Energy storage device

Abstract

An energy storage device includes: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells having an exhaust port; and an exhaust unit installed on the battery module and configured to guide a flame ejected from the exhaust port of one of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and block debris ejected from one of the plurality of battery cells from flowing into an adjacent one of the plurality of battery cells.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean Patent Applications No. 10 - 2024 - 0047324 and No. 10 - 2023 - 0166672, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on April 8, 2024, and November 27, 2023, respectively. The entire disclosures of both are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to energy storage devices. Background Art

[0004] Energy storage devices are configured to store electrical energy and may refer to devices including a large number of battery cells (usually secondary batteries).

[0005] Energy storage devices that use batteries (such as lithium - ion batteries) to store energy should prevent heat from spreading to adjacent cells or battery modules in the case of thermal runaway of the battery. Different from battery modules for electric vehicles, energy storage devices are MWh - level rack or container units rather than KWh - level module or group units. Therefore, when heat spreads to adjacent cells or modules, the scale of damage increases sharply.

[0006] To prevent heat diffusion in energy storage devices, a method using a direct injection system can be used, which directly injects a fire extinguishing agent into the exhaust ports of battery cells. However, there is a delay from the detection of thermal runaway in a specific cell to the injection of the fire extinguishing agent in the direct injection system, and the flammable oil mist, flame, and / or debris from the battery cell caused by the thermal runaway that occurs before the injection of the fire extinguishing agent may affect adjacent cells or battery modules, resulting in secondary damage.

[0007] The above information disclosed in this background art section is for enhancing the understanding of the background of the present disclosure. Therefore, it may include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In addition to using a fire extinguishing agent to extinguish fires, it is also necessary to structurally prevent flame propagation and heat propagation caused by debris at the module or rack level.

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy storage device for reducing heat propagation caused by flammable oil mist, flame, and / or debris between battery cells of a battery module.

[0010] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an energy storage device includes: a battery module including a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells having an exhaust port; and an exhaust unit mounted on the battery module and configured to guide a flame ejected from the exhaust port of one of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and block debris ejected from the one of the plurality of battery cells from flowing into adjacent battery cells among the plurality of battery cells.

[0011] The exhaust unit may include: an exhaust plate mounted on the battery module; an upper plate covering the exhaust plate and forming a duct in the first direction; and a front plate blocking the front side of the duct.

[0012] The rear side of the duct may be open.

[0013] The energy storage device may further include a fire extinguishing agent direct injection system disposed between the exhaust plate and the upper plate and configured to directly supply a fire extinguishing agent to the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells.

[0014] The exhaust plate may include a first plate on the battery module, a second plate extending obliquely upward from both sides of the first plate, a third plate extending horizontally from the second plate, and a fourth plate extending downward from the third plate and fixed to the battery module.

[0015] The first plate may include a plurality of louver units aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells and adjacent to each other in the first direction.

[0016] Each of the plurality of louver units may have a louver opening aligned with the exhaust port of a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells and a louver cover on one side of the louver opening.

[0017] The louver opening may have a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical or circular shape.

[0018] The length of the louver opening in the first direction may be shorter than its length in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0019] The louver cover may extend obliquely upward from the front portion of the louver opening in the first direction.

[0020] The louver cover may extend obliquely upward from the lateral side of the louver opening in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0021] The louver cover may extend around at least half of the perimeter of the louver opening.

[0022] The shutter cover may have a circular cross-section.

[0023] The shutter cover may have a polygonal cross-section.

[0024] The shutter opening may have a short diameter in the first direction and a long diameter in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and an upper end of the shutter cover may extend along the long diameter of the shutter opening.

[0025] A width of each of the plurality of shutter units in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction may be in a range of 50% to 90% of a width of the first plate.

[0026] The energy storage device may further include: an inner cover on the battery module, having inner openings respectively aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells; and a module cover having a plurality of slits respectively aligned with the inner openings in the inner cover. The exhaust unit may be on the module cover.

[0027] The inner cover may include inner opening sidewalls protruding upward along a periphery of the inner opening, the module cover may include module protrusions protruding downward along a periphery of the plurality of slits, and an upper side of the inner opening sidewalls may be coupled to the module protrusions.

