Battery charging / discharging system including a cooling unit capable of achieving uniform flow rate distribution

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery charging and discharging system comprising a cooling unit that allows for uniform flow rate distribution, thereby minimizing temperature differences between a plurality of battery cells during charging and discharging of the battery cells.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit that allows uniform flow rate distribution. This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0129940, filed on October 8, 2020, and the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0002] Recently, as technology develops and the demand for mobile devices increases, the demand for secondary batteries as energy sources is rapidly increasing.

[0003] Depending on the type of external device, a secondary battery can be used in the form of a single battery cell or a module in which a plurality of unit cells are electrically connected. For example, a small device such as a mobile phone can operate for a predetermined time using the output and capacity of one battery cell, but due to the requirements of output and capacity, medium and large devices such as notebook computers, portable DVDs, personal computers, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles require a battery module including a plurality of battery cells.

[0004] In addition, a secondary battery is manufactured through a process of assembling battery cells and a process of activating a battery. At this time, as a charging / discharging device applies necessary current to a target battery cell, the activation process of the battery is performed.

[0005] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery. As illustrated in Figure 1 the conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery 10 includes a tray 11 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells 1, a charging and discharging unit 12 having a structure that can be electrically connected to positive and negative electrodes protruding from the battery cells 1 accommodated in the tray 11, and a cooling unit 13 capable of dissipating heat generated in the battery cells 1 in a process of activating the battery cells 1 by repeated charging and discharging.

[0006] Figure 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cooling unit in the conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery. As illustrated in Figure 2 the cooling unit 13 of the conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery 10 is configured to include a plurality of blow fans 13' directed toward the tray 11 in which a plurality of battery cells 1 are accommodated. However, because the conventional cooling unit 13 is used to dissipate the total heat of the battery cells 1 accommodated in the tray 11, there can be a temperature difference depending on the location of the accommodated battery cells 1.

[0007] Similarly, when there is a temperature difference in the battery cell 1 during charging and discharging of the battery cell 1, a capacity deviation of the battery cell 1 can occur. As such, when it is necessary to determine whether there is a defect based on a measured value regarding the capacity of the battery cell 1 during charging and discharging, it can be difficult to clearly determine whether there is a defect in the battery cell 1 based on this.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit that allows uniform flow rate distribution, thereby cooling heat generated in a battery cell while charging and discharging the battery cell.

[0009] [Prior Art Documents]

[0010] [Patent Documents]

[0011] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0034945 SUMMARY

[0012] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0013] It is believed that the present invention solves at least some of the above problems. For example, aspects of the present invention provide a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit that allows uniform flow rate distribution.

[0014] TECHNICAL SOLUTION

[0015] The present invention provides a system for charging and discharging a battery. In one example, a system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present invention includes a tray configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells, a charging and discharging unit configured to be electrically connected to first and second electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray, and a cooling unit configured to cool the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray. Here, the cooling unit includes an air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray, and n perforated plates located on an air flow path of the air supply unit, the perforated plates being arranged in a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0016] In one example, each perforated plate has a plurality of holes, and the holes are positioned in a central region of the perforated plate.

[0017] In another example, each perforated plate has a plurality of holes, and a diameter of the holes positioned in a central region of the perforated plate is greater than a diameter of the holes positioned at an edge region of the perforated plate.

[0018] In yet another example, each perforated plate has a plurality of slits parallel to each other, and the slits are positioned in a central region of the perforated plate.

[0019] In yet another example, each perforated plate has a plurality of slits, and the width of the slits positioned in a central region of the perforated plate is greater than the width of the slits positioned at an edge region of the perforated plate.

[0020] In one example, the cooling unit has a structure in which 2 to 5 perforated plates are stacked.

[0021] In a specific example, the air supply unit is provided as a plurality of air supply units, and the plurality of air supply units are arranged at an upper portion of the tray at regular intervals. Further, the air supply unit can be a blowing fan.

[0022] In one example, the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray are arranged vertically, and the cooling unit is configured to blow air to move downward by the air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray. At this time, the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray can be pouch-type battery cells.

[0023] In another example, the tray has an open side surface, and the cooling unit further includes a sub air supply unit that blows cooling air toward the battery cells at the open side surface of the tray.

