Single frame and energy storage system comprising same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a single body frame and an energy storage system including the same, the single body frame including a pair of first side walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction and deformable by an external force, and a pair of second side walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction, and a pair of second side walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, coupled to the pair of first side walls, and deformable by an external force. According to the present invention, since the cooling fluid does not fill the lower region of the container in which the cell frame is located, but fills the upper region of the container, and the second portion of the battery cell exposed from the cell frame is located in the upper region of the container, the second portion of the battery cell including the cell terminal having a large amount of heat generation can be strongly cooled, thereby improving the cooling efficiency. And since the cooling fluid does not need to completely fill the container, the amount of the cooling fluid injected into the container can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a single body frame and an energy storage system comprising the same. Background Art

[0002] Generally speaking, an energy storage system (ESS) is a device that can store surplus electricity or store electricity generated using renewable energy. The energy storage system can be constructed by installing multiple battery modules in a rack and holding the multiple racks in a container.

[0003] Methods for cooling energy storage systems include air cooling methods and water cooling methods. Unlike air cooling methods, which have large temperature differences between battery cells and locally generate high-temperature parts, water cooling methods are conducive to managing target temperature and effectively controlling cooling. However, in the case of a water-cooled energy storage system, since the battery cells are arranged in a sealed container, when the battery cells ignite, there is a risk of accidents (such as explosions) due to excessive increase in internal pressure.

[0004] The above information disclosed in this Background section is provided for enhancement of understanding of the background of the present disclosure and therefore it may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present invention aims to provide a cell frame capable of preventing accidents caused by an increase in internal pressure when a battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, and an energy storage system including the same.

[0006] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will be apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a single body frame is provided, which includes a pair of first side walls and a pair of second side walls, wherein the pair of first side walls are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction and can be deformed by an external force, and the pair of second side walls are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, are coupled to the pair of first side walls, and can be deformed by an external force.

[0008] An accommodation portion in which a plurality of battery cells are accommodated may be provided in a space defined by the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0009] The cell frame may further include a seating plate coupled to the first side wall and the second side wall and covering an opening provided in one surface of the accommodation portion, the battery cell being seated on the seating plate.

[0010] A space reduced by the external force may be provided in any one or more of the first side wall and the second side wall.

[0011] Each of the first side walls may include a first plate, a second plate spaced apart from and facing the first plate, a first connection portion connecting the first plate and the second plate, and a first air layer formed between the first plate and the second plate.

[0012] When the first connection portion is broken by an external force, the distance between the first plate and the second plate may be reduced.

[0013] Each of the second side walls may include a third plate, a fourth plate spaced apart from and facing the third plate, a second connection portion connecting the third plate and the fourth plate, and a second air layer formed between the third plate and the fourth plate.

[0014] When the second connection portion is broken by an external force, the distance between the third plate and the fourth plate may be reduced.

[0015] The single body frame may further include a first partition wall which is disposed in the accommodation part, partitions the accommodation part, is deformable by an external force, and has a hollow shape.

[0016] The first partition wall may include a first partition wall plate, a second partition wall plate spaced apart from and facing the first partition wall plate, a first partition wall connecting portion connecting the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate, and a first partition wall air layer formed between the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate.

[0017] When the first partition wall connection portion is broken by an external force, the distance between the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate may be reduced.

[0018] The first partition wall may be provided as a plurality of first partition walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction.

[0019] The single body frame may further include a second partition wall disposed to cross the first partition wall, partitioning the accommodating part, being deformable by an external force, and having a hollow shape.

[0020] The second partition wall may include a third partition wall plate, a fourth partition wall plate spaced apart from and facing the third partition wall plate, a second partition wall connecting portion connecting the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate, and a second partition wall air layer formed between the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate.

[0021] When the second partition wall connection portion is broken by an external force, the distance between the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate may be reduced.