[0028] The exhaust unit may include a plurality of shutter units aligned with the plurality of slits in the module cover.

[0029] A longitudinal direction of the plurality of slits may be a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0030] The energy storage device may further include: an inner cover on the battery module, having inner openings respectively aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells and a plurality of slits overlapping with the inner openings; and a module cover having module openings respectively aligned with the plurality of slits in the inner cover. The exhaust unit may be on the module cover.

[0031] The inner cover may further include inner opening sidewalls protruding upward along a periphery of the inner opening, and an upper side of the inner opening sidewalls may be coupled to the module openings in the module cover.

[0032] The exhaust unit may include an exhaust plate mounted on the module cover, the module cover may include a pair of module sidewalls extending adjacent to both sides of the module cover along the first direction, and the exhaust plate may be coupled to inner portions of the pair of module sidewalls.

[0033] The exhaust plate may include a plurality of louver units respectively aligned with the plurality of slits in the inner lid and the module openings in the module lid.

[0034] Each of the plurality of louver units may include a louver opening to which the plurality of slits in the inner lid are respectively coupled and a louver cover on one side of the louver opening.

[0035] The louver cover may overlap the plurality of slits in the inner lid. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of a battery module and an exhaust unit of the energy storage device shown in

[0038] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line III-III in

[0039] Figure 4 is Figure 1 an exploded perspective view of a battery module and an exhaust unit in the energy storage device shown in

[0040] Figure 5 is Figure 1 a perspective view of an exhaust plate of the energy storage device shown in

[0041] Figure 6 is Figure 2 a partial cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in

[0042] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating a flame path formed by an exhaust unit of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a debris path formed by an exhaust unit of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery module and an exhaust unit in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 10 is Figure 9 an exploded perspective view of a battery module and an exhaust unit in the energy storage device shown in

[0046] Figure 11 is Figure 9 a partial cross-sectional view taken along line X-X in

[0047] Figure 12 is a perspective view of an inner cover in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a module cover in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14A and Figure 14B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a louver unit in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively.

[0050] Figure 15 is a diagram depicting a flame and / or debris path formed by an exhaust unit in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0051] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0052] Embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more comprehensively describe aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. The following embodiments can be implemented in many different forms, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. On the contrary, these embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be exhaustive and complete, and will fully convey aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0053] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there can also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0054] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be enlarged. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Additionally, when describing embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of "may" relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not a single element in the list. For example, the expression "at least one of a, b, and c" means only a, only b, only c, a and b, a and c, b and c, all of a, b, and c, or variants thereof. As used herein, the term "use" may be considered synonymous with the term "utilize". As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0055] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments.

[0056] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features will then be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0057] The terms used in this document are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0058] Given the entire content of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each suitable feature of the various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or fully combined or combined with each other, and can be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable way, unless otherwise stated or implied.

[0059] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the battery module and the exhaust unit of the energy storage device shown in Figure 3 is along Figure 2 the sectional perspective view taken along line III-III in Figure 4 is Figure 2 an exploded perspective view of the battery module and the exhaust unit shown in Figure 5 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the exhaust plate of the energy storage device shown in Figure 6 is along Figure 2 the partial sectional view taken along line VI-VI in

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 , according to an embodiment of the present invention, the energy storage device 10 may include a rack 11 and a plurality of battery modules 13 accommodated inside the rack 11. In one or more embodiments, the rack 11 may be assembled by combining (e.g., connecting) a plurality of frames and panels, and may be a structure having a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape. In one or more embodiments, the battery modules 13 may be arranged in multiple columns inside the rack 11, and in each column, a plurality of battery modules 13 may be arranged adjacent to each other in the vertical direction. The number and arrangement of the accommodated battery modules 13 may vary. In one or more embodiments, a plurality of racks 11 may be accommodated inside a container to provide (or form) an energy storage device.

