Battery racks and energy storage systems

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery rack that can effectively prevent fire or heat propagation when a fire or thermal runaway occurs during use. To achieve this purpose, the battery rack according to the present invention includes: a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules are arranged vertically; a battery rack housing, the battery rack housing includes a plurality of storage units, each storage unit has a storage space, which has an open side to accommodate the plurality of battery modules, the battery rack housing also has a moving unit, the moving unit is configured to discharge the battery module whose internal temperature rises to a predetermined temperature to the outside; and a tray, the tray is configured to accommodate the discharged battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery rack having a tray configured to receive a battery module discharged to the outside, and more particularly, to a battery rack for effectively preventing fire or heat from spreading when a fire or thermal runaway occurs during use.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0146127, filed on November 14, 2019, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have almost no memory effect. Therefore, lithium secondary batteries have received more attention than nickel secondary batteries because they have the advantages of being able to be recharged at any convenient time, having a very low self-discharge rate and a high energy density.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. The lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly, the electrode assembly includes a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and a separator is placed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a package or battery bag shell, in which the electrode assembly is airtightly received together with an electrolyte solution.

[0005] Recently, secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as vehicles and energy storage systems. In order to be used in medium and large device applications, many secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are easily stacked, and due to this advantage, pouch-type secondary batteries are widely used in medium and large devices.

[0006] More recently, with the growing use as an energy source and demand for a large-capacity structure, the demand for a battery rack including a battery module including a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and / or in parallel and a battery management system (BMS) is increasing.

[0007] Generally, a battery rack includes a battery rack case made of metal to protect a plurality of battery modules from external impact or receive and store the plurality of battery modules. In recent years, as the demand for high-capacity battery racks rises, the need for battery racks including a large number of battery modules is increasing.

[0008] However, a conventional battery rack includes a plurality of battery modules, and when thermal runaway occurs in a secondary battery in any one of the plurality of battery modules, thereby causing a fire or explosion, heat or flame spreads to an adjacent secondary battery, thereby causing a secondary explosion. Efforts have been made to prevent the spread of fire or explosion.

[0009] Accordingly, when thermal runaway occurs in a secondary battery of a battery rack, a fast and complete fire suppression technology is required to take timely countermeasures. Summary of the invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present disclosure is designed to solve the above-mentioned problems, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery rack for effectively preventing fire or heat when fire or thermal runaway occurs while in use.

[0012] These and other purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood through the following description, and will be apparent through the embodiments of the present disclosure.In addition, it will be easily recognized that the purposes and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved through means and combinations thereof.

[0013] Technical Solution

[0014] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a battery rack according to the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery modules, which are arranged in a vertical direction; a battery rack shell, which includes a receiving part and a moving part, the receiving part has an internal space open to one side to receive each of the plurality of battery modules, the moving part is configured to discharge the battery modules whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature; and a tray, which is configured to receive the discharged battery modules.

[0015] Additionally, the tray may include a cooling member configured to cool the battery modules received in the tray.

[0016] Additionally, the battery module may include a temperature sensor that measures temperature and a module battery management system (BMS) configured to transmit temperature information of the temperature sensor via wireless communication.

[0017] Additionally, the battery rack housing may include a battery rack BMS configured to wirelessly communicate with the module BMS, and the battery rack BMS may be configured to control the moving part to discharge the battery module when receiving temperature information of the battery module above a predetermined temperature from the module BMS.

[0018] Additionally, the moving portion may include: a wheel configured to rotate to move the battery module to an open side of the receiving portion; and a motor connected to a rotation shaft of the wheel to rotate the wheel.

[0019] Additionally, the moving part may include: a conveyor belt configured to move the battery module to an open side of the receiving part; and a driving roller driving the conveyor belt, the motor being connected to the driving roller.

[0020] Additionally, the battery rack housing may be configured to receive the tray in a lower portion of the receiving portion, and transfer the tray to the outside when the battery modules are discharged to the outside to receive the discharged battery modules.

[0021] Additionally, the tray may include a cover member having a movement space configured to guide the falling of the discharged battery modules.

[0022] Additionally, the battery module may include a cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries, and an external input / output terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly.

[0023] Additionally, the battery rack may further include a plurality of module bus bars configured to electrically connect the external input / output terminals to external input / output terminals of other battery modules and to be elastically deformed by contact of the external input / output terminals.

[0024] Additionally, the external input / output terminals may be disposed between the plurality of module bus bars.

[0025] Additionally, the battery rack may further include a support member configured to fix the plurality of module bus bars to an inner surface of the support member.