[0022] The second partition wall may be provided as a plurality of second partition walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy storage system comprising a container, the above-mentioned cell frame accommodated in the container, a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the cell frame, and a cooling fluid, the cooling fluid being injected into the container and the plurality of battery cells being immersed in the cooling fluid.

[0024] A first portion of the battery cell may be inserted into the cell frame, and a second portion of the battery cell may be exposed from the cell frame.

[0025] The second portion may be immersed in the cooling fluid and the monocoque frame may not be immersed in the cooling fluid.

[0026] The second portion may include an exhaust port and a cell terminal.

[0027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling fluid does not fill the lower area of ​​the container where the cell frame is located but fills the upper area of ​​the container, the second portion of the battery cell exposed from the cell frame is located in the upper area of ​​the container, so the second portion of the battery cell including the cell terminal having a large amount of heat generated can be strongly cooled, and since the cooling fluid does not need to completely fill the container, the amount of cooling fluid injected into the container can be reduced.

[0028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, a cell frame that accommodates the battery cell and is deformed by an external force can reduce an increase in pressure inside the container to prevent damage to the container.

[0029] However, the effects obtainable by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other technical effects not mentioned from the following description of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] The accompanying drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited to the accompanying drawings:

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the interior of an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic side sectional view showing an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a single body frame in an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a single body frame in an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a single body frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and

[0039] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a single body frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Here, 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 interpreted as limited to the usual or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical ideas of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicon compiler to appropriately define the concept of the term.

[0041] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some example embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that when submitting this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein.

[0042] 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 may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers may also be present. 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 to" or "coupled to" a second element, the first element may be directly coupled or coupled to the second element, or the first element may be indirectly coupled or coupled to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0043] In the accompanying drawings, the sizes of various elements, layers, etc. may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals represent the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. In addition, "may" is used to relate to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure" when describing the embodiments of the present disclosure. When expressions such as "at least one of ... " and "any one of ... " are after the element list, the entire element list is modified without modifying the individual elements of 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 of A, B and C" or "at least one selected from A, B and C" are used to specify the list of elements A, B and C, the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms "use," "using," and "used" may be considered synonymous with the terms "utilize," "utilizing," and "utilized," respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and similar terms are used as terms of approximation rather than terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize.

[0044] 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 parts, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or part from another element, component, region, layer or part. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer or part discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or part.

[0045] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "below", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used here to describe the relationship between an element or feature and other (multiple) elements or (multiple) features as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, the elements described as "below" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "above" other elements or features. Therefore, the term "below" can include both above and below orientations. The device can be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used here should be interpreted accordingly.

[0046] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than for limiting the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular form "a" is also intended to include the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that when the terms "includes", "including", "comprises" and / or "comprising" are used in this specification, the presence of the features, wholes, steps, operations, elements and / or parts is indicated, but the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or groups thereof is not excluded.

[0047] In addition, any numerical range disclosed and / or quoted herein is intended to include all sub-ranges of the same numerical precision contained in the quoted range. For example, the range of "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between the minimum value 1.0 and the maximum value 10.0 (including these two values), that is, the minimum value is equal to or greater than 1.0, and the maximum value is equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit listed herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit listed in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including claims) to explicitly list any sub-ranges contained in the range explicitly listed herein.

[0048] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc. as being "the same" may mean that they are "substantially the same." Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" may include situations where the deviation is considered low in the art, such as a deviation of 5% or less. In addition, when a parameter is referred to as being uniform in a given area, this may mean that it is uniform with respect to an average value.

[0049] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified, each element may be in the singular or in the plural.

[0050] When any element is referred to as being disposed (or positioned or placed) "on (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, it may mean that the arbitrary element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or positioned or placed) on (or below) the component.

