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

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a battery pack having improved stability against thermal runaway in a plurality of battery cells. To achieve the above object, the battery pack according to the present invention includes at least one battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; an energy consumption unit configured to discharge the at least one battery cell assembly when thermal runaway occurs in at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells; and a storage unit configured to accommodate the energy consumption unit therein, and to discharge at least a portion of the energy consumption unit to the outside when the energy consumption unit discharges the battery cell assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a battery pack, a battery rack including the battery pack, and an energy storage system. More particularly, this disclosure relates to a battery pack with modified safety against thermal runaway of multiple individual cells.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0061807, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on May 22, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] Currently, commercially available rechargeable batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium rechargeable batteries. Among them, lithium rechargeable batteries have almost no or no memory effect. Therefore, due to the advantages of lithium rechargeable batteries, such as being able to be recharged at any convenient time, having a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density, lithium rechargeable batteries are gaining more attention than nickel-based rechargeable batteries.

[0004] Lithium-ion secondary batteries primarily use lithium oxides and carbon materials for the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium-ion secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly comprising a positive electrode plate coated with a positive electrode active material, a negative electrode plate coated with a negative electrode active material, and a separator placed between the positive and negative electrode plates; and a hermetically sealed encapsulation material or battery bag housing, in which the electrode assembly and electrolyte solution are received together.

[0005] Recently, rechargeable batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic products, but also in medium and large devices such as vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). For use in medium and large devices, multiple rechargeable batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type rechargeable batteries are widely used in medium and large devices because they are easy to stack.

[0006] With the increasing demand for high-capacity structures used as energy storage sources, there is a growing need for battery packs that include multiple secondary batteries connected in series and / or parallel, battery modules for receiving secondary batteries, and battery management systems (BMS).

[0007] However, battery packs or battery racks include multiple battery modules, and when a fire or explosion occurs in any of the multiple secondary batteries in each battery module due to thermal runaway, the heat or flame may spread to adjacent secondary batteries, causing a secondary fire or explosion. Accordingly, much effort has been made to prevent secondary fires or explosions.

[0008] Accordingly, when thermal runaway occurs in any secondary cell of the battery pack or battery rack, the thermal runaway of the battery pack has been mitigated by cooling the battery pack or discharging the stored electrical energy.

[0009] However, during the process of discharging electrical energy stored in the battery pack, the resistive heat of the resistors that consume electrical energy may damage the internal components of the battery pack or increase the temperature of multiple secondary batteries, thereby causing thermal runaway of the secondary batteries or hindering the cooling of multiple secondary batteries. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This disclosure is designed to address the aforementioned problems, and therefore aims to provide a battery pack with modified safety against thermal runaway of multiple individual cells.

[0012] These and other objects and advantages of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description and from embodiments thereof. Furthermore, it will be readily understood that the objects and advantages of this disclosure can be achieved by means of means and combinations thereof.

[0013] Technical solution

[0014] To achieve the above objectives, a battery pack according to this disclosure includes: at least one battery cell assembly, the at least one battery cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells; an energy dissipation unit configured to discharge the at least one battery cell assembly when thermal runaway occurs in at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and a storage unit, the energy dissipation unit being received in the storage unit, and the storage unit being configured to discharge at least a portion of the energy dissipation unit to the outside when the energy dissipation unit discharges the battery cell assembly.

[0015] Additionally, the storage unit may include a discharge unit configured to support the energy consumption unit in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the energy consumption unit, and the discharge unit may be configured to melt by heat generated by the energy consumption unit to discharge at least a portion of the energy consumption unit to the outside.

[0016] Furthermore, the storage unit may include a discharge gate that is closed to provide support in the opposite direction to the discharge direction of the energy consumption unit, and the discharge gate may be configured to be released from the closed state and opened in the event of thermal runaway.

[0017] Additionally, the battery pack may further include a cooling unit comprising a refrigerant to cool the energy-consuming unit that is discharged to the outside.

[0018] In addition, the energy consumption unit may include a switch and a resistor, the resistor being electrically connected to the at least one battery cell assembly via the operation of the switch, and the resistor being configured to consume electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell assembly.

[0019] Additionally, the switch can be configured to be turned on by a physical change caused by the heat generated from the battery cell assembly.

[0020] Furthermore, the battery pack may include: a sensor that senses thermal runaway in the plurality of battery cells; and a control unit that, when the control unit receives a signal from the sensor notifying of thermal runaway, outputs a control signal for turning on the switch to electrically connect the battery cell assembly to the resistor.

