Energy storage system and fire-fighting method of energy storage system

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of energy storage, in particular to a fire fighting device of an energy storage system and a fire fighting method of the energy storage system. The energy storage system provided by the invention comprises a plurality of battery packs, and each battery pack comprises a shell; the plurality of single batteries are connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module; the thermal management system comprises a liquid cooling device, the liquid cooling device can be arranged in the shell, and the liquid cooling device is provided with a cooling liquid channel for battery cooling liquid to circulate; the battery management module is suitable for disconnecting the battery module from an external high-voltage circuit under the condition that the temperature in the shell is determined to be higher than a preset temperature; the fire extinguishing system comprises a fire extinguishing spray head, a spray head body communicates with the liquid cooling device, a nozzle of the spray head body is plugged by the plug, and the plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under the first temperature condition. According to the energy storage system and the fire fighting method of the energy storage system provided by the invention, the problems that the fire fighting effect of the energy storage system is relatively poor and the loss caused by fire fighting is relatively large can be solved or improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of energy storage, and in particular to a fire-fighting device of an energy storage system and a fire-fighting method of the energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] The energy storage system usually includes a cabinet, a battery pack, a battery management module and a fire-fighting device. The cabinet is the outer shell of the energy storage system, which protects the internal equipment and isolates the external environment. The cabinet is usually made of strong and durable metal materials (such as steel sheet metal, aluminum alloy, etc.). The interior of the cabinet is divided into multiple cavities by partitions. The cavities are used to place battery packs or other equipment.

[0003] The battery pack is the core component of the energy storage system, which is used to store electrical energy and release it when needed. The battery pack usually includes multiple single cells, which are connected in series or in parallel to meet the system's requirements for capacity and voltage. In addition, the battery pack is also equipped with a battery management system (BMS) and an energy management system (EMS) to monitor the battery status, protect the battery from damage such as overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuit, optimize the battery's efficiency, and monitor, control, and optimize the energy flow and energy consumption in the energy system.

[0004] The fire-fighting device is an important safety equipment of the energy storage system, which is used to extinguish the flame in time and prevent the fire from spreading when a fire occurs in the battery pack. In the related technology, when a fire occurs in the cabinet, a fire-fighting medium is injected into the cabinet through the fire-fighting device to extinguish the fire. However, when a fire occurs inside some of the battery packs, injecting a fire-fighting medium into the cabinet can usually only prevent the fire from spreading to other battery packs, but cannot effectively suppress the fire in the battery pack that has caught fire. The battery pack that has caught fire still has the risk of continuing to burn or even explode. At the same time, the fire-fighting medium will also be sprayed onto the unburned battery packs, making other safe battery packs unable to be used again. The fire-fighting effect is poor, and the losses caused by the fire-fighting are also large.

[0005] Therefore, how to solve or improve the problem that the fire-fighting effect of the fire-fighting device of the energy storage system is poor and the losses caused after the fire-fighting are also large has become an important technical problem to be solved by technical personnel in this field. Summary of the invention

[0006] The present invention provides an energy storage system and a fire fighting method for the energy storage system, which can solve or improve the problem that the fire fighting effect of the fire fighting device of the energy storage system is poor and the losses caused after the fire fighting are also large.

[0007] In a first aspect, the energy storage system provided by the present invention comprises a plurality of battery packs, wherein the battery packs comprise:

[0008] case;

[0009] A plurality of battery cells are arranged inside the housing, and the plurality of battery cells are connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module;

[0010] A thermal management system, comprising a liquid cooling device, the liquid cooling device being arranged in the housing, the liquid cooling device being provided with a cooling liquid channel for circulating a battery cooling liquid, the liquid cooling device being used for heat exchange between the battery cooling liquid and the battery module;

[0011] a battery management module, electrically connected to the battery module, and adapted to disconnect the battery module from an external high-voltage circuit when it is determined that the temperature inside the housing is higher than a preset temperature;

[0012] The fire protection system comprises a fire sprinkler, wherein the fire sprinkler is arranged in the shell, the fire sprinkler comprises a sprinkler body and a plug, the sprinkler body is connected to the liquid cooling device, the plug is sealed at the nozzle of the sprinkler body, and the plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under a first temperature condition.