[0024] In one example, the system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application further includes a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the battery cells accommodated in the tray.

[0025] Advantageous Effects

[0026] The system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application including the cooling unit that allows uniform flow rate distribution, can minimize the temperature difference between the plurality of battery cells. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery.

[0028] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cooling unit in the conventional system for charging and discharging a secondary battery.

[0029] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram of a system for charging and discharging a battery according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0030] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cooling unit in the system for charging and discharging a battery according to one embodiment of the present application.

[0031] Figure 5is a graph showing measured values obtained by measuring the temperature of battery cells accommodated in a tray according to position in a conventional charging and discharging system and a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit according to a first embodiment of the present application.

[0032] Figure 6 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0033] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0034] Figure 8 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present application.

[0035] Figure 9 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms and words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to the commonly used meanings or meanings in dictionaries and the inventor appropriately chooses the meanings and concepts of the terms and words to best describe the present application. The terms and words should be interpreted based on the technical idea of the present application.

[0037] In this application, it is to be understood that terms such as "including" or "having," etc., are intended to indicate existence of described features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and are not intended to preclude presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Also, when a part such as a layer, a film, a region, a plate, etc., is referred to as being "on" another part, it can be directly on the other part, or intervening additional part can be present therebetween. On the other hand, when a part such as a layer, a film, a region, a plate, etc., is referred to as being "under" another part, it can be directly under the other part, or intervening additional part can be present therebetween. In addition, "disposed on" in this application can include both the case of being disposed at the bottom and the case of being disposed at the top.

[0038] The present application relates to a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit allowing uniform flow rate distribution.

[0039] In a conventional battery charging and discharging system, a cooling unit is used to dissipate the total heat of battery cells accommodated in a tray. Here, there is a temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray according to an accommodation position. In this case, when it is necessary to determine whether there is a defect based on a measured value regarding the capacity of the battery cells during charging and discharging, it can be difficult to clearly determine whether there is a defect in the battery cells due to a capacity deviation.

[0040] As such, the present application provides a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit allowing uniform flow rate distribution. In particular, since the battery charging and discharging system according to the present application includes n perforated plates forming a stacked structure on a flow path of the cooling unit, it is possible to maintain the flow rate of air passing through the holes of the perforated plates constant. As such, the battery charging and discharging system according to the present application can minimize the temperature difference between the battery cells accommodated in the tray.

[0041] Hereinafter, a battery charging and discharging system including a cooling unit allowing uniform flow rate distribution according to the present application will be described in detail.

[0042] In one example, a system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application includes a tray accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to first and second electrode leads formed at the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray, and a cooling unit cooling the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray. In one embodiment, the cooling unit includes an air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray, and n perforated plates located on an air flow path of air of the air supply unit and forming a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0043] In one embodiment, the tray is a rectangular box having an open top, and the plurality of battery cells are arranged in a matrix shape in the tray. At this time, the height of the tray is formed to correspond to the height of the battery cells. Further, both side surfaces are perforated so that the first and second electrode leads of the accommodated battery cells can protrude. In a specific example, since both side surfaces of the tray are perforated, the first and second electrode leads of the battery cells accommodated in the tray can be connected to the outside. For example, the first and second electrode leads of the battery cells accommodated in the tray are electrically connected to the charging and discharging unit described later.

[0044] In one embodiment, the charging and discharging unit is located at both side surfaces of the tray and is electrically connected to first and second electrode leads of a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray. In a specific example, the charging and discharging unit can be coupled to supply power to the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray and to charge and discharge the battery cells at a predetermined voltage for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. Further, the charging and discharging unit includes a controller (not shown) capable of monitoring a charging and discharging state during charging and discharging of the battery cells and controlling various operations for returning to an initial position after the operations are completed. A specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0045] In one embodiment, the system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application includes a cooling unit that cools a plurality of battery cells. In a specific example, in the system for charging and discharging a battery, for example, if the temperature of the battery cells becomes 50°C or more during charging and discharging of the battery cells, the efficiency or performance of the battery cells decreases, the durability of the battery cells decreases, and the risk of, for example, explosion due to heat can increase. Therefore, it is preferable to dissipate heat generated during charging and discharging of the battery cells by using the cooling unit according to the present application to reduce the temperature of the battery. Further, it is desirable to allow a uniform degree of heat to be dissipated from the battery cells in the same battery cell stack and to reduce a temperature deviation in the battery cells during the process of charging and discharging the battery cells, as a large temperature deviation can affect the efficiency, stability, and durability of the battery cells.

