Battery module and energy storage system

Abstract

The application relates to a battery module and an energy storage system, the battery module comprising: a plurality of single batteries, the single battery comprising a first explosion-proof valve; a flow guide device, the flow guide device being provided with a containing cavity, the containing cavity being in communication with the outside; wherein the flow guide device is located above the single battery in the height direction Z, and the hot flow sprayed by the first explosion-proof valve can be discharged through the containing cavity. In the application, the hot flow is discharged out of the battery module through the containing cavity, so that the random diffusion and spread of the hot flow are prevented, the stable work of other single batteries is ensured, the stability of the work of the single battery is improved, and the use safety of the entire energy storage system is improved. The energy storage system further comprises a box body, and the battery module is installed in the box body, so that the stability of the installation of the battery module and the stability of the work are improved, and the working performance of the entire energy storage system is improved.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of energy storage devices, in particular to a battery module and an energy storage system. BACKGROUND

[0002] The current global automobile industry is facing huge challenges of energy and environment, and energy-efficient, environmentally friendly pure electric vehicles are increasingly becoming the direction of future automobile industry development. As the core component of pure electric vehicles, the performance of power batteries will directly affect the overall performance of pure electric vehicles. The power battery includes a battery module, and the battery module is composed of a plurality of single batteries. There is a risk of thermal runaway of one or more single batteries during the working process of the battery module. When the single battery thermal runaway occurs, high-temperature and high-pressure hot flow is generated. After the hot flow is discharged from the first explosion-proof valve, the high-temperature hot flow spreads, affecting the entire energy storage system and increasing the safety hazard. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a battery module and an energy storage system. The energy storage system can discharge the high-temperature hot flow generated by the single battery thermal runaway, reduce the risk of high-temperature hot flow spreading, and improve the use safety of the entire energy storage system.

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a battery module, which comprises:

[0005] a plurality of single batteries, wherein the single battery comprises a first explosion-proof valve;

[0006] a flow guide device, wherein the flow guide device is provided with an accommodation cavity, and the accommodation cavity is in communication with the outside;

[0007] The flow guide device is located above the single battery along the height direction Z, and the hot flow sprayed from the first explosion-proof valve can be discharged through the accommodation cavity.

[0008] In the present application, the hot flow is discharged from the battery module through the accommodation cavity, thereby preventing the hot flow from randomly spreading and diffusing, ensuring the stable work of other single batteries, improving the stability of the single battery work, and further improving the use safety of the entire energy storage system.

[0009] In a possible design, the flow guide device comprises a body piece and a heat insulation piece, and the body piece and the heat insulation piece are connected and surround the accommodation cavity.

[0010] The heat insulation piece is arranged towards the single battery.

[0011] In a possible design, the flow guide device further comprises a separation piece, the heat insulation piece and the separation piece are connected through a breakable part, and under the action of the hot flow, the breakable part can be broken to form an opening.

[0012] In a possible design, the drainage device includes a plurality of guide portions, and the guide portions extend along the height direction Z and abut against the single battery;

[0013] The guide portions surround the first explosion-proof valve.

[0014] In a possible design, the drainage device further includes a plurality of sealing rings, and the sealing rings are mounted on the guide portions;

[0015] The sealing rings abut against the single battery.

[0016] In a possible design, along the length direction Y, the battery module includes oppositely arranged end plates, and the drainage device is symmetrically provided with a second mounting portion, and the second mounting portion abuts against the end plates;

[0017] Along the height direction Z, the second mounting portion is bent downward relative to the drainage device.

[0018] In a possible design, the drainage device further includes a nozzle, and the accommodation cavity is in communication with the outside through the nozzle.

[0019] In a possible design, the battery module includes a second shell, and the second shell has a cavity, and the cavity is in communication with the accommodation cavity;

[0020] The cavity can be in communication with the outside.

[0021] In a possible design, the second shell includes oppositely arranged end plates along the length direction, and the end plates have first cavities provided with openings in communication with the outside;

[0022] The battery module further includes a first adapter, and the first cavities and the accommodation cavity are in communication through the first adapter.

[0023] In a possible design, the drainage device includes a body member and a sealing ring, the body member is provided with a second mounting groove, and the sealing ring is mounted in the second mounting groove;

[0024] The sealing ring is in interference fit with the second mounting groove.

[0025] In a possible design, the second shell further includes at least one first longitudinal beam, and the first longitudinal beam extends along the width direction and is connected to the end plates;

[0026] The first longitudinal beam is provided with a second cavity, the second cavity is in communication with the first cavity, and the second cavity can be in communication with the outside.

[0027] In a possible design, the battery module includes at least two battery strings, and the first longitudinal beam is located between adjacent battery strings;

[0028] The second cavity is provided with a partition portion, and the partition portion divides the second cavity into a first sub-cavity and a second sub-cavity distributed along the length direction.

[0029] In a possible design, the battery module further includes a second adapter that is in communication with the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0030] In a possible design, the second shell further includes second longitudinal beams arranged opposite to each other along a length direction and a cross beam arranged opposite to each other along a width direction, and the single battery is arranged in a region formed by the second longitudinal beams and the cross beam.

[0031] The second longitudinal beams and the cross beam are provided with a third cavity in communication, and the third cavity is in communication with the second cavity and the first cavity.

[0032] In a possible design, the first longitudinal beam is provided with a second explosion-proof valve in communication with the second cavity.

[0033] In a possible design, a second heat insulation layer is arranged between the second shell and the single battery.

[0034] The second aspect of the present application provides an energy storage system, which includes:

[0035] The battery module is any one of the above battery modules.

[0036] In the present application, the energy storage system further includes a box body, and the battery module is installed in the box body, thereby increasing the stability of the installation of the battery module and the stability of the work, so that the working performance of the entire energy storage system is improved.