[0013] Beneficial effects:

[0014] The energy storage system provided by the present invention is provided with a fire sprinkler inside the shell of each battery pack, and the fire sprinkler is connected to the liquid cooling device of the battery module in the battery pack, and the coolant in the liquid cooling device can be sprayed out by the fire sprinkler. When a battery pack in the energy storage system generates high temperature or burns, the battery management module first disconnects the battery module in the battery pack from the external high-voltage circuit to reduce the risk of combustion of the battery pack. If the battery pack continues to generate high temperature or burns, the temperature in the battery pack continues to rise until it reaches a first temperature. Under the first temperature condition, the plug of the fire sprinkler is opened, and the battery coolant in the liquid cooling device overflows from the fire sprinkler into the battery pack and soaks the battery module, thereby avoiding the problem of continued increase in battery module temperature or combustion.

[0015] With such a configuration, the energy storage system provided by the present invention can prevent the problem of high temperature or combustion in the battery pack through at least two levels of firefighting measures (the first level is to disconnect the high-voltage line, and the second level is to use the battery coolant in the battery pack to spray and cool down). Moreover, in this embodiment, a fire sprinkler is provided inside each battery pack, which can accurately spray in the battery pack where high temperature or combustion occurs, accurately suppress the high temperature or fire of the battery pack, and can avoid the problem that the other battery packs cannot be used again due to the coolant spraying on other battery packs.

[0016] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the fire fighting system further comprises:

[0017] The thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device is arranged in the shell, and the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device is suitable for starting to discharge the fire extinguishing agent under the second temperature condition.

[0018] Beneficial effects:

[0019] In a further solution, a thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device is provided in the battery pack. When the temperature inside the battery pack reaches a second temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device can automatically start spraying the fire extinguishing agent. For example, an aerosol fire extinguishing agent raw material is provided inside the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device. When the temperature inside the battery pack reaches the second temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device will automatically explode, and the aerosol will spread in the battery pack, which can achieve the effect of extinguishing the fire. Among them, the second temperature can be lower than the first temperature, that is, when an abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack, the spread of thermal runaway is first avoided by disconnecting the high-voltage line. If the temperature continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device automatically starts spraying the fire extinguishing agent to achieve cooling and fire extinguishing. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler opens and sprays battery coolant into the battery pack to cool down and extinguish the fire. Of course, the second temperature can also be higher than the first temperature, that is, when an abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack, the high-voltage line is disconnected first to prevent thermal runaway from spreading. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler is turned on to spray battery coolant into the battery pack to cool down and extinguish the fire. If the temperature continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device automatically starts spraying fire extinguishing agent to cool down and extinguish the fire. In this way, the three-level fire extinguishing measures can be activated step by step to suppress the combustion of the battery pack.

[0020] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the thermal management system further includes:

[0021] A cooling pipeline system, comprising a liquid supply pipeline system and a liquid return pipeline system, wherein the outlet of the liquid supply pipeline system is connected to the inlet of each of the cooling liquid channels, and the inlet of the liquid return pipeline system is connected to the outlet of each of the cooling liquid channels;

[0022] A heat exchange device, used for dissipating heat from the battery coolant, wherein the inlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the outlet of the liquid return pipeline system, and the outlet of the heat exchange device is connected to the inlet of the liquid supply pipeline system;

[0023] The fire protection system also includes:

[0024] A fire-fighting pipeline, the first end of which is used to be connected to an external fire-fighting facility, and the second end of which is communicated with the liquid supply pipeline system or the liquid return pipeline system. A valve device is provided on the fire-fighting pipeline for isolation.

[0025] Beneficial effects:

[0026] The heat exchange device is connected to the liquid cooling device in each battery pack through the liquid supply pipeline system and the liquid return pipeline system, respectively, to realize the circulation of the battery coolant, and then realize the heat dissipation of the battery module. In this scheme, a fire-fighting pipeline is set, the first end of which is connected to the external fire-fighting facilities, and the second end is connected to the liquid supply pipeline system or the liquid return pipeline system, and a valve device is set on the fire-fighting pipeline. When a fire occurs in the battery pack, if the fire sprinkler is turned on and the battery coolant is sprayed into the battery pack, the combustion of the battery pack is still not suppressed, and the temperature in the battery pack continues to rise. In this case, the valve device can be controlled to open, and the liquid supply pipeline system or the liquid return pipeline system is connected to the external fire-fighting facilities. The external fire-fighting facilities can continuously supply water to the liquid supply pipeline system or the liquid return pipeline system, and then continuously spray it out from the fire sprinkler. In this way, the problem of fire in the battery pack can be further suppressed through the four-level fire-fighting measures. Moreover, this scheme does not need to arrange a separate fire water system in the energy storage system, but integrates the fire pipeline and the cooling pipeline system together, simplifies the pipeline structure of the energy storage system, and reduces the production cost.