[0046] In one embodiment, the cooling unit can cool the plurality of battery cells by guiding air to flow in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are placed. In a specific example, the cooling unit includes an air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray and n perforated plates located on an air flow path of air of the air supply unit and forming a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0047] In one embodiment, the air supply unit is a blow fan of a generally widely used propeller form and is positioned on an upper portion of the tray. Further, the air supply unit is installed on an upper portion of the n perforated plates described later and blows air downward. The air blown downward can flow into the inside of the tray through an air flow path perforated on the perforated plate. Further, the cooling unit includes a plurality of air supply units and the air supply units are arranged at regular intervals on the upper portion of the tray. The cooling unit can have a structure in which 2 to 5 perforated plates are stacked or a structure in which 3 to 5 perforated plates are stacked. For example, 3 perforated plates can be stacked.

[0048] In one embodiment, the n number of perforated plates allow the air blown from the air supply unit to flow into the tray. For example, because the cooling unit has 3 perforated plates, the flow rate can gradually become uniform as the air blown by the air supply unit passes through the holes formed on the three perforated plates.

[0049] In one example, each perforated plate has a plurality of holes, and the holes are formed in a central region of the perforated plate. In particular, because of this structure, less air is supplied to the region where the battery cells housed in the outermost side are positioned, and thus the temperature deviation of the battery cells housed in the tray can be reduced. In this way, by allowing uniform flow rate distribution, the temperature difference between the battery cells can be minimized.

[0050] In another example, each perforated plate has a plurality of holes, and the diameter of the holes formed in the central region of the perforated plate is greater than the diameter of the holes formed in the edge region of the perforated plate. Specifically, the diameter of the holes formed on the perforated plate gradually decreases from the central region to the edge region. This structure serves to reduce the amount of air supplied to the edge region of the tray while supplying the air of the air supply unit to the tray in which a plurality of battery cells are housed.

[0051] In another embodiment, each perforated plate has a plurality of slits parallel to each other. The air supplied from the air supply unit can flow into the tray through the plurality of slits formed on the perforated plate. In a specific example, the slits are formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the battery cells are housed in the tray, and in particular, the slits can be formed in the central region of the perforated plate.

[0052] In another embodiment, each perforated plate has a plurality of slits parallel to each other. The air supplied from the air supply unit can flow into the tray through the plurality of slits formed on the perforated plate. In a specific example, the slits are formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the battery cells are housed in the tray. In addition, the width of the slits formed in the central region of the perforated plate is greater than the width of the slits formed in the edge region of the perforated plate. For example, the width of the slits formed on the perforated plate gradually decreases from the central region to the edge region. This structure serves to reduce the amount of air supplied to the edge region of the tray while supplying the air of the air supply unit to the tray in which a plurality of battery cells are housed.

[0053] In another example, a system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present invention includes a tray housing a plurality of battery cells, a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to first and second electrode leads formed at the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray, and a cooling unit cooling the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray.

[0054] In another embodiment, the cooling unit can cool the plurality of battery cells by guiding air to flow in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are placed. Specifically, the cooling unit includes an air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray, and n perforated plates located on an air flow path of air of the air supply unit and forming a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0055] Further, the size and shape of the holes formed on the n perforated plates can vary depending on the layer. In a specific example, in the case of the perforated plate at the upper end, a plurality of holes are formed in a central region of the perforated plate, and in the case of the perforated plate at the lower end, a plurality of holes are formed on the entire region of the perforated plate. Further, the size of the holes of the perforated plate gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end.

[0056] In particular, since, by this structure, less air is supplied to the region in which the battery cells housed in the outermost side are positioned, the temperature deviation of the battery cells housed in the tray can be reduced. In this way, by allowing uniform flow rate distribution, the temperature difference between the battery cells can be minimized.

[0057] Further, the system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application can further include a sub-air supply unit. In a specific example, the sub-air supply unit blows cooling air from the side surface of the tray toward the battery cells. The sub-air supply unit can be installed at both sides of the tray to guide air in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are placed.

