows the fan in the chiller to extract the gas from the interior of the battery storage system.

[0040] For this purpose, controlled dampers must be integrated. Sliders must also be installed on the rear wall of the chiller to provide air vents to the interior of the battery storage system. Furthermore, an explosion-proof fan must be installed.

[0041] In the following, an embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0042] The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention, as well as the manner in which they are achieved, will become clearer and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of the embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

[0043] Identical components or components with the same function are marked with the same reference symbols.

[0044] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings. These are not intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, where useful for explanation, the drawings are presented in a schematic and / or slightly distorted form. For supplements to the teachings immediately apparent in the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art.

[0045] They show:

[0046] FIG 1 is a schematic representation of the device FIG 2 is a schematic representation of the device in

[0047] Incident

[0048] FIG 3 a schematic representation of another device

[0049] FIG 4 is a schematic representation of the further device in the event of a fault.

[0050] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the device according to the invention.

[0051] The device comprises a battery housing 1 in which an air conditioning unit is arranged. The functioning of the air conditioning unit is briefly outlined below. As is known, an air conditioning unit uses a refrigerant that is pumped through a closed circuit of tubes (not shown) and is alternately in the liquid and gaseous state. In the area to be cooled, liquid refrigerant flows through a heat exchanger or evaporator. Along the way, the pressure is reduced using a throttle valve (not shown) or similar. The evaporation process of the refrigerant lowers the temperature of the heat exchanger. With the help of a second fan 7 or blower 7, heat is exchanged in the second heat exchanger 9 or evaporator 9 with the internal air 8 from the battery housing 1. In this way, the internal air 8 is cooled inside the battery housing 1.The now gaseous refrigerant then flows to a compressor (not shown), where it is highly compressed and thereby heated. The temperature of the gaseous refrigerant rises significantly above the temperature of the ambient air 3. The refrigerant then releases the absorbed heat to the ambient air 3 via a first heat exchanger 5 or condenser 5. As a result, the refrigerant cools down and liquefies again. A housing 13, in which the air conditioning unit is located, is arranged within the battery housing 1. Ambient air 3 flows into the interior of the housing 13 via an inflow 2. A first fan 4 is arranged within the housing 13 and is designed to suck the ambient air 3 into the housing 13 via the inflow 2. The ambient air 3 flows through a first heat exchanger 5 by means of the first fan 4. The heated air then flows out of the housing 13 via an outflow 6.

[0052] The second fan 7 is designed to flow heated internal air 8 to the second heat exchanger 9 or evaporator 9, where the refrigerant evaporates and the internal air 8 cools. The cooled internal air 10 is then used to cool the power losses occurring in the interior of the battery housing 1.

[0053] The flowing ambient air 3 and the flowing internal air 8 are separated from each other via channels 11 and a switching device 12.

[0054] In the event of a malfunction, disruptive gases develop in the battery housing 1. These can be caused by defective battery modules and are detected by sensors (not shown). To prevent the accumulation of these disruptive or flammable gases in the interior air 8, the switching device 12 is designed such that the interior air 8 is connected to the outlet 6 in such a way that the interior air 8 flows out of the battery housing 1. This malfunction is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0055] The housing 13 can also be referred to as an air conditioning unit housing and is arranged within the battery housing 1.

[0056] A malfunction is defined as a condition in which gases are generated inside the battery housing 1 that are considered disruptive and in any case, the accumulation of these gases within the battery housing 1 is undesirable. Such disruptive gases include, for example, hydrogen gas, methane, or long-chain hydrocarbons.

[0057] The switching device 12 causes the heated interior air 8 to be fluidly connected to the outlet 6 via the second fan 4 and to flow out of the battery housing 1. This effectively prevents the accumulation of disruptive or flammable gases in the battery housing 1.

[0058] The inflow 2 should be such that the disruptive gases are not sucked back in. The second fan 4 must be designed for the disruptive or flammable gases.