[0051] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to another element, the elements may be directly "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or one or more intervening elements may be present between them, through which the element may be "coupled," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Furthermore, when a portion is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another portion, the portion may be directly electrically connected to the other portion, or one or more intervening portions may be present between them, such that the portion and the other portion are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0052] Throughout the specification, when "A and / or B" is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed multiple items. When "C to D" is stated, it means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0053] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the interior of an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic side sectional view showing an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a single body frame in an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 4 is a schematic exploded perspective view showing a single body frame in an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 4 , an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a container 100 , a cell frame 200 , a battery cell 300 , and a cooling fluid 400 .

[0056] The container 100 may form a substantial exterior of the energy storage system and fully support the cell frame 200 and the battery cell 300. The cooling fluid 400 may be contained in the container 100. The container 100 may include a box 110 and a cover 120.

[0057] The box 110 may form the lower outer portion of the container 100 and provide a space for accommodating the cooling fluid 400. As an example, the box 110 may be formed in a box shape in which the interior is empty and the upper surface is open. The design of the height and area of ​​the box 110 may be variously changed according to the size and number of the battery cells 300, etc.

[0058] The cooling fluid 400 may be contained in the box 110. The inner space of the box 110 may be divided into an upper region filled with the cooling fluid 400 and a lower region not filled with the cooling fluid 400. The upper region may be filled with air and the cooling fluid 400 phase-changed into gas.

[0059] The cover 120 may form an upper exterior of the container 100 and open or close an inner space of the box 110. The cover 120 may be formed in a plate shape and disposed to face an upper surface of the box 110.

[0060] The cover 120 may be detachably coupled to the case 110. As an example, the cover 120 may be fixed to the upper surface of the case 110 using any one of various types of coupling methods such as a bolting method, a welding method, and an assembly method.

[0061] The single body frame 200 is accommodated in the container 100. The single body frame 200 may be accommodated in the box 110 and seated on the bottom surface of the box 110. The single body frame 200 may be fixedly fitted into the box 110.

[0062] The cell frame 200 may be deformed by an external force. In this case, the external force may be a pressure applied to the cell frame 200 due to an expansion phenomenon of the battery cell 300. The cell frame 200 may be deformed by bending. The cell frame 200 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0063] The cell frame 200 may accommodate the battery cell 300. An accommodating portion 230 for accommodating a plurality of battery cells 300 may be provided in the cell frame 200. The battery cell 300 may be fitted into the accommodating portion 230 and fixed to the cell frame 200. The accommodating portion 230 may include a plurality of unit accommodating portions 231 for individually accommodating a plurality of battery cells 300.

[0064] The battery cell 300 can be used as a unit structure configured to store and supply power in an energy storage system. An example in which the battery cell 300 of the present invention is a lithium ion secondary battery and has a prismatic shape will be described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 300 may be a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery.

[0065] A plurality of battery cells 300 may be arranged in the first direction. In addition, the plurality of battery cells 300 arranged in the first direction may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0066] The battery cell 300 may include a first portion 300a and a second portion 300b. The first portion 300a of the battery cell 300 may be received in the cell frame 200. Specifically, the first portion 300a of the battery cell 300 may be inserted into the receiving portion 230.

[0067] The second portion 300b of the battery cell 300 other than the first portion 300a may not be inserted into the receiving portion 230 of the cell frame 200 and may be exposed from the cell frame 200. The second portion 300b of the battery cell 300 may include a vent 310 and a cell terminal 320.

[0068] The exhaust port 310 may be opened or closed in conjunction with changes in the internal pressure of the battery cell 300. That is, when the internal pressure of the battery cell 300 increases to a set pressure or higher due to overcharging, fire, etc., the exhaust port 310 may be opened, and exhaust such as flames and gas may be discharged from the inside of the battery cell 300 to the outside of the battery cell 300.

[0069] The cell terminal 320 may protrude from the second portion 300b of the battery cell 300 in a direction where the cover 120 of the container 100 is located. The cell terminal 320 may be provided as a pair of cell terminals 320. The pair of cell terminals 320 may be symmetrically disposed on both sides of the battery cell 300. The pair of cell terminals 320 may have different polarities.