[0037] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are only exemplary and cannot limit the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0038] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the battery module provided in the present application in a specific embodiment;

[0039] Figure 2 The structure schematic diagram of the drainage device in the present application; Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the drainage device in the present application;

[0040] Figure 3 The front view of the present application; Figure 2 The front view of the present application;

[0041] Figure 4 The structure schematic diagram of the single battery and the drainage device in the present application after assembly; Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the single battery and the drainage device in the present application after assembly;

[0042] Figure 5 The enlarged view of the I part in the present application; Figure 4 The enlarged view of the I part in the present application;

[0043] Figure 6 The structure schematic diagram of the body part in the present application; Figure 2 The structure schematic diagram of the body part in the present application;

[0044] Figure 7 for Figure 2 a structure diagram of the heat insulation piece;

[0045] Figure 8 for Figure 2 a structure diagram of the nozzle;

[0046] Figure 9 for Figure 2 a structure diagram of the sealing ring;

[0047] Figure 10 for Figure 9 a sectional view of the body piece;

[0048] Figure 11 a structure diagram of the energy storage system provided by the present application in a specific embodiment;

[0049] Figure 12 a structure diagram of the energy storage system provided by the present application in another specific embodiment;

[0050] Figure 13 for Figure 12 a front view of the body piece;

[0051] Figure 14 a structure diagram of the battery module provided by the present application in another specific embodiment;

[0052] Figure 15 for Figure 14 a structure diagram of the drainage device;

[0053] Figure 16 for Figure 15 a sectional view of the body piece;

[0054] Figure 17 for Figure 15 a structure diagram of the body piece;

[0055] Figure 18 for Figure 17 a sectional view of the body piece;

[0056] Figure 19 for Figure 15 a structure diagram of the first adapter piece;

[0057] Figure 20 for Figure 19 a sectional view of the body piece;

[0058] Figure 21 for Figure 14 a structure diagram of the end plate;

[0059] Figure 22 for Figure 14 a sectional view of the body piece;

[0060] Figure 23 for Figure 22 Enlarged view of section I;

[0061] Figure 24 A schematic diagram of the energy storage system provided in this application in another specific embodiment;

[0062] Figure 25 for Figure 24 Schematic diagram of the middle box structure;

[0063] Figure 26 for Figure 25 A sectional view;

[0064] Figure 27 for Figure 26 Enlarged view of Part II;

[0065] Figure 28 for Figure 26 Enlarged view of Part III;

[0066] Figure 29 for Figure 24 A sectional view;

[0067] Figure 30 for Figure 29 Enlarged view of section IV.

[0068] Figure label:

[0069] 1-Battery module;

[0070] 11-Single cell;

[0071] 111 - First explosion-proof valve;

[0072] 12-Drainage device;

[0073] 121 - Receiving cavity;

[0074] 122-Main body component;

[0075] 122a - First sealing part;

[0076] 122b - Guide section;

[0077] 122c - Second mounting section;

[0078] 122d - Mounting hole;

[0079] 122f - Second mounting slot;

[0080] 122g - Drainage section;

[0081] 122h - First insulation layer;

[0082] 123 - thermal insulation member;

[0083] 124 - disengagement member;

[0084] 125 - frangible portion;

[0085] 126 - sealing ring;

[0086] 126a - first mounting groove;

[0087] 126b - first mounting surface;

[0088] 126c - second mounting surface;

[0089] 126d - second sealing portion;

[0090] 127 - nozzle;

[0091] 127a - first mounting portion;

[0092] 127b - jetting portion;

[0093] 13 - end plate;

[0094] 131 - first cavity;

[0095] 131a - opening;

[0096] 132 - second mounting hole;

[0097] 14 - first adapter;

[0098] 141 - first adapter portion;

[0099] 142 - second adapter portion;

[0100] 143 - first mounting hole;

[0101] 15 - second adapter;

[0102] 151 - third adapter portion;

[0103] 152 - fourth adapter portion;

[0104] 2 - second housing;

[0105] 21 - first longitudinal beam;

[0106] 211 - second cavity;

[0107] 211a - first sub-cavity;

[0108] 211b - second sub-cavity;

[0109] 212 - second explosion-proof valve;

[0110] 213 - isolation portion;

[0111] 22 - second longitudinal beam;

[0112] 23 - cross beam;

[0113] 24 - third cavity;

[0114] 25 - second thermal insulation layer;

[0115] 3 - box;

[0116] 31 - first through hole;

[0117] 32 - second through hole;

[0118] 33 - protective film.

[0119] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the application and serve to explain the principles of the application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0120] For better understanding of the technical solutions of the present application, the embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0121] It should be clear that the described embodiments are only some of the embodiments of the present application, not all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative labor fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0122] The terms used in the embodiments of the present application are only for the purpose of describing the specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" used in the embodiments of the present application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0123] It should be understood that the term "and / or" used herein is only to describe the association relationship of the associated objects, which means that there can be three relationships, for example, A and / or B, which can represent the three cases of A alone, A and B together, and B alone. In addition, the character " / " in this paper generally represents that the front and rear associated objects are a "or" relationship.

[0124] It should be noted that the "upper", "lower", "left", "right" and other directional words described in the embodiments of the present application are described in the angle shown in the drawings, and should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present application. In addition, in the context, it should also be understood that when referring to an element connected to another element "on" or "under", it can be directly connected to another element "on" or "under" or indirectly connected to another element "on" or "under" through an intermediate element.