[0061] The battery module 13 may include a plurality of battery cells 15 arranged in a first direction (e.g., Figure 3 the horizontal direction in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the battery module 13 may include a housing 17 in which a plurality of spaces are formed, and one or more of the battery cells 15 may be placed (e.g., received) in each of the plurality of spaces. Refer to Figure 3 , in one or more embodiments, the battery module 13 may further include an insulating member 19 spaced apart in a first direction between the battery cells 15, and the corresponding battery cells 15 are located in the space defined (e.g., defined between the insulating members 19). The housing 17 may include a module cover 21 provided on the upper side of the battery cells 15, and the module cover 21 may include a plurality of slits (e.g., elongated openings) 22 that allow air to be introduced into the space where the battery cells 15 are provided and / or allow air to be discharged from the space where the battery cells 15 are provided. The slits 22 may be formed such that their longitudinal direction is a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Refer to Figure 3 , in one or more embodiments, the plurality of slits 22 may be arranged (e.g., adjacent to each other) in the first direction to respectively correspond to the plurality of battery cells 15.

[0062] The slits 22 may be provided at positions corresponding to the exhaust ports 16 of the battery cells 15. An inner cover 42 having an inner opening 41 may be provided on the battery cell 15, and the module cover 21 may be provided on the inner cover 42. In one or more embodiments, the inner opening 41 of the inner cover 42 may be formed at a position corresponding to the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15, and the slits 22 in the module cover 21 may be formed at positions corresponding to the inner opening 41 of the inner cover 42. In one or more embodiments, the inner opening 41 may include or may be referred to as a duct.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the inner lid 42 may have an inner opening sidewall 411 that protrudes upward along the perimeter of the inner opening 41. The inner opening sidewall 411 may be provided to substantially surround the exhaust port 16 on the upper side of the exhaust port 16 (e.g., extend around the outer periphery of the exhaust port 16). In one or more embodiments, the module lid 21 may further include a module protrusion 211 that protrudes downward along the perimeter of the slit 22. The internal area occupied by the module protrusion 211 may be larger than the internal area formed (e.g., defined) by the inner opening sidewall 411. In one or more embodiments, the upper side of the inner opening sidewall 411 may be coupled to the module protrusion 211. Accordingly, the slit 22 in the module lid 21 may be substantially disposed on the inner opening sidewall 411 of the inner lid 42. The exhaust unit 23 may be mounted on the battery module 13. The exhaust unit 23 may be configured to extend along a first direction and may cover the upper portion (e.g., upper surface) of the plurality of battery cells 15 accommodated in the battery module 13. The exhaust unit 23 may be configured to direct, in the first direction, the flammable fuel mist, flame, and / or debris ejected from any one of the exhaust ports 16 of the battery cells 15 and to block the ejected debris from flowing into adjacent battery cells.

[0064] Reference Figures 2 to 4 , the exhaust unit 23 may include an exhaust plate 25 mounted on the battery module 13 and an upper plate 27 that covers the exhaust plate 25 to configure (e.g., form) a duct 26 in the first direction. In one or more embodiments, the exhaust plate 25 may be configured to cover the upper sides of two rows of battery cells 15 arranged along the first direction, and the two upper plates 27 may be placed to cover the exhaust plate 25 while being placed on the upper sides of each row of battery cells 15. Accordingly, two ducts 26 extending in the first direction may be formed on the battery cells 15 arranged in two rows.

[0065] The exhaust plate 25 may include a louver unit 31 provided in a region corresponding to the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15. The louver unit (e.g., louvers) 31 may block the inflow of flammable fuel mist, flame, and / or debris while allowing the inflow and outflow of air.

