Energy storage module

Abstract

An energy storage module is disclosed. The energy storage module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a length direction; a plurality of insulating spacers; a cover member including an internal accommodating space; a top plate attached to the top of the cover member, the top plate including pipes corresponding to vents of the battery cells and having openings corresponding to the insulating spacers; a top cover attached to the top of the top plate and having discharge holes corresponding to the pipes; and a fire extinguishing disc located between the top cover and the top plate, the fire extinguishing disc being configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent at a temperature exceeding a reference temperature, the top cover including a protrusion on the bottom surface of the top cover, the protrusion covering the venting area and attached to the outside of each pipe.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application "Energy Storage Module" filed on September 4, 2020, with application number 202010921351.1. Technical Field

[0002] Various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure relate to an energy storage module. Background Technology

[0003] Energy storage modules can be linked to renewable energy sources and power systems (such as solar cells) to store electricity when demand from loads is low and to use (or discharge or supply) the stored electricity when demand is high. Energy storage modules typically include (or are) devices containing a relatively large number of battery cells (e.g., secondary batteries or secondary battery cells).

[0004] Battery cells are typically housed (or contained) in multiple trays, multiple trays are housed (or contained) in racks, and multiple racks are housed (or contained) in container boxes.

[0005] However, there have recently been cases of fires occurring within energy storage modules. Furthermore, once a fire breaks out in an energy storage module, it is difficult to extinguish due to the module's characteristics. Because energy storage modules, which typically consist of multiple battery cells, generally exhibit high capacity and high output characteristics, research is actively underway to develop technologies that improve the safety of energy storage modules. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to an aspect of an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage module is provided that exhibits increased safety by reducing or minimizing the risk of fire spreading to adjacent battery cells in the event of a fire.

[0007] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, an energy storage module includes: a plurality of battery cells arranged along a length direction such that the long side surfaces of adjacent battery cells face each other; a plurality of insulating spacers, at least one of which is located between the long side surfaces of each pair of adjacent battery cells; a cover member including an internal accommodating space configured to receive the battery cells and the insulating spacers; a top plate coupled to the top of the cover member, the top plate including conduits corresponding to vents of the battery cells and having openings corresponding to the insulating spacers; a top cover coupled to the top of the top plate and having vent holes corresponding to the conduits; and a fire extinguishing disc located between the top cover and the top plate, the fire extinguishing disc being configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent at a temperature exceeding a reference temperature, and the top cover including a protrusion on the bottom surface of the top cover covering the venting area and coupled to the outside of each conduit, and each insulating spacer including a flame-retardant or non-combustible first piece and a heat-insulating second piece bonded to the opposite surface of the first piece by an adhesive member.

[0009] The first sheet may include ceramic paper, and the second sheet may include mica paper.

[0010] The first piece may include ceramic fibers containing alkaline earth metals.

[0011] The long side surfaces of adjacent battery cells can be spaced apart by a first distance, and the thickness of each insulating spacer can be less than 50% of the first distance.

[0012] When the extinguishing agent is launched from the extinguishing disc, it can be applied through the opening to the space between the insulating spacer and the battery cell to contact the long side surface of the battery cell.

[0013] Each insulating spacer may have a width dimension that is less than twice its height dimension and may include a sheet portion comprising a first sheet and a second sheet bonded together at opposite ends of the sheet portion by an adhesive member.

[0014] Each insulating spacer may also include an edge portion made of plastic material, which is formed by injection molding as the outer edge of the cover sheet portion.

[0015] The first and second pieces can be spaced apart at their center to define an air passage that allows air to move.

[0016] The width dimension of each insulating spacer can be twice its height dimension, and the first and second pieces can each include areas bonded to each other by adhesive members.

[0017] The top cover may also include an inclined section to have a thickness that gradually increases from the venting area to the protrusion.

[0018] The top of each pipe can be located below the sloping section.

[0019] The space can be confined between each pipe and a corresponding protrusion in the protrusion, and some gas discharged through each vent can move to the corresponding space via the pipe and the inclined part.

[0020] Each pipe can gradually taper away from its bottom and gradually decrease in diameter inwards.

[0021] The total area occupied by the exhaust port can be no less than approximately 30% of the area of ​​the exhaust zone.

[0022] As described, the energy storage module according to embodiments of this disclosure may prevent or reduce heat diffusion to adjacent battery cells by opening (or rupturing) the vent of the battery cell and / or by rapidly extinguishing and cooling the battery cell in the event of a fire. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 This is an exploded bottom perspective view of the fire extinguishing plate and top cover of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing battery cells and insulating spacers arranged on the base plate of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view showing the battery cell, top plate, and top cover of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 6 A rack on which an energy storage module is incorporated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is partially shown.

[0029] Figure 7A and Figure 7B They are respectively along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from lines AA and BB. Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A magnified view of a portion of the image.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 9This is a perspective view of an energy storage module integrated with a fire extinguishing plate on a top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of region "B".

[0033] Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operating state of a fire extinguishing disc in an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 12 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by the CC line.

[0035] Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an insulating spacer in an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 14A and Figure 14B It is shown Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of an example construction of a sheet portion of the insulating spacer shown.

[0037] Figure 15 After the pieces are glued together, along Figure 14A The sectional view taken by line DD.

[0038] Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of region "C".

[0039] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Bottom perspective view of the energy storage module.

[0041] Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 The sectional view taken by the line EE.

[0042] Figure 20 It shows the arrangement in Figure 17 A perspective view of the battery cells and insulating spacers on the cover component of the energy storage module.

[0043] Figure 21A and Figure 21B They are Figure 17 Perspective view and exploded perspective view of the insulating spacers in the energy storage module.

[0044] Figure 22 It is along Figure 17 The sectional view is taken by the line FF.

[0045] Figure 23A and Figure 23B These are perspective and cross-sectional views of a battery cell used in an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail herein. However, the subject matter of this disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary (or exemplary) embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will convey to those skilled in the art the aspects and features of this disclosure.

[0047] Additionally, for the sake of brevity and clarity, the dimensions or thicknesses of various components may be exaggerated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals always refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, it will be understood that when element A is referred to as being "connected to" element B, element A may be directly connected to element B, or one or more intermediate elements C may exist between element A and element B such that element A and element B are indirectly connected to each other.

[0048] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the disclosure. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "comprising" and / or variations thereof, when used in this specification, indicates the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0049] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various components, elements, regions, layers, and / or parts, these components, elements, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component, element, region, layer, and / or part from another component, element, region, layer, and / or part. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of this disclosure, the first component, first element, first region, first layer, and / or first part discussed below may be designated as a second component, second element, second region, second layer, and / or second part.