[0058] In one example, the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray are arranged vertically, and the cooling unit blows air to move downward by a blower fan located at the upper portion of the tray. Further, the battery cells can mean a battery cell stack obtained by stacking 2 to 30, 5 to 20, or 10 to 16 battery cells.

[0059] In one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray can be pouch-type battery cells. In a specific example, the battery cells are pouch-type unit cells, and an electrode assembly having a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure is embedded in an outer material of a laminate sheet in a state of being connected to an electrode lead formed outside the outer material. The electrode lead can be pulled to the outside of the sheet, and can extend in the same or opposite directions to each other.

[0060] For convenience of explanation, the drawings of the present application only show pouch-type battery cells having a pair of electrode leads pulled out in opposite directions, but the battery cells applied to the battery module according to the present application are not particularly limited thereto, and a pair of electrode leads can be pulled out in the same direction.

[0061] Further, the system for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application can further include a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the battery cells. In a specific example, it is possible to determine whether the cooling unit is malfunctioning through the temperature sensor. For example, the controller can automatically determine the state through a rapid temperature change sensed by the temperature sensor and generate a warning message.

[0062] [Detailed description of preferred embodiments]

[0063] Hereinafter, the present application will be described in greater detail by the accompanying drawings, etc. However, the embodiments described in the specification and the configurations described in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present application, and do not represent all the technical ideas of the present application. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications can exist instead of them.

[0064] (First embodiment)

[0065] Figure 3 is a schematic view of a system for charging and discharging a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 3 , the system for charging and discharging a battery 100 according to the present application includes a tray 110 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells 111, a charging and discharging unit 120 that is electrically connected to first and second electrode leads formed at the plurality of battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110, and a cooling unit 130 that cools the plurality of battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110.

[0066] First, the tray 110 is a rectangular box having an open top, and the plurality of battery cells 111 are arranged in a matrix shape in the tray. Here, the height of the tray 110 is formed to correspond to the height of the battery cells 111. Further, the tray 110 has a structure in which both side surfaces are perforated so that the first and second electrode leads of the accommodated battery cells can protrude. Specifically, because both side surfaces of the tray 110 are perforated, the first and second electrode leads of the battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray can be connected to the outside. For example, the first and second electrode leads of the battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110 are electrically connected to the charging and discharging unit 120 described later.

[0067] Further, the charging and discharging unit 120 is located at both side surfaces of the tray 110 and is electrically connected to first and second electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110. In a specific example, the charging and discharging unit 120 can be coupled to supply electric power to the plurality of battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110 and to charge and discharge the battery cells 111 at a predetermined voltage for a predetermined time for a predetermined number of times. Further, the charging and discharging unit includes a controller (not shown) capable of monitoring a charging and discharging state during charging and discharging of the battery cells 111 and controlling various operations for returning to an initial position after the operations are completed. A specific description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] The cooling unit 130 can guide air in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells 111 accommodated in the tray 110 are placed, thereby cooling the plurality of battery cells 111. Specifically, the cooling unit 130 includes an air supply unit 131 located at an upper portion of the tray 110 and n perforated plates 132 located on an air flow path of air of the air supply unit 131 and forming a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0069] The air supply unit 131 is a blow fan of a generally widely used propeller form and is positioned on an upper portion of the tray 110. Further, the air supply unit 131 is installed on an upper portion of the n perforated plates 132 described later and blows air downward. The air blown downward can flow into an inside of the tray through an air flow path perforated on the perforated plate. Further, the cooling unit includes a plurality of air supply units 131 and the air supply units are arranged at regular intervals on the upper portion of the tray 110. In Figure 3 In the embodiment, six blow fans are shown, but the present application is not limited to this example.

[0070] As described above, the cooling unit 130 according to the present application includes n perforated plates 132. In Figure 3 In the embodiment, three perforated plates 132 are shown, but the present application is not limited to this example.

[0071] Further, the system 100 for charging and discharging a battery according to the present application includes a sub air supply unit 140. The sub air supply unit 140 blows cooling air from a side surface of the tray 110 toward the battery cells 111. The sub air supply unit 140 can be installed at both sides of the tray to guide air in a direction corresponding to a direction in which the plurality of battery cells are placed.