[0021] In addition, the battery cell assembly, resistors and switches can be interconnected by wires, and the wires can be in the shape of coils.

[0022] Furthermore, the battery pack may include at least two battery cell assemblies, and the energy dissipation unit may be configured to discharge the battery cell assembly that includes the battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway, or to discharge another battery cell assembly adjacent to the battery cell assembly that includes the battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway.

[0023] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, a battery rack according to this disclosure includes: a battery pack; and a battery rack housing, wherein the battery pack is received in the battery rack housing.

[0024] In addition, to achieve the above objectives, an energy storage system according to this disclosure includes at least one battery rack.

[0025] Beneficial effects

[0026] According to aspects of this disclosure, the battery pack includes an energy dissipation unit and a storage unit, thereby preventing thermal runaway from propagating to an adjacent battery cell or battery cell assembly in the event of thermal runaway in any of the multiple battery cells. Furthermore, this disclosure allows the energy dissipation unit to be vented from the storage unit, thereby preventing temperature rise in battery pack components (e.g., another battery cell assembly) caused by resistive heat generated from the energy dissipation unit. Additionally, the energy dissipation unit vented from the storage unit can be rapidly cooled upon contact with outside air, thereby preventing damage to external devices due to the heat from the energy dissipation unit.

[0027] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of this disclosure, the battery pack includes a discharge unit configured to melt by heat generated by the energy-consuming unit to discharge at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit to the outside. This utilizes resistive heat generated from the energy-consuming unit to spontaneously discharge the energy-consuming unit to the outside without a separate discharge device. Consequently, due to this simple construction, manufacturing costs are reduced, and the likelihood of failure is effectively decreased.

[0028] Furthermore, according to another aspect of this disclosure, the battery pack of this disclosure includes coil-shaped wires, whereby the elastic force of the coil shape is used to reduce the impact caused by the falling of the resistor when it is discharged from the storage cell. Accordingly, when the force of the falling resistor is transmitted to the wires, the coil-shaped wires of this disclosure can be prevented from being cut. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments described in this disclosure and, together with the detailed disclosure, serve to provide a further understanding of the technical spirit of this disclosure. However, this disclosure is not to be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 This is a schematic concept diagram showing the components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4 It is intercepted along line C-C'. Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view of the battery pack shown.

[0034] Figure 5This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a component of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a component of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of the battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and appended claims should not be construed as limited to their general and dictionary meanings, but rather interpreted based on their meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure, on the basis of allowing the inventors to appropriately define the terms for best interpretation.

[0039] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to fully describe the technical aspects of this disclosure. It should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may have been made at the time of filing this application.

[0040] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery cell assembly of a battery pack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Additionally, Figure 3 This is a schematic conceptual diagram illustrating components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1 In the diagram, the X-axis points to the right, the Y-axis points to the rear, and the Z-axis points to the top.

[0041] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The battery pack 200 according to this disclosure may include: at least one battery cell assembly 210, the at least one battery cell assembly 210 including a plurality of battery cells 211; an energy consumption unit 220; and a storage unit 227.

[0042] Specifically, the battery cell 211 can be a pouch-type battery cell 211. For example, as... Figure 2 As shown, each of the three battery cell assemblies 210 may include 21 pouch-type battery cells 211 stacked side by side in the front-to-back direction (y direction).

[0043] Specifically, the pouch-type battery cell 211 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte solution (not shown), and a pouch.

[0044] In addition, such as Figure 2 As shown, the battery cell 211 may have electrode terminals 211a located at opposite ends (in the X direction) relative to the center of the battery cell 211. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, each battery cell 211 of the battery cell assembly 210 may have a positive electrode terminal 211a and a negative electrode terminal (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction (X direction).

[0045] However, the battery pack 200 according to this disclosure is not limited to the above-described pouch-type battery cell 211, but may employ various types of battery cells 211 known at the time of filing this patent application.

[0046] Additionally, the battery pack 200 may include: at least one busbar 121 configured to electrically connect a plurality of battery cells 211; and at least two busbar frames 120 configured to mount at least one busbar 121 on their outer sides. The at least two busbar frames 120 may be respectively disposed on the left and right sides (X direction) of the battery cell assembly 210.

[0047] Specifically, the busbar 121 may include conductive metals, such as copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0048] Additionally, the busbar frame 120 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the busbar frame 120 may include a plastic material. More specifically, the plastic material may be polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0049] Additionally, the battery pack 200 may include a battery pack housing 250. The battery pack housing 250 may have an internal space for receiving at least one battery cell assembly 210. For example, the battery pack housing 250 may accommodate three battery cell assemblies 210.

