Battery pack and battery rack, and energy storage system including the battery rack

Abstract

A battery pack with improved stability against thermal runaway of a battery module is disclosed. The battery pack according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes: at least one battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module case for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; at least one thermoelectric module configured to be located outside or inside the module case of the battery module and generate a voltage when the temperature of the battery module rises to a predetermined temperature or higher; and an energy consumption unit configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined magnitude or higher is applied from the thermoelectric module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack, a battery rack, and an energy storage system including the battery rack. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a battery pack having improved stability against thermal runaway of battery modules.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0109047, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 3, 2019, 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 a very small or no memory effect. Therefore, compared with nickel-based secondary batteries, lithium secondary batteries have received more attention due to their advantages of being able to be charged at any convenient time, having an extremely low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0004] Lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively, with a separator disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate; and a package or a battery pouch case in which the electrode assembly and an electrolyte solution are hermetically received.

[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. For medium and large device applications, many secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are easy to stack, and due to this advantage, pouch-type secondary batteries are widely used in medium and large devices.

[0006] Recently, with the use as an energy source and the growing demand for large-capacity structures, the demand for a battery pack including battery modules and a battery management system (BMS), which includes a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and / or in parallel, has been increasing.

[0007] Generally, the battery pack includes a housing made of metal to protect a plurality of secondary batteries from external impacts or to receive and store a plurality of secondary batteries. In recent years, the demand for high-capacity battery packs has been growing.

[0008] However, a conventional battery pack or battery rack includes a plurality of battery modules, and when thermal runaway occurs in some of the secondary batteries among the plurality of secondary batteries of each battery module, resulting in a fire or explosion, heat or flames will spread to adjacent secondary batteries, leading to a secondary explosion. Efforts have been made to prevent the spread of fire or explosion.

[0009] Therefore, when thermal runaway occurs in a certain secondary battery of the battery pack or battery rack, a rapid and perfect fire extinguishing technique is necessary to take timely countermeasures. To prevent thermal runaway of the battery module, there are methods for cooling or extinguishing the battery module through the control of the BMS.

[0010] However, when external power is not supplied to the BMS or the BMS fails or malfunctions, the cooling or extinguishing performed through the control of the BMS may not be able to cool or extinguish the fire in the battery module where thermal runaway has occurred. Therefore, fire extinguishing measures when the BMS cannot operate are needed. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Technical Problem

[0012] The present disclosure is designed to solve the above problems, so the present disclosure aims to provide a battery pack with improved stability against thermal runaway of a battery module.

[0013] These and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be understood from the following description and will become apparent from the embodiments of the present disclosure. In addition, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of the present disclosure can be achieved by the means and combinations thereof.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] To achieve the above object, a battery pack according to the present disclosure includes: at least one battery module, the at least one battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module housing for receiving the plurality of battery cells; at least one thermoelectric module, the at least one thermoelectric module being disposed outside or inside the module housing of the battery module and being configured to generate a voltage when the temperature of the battery module rises to a predetermined temperature or above; and an energy consumption unit configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined amplitude or above is applied from the thermoelectric module.

[0016] In addition, the module housing may have at least one exposed hole, the at least one exposed hole being open for communication between the inside and the outside, and the thermoelectric module may be disposed in contact with the exposed hole.

[0017] In addition, the thermoelectric module may include: thermoelectric legs including p-type legs and n-type legs; electrodes connecting the p-type legs and the n-type legs; and a hot-side substrate and a cold-side substrate which are formed in a plate shape and are arranged at an upper position and a lower position to electrically isolate the electrodes from the outside.

[0018] In addition, the thermoelectric module may be arranged outside the module housing, and at least a part of the hot-side substrate may be inserted into the exposed hole.

[0019] In addition, the module housing may have a receiving groove recessed in an inward direction to receive the thermoelectric module, and the thermoelectric module may be mounted in the receiving groove such that the hot-side substrate is arranged on the receiving groove.

[0020] In addition, the power consumption unit may include an external short-circuit circuit which is electrically connected to an external power terminal of the battery module to consume the power of the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined magnitude or more is applied from the thermoelectric module.

[0021] In addition, the external short-circuit circuit may include: a consumption part configured to consume the power supplied from the battery module; and at least one operation switch configured to electrically connect the battery module to a resistor when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or more is supplied.

[0022] In addition, the external short-circuit circuit may further include a change switch which is turned on when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or more from the thermoelectric module is supplied to supply the power of the battery module to the operation switch to turn on the operation switch.

[0023] In addition, the operation switch may include: a positive electrode connection part electrically connected to a positive terminal of the battery module; a negative electrode connection part electrically connected to a negative terminal of the battery module; a connecting rod configured to electrically connect the positive electrode connection part to the negative electrode connection part; and a moving element configured to move the connecting rod when a power of a predetermined voltage or more is supplied to the change switch such that the connecting rod contacts between the positive electrode connection part and the negative electrode connection part.

[0024] In addition, the moving element may include: a heating body whose temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature or higher by the power supplied to the operation switch; a phase change element having one end connected to the heating body and the other end connected to the connecting rod, wherein the phase change element changes from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined temperature or higher; and a compression spring having one end connected to the connecting rod and the other end connected to the heating body, and the compression spring is configured to be compressed to move the connecting rod when the phase change element changes to a liquid state.

[0025] In addition, the moving element may include: a heating body whose temperature is raised to a predetermined temperature or higher by the power supplied to the operation switch; and an expandable portion having one end connected to the heating body and the other end connected to the connecting rod, and the expandable portion is configured to move the connecting rod by volume expansion at a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0026] In addition, the external short - circuit circuit may include: an auxiliary battery that supplies a voltage of a predetermined voltage or higher; and a change - over switch that is turned on when the change - over switch is supplied with a voltage of a predetermined voltage or higher from the thermoelectric module to supply the voltage of the auxiliary battery of a predetermined voltage or higher to the operation switch so as to turn on the operation switch.