[0050] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used here to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It is to be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation other than those depicted in the figure. For example, if the device in the figure were flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features would subsequently be positioned “above” or “above” those other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It shall also be understood that terms (such as those defined in common dictionaries) shall be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalized sense unless expressly defined herein.

[0052] Here, the construction of an energy storage module according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 3 This is an exploded bottom perspective view of the fire extinguishing plate and top cover of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing battery cells and insulating spacers arranged on the base plate of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] Reference Figures 1 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage module 100 may include a cover member 110, a battery unit 120, an insulating spacer 130, a top plate 140, a fire extinguishing plate 150, and a top cover 160.

[0055] The cover member 110 provides an internal space for accommodating (or housing) the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 130. In an embodiment, the cover member 110 includes a base plate 111, an end plate (or multiple end plates) 112, and a side plate (or multiple side plates) 113, which together form a space for accommodating the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 130. Additionally, the cover member 110 can fix the position of the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 130 and can protect the battery cell 120 from external impacts.

[0056] Each of the battery cells 120 is configured such that an electrode assembly is housed within a housing 121, and the electrode assembly is wound, stacked, or laminated with a separator positioned between the positive and negative electrode plates. Each electrode assembly has a portion coated with an active material, such as a coated portion. Additionally, the top portion of the housing 121 may be sealed by a cover plate 124. In an embodiment, a vent 124a is located approximately at the center of the cover plate 124 and has a thickness less than that of other areas of the cover plate 124. In an embodiment, electrode terminals 122 and 123 electrically connected to uncoated areas (e.g., uncoated portions) of the positive and negative electrode plates are exposed at the upper portion of the housing 121 via the cover plate 124. Electrode terminals 122 and 123 may be referred to as first electrode terminal 122 and second electrode terminal 123, respectively, and defined, for example, as a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal. However, the polarity of electrode terminals 122 and 123 may be reversed, thus being defined as a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal, respectively. Safety can be increased by using specific components of the active material of battery cell 120 to reduce the occurrence of fire.

[0057] Insulating spacers 130 may be positioned between battery cells 120 (e.g., between adjacent battery cells within battery cells 120) to prevent or substantially prevent contact between battery cells 120 and each other, thereby maintaining battery cells 120 (e.g., the housing 121 of battery cells 120) in an electrically isolated state. Additionally, a reference distance or space (e.g., a predetermined distance) is maintained between each insulating spacer 130 and the battery cell 120 to establish an external air passage (e.g., a fire extinguishing agent passage), thereby allowing cooling of the battery cell 120. Insulating spacers 130 may include flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheets and heat-insulating sheets; the flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheets prevent (or substantially prevent) the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells 120, and the heat-insulating sheets prevent (or substantially prevent) the transfer of heat to adjacent battery cells 120 if any of the battery cells 120 ignites. The construction of the insulating spacers 130 will be described in further detail below.

[0058] The top plate 140 may be attached to the top portion (e.g., the top surface or top) of the cover member 110. The top plate 140 may be attached to the cover member 110 while covering the top portion (e.g., the top surface) of the battery cell 120. Additionally, the first electrode terminal 122 and the second electrode terminal 123 of the battery cell 120 are exposed to (or pass through) the top plate 140, and the busbar 145 is attached to the respective electrode terminals 122 and 123, thereby connecting the battery cells 120 in series, in parallel, or in a series / parallel configuration to each other.

[0059] The top plate 140 includes a plurality of conduits 141 positioned corresponding to vents 124a, each located on the top surface of each of the battery cells 120. The conduits 141 may be arranged in one direction, for example, along the length of the top plate 140. Therefore, gas discharged from a vent 124a in one of the battery cells 120 can move upward along the corresponding conduit 141 of the top plate 140. The construction and operation of the conduits 141 will be described in further detail below.

[0060] Fire extinguishing disc 150 is positioned between top plate 140 and top cover 160. Fire extinguishing disc 150 may be configured as one or more components (or pieces) extending in a certain direction (e.g., along the length of top plate 140). Additionally, fire extinguishing disc 150 may include openings (e.g., orifices) positioned to correspond to conduits 141 of top plate 140. Therefore, fire extinguishing disc 150 may be positioned such that its openings are aligned with conduits 141 of top plate 140. Furthermore, fire extinguishing disc 150 may be attached to the bottom surface 160b of top cover 160. Because fire extinguishing disc 150 is attached to the bottom surface 160b of top cover 160, fire extinguishing disc 150 can be positioned above top plate 140. The construction and operation of fire extinguishing disc 150 will be described in further detail below.

[0061] The top cover 160 is attached to the top portion of the top plate 140. The top cover 160 may cover the top plate 140 and the manifold 145. The top cover 160 also covers the extinguishing disc 150 attached to the bottom surface 160b of the top cover 160, thereby protecting the top plate 140, the manifold 145, and the extinguishing disc 150 from external impacts applied to the top surface 160a of the top cover 160. Additionally, the top cover 160 may include a discharge opening (e.g., a discharge orifice) 161. Furthermore, the top cover 160 may also include a protrusion (e.g., a projection) 162 spaced apart from the outer periphery of a corresponding discharge orifice in the discharge orifice 161 (e.g., extending around the periphery of the corresponding discharge orifice in the discharge orifice 161), and the protrusion 162 projecting downward from the top cover 160. The opening (e.g., an opening hole) 151 of the extinguishing disc 150 may be incorporated into the exterior of a corresponding protrusion in the protrusion 162 (e.g., it may extend around the exterior of the corresponding protrusion in the protrusion 162), and the conduit 141 may be incorporated into the interior of the protrusion 162 (e.g., it may extend into the interior of the protrusion 162). In embodiments, the discharge holes 161 may each include a plurality of discharge openings (e.g., discharge sub-openings) arranged in a certain direction (e.g., along the length direction of the top cover 160). Additionally, the discharge holes 161 may be positioned to correspond to the conduits 141 of the top plate 140, respectively. Furthermore, like the conduits 141, the discharge holes 161 may each be configured as a plurality of openings passing through the top and bottom surfaces of the top plate 140 and spaced apart from each other. Therefore, when the vent 124a ruptures, the gas emitted from the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 can be discharged to the outside through the corresponding pipe 141 of the top plate 140 and the corresponding discharge opening 161 of the top cover 160, which is beneficial to user safety by preventing or substantially preventing the user's hands from touching the internal structure of the top cover 160.

[0062] In one embodiment, the rack includes a plurality of shelves and a plurality of energy storage modules 100 housed on the shelves. For example, the rack includes a plurality of shelves mounted upwardly spaced apart from each other, and one or more energy storage modules 100 may be housed on each of the shelves. Here, the bottom surface of one of the energy storage modules 100 may contact the top surface of a first shelf, and the bottom surface of another of the energy storage modules 100 may be positioned on the top surface of a second shelf while being spaced apart from the top surface of the first shelf.