[0026] In order to achieve the above objective, an energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery rack.

[0027] Beneficial effects

[0028] According to aspects of the present disclosure, because the present disclosure includes a battery rack housing including a movable portion configured to discharge battery modules whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature, some battery modules among a plurality of battery modules in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be discharged to the outside, thereby effectively preventing fire or thermal runaway phenomena in adjacent battery modules.

[0029] In addition, according to aspects of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a battery rack housing, which includes a moving portion configured to discharge a battery module whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature and a tray configured to receive the discharged battery module, thereby preventing heat from spreading to adjacent battery modules when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module. Moreover, because the tray of the present disclosure receives the discharged battery module, it is possible to effectively prevent the fire from spreading to a position adjacent to the battery rack housing. The safety of the battery rack can be increased.

[0030] In addition, according to aspects of the present disclosure, since the battery module of the present disclosure includes a module battery management system (BMS) configured to transmit temperature information of a temperature sensor to a battery rack BMS via wireless communication, the battery module of the present disclosure can be discharged to the outside by a moving part without being disturbed by the sensing line when compared with a conventional battery module connected to the battery rack BMS via a sensing line. Accordingly, a battery module in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be stably discharged, thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery rack against a fire.

[0031] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, because the moving part of the present disclosure includes wheels configured to rotate to move the battery module to the open side of the receiving part and a motor connected to the rotating shaft of the wheel to rotate the wheel, some battery modules in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred among a plurality of battery modules can be quickly discharged, thereby more effectively preventing the fire or thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery modules.

[0032] In addition, according to another aspect of the present disclosure, because the moving part of the present disclosure includes a conveyor belt configured to move the battery module to the open side of the receiving part and a motor connected to a drive roller of the conveyor belt for driving the conveyor belt, some battery modules in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred among a plurality of battery modules can be quickly discharged, thereby more effectively preventing the fire or thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery modules.

[0033] Furthermore, according to aspects of the present disclosure, since the battery rack housing includes: a plurality of module bus bars, the plurality of module bus bars are configured to electrically connect the external input / output terminals to the external input / output terminals of other battery modules and are elastically deformed by contact of the external input / output terminals; and the external input / output terminals are placed between the plurality of module bus bars, the battery module of the present disclosure can be discharged to the outside by the moving part without being disturbed by the connection structure connected to the module bus bar, compared with the external input / output terminals of the conventional battery module connected to the module bus bar. Accordingly, the battery module in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be stably discharged, thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery rack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the following detailed description, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 FIG. 4 is a front perspective view schematically showing a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 2 is a front perspective view schematically showing the interior of a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 3 is a rear perspective view schematically showing a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing a single body assembly of a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 5 is a front perspective view schematically showing a battery module ejected from a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of internal components of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery rack housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 is schematically shown to be set in Figure 7 A partial side view of the wheels and battery modules in the battery rack housing.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery rack housing of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically showing a tray of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig.11 Schematically shows a rear view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.12 is a front view schematically showing a module bus bar and a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.13 and Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a process of contact between an external input / output terminal of a battery module and a module bus bar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a rear view schematically showing a battery rack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.16 FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a module bus bar and a support member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig.17 and 18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a process of contact between an external input / output terminal of a battery module and a module bus bar according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0051] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be interpreted as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted based on the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure based on the principle of allowing the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation.

[0052] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than being intended to fully describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure, and thus it should be understood that various other equivalent schemes and modifications may have been made thereto when the application is filed.

[0053] Figure 1 Schematically shows a front perspective view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a front perspective view schematically showing the interior of a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 3 is a rear perspective view schematically showing a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4is a perspective view schematically showing a single body assembly of a battery module of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] refer to Figures 1 to 4 , the battery rack 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery modules 200 , a battery rack housing 310 , and a tray 320 .

[0055] First, a plurality of battery modules 200 may be received in a vertical arrangement in the battery rack housing 310. In addition, the plurality of battery modules 200 may include a module housing 210 and a cell assembly 100 having a plurality of secondary batteries 110 disposed inside the module housing 210 and stacked in one direction.

[0056] Specifically, the secondary battery 110 may be a pouch-type secondary battery 110. For example, Figure 4 As shown in , each of the two cell assemblies 100 may include 21 pouch-type secondary batteries 110 stacked side by side in the front-rear direction (Y direction).

[0057] In particular, the pouch type secondary battery 110 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte solution (not shown), and a pouch 116 .