[0027] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the fire fighting system further comprises:

[0028] A detection device, used to detect environmental parameters inside or outside the battery pack, wherein the environmental parameters include at least one of the ambient temperature and the concentration of smoke particles in the air;

[0029] A control module is communicatively connected with the detection device and the valve device, and the control module is suitable for controlling the opening and closing of the valve device according to the environmental parameters detected by the detection device.

[0030] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the valve device is configured as a solenoid valve, the control module is configured as a relay, and the relay is electrically connected to the detection device and the solenoid valve respectively.

[0031] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the plug is suitable for melting or bursting under the first temperature condition;

[0032] Alternatively, a thermosensitive triggering member is provided between the plug and the nozzle body, and the thermosensitive triggering member is suitable for driving the plug to separate from the nozzle under a first temperature condition.

[0033] According to the energy storage system provided by the present invention, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device comprises:

[0034] a housing, the housing being provided with a sealed cavity and being adapted to be opened under a second temperature condition;

[0035] An aerosol raw material is arranged in the cavity, and the aerosol raw material is suitable for generating an aerosol when the shell is opened.

[0036] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a fire fighting method for an energy storage system. Based on the above energy storage system, the fire fighting method comprises:

[0037] When it is determined that the internal temperature of the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit;

[0038] Under the condition that it is determined that the internal temperature of the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the fire sprinkler inside the battery pack is controlled to open so that the fire sprinkler overflows battery coolant into the battery module, wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a fire fighting method for an energy storage system. Based on the above energy storage system, the fire fighting method comprises:

[0040] When it is determined that the internal temperature of the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit;

[0041] When the temperature inside the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device starts automatically to discharge the fire extinguishing agent to the battery module;

[0042] When the temperature inside the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler inside the battery pack is automatically opened so that the fire sprinkler overflows battery coolant toward the battery module;

[0043] The second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

[0044] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a fire fighting method of an energy storage system. Based on the above energy storage system, the fire fighting method comprises:

[0045] When it is determined that the internal temperature of the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit;

[0046] When the temperature inside the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device starts automatically to discharge the fire extinguishing agent to the battery module;

[0047] When the temperature inside the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler inside the battery pack is automatically opened so that the fire sprinkler overflows battery coolant toward the battery module;

[0048] When the temperature inside or outside the battery pack shell is higher than or equal to a fourth preset temperature, the valve device opens so that the external fire-fighting facility continues to supply water to the fire-fighting sprinkler to spray the battery module;

[0049] The second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature, and the fourth preset temperature is higher than the third preset temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] In order to more clearly illustrate the specific implementation methods of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the specific implementation methods or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some implementation methods of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying creative work.

[0051] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a fire-fighting device of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the interior of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a fire-fighting method for an energy storage system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a fire-fighting method for an energy storage system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of a fire-fighting method for an energy storage system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Description of reference numerals:

[0058] 11. Cabinet; 12. Battery pack; 121. Explosion-proof valve; 122. Fire sprinkler; 123. Battery module; 124. Thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device; 13. Detection device; 14. Control module; 15. Valve device; 16. Fire pipeline; 171. Heat exchange device; 172. Liquid supply pipeline system; 173. Liquid return pipeline system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0060] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the energy storage system provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes a cabinet 11 and a plurality of battery packs 12 arranged inside the cabinet 11, wherein the battery pack 12 includes a housing, a plurality of battery cells, a thermal management system, a battery management module and a fire protection system. The thermal management system includes a liquid cooling device, and the fire protection system includes a fire sprinkler 122.

[0061] A plurality of accommodating cavities for the battery packs 12 may be provided inside the cabinet 11 , and the plurality of battery packs 12 are arranged in the accommodating cavities in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0062] The battery pack 12 has multiple battery cells arranged inside the housing, and the multiple battery cells are connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module 123. Here, a "battery cell" refers to the smallest battery unit with positive and negative output terminals, and multiple battery cells can be connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module 123.

[0063] The liquid cooling device is disposed in the housing, and is provided with a cooling liquid channel for circulating the battery coolant, and is used for heat exchange between the battery coolant and the battery cells. In some embodiments, the liquid cooling device may include a liquid cooling plate, the liquid cooling plate is provided with a cooling liquid channel, and the liquid cooling plate is provided with a liquid outlet pipe and a liquid inlet pipe connected to the outside. The liquid cooling plate is in contact with the battery module 123, and the heat generated by the battery module 123 during operation can be conducted to the liquid cooling plate and exchange heat with the coolant inside the liquid cooling plate.