[0125] The embodiments of the present application provide a kind of energy storage system, the energy storage system includes first shell and the battery module 1 arranged in first shell, first shell can be made of aluminum, aluminum alloy or other metal materials, first shell has accommodating cavity.In a possible design, when the energy storage system is battery cabinet, as shown in Figure 12 And Figure 13 The first shell can be a first shell structure with an open side, and includes a door panel with a size comparable to that of the opening of the side of the first shell. The door panel can be fixed to the opening by a fixing member such as a bolt, thereby forming the accommodating cavity. The door panel can move relative to the first shell to facilitate opening or closing the accommodating cavity. Meanwhile, to improve the sealing of the first shell, a sealing member can be arranged between the door panel and the first shell. In another specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 The energy storage system can also be a battery pack installed on a vehicle body and providing power to the vehicle body.

[0126] The accommodating cavity of the first shell can accommodate one or more battery modules 1. The battery modules 1 can be arranged side by side in the length direction of the energy storage system or in the width direction of the energy storage system in the first shell, and each battery module 1 is fixed to the first shell.

[0127] Specifically, as shown in Figure 1 The battery module 1 includes a plurality of single batteries 11 and a frame structure. The single batteries 11 can be secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. An end plate 13 forms a cavity, and the plurality of single batteries 11 are arranged in the cavity of the end plate 13 and stacked in the cavity. In this document, the stacking direction of the single batteries 11 is defined as the length direction Y, and the plurality of single batteries 11 form a battery string after being stacked in the length direction. The battery module 1 can include one or more battery strings. When including a plurality of battery strings, the arrangement direction of each battery string is defined as the width direction X, and the direction perpendicular to the length direction Y and the width direction X is defined as the height direction Z.

[0128] The single-cell battery 11 includes an electrode assembly, a top cover assembly, and a casing. The casing can be hexahedral or other shapes, and an internal cavity is formed inside the casing to accommodate the electrode assembly and electrolyte. One end of the casing is open, allowing the electrode assembly to be placed inside the casing cavity through the opening. Multiple electrode assemblies can be disposed within the internal cavity and stacked on top of each other. The casing can include a metallic material, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, or an insulating material, such as plastic.

[0129] Typically, energy storage systems have a large number of individual batteries 11. When any individual battery 11 in the energy storage system experiences thermal runaway, high-temperature heat is released from the first explosion-proof valve 111. If not handled promptly, this high-temperature heat can spread, causing other individual batteries 11 or even the entire energy storage system to burn. To avoid this problem, existing solutions usually include a fire suppression system in the energy storage system. When an individual battery 11 experiences thermal runaway, the fire suppression system is triggered, and a submersible water fire suppression system injects water into the entire energy storage system to extinguish the fire. However, this method of fire suppression results in the electrical components of the entire energy storage system being damaged by water, leading to wasted costs.

[0130] To solve this technical problem, this application provides a battery module 1, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the battery module 1 includes a flow-guiding device 12, which is provided with a receiving cavity 121 that is connected to the outside. The flow-guiding device 12 is located above the single cell 11 along the height direction Z, and the hot flow ejected from the first explosion-proof valve 111 can be discharged through the receiving cavity 121.

[0131] In this embodiment, a first explosion-proof valve 111 is installed on the individual battery 11. When the individual battery 11 experiences thermal runaway, the heat flow can be discharged through the first explosion-proof valve 111 and enter the receiving cavity 121 of the diversion device 12 located above the individual battery 11. The heat flow is then discharged outside the battery module 1 through the receiving cavity 121, thereby achieving directional discharge of the heat flow and preventing the heat flow from spreading within the battery module 1 and causing other individual batteries 11 to burn, thus improving the safety of other individual batteries 11 and the battery module 1. At the same time, since the heat flow is discharged from the battery module 1, there is no need to spray water to extinguish the fire, avoiding the possibility of all individual batteries 11 in the energy storage system being soaked or contaminated and rendered unusable. This extends the service life of the battery module 1, shortens the maintenance cycle of the energy storage system, and reduces maintenance costs.

[0132] In one specific embodiment, such as Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the diversion device 12 includes a body 122 and a heat insulation component 123. The body 122 and the heat insulation component 123 are connected and form a receiving cavity 121. The heat insulation component 123 is disposed facing the single cell 11.

[0133] In the embodiment, the heat insulation piece 123 is arranged towards the single battery 11, and when the heat flow enters the containing cavity 121, the heat insulation piece 123 can isolate the heat flow from the single battery 11, and prevent the heat flow from affecting other single batteries 11 when flowing in the containing cavity 121, thereby improving the working stability of the single battery 11 and the use safety of the energy storage system. Meanwhile, when the flow guide device 12 comprises the body piece 122, the body piece 122 can be a heat insulation material or a non-heat insulation material, and when the body piece 122 is a non-heat insulation material, the cost can be reduced.

[0134] The heat insulation piece 123 is a kind of high-temperature-resistant heat insulation material, and common ones are phlogopite or biotite, or Godzilla material, which can be a plate, a sheet or a film, and the thickness can be determined according to the positive and negative electrode materials of the single battery 11 and the burst pressure. The connection mode of the heat insulation plate and the body piece 122 can be selected from adhesion, buckle connection, riveting and threaded connection according to the thickness.

[0135] Under the action of the heat flow, the side wall of the containing cavity 121 can form an opening, so that the heat flow can break through the side wall of the containing cavity 121 and enter the containing cavity 121, and the heat flow can quickly enter the containing cavity 121, further reducing the risk of the heat flow affecting other single batteries 11 and improving the safety of the single battery 11.

[0136] More specifically, as shown in Figure 4 , Figure 5 and Figure 7 , the flow guide device 12 further comprises a separation piece 124, and the heat insulation piece 123 and the separation piece 124 are connected through a breakable part 125, and under the action of the heat flow, the breakable part 125 can be broken to form an opening.

