Energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system is configured to reduce damage caused by flames responsive to battery combustion. The energy storage system comprises: a cabinet; a plurality of battery modules inside the cabinet and each including an exhaust port; a first passage facing the exhaust port and including a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a second channel inside the cabinet and connected to the second end portion; a guide member in the first passage and configured to guide movement of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port in the first direction; and a discharge member connected to the second passage and configured to discharge the gas introduced into the second passage to the outside of the cabinet. According to the present disclosure, damage caused by a fire can be reduced by allowing flame or gas generated due to combustion or thermal runaway of the battery module to move through the set path.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an energy storage system. Background Art

[0002] Generally, an energy storage system (ESS) is a device that can store surplus electricity or store electricity generated using renewable energy. The ESS may include a plurality of racks in a container and a plurality of battery modules in the racks. The battery module may be constructed by assembling a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected to each other in various structures.

[0003] The above information disclosed in the technology forming the background of the present disclosure is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present disclosure aims at an energy storage system configured to reduce damage caused by a flame in response to battery combustion.

[0005] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an energy storage system includes: a cabinet; a plurality of battery modules inside the cabinet and each including an exhaust port; a first passage facing the exhaust port and including a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a second passage inside the cabinet and connected to the second end portion; a guiding member in the first passage and configured to guide the movement of a flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port in the first direction; and a discharging member connected to the second passage and configured to discharge the gas introduced into the second passage to the outside of the cabinet.

[0007] The battery modules may be vertically stacked inside the cabinet, and the first passage may be between a pair of vertically adjacent battery modules.

[0008] The distance between the bottom surfaces of a pair of vertically adjacent battery modules may be greater than the height of any one of the battery modules.

[0009] The volume of the second passage may be greater than the volume of the first passage.

[0010] The first passage may intersect the second passage.

[0011] The cabinet may include: a frame body; support rails inside the frame body and supporting the battery modules; and a cover surrounding the outer surface of the frame body.

[0012] The cover may include a pair of side covers that face the side surfaces of the battery module and are spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and the energy storage system may further include a first separator between the side covers and the battery module.

[0013] The first separator may be in contact with the side surface of the support rail.

[0014] The battery modules may be arranged in at least two rows in the second direction, and the energy storage system may further include a second separator between the battery modules arranged in different rows.

[0015] The second separator may be in contact with the side surface of the support rail.

[0016] The cover may further include: a door that faces the first end portion and is configured to open or close the interior space of the frame body; and an end cover that is spaced apart from the door and faces the second end portion.

[0017] The guiding member may include guiding vanes that face the first end portion and are configured to block the discharge of flames or gases introduced into the first channel from the first end portion.

[0018] The guiding member may further include a sealing member that is coupled to the guiding vanes and seals the gap between the first end portion and the guiding vanes.

[0019] The sealing member may be elastically deformable.

[0020] The guiding member may further include a guiding skylight that faces the exhaust port and is configured to change the moving direction of the flames or gases discharged from the exhaust port toward the second end portion.

[0021] The discharging member may include: a discharge hole on the outer side of the cabinet; a third channel inside the discharge hole and connected to the second channel and the discharge hole; a blocking member that faces the discharge hole and is configured to block the passage of flames introduced into the third channel through the discharge hole; and a cover that faces the blocking member and is configured to guide the discharge of the gases passing through the blocking member.

[0022] The blocking member may include a blocking filter that includes mesh holes.

[0023] The third channel may intersect the second channel.

[0024] The energy storage system may further include: a backflow prevention member between the first channel and the second channel and configured to block the backflow of flames or gases introduced into the second channel into the first channel.

[0025] The backflow prevention member may include a check valve that is configured to open in response to the pressure in the first channel exceeding the pressure in the second channel. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] The accompanying drawings of this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0027] By referring to the accompanying drawings to describe in detail the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 is a sectional perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 is a side sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 is a front sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a cabinet according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a guiding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 7 is a sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a guiding member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 8 is a sectional perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a discharging member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a discharging member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figures 10 to 13 is a view schematically illustrating the operation process of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 14 is a plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 15A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 16 A view schematically illustrating a state in which a flame or gas is discharged from an exhaust port;

[0041] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0042] Figure 18 A view schematically illustrating the operation of an energy storage system according to still another embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0043] Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to the ordinary meaning or dictionary meaning, and should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms.

[0044] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0045] It should 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, directly connected to, or directly coupled to the other element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "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.

[0046] In the figures, for clarity of illustration, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated. The same reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, the use of "may" when describing embodiments of the present disclosure refers to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any of..." when following a list of elements modify the entire list of elements and not individual elements in the list. When phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from among A, B, and C" are used to indicate a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can refer to any one of A, B, and C and all suitable combinations or subsets thereof, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. 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 as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variability of measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0047] It should 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.