[0063] Here, the connection relationship between each pipe 141 of the top plate 140 and the top cover 160 in the energy storage module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in further detail.

[0064] Figure 5 This is a partial exploded perspective view showing the battery cell, top plate, and top cover of an energy storage module 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6A rack on which an energy storage module is incorporated, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, is partially shown. Figure 7A and Figure 7B They are respectively along Figure 5 A cross-sectional view taken from lines AA and BB. Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A magnified view of a portion of the image. Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view of a pipe according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Reference Figure 5 The pipes 141 on the top plate 140 correspond to the vents 124a of the battery unit 120, and the discharge holes 161 of the top cover 160 can be positioned to correspond to the pipes 141 on the top plate 140.

[0066] The conduit 141 is a channel through which gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 passes, and the conduit 141 protrudes from the top plate 140. In an embodiment, the conduit 141 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the vent 124a of each of the battery cells 120, for example, an elliptical shape. In an embodiment, the conduit 141 may taper gradually away from its bottom portion, and the conduit 141 gradually decreases in its inner radial direction. In some embodiments, the conduit 141 may have a uniform thickness and may be inclined inward at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle) (α). In an embodiment, in order to allow gas to be discharged effectively without obstructing the operating range of the vent 124a of the battery cell 120, the angle of inclination (α) of the conduit 141 may be in the range of about 1° to about 3°.

[0067] In an embodiment, to effectively discharge gas emitted through the vent 124a of the battery cell 120, the conduit 141 may have a height equal to that of the top cover 160. In an embodiment, the height of the conduit 141 may be set in the range of 15 mm to 20 mm, and in another embodiment, in the range of 18 mm to 18.4 mm. When the height of the conduit 141 is greater than or equal to 15 mm, even if the gas collides with the shelf 12 after moving along the conduit 141, it can prevent or substantially prevent the gas generated from the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 from returning to the vent 124a. Furthermore, when the height of the conduit 141 is less than or equal to 20 mm, the shelf 12 and the conduit 141 can be easily manufactured. In an embodiment, because the height of the conduit 141 is equal to the height of the top cover 160, gas that has passed through the conduit 141 can move toward the discharge opening 161 of the top cover 160.

[0068] In addition, such as Figure 8As shown, in another exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, the conduit 141' may taper gradually away from its bottom portion, with the conduit 141' gradually decreasing in its inner radial direction. Additionally, the conduit 141' may be configured to have a thickness that gradually decreases from its bottom portion to its top portion. In an embodiment, the inner surface of the conduit 141' may be gradually inclined upward relative to the outside at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle), and the outer surface of the conduit 141' may be gradually inclined upward relative to the inside at an angle (e.g., a predetermined angle). In an embodiment, to allow gas to be effectively discharged without obstructing the operating range of the vent 124a of the battery cell 120, the inclination angle of the inside of the conduit 141' may be in the range of about 1° to about 5°, and in an embodiment, in the range of about 1° to about 3°. When the inclination angle is greater than or equal to 1°, gas generated from the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 may easily accumulate upward. When the inclination angle is less than or equal to 5°, the rigidity of the conduit 141' can be maintained, and the upward movement of gas can be prevented or substantially prevented from being restricted by the conduit 141'.

[0069] Reference Figures 7A to 7C The top cover 160 may include an exhaust region 161a having a plurality of exhaust openings (e.g., exhaust holes) 161 therein, protrusions (e.g., protrusions) 162 on the bottom surface of the top cover 160, and an inclined portion 163 between the exhaust region 161a and each protrusion 162. The exhaust region 161a is positioned on the top portion of the conduit 141 and may be defined by a peripheral region formed around the exhaust holes 161. The exhaust region 161a may have a thickness D2 smaller than the thickness D1 of the top cover 160 (D1>D2). In an embodiment, the thickness D2 of the exhaust region 161a may be two-thirds (2 / 3) of the thickness D1 of the top cover 160. In an embodiment, the thickness D2 of the exhaust region 161a may be at least 1.0 mm. In this case, injection molding can be suitably performed while minimizing or reducing the occurrence of flames during gas exhaust. In an embodiment, for example, when the thickness D1 of the top cover 160 is about 2.5 mm, the thickness D2 of the exhaust region 161a can be set to about 1.5 mm.

[0070] Additionally, gas discharged from the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 can be discharged through the exhaust holes 161 in the exhaust region 161a. Although three exhaust holes 161 are shown in the illustrated embodiment, the number of exhaust holes 161 is not limited to three. In the embodiment, the total area occupied by the plurality of exhaust holes 161 can be set to be not less than about 30% of the area of ​​the exhaust region 161a to provide good ventilation performance. In the embodiment, the width W1 of each of the exhaust holes 161 can be set to be less than 3 mm. If the width W1 of the exhaust hole 161 is less than or equal to 3 mm, the spread of flame generated in the battery cell 120 to the outside can be prevented or substantially prevented, and safety can be improved by preventing or substantially preventing the user's hands from directly contacting the battery cell 120 from the outside of the top cover 160.

[0071] The vent 161 is located inside the pipe 141, and the top of the pipe 141 is covered by the venting area 161a. In other words, as Figure 7C As shown, the area of ​​the exhaust region 161a without the positioning exhaust hole 161 can extend toward the interior of the pipe 141. In an embodiment, the distance D3 by which the exhaust region 161a extends toward the interior of the pipe 141 can be set to about 2 mm or less, and in an embodiment, it is in the range of 1 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0072] A protrusion 162 may protrude from the bottom surface 160b of the top cover 160 and may be integrated into the exterior of the conduit 141. The protrusion 162 may be shaped to correspond to the cross-section of the conduit 141 and may cover the exhaust region 161a. Additionally, the protrusion 162 may have a cross-section larger than that of the conduit 141, and a space may exist between the conduit 141 and the protrusion 162. Some gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 may impact the exhaust region 161a positioned on the conduit 141 and then move into that space. In an embodiment, the height D4 of the protrusion 162 may be in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 4 mm, and is 3 mm in an embodiment. If the height D4 of the protrusion 162 is less than 2 mm, the length of the protrusion 162 protruding from the bottom surface 160b of the top cover 160 may not be long enough to guide the gas that has already collided with the exhaust region 161a to the exterior of the conduit 141. If the height D4 of the protrusion 162 is greater than 4 mm, the length of the protrusion 162 protruding from the bottom surface 160b of the top cover 160 will be excessive, and the gas will not be effectively discharged. In an embodiment, the ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion 162 to the height of the pipe 141 can be approximately 1:4 to 1:9, and in an embodiment, it is 1:6. If the ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion 162 to the height of the pipe 141 is greater than 1:4, the protrusion 162 can be easily manufactured to cover the top portion of the pipe 141. If the ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion 162 to the height of the pipe 141 is less than 1:9, the gas that has passed through the pipe 141 can be easily guided upwards.