[0137] In the embodiment, when the single battery is in thermal runaway and the heat flow is discharged from the first explosion-proof valve 111, under the impact force of the heat flow, the breakable part 125 connecting the heat insulation piece 123 and the separation piece 124 can be broken, thereby breaking the connection between the heat insulation piece 123 and the separation piece 124, and under the action of the heat flow, the separation piece 124 moves towards the direction away from the heat insulation piece 123, thereby forming the above-mentioned opening between the separation piece 124 and the heat insulation piece 123, and the heat flow can enter the containing cavity 121 through the opening between the separation piece 124 and the heat insulation piece 123. Therefore, in the embodiment, the breakable part 125 is arranged between the separation piece 124 and the heat insulation piece 123, so that the heat flow can quickly enter the containing cavity 121, thereby quickly discharging the heat flow, and further improving the working stability and use safety of the energy storage system.

[0138] The breakable part 125 between the separation piece 124 and the heat insulation piece 123 can be a breaking point or a virtual knife line.

[0139] In another specific embodiment, the opening of the side wall of the accommodating cavity 121 is not necessarily the opening between the disengaging piece 124 and the heat insulation piece 123, but can also be that the heat insulation piece 123 is connected with a weak part (without the need to set the breakable part between the two), and the weak part has a lower strength (for example, the thickness of the weak part is smaller than that of the heat insulation piece 123) compared with the heat insulation piece 123, and under the action of the heat flow, the weak part can be broken to form an opening.

[0140] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6 , the flow guide device 12 comprises a plurality of guide parts 122b, as shown in Figure 5 , the guide part 122b extends along the height direction Z and abuts against the single battery 11; the guide part 122b surrounds the first explosion-proof valve 111.

[0141] In this embodiment, when the flow guide device 12 comprises the guide part 122b, the guide part 122b has a preset distance between the accommodating cavity 121 and the single battery 11 along the height direction Z, and the cavity of the guide part 122b surrounds the first explosion-proof valve 111, when the single battery 11 has thermal runaway and causes the heat flow to be discharged through the first explosion-proof valve 111, the heat flow enters the accommodating cavity 121 through the cavity of the guide part 122b, thereby further preventing the heat flow from spreading outward, and improving the safety of the battery module 1.

[0142] Among them, the guide part 122b corresponds to the first explosion-proof valve 111 on the single battery 11 one by one, and the guide part 122b and the body piece 122 can be integrally formed, thereby improving the connection strength of the guide part 122b and the body piece 122, and prolonging the service life of the guide part 122b.

[0143] More specifically, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 9 , the flow guide device 12 further comprises a plurality of sealing rings 126, as shown in Figure 5 , the sealing ring 126 is installed on the guide part 122b, and the sealing ring 126 abuts against the single battery 11.

[0144] In this embodiment, the sealing ring 126 seals the gap between the guide part 122b and the single battery 11, thereby sealing the inner cavity of the guide part 122b and the accommodating cavity 121, preventing the heat flow from overflowing onto the single battery 11 through the guide part 122b, thereby increasing the sealing property of the flow guide device 12 and increasing the stability of the single battery 11 in operation.

[0145] Among them, the sealing ring 126 is a kind of high-temperature-resistant, flame-retardant elastic material with certain compression, and its general forming process is injection molding.

[0146] As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the sealing ring 126 comprises a first mounting groove 126a, as shown in Figure 5As shown, at least part of the guide portion 122b is located in the first mounting groove 126a; the guide portion 122b is in interference fit with the first mounting groove 126a. As shown in Figure 6 As shown, the thickness of the guide portion 122b is a, and Figure 10 As shown, the width of the first mounting groove 126a is b, where b < a, that is, the guide portion 122b is in interference fit with the first mounting groove 126a, so that the guide portion 122b is tightly connected with the first mounting groove 126a, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the guide portion 122b and the sealing ring 126. At the same time, through the cooperation of the guide portion 122b and the first mounting groove 126a, the connection between the guide portion 122b and the sealing ring 126 is realized, thereby simplifying the connection mode between the guide portion 122b and the sealing ring 126, reducing the structure and materials required for connection, and thereby reducing the cost.

[0147] As shown in Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the sealing ring 126 further comprises a first mounting surface 126b, a second mounting surface 126c, and a second sealing portion 126d. When the sealing ring 126 is mounted on the guide portion 122b, the first mounting surface 126b abuts against the body member 122 of the flow guide device 12, the second mounting surface 126c abuts against the guide portion 122b, and the second sealing portion 126d abuts against the single battery 11, thereby realizing the sealing of the containing cavity 121. At the same time, the second sealing portion 126d abuts against the single battery 11, avoiding the direct contact between the guide portion 122b and the single battery 11, preventing the guide portion 122b from damaging the single battery 11 during installation or transportation, thereby prolonging the service life of the single battery 11.

[0148] As shown in Figure 2 As shown, along the length direction Y, the battery module 1 comprises oppositely arranged end plates 13, the flow guide device 12 is symmetrically provided with a second mounting portion 122c, the second mounting portion 122c is connected with the end plate 13; along the height direction Z, the second mounting portion 122c is downwardly bent relative to the flow guide device 12.

[0149] In this embodiment, when the heat flow flows into the containing cavity 121, the temperature of the flow guide device 12 rises, along the height direction Z, the second mounting portion 122c is downwardly bent relative to the flow guide device 12, so that there is a gap between the containing cavity 121 of the flow guide device 12 and the single battery 11 along the height direction Z, thereby providing space for the guide portion 122b.