[0048] For ease of description, spatial relative terms (such as "beneath", "below", "under", "above", "on", etc.) may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. It should be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as "beneath" or "under" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" or "on" the other element or feature. Thus, the term "beneath" can encompass both an above and a below orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0049] The terms used in this disclosure 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 intended to also include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should 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.

[0050] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision that are included within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1.0 and the recited maximum value of 10.0, i.e., all sub-ranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0 (e.g., such as 2.4 to 7.6). Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations included therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations included therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-ranges that are included within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0051] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include cases having a deviation that is considered low in the art (e.g., a deviation of 5% or less). Additionally, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0052] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0053] When any element is said to be disposed (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or beneath)" a component, it may mean that the any element is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, or it may mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or located or positioned) on (or beneath) the component.

[0054] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to another element, these elements can be directly "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to each other, or there can be one or more intervening elements therebetween through which the element can be "coupled", "linked", or "connected" to the other element. In addition, when a component is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another component, the component can be directly electrically connected to the other component, or there can be one or more intervening components therebetween such that the component and the other component are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0055] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when stating "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any one or all combinations of the listed multiple items. Unless otherwise specified, when stating "C to D", it means C or more and D or less.

[0056] The terms used in this specification are used to describe embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 1 For schematically illustrating a perspective view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 For schematically illustrating a sectional perspective view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 3 For schematically illustrating a side sectional view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4 For schematically illustrating a front sectional view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , the energy storage system according to this embodiment includes a cabinet 100, at least one battery module 200, at least one first channel 300, a second channel 400, a guiding member 500, and a discharging member 600.

[0059] The cabinet 100 can form the appearance of the energy storage system. Embodiments of the cabinet 100 can include various types of closed structures having an empty interior, such as a container, etc.

[0060] The longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100 to be described below can be a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the X-axis with respect to Figure 1 and the width direction of the cabinet 100 can be a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the Y-axis with respect to Figure 1 and the height direction of the cabinet 100 can be a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the Z-axis with respect to Figure 1 The height direction of the cabinet 100 can be a direction perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the ground, that is, a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the vertical direction.

[0061] Figure 5 A perspective exploded view schematically illustrating the configuration of the cabinet 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring Figures 1 to 5 , the cabinet 100 may include a frame body 110, support rails 120, and a cover 130.

[0063] The frame body 110 may form the framework of the cabinet 100 and may support the side covers 131, end covers 132, and top cover 133.

[0064] The frame body 110 may include a base 111, a first outer frame 112, a second outer frame 113, and an inner frame 114.

[0065] The base 111 may be located on the ground. The upper surface of the base 111 may have a flat plate shape.

[0066] The first outer frame 112 may have the shape of a column extending upward from the upper surface of the base 111. The first outer frame 112 may include a plurality of first outer frames 112. The plurality of first outer frames 112 may be spaced apart from each other at a set interval in the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100. The number of the first outer frames 112 and the interval between the first outer frames 112 may be changed in various ways depending on the size of the base 111 and the like.

[0067] The second outer frame 113 may be a column extending upward from the upper surface of the base 111. The second outer frame 113 may be spaced apart from the first outer frame 112 in the width direction of the cabinet 100. In Figure 5 the illustrated embodiment, the first outer frame 112 and the second outer frame 113 may be at two end portions of the base 111 in the width direction. The second outer frame 113 may be a plurality of second outer frames 113. The plurality of second outer frames 113 may be spaced apart from each other at a set interval in the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100. The number of the second outer frames 113 and the interval between the second outer frames 113 may be the same as the number and interval of the first outer frames 112.

[0068] The inner frame 114 may be a column extending upward from the upper surface of the base 111. The inner frame 114 may be between the first outer frame 112 and the second outer frame 113. The inner frame 114 may be a plurality of inner frames 114. The plurality of inner frames 114 may be spaced apart from each other at a set interval in the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100. The number of the inner frames 114 and the interval between the inner frames 114 may be the same as the number and interval of the first outer frames 112.

[0069] The frame body 110 may further include a first accommodation space 115 between the first outer frame 112 and the inner frame 114 and a second accommodation space 116 between the second outer frame 113 and the inner frame 114.

[0070] The support rails 120 may be inside the frame body 110 and may support the battery module 200 inside the frame body 110. The support rails 120 may be rods, and the longitudinal direction thereof extends in the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100. The support rails 120 may have a substantially "L" - shaped cross - section. The support rails 120 may be multiple support rails 120. All of the multiple support rails 120 may be in the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116.

