Battery Module Simulation System and Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery module simulation system and method for easily achieving pressure and temperature conditions in a battery module by easily changing the pressure and temperature applied to a battery cell during a pressure measurement test of the battery cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0100702, filed on August 11, 2020, and the entire contents of the Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a system and method for simulating a battery module, and more particularly, to a battery module simulation system and method capable of implementing load and temperature conditions of a battery module in a pressure measurement test of battery cells. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, with the rise in energy prices due to the depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing attention to environmental pollution, the demand for environmentally friendly alternative energy has become an indispensable factor for future life. Thus, various studies on power generation technologies such as nuclear power, solar power, wind power, and tidal power have been continuously conducted, and power storage devices for more efficiently using the energy generated in this way have also received much attention.

[0004] In particular, with the development of technology and the demand for mobile devices, the demand for batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing, and accordingly, a large amount of research has been conducted on batteries that can meet various demands.

[0005] Typically, in terms of the shape of the battery, there is a high demand for prismatic secondary batteries and pouch-type secondary batteries that can be applied to products with a small thickness such as mobile phones. In terms of materials, there is a high demand for lithium secondary batteries (such as lithium-ion batteries and lithium-ion polymer batteries) having advantages such as high energy density, discharge voltage, and output stability.

[0006] Such a secondary battery is formed into a structure in which an electrode assembly including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator disposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode is built into a battery case, and a positive electrode tab and a negative electrode tab are welded to the two electrode tabs and sealed to be exposed to the outside of the battery case. The electrode tabs are electrically connected to an external device by contacting the external device, and the secondary battery supplies power to the external device or receives power from the external device through the electrode tabs.

[0007] When the battery operates in an abnormal state due to overcharging, over-discharging, overheating, external shock, etc., gas may be generated inside the secondary battery. For example, an overheated battery may generate gas and promote the decomposition reaction of battery components, thereby causing continuous heating, gas generation, and bulging phenomena. Such phenomena also occur during the slow degradation process of secondary batteries due to long-term use. Thus, in order to manufacture battery cells with uniform charge / discharge characteristics, it is necessary to measure the pressure change according to the volume change of the battery cell.

[0008] Conventionally, a dedicated device has been used to measure the pressure change of a battery cell. However, since the conventional facilities for measuring the pressure of a battery cell have a large weight and volume, there are space limitations in battery evaluation. In addition, it is difficult for the pressure measurement fixture to realize the load and temperature conditions of an actual battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0009] Technical Problem

[0010] In order to solve the problems of the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a battery module simulation system and method for realizing the load and temperature conditions of a battery module in a pressure measurement test of a battery cell.

[0011] Technical Solution

[0012] The present invention provides a system for simulating a battery module. In one embodiment, a system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: a housing in which a battery cell is accommodated; a charge / discharge unit electrically connected to the battery cell; a tube stacked on one surface of the battery cell and having a structure for fluid to flow into it; a fluid supply unit fluidly connected to the tube and supplying fluid to the tube, thereby applying pressure to the battery cell; a temperature controller controlling the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube; and a sensor unit placed between the tube and one surface of the housing and measuring the pressure inside the housing.

[0013] In another embodiment, in the system, n tubes are placed as a single layer on one surface of the battery cell. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. At this time, each of the n tubes may include a valve for controlling the inflow amount of fluid, and each of the n tubes may include a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the fluid.

[0014] In still another embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention further includes: an output unit connected to the sensor unit and outputting the pressure value inside the housing; and a storage unit storing the pressure value.

[0015] In one embodiment, the housing of the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention further includes a first compression pad and a second compression pad, and the first compression pad and the second compression pad are respectively disposed on two surfaces of the battery cell.

[0016] In addition, the tube can be made of a soft or elastic material, and the fluid flowing into the tube can be in a liquid or gel state. In addition, the sensor unit can include a pressure sensor having a planar structure.