[0058] When in direction F (in Figure 1 When viewed from the top (shown in FIG. 1 ), each secondary battery 110 stands upright in a direction perpendicular to the ground (z direction), wherein the two wide surfaces are placed in the front-to-back direction, and the sealing portion is placed in the upper, lower, left and right directions. In other words, each secondary battery 110 can stand upright in the vertical direction. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the upper, lower, front, rear, left and right directions are defined when viewed from the direction F.

[0059] Here, the bag may have a concave receiving portion. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution may be received in the receiving portion. Each bag may have an outer insulating layer, a metal layer and an inner bonding layer, and the inner bonding layers are bonded to each other at the edge of the bag to form a sealing portion. A platform portion may be formed at each end of the left and right ends (x direction) of the positive electrode lead 112 and the negative electrode lead 111 of the secondary battery 110.

[0060] The electrode assembly may be an assembly of an electrode plate coated with an electrode active material and a separator, and may include at least one positive electrode plate and at least one negative electrode plate and a separator. The positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly may have a positive electrode tab, and at least one positive electrode tab may be connected to a positive electrode lead 112.

[0061] Here, the positive electrode lead 112 may have one end connected to the positive electrode tab and the other end exposed through the pouch, and the exposed portion may serve as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110 , eg, a positive electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110 .

[0062] The negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly may have a negative electrode tab, and at least one negative electrode tab may be connected to a negative electrode lead 111. The negative electrode lead 111 may have one end connected to the negative electrode tab and the other end exposed through the pouch, and the exposed portion may serve as an electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110, for example, a negative electrode terminal of the secondary battery 110.

[0063] like Figure 4 As shown, when viewed in direction F, the positive electrode lead 112 and the negative electrode lead 111 may be formed at the left and right ends in opposite directions (x direction) relative to the center of the secondary battery 110. That is, the positive electrode lead 112 may be disposed at one end (left end) relative to the center of the secondary battery 110. The negative electrode lead 111 may be disposed at the other end (right end) relative to the center of the secondary battery 110.

[0064] For example, Figure 4 As shown, each secondary battery 110 of the cell assembly 100 may have a positive electrode lead 112 and a negative electrode lead 111 extending in the left-right direction.

[0065] Here, terms such as front, back, left, right, up, and down indicating directions may vary depending on the position of the observer or the placement of the object. However, in the specification, for convenience of description, directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down are defined when viewed from direction F.

[0066] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the area of ​​the electrode lead without interference between the positive electrode lead 112 and the negative electrode lead 111 of one secondary battery 110 .

[0067] The positive electrode lead 112 and the negative electrode lead 111 may be formed in a plate shape. Specifically, the positive electrode lead 112 and the negative electrode lead 111 may extend in a horizontal direction (X direction) with a wide surface standing in a front-rear direction.

[0068] Here, the “horizontal direction” refers to a direction parallel to the ground when the battery module 200 is placed on the ground, and may be referred to as at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0069] However, the battery module 200 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described pouch-type secondary battery 110 , but various types of secondary batteries 110 known at the time of filing this application may be used.

[0070] The at least two single body assemblies 100 may be arranged in a front-rear direction.

[0071] The battery module 200 may include at least one bus bar (not shown) configured to electrically connect the plurality of secondary batteries 110. Specifically, the bus bar may include a conductive metal such as copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0072] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the module cover 210 has a structure capable of stably protecting the plurality of secondary batteries 110 from external impact, thereby increasing the safety of the battery module 200 against the external impact.

[0073] Come back for reference Figure 1 The battery rack housing 310 may include a plurality of receiving portions 312 having a receiving space that is open to one side to receive and store each of the plurality of battery modules 200. The plurality of receiving portions 312 may be configured to receive the plurality of battery modules 200 arranged in a vertical direction. The receiving portions 312 may be configured to position the plurality of battery modules 200 at predetermined intervals.

[0074] Each of the plurality of receiving portions 312 may include a battery rack frame 315 on which the battery module 200 is mounted. Specifically, the battery rack frame 315 may have a plate shape extending in a direction (horizontal direction) perpendicular to the outer side wall 311 of the battery rack housing 310. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a battery rack frame 315 extending in the front-rear direction may be provided on left and right sides of five receiving portions 312 configured to respectively receive five battery modules 200 arranged in the vertical direction.