[0071] The multiple support rails 120 inside the first accommodation space 115 may be arranged in two rows in the width direction of the first accommodation space 115. The support rails 120 arranged in different rows may face each other inside the first accommodation space 115. One surface of the support rails 120 arranged in one row may be fixed to the first outer frame 112 inside the first accommodation space 115. One surface of the support rails 120 arranged in the other row may be fixed to the inner frame 114 inside the first accommodation space 115. The multiple support rails 120 inside the first accommodation space 115 may be stacked along the height direction of the first accommodation space 115, that is, stacked at a set spacing along the vertical direction.

[0072] The multiple support rails 120 inside the second accommodation space 116 may be arranged in two rows in the width direction of the second accommodation space 116. The support rails 120 arranged in different rows may face each other inside the second accommodation space 116. One surface of the support rails 120 arranged in one row may be fixed to the second outer frame 113 inside the second accommodation space 116. One surface of the support rails 120 arranged in the other row may be fixed to the inner frame 114 inside the second accommodation space 116. The multiple support rails 120 inside the second accommodation space 116 may be stacked along the height direction of the second accommodation space 116, that is, stacked at a set spacing along the vertical direction.

[0073] The cover 130 may surround the outer surface of the frame body 110.

[0074] The cover 130 may include side covers 131, end covers 132, a top cover 133, and a door 134.

[0075] The side covers 131 may surround the side surfaces of the frame body 110. The side surfaces of the frame body 110 may be the surfaces among all the circumferential surfaces of the frame body 110 that are parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100. The side covers 131 may have a substantially flat plate shape.

[0076] The side cover 131 can be a pair of side covers 131. The pair of side covers 131 can be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the cabinet 100. The pair of side covers 131 can surround two side surfaces of the frame body 110. In one or more embodiments, the inner surface of one of the pair of side covers 131 can face the outer surface of the first outer frame 112. The inner surface of the other of the pair of side covers 131 can face the outer surface of the second outer frame 113. The side cover 131 can be fixed to the base 111 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, bolting, etc.).

[0077] The end cover 132 can surround the rear surface of the frame body 110. The rear surface of the frame body 110 can be any one of the circumferential surfaces of the frame body 110 that is parallel to the width direction of the cabinet 100. The end cover 132 can have a substantially flat plate shape. The inner surface of the end cover 132 can face the first outer frame 112, the second outer frame 113, and the inner frame 114 that are located at the rearmost end among the plurality of first outer frames 112, the plurality of second outer frames 113, and the plurality of inner frames 114. The end cover 132 can be fixed to the base 111 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, bolting, etc.).

[0078] The top cover 133 can surround the upper surface of the frame body 110. The top cover 133 can have a substantially flat plate shape. The inner surface of the top cover 133 can face the upper end portions of the plurality of first outer frames 112, the upper end portions of the plurality of second outer frames 113, and the upper end portions of the plurality of inner frames 114. The end cover 132 can be fixed to the upper end portions of the first outer frame 112, the upper end portions of the second outer frame 113, and the upper end portions of the inner frame 114 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, bolting, etc.).

[0079] The door 134 can surround the front surface of the frame body 110. The front surface of the frame body 110 can be the remaining one of the circumferential surfaces of the frame body 110 that is parallel (or substantially parallel) to the width direction of the cabinet 100 and is located on the opposite side of the end cover 132. The door 134 can have a substantially flat plate shape. The inner surface of the door 134 can face the first outer frame 112, the second outer frame 113, and the inner frame 114 that are located at the foremost end among the plurality of first outer frames 112, the plurality of second outer frames 113, and the plurality of inner frames 114. One side of the door 134 can be rotatably connected to any one of the side covers 131, or connected to a separate structure mounted on the base 111. The door 134 can open or close the internal space of the frame body 110 depending on the rotation direction of the door 134.

[0080] The first direction (to be described below) may be a direction among those parallel (or substantially parallel) to the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100, from the door 134 towards the end cap 132, and the second direction may be any direction among those parallel (or substantially parallel) to the width direction of the cabinet 100 and intersecting the first direction.

[0081] The battery module 200 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying electric power in an energy storage system. The battery module 200 may include a module housing and a plurality of battery cells accommodated inside the module housing. The battery cells may be prismatic, cylindrical, and / or pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate placed on both sides of a separator is inside the cell housing and is capable of charging or discharging a preset amount of electric power. The battery module 200 may have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped box shape.

[0082] There may be a plurality of battery modules 200. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged in at least two rows in the second direction (i.e., a direction parallel (or substantially parallel) to the width direction of the cabinet 100). In one or more embodiments, the plurality of battery modules 200 may be arranged in two rows in the second direction, and the plurality of battery modules 200 arranged in different rows may be inside the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116. The plurality of battery modules 200 may be stacked vertically inside each of the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116.