[0070] The cooling fluid 400 is injected into the container 100, and the plurality of battery cells 300 are immersed in the cooling fluid 400. The cooling fluid 400 may be accommodated in the case 110, and may cool the battery cells 300 accommodated in the cell frame 200.

[0071] The cooling fluid 400 may be a fluid capable of cooling the battery cells 300 by exchanging heat with the battery cells 300. For example, the cooling fluid may include at least any one of water, Novec series refrigerant, and non-conductive liquid.

[0072] The second portion 300 b of the battery cell 300 may be immersed in the cooling fluid 400, and the cell frame 200 may not be immersed in the cooling fluid 400. The cooling fluid 400 does not fill the lower region of the case 110 where the cell frame 200 is located, and fills only the upper region of the case 110 where the second portion 300 b of the battery cell 300 exposed from the cell frame 200 is located.

[0073] Therefore, the second portion 300 b of the battery cell 300 including the cell terminal 320 having a large amount of heat generation may be strongly cooled, and since the cooling fluid 400 does not need to completely fill the container 100 , the amount of the cooling fluid 400 injected into the container 100 may be reduced.

[0074] Figure 5 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 and Fig. 9 : is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a single body frame according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 7 2 shows an operating state of the first side wall 210 of the single body frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 An operating state of the second side wall 220 of the single body frame according to the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0075] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 7 and Fig. 9 , the single body frame 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a first side wall 210 , a second side wall 220 , and a seating plate 260 .

[0076] The first side wall 210 is provided as a pair of first side walls 210, and the pair of first side walls 210 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. A pair of first side walls 210a and 210b may be arranged to face each other. The first side wall 210 may be deformed by an external force. The first side wall 210 may be deformed by bending. The first side wall 210 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0077] A space that can be reduced by external force may be included in the first sidewall 210. Specifically, the first sidewall 210 may be formed in a hollow shape having an empty interior. The first sidewall 210 may include a first plate 211, a second plate 212, a first connection portion 213, and a first air layer 214.

[0078] The first plate 211 may be formed in a substantially plate shape. The first plate 211 may be formed with a set length in the second direction.

[0079] The second plate 212 may be disposed to be spaced apart from and face the first plate 211. The second plate 212 may be formed in a substantially plate shape. The second plate 212 may be formed with a preset length in the second direction.

[0080] The first connection portion 213 may connect the first plate 211 and the second plate 212. The first connection portion 213 may be provided as a pair of first connection portions 213. A pair of first connection portions 213a and 213b may connect both side ends of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212, that is, the first connection portion 213a connects the first side ends of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 to each other, and the second connection portion 213b connects the second side ends of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 to each other, and similar descriptions in this specification are interpreted accordingly.

[0081] The first connection portion 213 may be deformed or broken when an external force is applied to any one or more of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212. When the first connection portion 213 is broken by the external force, the distance between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 may be reduced.

[0082] When pressure is applied to any one or more of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 due to an expansion phenomenon of the battery cell 300, the first connecting portion 213 may be broken, the distance between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 may be reduced, and the space of the accommodating portion 230 for accommodating the battery cell 300 in which the expansion phenomenon occurs may be expanded.

[0083] The first air layer 214 may be provided between the first plate 211 and the second plate 212. The first air layer 214 may be used to continuously maintain the shapes of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 by generating internal pressure therebetween in a state where no external force is applied to any one or more of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212.

[0084] The first air layer 214 may function as a buffer to reduce external force applied to any one or more of the first plate 211 and the second plate 212 .

[0085] The second side wall 220 is provided as a pair of second side walls 220, and the pair of second side walls 220 are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction. A pair of second side walls 220a and 220b may be arranged to face each other. The second side wall 220 may be deformed by an external force. The second side wall 220 may be deformed by bending. The second side wall 220 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0086] The pair of second side walls 220a and 220b are respectively coupled to the pair of first side walls 210a and 210b. Both side ends of the first side wall 210a may be coupled to one side end of the pair of second side walls 220a and 220b, and the other two side ends of the first side wall 210b may be coupled to the other side end of the pair of second side walls 220a and 220b.