[0066] The exhaust unit 23 may include a front plate 29 that blocks the front side of the duct 26 formed by the exhaust plate 25 and the upper plate 27. The front plate 29 may block the front side of the duct 26 (i.e., the upstream side of the duct 26 in the first direction). The rear side of the duct 26 (i.e., the downstream side of the duct 26 in the first direction) may be open. With this configuration of the duct 26, the flame generated in the battery cell 15 may be discharged to the duct 26 through the louver unit 31, and a flame path may be formed in the duct 26 in the first direction.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 andFigure 5 The exhaust plate 25 may include a first plate 33 provided on the battery module 13, a second plate 34 extending obliquely upward from one end of the first plate 33, a third plate 35 extending horizontally from one end of the second plate 34, and a fourth plate 36 extending downward from the third plate 35 and fixed to the battery module 13. The first plate 33 may extend in the horizontal direction and may be configured such that two first plates 33 are respectively located on top of the battery cells 15 arranged in two rows. The second plate 34 may extend from both ends (e.g., from opposite ends) of the first plate 33. The third plate 35 may extend horizontally from both ends of the second plate 34. The fourth plate 36 may extend from the outer ends provided at both sides of the exhaust plate 25 in the width direction, and the fourth plate 36 may extend downward and may be fixed to the housing 17 of the battery module 13.

[0068] The louver unit 31 may be formed in a region corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) the slit 22 in the module cover 21, and a plurality of louver units 31 may be formed on the first plate 33 along the first direction. The upper plate 27 may be configured to be connected to the third plate 35 in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction while extending in the first direction. Accordingly, the duct 26 may be formed by (e.g., defined by) the first plate 33, the second plate 34, and the upper plate 27.

[0069] Reference Figure 5 Each of the louver units 31 may have a louver opening 37 provided in a region corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) each of the exhaust ports 16 of the battery cells 15 and a louver cover 39 provided on one side of the louver opening 37 (e.g., closing or covering one side of the louver opening 37). The louver opening 37 may have a triangular, quadrilateral, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical, or circular shape. The louver opening 37 may have a shape in which the length in the first direction is shorter than the length in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. For example, referring to Figure 5 the enlarged view of the louver unit 31 in, the louver opening 37 defined by the dashed circle may have a shorter diameter D1 along the first direction and a longer diameter D2 along the second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Based on this configuration of the louver opening 37, flames and debris can be smoothly discharged through the louver opening 37 while reducing the possibility of flames and debris entering other battery cells 15 through the louver opening 37.

[0070] The louver cover 39 may be provided on the upstream side of the louver opening 37 along the first direction. The louver cover 39 may extend obliquely upward from the front of the louver opening 37 along the first direction. The louver cover 39 may extend obliquely upward from the lateral side of the louver opening 37 along the second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

[0071] Reference Figure 5 Figure 5 , the shutter cover 39 may extend from at least half of the periphery of the shutter opening 37 (e.g., may cover at least half of the periphery of the shutter opening 37). The upper end of the shutter cover 39 may be provided along the longer diameter of the shutter opening 37. Reference Figure 5 Figure 5 , the width W1 of the shutter unit 31 in the second direction orthogonal to the first direction may be in the range of about 50% to about 90% of the width W2 of the first plate 33. The cross-sectional shape of the shutter cover 39 may be circular or polygonal.

[0072] A fire extinguishing agent direct injection system 43 configured to directly supply a fire extinguishing agent to the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15 may be further provided. The fire extinguishing agent direct injection system 43 may be provided between the exhaust plate 25 and the upper plate 27. Reference Figures 3 to 6 Figures 3 to 6 , the fire extinguishing agent direct injection system 43 may be disposed in the upper part of the duct 26 formed by the exhaust plate 25 and the upper plate 27. The fire extinguishing agent direct injection system 43 may include an injection pipe configured to inject a fire extinguishing agent. Reference Figure 6 Figure 6 , the injection pipe may be mounted on the guide rail 45 of the rack 11, and the injection pipe may be eccentrically arranged to be spaced apart from the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15 by a distance G in the second direction (e.g., the injection pipe may be offset from the center of the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15 by a distance G in the second direction). The injection pipe may be received in a recess provided in the guide rail 45.