[0072] Figure 4 is a schematic view of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to an embodiment of the present application. Reference will be made toFigure 4 The three perforated plates 132 allow the air blown from the air supply unit to flow into the tray 110. In particular, because the cooling unit 130 has three perforated plates 132, the flow rate can gradually become uniform as the air blown by the air supply unit 131 passes through the holes formed on the three perforated plates 132.

[0073] In addition, each perforated plate 132 has a plurality of holes 1321, and the holes 1321 are formed in the central region of the perforated plate 132. In particular, because of this structure, less air is supplied to the region where the battery cells 111 positioned in the outermost side of the tray 110 are accommodated, and thus the temperature deviation of the battery cells accommodated in the tray 110 can be reduced. In this way, by allowing uniform flow rate distribution, the temperature difference between the battery cells can be minimized.

[0074] In this regard, the temperature of the battery cells accommodated in the tray according to the position was measured in the conventional charging and discharging system and the battery charging and discharging system including the cooling unit according to the first embodiment of the present application. And the results are shown in Figure 5

[0075] Figure 5 is a graph showing the measured values obtained by measuring the temperature of the battery cells accommodated in the tray according to the position in the conventional charging and discharging system and the battery charging and discharging system including the cooling unit according to the first embodiment of the present application.

[0076] Referring to Figure 5 , in the case of the conventional battery charging and discharging system, the temperature at the outermost battery cells of the tray is 31℃, and the temperature of the battery cells in the central region is 41℃. That is, the temperature of the battery cells differs according to the position in the tray, and there is a large temperature difference. However, in the battery charging and discharging system of the present application, the temperature difference of the 16 battery cells accommodated in the tray is small. Here, it can be understood that by including three perforated plates in the cooling unit to allow uniform flow rate distribution, the temperature difference between the battery cells can be minimized.

[0077] (Second Embodiment)

[0078] Figure 6 is a graph schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 6 , the perforated plate 232 according to the present application has a plurality of holes 2321. The air supplied from the air supply unit can flow into the tray through the plurality of holes 2321 formed on the perforated plate 232.

[0079] ​Further, the diameter of the holes 2321 formed in the central region of the perforated plate 232 is greater than the diameter of the holes 2321 formed in the edge region of the perforated plate 232. Specifically, the diameter of the holes 2321 formed on the perforated plate 232 gradually decreases from the central region to the edge region.

[0080] This structure serves to reduce the amount of air supplied to the edge region of the tray while supplying air of the air supply unit to the tray that accommodates a plurality of battery cells.

[0081] Since each component has been described above, detailed description of each component will be omitted here.

[0082] (Third Embodiment)

[0083] Figure 7 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to still another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 7 , the perforated plate 332 according to the present application has a plurality of slits 3322 parallel to each other. Air supplied from the air supply unit can flow into the tray through the plurality of slits 3322 formed on the perforated plate 332.

[0084] The slits 3322 are formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the battery cells are accommodated in the tray, and particularly, the slits 3322 are formed in the central region of the perforated plate 332.

[0085] This structure serves to reduce the amount of air supplied to the edge region of the tray while supplying air of the air supply unit to the tray that accommodates a plurality of battery cells.

[0086] Since each component has been described above, detailed description of each component will be omitted here.

[0087] (Fourth Embodiment)

[0088] Figure 8 is a view schematically showing a perforated plate of a cooling unit in a system for charging and discharging a battery according to still another embodiment of the present application. Referring to Figure 8 , the perforated plate 432 according to the present application has a plurality of slits 4322 parallel to each other. Air supplied from the air supply unit can flow into the tray through the plurality of slits 4322 formed on the perforated plate 432.

[0089] The slit 4322 is formed in a direction parallel to the direction in which the battery cell is housed in the tray. Furthermore, the width of the slit 4322 formed in the central region of the perforated plate 432 is greater than the width of the slit 4322 formed in the edge region of the perforated plate 432. Specifically, the width of the hole 4321 formed on the perforated plate 432 gradually decreases from the central region to the edge region.

[0090] This structure is designed to reduce the amount of air supplied to the edge area of ​​the tray while supplying air to the air supply unit that contains multiple battery cells.

[0091] Since each component has already been described above, detailed descriptions of each component will be omitted here.