[0075] Figure 5 is a front perspective view schematically showing a battery module ejected from a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a conceptual diagram of the internal components of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure

[0076] refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6The battery rack housing 310 may include a moving portion 314 including a moving device 314v to discharge the battery module 200 whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature. The moving portion 314 is configured to discharge the battery module 200 whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature due to fire or thermal runaway by pressing toward the open side (front side) of the receiving portion 312. For example, Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , the battery module 200 is received in each of the five receiving portions 312 , and when the received battery module 200 rises above a predetermined temperature, the moving portion 314 may discharge the battery module 200 .

[0077] According to this construction of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a battery rack housing 310, which includes a movable portion 314, and the movable portion 314 is configured to discharge the battery module 200 whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature, so that the battery module 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway occurs can be discharged from a plurality of battery modules 200, thereby effectively preventing the fire or thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0078] Again with Figure 1 Reference together Figure 5 The tray 320 may be configured to receive the battery module 200 discharged to the outside by the moving part 314. Specifically, the tray 320 may include: a base plate 322 having a flat surface extending in a horizontal direction; and a side wall 321 extending upward from the outer circumference of the base plate 322. The inner space of the tray 320 may have a size large enough to completely receive the battery module 200.

[0079] For example, Figure 1 As shown in , before a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 200, the tray 320 may be received in a receiving space 313a formed on the bottom of the battery rack housing 310. Subsequently, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 200, the tray 320 may be configured to move to a position where the battery module 200 discharged to the outside by the moving portion 314 will fall. The tray 320 may include a flame retardant material that is not easily burned. For example, the tray 320 may include a flame retardant plastic. Here, the flame retardant plastic may be a plastic containing a flame retardant (polybrominated diphenyl ether).

[0080] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the present disclosure includes a battery rack housing 310 including a moving portion 314 configured to discharge a battery module 200 whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature and a tray 320 configured to receive the battery module 200 discharged to the outside, thereby preventing the fire from spreading to adjacent battery modules 200 when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 200. Moreover, the tray 320 of the present disclosure receives the discharged battery module 200, thereby effectively preventing the fire from spreading to a position adjacent to the battery rack housing 310. The safety of the battery rack 300 can be increased.

[0081] Come back for reference Figure 5 , the tray 320 may include a cooling member 326 configured to cool the received battery module 200. The cooling member 326 may include water or a filler with a high specific heat. For example, the filler may be a solid filler or a liquid filler (e.g., insulating oil, such as FR3), which is an insulator with a high specific heat. Alternatively, the cooling member 326 may include a phase change material that changes from a solid to a gas or from a liquid to a gas when heated. For example, the phase change material may be paraffin or a hydrated salt.

[0082] refer to Figure 6 , the battery module 200 may include a temperature sensor 270 and a module BMS 230. The temperature sensor 270 may be configured to measure the internal temperature of the battery module 200. For example, the temperature sensor 270 may be connected to the module BMS 230 via a sensing line 271, which is used for communication between the temperature sensor 270 and the module BMS 230. Alternatively, the temperature sensor 270 may be a linear temperature detection sensor. The linear temperature detection sensor may sense the temperature of a plurality of battery modules 200 and may be directly electrically connected to the module BMS 230 without a separate signal line. Moreover, the linear temperature detection sensor is light and flexible, and therefore easy to install. Here, the module BMS 230 may be a battery management system that controls the charging and discharging of the battery module.

[0083] The module BMS 230 may be configured to transmit the temperature information of the temperature sensor 270 via wireless communication. For this purpose, the module BMS 230 may include an NFC wireless communication unit, a Bluetooth wireless communication unit, or a radio frequency identification (RFID) wireless communication unit. The module BMS 230 may be configured to wirelessly communicate with a battery rack BMS 330 described below as a central control unit (host). For example, the module BMS 230 may receive the internal temperature information of the battery module 200 from the temperature sensor 270, and transmit the temperature information to the battery rack BMS 330 through a wireless communication method. Here, the battery rack BMS 330 may be a battery management system that controls the charging and discharging of multiple battery modules 200 by communicating with multiple module BMSs 230.

[0084] The battery rack housing 310 may include the battery rack BMS 330 configured to be able to wirelessly communicate with the module BMS 230. The battery rack BMS 330 may include a wireless signal receiver unit (not shown) configured to receive temperature information from the module BMS 230. In addition, the battery rack BMS 330 may receive information associated with current and voltage from the module BMS 230. To this end, the module BMS 230 may further include a printed circuit board (not shown) electrically connected to the cell assembly 100.