[0064] The battery management module is electrically connected to the battery cell, and is suitable for disconnecting the battery module 123 from the external high-voltage circuit when it is determined that the temperature inside the housing is higher than a preset temperature. The heat pipe module can be integrated with a temperature sensor unit and a control unit, which can monitor the temperature of the battery module 123 in real time, and cut off the connection with the external high-voltage circuit when the temperature abnormally rises to a preset threshold, effectively preventing thermal runaway and fire risks.

[0065] The fire sprinkler 122 is arranged in the shell, and the fire sprinkler 122 includes a sprinkler body and a plug. The sprinkler body is connected to the liquid cooling device, and the plug is sealed at the nozzle of the sprinkler body. The plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under the first temperature condition. The specific structure of the sprinkler body can refer to the fire sprinkler device in the relevant technology. In some embodiments, the plug can be made of easily fusible or easily explosive materials, for example, it can be made of easily fusible metal or polymer materials. When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 rises to the melting point of the plug, the plug will automatically melt and then automatically open. Of course, other methods can also be used to control the opening of the plug. For example, by integrating a temperature sensor and a control unit, the plug can be automatically opened. When the internal temperature of the battery pack 12 sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than the threshold, the control unit controls the plug to open.

[0066] The energy storage system provided in this embodiment is provided with a fire sprinkler 122 inside the shell of each battery pack 12, and the fire sprinkler 122 is connected to the liquid cooling device of the battery module 123 in the battery pack 12, and the coolant in the liquid cooling device can be sprayed out by the fire sprinkler 122. When a battery pack 12 in the energy storage system generates high temperature or burns, the battery management module first disconnects the battery module 123 in the battery pack 12 from the external high-voltage circuit to reduce the risk of combustion of the battery pack 12. If the battery pack 12 continues to generate high temperature or burns, the temperature in the battery pack 12 continues to rise until it rises to the first temperature. Under the first temperature condition, the plug of the fire sprinkler 122 is opened, and the battery coolant in the liquid cooling device is sprayed out by the fire sprinkler 122 and sprayed on the battery module 123, thereby avoiding the problem of the battery module 123 continuing to increase in temperature or burning.

[0067] With such a configuration, the energy storage system provided in this embodiment ensures that the problem of high temperature or combustion in the battery pack 12 is avoided through at least two levels of fire fighting measures (the first level is to disconnect the high-voltage line, and the second level is to spray the battery coolant in the battery pack 12 to cool it down). Moreover, in this embodiment, a fire sprinkler 122 is provided inside each battery pack 12, and the fire sprinkler 122 can accurately spray in the battery pack 12 where high temperature or combustion occurs, accurately suppressing the high temperature or fire of the battery pack 12, and can avoid the problem that the coolant is sprayed on other battery packs 12, causing the other battery packs 12 to be unable to be used again.

[0068] In a further embodiment, the battery pack 12 may further include a thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124. The thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 is disposed in the shell of the battery pack 12, and the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 is suitable for starting to discharge the fire extinguishing agent under the second temperature condition. In some embodiments, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 may include a shell, and the shell may be made of a low-melting point metal material, a low-melting point polymer material, or a material with a low combustion point, or the shell may be partially provided with the above-mentioned materials. The fire extinguishing agent raw material may be an aerosol or other types of fire extinguishing agents. When the shell is opened, the fire extinguishing agent raw material can be dispersed from the shell, thereby playing a role in extinguishing the fire.

[0069] When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 reaches the second temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 can automatically start spraying the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 is provided with aerosol fire extinguishing agent raw materials. When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 reaches the second temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 will automatically open or explode, and the aerosol will spread in the battery pack 12, which can achieve the effect of extinguishing the fire.

[0070] Among them, the above-mentioned second temperature can be lower than the first temperature (the plug of the fire sprinkler 122 is suitable for opening the nozzle under the first temperature condition), that is, when an abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack 12, thermal runaway is avoided by first disconnecting the high-voltage line. If the temperature continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 automatically starts to spray the fire extinguishing agent to achieve cooling and fire extinguishing. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler 122 is opened to spray the battery coolant into the battery pack 12 for cooling and fire extinguishing. Of course, the second temperature can also be higher than the first temperature, that is, when an abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack 12, the high-voltage line is first disconnected. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler 122 is opened to spray the battery coolant into the battery pack 12 for cooling and fire extinguishing. If the temperature still continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 automatically starts to spray the fire extinguishing agent to achieve cooling and fire extinguishing. In this way, the three-level fire extinguishing measures can be started step by step to suppress the combustion of the battery pack 12.

[0071] In a further embodiment, the energy storage system further includes a cooling pipeline system, a heat exchange device 171 and a fire protection pipeline 16 .