[0092] (Fifth Embodiment)

[0093] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a system for charging and discharging a battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0094] refer to Figure 9 The system 500 for charging and discharging a battery according to the present invention includes: a tray 510 that accommodates a plurality of battery cells 511; a charging and discharging unit (not shown) electrically connected to a first electrode lead and a second electrode lead formed on the plurality of battery cells 511 accommodated in the tray 510; and a cooling unit 530 that cools the plurality of battery cells 511 accommodated in the tray 510.

[0095] The cooling unit 530 can guide air in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 511 housed in the tray 510 are placed, thereby cooling the plurality of battery cells 511. Specifically, the cooling unit 530 includes: an air supply unit 531 located at the top of the tray 510; and n perforated plates 532 located in the airflow path of the air supply unit 531 and forming a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. Figure 9 The example shown includes three perforated plates 532, but the invention is not limited to this example.

[0096] The three perforated plates 532 allow air blown from the air supply unit 531 to flow into the tray 510. In particular, because the cooling unit 530 has three perforated plates 532, the flow rate can gradually become uniform as the air blown from the air supply unit 531 passes through the holes 5321 formed on the three perforated plates 532.

[0097] Furthermore, the size and shape of the holes 5321 formed on the three perforated plates can vary depending on the layers. Specifically, in the case of the perforated plate 532 at the upper end, multiple holes 5321 are formed in the central region of the perforated plate 532, and in the case of the perforated plate 532 at the lower end, multiple holes 5321 are formed over the entire region of the perforated plate. Moreover, the size of the holes 5321 in the perforated plate 532 gradually decreases from the upper end to the lower end.

[0098] In particular, because of this structure, less air is supplied to the area where the battery cells 511, housed in the outermost part of the tray 510, are located, thus reducing the temperature deviation of the battery cells housed in the tray 510. In this way, by allowing a uniform flow rate distribution, the temperature difference between the battery cells 511 can be minimized.

[0099] The foregoing description merely illustrates the technical concept of the present invention, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the accompanying drawings disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of the invention, but rather to describe it, and the scope of the technical concept of the invention is not limited by these drawings. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the appended claims, and all technical concepts within this equivalent scope should be understood to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0100] On the other hand, the specification uses terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back to indicate direction, but these terms are obviously just for convenience of description and can change depending on the position of the object or the observer.

[0101] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0102] 1: Battery cell

[0103] 10, 100: Systems used for charging and discharging batteries

[0104] 11, 110: Pallet

[0105] 111, 511: Battery cell

[0106] 12, 120: Charging and discharging units

[0107] 13, 130: Cooling unit

[0108] 131, 531: Air supply unit

[0109] 132, 232, 332, 432, 532: Perforated plates

[0110] 1321, 2321, 5321: Hole

[0111] 3322, 4322: Slit

Claims

1. A system for charging and discharging a battery, the system comprising: a tray configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells; a charging and discharging unit configured to be electrically connected to first and second electrode leads of the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray; and a cooling unit configured to cool the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray, wherein the cooling unit comprises: an air supply unit located at an upper portion of the tray; and n perforated plates located on an air flow path of the air supply unit, the perforated plates being arranged in a stacked structure, wherein the n perforated plates have a plurality of holes, the plurality of holes gradually decreasing in size from an uppermost perforated plate to a lowermost perforated plate, wherein n is an integer of 3 to 5, and wherein in the uppermost perforated plate close to the air supply unit, the plurality of holes are formed in a central region of the perforated plate, and in the lowermost perforated plate, the plurality of holes are formed over an entire region of the perforated plate. The air supply unit is provided as a plurality of air supply units, and the plurality of air supply units are arranged at the upper portion of the tray at regular intervals.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, The air supply unit is a blowing fan.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray are arranged vertically, and 4. The system of claim 1, wherein, wherein the cooling unit is configured to blow air downward by the air supply unit located at the upper portion of the tray. The plurality of battery cells accommodated in the tray are pouch-type battery cells.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein, The tray has an open side surface, and 6. The system of claim 1, wherein, wherein the cooling unit further comprises a sub air supply unit blowing cooling air toward the battery cells at the open side surface of the tray. 7.The system of claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor measuring a temperature of the battery cells accommodated in the tray. ​

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