[0073] Figure 7 Figure 7 is a view illustrating a flame path formed by an exhaust unit of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 8 Figure 8 is a view illustrating a debris path formed by an exhaust unit of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Reference Figure 7 Figure 7 , the flame discharged from the battery cell 15 can be discharged through the shutter opening 37 in the shutter unit 31, and the flame is guided downstream in the first direction by the shutter cover 39. Accordingly, a flame path along the first direction indicated by the arrow may be formed within the duct 26, and the shutter cover 39 may prevent the flame from flowing upstream in the first direction and flowing into the downstream shutter opening 37, thereby preventing the flame from being introduced into the adjacent battery cell 15 through the shutter opening 37 in the adjacent shutter unit 31.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, Reference Figure 8, debris ejected from the battery cell 15 can be discharged through the shutter openings 37 in the shutter unit 31, and the debris can be guided downstream in the first direction by the shutter lid 39. Accordingly, a debris path indicated by the arrow can be formed in the duct 26 in the first direction, and the shutter lid 39 can prevent the debris from flowing upstream in the first direction and flowing into the downstream shutter openings 37, thereby preventing the debris from entering the adjacent battery cell 15 through the shutter openings 37 in the adjacent shutter unit 31.

[0075] Hereinafter, an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Except for the exhaust unit including the exhaust plate, the inner lid, and the module lid, the energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may be similar or identical to the energy storage device according to the foregoing embodiment of the present disclosure. Therefore, the following description will mainly focus on the differences between these embodiments.

[0076] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the battery module 13 and the exhaust unit 23 in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 10 is Figure 9 the exploded perspective view of the battery module 13 and the exhaust unit 23 in the energy storage device shown in. Refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10 , the exhaust unit 23 may include an exhaust plate 25 and a shutter unit 31 mounted on the module lid 21. The exhaust plate 25 may also be referred to as a shutter plate. In one or more embodiments, the module lid 21 may include a pair of module sidewalls 212 extending in the first direction, and the pair of module sidewalls 212 extend adjacent to both sides of the module lid 21. The pair of module sidewalls 212 may be spaced apart from each other, and the module opening 211' may be disposed between the pair of module sidewalls 212 in the first direction. The exhaust plate 25 may be coupled to the inner portions of the pair of module sidewalls 212. In one or more embodiments, the exhaust plate 25 may also be elongated in the first direction and may be coupled between the pair of module sidewalls 212. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust plate 25 may only include the first plate 33, and the second plate 34, the third plate 35, and the fourth plate 36 may be omitted. In other words, in another embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust plate 25 may be fixed to the module lid 21 by the pair of module sidewalls 212.

[0077] Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the Figure 9 line X-X in. Refer to Figure 11, the inner cover 42 can be installed on the battery module 13. The inner cover 42 can have an inner opening 41 formed in a region corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) the vent 16 of the battery cell 15, an inner opening sidewall 411 protruding upward from the periphery of the inner opening 41, and a plurality of slits 412 formed in the upper side of the inner opening sidewall 411 (e.g., overlapping with the inner opening 41). In one or more embodiments, the portion between the plurality of slits 412 can block a part of the inner opening 41. Additionally, the module cover 21 can be installed on the inner cover 42. The module cover 21 can include a module opening 211' formed in a region corresponding to the inner opening 41, the inner opening sidewall 411, and / or the plurality of slits 412 formed in the inner cover 42. Additionally, an exhaust unit 23, i.e., an exhaust plate 25, can be provided on the module cover 21.

[0078] In one or more embodiments, the upper side of the inner opening sidewall 411 can be coupled to the module opening 211' in the module cover 21. In one or more embodiments, the plurality of slits 412 can be exposed and / or protrude upward through the module opening 211' in the module cover 21. In one or more embodiments, a step 413 is formed on the outer surface of the inner opening sidewall 411, and a part of the module cover 21 can be installed on the step 413.

[0079] In one or more embodiments, a louver unit 31 can be provided on the exhaust plate 25 and can be provided in a region corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) the inner opening 41, the inner opening sidewall 411, the plurality of slits 412 in the inner cover 42, and / or the module opening 211' in the module cover 21. In one or more embodiments, each of the louver units 31 can have a louver opening 37 in which the plurality of slits 412 of the inner cover 42 are located and a louver cover 39 provided on one side of the louver opening 37.

[0080] In one or more embodiments, the louver cover 39 can overlap and be spaced apart from the inner opening 41, the inner opening sidewall 411, the plurality of slits 412, and / or the module opening 211' in the inner cover 42. In other words, although in the embodiments described above, the louver cover 39 overlaps with approximately half of the area of the plurality of slits 412, in another embodiment, the louver cover 39 can overlap with most of the area of the plurality of slits 412.