[0027] In addition, the operation switch may be a transistor switch that is configured to electrically connect the battery module to the resistor when supplied with power of a predetermined voltage or higher from the thermoelectric module.

[0028] To achieve the above object, a battery rack according to the present disclosure includes the battery pack and a battery rack housing that receives the battery pack.

[0029] To achieve the above object, an energy storage system according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery rack.

[0030] Advantageous Effects

[0031] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the battery pack of the present disclosure includes an energy consumption unit that is configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined amplitude or higher is applied from the thermoelectric module due to the temperature of the battery module rising to a predetermined temperature or higher. The active method uses a temperature sensor or a smoke sensor to consume the energy of the battery module, while the passive method consumes the energy of the battery module by causing the voltage of the thermoelectric module to increase as the temperature of the battery module changes. The present disclosure can adopt either the active method or the passive method, thereby handling the thermal runaway or explosion of the battery module with high reliability.

[0032] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack of the present disclosure may have an exposed hole for communicating between the inside and the outside of the battery module, so that the thermoelectric module can effectively receive the internal heat of the battery module. Therefore, the energy consumption unit can discharge the battery module by quickly responding to the temperature change of the battery module. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack can be effectively improved.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the battery module of the present disclosure has a receiving groove recessed in the inward direction to receive the thermoelectric module in the module housing. The thermoelectric module does not protrude outside the battery module, so that obstacles or collisions with external objects can be avoided. Therefore, damage to the thermoelectric module can be prevented, thereby improving the durability of the battery pack.

[0034] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the energy consumption unit of the present disclosure includes: a consumption unit that consumes the power of the battery module; and an external short-circuit circuit that includes at least one operation switch, and when the operation switch is electrically connected to the battery module and the consumption unit by a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage transmitted by the thermoelectric module, the power of the battery module is efficiently exhausted. Therefore, the spread or spread of fire in the battery module of the battery pack can be prevented.

[0035] According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the energy consumption unit of the present disclosure further includes a change switch that is turned on when the change switch is supplied with a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module to supply the power of the battery module to the operation switch to turn on the operation switch, and when the operation switch is electrically connected to the battery module and a resistor by a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage transmitted by the battery module, an external short circuit is caused with high reliability. Therefore, the power of the battery module can be efficiently exhausted. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are used together with the following detailed description to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of internal components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a thermoelectric module of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 4Schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 5 Schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 6 Schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 7 Taken along line C-C' Figure 6 Schematic partial cross-sectional view of the battery pack.

[0044] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of an external short-circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 9 Schematic diagram of an external short-circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of an external short-circuit circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of an external short-circuit circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Schematic diagram showing the operation of internal components of an operation switch of an external short-circuit circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14 and Figure 15 Schematic diagram showing the operation of internal components of an operation switch of an external short-circuit circuit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 16 Schematic front view of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description of the Embodiment

[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 construed as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms to obtain the best interpretation, based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] Accordingly, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, but are not intended to completely describe the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may have been made thereto at the time of filing the application.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is a schematic exploded perspective view of internal components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] The battery pack 200 according to the present disclosure includes at least one battery module 100, and the at least one battery module 100 includes a plurality of battery cells 110a, at least one thermoelectric module 210, and an energy consumption unit 220.

[0055] Herein, the battery cell 110a may be a pouch secondary battery. For example, as Figure 2 shown, each of the two battery cell assemblies 110 may include 21 pouch battery cells 110a stacked side by side in the front-rear direction (y direction).

[0056] In particular, the pouch battery cell 110a may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte solution (not shown), and a pouch.

[0057] Each battery cell 110a stands upright in a direction perpendicular to the ground (z direction), where when viewed in the direction F ( Figure 1 as shown), the two wide surfaces of each battery cell 110a are arranged in the front-rear direction, and the sealing portions are arranged in the upper, lower, left, and right directions. In other words, each battery cell 110a can stand upright in the vertical direction. In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the upper, lower, front, rear, left, and right directions are all defined when viewed from the direction F.

[0058] Herein, the pouch may have a recessed receiving portion. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte solution may be received in the receiving portion. Each pouch may include an outer insulating layer, a metal layer, and an inner insulating layer, and an inner adhesive layer is adhered to each other at the edge of the pouch to form a sealing portion. Platform portions may be formed at each of the left and right ends (x direction) of the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead (not shown) of the battery cell 110a.

[0059] 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, at least one negative electrode plate, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. 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 the positive electrode lead 111.

[0060] Here, one end of the positive electrode lead 111 may be connected to the positive electrode tab, and the other end may be exposed through the bag, and the exposed portion may be used as an electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a, for example, the positive electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a.

[0061] 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 (not shown). One end of the negative electrode lead may be connected to the negative electrode tab, and the other end may be exposed through the bag, and the exposed portion may be used as an electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a, for example, the negative electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a.

[0062] As Figure 2 shown, when observed in the direction F of Figure 1 , the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead may be formed at the left end and the right end in opposite directions (x direction) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. That is, the positive electrode lead 111 may be disposed at one end (right end) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. The negative electrode lead may be disposed at the other end (left end) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. For example, as Figure 2 shown, each battery cell 110a of the battery assembly 110 may have a positive electrode lead 111 and a negative electrode lead extending in the left - right direction.

[0063] Here, terms indicating directions such as front, rear, left, right, up, and down 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, rear, left, right, up, and down are defined when observed in the direction F of Figure 1 .

[0064] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the area of the electrode leads without causing interference between the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead of one battery cell 110a.

[0065] The positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead may be formed in a plate shape. In particular, the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead may extend in the horizontal direction (X direction), with the wide surface standing upright in the front - rear direction.

[0066] Here, the horizontal direction refers to the direction parallel to the ground when the battery module 100 is placed on the ground, and may be referred to as at least one direction in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0067] However, the battery module 100 according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described pouch-type battery cells 110a, but various types of battery cells 110a known at the time of filing the application can be used.