[0087] The receiving portion 230 for receiving the plurality of battery cells 300 may be provided in a space defined by the first side wall 210 and the second side wall 220. The receiving portion 230 may include a plurality of unit receiving portions 231 for individually receiving the plurality of battery cells 300.

[0088] A plurality of battery cells 300 may be arranged in the first direction. In addition, the plurality of battery cells 300 arranged in the first direction may be arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction.

[0089] The space that can be reduced by external force may be included in the second side wall 220. Specifically, the second side wall 220 may be formed in a hollow shape with an empty interior. The second side wall 220 may include a third plate 221, a fourth plate 222, a second connection portion 223, and a second air layer 224.

[0090] The third plate 221 may be formed in a plate shape. The third plate 221 may be formed with a set length in the first direction.

[0091] The fourth plate 222 may be disposed to be spaced apart from and face the third plate 221. The fourth plate 222 may be formed in a plate shape. The fourth plate 222 may be formed with a set length in the first direction.

[0092] The second connection portion 223 may connect the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222. The second connection portion 223 may be provided as a pair of second connection portions 223. The pair of second connection portions 223a and 223b may connect both side end portions of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222.

[0093] The second connection portion 223 may be deformed or broken when an external force is applied to any one or more of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222. When the second connection portion 223 is broken by the external force, the distance between the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 may be reduced.

[0094] When pressure is applied to any one or more of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 due to the expansion phenomenon of the battery cell 300, the second connecting portion 223 may be broken, the distance between the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 may be reduced, and the space of the accommodating portion 230 for accommodating the battery cell 300 in which the expansion phenomenon occurs may be expanded.

[0095] The second air layer 224 may be provided between the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222. The second air layer 224 may be used to continuously maintain the shapes of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 by generating internal pressure between the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 in a state where no external force is applied to any one or more of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222.

[0096] The second air layer 224 may function as a buffer to reduce external force applied to any one or more of the third plate 221 and the fourth plate 222 .

[0097] The seating plate 260 may be coupled to the first side wall 210 and the second side wall 220, and may cover an opening provided in one surface of the receiving portion 230. A plurality of battery cells 300 may be seated on the seating plate 260.

[0098] Figure 6 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a single body frame according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0099] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 , the single body frame 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention may include a first side wall 210 , a second side wall 220 , a seating plate 260 , and a first partition wall 240 .

[0100] When describing the monolithic frame 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, only the first partition wall 240 which is not described in the description of the monolithic frame 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0101] The description about the unibody frame 200 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is to the remaining components of the unibody frame 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0102] The first partition wall 240 may be disposed in the receiving portion 230 and may partition the receiving portion 230. The first partition wall 240 may be formed with a set length in the second direction. Both side ends of the first partition wall 240 may be coupled to a pair of second side walls 220a and 220b.

[0103] The first partition wall 240 may be provided as a plurality of first partition walls 240, and the plurality of first partition walls 240 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other. Therefore, the receiving portion 230 may be partitioned into a plurality of unit receiving portions 231 in the first direction.

[0104] The first partition wall 240 may be deformed by an external force. The first partition wall 240 may be deformed by bending. The first partition wall 240 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0105] The first partition wall 240 may be formed in a hollow shape having an empty interior. The first partition wall 240 may include a first partition wall plate 241 , a second partition wall plate 242 , a first partition wall connection portion 243 , and a first partition wall air layer 244 .

[0106] The first partition wall plate 241 may be formed in a substantially plate shape. The second partition wall plate 242 may be disposed to be spaced apart from and face the first partition wall plate 241. The second partition wall plate 242 may be formed in a substantially plate shape.

[0107] The first partition wall connection portion 243 may connect the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242. The first partition wall connection portion 243 may be provided as a pair of first partition wall connection portions 243. The pair of first partition wall connection portions 243a and 243b may connect both side ends of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242.