[0073] An inclined portion 163 is positioned between the exhaust region 161a and the protrusion 162. The inclined portion 163 is configured to naturally slope by connecting the relatively thin exhaust region 161a and the protrusion 162 in the top cover 160. For example, the inclined portion 163 may be configured to have a thickness that gradually increases from the exhaust region 161a to the protrusion 162. In an embodiment, the top end of the conduit 141 is positioned below the inclined portion 163. The inclined portion 163 can be used to prevent or substantially prevent gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 from being induced to the vent 124a. That is, gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 may be discharged to the outside of the conduit 141 along the inclined portion 163 and the protrusion 162, even if it collides with the exhaust region 161a extending toward the interior of the conduit 141 as it moves upward along the conduit 141. Therefore, the safety of the energy storage module 100 can be improved by preventing or substantially preventing gas from being induced back into the vent 124a of the battery cell 120. In an embodiment, the inclined portion 163 can be configured to have a slope relative to the outer surface of the conduit 141 in the range of about 30° to about 60°, and in an embodiment, a slope in the range of 40° to 50°. If the angle of the inclined portion 163 relative to the outer surface of the conduit 141 is greater than 30°, gas discharged through the vent 124a is allowed to be discharged to the outside, thereby easily preventing or substantially preventing the discharged gas from being reintroduced. If the angle of the inclined portion 163 relative to the outer surface of the conduit 141 is less than 60°, the inclined portion 163 can advantageously be integral with the protrusion 162.

[0074] Return to reference Figure 6 The energy storage module 100 may include multiple energy storage modules to be combined with the rack 10. The number of energy storage modules 100 may vary depending on the desired capacity, and the energy storage modules 100 may be mounted in and then secured to the rack 10. The rack 10 may include a frame 11 defining the overall external shape of the rack 10 and shelves 12 at different layers of the frame 11 to support the bottom portion (e.g., bottom surface) of the energy storage modules 100. Figure 6 In the diagram, two shelves 12 are shown in frame 11, on which energy storage modules 100 are respectively mounted, but this disclosure is not limited to the number shown in the embodiment.

[0075] like Figures 7A to 7C As shown, if the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 ruptures, the gas discharged from one of the vents 124a can move upward along the pipe 141 as indicated by the arrow. The vent 124a retained in the cover plate 124... Figure 7A and Figure 7BAs shown in the diagram. However, if internal gas is generated, the vent 124a may rupture and then be removed. Additionally, some of the emitted gas may move along the inclined portion 163 and the protrusion 162 after colliding with the exhaust area 161a extending toward the interior of the duct 141. Furthermore, gas that has passed through the duct 141 can move outward through the exhaust hole 161 of the top cover 160 positioned above the duct 141. Here, gas can accumulate between the top surface 160a of the top cover 160 and the adjacent shelf 12 housing another energy storage module 100 located above the top surface 160a of the top cover 160. In an embodiment, the distance between the top surface 160a of the top cover 160 and the adjacent shelf 12 can be in the range of about 3 mm to about 7 mm. When this distance is greater than or equal to about 3 mm, heat generated from the energy storage module 100 can be easily discharged to the outside. When this distance is less than or equal to about 7 mm, a high-temperature, inert gas atmosphere is easily generated.

[0076] Specifically, when gas is initially released from the battery cell through the vent, a phase change begins to occur in the extinguishing agent within the extinguishing disc 150 at temperatures ranging from approximately 40°C to 60°C (more specifically, from 45°C to 55°C). However, even under these conditions, the extinguishing agent remains inside the extinguishing disc 150 rather than being ejected (released) from it. Simultaneously, as the amount of gas released through the vent gradually increases, and the temperature around the vent rises to a range of 120°C to 200°C (specifically, from approximately 130°C to 190°C, more specifically, from 140°C to 180°C), gas containing electrolyte vapor can be generated primarily through the vent. Furthermore, the gas within the aforementioned temperature range can prevent the heat-resistant plastic constituting the upper plate 140 and the upper cover 160 from melting. Additionally, some extinguishing agent injection can begin.

[0077] Additionally, the inclined portion 163 of the top cover 160 can prevent or substantially prevent the introduction of initially generated flammable gases with relatively low temperatures into the vent. However, if the diaphragm melts due to a further increase in the internal temperature of the battery cell 120, high-temperature inert gases may be generated along with the flame. As described above, inert gases can fill the space between the top surface 160a of the top cover 160 and the adjacent shelf 12 to create an inert gas atmosphere. Inert gases can also fill the internal space of the duct 141. Such inert gases can prevent or substantially prevent the introduction of oxygen and can prevent or substantially prevent the spread of flames generated by the battery cell 120 to adjacent battery cells 120 or to another energy storage module 100. Furthermore, the fire extinguishing disc 150 positioned below the top cover 160 can operate in response to the high-temperature inert gases (e.g., it can launch or spray a fire extinguishing agent).

[0078] Here, the construction and operation of the fire extinguishing disc 150 of the energy storage module 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail.

[0079] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an energy storage module integrated with a fire extinguishing plate on a top plate according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of region "B"; Figure 11A and Figure 11B This is a conceptual diagram illustrating the operating state of a fire extinguishing disc in an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] As described above, the fire extinguishing disc 150 can be positioned between the top plate 140 and the top cover 160. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the fire extinguishing disc 150 may have openings (e.g., opening holes) 151 respectively connected to the conduit 141 of the top plate 140 (e.g., extending around the conduit 141 of the top plate 140). Therefore, the movement of gas through the conduit 141 is not affected (or is substantially unaffected) by the fire extinguishing disc 150.

[0081] Next, refer to Figure 11A and 11B When an inert gas with a relatively high temperature, such as about 200°C, is generated, the extinguishing disc 150 can operate in response to heat (e.g., it can fire an extinguishing agent). The extinguishing agent contained in the extinguishing disc 150 is fired by the extinguishing disc 150 in response to the high-temperature gas (e.g., it is sprayed from the extinguishing disc 150). Additionally, because the top portion of the extinguishing disc 150 is covered by the top cover 160, the extinguishing agent can be directionally fired (or sprayed) toward the bottom surface of the top cover 160. Furthermore, the extinguishing agent can reach the underlying insulating spacer 130 through openings (e.g., extinguishing agent openings or orifices) 143 between adjacent pipes in the conduit 141 of the top plate 140. In an embodiment, fluid guiding protrusions 142 may be further provided around the openings 143 to effectively guide the movement of the extinguishing agent toward the insulating spacer 130. As will be further described below, the extinguishing agent can move along the surface of the insulating spacer 130 after reaching the insulating spacer 130, thereby extinguishing the flame on the battery cell 120 and cooling the battery cell 120.