[0068] At least two battery cell assemblies 110 may be arranged in the front-rear direction. For example, as Figure 2 shown, two battery cell assemblies 110 may be arranged in the front-rear direction, and the two battery cell assemblies 110 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0069] The battery module 100 may further include a bus bar assembly 280. Specifically, the bus bar assembly 280 may include: at least one bus bar 282 configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 110a; and at least two bus bar frames 286 configured to mount the at least one bus bar frame 282 on the outside. The at least two bus bar frames 286 may be respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the battery cell assembly 110.

[0070] Specifically, the bus bar 282 may include a conductive metal, for example, copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0071] The bus bar frame 286 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the bus bar frame 286 may include a plastic material. More specifically, the plastic material may be polyvinyl chloride.

[0072] The module housing 120 may have an internal space to receive the battery cell assembly 110 therein. Specifically, the module housing 120 may include an upper cover 122, a substrate 124, a front cover 125, and a rear cover 126. Each of the upper cover 122, the substrate 124, the front cover 125, and the rear cover 126 may be bolted to each other.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the module housing 120 has a structure that stably protects a plurality of battery cells 110a from external impacts, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100 against external impacts.

[0074] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a thermoelectric module of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 4 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Together with Figure 1 Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4, the thermoelectric module 210 can be configured to be disposed outside or inside the module housing 120 of the battery module 100. That is, the thermoelectric module 210 can be configured to generate a predetermined voltage according to the change in the internal or external temperature of the battery module 100. For example, when the temperature of the battery module 100 rises to a predetermined temperature or above, the increased heat can be transferred to the thermoelectric module 210, and a voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage is generated. For example, the predetermined temperature can be 100 °C or above. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature can be 200 °C or higher.

[0076] Here, the thermoelectric module 210 includes thermoelectric legs 211, a lower electrode 213, an upper electrode 213, a lower substrate 215 as a hot-side substrate, and an upper substrate 216 as a cold-side substrate.

[0077] The thermoelectric legs 211 can be made of a thermoelectric material, that is, a thermoelectric semiconductor. The thermoelectric semiconductor can include various types of thermoelectric materials, for example, chalcogenide-based, skutterudite-based, silicide-based, clathrate-based, and half-Heusler-based thermoelectric materials. In the case of the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present disclosure, various types of thermoelectric semiconductors known at the time of filing the application can be used as the material of the thermoelectric legs 211.

[0078] The thermoelectric legs 211 can include n-type legs 211n and p-type legs 211p. The n-type legs 211n can transfer thermal energy through electron movement, and the p-type legs 211p can transfer thermal energy through hole movement.

[0079] Here, the n-type legs 211n can include an n-type thermoelectric material, and the p-type legs 211p can include a p-type thermoelectric material. That is, the n-type legs 211n can be formed in the thermoelectric material using an n-type dopant. The p-type legs 211p can be formed in the thermoelectric material using a p-type dopant.

[0080] For example, the thermoelectric legs 211 can use a skutterudite-based thermoelectric material containing CoSb3 as a basic component. The n-type dopant can include Ni, Pd, Pt, Te, Se. The p-type dopant can include Fe, Mn, Cr, Sn. Here, the n-type dopant can replace the Sb site of CoSb3 to cause an excess of electrons, and the p-type dopant can replace the Sb site of CoSb3 to cause holes.

[0081] The thermoelectric legs 211 according to the present disclosure can include pairs of p-type legs 211p and n-type legs 211n as basic units.

[0082] The thermoelectric legs 211 can be formed by batch-sintering a thermoelectric material. For example, the thermoelectric legs 211 can be formed into a rod shape, that is, a rectangular prism shape, asFigure 3 As shown. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific shape of the thermoelectric leg 211.

[0083] The p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n can be manufactured by the following steps: mixing each raw material, synthesizing through heat treatment, and performing sintering. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific manufacturing method of the thermoelectric leg 211.

[0084] As Figure 3 As shown, the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of thermoelectric legs 211, that is, a plurality of p-type legs 211p and a plurality of n-type legs 211n. The plurality of p-type legs 211p and the plurality of n-type legs 211n may include different types of thermoelectric devices arranged in an alternating manner and connected to each other. In particular, the p-type legs 211p and the n-type legs 211n may be arranged in a horizontal direction on a plane (the X-Y plane in the figure) and spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

[0085] The p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n can be connected to each other through the electrode 213. That is, the upper end of each thermoelectric leg 211 can be joined to the upper electrode 213, and the lower end of each thermoelectric leg 211 can be joined to the lower electrode 213. The upper and lower ends of most of the thermoelectric legs 211 can be connected to adjacent different types of thermoelectric legs 211 through the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213.

[0086] The upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 can be made of a conductive material, particularly a metal. For example, the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may include Cu, Al, Ni, Au, Ti, or their alloys. The upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 can be formed in a plate shape. For example, the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 can be formed in the shape of a copper plate.

[0087] The upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be disposed between the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n to connect the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n. That is, one end of the lower electrode 213 may be joined and connected to the lower end of the n-type leg 211n, and the other end of the lower electrode 213 may be joined and connected to the lower end of the p-type leg 211p. One end of the upper electrode 213 may be joined and connected to the upper end of the n-type leg 211n, and the other end of the upper electrode 213 may be joined and connected to the upper end of the p-type leg 211p. That is, both ends of each of the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be joined to different types of thermoelectric legs 211. Since both ends of the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 are joined to the thermoelectric legs 211, the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be formed in the shape of a rectangular plate that is longer in one direction so as to easily join the thermoelectric legs 211 to both ends.

[0088] The thermoelectric module 210 according to the present disclosure may include a plurality of upper electrodes 213 and a plurality of lower electrodes 213. For example, the thermoelectric module 210 may include a plurality of thermoelectric legs 211, and in this case, the upper electrodes 213 and the lower electrodes 213 may be differently disposed at the upper and lower ends of each thermoelectric leg 211. Accordingly, each thermoelectric module 210 may include a plurality of upper electrodes 213 and a plurality of lower electrodes 213. In this case, the thermoelectric module 210 may include an electrode array.