[0085] When the battery rack BMS 330 receives temperature information of the battery module 200 above a predetermined temperature from the module BMS 230, the battery rack BMS 330 may be configured to control the moving part 314 to discharge the battery module 200. For example, the battery rack BMS 330 may receive information associated with an increase in the internal temperature above a predetermined temperature among the plurality of battery modules 200 from the module BMS 230 via wireless communication. Subsequently, the battery rack BMS 330 may operate the moving part 314 configured to discharge the battery module 200 whose temperature increases to above the predetermined temperature to discharge the battery module 200 from the battery rack housing 310.

[0086] According to such a configuration of the present disclosure, the battery module 200 includes a module BMS 230 configured to transmit temperature information of the temperature sensor 270 to the battery rack BMS 330 via wireless communication, so when compared with a conventional battery module (not shown) connected to the battery rack BMS via a sensing line, the battery module 200 of the present disclosure can be discharged to the outside by the moving part 314 without being disturbed by the sensing line. Accordingly, the battery module 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be stably discharged, thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery rack 300.

[0087] Figure 7 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery rack housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 is schematically shown to be set in Figure 7 A partial side view of the wheels and battery modules in the battery rack housing.

[0088] Again with Figure 1 and Figure 6 Reference together Figure 7 and Figure 8 In the battery rack housing 310A according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving portion 314 may include wheels 314a and a motor 314m. Specifically, the wheels 314a may be configured to rotate to move the battery module 200 to the open side of the receiving portion 312. For example, Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 3 , the wheel 314a may be inserted into and placed in a portion of the battery rack frame 315. The battery rack frame 315 may have an opening 315h to allow the wheel 314a to rotate.

[0089] The motor ( Figure 6 The motor 314m) may be connected to the rotation axis of the wheel 314a to rotate the wheel 314a. The motor 314m may be electrically connected to the battery rack BMS 330 to allow the battery rack BMS 330 to control the rotation movement.

[0090] The battery module 200 may include a belt 280 attached to the bottom of the module housing 210. The belt 280 may have a concave-convex structure 280h on the bottom. The wheel 314a may be provided with gear teeth, for example. The concave-convex structure 280h of the belt 280 may engage with the gear teeth of the wheel 314a. The belt 280 may be configured to transmit the rotational force of the wheel 314a having gear teeth to the battery module 200 to move the battery module 200 forward.

[0091] According to this construction of the present disclosure, the moving portion 314 includes a wheel 314a configured to rotate to move the battery module 200 to the open side (front side) of the receiving portion 312 and a motor 314m connected to the rotation axis of the wheel 314a to rotate the wheel 314a to discharge the battery module 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred among the multiple battery modules 200, thereby more effectively preventing the fire or thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a perspective view schematically showing a battery rack housing of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Again with Figure 1 and Figure 6 Reference together Fig. 9 In the battery rack housing 310B of the battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the moving part 314 may include a conveyor belt 314b and a motor 314m. The conveyor belt 314b may be configured to move the battery module 200 to the open side of the receiving part 312. For example, Fig. 9 As shown in , the conveyor belt 314b may replace the battery rack frame of the receiving portion 312. That is, the conveyor belt 314b may be configured to mount the battery module 200 on the top. The conveyor belt 314b may include at least one driving roller 314b1. The driving roller 314b1 may be configured to move the conveyor belt 314b. The motor 314m may be connected to the driving roller 314b1 to rotate the driving roller 314b1.

[0094] The motor ( Figure 6 The motor 314m) may be connected to the rotation axis of the driving roller 314b1 to rotate the driving roller 314b1. The motor 314m may be electrically connected to the battery rack BMS 330 to allow the battery rack BMS 330 to control the rotational movement.

[0095] According to this construction of the present disclosure, the moving part 314 of the present disclosure includes a conveyor belt 314b configured to move the battery module 200 to the open side of the receiving part 312 and a drive roller 314b1 connected to the conveyor belt 314b to drive a motor 314m of the conveyor belt 314b to quickly discharge the battery module 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred among multiple battery modules, thereby more effectively preventing the fire or thermal runaway from spreading to adjacent battery modules 200.

[0096] Again with Figure 5 Reference together Figure 7 and Fig. 9, the battery rack housing 310 may be configured to receive the tray 320 in the lower portion of the receiving portion 312. For example, as in Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 3 , a receiving space 313 a may be provided on a lowermost side of the battery holder housing 310 to receive the tray 320 .

[0097] When the battery module 200 is discharged to the outside, the battery rack housing 310 may include a transfer device configured to transfer the tray 320 to the outside to receive the discharged battery module 200. Figure 7 As shown in , similarly, the transfer device may include the wheels 314a and the motor 314m as described above. Specifically, the wheels 314a may be placed in the receiving space on the bottom of the receiving portion 312. For example, as shown in Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 3 , the wheel 314 a may be configured as a transfer device for the tray 320 .