[0083] The battery module 200 may be located on the support rail 120 and supported by the support rail 120. The lower surface of the battery module 200 may be in contact with a pair of support rails 120 facing each other in the width direction of the cabinet 100 inside the first accommodation space 115 or the second accommodation space 116.

[0084] The distance between the bottom surfaces of a pair of vertically adjacent battery modules 200 inside the first accommodation space 115 or the second accommodation space 116 may be greater than the height of any one battery module 200. That is, the height of the battery module 200 may be less than the spacing between a pair of vertically adjacent support rails 120 inside the first accommodation space 115 or the second accommodation space 116.

[0085] An exhaust port B may be provided in the upper surface of the battery module 200, which is configured to discharge flames or gases generated when the battery cells accommodated inside the battery module 200 burn or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 200. The exhaust port B may be a plurality of exhaust ports B. The plurality of exhaust ports B may be arranged in at least two rows in the longitudinal direction and the width direction of the battery module 200.

[0086] A communication device for communicating with an external device and a control device for controlling power transmission can be installed on the front surface of the battery module 200 facing the door 134.

[0087] The first channel 300 can face the exhaust port B of the battery module 200 and can provide a main movement path for the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B. Since the battery modules 200 are stacked vertically inside the first accommodation space 115 or the second accommodation space 116, an embodiment of the first channel 300 can include an empty space between the vertically and adjacently arranged battery modules 200. The longitudinal direction of the first channel 300 can extend in the first direction (i.e., the longitudinal direction of the cabinet 100).

[0088] The first channel 300 can be a plurality of first channels 300. The plurality of first channels 300 can be respectively arranged between the vertically and adjacently arranged battery modules 200. The first channels 300 can be arranged in two rows in the second direction. The first channels 300 arranged in different rows can be provided in the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116.

[0089] The first channel 300 can include a first end portion 310 and a second end portion 320.

[0090] The first end portion 310 and the second end portion 320 can be set to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. The first end portion 310 can face the inner surface of the door 134 and can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the door 134 by a predetermined distance. The second end portion 320 can face the inner surface of the end cap 132 and can be spaced apart from the inner surface of the end cap 132 by a predetermined distance.

[0091] The second channel 400 can be inside the cabinet 100 and can be connected to the second end portion 320 of the first channel 300. The second channel 400 can be configured as a component for providing a secondary movement path for the flame or gas that has passed through the first channel 300. An embodiment of the second channel 400 can include an empty space between the rear surface of the battery module 200 and the inner surface of the end cap 132. The second channel 400 can intersect the first channel 300. That is, the second channel 400 can extend vertically in the height direction of the cabinet 100. One surface of the second channel 400 can be connected to the second end portions 320 of the plurality of first channels 300.

[0092] The volume of the second channel 400 can be larger than the volume of the first channel 300. In one or more embodiments, the volume of the first channel 300 can be approximately 6.5L, and the volume of the second channel 400 can be approximately 38.6L. Accordingly, the second channel 400 maintains a relatively lower pressure than the first channel 300, so that the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B can be naturally transferred from the first channel 300 to the second channel 400 without any external force.

[0093] The energy storage system according to this embodiment may further include a first separator P1 and a second separator P2.

[0094] The first separator P1 may be between the side cover 131 and the battery module 200. The first separator P1 may have a substantially flat plate shape. Two surfaces of the first separator P1 may face the inner surface of the side cover 131 and the side surface of the battery module 200 parallelly (or substantially parallelly). The first separator P1 may be made of a material having heat resistance and insulation properties higher than those of the side cover 131. In one or more embodiments, the side cover 131 may be made of a metal material (such as steel, aluminum, etc.), and the first separator P1 may be made of a material such as mica. Accordingly, in the event of a fire, the first separator P1 may reduce the temperature of the side cover 131 and prevent (or at least mitigate) damage to the side cover 131 caused by the flame, thereby preventing (or at least mitigating) the spread of the fire to adjacent devices installed outside the cabinet 100.

[0095] The first separator P1 may be multiple first separators P1. Some of the multiple first separators P1 may be between the battery module 200 inside the first accommodation space 115 and one side cover 131. The remaining first separators among the multiple first separators P1 may be between the battery module 200 inside the second accommodation space 116 and the other side cover 131.

[0096] The multiple first separators P1 facing the battery module 200 inside the first accommodation space 115 may be respectively between a pair of adjacent first outer frames 112. The multiple first separators P1 facing the battery module 200 inside the second accommodation space 116 may be respectively between a pair of adjacent second outer frames 113. The inner surface of the first separator P1 may contact the side surface of the support rail 120. Accordingly, the first separator P1 may prevent (or at least mitigate) the flame or smoke introduced into the first channel 300 from being discharged to the outside through the side surface of the first channel 300.