[0089] The thermoelectric module 210 according to the present disclosure may use various types of thermoelectric legs 211 and / or electrodes 213 known at the time of filing the application.

[0090] The lower substrate 215 may include an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, the lower substrate 215 may electrically isolate the lower outer side of the thermoelectric module 210 from the lower electrode 213. In particular, the lower substrate 215 may be made of a ceramic material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the lower substrate 215 may wholly or partly include alumina (Al2O3). The lower substrate 215 may be made of a ceramic material having a thermal conductivity of 10 W / mK or more at 20 °C. The lower substrate 215 may include a substrate layer made of a conductive material (such as a metal) and having a surface coated with an electrically insulating material. The present disclosure is not limited to the specific material of the lower substrate 215, but various types of substrate materials known at the time of filing the application may be used.

[0091] The lower substrate 215 may be formed in a plate shape. That is, the lower substrate 215 may have two wide surfaces. For example, the lower substrate 215 may be formed of an alumina plate.

[0092] The lower substrate 215 may be disposed below the lower electrode 213 and attached to the lower surface of the lower electrode 213. That is, the lower substrate 215 may be placed such that it has two wide surfaces disposed at an upper position and a lower position, with the upper surface attached to the lower surface of the lower electrode 213.

[0093] Here, the lower substrate 215 may be attached to the lower surface of at least one of the plurality of lower electrodes 213 included in a thermoelectric module 210. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the thermoelectric module 210 may include a lower substrate 215, and the upper surface of the lower substrate 215 may be joined to the lower surface of the lower electrode 213. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module 210 may include a plurality of lower substrates 215, and the upper surfaces of the lower substrates 215 may be joined to the lower surfaces of some of the lower electrodes 213.

[0094] In the same manner as the lower substrate 215, the upper substrate 216 may include an electrically insulating material. Thus, the upper substrate 216 may electrically isolate the upper outer side of the thermoelectric module 210 from the upper electrode 213. The upper substrate 216 may be made of a ceramic material having a high thermal conductivity, such as alumina Al2O3, or the substrate layer may be made of a conductive material with an electrically insulating material coated on its surface. The present disclosure is not limited to a specific type of material for the upper substrate 216, but various types of substrate materials known at the time of filing the application may be used.

[0095] In the same manner as the lower substrate 215, the upper substrate 216 may be formed in a plate shape. That is, the upper substrate 216 may have two wide surfaces. For example, the upper substrate 216 may be formed of an alumina plate.

[0096] The upper substrate 216 may be disposed on the upper electrode 213 and attached to the upper surface of the upper electrode 213. That is, the upper substrate 216 may be placed such that it has two wide surfaces disposed at an upper position and a lower position, with the lower surface attached to the upper surface of the upper electrode 213.

[0097] Here, the upper substrate 216 may be attached to the upper surfaces of at least two of the plurality of upper electrodes 213 included in a thermoelectric module 210. For example, as Figure 3 shown, the thermoelectric module 210 may include an upper substrate 216, and the lower surface of the upper substrate 216 may be joined to the upper surfaces of all the upper electrodes 213. Alternatively, the thermoelectric module 210 may include two or more upper substrates 216, and the lower surfaces of the upper substrates 216 may be joined to the upper surfaces of at least two of the upper electrodes 213.

[0098] Generally, the thermoelectric module 210 is disposed between a hot side and a cold side. Accordingly, one of the upper substrate 216 and the lower substrate 215 may be located on the hot side, and the other may be located on the cold side. The terms "upper" and "lower" may change depending on the position of the thermoelectric module 210 or the observer, and for the sake of description, the present disclosure is described herein based on the upper substrate 216 disposed on the cold side and the lower substrate 215 disposed on the hot side. That is, in the specification, the upper substrate 216 may be a cold-side substrate, and the lower substrate 215 may be a hot-side substrate.

[0099] The energy consumption unit 220 may be configured to discharge the battery module 100 when the battery module 100 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher and when a voltage of a predetermined magnitude or higher is applied from the thermoelectric module 210. The voltage of a predetermined magnitude or higher may be 1.2 V or higher. For example, the energy consumption unit 220 may be configured to apply power to a resistor 225a, a power resistor, or a motor to consume the power of the battery module 100.

[0100] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery pack 200 of the present disclosure includes an energy consumption unit 220 that is configured to discharge the battery module 100 when the battery module 100 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher and when a voltage of a predetermined magnitude or higher is applied from the thermoelectric module 210. Therefore, as opposed to the active energy consumption of the battery module 100 using a temperature sensor or a smoke sensor, the passive energy consumption of the battery module 100 can be used by the voltage of the thermoelectric module 210 increasing as the temperature of the battery module 100 changes.

[0101] That is, a conventional battery pack 200 uses an active method that uses a battery management system (BMS) to detect an abnormal condition of the battery module 100 and consumes the energy of the battery module 100, but it is difficult to automatically cope with a fire or explosion of the battery module 100 when the BMS is not supplied with external power or the BMS fails to operate due to a fault.

[0102] Therefore, the present disclosure is configured to cope with a fire or explosion of the battery module 100 by using a passive method of the thermoelectric module 210 that responds to a temperature change of the battery module 100 (instead of an active configuration such as a BMS), thereby taking countermeasures when the BMS fails to operate. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 200 can be significantly improved.

[0103] Figure 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 5, the module housing 120 may have at least one exposure hole 125h, and the inside and the outside communicate with each other through the at least one exposure hole 125h. For example, as Figure 5 shown, the module housing 120 of the battery module 100 may have four exposure holes 125h. As Figure 5 shown, the thermoelectric module 210 may be arranged to be in contact with the exposure hole 125h. The size of the exposure hole 125h may be smaller than the lower substrate 215 of the thermoelectric module 210.

