Energy storage system and control method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed herein is an energy storage system that may include: a plurality of batteries; one or more power conversion systems (PCSs) connected with the plurality of batteries; and a control device configured to monitor whether a fire occurs in the plurality of batteries. Here, the control device may determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery in which the fire has occurred, and control the one or more PCSs such that power stored in the one or more second batteries is discharged.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefits of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0121055, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 12, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118889, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy storage system and a control method thereof, and more particularly, to an energy storage system and a control method thereof that can prevent the spread of fire when a fire occurs in a battery system. Background Art

[0003] A secondary battery that can be repeatedly charged and reused can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet computers, and vacuum cleaners, and can also be used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as personal mobility devices, automobiles, and energy storage systems (ESSs) for smart grids.

[0004] The secondary battery can be applied to a system in the form of components such as a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are connected in series and parallel, or a battery rack in which battery modules are connected in series and parallel. For medium and large devices such as an ESS for a smart grid, a large-capacity battery system having several battery racks connected in parallel can be applied to meet the required capacity of the device.

[0005] If a fire occurs in a large-capacity battery system, the fire may spread from the burning battery to the surrounding batteries, which may develop into a large-scale fire accident. To prevent the spread of fire in the battery system, a certain amount of space is usually formed between the batteries, or a fire extinguishing system is applied in the battery system.

[0006] However, in the case of applying such a general fire spread prevention design to a battery system, the energy density of the energy storage system decreases and the system design cost increases.

[0007] Therefore, an appropriate fire spread prevention technology for solving these problems is needed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] [Technical Problem]

[0009] To eliminate one or more problems in the related art, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy storage system that can prevent the spread of fire when a fire occurs in a battery system.

[0010] To eliminate one or more problems in the prior art, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a device for controlling an energy storage system.

[0011] To eliminate one or more problems in the related art, embodiments of the present disclosure also provide a method for controlling an energy storage system.

[0012] [Technical Solution]

[0013] To achieve the object of the present disclosure, an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of batteries; one or more power conversion systems (PCS) connected to the batteries; and a control device configured to monitor whether a fire occurs in the plurality of batteries.

[0014] Here, the control device may determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from a first battery in which a fire has occurred, and control one or more PCSs such that the power stored in the one or more second batteries is discharged.

[0015] The control device may control to block the charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except the one or more second batteries, and control to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0016] The control device may select one or more third batteries capable of being charged among the batteries except the first battery and the one or more second batteries, and control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged toward the one or more third batteries.

[0017] The control device may control one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and control one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0018] The control device may control one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and control one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0019] The control device may control one or more PCSs connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and control the PCSs connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0020] The control device may define a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries, and control the plurality of second batteries to discharge in the order of the discharge priority. Here, the control device may define the discharge priority based on at least one of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from the first battery.

[0021] The control device may monitor the temperature of the first battery and control the discharge of the second battery to stop when the temperature of the first battery drops below a predetermined temperature.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a control device of an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) connected to the plurality of batteries may include: at least one processor; and a memory configured to store at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor.

[0023] The at least one instruction may include: an instruction to monitor whether a fire has occurred in the plurality of batteries; an instruction to determine, when a fire is detected, a first battery in which the fire has occurred among the plurality of batteries; an instruction to determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and an instruction to control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged.

[0024] The instruction to control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged may include: an instruction to block the charge and discharge paths of the remaining batteries other than the second battery; and an instruction to control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0025] The instruction to control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged may include: an instruction to select one or more third batteries capable of being charged among the batteries other than the first battery and the one or more second batteries; and an instruction to control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged toward the one or more third batteries.

[0026] The instruction to control the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged may include: an instruction to control one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and control one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0027] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for controlling one or more power conversion systems (PCS) connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and instructions for controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in one or more second batteries towards one or more third batteries.

[0028] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for controlling one or more PCS connected to one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and instructions for controlling the PCS connected to one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in one or more second batteries towards one or more third batteries.

[0029] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and instructions for controlling the plurality of second batteries to discharge in the order of the discharge priority. Here, the instructions for defining the discharge priority may include: instructions for defining the discharge priority based on at least one of the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and distance from the first battery.

[0030] Instructions for controlling the sequential discharge of the plurality of second batteries may include: instructions for monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and instructions for controlling the discharge of the plurality of second batteries to stop when the temperature of the first battery drops below a predetermined temperature.