[0082] In an embodiment, the extinguishing disc 150 may include a capsule-type extinguishing agent contained (e.g., housed or stored) within an outer housing. As described above, the extinguishing disc 150 may fire the internal extinguishing agent such that when the gas passing through the conduit 141 of the top plate 140 reaches a relatively high temperature of about 200°C, the capsule-type extinguishing agent in the outer housing opens (or ruptures).

[0083] Here, the construction and operation of the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 130 in the energy storage module 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0084] Figure 12 It is along Figure 1 The sectional view taken by the CC line. Figure 13 This is a perspective view of an insulating spacer in an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 14A and Figure 14B It is shown Figure 13 An exploded perspective view of an example construction of a sheet portion of the insulating spacer shown; Figure 15 After the pieces are glued together, along Figure 14A A sectional view taken from line DD; Figure 16 yes Figure 12 A magnified view of region "C".

[0085] Battery cells 120 and insulating spacers 130 may be alternately arranged on the top surface of the base plate 111 of the cover member 110. Here, the battery cells 120 may be arranged such that the long side surface of one battery cell in the battery cells 120 is spaced apart from the long side surface of another (e.g., adjacent) battery cell in the battery cells 120 by a certain distance (e.g., a reference distance or a predetermined distance), and the insulating spacers 130 are positioned between adjacent battery cells 120. In an embodiment, the distance between the long side surfaces of two adjacent battery cells 120 (e.g., a first distance) may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 6 mm. If the first distance is less than 4 mm, it is not easy to establish an air layer between the battery cells 120 and the insulating spacers 130, thereby reducing cooling efficiency. If the first distance is greater than 6 mm, the energy storage module 100 becomes unnecessarily bulky.

[0086] Insulating spacers 130 positioned between each battery cell 120 prevent or substantially prevent the battery cells 120 from contacting each other, thereby maintaining the housing 121 of the battery cells 120 in an electrically isolated state. In an embodiment, each of the insulating spacers 130 may have a planar dimension corresponding to the planar dimension of the long side surface of one battery cell 120. For example, one surface of the insulating spacer 130 may face the long side surface of one battery cell 120, and the opposite surface of the insulating spacer 130 may face the long side surface of another battery cell 120.

[0087] Additionally, the insulating spacer 130 may be spaced apart from the long side surface of the battery cell 120 by a certain distance (e.g., a second distance) to establish a channel for external air. The battery cell 120 can be cooled by external air passing through the external air channel.

[0088] The insulating spacer 130 may include a sheet portion (e.g., a sheet) 131 and an edge portion (e.g., an edge) 132. The sheet portion 131 may include a flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet and a heat-insulating sheet, the flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet preventing (or substantially preventing) the spread of flame to adjacent battery cells 120, and the heat-insulating sheet preventing (or substantially preventing) the transfer of heat to adjacent battery cells 120 when any of the battery cells 120 is on fire. In a specific embodiment, the sheet portion 131 may include a heat-insulating first sheet 131a and a plurality (e.g., two) flame-retardant (or non-combustible) second sheet 131b bonded to the back surface of the first sheet 131a by one or more adhesive members 131c. The sheet portion 131 may have increased heat insulation effect and may provide flame retardancy (and non-combustibility) by stacking multiple layers of the first sheet 131a and the second sheet 131b. For example, when the temperature of the battery cell 120 rises or a flame is generated in the battery cell 120, the insulating spacer 130 can prevent or substantially prevent heat or flame from spreading through the stacked sheets 131 to adjacent battery cells 120.

[0089] The insulating spacer 130 may be a mixture of flame-retardant or non-combustible sheets and heat-insulating sheets. The flame-retardant or non-combustible sheets prevent (or substantially mitigate) the spread of flame to adjacent battery cells, and the heat-insulating sheets prevent (or substantially mitigate) the transfer of heat to adjacent battery cells when any of the battery cells 120 catches fire. The construction of the insulating spacer 130 will be described in further detail below.

[0090] In one embodiment, the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b have the same (or substantially the same) dimensions. In another embodiment, the thickness of the insulating spacer 130 may not exceed about 50% of the first distance to facilitate the movement of the extinguishing agent, as will be described in further detail below. In another embodiment, for example, when the first distance is 6 mm, the thickness of the insulating spacer 130 may not exceed 3 mm, and when the first distance is 4 mm, the thickness of the insulating spacer 130 may not exceed 2 mm. In one embodiment, the first piece 131a may have a thickness ranging from about 1 mm to about 1.4 mm. In another embodiment, each of the second pieces 131b may have a thickness ranging from about 0.1 mm to about 0.2 mm, and the adhesive member 131c may have a thickness of about 0.1 mm.

[0091] For example, the first sheet 131a may include ceramic paper (or may be formed from ceramic paper), and the second sheet 131b may include mica paper (or may be formed from mica paper). In embodiments, the first sheet 131a may also include aerogel. In this embodiment, because an air layer is adequately provided in the first sheet 131a, the thermal insulation efficiency can be improved. In embodiments, the first sheet 131a may include (or may be) ceramic paper made of a fibrous refractory insulating material. Alternatively, the first sheet 131a may include (or may be) a biosoluble fiber ceramic paper containing alkaline earth metals, which is generally harmless to humans and is an eco-friendly high-temperature insulating material.

[0092] In the example embodiment, the piece 131 may have Figure 14A or Figure 14B The construction shown.

[0093] like Figure 14A and Figure 15 As shown, the adhesive member 131c can be positioned between the opposite ends of the first piece 131a and each of the second pieces 131b, such that the piece portion 131 has a reference (or predetermined) width. The adhesive member 131c allows the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b to be attached to each other. In an embodiment, the adhesive member 131c can have the same length in the longitudinal direction as the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b. For example, the opposite end x1 of the first piece 131a can be bonded to the corresponding opposite end x1 of the second piece 131b via the adhesive member 131c.

[0094] In an embodiment, the adhesive member 131c may have a width ranging from about 10 mm to about 20 mm. Here, if the width of the adhesive member 131c is less than about 10 mm, the adhesion between the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b may be insufficient. If the width of the adhesive member 131c is greater than about 20 mm, the ignition probability may increase due to the adhesive member 131c.

[0095] The adhesive component 131c may include any of the general adhesive components that contain various adhesive components or constructions, such as double-sided tape or adhesive tape, but the adhesive components and constructions of the adhesive component 131c are not limited thereto.