[0098] The motor 314m may be connected to a rotation shaft of the wheel 314a to rotate the wheel 314a. The motor 314m may be electrically connected to the battery rack BMS 330 to allow the battery rack BMS 330 to control the rotational movement.

[0099] For example, Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 3 , a conveyor belt 314 b and a motor 314 m may be provided as a transfer device of the tray 320. The conveyor belt 314 b may be configured to move the tray 320 to the open side (front side) of the receiving portion 312. The conveyor belt 314 b may be configured to install the tray 320 on the top.

[0100] The motor 314m may be connected to the driving roller 314b1 to rotate the driving roller 314b1 of the conveyor belt 314b. The motor 314m may be electrically connected to the battery rack BMS 330 to allow the battery rack BMS 330 to control the rotational movement.

[0101] Fig.10 FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view schematically showing a tray of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] and Figure 5 Reference together Figure 1 and Fig.10 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a tray 320A may include a cover member 324. The cover member 324 may be configured to guide the falling of the battery module 200 discharged to the outside. That is, the cover member 324 may have a moving space 323s so that the battery module 200 is easily moved to a preset position (in the tray) where the battery module 200 will fall.

[0103] More specifically, the cover member 324 may include a support rod 324a and a guide wall 324d. Figure 1 When the tray 320A is taken out of the receiving space 313a, the support rod 324a can be placed in the tray 320A. Subsequently, when the tray 320A is taken out from the receiving space 313a, one side of the support rod 324a can be rotatably moved in an upward direction by an elastic member 324b (e.g., a spring) and a hinge structure 324c. For this purpose, the support rod 324a can be connected to the tray 320A by a hinge structure 324c to perform rotational movement.

[0104] The guide wall 324d may have an upper end connected to the support rod 324a and a lower end connected to the tray 320A. That is, when the tray 320 is placed in the receiving space 313a, the guide wall 324d may be received in the tray 320, and then, when the tray 320 is taken out of the receiving space 313a by the moving device, the guide wall 324d may be extended upward by the upward movement of the support rod 324a caused by the elastic member 324b.

[0105] The guide wall 324d may include a flame retardant material. The moving space 323s may be formed by the support rod 324a and the guide wall 324d connecting the support rod 324a to the tray 320A.

[0106] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the tray 320A includes a cover member 324 having a moving space configured to guide the falling of the battery module 200 discharged to the outside, thereby stably receiving the battery module 200 discharged to the outside by the moving portion 314 in the tray 320A. When a battery module 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred fails to move to the tray 320A, the spread of the fire can be effectively prevented from occurring.

[0107] Fig.11 Schematically shows a rear view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] refer to Fig.11, the battery rack 300 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure may include an external input / output terminal 221 in each of the plurality of battery modules 200 received in the receiving portion 212 of the battery rack housing 310. The external input / output terminal 221 may be electrically connected to the cell assembly 100. That is, the battery module 200 may supply power to an external device through the external input / output terminal 221. The positive external input / output terminal 221a of the positive electrode may be provided on one side of the rear surface of the battery module 200, and the negative external input / output terminal 221b of the negative electrode may be provided on the other side.

[0109] Fig.12 is a front view schematically showing a module bus bar and a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] and Fig.11 Reference together Fig.12 The battery rack 300 may further include a module connecting member 350 configured to electrically connect the plurality of battery modules 200 .

[0111] The module connection member 350 may include a plurality of module bus bars 352. The module bus bars 352 may include a conductive metal. For example, the module bus bars 352 may include copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0112] For example, Fig.11 and Fig.12 As shown in , the plurality of module bus bars 352 may be configured to electrically connect the negative external input / output terminal 221 b of the battery module 200 to the positive external input / output terminal 221 a of the other battery modules 200 .

[0113] Some of the plurality of module bus bars 352 may be electrically connected to each other through metal wires 353. This is to electrically connect any one of the plurality of battery modules 200 arranged in the vertical direction to the battery module 200 placed in the upper position or the lower position, and the module bus bar 352 placed in the upper position and the module bus bar 352 placed in the lower position may be connected to the metal wires 353.

[0114] The module connection member 350 may further include a support 354 configured to fix the plurality of module bus bars 352 to the inner surface. The support 354 may include a plate extending vertically and horizontally to fix the plurality of module bus bars 352.