[0050] Simultaneously, when thermal runaway occurs in at least one of the plurality of battery cells 211, the energy dissipation unit 220 can be configured to discharge the at least one battery cell assembly 210. That is, the energy dissipation unit 220 can be electrically connected to the power terminals 214 (positive and negative power terminals) of the battery cell assembly 210 to intentionally cause an electrical short circuit. Accordingly, the power of the battery cell assembly 210 electrically connected to the energy dissipation unit 220 can be rapidly consumed. In other words, the energy dissipation unit 220 can be configured to rapidly consume the electrical energy of the battery cell assembly 210.

[0051] Here, "thermal runaway" refers to the following positive feedback: the temperature rise of any one of the multiple battery cells 211 increases the energy release rate of that battery cell 211 and its adjacent battery cells 211, which in turn accelerates the temperature rise. For example, thermal runaway may occur at 230°C or above, and the battery cell 211 may spontaneously combust.

[0052] For example, the energy consumption unit 220 may be configured to apply power to a resistor 223, a power resistor, or a motor to consume the power of the battery pack 200.

[0053] Additionally, the energy consumption unit 220 may include a short-circuit circuit. This short-circuit circuit can be a circuit electrically connected between the resistor 223 of the energy consumption unit 220 and the battery cell assembly 210. That is, both the external positive and external negative electrode terminals of the battery cell assembly 210 can be electrically connected to the resistor 223 to induce an intentional short circuit.

[0054] Furthermore, storage unit 227 can be configured to internally receive energy consumption unit 220. Storage unit 227 may have, for example, a rectangular box-shaped frame. Energy consumption unit 220 may be located within the interior space of the rectangular box-shaped frame 235. Storage unit 227 may be connected to the outer wall of the battery pack casing 250.

[0055] For example, the storage unit 227 may have an open portion, allowing the storage unit 227 to communicate with the interior of the battery pack housing 250. However, the storage unit 227 is not limited to this and may not communicate with the interior of the battery pack housing 250. That is, the storage unit 227 may have a space isolated from the outside.

[0056] Furthermore, when the energy-consuming unit 220 discharges the battery cell assembly 210, the storage unit 227 can be configured to discharge at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit 220 to the outside. That is, when the energy-consuming unit 220 discharges the battery cell assembly 210, a portion of the storage unit 227 can be opened, allowing the energy-consuming unit 220 to move to the outside.

[0057] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes an energy dissipation unit 220 and a storage unit 227, thereby preventing thermal runaway from propagating to an adjacent battery cell 211 or another battery cell assembly 210 in the event of thermal runaway in any of the plurality of battery cells 211. Furthermore, the present disclosure allows the energy dissipation unit 220 to be discharged from the storage unit 227, thereby preventing temperature rise in components of the battery pack 200 (e.g., another battery cell assembly 210) caused by resistive heat generated from the energy dissipation unit 220. Additionally, the energy dissipation unit 220 discharged from the storage unit 227 can be rapidly cooled upon contact with outside air, thereby preventing damage to external devices due to the heat from the energy dissipation unit 220.

[0058] Figure 4 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 5 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of the components of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] and Figure 2 Let's refer to each other. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The storage unit 227 may have an open side, through which it communicates with the interior of the battery pack housing 250. A wire 221 may be configured to establish an electrical connection between the battery cell assembly 210 and the resistor 223 via the open side of the storage unit 227.

[0060] Furthermore, the storage unit 227 may include a discharge unit 227a. The discharge unit 227a may be configured to support the energy consumption unit 220 in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the energy consumption unit 220. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the storage unit 227 may include a discharge unit 227a configured to support the bottom of the energy-consuming unit 220 in an upward direction. That is, the discharge unit 227a may be configured to support the energy-consuming unit 220 in a direction opposite to the direction of gravity, so as to place the energy-consuming unit 220 in the storage unit 227.

[0061] Additionally, the emission unit 227a can be configured to melt by the heat generated by the energy-consuming unit 220 to emit at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit 220 to the outside. For example, the emission unit 227a may include a material 227a1 that melts at a temperature between approximately 150°C and 300°C. This material may be, for example, paraffin wax or a metal. The metal may be, for example, tin or lead.