[0096] The adhesive member 131c allows the opposite end x1 of the first piece 131a to be attached (e.g., only attached) to the second piece 131b, such that the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b are spaced apart from each other at the central portion x2 of the piece portion 131. As a result, an air passage 131d can be established or defined between the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b. In addition, if the battery cell 120 expands, the air passage 131d established at the central portion x2 of the piece portion 131 can reduce (or alleviate) the compression of the piece portion 131.

[0097] like Figure 14B As shown, according to another embodiment, the adhesive member 131c may be located at the top and bottom ends of the first piece 131a (or adjacent to the top and bottom ends of the first piece 131a) to attach the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b to each other. In this embodiment, the adhesive member 131c may have the same width in the width direction as the first piece 131a and the second piece 131b. For example, the top and bottom ends of the first piece 131a can be bonded to the top and bottom ends of the second piece 131b respectively by the adhesive member 131c.

[0098] In an embodiment, when the width dimension of the sheet portion 131 is less than twice its height dimension, the adhesive member 131c can be as follows: Figure 14A The adhesive is attached to the opposite end of the sheet 131 as shown. However, in another embodiment, when the width dimension of the sheet 131 is greater than or equal to twice its height dimension, the adhesive area (e.g., the vertical adhesive area) is reduced relative to the total area of ​​the sheet 131 due to the area occupied by the adhesive member 131c attached to the opposite end of the sheet 131, thereby reducing the adhesive performance.

[0099] Therefore, in the embodiment, when the width dimension of the sheet 131 is more than twice its height dimension, the adhesive member 131c can be applied (coated) to the top and bottom ends of the sheet 131 to increase the adhesive area, thereby improving the adhesive performance. In addition to the location of the adhesive member 131c, Figure 14B The structure of the plate 131 shown can be compared with... Figure 14A and Figure 15 The sheet portion 131 shown is basically the same.

[0100] In embodiments, when the adhesive member 131c is applied to the top and bottom ends of the sheet portion 131, the adhesive performance is improved, and in some embodiments, the edge portion (described below) may not be required separately (e.g., the edge portion may be omitted).

[0101] In some embodiments, the edge portion 132 may be provided along the peripheral edge of the sheet portion 131. The edge portion 132 may comprise (or may be made of) a plastic material and may be bonded to the edge of the sheet portion 131 by injection molding to secure the shape of the sheet portion 131. In embodiments, for example, the edge portion may be made of conventional polyethylene or polypropylene. In some embodiments, the edge portion 132 may have a width in the range of about 3 mm to about 6 mm. If the width of the edge portion 132 is less than about 3 mm, the sheet portion 131 may not be easily secured; if the width of the edge portion 132 is greater than about 6 mm, the probability of ignition of the edge portion 132 made of plastic material increases.

[0102] As described above, when the extinguishing agent is applied from the top portion of the insulating spacer 130, the extinguishing agent can move downwards along the surface of the sheet portion 131. Therefore, the extinguishing agent can contact the housing 121 of the adjacent battery cell 120, thereby performing extinguishing and cooling operations on the battery cell 120. The movement of the extinguishing agent will be described in further detail here.

[0103] like Figure 16 As shown, the top plate 140 may also include openings (e.g., orifices) 143 respectively positioned corresponding to the insulating spacer 130 (e.g., located above or above the insulating spacer 130). Therefore, when fired from the extinguishing disc 150, the extinguishing agent can pass through the top plate 140 via the orifices 143 to reach the insulating spacer 130. Additionally, the extinguishing agent can move along the surface of the insulating spacer 130 facing the housing 121 of the adjacent battery cell 120, thereby extinguishing the flame and cooling the battery cell 120. The extinguishing agent is fired by the extinguishing disc 150 located above one or more battery cells in the battery cell 120 whose temperature is higher than a reference temperature. Therefore, the extinguishing agent can be sprayed from the top portion of the battery cell 120, which has an elevated temperature. Furthermore, because the extinguishing agent moves along the surface of the insulating spacer 130 positioned at the front and rear sides of the corresponding battery cell 120, both extinguishing and cooling of the corresponding battery cell 120 can be performed.

[0104] Here, the construction of an energy storage module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0105] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 18 yes Figure 17 Bottom perspective view of the energy storage module; Figure 19 It is along Figure 17 A cross-sectional view taken by line EE; Figure 20 It shows the arrangement in Figure 17 A perspective view of the battery cells and insulating spacers on the cover component of the energy storage module.

[0106] Reference Figures 17 to 20 According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the energy storage module 200 may include a cover member 210, a battery unit 120, an insulating spacer 230, a top plate 240, a fire extinguishing plate 250, and a top cover 260.

[0107] In this embodiment, the cover member 210, top plate 240, fire extinguishing plate 250, and top cover 260 may be constructed similarly to those of the energy storage module 100 described above. Additionally, the battery cell 120 may be the same as (or substantially the same as) the battery cell of the energy storage module 100. Therefore, the following description will focus on the differences between the energy storage module 200 and the energy storage module 100.

[0108] In an embodiment, the cover member 210 may include a base plate 211, end plates (or multiple end plates) 212, and side plates (or multiple side plates) 213 forming a space in which the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 230 are alternately arranged on the base plate 211. Additionally, the cover member 210 can fix the position of the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 230 and protect the battery cell 120 from external impacts. Furthermore, the base plate 211 may include an opening (e.g., a through hole) 211a through which extinguishing agent from the extinguishing disc 250 and air moving along the outer surface of the insulating spacer 230 are discharged. The through hole 211a may be positioned to correspond to the insulating spacer 230.

[0109] Insulating spacers 230 are positioned between adjacent battery cells in battery cell 120 to prevent or substantially prevent contact between battery cells 120 and thus keep the housing 121 of battery cell 120 electrically isolated. In an embodiment, each of the insulating spacers 230 may have a short side surface, each short side surface having a planar dimension sufficient to cover (e.g., completely cover) the long side surfaces of two adjacent battery cells 120. For example, one of the insulating spacers 230 may be positioned between each group of four adjacent battery cells 120 arranged such that the long side surfaces of two of the four battery cells 120 face each other. Additionally, a distance is maintained between each of the insulating spacers 230 and the battery cells 120 to establish an external air passage and / or fire extinguishing agent passage, thereby enabling cooling of the battery cells 120. The insulating spacer 230 may include a flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet and a heat-insulating sheet (or may be made of a flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet and a heat-insulating sheet). The flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet prevents (or substantially mitigates) the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells, and the heat-insulating sheet prevents (or substantially mitigates) the transfer of heat to adjacent battery cells in the event of a fire in any of the battery cells 120. The construction of the insulating spacer 230 will be described in further detail below.

[0110] The top plate 240 can be attached to the top portion of the cover member 210. The top plate 240 can be attached to the cover member 210 and simultaneously cover the top portion of the battery cell 120.