[0081] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the inner cover 42 in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 12, the inner lid 42 may have an inner opening sidewall 411 that is substantially square or oval in a plan view, and a plurality of slits 412 provided on an upper side of the inner opening sidewall 411. The inner opening sidewall 411 may have an inner opening 41 defined therein, and the inner opening 41 may be connected to the upper side through the plurality of slits 412 (e.g., may be in fluid communication with the upper side through the plurality of slits 412). In one or more embodiments, the inner lid 42 may further include a step 413 provided on an outer surface of the inner opening sidewall 411. In one or more embodiments, when viewed in a plan view along the outer surface of the inner opening sidewall 411, the step 413 may have an approximate tower shape. As described above, the module opening 211' in the module lid 21 may be coupled to the inner opening sidewall 411 and the plurality of slits 412, and a portion of the module lid 21 may be disposed on the step 413.

[0082] Figure 13 is a perspective view of a module lid 21 in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 13 , the module lid 21 may have a module opening 211', and when viewed in a plan view, the module opening 211' may have a substantially square or approximate oval shape. As described above, the module opening 211' in the module lid 21 may be coupled to the inner opening sidewall 411 and the plurality of slits 412 of the inner lid 42.

[0083] Figure 14A and Figure 14B are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view of a louver unit 31 in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 14A and Figure 14B , the louver unit 31 may be provided on an exhaust plate (e.g., a louver plate) 25. In one or more embodiments, the louver unit 31 may be provided in an area corresponding to (e.g., aligned with) the inner opening 41, the inner opening sidewall 411, the plurality of slits 412 in the inner lid 42, and the module opening 211' in the module lid 21. In one or more embodiments, each of the louver units 31 may have a louver opening 37 to which the inner opening 41 and the inner opening sidewall 411 of the inner lid 42 are coupled, and a louver lid 39 provided on one side of the louver opening 37.

[0084] In one or more embodiments, the planar shape of the shutter opening 37 may be similar to or the same as the planar shape of the module opening 211' in the module cover 21. In one or more embodiments, the size of the shutter opening 37 may be larger than the size of the module opening 211'. In one or more embodiments, the horizontal length of the shutter cover 39 in the first direction may be less than the horizontal length of the shutter opening 37 in the first direction. In one or more embodiments, the horizontal length of the shutter cover 39 in the second direction may be similar to or the same as the horizontal length of the shutter opening 37 in the second direction.

[0085] Figure 15 FIG. is a diagram illustrating a flame and / or debris path formed by the exhaust unit 23 in an energy storage device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Refer to Figure 15 , the flammable fuel mist, flame, and / or debris ejected from the exhaust port 16 of the battery cell 15 can pass through the inner cover 42 and the module cover 21 to be discharged through the shutter unit 31. In one or more embodiments, the flame or debris can be discharged through the shutter opening 37, and the direction in which the flame or debris is ejected can be guided downstream by the shutter cover 39 in the first direction. Accordingly, a flame path indicated by an arrow can be formed in the first direction, and the shutter cover 39 can prevent the flame from flowing upstream in the first direction and flowing into the adjacent battery cell 15, thereby preventing the flame from being introduced into the adjacent battery cell 15 through the shutter opening 37 of the adjacent shutter unit 31.

[0086] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the flammable fuel mist, flame, and / or debris ejected from the exhaust port of one battery cell from flowing into an adjacent battery cell.