[0031] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a control method for an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) connected to the plurality of batteries may include: monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the plurality of batteries; when a fire is detected, determining a first battery in which the fire has occurred among the plurality of batteries; determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and controlling the discharge of the power stored in the one or more second batteries.

[0032] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in the one or more second batteries may include: controlling the charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries other than the second batteries to be blocked; and controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0033] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in the one or more second batteries may include: selecting one or more third batteries capable of charging among the batteries other than the first battery and the second battery; and controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged towards the one or more third batteries.

[0034] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in one or more second batteries may include: controlling one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in one or more second batteries towards one or more third batteries.

[0035] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in one or more second batteries may include: controlling one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to one or more third batteries to enter a charge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in one or more second batteries towards one or more third batteries.

[0036] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in one or more second batteries may include: controlling one or more PCSs connected to one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and controlling the PCS connected to one or more third batteries to enter a charge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in one or more second batteries towards one or more third batteries.

[0037] Controlling the discharge of the power stored in one or more second batteries may include: defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and controlling the plurality of second batteries to discharge in the order of the discharge priority. Here, defining the discharge priority may include defining the discharge priority based on at least one of the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and distance from the first battery.

[0038] Controlling the sequential discharge of the plurality of second batteries may include: monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and controlling the discharge of the plurality of second batteries to stop when the temperature of the first battery drops below a predetermined temperature.

[0039] [Beneficial Effects]

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, by forcibly discharging the batteries located around the battery where a fire occurs, the spread of the fire can be prevented, and even if the fire spreads to the surrounding batteries, the losses caused by the fire can be minimized. Description of the Drawings

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a general energy storage system.

[0042] Figure 2a Block diagram of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 2b is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 3 It is an operation flowchart of a control method for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 4 It is a reference diagram for explaining a method for determining a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figures 5 to 8 It is a reference diagram for explaining a control method for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 9 It is an operation flowchart of a control method for an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figures 10 to 13 It is a reference diagram for explaining a control method for an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 14 It is a block diagram of a control device for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] 100, 100': Battery

[0051] 200, 200': Power conversion system

[0052] 300, 300': Control device Detailed implementation manners

[0053] The present invention can be modified in various forms and has various embodiments, and specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail below. However, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific embodiments, but on the contrary, the present invention covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0054] It will be understood that although terms such as first, second, A, and B are used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first element may be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any one of a plurality of related listed items.

[0055] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “coupled” or “connected to” another element, it can be directly coupled or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly coupled” or “directly connected to” another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0056] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “covers,” “covering,” “contains,” “containing,” and / or “has,” when used herein, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, and / or combinations thereof.

[0057] All terms, including technical and scientific terms, used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless otherwise defined. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0058] Some of the terms used herein are defined as follows.

[0059] State of Charge (SOC) refers to the current state of charge of a battery, expressed as a percentage [%], and State of Health (SOH) may be the current condition of the battery compared to its ideal or original condition, expressed as a percentage [%].

[0060] A battery rack refers to a system of a structure assembled by series / parallel connecting module units set by a battery manufacturer, which can be monitored and controlled by a Battery Management System (BMS). A battery rack may include several battery modules and battery protection units or any other protection devices.

[0061] A battery bank refers to a group of large battery racks configured by parallel connecting multiple battery racks. The BMS of the battery bank can monitor and control several rack BMSs, and each of the several rack BMSs manages a battery rack.

[0062] A Battery System Controller (BSC) refers to the uppermost device that controls a battery system including a battery bank-level structure or several bank-level structures.

[0063] Nominal Capacity (Nominal Capa.) may refer to the set capacity [Ah] of a battery determined by a battery manufacturer during battery development.

[0064] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0065] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a general energy storage system.

[0066] In an energy storage system (ESS), the basic unit of a battery for storing energy or electricity is a battery cell. Generally, a series / parallel combination of battery cells can form a battery module, and several battery modules can form a battery rack. In other words, a battery rack, which is a series / parallel combination of battery modules, can be the basic unit of a battery system. Here, depending on the device or system using the battery, a battery module may be referred to as a battery rack.