[0111] The top plate 240 includes conduits 241 corresponding to vents 124a located on the top surface of each battery cell 120. The conduits 241 can be arranged in a certain direction, for example, along the length of the top plate 240. Therefore, if a vent 124a of a battery cell 120 ruptures, the gas discharged through the vent 124a can move upward along the conduits 241 of the top plate 240. The construction and operation of the conduits 241 will be described in further detail below.

[0112] Fire extinguishing disc 250 is positioned between top plate 240 and top cover 260. Fire extinguishing disc 250 may include a plurality of flat discs located on opposite sides of conduit 241 in top plate 240 and extending along the length of top plate 240. Fire extinguishing disc 250 may be mounted on the bottom surface 260b of top cover 260 in the form of flat discs extending along the length direction. Here, the length direction may refer to the direction along which conduit 241 in top plate 240 extends.

[0113] A top cover 260 is attached to the top portion of a top plate 240. The top cover 260 can cover the top plate 240 and the fire extinguishing disc 250, thereby protecting the top plate 240 and the fire extinguishing disc 250 from external impacts applied to the top surface of the top cover 260. Additionally, the top cover 260 may include a discharge opening (e.g., a discharge hole) 261. Furthermore, the top cover 260 may also include a protrusion (e.g., a projection) 262 spaced apart from the outer periphery of a corresponding discharge hole in the discharge hole 261 (e.g., extending around the outer periphery of the corresponding discharge hole in the discharge hole 261). The protrusion 262 may project downwards. Conduits 241 may be respectively attached to the interior of the protrusion 262 (e.g., may extend into the interior of the protrusion 262). In embodiments, each of the discharge holes 261 may include a plurality of discharge holes arranged in a direction (e.g., along the length of the top cover 260). Additionally, the discharge holes 261 may be positioned to correspond to the conduits 241 of the top plate 240. In an embodiment, the vent 261 may also be configured as a plurality of openings (e.g., holes) that pass through the top and bottom surfaces of the top cover 260 and are spaced apart from each other. Thus, if the vent 124a of the battery cell 120 ruptures, the gas emitted from the vent 124a can be discharged to the outside along the conduit 241 of the top plate 240 and the vent 261 of the top cover 260.

[0114] Additionally, the top cover 260 may also include an opening (e.g., a through hole) 263 through which the extinguishing agent of the extinguishing disc 250 is discharged and through which air moving along the outer surface of the insulating spacer 230 is discharged. The opening 263 may be positioned to correspond to the insulating spacer 230 respectively.

[0115] Additionally, recesses (e.g., recessed portions or indentations) 265 can be provided along the length of the top cover 260, each recess 265 having a lower height than other areas of the top cover 260 (e.g., a lower height above the battery cell 120), and vent holes 261 can be arranged at the recesses 265. With this configuration, gas discharged through the conduit 241 and the vent opening 261 can be collected in the recesses 265 and can be discharged to the outside using, for example, a separate fan or suction structure, thereby allowing for rapid discharge of gas generated by the battery cell 120.

[0116] Here, the construction and operation of the battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 230 in the energy storage module 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0117] Figure 21A and Figure 21B These are perspective views and exploded perspective views of the insulating spacers in the energy storage module 200, respectively. Figure 22 It is along Figure 17 The sectional view is taken by the line FF.

[0118] Battery cells 120 and insulating spacers 230 may be alternately arranged on the top surface of the base plate 211 of the cover member 210. Each of the insulating spacers 230 may have a short side surface, each short side surface having a planar dimension sufficient to cover (e.g., completely cover) the long side surfaces of two adjacent battery cells 120. For example, one surface of one insulating spacer 230 may cover (e.g., completely cover) the long side surfaces of two adjacent battery cells 120, and another surface of said insulating spacer 230 may cover (e.g., completely cover) the long side surfaces of two other adjacent battery cells 120. For example, one insulating spacer 230 may be positioned between four battery cells 120 arranged such that the long side surfaces of two battery cells 120 face the long side surfaces of two other battery cells 120.

[0119] Additionally, the long side surface of the battery cell 120 may be spaced apart from the long side surface of the facing battery cell 120, and the insulating spacer 230 may be positioned between each of the long side surfaces of the battery cell 120.

[0120] In this embodiment, the distance between the long side surfaces of the facing battery cells 120 (e.g., a first distance) can be in the range of about 3.5 mm to about 4.5 mm. If the first distance is less than about 3.5 mm, an air layer (e.g., an air channel) cannot be provided between each battery cell 120 and the insulating spacer 230, thereby reducing cooling efficiency. If the first distance is greater than about 4.5 mm, the energy storage module 200 becomes unnecessarily bulky.

[0121] An insulating spacer 230 positioned between each pair of facing battery cells 120 prevents or substantially prevents the battery cells 120 from contacting each other, thereby keeping the housing 121 of the battery cells 120 electrically isolated. Additionally, the insulating spacer 230 and the long side surfaces of the battery cells 120 are spaced apart to establish an external air passage. Here, the battery cells 120 can be cooled by external air moving along (or through) the external air passage.

[0122] In an embodiment, the insulating spacer 230 may consist of a sheet 231 (e.g., sheet 231 only) without separate edge portions. The insulating spacer 230 may include a flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet and a heat-insulating sheet, the flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet preventing (or substantially mitigating) the spread of fire to adjacent battery cells 120, and the heat-insulating sheet preventing (or substantially mitigating) the transmission of heat to adjacent battery cells 120. For example, the sheet portion 231 of the insulating spacer 230 may include a heat-insulating first sheet 231a and two flame-retardant (or non-combustible) second sheets 231b respectively bonded to the opposing surfaces of the first sheet 231a using one or more adhesive members 231c. In an embodiment, the first sheet 231a and the second sheet 231b have the same (or substantially the same) dimensions. In an embodiment, the thickness of the insulating spacer 230 may not exceed about 50% of the first distance to facilitate the movement of extinguishing agents, which will be described in further detail below.

[0123] The adhesive member 231c can be positioned between the first piece 231a and the second piece 231b at a certain distance (e.g., a reference distance) from the top and bottom ends of the first piece 231a to attach the first piece 231a and the second piece 231b to each other. In an embodiment, the adhesive member 231c can have a width in the width direction of the first piece 231a and the second piece 231b that is the same as (or substantially the same as) the width of the first piece 231a and the second piece 231b. For example, the top and bottom ends of the first piece 231a can be bonded to the top and bottom ends of the second piece 231b, respectively, by the adhesive member 231c.