[0072] Among them, the cooling pipeline system includes a liquid supply pipeline system 172 and a liquid return pipeline system 173. The outlet of the liquid supply pipeline system 172 is connected to the inlet of the cooling liquid channel of the liquid cooling device of each battery pack 12, and the inlet of the liquid return pipeline system 173 is connected to the outlet of each cooling liquid channel.

[0073] The heat exchange device 171 is used to dissipate heat from the battery coolant. The inlet of the heat exchange device 171 is connected to the outlet of the liquid return pipeline system 173 , and the outlet of the heat exchange device 171 is connected to the inlet of the liquid supply pipeline system 172 .

[0074] The heat exchange device 171, the cooling pipe system and the liquid cooling devices in each battery pack 12 constitute the heat dissipation system of the energy storage system, which is used to provide cooling liquid for each battery pack 12. After the cooling liquid exchanges heat with the battery module 123 in the battery pack 12, it is transported to the heat dissipation device for heat dissipation, and then enters each battery pack 12 to exchange heat with the battery module 123, and the cycle continues.

[0075] The first end of the fire fighting pipe 16 is used to connect to an external fire fighting facility, for example, it can be connected to an external fire hydrant or an external water source. The second end of the fire fighting pipe 16 is connected to the liquid supply pipe system 172 or the liquid return pipe system 173. The fire fighting pipe 16 is provided with a valve device 15.

[0076] According to the technical solution provided in this embodiment, when combustion occurs in the battery pack 12, if the fire sprinkler 122 is opened and battery coolant is sprayed into the battery pack 12, the combustion of the battery pack 12 is still not suppressed and the temperature in the battery pack 12 continues to rise. In this case, the valve device 15 can be controlled to open, and the liquid supply pipeline system 172 or the liquid return pipeline system 173 is connected to the external fire-fighting facilities. The external fire-fighting facilities can continuously supply water to the liquid supply pipeline system 172 or the liquid return pipeline system 173, which is then continuously sprayed out by the fire sprinkler 122.

[0077] In this way, this solution and the above-mentioned three-level fire protection measures constitute a four-level fire protection measure for the energy storage system, which can further suppress the problem of fire in the battery pack 12. Moreover, this solution does not require a separate fire protection water system to be arranged in the energy storage system, but integrates the fire protection pipeline 16 and the cooling pipeline system, which simplifies the pipeline structure of the energy storage system and reduces the production cost.

[0078] In a further embodiment, the energy storage system further includes a detection device 13 and a control module 14. The detection device 13 is used to detect environmental parameters inside or outside the battery pack 12, and the environmental parameters include at least one of the ambient temperature and the concentration of smoke particles in the air.

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, the detection device 13 can be used to detect the temperature and the concentration of smoke particles in the air at the same time. The detection device 13 can be set on the cabinet 11 on the side of the explosion-proof valve 121 close to the battery pack 12. When the battery pack 12 burns, the explosion-proof valve 121 of the battery pack 12 explodes, causing the ambient temperature to rise and generating more particulate matter. When the detection device 13 senses that the temperature rises or the concentration of particulate matter reaches a threshold, the control module 14 controls the valve device 15 to open. After the valve device 15 is opened, the fire-fighting pipeline 16 is connected to the cooling pipeline system of the energy storage system. The external fire-fighting facilities can continuously provide water to the cooling pipeline system through the fire-fighting pipeline 16. The fire-fighting sprinkler 122 connected to the cooling pipeline system and in an open state can spray water to the battery module 123 in the battery pack 12, thereby playing a role in suppressing the fire.

[0080] In some embodiments, the control module 14 can specifically use a relay, which is electrically connected to the detection device 13 and the valve device 15. The relay controls the opening or closing of the valve device 15 through the electrical signal emitted by the detection device 13. The use of relays has the advantages of low cost and high reliability.

[0081] In another embodiment, the above-mentioned detection device 13 can also be provided in plurality, and is disposed inside each battery pack 12 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0082] In the above embodiment, the automatic control of the valve device 15 can be achieved through the detection device 13 and the control module 14 .

[0083] In another embodiment, the valve device 15 can also be opened automatically by its mechanical structure. For example, the valve device 15 can be set as a one-way valve, and the one-way valve is opened when the difference between the internal pressure at the first end and the internal pressure at the second end of the fire protection pipeline 16 is greater than a threshold value. This embodiment does not need to set the detection device 13 and the control module 14, and the opening of the valve device 15 is achieved by the mechanical structure, which can avoid the problem of the valve device 15 failing to open due to circuit failure.