[0067] Refer to Figure 1 , the battery rack 10 may include several battery modules. The battery rack can be monitored and managed by a rack battery management system (rack BMS). The RBMS can monitor the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery rack to be managed, calculate the state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on the monitoring results, and control charging and discharging.

[0068] A battery system controller (BSC) 20 may be located in each battery section, which includes multiple batteries, peripheral circuits, and devices for monitoring and controlling devices such as voltage, current, temperature, and circuit breakers. The battery system controller is the top-level controller of a library-level battery system including several battery racks and also serves as a controller in a battery system having several library-level structures.

[0069] In addition, a power conversion system (PCS) 40 installed in each battery section may actually perform charging / discharging based on charging / discharging commands from an energy management system (EMS) 30. The power conversion system may include a DC / AC inverter and a controller. At the same time, the output of the battery rack 10 can be connected to a power generation device (e.g., a photovoltaic system) and the PCS 40, which is connected to the power grid through a DC bus. In addition, an energy management system (EMS) 30 or a power management system (PMS) can control the energy storage system as a whole.

[0070] The battery rack 10 may include a Battery Protection Unit (BPU), or the BPU may be placed at the input / output terminals of the battery rack 10. The BPU is a device in the battery rack that protects the battery from abnormal current and fault current. The BPU may include a Main Contactor (MC), a fuse, a Circuit Breaker (CB), or a Disconnect Switch (DS). The BPU can control the battery system rack by rack by controlling the on / off of the main contactor according to the control of the RBMS. When a short circuit occurs, the BPU can also protect the battery from the short-circuit current by using the fuse. Therefore, the existing battery system can be controlled by protection devices such as the BPU or switch gear.

[0071] In the case of a battery rack to which the BPU is applied, it is impossible to achieve individual battery rack control considering the individual uniqueness of the battery rack, such as battery capacity, SOH, and SOC. To overcome this limitation, a bidirectional DC / DC converter can be installed for each battery rack. In this case, the Battery System Controller (BSC) 20 can determine the output reference of each DC / DC converter by considering the status of each battery rack and send the output reference to each DC / DC converter.

[0072] Meanwhile, Figure 1 the battery racks shown in are connected in parallel to the DC link, and the DC link is connected to the DC side of the PCS 40. Different from Figure 1 this, the PCS (DC / AC inverter) can be individually applied to each of the battery racks, and the AC side of each PCS can be connected to the AC link and linked to the power grid.

[0073] Figure 2a is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Referring to Figure 2a , the energy storage system may include: a battery system including a plurality of batteries 100; a power conversion device (PCS) 200 connected to the battery system; and a control device 300 that controls one or more of the battery system and the PCS.

[0075] In the present invention, the battery 100 may refer to a battery rack, but the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0076] The plurality of batteries 100 may be connected in parallel to each other on the DC link.

[0077] The battery system may include at least one of a battery (hereinafter, a BPU-applied battery) having a BPU arranged at the input / output terminals of the battery and a battery (hereinafter, a DC / DC-applied battery) having a bidirectional DC / DC converter arranged at the input / output terminals of the battery. For example, all the batteries included in the battery system may be BPU-applied batteries or DC / DC-applied batteries. For another example, at least some of the batteries included in the battery system may be BPU-applied batteries, and the remaining batteries may be DC / DC-applied batteries.

[0078] The PCS 200 may include a DC / AC inverter, the DC-side terminals of which may be connected to the DC link, and the AC-side terminals of which may be connected to the AC link.

[0079] Switching devices (SW) may be placed between the DC-side terminals of the PCS 200 and the DC link. Here, the switching devices may be circuit protection switches located inside the distribution terminal box.

[0080] The control device 300 may be connected to the battery system and the PCS 200, and monitor and control the states of the battery system and the PCS 200. Here, the control device 300 may correspond to the EMS or the BSC, or may be implemented as being included in the EMS or the BSC.

[0081] The control device 300 may monitor whether a fire has occurred in the battery system.

[0082] When a fire has occurred in the battery system, the control device 300 may execute control measures to prevent the spread of the fire.

[0083] Figure 2b is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Reference Figure 2b , the energy storage system may include: a battery system including a plurality of batteries 100'; and a control device 300' that controls the battery system.

[0085] The battery system may include a PCS 200' arranged at each of the input / output terminals of the plurality of batteries 100'.