[0062] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes a discharge unit 227a configured to melt by heat generated by the energy-consuming unit 220 to discharge at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit 220 to the outside. This utilizes resistive heat generated from the energy-consuming unit 220 to spontaneously discharge the energy-consuming unit 220 to the outside without the need for a separate discharge device. Consequently, due to this simple configuration, manufacturing costs are reduced, and the likelihood of failure is effectively decreased.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the internal structure of components of a battery pack according to another embodiment of this disclosure. Additionally, Figure 7 This is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal structure of a component of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] and Figure 3 Let's refer to each other. Figure 6 and Figure 7 According to another embodiment of this disclosure, the storage unit 227 of the energy consumption unit 220A may include a discharge gate 227b1. The discharge gate 227b1 may be configured to be supported in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the resistor 223 of the energy consumption unit 220A. The discharge gate 227b1 may be closed to prevent the energy consumption unit 220A from discharging. The discharge gate 227b1 may be configured to be released from the closed state and opened in the event of thermal runaway.

[0065] For example, the storage unit 227 may include a stop 227c and a hinge member 227d. The storage unit 227 may be configured to connect one side of the hinge member 227d of the discharge door 227b1 to the outer wall of the storage unit 227. That is, the discharge door 227b1 may be configured to be rotatably movable via the hinge member 227d. The stop 227c may be configured to prevent the other side of the discharge door 227b1 from moving in the downward direction (direction of gravity).

[0066] That is, the stop 227c may have a rod shape extending in one direction. The stop 227c may be placed on the outer wall (lower wall) of the storage unit 227. The stop 227c may be configured to move in the extended length direction. The stop 227c may be configured to keep the discharge door 227b1 in a closed state according to its position in the length direction, or to allow the discharge door 227b1 to move rotatably.

[0067] Come back for reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The battery pack 200 described in this disclosure may further include a cooling unit 240 configured to cool the energy-consuming unit 220 discharged to the outside. For example, the cooling unit 240 may include a water tank 243 and a refrigerant 241 received in the water tank 243. The refrigerant 241 may be, for example, an insulating oil having electrical insulating properties and a high specific heat. When the energy-consuming unit 220 is discharged from the storage unit 227, the cooling unit 240 may be configured to immerse the energy-consuming unit 220 in the refrigerant 241 received in the water tank 243.

[0068] According to this configuration, the present disclosure further includes a cooling unit 240, thereby safely storing the energy-consuming unit 220 discharged from the storage unit 227. That is, because the energy-consuming unit 220 can generate high temperatures by consuming the power of the battery cell assembly 210 and may be damaged upon contact with external devices or a user, the present disclosure uses the cooling unit 240 to quickly cool and safely store the energy-consuming unit 220.

[0069] Come back for reference Figures 1 to 4 The energy consumption unit 220 described in this disclosure may include a wire 221, a resistor 223, and a switch 225.

[0070] Specifically, the wire 221 can be electrically connected to the power terminal 214 of the at least one battery cell assembly 210. The power terminal 214 can be a negative power terminal or a positive power terminal. The battery cell assembly 210, resistor 223, and switch 225 can be interconnected via the wire 221. The wire 221 may include a metal wire and an electrically insulating coating covering the metal wire.

[0071] Additionally, the resistor 223 can be electrically connected to the wire 221 and configured to consume the electrical energy stored in the battery cell assembly 210. For example, the resistor 223 may comprise carbon, a metal, or an oxidized metal having a predetermined or higher resistivity. The metal may be, for example, an alloy of copper, aluminum, and nickel.

[0072] Furthermore, the resistor 223 can be electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the battery cell assembly 210 to induce an electrical short circuit. The resistor 223 can be configured to convert the electrical power of the battery cell assembly 210 into resistive heat.

[0073] Additionally, the switch 225 can be configured to control the electrical connection between at least one battery cell assembly 210 and the resistor 223 via an on-off operation. The switch 225 can be located on the wire 221. For example, as... Figure 1 As shown, two switches 225 can be respectively mounted on two wires 221. Compared to the case including one switch 225, the case with two switches 225 can prevent unnecessary power consumption of the battery cell assembly 210 caused by the failure of either switch 225. The switches 225 can be configured to control the electrical connection between the battery cell assembly 210 and the resistor 223.

[0074] For example, when the switch 225 is in the off state, the switch 225 can be opened to prevent the flow of power in the wire 221, and when the switch 225 is in the on state, the switch 225 can be closed to allow the flow of power in the wire 221.

[0075] Furthermore, the switch 225 can be configured to be turned on by a physical change caused by the heat generated from the battery cell assembly 210. For example, the switch 225 can be a temperature switch that uses the displacement caused by the expansion and contraction of a temperature sensor, such as a bimetal, as the temperature of the battery cell assembly 210 changes to open or close the contacts in response to temperature.