[0108] When external force is applied to any one or more of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242, the first partition wall connection portion 243 may be deformed or broken. When the first partition wall connection portion 243 is broken by external force, the distance between the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 may be reduced.

[0109] When pressure is applied to any one or more of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 due to the expansion phenomenon of the battery cell 300, the first partition wall connecting portion 243 may be ruptured, the distance between the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 may be reduced, and the space of the unit accommodating portion 231 for accommodating the battery cell 300 in which the expansion phenomenon occurs may be expanded.

[0110] The first partition wall air layer 244 may be provided between the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242. The first partition wall air layer 244 may be used to continuously maintain the shapes of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 by generating internal pressure between the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 in a state where no external force is applied to any one or more of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242.

[0111] The first partition wall air layer 244 may function as a buffer to reduce external force applied to any one or more of the first partition wall plate 241 and the second partition wall plate 242 .

[0112] Figure 8 are a schematic perspective view and a partially enlarged cross-sectional view showing a single body frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an operating state of a single body frame according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The single body frame 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention may include a first side wall 210 , a second side wall 220 , a seating plate 260 , a first partition wall 240 , and a second partition wall 250 .

[0114] When describing the monolithic frame 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention, only the second partition wall 250 which is not described in the description of the monolithic frame 200 according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0115] The description about the unibody frame 200 according to the first or second embodiment of the present invention may be applied as is to the remaining components of the unibody frame 200 according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] The second partition wall 250 may be disposed to cross the first partition wall 240 to partition the receiving portion 230. The second partition wall 250 may be formed with a set length in the first direction. Both side ends of the second partition wall 250 may be connected to the pair of first side walls 210a and 210b.

[0117] The second partition wall 250 may be provided as a plurality of second partition walls 250, and the plurality of second partition walls 250 may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction. Therefore, the receiving portion 230 may be partitioned into a plurality of unit receiving portions 231 in the second direction.

[0118] The second partition wall 250 may be deformed by an external force. The second partition wall 250 may be deformed by bending. The second partition wall 250 may include an elastically deformable material.

[0119] The second partition wall 250 may be formed in a hollow shape having an empty interior. The second partition wall 250 may include a third partition wall plate 251 , a fourth partition wall plate 252 , a second partition wall connection portion 253 , and a second partition wall air layer 254 .

[0120] The third partition wall plate 251 may be formed in a substantially plate shape. The fourth partition wall plate 252 may be disposed to be spaced apart from and face the third partition wall plate 251. The fourth partition wall plate 252 may be formed in a substantially plate shape.

[0121] The second partition wall connection portion 253 may connect the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252. The second partition wall connection portion 253 may be provided as a pair of second partition wall connection portions 253. A pair of second partition wall connection portions 253a and 253b may connect both side ends of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252.

[0122] When external force is applied to any one or more of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252, the second partition wall connection portion 253 may be deformed or broken. When the second partition wall connection portion 253 is broken by external force, the distance between the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252 may be reduced.

[0123] When pressure is applied to any one or more of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252 due to the expansion phenomenon of the battery cell 300, the second partition wall connecting portion 253 may be ruptured, the distance between the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252 may be reduced, and the space of the unit accommodating portion 231 for accommodating the battery cell 300 in which the expansion phenomenon occurs may be expanded.

[0124] The second partition wall air layer 254 may be provided between the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252. In a state where no external force is applied to any one or more of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252, the second partition wall air layer 254 may be used to continuously maintain the shapes of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252 by generating internal pressure between the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252.

[0125] The second partition wall air layer 254 may function as a buffer to reduce external force applied to any one or more of the third partition wall plate 251 and the fourth partition wall plate 252 .

[0126] According to an embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling fluid does not fill the lower area of ​​the container where the cell frame is located, but fills the upper area of ​​the container (the second part of the battery cell exposed from the cell frame is located in the upper area of ​​the container), the second part of the battery cell including the cell terminal having a large amount of heat generated can be strongly cooled, and since the cooling fluid does not need to completely fill the container, the amount of cooling fluid injected into the container can be reduced.