[0115] Fig.13 and Fig.14is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a process of contact between an external input / output terminal of a battery module and a module bus bar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] and Fig.11 and Fig.12 Reference together Fig.13 and Fig.14 , the module bus bar 352 may have an elliptical side. In addition, the module bus bar 352 may have an oval shape having an upper side, a lower side, a front side, and a rear side connected to each other. That is, by connecting both ends of a strip-shaped thin metal plate extending in a certain direction, the module bus bar 352 may be made into an oval shape having a wide surface on the upper side, the lower side, the front side, and the rear side.

[0117] The external input / output terminal 221 of the battery module 200 may be interposed between the plurality of module bus bars 352. In this case, the plurality of module bus bars 352 may be elastically deformed by contact of the external input / output terminal 221.

[0118] Accordingly, if Fig.14 As shown in , the external input / output terminal 221 may be disposed between two module bus bars 352, and each of the two module bus bars may change shape by elastic deformation caused by contact of the provided external input / output terminal 221. The two module bus bars 352 may elastically press the external input / output terminal 221 to minimize electrical contact resistance with the external input / output terminal 221 disposed therebetween.

[0119] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery rack housing 310 includes: a plurality of module bus bars 352, the plurality of module bus bars 352 being configured to electrically connect the external input / output terminals 221 to the external input / output terminals 221 of other battery modules 200, and being elastically deformed by contact with the external input / output terminals 221; and external input / output terminals 221, which are disposed between the plurality of module bus bars 352, so that when compared with the external input / output terminals 221 of the conventional battery module 200 connected to the module bus bars 352, the battery module 200 of the present disclosure can be moved by the moving part ( Figure 7 314) in the battery rack housing 310. Accordingly, the battery modules 200 in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be stably discharged, thereby effectively increasing the safety of the battery rack 300. Moreover, when installed on the rear surface of the battery rack housing 310, the module connecting member 350 can easily and simply electrically connect a plurality of battery modules 200.

[0120] Fig.15 FIG. 4 is a rear view schematically showing a battery rack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] refer to Fig.15 , when Fig.11 Compared with the battery module 200 of FIG. 1 , the battery module 200A of the battery rack 300A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may have the positive external input / output terminal 221 a and the negative external input / output terminal 221 b arranged in the vertical direction.

[0122] For example, as in Fig.15 As shown in , the positive external input / output terminal 221a and the negative external input / output terminal 221b may be placed adjacent to each other at the rear end of the battery module 200 mounted on the battery rack housing 310. In this case, the positive external input / output terminal 221a and the negative external input / output terminal 221b may be arranged in a vertical direction. In addition, all battery modules 200 may include a positive external input / output terminal 221a and a negative external output terminal 221b placed on the right side relative to the center when the battery rack 300A is viewed from the rear.

[0123] Fig.16 FIG. 4 is a front view schematically showing a module bus bar and a support member according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.17 and Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a process of contact between an external input / output terminal of a battery module and a module bus bar according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0124] Again with Fig.15 Reference together Figure 16 to Figure 18 A battery rack 300A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a module connecting member 350A configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery modules 200A.

[0125] The module connection member 350A may include a plurality of module bus bars 352. The module bus bars 352 may include a conductive metal. For example, the module bus bars 352 may include copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0126] The module connection member 350A may include a support portion 356 including an electrically insulating material disposed between the plurality of module bus bars 352. The electrically insulating material may be, for example, a non-conductive plastic. More specifically, the support portion 356 may include polyvinyl chloride or polycarbonate. For example, Fig.16 As shown in , a support portion 356 including an electrically insulating material may be disposed between a module bus bar 352 disposed in an upper position and a module bus bar 352 disposed in a lower position.

[0127] The support portion 356 is spaced apart from the module bus bar 352 so that the external input / output terminal 221 is press-fitted between the module bus bar 352 and the support portion 356. In this case, the support portion 356 and the module bus bar 352 can change shape by elastic deformation caused by the inserted external input / output terminal 221. That is, as in Fig.18 As shown in , the support portion 356 may be disposed between the positive external input / output terminal 221a and the negative external input / output terminal 221b to prevent a short circuit between the positive external input / output terminal 221a and the negative external input / output terminal 221b of one battery module 200A.

[0128] For example, Fig.17 and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , the external input / output terminal 221 may be press-fitted or inserted between the module bus bar 352 and the support portion 356. The uppermost module bus bar 352 and the lowermost module bus bar 352 may be electrically connected to the battery rack BMS ( Figure 1 330 in ).