[0150] As shown, the height of the second mounting portion 122c is higher than the height of the guide portion 122b on the body member 122, preventing interference between the guide portion 122b and the single battery 11 during installation, causing unstable connection of the flow guide device 12 or damage to the single battery 11, thereby ensuring the stability of the connection of the flow guide device 12, and prolonging the service life of the single battery 11.

[0151] The second mounting portion 122c can be connected to the end plate 13 by welding or fasteners.

[0152] In addition, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 6 , the flow guide device 12 is provided with a first sealing portion 122a in the length direction Y. The first sealing portion 122a seals the accommodation cavity 121 to prevent the heat flow from overflowing the accommodation cavity 121, thereby improving the working stability of the flow guide device 12.

[0153] In any of the above embodiments, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 8 , the flow guide device 12 further comprises a nozzle 127, and the accommodation cavity 121 is in communication with the outside through the nozzle 127.

[0154] In this embodiment, the heat flow enters the accommodation cavity 121 and is discharged through the nozzle 127. The presence of the nozzle 127 allows the heat flow to be discharged at a predetermined position, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery module 1 and reducing costs.

[0155] As shown in Figure 8 , the nozzle 127 comprises a first mounting portion 127a and a spraying portion 127b, and the heat flow enters the accommodation cavity 121 and is discharged through the spraying portion 127b; as shown in Figure 6 , the body member 122 comprises a mounting hole 122d, and the first mounting portion 127a of the nozzle 127 is connected to the mounting hole 122d of the body member 122. The connection between the nozzle 127 and the body member 122 can be welding or threaded connection.

[0156] In another specific embodiment, as shown in Figure 14 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 , the battery module 1 comprises a second housing 2, and the second housing 2 has a cavity in communication with the accommodation cavity 121; the cavity can be in communication with the outside.

[0157] In the embodiment, the cavity of the second shell 2 is in communication with the accommodating cavity 121 and the outside, and when the heat flow enters the accommodating cavity 121 of the drainage device 12, the heat flow can be discharged to the outside through the cavity of the second shell 2, preventing the thermal runaway of other single batteries 11 under the influence of the heat flow, thereby triggering the safety of the entire battery module 1. At the same time, the cavity is arranged on the second shell 2, which can increase the volume of the battery module for accommodating the high-temperature and high-pressure heat flow generated by thermal runaway. When only a small amount of single batteries 11 are damaged, the generated heat flow can be temporarily stored in the cavity of the second shell 2, preventing the misoperation of the fire extinguishing system, thereby ensuring the stability of the work of other single batteries 11. Therefore, the second shell 2 is provided with a cavity, which can increase the stability of the work of the single battery 11, thereby improving the use safety of the entire battery module 1, prolonging the service life of the battery module 1, and improving the user experience.

[0158] Specifically, as shown in Figure 14 , Figure 22 and Figure 23 , the second shell 2 includes end plates 13 oppositely arranged along the length direction Y, and the end plates 13 have first cavities 131, as shown in Figure 21 , the first cavities 131 are provided with openings 131a in communication with the outside; the battery module 1 further includes first adapters 14, and the first cavities 131 and the accommodating cavities 121 are in communication through the first adapters 14.

[0159] In the embodiment, as shown in Figure 14 , since the drainage device 12 is located above the single battery 11 along the height direction Z, and the end plates 13 are oppositely arranged along the length direction Y, the drainage device 12 and the end plates 13 are located in different planes, i.e., the movement direction of the heat flow in the accommodating cavity 121 and the movement direction in the first cavity 131 are located in different planes. Therefore, the first adapters 14 are arranged between the first cavities 131 and the accommodating cavities 121, which can facilitate the communication between the first cavities 131 and the accommodating cavities 121, simplify the structure of the battery module 1, and reduce the production cost of the battery module 1. When the drainage device 12 is perpendicular to the end plate 13, as shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20 , the cross section of the first adapter 14 is L-shaped and its derivative forms, so that the structure of the first adapter 14 is simple, which reduces the cost and is convenient for installation and replacement.

[0160] As shown in Figure 19 and Figure 20As shown, the first adapter 14 is provided with a first adapter portion 141 and a second adapter portion 142, which are communicated to facilitate the communication between the first cavity 131 and the accommodating cavity 121. The outer profile of the first adapter portion 141 is the same as the inner profile of the first cavity 131 on the end plate 13, and the size is slightly smaller than the inner profile size of the first cavity 131; the outer profile of the second adapter portion 142 is consistent with the inner profile of the accommodating cavity 121 on the drainage device 12, and the size is slightly smaller than the inner profile size of the accommodating cavity 121. Therefore, the first adapter portion 141 is connected to the end plate 13, the second adapter portion 142 is connected to the drainage device 12, the accommodating cavity 121 and the first cavity 131 are communicated through the first adapter 14, and the end plate 13 and the drainage device 12 are fixedly installed through the first adapter 14. This structure can simplify the installation structure of the end plate 13 and the drainage device 12, reduce the number of structures required for installation, reduce the production cost of the battery module 1, reduce the size of the battery module 1, increase the application range of the battery module 1, and improve the user experience.

[0161] As shown, the second adapter portion 142 is connected to the drainage device 12 through nesting and sealing connection by brazing, laser welding, CMT welding and the like. Figure 19 and Figure 20 As shown, the profile of the second adapter portion 142 is T-shaped, and the T-shaped structure of the second adapter portion 142 can limit the drainage device 12 when the first adapter 14 and the drainage device 12 are installed, thereby increasing the accuracy of the installation of the first adapter 14 and the drainage device 12. Figure 19 As shown, the first adapter 14 is further provided with at least one first mounting hole 143, and the end plate 13 is provided with a second mounting hole 132 corresponding to the first mounting hole 143. A fastener is placed in the first mounting hole 143 and the second mounting hole 132 to fixedly connect the first adapter 14 and the end plate 13, thereby improving the stability of the connection between the first adapter 14 and the end plate 13.