[0017] In addition, the present invention provides a method for simulating a battery module using the above system for simulating a battery module. In one embodiment, the method for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: setting the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tube of the system for simulating a battery module, thereby applying pressure and temperature to the battery cell; and causing the battery cell to bulge according to charging and discharging, and measuring the pressure inside the housing.

[0018] In addition, the method further includes: when n tubes are placed as a single layer on one surface of the battery cell of the system, setting the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into the n tubes. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0019] Advantageous Effects

[0020] According to the battery module simulation system and method of the present invention, during the pressure measurement test of the battery cell, the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cell can be easily changed, and accordingly, the pressure and temperature conditions in the battery module can be easily realized. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system for simulating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a system for simulating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0023] Since the inventive concept allows various changes and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed, and it should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0024] In this application, it should be understood that terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the presence of the features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and these terms do not preclude the possibility of the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Moreover, when a part of, for example, a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "on" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" on the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. On the other hand, when a part of, for example, a layer, film, region, plate, etc. is referred to as being "under" another part, this includes not only the case where the part is "directly" under the other part, but also the case where another part is interposed therebetween. Additionally, in this application, "placed on..." can include the cases of being placed on the bottom as well as the top.

[0025] The present invention relates to a system and method for simulating a battery module. First, a system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: a housing in which battery cells are accommodated; a charge / discharge unit electrically connected to the battery cells; a tube stacked on one surface of the battery cells and having a structure into which fluid flows; a fluid supply unit fluidly connected to the tube and supplying fluid to the tube, thereby applying pressure to the battery cells; a temperature controller controlling the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube; and a sensor unit placed between the tube and one surface of the housing and measuring the pressure inside the housing.

[0026] A pressure measurement jig for measuring the pressure change of a conventional battery cell has a large weight and volume, and accordingly, there are space limitations in battery evaluation. In addition, it is difficult for the pressure measurement jig to achieve the load and temperature conditions of an actual battery module.

[0027] Thus, the inventors of the present invention have invented a battery module simulation system and method for achieving the load and temperature conditions of a battery module in a battery cell measurement device. More specifically, the battery module simulation system and method according to the present invention include a stacked structure of tubes having a structure in which battery cells are accommodated in a housing, and fluid flows in on one surface of the battery cells. At this time, since the tube can adjust the amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tube, the battery module simulation system and method according to the present invention can achieve the load and temperature of an actual battery module.

[0028] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a housing for accommodating battery cells. The housing means a case for accommodating battery cells, and the housing includes an accommodation space for accommodating battery cells therein. On the other hand, the battery cells can be accommodated such that the bottom surface of the housing and the bottom surface of the battery cells are horizontal. In another example, one surface of the housing can be open, and a lid can be welded to one surface of the housing. Here, one surface of the housing means one wall in the housing and means the housing wall located in the stacking direction of the batteries.

[0029] In one embodiment, the battery cells can be pouch-type cell monomers. On the other hand, if the battery cells are secondary batteries capable of charging and discharging, the battery cells are not particularly limited. In a specific example, the battery cells are pouch-type cell monomers, and an electrode assembly having a positive electrode / separator / negative electrode structure is embedded in an exterior material while being connected to an electrode lead formed outside the exterior material of the laminate sheet. The electrode leads can be led out to the outside of the laminate sheet and can extend in the same or opposite directions to each other.

[0030] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes compression pads. In a specific example, a first compression pad and a second compression pad are provided in the housing, and the first compression pad and the second compression pad are respectively placed on two surfaces of the battery cells. The compression pads are used to similarly simulate the stiffness conditions around the battery cells in the battery module. In a specific example, the compression pads can be made of polyurethane-based materials and can absorb changes in the battery cells caused by external shocks when the thickness changes due to the bulging phenomenon of the battery cells.

[0031] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a tube. In the present invention, the "tube" means a structure stacked on one surface of the battery cells accommodated in the housing. The tube can have a flat form that can be stacked on the battery cells and preferably covers the front surface of the battery cells. In particular, fluid can flow into the tube, and the pressure or load applied to the battery cells can be controlled by controlling the amount of fluid flowing in. In addition, the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube can also be controlled, thereby controlling the temperature of the battery cells accommodated in the housing, etc. For example, by allowing fluid to flow into the tube and controlling the temperature of the fluid, it is possible to simulate temperature and pressure in the bulging test of the battery cells. Specific explanations will be described later.