[0086] The PCS 200' may include a DC / AC inverter, the DC-side terminals of which may be connected to the input / output terminals of the battery 100', and the AC-side terminals of which may be connected to the AC link.

[0087] A plurality of PCSs 200' may be connected in parallel to each other on the AC link.

[0088] The switchgear (SW) can be arranged between the DC side terminals of 200' and the AC link.

[0089] The control device 300' can be combined with the battery system to monitor and control the state of the battery and the PCS 200'. Here, the control device 300' can correspond to the EMS or the BSC, or can be implemented as being included in the EMS or the BSC.

[0090] The control device 300' can monitor whether a fire has occurred in the battery system.

[0091] When a fire occurs in the battery system, the control device 300' can execute control measures to prevent the spread of the fire.

[0092] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the operation of a control method for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] The control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be executed by a control device located within the energy storage system.

[0094] The control device can monitor whether a fire has occurred in the battery system (S310).

[0095] Here, the control device can detect whether a fire has occurred by interlocking with the BMS of each battery, or can detect whether a fire has occurred by interlocking with at least one of the temperature sensor and the smoke detection sensor located in the battery system.

[0096] If a fire has been detected ("Yes" in S310), the control device can determine the battery (hereinafter referred to as the first battery) in which a fire has occurred among the batteries included in the battery system (S320). For example, the control device 300 can determine the battery with a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold as the battery in which a fire has occurred.

[0097] Thereafter, the control device can determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery (S330). Here, the second battery can mean a battery that may be additionally ignited by the first battery.

[0098] The distance range for determining one or more second batteries can be predefined based on the temperature distribution according to the distance from the ignited battery.

[0099] Figure 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a method for determining a second battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] Figure 4Shows a graph of the temperature change according to the distance from a specific battery (N) among a plurality of batteries arranged in a single row when a fire occurs in the battery (N). Refer to Figure 4 , at the initial time point t0 of the fire, the heat dissipation to the surrounding batteries is minimal, but after a certain period of time, i.e., at the time point t1, the heat may spread to batteries far from the ignited battery. At the time point t2 when the ignited battery (N) reaches the saturation temperature, the heat may spread to all batteries. Here, during the period (t0 to t2) before the ignited battery (N) reaches the saturation temperature, if the temperature of a specific battery exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature (e.g., the ignition temperature), a fire may occur in the battery due to the spread of heat. Therefore, the battery (the second battery) at risk of ignition can be determined as the battery whose temperature exceeds the predetermined threshold temperature during the period from the fire time point to the time point when the ignited battery reaches the highest temperature. In Figure 4 the case of, the batteries N - 2 to N + 2 centered on the ignited battery (N) can be determined as the second battery.

[0101] Meanwhile, different from Figure 4 , even if several batteries are arranged in a matrix form (e.g., 8 rows and 8 columns), the second battery can be determined based on the temperature distribution according to the distance centered on the ignited battery (N).

[0102] Refer to again Figure 3 , the control device can control one or more of the battery system and the power conversion device to discharge the power stored in the second battery (S340).

[0103] In the first embodiment, the control device can control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side. Here, the control device can control at least one of the battery system and the power conversion device to block the charge / discharge paths of the remaining batteries except the second battery, and discharge the power stored in the second battery to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0104] In the second embodiment, the control device can select one or more third batteries that can be charged among the batteries other than the first battery and the second battery, and control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the third battery side. For example, the control device linked to a battery system including DC / DC application batteries can block the connection path between the PCS and the battery system, and control one or more DC / DC converters linked to the second battery and the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to discharge the power stored in the second battery to the third battery side.

[0105] When the SOC of the second battery drops below the predefined SOC, the control device can control the discharge of the second battery to stop.

[0106] Figures 5 to 8 is a reference diagram for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Specifically, Figures 5 to 8 is a diagram for explaining a control method according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figures 5 to 7 is for explaining that Figure 2a is a diagram of a control method that can be executed in the energy storage system shown in Figure 8 is for explaining that Figure 2b is a diagram of a control method that can be executed in the energy storage system shown in

[0108] Figure 5 shows a control method of an energy storage system including BPU application batteries.