[0162] Specifically, as shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 The drainage device 12 includes a body member 122 and a sealing ring 126, as shown in Figure 17 and Figure 18 The body member 122 is provided with a second mounting groove 122f, and the sealing ring 126 is mounted in the second mounting groove 122f; the sealing ring 126 is in interference fit with the second mounting groove 122f.

[0163] In the embodiment, the sealing ring 126 can seal the gap between the single battery 11 and the drainage device 12, thereby sealing the accommodating cavity 121 of the drainage device 12, preventing the overflow of the heat flow from the first explosion-proof valve 111 of the single battery 11 into the accommodating cavity 121, and affecting the stable operation of other single batteries 11. Therefore, the sealing ring 126 can improve the sealing performance of the drainage device 12, thereby ensuring the stability of the single battery 11. As shown in Figure 16 , the sealing ring 126 is installed in the second installation groove 122f of the body member 122, and the sealing ring 126 and the second installation groove 122f are tightly connected through the interference fit therebetween. This connection mode can simplify the connection mode of the sealing ring 126 and the drainage device 12, thereby reducing the structural complexity and saving the cost. In addition, as shown in Figure 16 , at least part of the sealing ring 126 is located outside the second installation groove 122f, so that there is a gap between the single battery 11 and the drainage device 12. When the heat flow enters the drainage device 12, the temperature of the body member 122 of the drainage device 12 will rise, and the gap between the single battery 11 and the drainage device 12 is caused by the sealing ring 126, which can prevent the high temperature of the drainage device 12 from being transmitted to the single battery 11, thereby ensuring the stability of the single battery 11 and improving the use safety of the battery module 1.

[0164] As shown in Figure 15 and Figure 17 , the drainage device 12 is provided with a plurality of drainage portions 122g corresponding to the first explosion-proof valve 111 of the single battery 11 one by one, and the second installation groove surrounds the drainage portion 122g, so that the sealing ring 126 is installed on the periphery of the drainage portion 122g.

[0165] The sealing ring 126 is formed by cutting, injection molding and the like of FLS fluorosilicone rubber, EPDM ethylene propylene diene rubber, PU polyurethane rubber and the like.

[0166] In addition, as shown in Figure 17 , the body member 122 is further provided with a first heat insulation layer 122h, which is arranged between the body member 122 and the single battery 11, thereby insulating the drainage device 12 and the single battery 11, and further improving the stability of the operation of other single batteries 11. The first heat insulation layer 122h can be attached by an epoxy resin powder immersion process, or a mica paper or other heat insulation material can be attached to the surface of the body member 122 by a process such as pasting or hot pressing.

[0167] Specifically, as shown in Figure 24 and Figure 25As shown, the second shell 2 further comprises at least one first longitudinal beam 21 extending along the width direction X and connected with the end plate 13; the first longitudinal beam 21 is provided with a second cavity 211 which is in communication with the first cavity 131 and can be in communication with the outside.

[0168] In the embodiment, the single cells 11 are arranged into cell strings along the length direction Y, and when a plurality of cell strings are arranged along the width direction X, the first longitudinal beam 21 is arranged between adjacent cell strings, and the second cavity 211 of the first longitudinal beam 21 is in communication with the first cavity 131 of the end plate 13; when the single cell 11 is damaged, the heat flow generated is introduced into the first cavity 131 of the end plate 13 through the accommodation cavity 121 of the flow guide device 12, and then discharged to the outside of the battery module 1 through the second cavity 211 of the first longitudinal beam 21. The arrangement of the second cavity 211 on the first longitudinal beam 21 can ensure that the heat flow generated by each cell string is discharged in time, thereby ensuring the stability of the operation of other single cells 11 and improving the use safety of the battery module 1.

[0169] More specifically, as shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the battery module 1 comprises at least two cell strings, and the first longitudinal beam 21 is located between adjacent cell strings; the second cavity 211 is provided with a partition 213 which divides the second cavity 211 into a first sub-cavity 211a and a second sub-cavity 211b distributed along the length direction Y.

[0170] In the embodiment, since the first longitudinal beam 21 is installed between adjacent cell strings, as shown in Figure 26 and Figure 27 , the first longitudinal beam 21 is provided with a partition 213 which divides the second cavity 211 into a first sub-cavity 211a and a second sub-cavity 211b arranged along the length direction Y, and along the length direction Y, the side of the first sub-cavity 211a away from the second sub-cavity 211b and the side of the second sub-cavity 211b away from the first sub-cavity 211a are both provided with an end plate 13, and the two sub-cavities are in communication with the first cavity 131 of the corresponding end plate 13, wherein the first sub-cavity 211a and the second sub-cavity 211b are respectively used to store the heat flow generated when the different cell strings are in thermal runaway.

[0171] In the embodiment, the arrangement of the partition 213 can avoid the heat flow of the first sub-cavity 211a entering the second sub-cavity 211b and the heat flow of the second sub-cavity 211b entering the first sub-cavity 211a, thereby avoiding the heat flow when the single cell is in thermal runaway from entering the adjacent cell string to induce secondary and multiple thermal runaways of other single cells 11 and the battery module 1. Therefore, the arrangement of the partition 213 can prevent the mutual influence between the cell strings, thereby improving the stability of the operation of the battery module 1 and prolonging the service life of the battery module 1.

[0172] More specifically, as shown in Figure 27 The battery module 1 further comprises a second adapter 15, which communicates the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 211.