[0097] The second separator P2 may be disposed between battery modules 200 arranged in different rows. That is, the second separator P2 may be between the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116. The second separator P2 may have a substantially flat plate shape. Two surfaces of the second separator P2 may face the side surfaces of the battery modules 200 inside the first accommodation space 115 and the side surfaces of the battery modules 200 inside the second accommodation space 116 in parallel (or substantially parallel). The second separator P2 may include the same material as that of the first separator P1. Accordingly, the second separator P2 may prevent (or at least mitigate) the spread of fire occurring in either the first accommodation space 115 or the second accommodation space 116 to the other of the first accommodation space 115 and the second accommodation space 116.

[0098] The second separator P2 may be a plurality of second separators P2. The plurality of second separators P2 may be respectively disposed between a pair of adjacent inner frames 114. The inner surface of the second separator P2 may contact the side surface of the support rail 120. Accordingly, the second separator P2 together with the first separator P1 may prevent (or at least mitigate) the flame or smoke introduced into the first passage 300 from being discharged to the outside through the side surface of the first passage 300.

[0099] The guiding member 500 is in the first passage 300 and is configured to guide the movement of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B in the first direction. That is, the guiding member 500 may be configured to serve as a component that guides the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B to move toward the second end portion 320 connected to the second passage 400. Accordingly, in the case of a fire, the guiding member 500 may prevent (or at least mitigate) secondary damage, such as the combustion of communication devices and control devices mounted on the front surface of the battery module 200, damage to the door 134 due to the pressure of the gas, etc.

[0100] Figure 6 A perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the guiding member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 7 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the guiding member 500 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Reference Figures 1 to 7 , the guiding member 500 may include guiding vanes 510 and a sealing member 520.

[0102] The guide vane 510 may be configured to serve as a component that blocks (or at least mitigates) the discharge of the flame or gas introduced into the first channel 300 from the first end portion 310. The guide vane 510 may have a substantially plate shape and may be located between the first end portion 310 and the door 134. Two surfaces of the guide vane 510 may face the first end portion 310 and the door 134. The vertical width of the guide vane 510 may be smaller than the vertical width of the first channel 300. In this case, the guide vane 510 may be inserted inside the first end portion 310. In contrast, the vertical width of the guide vane 510 may be larger than the vertical width of the first channel 300. In this case, the guide vane 510 may be disposed outside the first end portion 310 and may face the first end portion 310.

[0103] The guide vane 510 may be multiple guide vanes 510. The multiple guide vanes 510 may respectively face the first end portions 310 of the respective first channels 300 stacked in the vertical direction. The multiple guide vanes 510 may be arranged in two rows in the second direction. Two end portions of the guide vane 510 facing the first channel 300 in the first accommodation space 115 may be fixed to the first outer frame 112 and the inner frame 114. Two end portions of the guide vane 510 facing the first channel 300 in the second accommodation space 116 may be fixed to the second outer frame 113 and the inner frame 114.

[0104] The guide vane 510 may comprise a metal material (such as steel, etc.) with high stiffness to prevent (or at least mitigate) damage caused by the pressure of the gas etc. introduced into the first channel 300.

[0105] The sealing member 520 may be coupled to the guide vane 510 and may seal the gap between the first end portion 310 and the guide vane 510. The sealing member 520 may be elastically deformable. That is, the sealing member 520 may be configured to serve as a component that completely (or substantially completely) seals the first end portion 310 (which is elastically deformable) by filling the gap between the guide vane 510 (which is rigid) and the battery module 200. The sealing member 520 may comprise a flexible material (such as rubber, silicone, etc.) and may completely (or substantially completely) surround the outer surface of the guide vane 510.

[0106] The discharge member 600 may be connected to the second channel 400 and may be configured to discharge the gas introduced into the second channel 400 to the outside of the cabinet 100. Further, the discharge member 600 may be configured to block (or at least mitigate) the discharge of the flame introduced into the second channel 400 to the outside of the cabinet 100. Accordingly, the discharge member 600 may be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the cabinet 100 in the event of a fire and, at the same time, prevent (or at least mitigate) the spread of the fire due to the outflow of the flame.

[0107] Figure 8 FIG. 246 is a cross-sectional perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the discharge member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 9 FIG. 247 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the discharge member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Referring to Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the discharge member 600 may include a discharge plate 610, a third passage 620, a blocking member 630, and a cover 640.