[0127] According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a battery cell undergoes thermal runaway, a cell frame that accommodates the battery cell and is deformed by an external force can reduce an increase in pressure inside the container to prevent damage to the container.

[0128] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings showing aspects of the present invention, the present invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and changes within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention.

Claims

1. A single frame, comprising: A pair of first side walls, arranged to be spaced apart from each other in a first direction and capable of being deformed by an external force; as well as A pair of second side walls are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in a second direction intersecting the first direction, are coupled to the pair of first side walls, and are deformable by an external force. 2 . The cell frame according to claim 1 , wherein a receiving portion in which a plurality of battery cells are received is provided in a space defined by the first side wall and the second side wall. 3 . The cell frame according to claim 2 , further comprising a seating plate coupled to the first side wall and the second side wall and covering an opening provided in one surface of the accommodation portion, the battery cell being seated on the seating plate. 4 . The single body frame according to claim 2 , wherein a space reduced by an external force is provided in any one or more of the first side wall and the second side wall.

5. The one-piece frame of claim 4, wherein each of the first side walls comprises: First board; a second plate spaced apart from the first plate and facing the first plate; a first connecting portion connecting the first plate and the second plate; as well as A first air layer is formed between the first plate and the second plate.

6. The single body frame according to claim 5, wherein: When the first connection portion is broken by an external force, a distance between the first plate and the second plate is reduced.

7. The one-piece frame of claim 4, wherein each of the second side walls comprises: Third board; a fourth plate spaced apart from the third plate and facing the third plate; a second connecting portion connecting the third plate and the fourth plate; as well as A second air layer is formed between the third plate and the fourth plate.

8. The single body frame according to claim 7, wherein: When the second connection portion is broken by an external force, a distance between the third plate and the fourth plate is reduced. 9 . The single body frame according to claim 4 , further comprising a first partition wall provided in the accommodation portion, partitioning the accommodation portion, being deformable by an external force, and having a hollow shape.

10. The monolithic frame according to claim 9, wherein the first partition wall comprises: a first partition wall panel; a second partition wall plate, spaced apart from the first partition wall plate and facing the first partition wall plate; a first partition wall connecting portion connecting the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate; as well as A first partition wall air layer is formed between the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate.

11. The single body frame according to claim 10, wherein: When the first partition wall connection portion is broken by an external force, a distance between the first partition wall plate and the second partition wall plate is reduced. 12 . The single body frame according to claim 9 , wherein the first partition wall is provided as a plurality of first partition walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the first direction. 13 . The single body frame according to claim 9 , further comprising a second partition wall disposed to cross the first partition wall, partitioning the accommodation portion, being deformable by an external force, and having a hollow shape.

14. The monolithic frame according to claim 13, wherein the second partition wall comprises: a third partition wall panel; a fourth partition wall plate, spaced apart from the third partition wall plate and facing the third partition wall plate; a second partition wall connecting portion connecting the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate; as well as A second partition wall air layer is formed between the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate.

15. The single body frame according to claim 14, wherein: When the second partition wall connection portion is broken by an external force, a distance between the third partition wall plate and the fourth partition wall plate is reduced. 16 . The single body frame according to claim 13 , wherein the second partition wall is provided as a plurality of second partition walls disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the second direction.

17. An energy storage system comprising: container; a monolithic frame according to any one of claims 1 to 16 housed in the container; a plurality of battery cells housed in the cell frame; as well as A cooling fluid is injected into the container, and the plurality of battery cells are immersed in the cooling fluid.

18. The energy storage system according to claim 17, wherein: The first portion of the battery cell is inserted into the cell frame; A second portion of the battery cell is exposed from the cell frame.

19. The energy storage system according to claim 18, wherein: the second portion being immersed in the cooling fluid; The monocoque frame is not immersed in the cooling fluid.

20. The energy storage system according to claim 18, wherein the second portion comprises: Exhaust port; as well as Single terminal.

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