[0084] It should be noted that the first end of the fire-fighting pipeline 16 is connected to the external fire-fighting facilities, and the second end is connected to the cooling pipeline system of the energy storage system. When the fire-fighting nozzle 122 is opened, the cooling pipeline system of the energy storage system is depressurized, and then the internal pressure of the second end of the fire-fighting pipeline 16 is reduced, so that the difference between the internal pressure of the first end and the internal pressure of the second end of the fire-fighting pipeline 16 is greater than the threshold value. Under this condition, the one-way valve is opened, and the external fire-fighting facilities and the cooling pipeline system of the energy storage system are connected. In addition, since the valve device 15 is set as a one-way valve in this embodiment, it can avoid the problem that the battery coolant in the cooling pipeline system of the energy storage system enters the external fire-fighting facilities when the pressure increases, resulting in the loss of battery coolant.

[0085] In some embodiments, the plug of the fire sprinkler 122 is sealed at the nozzle of the nozzle body, and the plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under a first temperature condition. The plug can melt or explode under the first temperature condition. For example, the plug can be made of a low melting point metal, a low melting point polymer material, or a metal or polymer material with a low ignition point. When the internal temperature of the battery pack 12 reaches the first temperature condition, the plug melts or explodes, so that the nozzle of the fire sprinkler 122 is opened.

[0086] In other embodiments, a thermal trigger component may also be provided between the plug and the nozzle body. For example, a thermal spring may be provided on the nozzle body. The thermal spring may elastically deform under a first temperature condition to pop open the plug and open the nozzle of the fire sprinkler 122.

[0087] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a fire-fighting method for an energy storage system, based on the energy storage system. The energy storage system includes multiple battery packs 12 , and each battery pack 12 includes a shell, multiple battery cells, a liquid cooling device, a battery management module, and a fire-fighting sprinkler 122 .

[0088] Among them, multiple battery cells are arranged inside the housing, and multiple battery cells are connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module 123. A liquid cooling device is arranged inside the housing, and the liquid cooling device is provided with a cooling liquid channel for circulating battery cooling liquid, and the liquid cooling device is used for heat exchange between battery cooling liquid and battery cells.

[0089] The battery management module is electrically connected to the battery cell, and is suitable for disconnecting the battery module 123 from the external high-voltage circuit when it is determined that the temperature inside the housing is higher than a preset temperature. The fire sprinkler 122 is arranged in the housing, and the fire sprinkler 122 includes a sprinkler body and a plug, the sprinkler body is connected to the liquid cooling device, the plug is sealed at the nozzle of the sprinkler body, and the plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under the first temperature condition.

[0090] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the fire fighting method includes:

[0091] S11, under the condition that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 is determined to be higher than or equal to the first preset temperature, the battery module 123 is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit. It should be noted that the battery management module includes a temperature sensing unit for sensing the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 and a control unit for controlling the connection or disconnection of the battery module 123 with the external high-voltage circuit, and the external high-voltage circuit may be a charging circuit. Under the condition that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 sensed by the battery management module is higher than or equal to the first preset temperature, the battery module 123 is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit, thereby implementing the first level of fire protection measures to suppress the internal temperature of the battery pack 12 from continuing to rise or burn.

[0092] S12, under the condition that it is determined that the internal temperature of the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the second preset temperature, the fire sprinkler 122 inside the battery pack 12 is controlled to open so that the fire sprinkler 122 overflows the battery coolant to the battery module 123, wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature.

[0093] In this embodiment, the fire sprinkler 122 may include a sprinkler body and a plug. The sprinkler body is connected to the liquid cooling device. The plug is sealed at the nozzle of the sprinkler body. In some embodiments, the plug may be made of a material that is easily fusible or easily exploded, for example, it may be made of a metal or polymer material that is easily fusible. When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 rises to the melting point of the plug, the plug will automatically melt and then automatically open. In this embodiment, the melting point of the plug may be substantially the same as the second preset temperature. When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 shell is higher than or equal to the second preset temperature, the plug will automatically melt and the nozzle of the sprinkler body will automatically open.

[0094] Alternatively, other methods may be used to control the opening of the plug. For example, by integrating a temperature sensor and a control unit, the plug may be automatically opened. When the internal temperature of the battery pack 12 sensed by the temperature sensor is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the control unit controls the plug to open.

[0095] In this way, the fire fighting method of the energy storage system provided in this embodiment ensures that the problem of high temperature or combustion in the battery pack 12 is solved through at least two levels of fire fighting measures (the first level is to disconnect the high-voltage line, and the second level is to use the battery coolant in the battery pack 12 to spray and cool down). Moreover, in this embodiment, a fire sprinkler 122 is provided inside each battery pack 12, and the fire sprinkler 122 can accurately spray in the battery pack 12 where high temperature or combustion occurs, accurately suppress the high temperature or fire of the battery pack 12, and can avoid the problem that the coolant is sprayed on other battery packs 12, causing the other battery packs 12 to be unable to be used again.