[0109] The discharge plate 610 may be on the outer side of the cabinet 100. The discharge plate 610 may have a substantially flat shape, and the lower surface of the discharge plate 610 may face the upper surface of the top cover 133. The lower surface of the discharge plate 610 may be spaced apart from the upper surface of the top cover 133 by a predetermined distance. Accordingly, a space in which the third passage 620, which will be described below, is formed may be formed between the discharge plate 610 and the top cover 133. The discharge plate 610 may be a plurality of discharge plates 610. The plurality of discharge plates 610 may be parallel (or substantially parallel) to each other on the top cover 133.

[0110] At least one discharge hole 611 may be formed in the discharge plate 610 to provide a path through which the flame or gas (which will be described below) introduced into the third passage 620 is discharged. The discharge hole 611 may be a hole vertically passing through the discharge plate 610. The discharge hole 611 may be a plurality of discharge holes 611. The plurality of discharge holes 611 may be spaced apart from each other in the discharge plate 610.

[0111] An embodiment of the third passage 620 may include an empty space formed inside the discharge plate 610 (for example, between the discharge plate 620 and the top cover 133). One side of the third passage 620 may pass through the top cover 133 and may be connected to the upper end portion of the second passage 400. The other side of the third passage 620 may be connected to the discharge hole 611. The other side of the third passage 620 may be connected to all of the plurality of discharge holes 611. The third passage 620 may intersect the second passage 400. That is, the third passage 620 may be perpendicular (or substantially perpendicular) to the height direction of the cabinet 100. Accordingly, the third passage 620 may be configured to reduce the moving speed of the flame transmitted from the second passage 400, and thus may further improve the flame blocking performance of the blocking member 630, which will be described below.

[0112] The blocking member 630 may face the discharge hole 611 and may be configured to block (or at least mitigate) the flame introduced into the third passage 620 from passing through the discharge hole 611. At the same time, the blocking member 630 may be configured to allow the gas introduced into the third passage 620 to pass through the discharge hole 611.

[0113] The blocking member 630 may include a blocking filter 631 and a filter bracket 632.

[0114] The blocking filter 631 may be a plate in which a plurality of mesh holes are arranged in a lattice shape, and the plurality of mesh holes are configured to allow the gas discharged from the discharge hole 611 to pass through, but block (or at least mitigate) the passage of flames. The blocking filter 631 may be made of a material having high heat resistance performance, for example, at least one of stainless steel, copper, nickel, titanium, silver, tungsten, and aluminum or their alloys. The blocking filter 631 may face the discharge hole 611 on the discharge plate 610. In one or more embodiments, the blocking filter 631 may face the discharge hole 611 inside the third channel 620. The blocking filter 631 may be a plurality of blocking filters 631. The plurality of blocking filters 631 may be stacked along the passing direction of the discharge hole 611 (i.e., along the vertical direction) with respect to the discharge plate 610.

[0115] The filter bracket 632 may support the blocking filter 631 with respect to the discharge plate 610. The filter bracket 632 may face the discharge plate 610, and the blocking filter 631 is located therebetween. The inner region of the filter bracket 632 may surround the edge of the blocking filter 631 and may be fixed to the edge of the blocking filter 632 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, bolting, etc.). The outer region of the filter bracket 632 may be in contact with the discharge plate 610 and may be fixed to the discharge plate 610 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, screwing, etc.).

[0116] The cover 640 may face the blocking member 630 and may be configured to guide the discharge of the gas that has passed through the blocking member 630.

[0117] The cover 640 may include a cover body 641 and a guiding hole 642.

[0118] The cover body 641 may have the shape of a box, having an empty interior and an open side. The cover body 641 may be arranged such that its open side faces the blocking member 630. The area of the cover body 641 may be larger than the area of the blocking member 630, and the edge region of the cover body 642 may be fixed to the discharge plate 610 in any suitable manner (such as by welding, bolting, etc.). Accordingly, the cover body 641 may be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) foreign matter contained in the gas that has passed through the blocking filter 631 from dispersing to the outside of the cabinet 100.

[0119] The guiding hole 642 can pass through the cover body 641 and can be configured to guide the discharging direction of the gas introduced into the cover body 641. Accordingly, the guiding hole 642 can be configured to guide the gas discharged to the outside of the cabinet 100 to move in a specific direction, and thus can prevent (or at least mitigate) damage to adjacent parts sensitive to contact with the gas and the like. The guiding hole 642 can be a hole passing through the side surface of the cover body 641. The guiding hole 642 can be a plurality of guiding holes 642. The plurality of guiding holes 642 can be spaced apart from each other along the outer peripheral surface of the cover body 641.