[0109] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to the stop mode and switch the BPUs of all batteries to the off state to block the charging and discharging paths of the batteries. Here, the off state of the BPU can mean that the switching device (e.g., main contactor or circuit breaker) included in the BPU is disconnected and the electrical connection between the battery and the DC link is blocked. In addition, the on state of the BPU can mean that the switching device included in the BPU is closed and thus the battery and the DC link are electrically connected.

[0110] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range from battery #4 (e.g., batteries N - 2 to N + 2) as the second batteries.

[0111] Thereafter, the control device can switch the BPUs of the second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) to the on state and switch the PCS to the discharge mode. Correspondingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0112] Figure 6 illustrates a control method of an energy storage system including DC / DC application batteries.

[0113] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to the stop mode and switch all the DC / DC converters of the batteries to the stop mode to block the charging / discharging paths of the batteries.

[0114] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range from battery #4 (e.g., batteries N - 2 to N + 2) as the second batteries.

[0115] Thereafter, the control device can switch the DC / DC converters of each second battery (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) to the discharge mode and switch the PCS to the discharge mode. Correspondingly, the power stored in the second battery (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0116] Figure 7 The figure illustrates a control method for an energy storage system including a BPU application battery and a DC / DC application battery.

[0117] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to the stop mode, switch the BPU of the BPU application battery to the off state, and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC application battery to the stop mode to block the charging / discharging path of the battery.

[0118] If Battery #4 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range (e.g., N - 2 to N + 2) from Battery #4 as the second batteries.

[0119] Subsequently, the control device can switch the BPU of the BPU application batteries (Battery #2, #3, #5) among the second batteries to the on state, switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC application battery (Battery #6) among the second batteries to the discharge mode, and switch the PCS to the discharge mode. Correspondingly, the power stored in the second battery (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0120] Figure 8 The figure shows a control method for an energy storage system including a PCS application battery.

[0121] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch all PCSs (DC / AC inverters) to the stop mode to block the charging / discharging path of the battery.

[0122] If it is determined that Battery #4 is the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range (e.g., N - 2 to N + 2) from Battery #4 as the second batteries.

[0123] Thereafter, the control device can switch the PCSs of the corresponding second batteries (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) to the discharge mode. Correspondingly, the power stored in the second battery (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the corresponding PCSs of the second battery (Battery #2, #3, #5, #6).

[0124] Figure 9 is an operation flowchart of a control method for an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 9 illustrates a control method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] The control device can monitor whether a fire has occurred in the battery system (S910).

[0126] If a fire has been detected (Yes in S910), the control device can determine the battery in which the fire has occurred among the batteries included in the battery system (hereinafter referred to as the first battery) (S920).

[0127] The control device can determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery (S930).

[0128] The control device can select one or more third batteries that can be charged among the batteries other than the first battery and the one or more second batteries (S940). Here, the control device can determine the batteries with a predetermined SOC or lower among the batteries other than the first battery and the second battery as the third batteries.

[0129] The control device can control at least one of the battery system and the power conversion device to discharge the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery side (S950).

[0130] For example, a control device interlocked with a battery system including a DC / DC application battery can block the connection path between the PCS and the battery system, and control at least one of the DC / DC converter interlocked with the second battery and the DC / DC converter interlocked with the third battery to discharge the power stored in the second battery to the third battery. Correspondingly, the third battery can be charged with the power stored in the second battery.

[0131] The control device can define a discharge priority for a plurality of secondary batteries, and control the plurality of secondary batteries to discharge sequentially according to the discharge priority.

[0132] The discharge priority can be defined based on at least one of the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH) of each battery, and the distance from the first battery. Here, a closer distance, higher SOC, or higher SOH from the first battery can be defined as a higher priority.

[0133] For example, in Figure 10Among them, among the second batteries (Batteries #2, #3, #5, #6), the batteries #3 and #5 closest to the first battery (Battery #4) can be defined as having a higher discharge priority, while the farthest batteries #2 and #6 can be defined as having a lower discharge priority. Here, if the SOC of Battery #3 is higher than the SOC of Battery #5, and the SOC of Battery #2 is higher than the SOC of Battery #6, the discharge priority can be defined in the order of Battery #3, Battery #5, Battery #2, and Battery #6.