[0087] Although some embodiments of the energy storage device according to the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. The technical spirit of the present disclosure lies in the extent to which any person with ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present disclosure pertains can make various changes without departing from the gist of the present disclosure defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: A battery module comprising a plurality of battery cells arranged in a first direction, each of the plurality of battery cells having an exhaust port; and An exhaust unit is mounted on the battery module and is configured to guide the flame ejected from the exhaust port of one of the plurality of battery cells in the first direction and block the debris ejected from the one of the plurality of battery cells from flowing into an adjacent battery cell among the plurality of battery cells.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the exhaust unit comprises: An exhaust plate, mounted on the battery module; an upper plate, covering the exhaust plate and forming a duct in the first direction; and A front plate blocks the front side of the duct. The energy storage device according to claim 2 , wherein a rear side of the pipe is open. 4 . The energy storage device according to claim 2 , further comprising a fire extinguishing agent direct injection system between the exhaust plate and the upper plate and configured to provide a fire extinguishing agent directly to the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the exhaust plate comprises a first plate on the battery module, a second plate extending obliquely upward from both sides of the first plate, a third plate extending horizontally from the second plate, and a fourth plate extending downward from the third plate and fixed to the battery module. 6 . The energy storage device according to claim 5 , wherein the first plate includes a plurality of louver units aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells and adjacent to each other along the first direction. 7 . The energy storage device according to claim 6 , wherein each of the plurality of shutter units has a shutter opening aligned with the exhaust port of a corresponding one of the plurality of battery cells and a shutter cover at one side of the shutter opening. 8 . The energy storage device according to claim 7 , wherein the shutter opening has a triangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, elliptical or circular shape. 9 . The energy storage device of claim 7 , wherein a length of the louver opening in the first direction is shorter than a length thereof in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. 10 . The energy storage device according to claim 7 , wherein the shutter cover extends obliquely upward from a front portion of the shutter opening in the first direction. 11 . The energy storage device of claim 7 , wherein the shutter cover extends obliquely upward from a lateral side of the shutter opening in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

12. The energy storage device of claim 7, wherein the louvered cover extends around at least half of the perimeter of the louvered opening.

13. The energy storage device of claim 7, wherein the shutter cover has a circular cross-section.

14. The energy storage device of claim 7, wherein the shutter cover has a polygonal cross-section.

15. The energy storage device of claim 7, wherein the louver opening has a short diameter in the first direction and a long diameter in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, and in, The upper end of the shutter cover extends along the major diameter of the shutter opening. 16 . The energy storage device of claim 6 , wherein a width of each of the plurality of louver units in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction is in a range of 50% to 90% of a width of the first plate.

17. The energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: an inner cover, on the battery module, having inner openings respectively aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells; and a module cover having a plurality of slits respectively aligned with the inner openings in the inner cover, The exhaust unit is on the module cover.

18. The energy storage device according to claim 17, wherein the inner cover comprises an inner opening side wall protruding upward along the periphery of the inner opening, wherein the module cover comprises a module protrusion protruding downwardly along the periphery of the plurality of slits, and The upper side of the inner opening side wall is connected to the module protrusion.

19. The energy storage device of claim 17, wherein the exhaust unit comprises a plurality of louver units aligned with the plurality of slits in the module cover. 20 . The energy storage device of claim 17 , wherein a longitudinal direction of the plurality of slits is a second direction orthogonal to the first direction.

21. The energy storage device according to claim 1, further comprising: an inner cover, on the battery module, having inner openings respectively aligned with the exhaust ports of the plurality of battery cells and a plurality of slits overlapping the inner openings; and a module cover having module openings respectively aligned with the plurality of slits in the inner cover, The exhaust unit is on the module cover.

22. The energy storage device according to claim 21, wherein the inner cover further comprises an inner opening side wall protruding upward along the periphery of the inner opening, and The upper side of the inner opening side wall is coupled to the module opening in the module cover.

23. The energy storage device according to claim 21, wherein the exhaust unit comprises an exhaust plate mounted on the module cover, wherein the module cover comprises a pair of module side walls extending adjacent to both sides of the module cover along the first direction, and The exhaust plate is coupled to inner portions of the pair of module side walls.

24. The energy storage device of claim 23, wherein the exhaust plate comprises a plurality of louver units aligned with the plurality of slits in the inner cover and the module openings in the module cover, respectively. 25 . The energy storage device of claim 24 , wherein each of the plurality of shutter units includes shutter openings to which the plurality of slits in the inner cover are respectively coupled and a shutter cover at one side of the shutter opening.

26. The energy storage device of claim 25, wherein the louvered cover overlaps the plurality of slits in the inner cover.

Images