[0120] Hereinafter, the operation of the energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0121] Figures 10 to 13 A view schematically illustrating the operation of the energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Reference Figure 10 , when a fire occurs in any one of the battery modules 200, the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B of the corresponding battery module 200 can be introduced into the first channel 300 facing the exhaust port B of the corresponding battery module 200.

[0123] The flame or gas introduced into the first channel 300 can move in the extending direction of the first channel 300 toward the first end portion 310 and the second end portion 320.

[0124] Reference Figure 11 , the guiding member 500 can block the flame or gas moving toward the first end portion 310 from being discharged to the outside of the first end portion 310, and due to the contact (interference) with the guiding member 500, the moving direction can be changed (redirected) to the direction toward the second end portion 320 (i.e., the first direction).

[0125] Reference Figure 12 , the flame or gas moving toward the second end portion 320 can be introduced into the second channel 400. In one or more embodiments, the second channel 400 intersects the first channel 300, and thus the moving speed of the flame or gas introduced into the second channel 400 can be reduced.

[0126] The flame or gas introduced into the second channel 400 can move in the extending direction of the second channel 400 toward the upper end portion of the second channel 400 and be introduced into the third channel 620. In one or more embodiments, the third channel 620 intersects the second channel 400, and thus the moving speed of the flame or gas introduced into the second channel 400 can be reduced secondarily.

[0127] In one or more embodiments, the volume of the second channel 400 is greater than the volume of the first channel 300, and thus the flame or gas introduced into the first channel 300 can continuously move towards the second channel 400 without any additional external force.

[0128] Reference Figure 13 , the flame or gas introduced into the third channel 620 can be transmitted to the discharge hole 611 in the extending direction of the third channel 620.

[0129] The flame introduced into the discharge hole 611 can contact the barrier filter 631, and the barrier filter 631 can block (or at least mitigate) the passage of the flame by absorbing the heat of the flame through heat exchange with the flame.

[0130] The gas introduced into the discharge hole 611 can pass through the mesh holes of the barrier filter 631 and can be transmitted into the cover body 641.

[0131] The gas introduced into the cover body 641 can finally be discharged from the inside of the cabinet 100 through the guiding hole 642.

[0132] Hereinafter, an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0133] The energy storage system according to the present embodiment can be configured to be different from the energy storage system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 only in the detailed configuration of the guiding member 500.

[0134] Accordingly, when describing the energy storage system according to the present embodiment, only the detailed configuration of the guiding member 500 that has not been described in the description of the energy storage system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0135] Figure 14 A plan view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 15 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 16 A view schematically illustrating the state in which the flame or gas is discharged from the exhaust port.

[0136] Reference Figures 14 to 16 , the guiding member 500 according to the present embodiment may further include a guiding skylight 530.

[0137] The guiding skylight 530 may be inside the first passage 300. The inside of the guiding skylight 530 may be empty, and the lower surface of the guiding skylight may face the exhaust port B of the battery module 200. The lower surface of the guiding skylight 530 may be open. Accordingly, the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B may be introduced into the guiding skylight 530. The circumferential or outer peripheral surface of the guiding skylight 530 facing the second end portion 320 may be open. Accordingly, the guiding skylight 530 may be configured to change (redirect) the moving direction of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port B towards the second end portion 320, so as to guide the flame or air introduced into the first passage 300 to be transmitted to the second passage 400 more quickly.

[0138] The guiding skylight 530 may be a plurality of guiding skylights. Each of the plurality of guiding skylights 530 may face one of the exhaust ports B. The plurality of guiding skylights 530 may be integrally connected by a plate or the like, or may be separated from each other.

[0139] Hereinafter, an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0140] Figure 17 A cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 18 A view schematically illustrating the operation of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0141] Referring to Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the energy storage system according to this embodiment may further include a backflow prevention member 700.

[0142] The energy storage system according to this embodiment may be configured to be different from the energy storage system described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 and the energy storage system described with reference to Figures 14 to 16 in that it further includes a backflow prevention member 700.

[0143] Accordingly, when describing the energy storage system according to this embodiment, only the backflow prevention member 700 not described with reference to Figures 1 to 16 will be described.

[0144] The backflow prevention member 700 can be between the first channel 300 and the second channel 400, and can be configured to block the flame or gas introduced into the second channel 400 from moving back into the first channel 300. Accordingly, the backflow prevention member 700 can be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) damage to the battery module 200 that may occur when the flame or gas moves back into the first channel 300 due to a sudden pressure drop in the second channel 400. Further, because the pressure in the first channel 300 where no fire has occurred is lower than the pressure in the second channel 400, the backflow prevention member 700 can be configured to prevent (or at least mitigate) the flame or gas transmitted to the second channel 400 from being introduced into the first channel 300 where no fire has occurred.