[0134] The control device can monitor the temperature of the first battery during the process of sequentially discharging multiple second batteries according to the discharge priority, and when the temperature of the first battery becomes lower than a predetermined temperature, control the sequential discharge of the second batteries to stop. For example, after the discharge of Battery #3 is completed according to the discharge priority, if the temperature of the first battery is determined to be lower than the set temperature, the control device can terminate the control measures to prevent the spread of fire without discharging the remaining second batteries (Batteries #5, #2, #6).

[0135] Figures 10 to 13 It is a reference diagram for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0136] Specifically, Figures 10 to 13 It is a diagram for explaining the control method according to the second embodiment, Figures 10 to 12 It is a diagram for explaining that it can be in Figure 2a The control method that can be executed in the energy storage system, and Figure 13 It is a diagram for explaining that it can be in Figure 2b The control method that can be executed in the energy storage system.

[0137] Figure 10 It shows a control method of an energy storage system including a DC / DC application battery.

[0138] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to the stop mode and disconnect the switching device (SW) arranged between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control device can also switch all the DC / DC converters of the batteries to the stop mode, thereby cutting off the charging / discharging path of the batteries.

[0139] If Battery #4 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (Batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range from Battery #4 (for example, Batteries N - 2 to N + 2) as the second batteries.

[0140] In addition, the control device may identify rechargeable batteries among the remaining batteries other than the first and second batteries (e.g., batteries #7, #8) as the third battery.

[0141] Thereafter, the control device may switch the DC / DC converters of the corresponding second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) to the discharge mode, and switch the DC / DC converters of the corresponding third batteries (batteries #7, #8) to the charge mode. Correspondingly, the stored power of the second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) may be discharged, and the third batteries (batteries #7, #8) may be charged.

[0142] If battery #3 and battery #5 among the second batteries are defined as the first priority discharge batteries, and battery #2 and battery #6 are defined as the second priority discharge batteries, the control device may switch the DC / DC converters of battery #3 and battery #5 to the discharge mode so that the batteries with the first priority discharge are discharged first. When battery #3 and battery #5 are discharged to the predefined SOC, the control device may switch the DC / DC converters of battery #3 and battery #5 to the stop mode, and switch the DC / DC converters of battery #2 and battery #6 to the discharge mode so that the batteries with the second priority discharge are discharged.

[0143] Figure 11 A control method for an energy storage system including a BPU application battery and a DC / DC application battery is shown.

[0144] When a fire is detected, the control device may switch the PCS to the stop mode and disconnect the switching device (SW) arranged between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link, thereby blocking the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control device may switch the BPU of the BPU application battery to the off state and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC application battery to the stop mode, thereby blocking the charge / discharge path of the battery.

[0145] When battery #4 is identified as the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device may identify the batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range from battery #4 (e.g., batteries N - 2 to N + 2) as the second batteries.

[0146] In addition, the control device may identify rechargeable batteries among the remaining batteries other than the first and second batteries (e.g., batteries #7 and 8) as the third battery.

[0147] Thereafter, the control device can switch the BPU of the BPU application batteries (Batteries #2, #3, #5) among the second batteries to the on state, switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC application battery (Battery #6) among the second batteries to the discharge mode, and switch the DC / DC converters of the third batteries (Batteries #7, #8) to the charge mode. Correspondingly, the electric power stored in the second batteries (Batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged, and the third batteries (Batteries #7, #8) can be charged.

[0148] Figure 12 An example of a control method for an energy storage system including BPU application batteries and DC / DC application batteries is shown, which is different from Figure 11 the control method in

[0149] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to the stop mode and switch the switching device (SW) arranged between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link to the off state, thereby blocking the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control device can switch the BPU of the BPU application battery to the off state and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC application battery to the stop mode, thereby blocking the charge / discharge route of the battery.

[0150] If Battery #7 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (Batteries #5, 6, and 8) within a predetermined distance range (e.g., N - 2 to N + 2) from Battery #7 as the second batteries.

[0151] In addition, the control device can determine the rechargeable batteries (e.g., Batteries #1, #2, #3) among the remaining batteries other than the first battery and the second batteries as the third batteries.

[0152] Thereafter, the control device can switch the BPU of the BPU application battery (Battery #5) among the second batteries to the on state, switch the DC / DC converters of the DC / DC application batteries (Batteries #6, #8) among the second batteries to the discharge mode, and switch the BPU of the third batteries (Batteries #1, #2, #3) to the on state. Correspondingly, the electric power stored in the second batteries (Batteries #5, #6, #8) can be discharged, and the third batteries (Batteries #1, #2, #3) can be charged.