[0076] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes a switch 225 that opens or closes contacts in response to temperature. Therefore, the switch 225 can be operated using temperature variations of the battery cell assembly 210 without requiring a separate device for controlling the switch 225. Consequently, due to the simple construction of the battery pack 200, manufacturing costs are reduced, and the likelihood of failure is effectively decreased.

[0077] Come back for reference Figures 1 to 4 The battery pack 200 described in this disclosure may further include a sensor 262 and a control unit 260. The sensor 262 may be a gas detection sensor or a temperature sensor configured to sense thermal runaway of the plurality of battery cells 211. For example, the sensor 262 may be disposed within the at least one battery cell assembly.

[0078] Additionally, when the control unit 260 receives a thermal runaway notification signal from the sensor 262, the control unit 260 can be configured to transmit that signal to the switch 225 to electrically connect the battery cell assembly 210 to the resistor 223. The control unit 260 may include a communication line 261 to transmit electrical signals to the switch 225. For example, when the control unit 260 receives a thermal runaway notification signal from the sensor 262, the control unit 260 can be configured to output a control signal to turn on the switch 225.

[0079] According to this configuration, the present disclosure further includes a control unit 260, which automatically and rapidly controls the switch 225 when thermal runaway of the plurality of battery cells 211 is sensed. Accordingly, the present disclosure can rapidly dissipate the power of the battery cell assembly 210 that has experienced thermal runaway, thereby increasing safety.

[0080] Come back for reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 When with Figure 4 When comparing the energy consumption unit 220, the battery pack 200 according to another embodiment of this disclosure may include wires 221 of different shapes. For example, such as Figure 7 As shown, the wire 221 of the energy consumption unit 220 may have a coil shape. When the resistor 223 is discharged from the storage unit 227, the length of the coil-shaped wire 221 may elastically extend in the downward direction.

[0081] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes a coiled wire 221, whereby the elastic force of the coil reduces the impact caused by the falling of the resistor 223 when the resistor 223 is discharged from the storage unit 227. Accordingly, the coiled wire 221 of the present disclosure is prevented from being cut when the force of the falling resistor 223 is transmitted to the wire 221.

[0082] Come back for reference Figures 1 to 4 The battery pack 200 described in this disclosure may include at least two battery cell assemblies 210. For example, as Figure 2 As shown, the battery pack 200 may include three battery cell assemblies 210.

[0083] Additionally, the energy consumption unit 220 can be configured to discharge one of the at least two battery cell assemblies 210, including the battery cell 211 that has experienced thermal runaway.

[0084] Furthermore, the energy consumption unit 220 may be configured to discharge another battery cell assembly 210 of the at least two battery cell assemblies 210 that is adjacent to the battery cell assembly 210 that includes the battery cell 211 that has experienced thermal runaway.

[0085] According to this configuration, the present disclosure includes an energy dissipation unit 220 configured to discharge either the battery cell assembly 210 that includes the battery cell 211 that has experienced thermal runaway, or to discharge another battery cell assembly 210 that is adjacent to the battery cell assembly 210 that includes the battery cell 211 that has experienced thermal runaway. This prevents thermal runaway from propagating from the battery cell assembly 210 to the adjacent battery cell assembly 210 by dissipating the power of the battery cell assembly 210 that has experienced thermal runaway or the battery cell assembly 210 adjacent to the battery cell assembly 210 that has experienced thermal runaway, without requiring an energy dissipation unit 220 for each of the plurality of battery cell assemblies 210.

[0086] That is, when thermal runaway occurs in one of the multiple battery cell modules 210, there are two methods to prevent the thermal runaway from propagating to the adjacent battery cell module 210. One method is to rapidly deplete the power of the battery cell module 210, including the one where thermal runaway occurred, to, for example, below 30%. Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, rapid power consumption can reduce the thermal energy level of the battery cell assembly 210 that has experienced thermal runaway to a level that prevents the thermal runaway from spreading to another adjacent battery cell assembly 210, thereby preventing the thermal runaway from propagating to other battery cell assemblies located at the front and rear ends.

[0087] Another approach is to deplete the power of the front and rear battery cell modules 210 adjacent to the battery cell module 210 that has experienced thermal runaway. That is, when the other battery cell modules 210 located at the front and rear ends experience a temperature rise due to the thermal runaway of the middle battery cell module 210, the power of the other battery cell modules 210 has already been depleted to, for example, less than 30%, making thermal runaway unlikely and thus preventing its propagation.