[0145] The backflow prevention member 700 can include a check valve 710.

[0146] The check valve 710 can be inside the second end portion 320. Embodiments of the check valve 710 can include various types of pressure control valves, which are configured to open in response to the pressure in the first channel 300 exceeding the pressure in the second channel 400, and are configured to close in response to the pressure in the first channel 300 being lower than the pressure in the second channel 400. The check valve 710 can be multiple check valves 710. Each of the multiple check valves 710 can be respectively provided in the second end portion 320 of a corresponding first channel 300.

[0147] According to the present disclosure, by allowing the flame or gas generated due to the combustion or thermal runaway of the battery module to move through a set path, damage caused by fire can be reduced.

[0148] According to the present disclosure, by allowing the gas to be discharged to the outside of the cabinet and at the same time blocking the flame from being discharged to the outside of the cabinet, the spread of the fire caused by the outflow of the flame can be prevented (or at least mitigated).

[0149] According to the present disclosure, the fire occurring in any one of the battery modules can be prevented (or at least mitigated) from spreading to adjacent battery modules or adjacent devices installed outside the cabinet by the first partition member and the second partition member.

[0150] According to the present disclosure, by changing (redirecting) the movement path of the flame multiple times, the transmission speed of the flame can be reduced, thereby further improving the flame blocking performance of the blocking member.

[0151] However, the effects that can be obtained through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the above description of the present disclosure.

[0152] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, comprising: Cabinets; a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including an exhaust port inside the cabinet; a first passage facing the exhaust port and including a first end portion and a second end portion spaced apart from each other in a first direction; a second passageway within the cabinet and connected to the second end portion; a guide member in the first passage and configured to guide movement of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port in the first direction; as well as An exhaust member connected to the second passage and configured to exhaust the gas introduced into the second passage to the outside of the cabinet.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of battery modules are stacked vertically inside the cabinet; and The first channel is between a pair of vertically adjacent battery modules among the plurality of battery modules. 3 . The energy storage system according to claim 2 , wherein a distance between bottom surfaces of the pair of vertically adjacent battery modules is greater than a height of any one of the plurality of battery modules. The energy storage system according to claim 1 , wherein a volume of the second channel is greater than a volume of the first channel. The energy storage system of claim 1 , wherein the first channel intersects the second channel.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the cabinet comprises: Framework body; A support rail, inside the frame body, the support rail supporting the plurality of battery modules; as well as A cover surrounds an outer surface of the frame body.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, wherein: the cover including a pair of side covers facing side surfaces of the plurality of battery modules and spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and The energy storage system further includes a first separator between the pair of side covers and the plurality of battery modules. 8 . The energy storage system according to claim 7 , wherein the first spacer is in contact with a side surface of the support rail.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of battery modules are arranged in at least two rows in the second direction; and The energy storage system further includes a second separator between battery modules arranged in different rows among the plurality of battery modules. 10 . The energy storage system of claim 9 , wherein the second spacer is in contact with a side surface of the support rail.

11. The energy storage system according to claim 7, wherein the cover further comprises: a door facing the first end portion, the door being configured to open or close an inner space of the frame body; and An end cover is spaced apart from the door and faces the second end portion. 12 . The energy storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the guide member includes a guide vane facing the first end portion, the guide member being configured to block the flame or gas introduced into the first passage from being discharged from the first end portion. 13 . The energy storage system of claim 12 , wherein the guide member further comprises a sealing member coupled to the guide vane, the sealing member sealing a gap between the first end portion and the guide vane. The energy storage system of claim 13 , wherein the sealing member is elastically deformable. 15 . The energy storage system according to claim 12 , wherein the guide member further comprises a guide skylight facing the exhaust port, the guide skylight being configured to change a moving direction of the flame or gas discharged from the exhaust port toward the second end portion.

16. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the discharge member comprises: a drain hole on the outside of the cabinet; a third passage inside the discharge hole and connected to the second passage and the discharge hole; a blocking member facing the discharge hole, the blocking member being configured to block the flame introduced into the third passage from passing through the discharge hole; as well as A hood faces the blocking member and is configured to guide the discharge of the gas passing through the blocking member. 17 . The energy storage system of claim 16 , wherein the blocking member comprises a blocking filter comprising a plurality of meshes.

18. The energy storage system of claim 16, wherein the third channel intersects the second channel. 19 . The energy storage system according to claim 1 , further comprising a backflow prevention member between the first channel and the second channel, the backflow prevention member being configured to block the flame or gas introduced into the second channel from flowing back into the first channel. 20 . The energy storage system of claim 19 , wherein the backflow prevention member comprises a check valve configured to open in response to a pressure in the first passage exceeding a pressure in the second passage.

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