[0124] In an embodiment, when the width dimension of the sheet portion 231 is more than twice its height dimension, the adhesive member 231c can be applied to the top and bottom ends of the sheet portion 231 to improve adhesive performance. For example, when the width dimension of the sheet portion 231 is more than twice its height dimension, such as in... Figure 21A In the illustrated embodiment, due to the reduction in the adhesive area, the adhesive performance decreases when the adhesive member 231c is applied to the opposite ends of the sheet 131. In this case, the insulating spacer 230 may have a structure that is the same as (or substantially the same as) the structure of the sheet 131 described above, such as... Figure 21B As shown in the image.

[0125] As described above, if the extinguishing agent is applied from the top portion of the insulating spacer 230, the extinguishing agent can move downwards along the surface of the sheet portion 231. Therefore, the extinguishing agent can contact the housing 121 of the adjacent battery cell 120, thereby extinguishing the fire and cooling the battery cell 120. Here, the movement of the extinguishing agent and the use of air to cool the battery cell 120 will be described in further detail.

[0126] like Figure 22As shown, the top plate 240 may also include openings (e.g., orifices) 243 positioned respectively corresponding to the insulating spacers 230. Therefore, extinguishing agent emitted from the extinguishing disc 250 can pass through the top plate 240 via the orifices 243 to reach the insulating spacers 230. Additionally, the extinguishing agent can move along the surface of the insulating spacers 230 facing the housing 121 of the battery cell 120, thereby extinguishing and cooling the battery cell 120. The extinguishing agent is emitted (or sprayed) from the extinguishing disc 250 above one or more battery cells in the battery cell 120 whose temperature is above a reference temperature. Therefore, the extinguishing agent can be sprayed from the top portion of the battery cell 120, where the temperature has already risen. Furthermore, because the extinguishing agent moves along the surfaces of the insulating spacers 230 positioned at the front and rear sides of the corresponding battery cell 120, the corresponding battery cell 120 can be both extinguished and cooled.

[0127] Additionally, the top cover 260 may also include openings (e.g., through holes) 263 extending through the top and bottom surfaces of the top cover 260 and positioned to correspond to the opening holes 243, respectively. For example, the through holes 263 may correspond to the insulating spacers 230, respectively.

[0128] Additionally, the base plate 211 of the cover member 210 may also include openings (e.g., through holes) 211a positioned to correspond to the insulating spacer 230. Therefore, air introduced through the through holes 263 of the top cover 260 and the openings 243 of the top plate 240 can move along the space provided between the insulating spacer 230 and the battery cell 120 to be discharged through the through holes 211a of the base plate 211. Of course, the movement of the air (e.g., the airflow direction) can be reversed. In this way, air passages can be provided by the through holes 211a and 263 and the openings 243, thereby improving cooling efficiency.

[0129] Here, the construction of the battery cell 120 used in the energy storage modules 100 and 200 according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail.

[0130] Figure 23A and Figure 23B These are perspective and cross-sectional views of the battery cells used in the energy storage module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0131] Reference Figure 23A and Figure 23B The battery cell 120 is configured such that the electrode assembly 125 is housed within the housing 121, and a cover plate 124 covers the top portion of the housing 121. In one embodiment, a vent 124a, with a thickness less than that of other areas, is located approximately at the center of the cover plate 124. As described above, the conduit 141 of the top plate 140 is positioned to correspond to the top portion of the vent 124a.

[0132] Additionally, the electrode assembly 125 can be electrically connected to a first electrode terminal 122 and a second electrode terminal 123 located on the cover plate 124 via a pair of current collectors 126. For convenience, in the following description, the first electrode terminal 122 will be referred to as the negative electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal 123 will be referred to as the positive electrode terminal, but their polarities can be reversed.

[0133] The electrode assembly 125 may include a negative electrode 125a, a positive electrode 125b positioned facing the negative electrode 125a, and a diaphragm 125c positioned between the negative electrode 125a and the positive electrode 125b, and the electrode assembly 125 may be housed together with an electrolyte (not shown) in a housing 121.

[0134] Although the energy storage module of this disclosure has been specifically shown and described with reference to some exemplary embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure as set forth in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy storage module, the energy storage module comprising: Multiple battery cells are arranged along the length direction such that the long side surfaces of adjacent battery cells face each other. Multiple insulating spacers are located between the long side surfaces of adjacent battery cells; The cover member includes an internal receiving space configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and the plurality of insulating spacers therein; A top plate, attached to the top of the cover member, the top plate including a plurality of pipes arranged along the length direction and having openings corresponding to insulating spacers, each of the plurality of pipes corresponding to a vent of the battery cell. The top cover is attached to the top of the top plate and has discharge holes corresponding to the pipes. as well as The extinguishing disc, located between the top cover and the top plate, is configured to release the extinguishing agent at temperatures exceeding a reference temperature. The top cover includes a protrusion on its bottom surface that covers the venting area and is integrated with the outside of each pipe to cover the top portion of the outside of each pipe. Each insulating spacer is located only on the long side surface of the adjacent battery cell and includes a sheet portion and an edge portion formed by injection molding to cover the outer edge of the sheet portion. When the extinguishing agent is launched from the extinguishing disc, it is applied through the opening into the space between the insulating spacer and the battery cell, so as to contact the long side surface of the battery cell. The sheet portion includes a first sheet and a second sheet bonded to the opposite surface of the first sheet, and the first and second sheets are spaced apart from each other at their central portions to define an air passage that allows air to move.

2. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The first piece is flame-retardant or non-flammable, and the second piece is heat-insulating.

3. The energy storage module according to claim 2, wherein, The first sheet includes ceramic paper, and the second sheet includes mica paper.

4. The energy storage module according to claim 2, wherein, The first piece consists of ceramic fibers containing alkaline earth metals.

5. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The long side surfaces of the adjacent battery cells are spaced apart by a first distance, and The thickness of each insulating spacer is less than 50% of the first distance.

6. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, Each insulating spacer has a width dimension that is twice as small as its height dimension, and the first and second pieces are bonded to each other at opposite ends of the pieces by an adhesive member.

7. The energy storage module according to claim 6, wherein, The edge is made of plastic material.

8. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The width dimension of each insulating spacer is more than twice its height dimension, and The first and second pieces each include areas that are bonded to each other by adhesive components.

9. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The top cover also includes an inclined section with a thickness that gradually increases from the exhaust area to the protrusion.

10. The energy storage module according to claim 9, wherein, The top of each pipe is located below the sloping section.

11. The energy storage module according to claim 9, wherein, The space is confined between the corresponding protrusions in each pipe and the protrusion, and some gas discharged through each vent moves to the corresponding space via the pipe and the inclined section.

12. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, Each pipe tapers gradually away from its bottom and decreases in diameter along its inner radial direction.

13. The energy storage module according to claim 1, wherein, The total area occupied by the exhaust port shall not be less than 30% of the area of ​​the exhaust zone.

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