[0032] The tube can be made of a soft or elastic material. For example, the tube can be made of a rubber material. In addition, the tube can have a flat form such that the tube can be easily stacked on one surface of the battery cells.

[0033] Furthermore, the fluid in the inlet pipe can be in a liquid or gel state. For example, the fluid can be water or a heat transfer fluid. In a specific example, the pressure or load applied to the battery cell can be controlled, and at the same time, the temperature applied to the battery cell can be easily controlled by filling the pipe with a heat transfer fluid or water.

[0034] In another example, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes n pipes (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2). In a specific example, in the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention, the n pipes are placed as a single layer on one surface of the battery cell. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2. At this time, preferably, the n pipes are placed so as to be distributed over the entire area of the battery cell. For example, the number n of the pipes is in the range of 2 to 40, 2 to 30, or 2 to 20.

[0035] In another embodiment, the n pipes are respectively fluidly connected to a fluid supply unit and respectively include valves for controlling the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into each pipe. That is, by separately constructing the pipes and separately setting the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into each pipe, the pressure applied to the corresponding area of the battery cell can be set differently.

[0036] Furthermore, the n pipes can respectively include temperature controllers for controlling the temperature of the fluid. In this way, by separately constructing the pipes and separately setting the temperature of the fluid flowing into each pipe, the temperature applied to the corresponding area of the battery cell can be set differently. That is, the present invention can simulate a battery module by imparting conditions in the module state while changing the temperature and pressure conditions according to the area of the battery cell.

[0037] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a fluid supply unit that is fluidly connected to the pipes, supplies fluid to the pipes, and applies pressure to the battery cell. The fluid supply unit is a device for supplying fluid into the pipes or discharging fluid from the pipes, and can be a general fluid pump. In addition, the fluid supply unit further includes a valve for controlling the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into the pipes. The valve can be a general fluid control valve. The inflow amount of the fluid can be set by the fluid control valve.

[0038] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the fluid flowing into the pipes. The temperature controller can be a heater, and the temperature of the fluid contained in the pipe can be easily controlled to a desired temperature by a temperature sensor attached to the pipe. That is, the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cell can be controlled by controlling the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid contained in the pipe. In another embodiment, the n pipes can respectively include temperature controllers for controlling the temperature of the fluid.

[0039] In addition, the temperature controller can control the temperature of the fluid contained in the tube, or the temperature controller can be connected to the fluid supply unit, thereby controlling the temperature of the fluid supplied to the tube and then allowing the fluid to flow into the tube.

[0040] In one embodiment, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a sensor unit. Specifically, the sensor unit can be placed between the tube and one surface of the housing, thereby measuring the internal pressure of the housing. Specifically, the sensor unit includes a pressure sensor having a planar structure. The pressure sensor having a planar structure can be placed on the front surface of the battery tube. In this way, even if the pressure increases only in a local area of the entire area of the tube or the battery cell, the pressure in the housing can be easily sensed.

[0041] For example, the pressure sensor can be a pressure distribution measurement sensor. The pressure distribution measurement sensor is a membrane type pressure sensor and can simultaneously measure the pressure applied to thousands of sensor surfaces, thereby identifying the shape of the pressure distribution. Then, the analog signal of this pressure distribution shape can be converted into a digital signal, and the digital signal can be transmitted to the PC.

[0042] In a specific example, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention sets the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cell by injecting fluid into the tube and controlling the temperature of the fluid in the tube. In addition, the changed pressure in the housing can be measured according to the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tube.

[0043] More specifically, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention applies a predetermined pressure and temperature to the battery cell accommodated in the housing by controlling the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid inside the tube by using the fluid supply unit and the temperature controller. In a state where the pressure and temperature have been applied to the battery cell, the charge / discharge unit electrically connected to the battery cell causes the battery cell to bulge. In addition, the sensor unit can sense the changed pressure due to the bulge of the battery cell.