[0173] In the embodiment, the end plate 13 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the first longitudinal beam 21 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the end plate 13 abuts against the first longitudinal beam 21, so that the end plate 13 and the first longitudinal beam 21 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the first cavity 131 of the end plate 13 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the first longitudinal beam 21. Therefore, the second adapter 15 is arranged to facilitate the communication of the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 211, simplify the structure of the battery module 1, and thus reduce the cost.

[0174] In the embodiment, the second adapter 15 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the second longitudinal beam 22 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the second adapter 15 abuts against the second longitudinal beam 22, so that the second adapter 15 and the second longitudinal beam 22 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the third cavity 24 of the second adapter 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the second longitudinal beam 22. Figure 27 In the embodiment, the second adapter 15 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the second longitudinal beam 22 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the second adapter 15 abuts against the second longitudinal beam 22, so that the second adapter 15 and the second longitudinal beam 22 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the third cavity 24 of the second adapter 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the second longitudinal beam 22.

[0175] In the embodiment, the second adapter 15 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the second longitudinal beam 22 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the second adapter 15 abuts against the second longitudinal beam 22, so that the second adapter 15 and the second longitudinal beam 22 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the third cavity 24 of the second adapter 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the second longitudinal beam 22.

[0176] Figure 25 In the embodiment, the second adapter 15 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the second longitudinal beam 22 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the second adapter 15 abuts against the second longitudinal beam 22, so that the second adapter 15 and the second longitudinal beam 22 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the third cavity 24 of the second adapter 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the second longitudinal beam 22. Figure 26 Figure 28 In the embodiment, the second adapter 15 is arranged opposite along the length direction Y, the second longitudinal beam 22 is arranged opposite along the width direction X, and the second adapter 15 abuts against the second longitudinal beam 22, so that the second adapter 15 and the second longitudinal beam 22 are arranged perpendicularly, that is, the flow direction of the heat flow in the third cavity 24 of the second adapter 15 is perpendicular to the flow direction in the second cavity 211 of the second longitudinal beam 22.

[0177] In the embodiment, the second longitudinal beam 22 and the cross beam 23 are both provided with the third cavity 24, and the third cavity 24 communicates with the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 211, thereby increasing the cavity volume of the shell. When the heat flow enters the first cavity 131, it enters the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24, so that the heat flow that can be stored in the second shell 2 is increased, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery module 1, improving the use performance of the battery module 1, and thus improving the user experience.

[0178] In the embodiment, the second longitudinal beam 22 and the cross beam 23 are both provided with the third cavity 24, and the third cavity 24 communicates with the first cavity 131 and the second cavity 211, thereby increasing the cavity volume of the shell. When the heat flow enters the first cavity 131, it enters the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24, so that the heat flow that can be stored in the second shell 2 is increased, thereby prolonging the service life of the battery module 1, improving the use performance of the battery module 1, and thus improving the user experience. Figure 24 Figure 25 ​​​As shown, the first longitudinal beam 21 is provided with a second explosion-proof valve 212 which is in communication with the second cavity 211.

[0179] In the present embodiment, when a small amount of monomer batteries 11 are in thermal runaway after the heat flow enters the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24 through the first cavity 131, the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24 can accommodate the small amount of heat flow due to the small amount of heat flow generated. At this time, the second explosion-proof valve 212 is in the role of air permeation balance, so that the air pressure in the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24 is balanced with the outside, so that the second shell 2 of the battery module 1 will not be damaged. When multiple monomer batteries 11 are in thermal runaway, the air pressure in the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24 rises sharply, so that the second explosion-proof valve 212 bursts to discharge the heat flow to the outside, thereby ensuring the safety of the battery module 1 and prolonging the service life of other monomer batteries 11.

[0180] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 25 , the second explosion-proof valve 212 can be arranged on the upper end surface of the first longitudinal beam 21.

[0181] In any of the above embodiments, as shown in Figure 22 and Figure 23 , a second thermal insulation layer 25 is arranged between the second shell 2 and the monomer battery 11.

[0182] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 29 and Figure 30 , when the heat flow generated by the monomer battery 11 enters the containing cavity 121, the pressure in the containing cavity 121 gradually increases due to the action of the sealing ring 126. The heat flow passes through the first cavity 131, the second cavity 211 and the third cavity 24 under the action of the pressure. Since the second thermal insulation layer 25 is arranged between the second shell 2 and the monomer battery 11, the heat will not be transferred to other monomer batteries 11 when the heat flow enters the first cavity 131, inducing other monomer batteries 11 to be heated and causing thermal runaway, and further causing a chain reaction. Therefore, the arrangement of the second thermal insulation layer 25 can further improve the stability and safety of the battery module 1 in operation.

[0183] In addition, the drainage device 12 is provided with an FPC 7 or a PCBA on the surface away from the monomer battery 11, and the FPC 7 or the PCBA is fixed on the drainage device 12 by mechanical fixation or adhesive etc. Due to the presence of the second thermal insulation layer 25, the safety of the FPC 7 or the PCBA is also protected within a certain period of time, avoiding damage to the FPC 7 or the PCBA due to the temperature rise of the drainage device 12, thereby prolonging the service life of the FPC 7 or the PCBA.

[0184] The second aspect of the present application provides a battery module 1 as described in any of the above embodiments.

[0185] In the first embodiment, as shown in Figure 11 To protect the battery module 1, a box 3 is arranged around the battery module 1, and the box 3 can be a split structure. A first through hole 31 corresponding to each nozzle 127 is arranged on the box 3, so that the nozzle 127 is exposed outside the box 3. When thermal runaway occurs in a single battery 11, the heat flow is discharged outside the box 3 through the nozzle 127, thereby ensuring smooth discharge of the heat flow and ensuring the stability of the operation of other single batteries 11.