[0096] In a further embodiment, the fire fighting method of the energy storage system, based on the energy storage system, also includes a thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124, which is arranged in the shell, and the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 is suitable for starting to discharge the fire extinguishing agent under the second temperature condition.

[0097] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the fire fighting method includes:

[0098] S11, when it is determined that the internal temperature of the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module 123 is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit.

[0099] S12, when the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 starts automatically to discharge the fire extinguishing agent to the battery module 123. It should be noted that the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 is provided with aerosol fire extinguishing agent raw materials. When the temperature inside the battery pack 12 reaches the second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 will automatically explode, and the aerosol will spread inside the battery pack 12, which can achieve the effect of extinguishing the fire.

[0100] S13, when the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler 122 inside the battery pack 12 is automatically opened to allow the fire sprinkler 122 to overflow the battery coolant to the battery module 123. The second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

[0101] In this way, when an abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack 12, the high-voltage line is disconnected first to prevent further heat runaway. If the temperature continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 automatically starts spraying the fire extinguishing agent to cool down and extinguish the fire. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler 122 opens to spray battery coolant into the battery pack 12 to cool down and extinguish the fire. This embodiment can start the three-level fire extinguishing measures step by step to suppress the combustion of the battery pack 12.

[0102] In a further embodiment, the energy storage system on which the fire-fighting method is based also includes a cooling pipeline system, a heat exchange device 171, and a fire-fighting pipeline 16. Among them, the cooling pipeline system includes a liquid supply pipeline system 172 and a liquid return pipeline system 173, the outlet of the liquid supply pipeline system 172 is connected to the inlet of each coolant channel, and the inlet of the liquid return pipeline system 173 is connected to the outlet of each coolant channel. The heat exchange device 171 is used to dissipate heat from the battery coolant, the inlet of the heat exchange device 171 is connected to the outlet of the liquid return pipeline system 173, and the outlet of the heat exchange device 171 is connected to the inlet of the liquid supply pipeline system 172. The heat exchange device 171 is connected to the liquid cooling device in each battery pack 12 through the liquid supply pipeline system 172 and the liquid return pipeline system 173, respectively, to realize the circulation of the battery coolant, thereby realizing the heat dissipation of the battery module.

[0103] The first end of the fire-fighting pipeline 16 is used to be connected to an external fire-fighting facility, and the second end is communicated with the liquid supply pipeline system 172 or the liquid return pipeline system 173 . The fire-fighting pipeline 16 is provided with a valve device 15 .

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the fire fighting method of the energy storage system includes:

[0105] S11, when it is determined that the internal temperature of the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the first preset temperature, the battery module 123 is disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit;

[0106] S12, when the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 starts automatically to discharge the fire extinguishing agent to the battery module 123;

[0107] S13, when the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler 122 inside the battery pack 12 is automatically opened, so that the fire sprinkler 122 overflows the battery coolant to the battery module 123;

[0108] S14, when the temperature inside or outside the shell of the battery pack 12 is higher than or equal to the fourth preset temperature, the valve device 15 opens to allow the external fire-fighting facilities to continuously supply water to the fire-fighting sprinkler 122 to spray toward the battery module 123; wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature, and the fourth preset temperature is higher than the third preset temperature.

[0109] In this way, when abnormally high temperature occurs in the battery pack 12, the high-voltage line is disconnected first to prevent further heat runaway. If the temperature continues to rise, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device 124 automatically starts spraying fire extinguishing agent to cool down and extinguish the fire. If the temperature continues to rise, the fire sprinkler 122 opens to spray battery coolant into the battery pack 12 to cool down and extinguish the fire. If the combustion of the battery pack 12 is still not suppressed, the temperature in the battery pack 12 continues to rise. In this case, the valve device 15 can be controlled to open, and the liquid supply pipeline system 172 or the liquid return pipeline system 173 is connected to the external fire fighting facilities. The external fire fighting facilities can continuously supply water to the liquid supply pipeline system 172 or the liquid return pipeline system 173, and then continuously spray it out from the fire sprinkler 122. In this way, the problem of fire in the battery pack 12 can be further suppressed through the four-level fire fighting measures.