[0044] On the other hand, the charge / discharge unit can supply power for charging to the battery cell and receive discharge power from the battery cell. Here, supplying power to the battery cell is not limited to supplying power sufficient to fully charge the battery cell. The same applies to the meaning of receiving discharge power from the battery cell, so its repeated description is omitted here.

[0045] In addition, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention further includes: an output unit connected to the sensor unit and outputting the pressure value inside the housing; and a storage unit storing the pressure value. Specifically, the output unit can numerically calculate and display the change in the pressure applied from the battery cell based on the signal input from the sensor unit. In addition, the storage unit can receive and store the pressure value or output value of the battery cell, and can store information about the bulging result of the battery cell to create a database of this information. For example, information about the pressure value for temperature conditions and the inflow amount of the fluid in the inflow pipe or the operating conditions of the charge / discharge unit can be created and stored as a table or graph.

[0046] In addition, the present invention provides a method for simulating a battery module using the above system for simulating a battery module.

[0047] In one embodiment, a method for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: setting the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the pipe of the system for simulating a battery module, thereby applying a predetermined pressure and temperature to the battery cell; and causing the battery cell to bulge according to charging and discharging, and measuring the pressure inside the housing.

[0048] The step of applying pressure and temperature to the battery cell includes the process of setting the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the pipe by using the fluid supply unit and the temperature controller. In particular, the process of allowing the fluid to flow into the pipe and controlling the temperature is to simulate the temperature and pressure of the battery cell during the bulge test in the battery module. At this time, the pressure applied to the battery cell can be changed according to the inflow amount of the fluid, and the average temperature can be set in the range of 20 to 50 °C.

[0049] In another embodiment, the method further includes: when n pipes are placed on one surface of the battery cell of the system as a single layer, setting the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the n pipes. Here, n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the n pipes are respectively fluidly connected to the fluid supply unit and respectively include valves for controlling the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into each pipe. That is, by separately constructing the pipes and separately setting the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into each pipe, the pressure applied to the corresponding area of the battery cell can be set differently.

[0051] Furthermore, the n tubes may each include a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the fluid. In this way, by separately constructing the tubes and separately setting the temperature of the fluid flowing into each tube, the temperature applied to the corresponding region of the battery cell can be set differently. That is, the present invention can simulate a battery module by changing the temperature and pressure conditions according to the region of the battery cell while imparting the conditions in the module state.

[0052] In addition, the battery module simulation method according to the present invention includes a step of measuring the pressure inside the housing. The sensor unit may be placed between the tube and one surface of the housing, thereby measuring the internal pressure of the housing.

[0053] In a specific example, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention sets the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cell by injecting fluid into the tube and controlling the temperature of the fluid in the tube. In addition, the changed pressure in the housing can be measured according to the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tube.

[0054] More specifically, the battery module simulation system of the present invention applies a predetermined pressure and temperature to the battery cell accommodated in the housing by controlling the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid inside the tube using a fluid supply unit and a temperature controller. In a state where the pressure and temperature have been applied to the battery cell, the charge / discharge unit electrically connected to the battery cell causes the battery cell to bulge. In addition, the sensor unit can sense the changed pressure due to the bulge of the battery cell.

[0055] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings and examples. Since the inventive concept of the present invention allows various changes and multiple embodiments, specific embodiments will be shown in the drawings and described in detail in the text. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific forms disclosed, and should be understood to include all changes, equivalents, and alternatives included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0056] [First Embodiment]

[0057] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a system for simulating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0058] Reference Figure 1, a system 100 for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: a housing 120 in which battery cells 110 are accommodated; a charge / discharge unit 140 electrically connected to the battery cells 110; a tube 130 stacked on one surface of the battery cells 110 and having a structure into which fluid flows; a fluid supply unit 150 fluidly connected to the tube 130 and supplying fluid to the tube 130, thereby applying pressure to the battery cells 110; a temperature controller 160 controlling the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube 130; and a sensor unit 170 placed between the tube 130 and one surface of the housing 120 and measuring the pressure inside the housing 120.