[0186] As shown in Figure 12 and Figure 13 To meet the higher voltage and higher energy requirements of the energy storage system, a plurality of battery modules 1 are generally installed on a battery cabinet provided with a support. As shown in Figure 12 The battery cabinet is provided with a second through hole 32 and a protective film 33. The second through hole 32 corresponds to each nozzle 127, or the second through hole 32 corresponds to each second explosion-proof valve 212, or the second through hole 32 corresponds to each opening 131a arranged on the end plate 13. A counterbore is arranged on the second through hole 32 for installing the protective film 33. When the heat flow sprayed by the nozzle 127 (or the second explosion-proof valve 212, or the opening 131a) reaches the second through hole 32, the protective film 33 will be broken and separated, ensuring that the heat flow is sprayed outside the battery cabinet. As shown in Figure 13 To ensure that the heat flow can be smoothly sprayed, a conical hole is arranged on the other side of the second through hole 32.

[0187] The protective film 33 is a material that melts and peels off easily.

[0188] Meanwhile, an intermediate layer plate is arranged between the single batteries 11. The intermediate layer plate has a certain thickness and separates the adjacent single batteries 11 to avoid direct contact between the single batteries 11 and to avoid the heat of one single battery 11 being transmitted to the adjacent single batteries 11 when the single battery 11 is in thermal runaway, thereby avoiding triggering the whole pack thermal runaway. Therefore, the intermediate layer plate improves the stability of the operation of the single battery 11 and improves the safety of the operation of the energy storage system.

[0189] In the second embodiment, the energy storage system further comprises a box 3, and the battery module 1 is installed in the box 3. The box 3 is used to install and support the battery module 1, thereby increasing the stability of the installation of the battery module 1 and the stability of the operation, so that the working performance of the whole energy storage system is improved.

[0190] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A battery module, characterized by, The battery module (1) comprises: a plurality of single batteries (11), the single battery (11) comprising a first explosion-proof valve (111); a drainage device (12) provided with a containing cavity (121) in communication with the outside; Wherein, the drainage device (12) is located above the single battery (11) along the height direction (Z), and the hot flow sprayed by the first explosion-proof valve (111) can be discharged through the containing cavity (121); The battery module (1) comprises a second shell, the second shell has a cavity, the cavity is in communication with the containing cavity (121), and the cavity can be in communication with the outside; the second shell further comprises an end plate (13) oppositely arranged along the length direction (Y), at least one first longitudinal beam (21) and a second longitudinal beam (22) oppositely arranged along the length direction (Y), and a cross beam (23) oppositely arranged along the width direction (X), the first longitudinal beam (21) extends along the width direction (X) and abuts against the end plate (13); the end plate (13) has a first cavity (131), the first longitudinal beam (21) is provided with a second cavity (211), the second cavity (211) is in communication with the first cavity (131), and the second cavity (211) can be in communication with the outside; the single battery (11) is located in the area formed by the connection of the second longitudinal beam (22) and the cross beam (23); the second longitudinal beam (22) and the cross beam (23) are provided with a third cavity (24) in communication, and the third cavity (24), the second cavity (211) and the first cavity (131) are in communication; The battery module (1) comprises at least two battery strings, the first longitudinal beam (21) is located between adjacent battery strings, the second cavity (211) is provided with a separation part (213), the separation part (213) separates the second cavity (211) into a first sub-cavity (211a) and a second sub-cavity (211b) distributed along the length direction (Y), and the first longitudinal beam (21) is provided with a second explosion-proof valve (212), the second explosion-proof valve (212) is in communication with the second cavity (211).

2. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The drainage device (12) comprises a body piece (122) and a heat insulation piece (123), the body piece (122) and the heat insulation piece (123) are connected and surround the containing cavity (121); The heat insulation piece (123) is arranged towards the single battery (11).

3. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The drainage device (12) further comprises a separation piece (124), the heat insulation piece (123) and the separation piece (124) are connected through a breakable part (125), and under the action of hot flow, the breakable part (125) can be broken to form an opening, and hot flow enters the containing cavity (121) through the opening.

4. The battery module of claim 2, wherein, The drainage device (12) comprises a plurality of guide parts (122b), and the guide parts (122b) extend along the height direction (Z) and abut against the single battery (11); The guide part (122b) surrounds the first explosion-proof valve (111).

5. The battery module of claim 4, wherein, The drainage device (12) further comprises a plurality of sealing rings (126) mounted on the guide portion (122b); The sealing rings (126) abut against the single battery (11).

6. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The drainage device (12) is provided with a second mounting portion (122c) at both ends in the length direction (Y), and the second mounting portion (122c) is connected with the end plate (13); In the height direction (Z), the second mounting portion (122c) is bent downward relative to the drainage device (12).

7. The battery module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by The drainage device (12) further comprises a nozzle (127), and the accommodation cavity (121) is communicated with the outside through the nozzle (127).

8. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The first cavity (131) is provided with an opening communicated with the outside; The battery module (1) further comprises a first adapter (14), and the first cavity (131) and the accommodation cavity (121) are communicated through the first adapter (14).

9. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The drainage device (12) comprises a body member (122) and a sealing ring (126), the body member (122) is provided with a second mounting groove (122f), and the sealing ring (126) is mounted on the second mounting groove (122f); The sealing ring (126) is in interference fit with the second mounting groove (122f).

10. The battery module of claim 1, wherein, The battery module (1) further comprises a second adapter (15), and the second adapter (15) communicates the first cavity (131) and the second cavity (211).

11. The battery module of any one of claims 8-10, wherein, A second heat insulation layer (25) is arranged between the second shell and the single battery (11).

12. An energy storage system characterized by, The energy storage system comprises the battery module (1) according to any one of claims 1-11.

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