[0105] The thermoelectric module 210 may be arranged outside the module housing 120, and at least a part of the hot side substrate 215 (lower substrate) may be inserted into the exposure hole 125h. In this case, the exposure hole 125h may have the same or similar planar size as the lower substrate 215, such that the lower substrate 215 of the thermoelectric module 210 is inserted into the exposure hole 125h.

[0106] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the battery pack 200 of the present disclosure has an exposure hole 125h, and the inside and the outside of the battery module 100 communicate with each other through the exposure hole 125h, so as to effectively transfer the internal heat of the battery module 100 to the thermoelectric module 210, and the energy consumption unit 220 may cause the battery module 100 to discharge in response to the temperature change of the battery module 100. Therefore, the safety of the battery pack 200 can be effectively increased.

[0107] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the battery pack taken along line C-C'. Figure 6 of the battery pack.

[0108] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 , when compared with the battery pack 200 of Figure 1 , the module housing 120A of the battery pack 200A according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a receiving groove 218h recessed in the inward direction (towards the inside of the battery module) to receive the thermoelectric module 210. Other components are the same.

[0109] For example, as Figure 6 shown, the module housing 120A may have four receiving grooves 218h. The thermoelectric module 210 may be embedded in each of the four receiving grooves 218h. In this case, the thermoelectric module 210 may be mounted on the receiving groove 218h such that the hot side substrate 215 (lower substrate) may be arranged on the receiving groove 218h.

[0110] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the module housing 120A has a receiving groove 218h recessed in the inward direction to receive the thermoelectric module 210, so as to prevent the thermoelectric module 210 from protruding outside the battery module 100, thereby avoiding obstruction by external objects. Therefore, damage to the thermoelectric module 210 can be prevented.

[0111] The thermoelectric module 210 is arranged closer to the inside of the battery module 100 and is located around the inner wall of the receiving groove 218h. Therefore, the internal heat of the battery module 100 can be more effectively transferred to the thermoelectric module 210. Thus, when the temperature of the battery module 100 rises to a predetermined temperature or above, the energy consumption unit 220 can quickly consume the power of the battery module 100.

[0112] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of an external short - circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Together with Figure 1 Reference Figure 8 , the energy consumption unit 220 may include an external short - circuit circuit 221. When a voltage of a predetermined magnitude or above is applied from the thermoelectric module 210, the external short - circuit circuit 221 can be electrically connected to the external power terminals of the battery module 110 and is configured to consume the power of the battery module 100.

[0114] Specifically, the external short - circuit circuit 221 may include: a short - circuit path A1 that electrically connects the positive and negative terminals of the battery module 100; and an operation path A2 that is configured to allow the current of the thermoelectric module to flow to an operation switch. A consumption part 225 and at least one operation switch 223 may be provided on the short - circuit path A1. The consumption part 225 may include a device configured to consume the power supplied from the battery module 100, for example, a power resistor, a resistor, or a shunt resistor.

[0115] When a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above is supplied along the operation path A2, the operation switch 223 can be configured to electrically connect the battery module 100 and the consumption part 225. The operation switch 223 can be turned on reversibly or irreversibly.

[0116] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the energy consumption unit 220 includes an external short - circuit circuit 221, which includes a consumption part 225 and at least one operation switch 223, to allow the operation switch 223 to electrically connect the battery module 100 and the consumption part 225 through a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above transmitted by the thermoelectric module 210, so as to effectively consume the power of the battery module 100.

[0117] Figure 9 It is a schematic diagram of an external short - circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Referring to Figure 9 , the external short - circuit circuit 221A of the present disclosure may include a transistor switch 223a as the operation switch 223.

[0119] When the transistor switch 223a is supplied with power at a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module 210, the transistor switch 223a may be configured to electrically connect the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a. Here, the transistor switch 223a may be a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).

[0120] For example, as Figure 9 shown, Figure 9 the operation switch 223 may be set as a transistor switch. In this case, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 may be respectively connected to the base B and the emitter E of the transistor switch 223a. The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100 may be respectively connected to the collector C and the emitter E of the transistor switch 223a.

[0121] In this case, when a voltage equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage is applied to the base B, the transistor switch 223a is cut off (cut - off mode) so that the switch remains in the off state to prevent current from flowing from the collector C to the emitter E.

[0122] When a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is applied to the base B, the transistor switch 223a turns into an on state to allow current to flow from the collector C to the emitter E. In this case, the power of the battery module 100 may be electrically connected to the resistor 225a arranged on the short - circuit path A1. Therefore, the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed by the resistor 225a of the consumption part 225.

[0123] Therefore, when the temperature of the battery module 100 rises to a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the thermoelectric module 210 may generate a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage. The voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage generated by the thermoelectric module 210 may be applied to the base of the transistor switch 223a, resulting in saturation, and the switch may be turned on to allow current to flow from the collector C to the emitter E. Therefore, current can flow in the short - circuit path A1, and the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed by the resistor 225a.

[0124] A plurality of transistor switches 223a can be set according to the magnitude of the current of the power of the battery module 100. For example, when the current of the power of the battery module 100 is 400 A, the external short - circuit circuit 221A can include 2 transistor switches with an operating current of 200 A.

[0125] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, when the operation switch 223 is a transistor switch configured to electrically connect the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a when receiving power of a predetermined voltage or higher from the thermoelectric module 210, the switch operation is faster, resulting in faster power consumption of the battery module 100. The transistor switch is wear - resistant, thus preventing the switch from becoming inoperable.

[0126] Although Figure 9 the embodiments describe BJT - based transistor switches, the transistor switches are not necessarily limited thereto, but can include other types of switching devices, such as field - effect transistors (FETs).

[0127] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of an external short - circuit circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0128] Reference Figure 10 , contrary to Figure 9 the external short - circuit circuit 221A, the external short - circuit circuit 221B according to another embodiment can further include a switch path A3 in the operation switch 223 to connect the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100.