[0059] In addition, the system 100 for simulating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a first compression pad 180 and a second compression pad 180' are placed on two surfaces of the battery cells 110.

[0060] In addition, the tube 130 is made of a soft or elastic material. The tube 130 has a flat form such that the tube 130 can be easily stacked on one surface of the battery cells 110, and the tube 130 has a structure covering the front surface of the battery cells 110. Fluid or water can flow into the tube 130. Specifically, the pressure applied to the battery cells 110 accommodated in the housing 120 can be controlled by allowing water to flow into the tube 130. In addition, the tube 130 is stacked on one surface of the first compression pad 180, and the first compression pad 180 is stacked on the battery cells 110.

[0061] The system 100 for simulating a battery module of the present invention is fluidly connected to the tube and includes a fluid supply unit 150 that supplies fluid to the tube 130. The fluid supply unit 150 can be a general fluid pump. In addition, although not shown in Figure 1 , the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into the tube can be controlled by including a fluid control valve (not shown) between the tube 130 and the fluid supply unit 150.

[0062] The system 100 for simulating a battery module of the present invention includes a temperature controller 160 for controlling the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube 130. The temperature controller 160 can be a heater, and the temperature of the fluid accommodated in the tube can be easily controlled to a desired temperature by a temperature sensor attached to the tube 130. That is, the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cells can be controlled by controlling the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid accommodated in the tube 130.

[0063] On the other hand, although not shown in the drawings, the temperature controller 160 may be connected to the fluid supply unit 150 and allow the fluid to flow into the tube 130 after controlling the temperature of the fluid supplied to the tube 130.

[0064] The system 100 for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes a sensor unit 170. Specifically, the sensor unit 170 is placed between the tube 130 and one surface of the housing 120 and measures the internal pressure of the housing 120. Specifically, the sensor unit 170 includes a pressure sensor having a planar structure. The pressure sensor having the planar structure is placed on the front surface of the battery tube 130. Thus, even if the pressure increases only in a partial area of the entire area of the tube 130 or the battery cell 110, the pressure in the housing 120 can be easily sensed.

[0065] Specifically, the system 100 for simulating a battery module according to the present invention sets the pressure and temperature applied to the battery cell 110 by injecting fluid into the tube 130 and controlling the temperature of the fluid in the tube 130. In addition, the changed pressure in the housing 120 can be measured according to the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tube 130.

[0066] More specifically, the system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention applies a predetermined pressure and temperature to the battery cell 110 accommodated in the housing 120 by controlling the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid in the tube 130 using the fluid supply unit 150 and the temperature controller 160. In a state where the pressure and temperature have been applied to the battery cell 110, the charge / discharge unit 140 electrically connected to the battery cell 110 causes the battery cell 110 to bulge. In addition, the sensor unit 170 can sense the pressure changed due to the bulge of the battery cell 110.

[0067] In addition, the measured pressure value may be output in the output unit 190, and the pressure value may be stored in the storage unit 195.

[0068] [Second Embodiment]

[0069] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a system for simulating a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Reference Figure 2, a system 200 for simulating a battery module according to the present invention includes: a housing 220 in which battery cells 210 are accommodated; a charge / discharge unit 240 electrically connected to the battery cells 210; a tube 230 stacked on one surface of the battery cells 210 and having a structure into which fluid flows; a fluid supply unit 250 fluidly connected to the tube 230 and supplying fluid to the tube 230, thereby applying pressure to the battery cells 210; a temperature controller 260 controlling the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tube 230; and a sensor unit 270 placed between the tube 230 and one surface of the housing 220 and measuring the pressure inside the housing 220.

[0071] In addition, the system 200 for simulating a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention has a structure in which a first compression pad 280 and a second compression pad 280' are placed on two surfaces of the battery cells 210.