[0129] For example, Fig.16 and Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , six module bus bars 352 may be configured to electrically connect the external input / output terminals 221 of a battery module 200A in series to the external input / output terminals 221 of other battery modules 200A.

[0130] The module connection member 350A may include a support member 354 configured to fix the plurality of module bus bars 352 to the inner surface. The support member 354 may be configured to fix the plurality of module bus bars 352. For example, Fig.16 As shown in , six module bus bars 352 and five support portions 356 disposed between the six module bus bars 352 may be fixed to an inner surface of one support member 354 .

[0131] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, a module connecting member 350A according to another embodiment includes a plurality of module bus bars 352 and a support portion 356 disposed between the plurality of module bus bars 352, so that the external input / output terminal 221 can be extruded and assembled or inserted between the module bus bars 352 and the support portion 356, and accordingly, the connection operation is easy, a plurality of battery modules 200A can be electrically connected in series, and compared with the external input / output terminal 221 of the conventional battery module 200A connected to the module bus bars 352, the battery module 200A of the present disclosure can be connected by the moving portion ( Figure 7Accordingly, the battery module 200A in which a fire or thermal runaway has occurred can be stably discharged.

[0132] An energy storage system (not shown) according to the present disclosure may include at least one battery rack 300 according to the present disclosure. In particular, the energy storage system may include a plurality of battery racks 300 according to the present disclosure. The plurality of battery racks 300 may be electrically connected to each other via a battery rack bus bar (not shown). The energy storage system according to the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms, such as a smart grid system or a charging station.

[0133] Terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear used herein are used for convenience of description only, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may change depending on the position of the elements or observers.

[0134] While the present disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto within the technical aspects of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0135] Description of Reference Numerals

[0136] 300: Battery rack

[0137] 200: Battery module

[0138] 100: Monomer component

[0139] 110: Secondary battery

[0140] 210: Module cover

[0141] 310: Battery rack housing

[0142] 312: Receiving Department

[0143] 314: Mobile Department

[0144] 320: Pallet

[0145] 326: Cooling components

[0146] 230: Module BMS

[0147] 330: Battery rack BMS

[0148] 314a: Wheel

[0149] 314m: Electric motor

[0150] 221: External input / output terminal

[0151] 314b: Conveyor belt

[0152] 314b1: driving roller

[0153] 324: Cover member

[0154] 352: Module busbar

[0155] 354: Support

[0156] Industrial Applicability

[0157] The present disclosure relates to a battery rack. In addition, the present disclosure can be used in a large

[0158] Energy storage systems are used in industry.

Claims

1. A battery rack, comprising: a plurality of battery modules, the plurality of battery modules being arranged in a vertical direction; a battery rack housing including a receiving portion and a moving portion, the receiving portion having an internal space that is open to one side to receive each of the plurality of battery modules, the moving portion being configured to discharge a battery module whose internal temperature rises above a predetermined temperature; and a tray configured to receive the discharged battery module, Wherein, the battery rack housing is constructed as follows: receiving the tray in a lower portion of the receiving portion, and When the battery modules are discharged to the outside, the tray is transferred to the outside to receive the discharged battery modules.

2. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The tray includes a cooling member configured to cool the battery module received in the tray.

3. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module includes a temperature sensor and a module BMS, the temperature sensor measures temperature, the module BMS is configured to transmit temperature information of the temperature sensor via wireless communication, The battery rack housing includes a battery rack BMS configured to wirelessly communicate with the module BMS, and The battery rack BMS is configured to control the moving part to discharge the battery module when receiving the temperature information of the battery module above the predetermined temperature from the module BMS.

4. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile unit comprises: wheels configured to rotate to move the battery module to an open side of the receiving portion; and A motor is connected to the rotation shaft of the wheel to rotate the wheel.

5. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The mobile unit comprises: a conveyor belt configured to move the battery module to an open side of the receiving portion, the conveyor belt including a drive roller that drives the conveyor belt; and A motor is connected to the drive roller.

6. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The tray includes a cover member having a movement space configured to guide a fall of the discharged battery module.

7. The battery rack according to claim 1, wherein: The battery module includes a cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries and an external input / output terminal electrically connected to the cell assembly. The battery rack further includes a plurality of module bus bars configured to electrically connect the external input / output terminals to the external input / output terminals of other battery modules and to be elastically deformed by contact of the external input / output terminals, and The external input / output terminals are disposed between the plurality of module bus bars.

8. The battery rack according to claim 7, further comprising: A support member is configured to fix the plurality of module bus bars to an inner surface of the support member.

9. An energy storage system comprising at least one battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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