[0129] Figure 10 The external short - circuit circuit can further include a change switch 227 disposed on the switch path A3. The change switch 227 can be configured to be turned on when a predetermined voltage or higher voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module 210. For example, the change switch 227 can be a transistor switch that is turned on when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or higher is applied.

[0130] For example, as Figure 10 shown, the change switch 227 can be set as a transistor switch. In this case, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 can be respectively connected to the base B and the emitter E of the transistor switch 227a. The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100 can be respectively connected to the collector C and the emitter E of the transistor switch 227a.

[0131] Accordingly, the change switch 227 may be configured to supply the power of the battery module 100 to the operation switch 223 when turned on. In this case, the operation switch 223 may include a driving unit 223a and an open / close unit 223b that are respectively arranged on the switch path A3 and the short-circuit path A1. That is, the driving unit 223a may be configured to drive the opening / closing of the open / close unit 223b. The driving unit 223a may be arranged on the switch path A3 to receive a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the battery module 100. The open / close unit 223b of the operation switch 223 may maintain an open state under normal conditions so that the operation switch 223 remains in an off state, thereby preventing current from flowing in the short-circuit path A1. However, when a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is applied to the driving unit 223a, the open / close unit 223b may be turned on. Accordingly, current may be allowed to flow in the short-circuit path A1.

[0132] In this case, when the power of the battery module 100 applied to the operation switch 223 is a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage, the operation switch 223 may be turned on. When the operation switch 223 is turned on, the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a may be electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, the power of the battery module 100 may be quickly consumed by the resistor 225a.

[0133] For example, even when a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is applied only once, the operation switch 223 may be turned on and remain in the on state. That is, the operation switch 223 may be a safety switch that operates irreversibly. For example, the operation switch 223 may be a thermal fuse from Autoliv.

[0134] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the external short-circuit circuit 221B further includes a change switch 227 that is turned on when the change switch 227 is supplied with a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module 210 to supply the power of the battery module 100 to the operation switch 223 in order to turn on the operation switch 223, so that the operation switch 223 electrically connects the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a through a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage transmitted by the battery module 100, thereby triggering an external short circuit with high reliability. Accordingly, the power of the battery module 100 can be effectively consumed.

[0135] In addition, contrary to Figure 9 the external short-circuit circuit 221A of Figure 10In the external short - circuit circuit 221B of the present disclosure as shown, the operation switch 223 and the change - over switch 227 may include different types of switches to change the range of the operating voltage for turning on the switches. That is, it is possible to reduce the voltage range for turning on the switch of the change - over switch 227 electrically connected to the thermoelectric module 210. On the contrary, the operation switch 223 may be configured to have a high operating voltage or current range, so that even when a high voltage or current flows in the battery module 100, a small number of operation switches 223 are provided.

[0136] In other words, the present disclosure uses differently the switch that can be turned on by the voltage of the thermoelectric module 210 and the switch that can be turned on by the power of the battery module 100, thereby achieving a more efficient design and cost savings in production, and improving the operation reliability of the switches.

[0137] Figure 11 It is a schematic diagram of an external short - circuit circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] Reference Figure 11 When compared with Figure 10 the external short - circuit circuit 221B, the external short - circuit circuit 221C according to another embodiment may further include an auxiliary battery 228 disposed on the switch path A3 to supply a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223.

[0139] The auxiliary battery 228 may be configured to supply a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223. In this case, the voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage may have an amplitude high enough to turn on the operation switch 223. When the temperature of the battery module 100 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher, the external short - circuit circuit 221C may include a change - over switch 227 that is configured to be turned on when supplied with a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module 210.

[0140] That is, the change switch 227 can be configured to supply the power of the auxiliary battery 228 to the operation switch 223 when turned on. In this case, the operation switch 223 may include a driving part 223a and an opening / closing part 223b that are respectively arranged on the switch path A3 and the short-circuit path A1. The driving part 223a can be configured to drive the opening / closing of the opening / closing part 223b. The driving part 223a can be arranged on the switch path A3 to receive a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the auxiliary battery 228. When the opening / closing part 223b of the operation switch 223 is in a normal condition, the operation switch 223 can be kept in an off state to prevent current from flowing in the short-circuit path A1. When a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is applied from the auxiliary battery 228 to the driving part 223a, the opening / closing part 223b can be configured to turn on (close) the switch to allow current to flow along the short-circuit path A1. Therefore, the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed by the resistor 225a.

[0141] Herein, the change switch 227 may include a transistor switch 227a. When a voltage equal to or lower than a predetermined voltage is applied, the transistor switch 227a is cut off (cut-off mode) to turn off the switch so as to allow current to flow from the base B to the emitter E.

[0142] When a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage is applied to the base B, the transistor switch 227a is turned on to allow current to flow from the collector C to the emitter E. In this case, the power of the auxiliary battery 228 can be supplied to the driving part 223a of the operation switch 223 arranged on the switch path A3.

[0143] For example, as Figure 11 shown, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 can be respectively connected to the base B and the emitter E of the transistor switch 227a. The positive terminal and the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery 228 can be respectively connected to the collector C and the emitter E of the transistor switch 227a.

[0144] When the operation switch 223 is supplied with a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage from the auxiliary battery 228, the operation switch 223 can be turned on. When turned on, the operation switch 223 can electrically connect the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a. Therefore, the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed by the resistor 225a.

[0145] Figure 12 and Figure 13 are schematic diagrams showing the operations of the internal components of the operation switch of the external short-circuit circuit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0146] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 together with Figure 8 ,the operation switch 223 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a positive connection part 223a1, a negative connection part 223a2, a connection rod 223c, and a moving element 223d.