[0153] Figure 13 A control method for an energy storage system including PCS application batteries is shown.

[0154] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch all PCSs (DC / AC inverters) to the stop mode and switch the switching device (SW) placed between the power grid and the AC link to the off state to block the electrical connection between the battery system and the power grid.

[0155] When battery #4 is determined to be the ignited battery (the first battery), the control device can determine the batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) within a predetermined distance range from battery #4 (e.g., N - 2 to N + 2) as the second batteries.

[0156] In addition, the control device can determine the rechargeable batteries (e.g., batteries #7, #8) among the remaining batteries other than the first battery and the second batteries as the third batteries.

[0157] Thereafter, the control device can switch the PCSs of the corresponding second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) to the discharge mode and switch the PCSs of the corresponding third batteries (batteries #7, 8) to the charge mode. Correspondingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, #3, #5, #6) can be discharged, and the third batteries (batteries #7, #8) can be charged.

[0158] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a control device of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0159] The control device 300 can be located in an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) linked to the batteries. Here, the control device 300 can correspond to an energy management system (EMS) or a battery system controller (BSC), or can be implemented by being included in the EMS or the BSC.

[0160] The control device 300 can include at least one processor (310), a memory (320) storing at least one command executed by the processor, and a transceiver (330) connected to a network to perform communication.

[0161] At least one instruction can include an instruction to monitor whether a fire has occurred in the plurality of batteries; an instruction to determine the first battery in which a fire has occurred among the plurality of batteries when a fire is detected; an instruction to determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and an instruction to control the discharge of the power stored in the one or more second batteries.

[0162] The instruction to control the discharge of the power stored in the one or more second batteries can include an instruction to block the charge and discharge paths of the remaining batteries other than the second batteries; and an instruction to control the discharge of the power stored in the second batteries to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0163] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for selecting one or more third batteries capable of being charged among batteries other than the first battery and the one or more second batteries; and instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0164] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for controlling one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and instructions for controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0165] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for controlling one or more PCSs connected to the DC link of the battery to enter a stop mode, and instructions for controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more third batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0166] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for controlling one or more PCSs connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and instructions for controlling the PCSs connected to the one or more third batteries to be in a charging mode, so as to discharge the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

[0167] Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in one or more second batteries may include: instructions for defining a discharge priority for each of a plurality of secondary batteries; and instructions for controlling the plurality of secondary batteries to discharge in the order of the discharge priority. Here, the instructions for defining the discharge priority may include instructions for defining the discharge priority based on at least one of the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and distance from the first battery.

[0168] Instructions for controlling the sequential discharge of a plurality of second batteries may include: instructions for monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and instructions for controlling the discharge of the plurality of second batteries to stop when the temperature of the first battery falls below a predetermined temperature.

[0169] In addition, the control device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include an input interface device 340, an output interface device 350, a storage device 360, etc. The corresponding components included in the control device 300 may be connected through a bus 370 and may communicate with each other.

[0170] Here, the processor 310 may be a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor, on which the method according to an embodiment of the present invention is executed. The memory (or storage unit) may include at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory may include at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0171] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium includes all types of recording devices in which data readable by a computer system is stored. In addition, the computer-readable recording medium may be distributed in network-connected computer systems to store and execute the computer-readable program or code in a distributed manner.

[0172] Although some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of an apparatus, it may also be represented in accordance with a corresponding method, where a block or apparatus corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also represent features of a corresponding block or item or a corresponding apparatus. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most important method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0173] Above, the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, but those skilled in the art can understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the present invention within the scope without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, comprising: Multiple batteries; one or more power conversion systems connected to the plurality of batteries; as well as a control device configured to monitor whether a fire occurs in the plurality of batteries, The control device determines one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery where the fire has occurred, and controls the one or more circuit conversion systems so that the power stored in the one or more second batteries is discharged.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device controls so that charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except the one or more second batteries are blocked, and controls so that the power stored in the one or more second batteries is discharged to the AC link side through the power conversion system.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device selects one or more third batteries that can be charged among batteries other than the first battery and the one or more second batteries, and controls the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged toward the one or more third batteries.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein: The control device controls one or more circuit conversion systems of the DC link connected to the multiple batteries to enter a stop mode, and controls one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein: The control device controls one or more circuit conversion systems of the DC link connected to the multiple batteries to enter a stop mode, and controls one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein: The control device controls one or more circuit conversion systems connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and controls the circuit conversion systems connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The control device defines a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries, and controls the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority.