[0072] At this time, the system 200 for simulating a battery module includes n tubes (n is an integer equal to or greater than 2). Figure 2 FIG. shows five tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235, but the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0073] Specifically, the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are arranged as a single layer on one surface of the battery cells 210, and the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are arranged to be distributed over the entire area of the battery cells 210. More specifically, the first compression pad 280 and the second compression pad 280' are placed on two surfaces of the battery cells 210, and the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are arranged on one surface of the first compression pad 280.

[0074] Meanwhile, the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 are fluidly connected to the fluid supply unit 250, and a valve (not shown) for controlling the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 is provided between the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 and the fluid supply unit 250. That is, the system 200 for simulating a battery module according to the present invention can differently set the pressure applied to each area of the battery cells 210 by separately constructing the tubes 230 and separately setting the inflow amount of the fluid flowing into each tube 230.

[0075] In addition, the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 may each include a temperature controller 260 for controlling the temperature of the fluid. Figure 2The system for simulating a battery module according to the present invention can set the temperature of each region applied to the battery cell differently by separately configuring the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235 and separately setting the temperature of the fluid flowing into each of the tubes 231, 232, 233, 234, and 235.

[0076] More specifically, the system for simulating a battery module of the present invention applies a predetermined pressure and temperature to a battery cell 210 accommodated in a housing by controlling the inflow amount and temperature of the fluid in the tube 230 using a fluid supply unit 250 and a temperature controller 260. In a state where the pressure and temperature have been applied to the battery cell 210, the charge / discharge unit 240 electrically connected to the battery cell 210 induces bulge of the battery cell 210. In addition, the sensor unit 270 is capable of sensing the pressure changed due to the bulge of the battery cell 210. In particular, the present invention is capable of simulating a battery module by giving conditions in a module state while changing temperature and pressure conditions by region of the battery cell 210.

[0077] Since each component has been described above, a detailed description of each component will be omitted here.

[0078] Although the preferred examples of the present invention have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0079] Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification, but should be defined by the claims.

[0080] [Explanation of Reference Numerals]

[0081] 100, 200: Systems for simulating battery modules

[0082] 110, 210: Battery cells

[0083] 120, 220: Shell

[0084] 130, 230: pipe

[0085] 140, 240: Charging / discharging unit

[0086] 150, 250: Fluid supply unit

[0087] 160, 260: Temperature controller

[0088] 170, 270: Sensor unit

[0089] 180, 280: Compression pad

[0090] 190, 290: Output unit

[0091] 195, 295: Storage unit

Claims

1. A system for simulating a battery module, the system comprising: a housing that houses battery cells therein; a charge / discharge unit electrically connected to the battery cells; tubes stacked on one surface of the battery cells and having a structure for fluid to flow into them; a fluid supply unit fluidly connected to the tubes and supplying fluid to the tubes, thereby applying pressure to the battery cells; a temperature controller that controls the temperature of the fluid that has flowed into the tubes; and a sensor unit placed between the tubes and one surface of the housing and measuring the pressure inside the housing, wherein n tubes are placed as a single layer on one surface of the battery cells to separately set the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into each tube, and wherein the n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the n tubes includes a valve for controlling the inflow rate of the fluid.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the n tubes includes a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the fluid.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: an output unit connected to the sensor unit and outputting the pressure value inside the housing; and a storage unit storing the pressure value.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a first compression pad and a second compression pad respectively placed on two surfaces of the battery cells.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the tubes are made of a soft or elastic material.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the fluid flowing into the tubes is in a liquid or gel state.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor unit includes a pressure sensor with a planar structure.

9. A method for simulating a battery module, the method comprising: setting the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into the tubes of the system for simulating a battery module according to claim 1, thereby applying pressure and temperature to the battery cells; and causing the battery cells to bulge according to charging and discharging and measuring the pressure inside the housing, wherein the method further includes: when n tubes are placed as a single layer on one surface of the battery cells of the system, separately setting the inflow rate and temperature of the fluid flowing into the n tubes, wherein the n is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

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