[0147] Specifically, the positive connection part 223a1 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 100 or the auxiliary battery 228. The negative connection part 223a2 may be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module 100 or the auxiliary battery 228. The connection rod 223c may be configured to electrically connect the positive connection part 223a1 to the negative connection part 223a2. For example, one end of the connection rod 223c may be configured to contact the positive connection part 223a1, and the other end of the connection rod 223c may be configured to contact the negative connection part 223a2.

[0148] The positive connection part 223a1, the negative connection part 223a2, and the connection rod 223c may include a conductive metal. For example, the metal may be an alloy including aluminum, nickel, or copper.

[0149] The moving element 223d may be configured to move the connection rod 223c. When power of a predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the change switch 227, the moving element 223d may be configured to allow the connection rod 223c to contact between the positive connection part 223a1 and the negative connection part 223a2. The moving element 223d will be described in more detail below.

[0150] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, since the operation switch 223 includes the positive connection part 223a1, the negative connection part 223a2, the connection rod 223c, and the moving element 223d, the battery module 100 can be electrically connected to the resistor 225a by a passive method. Therefore, without any separate control of the BMS, the operation switch 223 is turned on by applying a voltage of a predetermined voltage or higher to the operation switch 223, thereby quickly consuming the power of the battery module 100.

[0151] Return reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 ,the moving element 223d may include a heating body 223d1, a phase change element 223d2, and a compression spring 223d3.

[0152] The heating body 223d1 may be configured to raise the temperature to a predetermined temperature or higher by the power supplied from the operation switch 223. For example, the heating body 223d1 may be a heater having a resistance coil to convert electricity into heat.

[0153] The phase change element 223d2 can change from a solid state to a liquid state at or above a predetermined temperature. One end of the phase change element 223d2 can be connected to the heating element 223d1, and the other end of the phase change element 223d2 can be connected to the connecting rod 223c. For example, as Figure 12 shown, the upper end of the phase change element 223d2 can be connected to the lower surface of the heating element 223d1, and the lower end of the phase change element 223d2 can be connected to the upper surface of the connecting rod 223c. For this purpose, the phase change element 223d2 can be made of a phase change material that changes from a solid state to a liquid state at a predetermined temperature, such as 100 °C or above.

[0154] The phase change material generally may include paraffin wax, polyethylene glycol, and inorganic hydrates (e.g., Na2HPO4·12H2O, Na2SO4·10H2O, Zn(NO3)2·6H2O), but is not limited thereto. Among them, paraffin wax is particularly ideal because it is inexpensive and easy to adjust the phase change temperature according to the molecular weight.

[0155] One end of the compression spring 223d3 can be connected to the connecting rod 223c, and the other end of the compression spring 223d3 can be connected to the heating element 223d1. The compression spring 223d3 can be held in a compressed state by the phase change element 223d2 connected to the heating element 223d1 and the connecting rod 223c. When the phase change element 223d2 changes to a liquid state, the compression spring 223d3 can be squeezed to move the connecting rod 223c.

[0156] That is, when the phase change element 223d2 changes to a liquid state, the phase change element 223d2 is separated from the connecting rod 223c, the connecting rod 223c constrained by the phase change element 223d2 is released, and the connecting rod 223c can be moved by the compression force of the compression spring 223d3. The connecting rod 223c can be moved to contact each of the positive electrode connection part 223a1 and the negative electrode connection part 223a2.

[0157] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the moving element 223d includes a heating element 223d1, a phase change element 223d2, and a compression spring 223d3 to electrically connect the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a. Therefore, without any separate control of the BMS, by applying a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223 to turn on the operation switch 223, the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed.

[0158] Figure 14 and Figure 15It is a schematic diagram showing the operation of internal components of an operation switch of an external short - circuit circuit according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0159] Reference Figure 14 and Figure 15 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the operation switch 223A of the external short - circuit circuit may include a moving element 223d, and the moving element 223d includes a heating body 223d1 and an expandable portion 223d4. The heating body 223d1 may be configured to increase the temperature to a predetermined temperature or higher by the electric power supplied to the operation switch 223. For example, the heating body 223d1 may be a heater having a resistance coil to convert electricity into heat.

[0160] One end of the expandable portion 223d4 may be connected to the heating body 223d1, and the other end of the expandable portion 223d4 may be connected to the connecting rod 223c. For example, as Figure 14 shown, the upper end of the expandable portion 223d4 may be connected to the lower surface of the heating body 223d1, and the lower end of the expandable portion 223d4 may be connected to the upper surface of the connecting rod 223c.

[0161] The expandable portion 223d4 may be configured to expand in volume at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the expandable portion 223d4 may include an expandable material that expands in volume at a predetermined temperature or higher. The expandable material may include a material that expands at a predetermined temperature, such as 100 °C or higher. For example, the expandable material may be a polymer or a metal. Preferably, the expandable material may be polyethylene, nylon, or aluminum alloy.

[0162] When the temperature is increased to a predetermined temperature or higher by heat conduction from the heating body 223d1, the expandable portion 223d4 may be configured to expand in volume and move the connecting rod 223c. For example, the expandable portion 223d4 may move the connecting rod 223c such that the connecting rod 223c contacts each of the positive - electrode connection portion 223a1 and the negative - electrode connection portion 223a2.

[0163] According to this configuration of the present disclosure, the moving element 223d includes a heating body 223d1 and an expandable portion 223d4. When the heating body 223d1 is heated by the applied electric power, the expandable portion 223d4 connected to the heating body 223d1 expands in volume, moves the connecting rod 223c, and the moved connecting rod 223c electrically connects the battery module 100 to the resistor 225a. Therefore, without any separate control of the BMS, by applying a voltage equal to or higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223, the operation switch 223 is turned on, thereby quickly consuming the electric power of the battery module 100.

[0164] Figure 16 is a schematic front view of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0165] Reference Figure 16 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery rack 500 may include a battery rack housing 510 for receiving a plurality of battery packs 200. The battery rack housing 510 may be configured to receive a plurality of battery packs 200 stacked in the vertical direction. The battery packs 200 may be installed in the battery rack housing 510 such that the lower surface of the battery packs 200 is parallel to the horizontal plane.