[0059] As shown in Figure 2, the ambient air 3 flows through the first fan 7 via the inlet 2. The switching device 12 is designed as a pivoting flap. The rotating mechanism is not shown in detail.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a battery housing 20. The battery housing 20 comprises a housing 21. A chiller 22 is separated within the housing 21. A fan 23 is arranged in the chiller 22 and is designed to bring outside air 24 into the interior of the chiller 22. The outside air 24 flows through a heat exchanger 25, which heats the outside air 24. After the heat exchanger 25, the heated outside air 24 flows back outside the chiller 20 due to the action of the fan 23.

[0061] A pump 26 and a control system 27 are arranged inside the chiller 22. The chiller 22 is arranged inside the housing 28. A rear wall 29 separates the housing interior 28 from the chiller 22. Switching devices 12 are arranged in the rear wall and can establish a fluid connection between the housing interior 28 and the chiller. In the event of a malfunction, unwanted and toxic gases can arise inside the housing 28 and must be removed from the housing interior 28. In this case, the switching device 12 is activated and the fluid connection is established between the housing interior 28 and the chiller 22. The unwanted and toxic gas would then be brought outside the battery housing 20 via the fan 23.

[0062] Figure 4 shows the malfunction, with hydrogen H2 being represented as the unwanted and toxic gas. As can be seen in Figure 4, a portion of the outside air 24 flows via the lower switching device 12 into the housing interior 28 and mixes with the unwanted and toxic gas and is brought outside the battery housing 20 via the upper switching device 12 and the fan 23. In this way, the unwanted and toxic gas can be removed from the battery housing 20. The switching device 12 can be a flap or a slide or a similar component.

[0063] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail by the preferred embodiment, the invention is not limited to the disclosed examples and other variants can be derived by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Device for a battery housing (1), comprising an air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing (13), wherein the air conditioning unit has a first fan (4) which is designed to suck in ambient air (3) via an inflow (2) into the housing (13), wherein the device is designed such that the ambient air (3) flows by means of the first fan (4) through a first heat exchanger (5) and then out of the housing (13) via an outflow (6), further comprising a second fan (7) which is designed to flow a warmed-up internal air (8) to a second heat exchanger (9) of the air conditioning unit, wherein a switching device (12) is provided which is designed such that the ambient air (3) is separated from the internal air (8), characterized in that the switching device (12) is further designed such that in the event of a fault, the internal air (8) is connected to the outflow (6) in such a way is connected,that the internal air (8) flows out of the battery housing (1).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein in the event of a fault the device is designed such that the ambient air (3) flows into the interior of the battery housing via the inflow (2).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching device (12) is designed as a pivotable flap.

4. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a sensor is provided which detects the fault and sends a fault signal, so that the switching device (12) in the event of a fault, the inflow (2) connects with the interior air in such a way that the ambient air (3) flows into the battery housing (1) via the inflow (2).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed such that the internal air (8) is designed to cool the interior of the battery housing.

6. The device according to claim 4, wherein the sensor is configured to detect hydrogen.

7. Method for operating a battery housing (1), wherein an air conditioning unit is arranged in the battery housing (1), wherein the air conditioning unit is arranged in a housing (13), wherein internal air (8) heated in the interior of the battery housing (1) can be cooled by means of the air conditioning unit, wherein the air conditioning unit is designed with a first fan (4) with which the ambient air (3) is flowed through a first heat exchanger (5) and as a result the temperature of the ambient air (3) rises and flows out of the battery housing (1) via an outflow (6), wherein in the event of a fault a switching device (12) connects the internal air (8) to the outflow (6) so that the internal air (8) flows out of the housing (13).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the switching device (12) is formed with a pivotable flap.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the internal air (8) flows to cool the interior of the battery case.

10. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein a sensor is installed which detects the malfunction, in particular is designed so that the sensor can detect hydrogen.

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