[0110] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations are all within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized in that: A plurality of battery packs (12) are included, wherein the battery packs (12) include: case; A plurality of battery cells are arranged inside the housing, and the plurality of battery cells are connected in parallel or in series to form a battery module (123); A thermal management system, comprising a liquid cooling device, the liquid cooling device being arranged in the housing, the liquid cooling device being provided with a cooling liquid channel for circulating a battery cooling liquid, the liquid cooling device being used for heat exchange between the battery cooling liquid and the battery module (123); A battery management module is electrically connected to the battery module, and the battery management module is adapted to disconnect the battery module (123) from an external high-voltage circuit when it is determined that the temperature inside the housing is higher than a preset temperature; A fire protection system comprises a fire protection nozzle (122), wherein the fire protection nozzle (122) is arranged in the shell, and the fire protection nozzle (122) comprises a nozzle body and a plug, wherein the nozzle body is connected to the liquid cooling device, the plug is sealed at the nozzle of the nozzle body, and the plug is suitable for opening the nozzle under a first temperature condition.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fire protection system also includes: A thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device (124) is arranged in the housing, and the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device (124) is suitable for starting to discharge the fire extinguishing agent under a second temperature condition.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thermal management system further comprises: A cooling pipeline system, comprising a liquid supply pipeline system (172) and a liquid return pipeline system (173), wherein the outlet of the liquid supply pipeline system (172) is connected to the inlet of each of the cooling liquid channels, and the inlet of the liquid return pipeline system (173) is connected to the outlet of each of the cooling liquid channels; A heat exchange device (171) for dissipating heat from a battery coolant, wherein the inlet of the heat exchange device (171) is connected to the outlet of the liquid return pipeline system (173), and the outlet of the heat exchange device (171) is connected to the inlet of the liquid supply pipeline system (172); The fire protection system also includes: A fire-fighting pipeline (16) has a first end for connecting to external fire-fighting facilities and a second end in communication with the liquid supply pipeline system (172) or the liquid return pipeline system (173). A valve device (15) is provided on the fire-fighting pipeline (16).

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fire protection system also includes: A detection device (13) for detecting an environmental parameter inside or outside the battery pack (12), wherein the environmental parameter includes at least one of an ambient temperature and a concentration of smoke particles in the air; A control module (14) is communicatively connected with the detection device (13) and the valve device (15), and the control module (14) is suitable for controlling the opening and closing of the valve device (15) according to the environmental parameters detected by the detection device (13).

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The valve device (15) is configured as a solenoid valve, and the control module (14) is configured as a relay, and the relay is electrically connected to the detection device (13) and the solenoid valve, respectively.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plug is suitable for melting or bursting under a first temperature condition; Alternatively, a thermosensitive triggering member is provided between the plug and the nozzle body, and the thermosensitive triggering member is suitable for driving the plug to separate from the nozzle under a first temperature condition.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device (124) comprises: a housing, the housing being provided with a sealed cavity and being adapted to be opened under a second temperature condition; An aerosol raw material is arranged in the cavity, and the aerosol raw material is suitable for generating an aerosol when the shell is opened.

8. A fire-fighting method for an energy storage system, characterized in that: Based on the energy storage system according to claim 1, the fire fighting method comprises: When it is determined that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module (123) is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit; Under the condition that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is determined to be higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the fire sprinkler (122) inside the battery pack (12) is controlled to open so that the fire sprinkler (122) overflows battery coolant toward the battery module (123), wherein the second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature.

9. A fire-fighting method for an energy storage system, characterized in that: Based on the energy storage system according to claim 2, the fire fighting method comprises: When it is determined that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module (123) is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit; When the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device (124) is automatically started to discharge the fire extinguishing agent toward the battery module (123); When the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler (122) inside the battery pack (12) automatically opens, so that the fire sprinkler (122) overflows battery coolant toward the battery module (123); The second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, and the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature.

10. A fire-fighting method for an energy storage system, characterized in that: Based on the energy storage system according to claim 3, the fire fighting method comprises: When it is determined that the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a first preset temperature, the battery module (123) is controlled to be disconnected from the external high-voltage circuit; When the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a second preset temperature, the thermal self-starting fire extinguishing agent device (124) is automatically started to discharge the fire extinguishing agent toward the battery module (123); When the temperature inside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a third preset temperature, the fire sprinkler (122) inside the battery pack (12) automatically opens, so that the fire sprinkler (122) overflows battery coolant toward the battery module (123); When the temperature inside or outside the shell of the battery pack (12) is higher than or equal to a fourth preset temperature, the valve device (15) opens so that the external fire-fighting facility continues to supply water to the fire-fighting sprinkler (122) to spray the battery module (123); The second preset temperature is higher than the first preset temperature, the third preset temperature is higher than the second preset temperature, and the fourth preset temperature is higher than the third preset temperature.

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