[0166] Here, the horizontal direction refers to the direction parallel to the ground when the battery pack 200 is placed on the ground, and may be referred to as at least one direction in a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.

[0167] The battery rack housing 510 may have at least one open side, and the battery pack 200 may be inserted into the internal space through the open side. However, the open side of the battery rack housing 510 may be closed.

[0168] The battery rack 500 may further include, for example, a central battery management device 300 configured to control the charging / discharging of the plurality of battery packs 200. The battery management device may be disposed inside or outside the battery rack housing 510.

[0169] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy storage system 600 may include at least two battery racks 500. Two or more battery racks 500 may be arranged in one direction. For example, as Figure 16 shown, the energy storage system 600 may include 3 battery racks 500 arranged in one direction. The energy storage system 600 may include a central controller (not shown) to control the charging / discharging of the 3 battery racks 500.

[0170] The terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back used in this text are only for convenience of description, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms may change depending on the position of the element or the observer.

[0171] Although 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 is obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made within the technical scope of the present disclosure and the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0172] [Description of Reference Numerals]

[0173] 200: Battery pack

[0174] 100: Battery module 120: Module housing

[0175] 110a: Battery cell 110: Battery cell assembly

[0176] 125h: Exposure hole

[0177] 210: Thermoelectric module 211, 211p, 211n: Thermoelectric legs

[0178] 213: Electrode

[0179] 215: Hot side substrate (lower substrate)

[0180] 216: Cold side substrate (upper substrate)

[0181] 218h: Receiving groove

[0182] 220: Energy consumption unit 221: External short - circuit circuit

[0183] 223: Operation switch 225: Consumption part

[0184] 227: Change switch

[0185] 223a1, 223a2: Positive - pole connection part, negative - pole connection part

[0186] 223c: Connecting rod 223d: Moving element

[0187] 223d1: Heating element 223d2: Phase - change element

[0188] 223d3: Compression spring 223d4: Expandable part

[0189] 228: Auxiliary battery

[0190] Industrial applicability

[0191] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack. In addition, the present invention can be used in industries related to battery racks and energy storage systems including the battery pack.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: At least one battery module, said at least one battery module including a plurality of battery cells and a module housing, said module housing including an upper cover, a substrate, a front cover, and a rear cover, the upper cover, substrate, front cover, and rear cover defining an internal space of the module housing, and receiving the plurality of battery cells in the internal space; At least one thermoelectric module, said at least one thermoelectric module being disposed outside the module housing of the battery module and being configured to generate a voltage when the temperature of the battery module rises to a predetermined temperature or above; And An energy consumption unit, said energy consumption unit being configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above is applied from the thermoelectric module, Wherein, the energy consumption unit includes an external short - circuit circuit, the external short - circuit circuit being electrically connected to an external power terminal of the battery module to consume the power of the battery module when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above is applied from the thermoelectric module, Wherein, the external short - circuit circuit includes: A consumption part, the consumption part being configured to consume the power supplied from the battery module; At least one operation switch, the at least one operation switch being configured to be turned on when a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above is supplied from the battery module or an auxiliary battery so as to electrically connect the battery module to a resistor, and A change - over switch, when the change - over switch is supplied with a voltage of a predetermined voltage or above from the thermoelectric module, the change - over switch is turned on so as to turn on the operation switch.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein The module housing has at least one exposure hole, the at least one exposure hole being open for communication between the inside and the outside, and the thermoelectric module being disposed in contact with the exposure hole.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, wherein, The thermoelectric module includes: Thermoelectric legs, the thermoelectric legs including p - type legs and n - type legs; Electrodes, the electrodes connecting the p - type legs and the n - type legs; and A hot - side substrate and a cold - side substrate, the hot - side substrate and the cold - side substrate being formed in a plate shape and being disposed at an upper position and a lower position to electrically isolate the electrodes from the outside.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The thermoelectric module is disposed outside the module housing, and at least a part of the hot - side substrate is inserted into the exposure hole.

5. The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein, The module housing has a receiving groove recessed in an inward direction to receive the thermoelectric module, and the thermoelectric module is mounted in the receiving groove such that the cold - side substrate is disposed on the receiving groove.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, When the change - over switch is turned on, power from the battery module is supplied to the operation switch so as to turn on the operation switch.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6, wherein, The operation switch includes: A positive - pole connection part, the positive - pole connection part being electrically connected to the positive - terminal of the battery module; A negative - pole connection part, the negative - pole connection part being electrically connected to the negative - terminal of the battery module; A connecting rod, the connecting rod being configured to electrically connect the positive - pole connection part to the negative - pole connection part; and A moving element configured to move the connecting rod when power equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module is supplied to the changeover switch, such that the connecting rod contacts between the positive connection part and the negative connection part.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The moving element includes: A heating body whose temperature is raised to the predetermined temperature or higher by the power supplied to the operation switch; A phase change element having one end connected to the heating body and the other end connected to the connecting rod, wherein the phase change element changes from a solid state to a liquid state at the predetermined temperature or higher; and A compression spring having one end connected to the connecting rod and the other end connected to the heating body, and the compression spring is configured to be compressed to move the connecting rod when the phase change element changes to a liquid state.

9. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein, The moving element includes: A heating body whose temperature is raised to the predetermined temperature or higher by the power supplied to the operation switch; and An expandable part having one end connected to the heating body and the other end connected to the connecting rod, and the expandable part is configured to move the connecting rod by volume expansion at the predetermined temperature or higher.

10. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The external short - circuit circuit includes the auxiliary battery; When the changeover switch is turned on, a voltage equal to or higher than the predetermined voltage from the auxiliary battery is supplied to the operation switch to turn on the operation switch.

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The changeover switch is a transistor switch.

12. A battery holder, comprising: The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and A battery holder housing for receiving the battery pack.

13. An energy storage system, comprising at least one battery holder according to claim 12.

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