8. The energy storage system according to claim 7, wherein: The control device defines the discharge priority based on at least one of a state of charge, a state of health, and a distance from the first battery.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 7, wherein: The control device monitors the temperature of the first battery and controls the discharge of the plurality of second batteries to stop when the temperature of the first battery falls below a predetermined temperature.

10. A control device for an energy storage system, the energy storage system comprising a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems connected to the plurality of batteries, the control device comprising: at least one processor; as well as a memory configured to store at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor, The at least one instruction includes: instructions for monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the plurality of batteries; When a fire is detected, an instruction to determine a first battery among the plurality of batteries in which the fire has occurred; instructions to determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and Instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged.

11. The control device according to claim 10, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: an instruction for controlling charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except the one or more second batteries to be blocked; and Instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged to the AC link side through the power conversion system.

12. The control device according to claim 10, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: an instruction to select one or more third batteries capable of being charged among batteries other than the first battery and the one or more second batteries; and Instructions for controlling the discharge of power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

13. The control device according to claim 12, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: Instructions for controlling one or more circuit conversion systems of a DC link connected to the plurality of batteries to enter a stop mode, and controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

14. The control device according to claim 12, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: Instructions for controlling one or more circuit conversion systems of a DC link connected to the plurality of batteries to enter a stop mode, and controlling one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charging mode, thereby discharging power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

15. The control device according to claim 12, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: Instructions for controlling one or more circuit conversion systems connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and controlling a circuit conversion system connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

16. The control device according to claim 10, wherein: The instructions for controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged include: instructions for defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and Instructions for controlling the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority.

17. The control device according to claim 16, wherein: The instructions for defining the discharge priority include: Instructions for defining the discharge priority based on at least one of a state of charge, a state of health, and a distance from the first battery.

18. The control device according to claim 16, wherein: The instruction for controlling the plurality of second batteries to discharge sequentially comprises: instructions to monitor the temperature of the first battery; and The command controls the discharge of the plurality of second batteries to stop when the temperature of the first battery falls below a predetermined temperature.

19. A control method for an energy storage system, the energy storage system comprising a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems connected to the plurality of batteries, the control method comprising: monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the plurality of batteries; When a fire is detected, determining a first battery in which the fire occurs among the plurality of batteries; determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; as well as The power stored in the one or more second batteries is controlled to be discharged.

20. The control method according to claim 19, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: controlling charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except the one or more second batteries to be blocked; and The power stored in the one or more second batteries is controlled to be discharged to the AC link side through the power conversion system.

21. The control method according to claim 19, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: selecting one or more third batteries that are capable of being charged among batteries other than the first battery and the second battery; and The power stored in the one or more second batteries is controlled to be discharged toward the one or more third batteries.

22. The control method according to claim 21, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: One or more circuit conversion systems of a DC link connected to the plurality of batteries are controlled to enter a stop mode, and one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more second batteries are controlled to enter a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

23. The control method according to claim 21, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: One or more circuit conversion systems of a DC link connected to the plurality of batteries are controlled to enter a stop mode, and one or more DC / DC converters connected to the one or more third batteries are controlled to enter a charging mode, thereby discharging power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

24. The control method according to claim 21, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: Controlling one or more circuit conversion systems connected to the one or more second batteries to enter a discharge mode, and controlling one or more circuit conversion systems connected to the one or more third batteries to enter a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the one or more second batteries toward the one or more third batteries.

25. The control method according to claim 19, wherein: Controlling the power stored in the one or more second batteries to be discharged includes: defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and The plurality of second batteries are controlled to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority.

26. The control method according to claim 25, wherein: Defining the discharge priority includes: A discharge priority is defined based on at least one of a state of charge, a state of health, and a distance from the first battery.

27. The control method according to claim 25, wherein: Controlling the plurality of second batteries to discharge sequentially comprises: monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and When the temperature of the first battery falls below a predetermined temperature, the discharge of the plurality of second batteries is controlled to stop.

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