[0088] Figure 8 This is a schematic perspective view of a battery rack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For reference, in Figure 8 In the middle, when viewing the battery rack from the F direction, the up, down, left and right directions can be defined.

[0089] refer to Figure 8 The battery rack 300 according to embodiments of this disclosure may include a battery rack housing 310 that accommodates a plurality of battery packs 200. The battery rack housing 310 may be configured to receive a plurality of vertically stacked battery packs 200. In this configuration, a portion of an energy-consuming unit 220 disposed in each of the plurality of battery packs 200 may extend outward from the battery rack housing 310. That is, the energy-consuming unit 220 may be positioned on the outside of the battery rack 300 through a portion of the battery rack housing 310.

[0090] Furthermore, the battery rack housing 310 may be configured to open to at least one side (right side). However, the battery rack housing 310 may be configured to close the open side after the energy consumption unit 220 is installed.

[0091] Additionally, the battery rack 300 may further include a central control unit 320 inside or outside the battery rack housing 310, the central control unit 320 including a battery management system (BMS).

[0092] Furthermore, an energy storage system (not shown) according to an embodiment of this disclosure may include at least two battery racks 300. The at least two battery racks 300 may be arranged in a certain direction. For example, although not shown, the energy storage system may include three battery racks 300 arranged in a certain direction. The energy storage system may include a central control unit (not shown) to control the charging / discharging of the three battery racks 300.

[0093] The terms used herein, such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, indicating directions, are for convenience only, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such terms may vary depending on the position of the stated element or the observer.

[0094] While this disclosure has been described above with respect to a limited number of embodiments and drawings, it is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes can be made thereto within the technical aspects of this disclosure and within the equivalent scope of the appended claims.

[0095] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0096] 200: Battery pack

[0097] 250: Battery pack casing; 210: Individual battery cell assembly

[0098] 211: Battery cell

[0099] 220: Energy Consumption Unit

[0100] 221, 223, 225: Wires, resistors, switches

[0101] 227: Storage unit

[0102] 227b, 227b1: Emission unit, emission gate

[0103] 227c, 227d: Stops, hinge components

[0104] 240, 241, 243: Cooling unit, refrigerant, water tank

[0105] 260, 261, 262: Control unit, communication line, sensor

[0106] 300: Battery holder

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: At least one battery cell assembly, wherein the at least one battery cell assembly comprises a plurality of battery cells; An energy consumption unit is configured to discharge the at least one battery cell assembly when thermal runaway occurs in at least one of the plurality of battery cells. and A storage unit, wherein the energy-consuming unit is received in the storage unit, and the storage unit is configured such that a portion of the storage unit is open, such that when the energy-consuming unit discharges the battery cell assembly, the storage unit discharges at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit to the outside of the battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit includes a discharge unit configured to support the energy consumption unit in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the energy consumption unit. The emission unit is configured to melt by the heat generated by the energy-consuming unit in order to emit at least a portion of the energy-consuming unit to the outside.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The storage unit includes a discharge door, which is closed to provide support in a direction opposite to the discharge direction of the energy consumption unit. The exhaust valve is configured such that, in the event of thermal runaway, the exhaust valve is released from its closed state and opened.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising: A cooling unit, comprising a refrigerant, for cooling the energy-consuming unit that is discharged to the outside.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The energy consumption unit includes: Switch; and A resistor is electrically connected to the at least one battery cell assembly via the operation of the switch, and the resistor is configured to dissipate electrical energy stored in the at least one battery cell assembly.

6. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The switch is configured to be turned on by a physical change caused by the heat generated from the battery cell assembly.

7. The battery pack according to claim 5, further comprising: Sensors that sense thermal runaway in the plurality of battery cells; and When the control unit receives a signal from the sensor notifying of thermal runaway, the control unit outputs a control signal to turn on the switch to electrically connect the battery cell assembly to the resistor.

8. The battery pack according to claim 5, wherein, The battery cell assembly, the resistor, and the switch are interconnected by wires, and the wires are coil-shaped.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein, The battery pack includes at least two battery cell assemblies, and the energy dissipation unit is configured to discharge a first battery cell assembly, which includes a battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway, or to receive discharge from a second battery cell assembly, which is adjacent to the first battery cell assembly, among the at least two battery cell assemblies.

10. A battery holder, comprising: The battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and A battery rack housing in which the battery pack is received.

11. An energy storage system comprising at least two battery racks as claimed in claim 10.

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