Battery pack and ess including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; the battery pack includes a plurality of battery cells, and a pack case provided with a plurality of unit plates to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, and provided with an exhaust portion provided to pass through at least one of the plurality of unit plates to discharge gas discharged from the battery cells to the outside, wherein an exhaust space is formed in at least some of the unit plates to extend toward the exhaust portion so that gas flows therein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and an energy storage system (ESS) including the battery pack.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119306, filed in Korea on September 7, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0153945, filed in Korea on November 8, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0004] Due to being easily applicable to different types of products and having electrical characteristics such as high energy density, secondary batteries are not only commonly used in portable devices but also applied to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), or energy storage systems (ESSs). Secondary batteries significantly reduce the use of fossil fuels, and in addition to this main advantage, they do not produce by-products during the energy usage process. From this perspective, secondary batteries, as a new type of more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient energy source, are receiving increasing attention.

[0005] According to the charge / discharge capacity of the battery pack required for an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), or an energy storage system (ESS), a plurality of battery cells can be connected in series / parallel to form a battery pack. In this case, usually, a battery pack including at least one battery cell is formed, and then at least one battery pack is used to add other components to form a battery pack or a battery rack. Alternatively, recently, a cell-to-pack type battery pack is manufactured by directly accommodating battery cells in a battery pack housing without modularization.

[0006] However, in the case where the battery pack includes a large number of lithium secondary batteries, in the event of a fire and explosion, the damage will be greater. A fire in the battery pack starts with an abnormal temperature rise and gas generation in the battery cells of the battery pack. Therefore, when the internal pressure of the battery cell increases beyond a predetermined level, venting occurs, and high-temperature gas and high-temperature sparks including electrode active materials and aluminum particles come out of the battery cell.

[0007] Therefore, in order to ensure the stability of the battery pack during use, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack, it is necessary to quickly release the venting to the outside of the battery pack to prevent the internal pressure of the battery pack from further increasing.

[0008] If the exhaust gas is not properly released into the atmosphere, the internal pressure of the battery pack may increase, resulting in damage to components of the battery pack, such as other battery cells or the battery pack housing. Additionally, due to the increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack, more serious problems may occur, such as an explosion in the battery pack. Therefore, it is very important to release the exhaust gas into the atmosphere.

[0009] Conventional battery packs have an exhaust portion in the battery pack housing to release high-temperature exhaust gas to the outside of the battery pack housing when a thermal event occurs in a specific battery cell or the battery pack.

[0010] However, in the case of this type of battery pack, the gas can move in all four directions including the direction in which the exhaust portion is located, thereby accelerating the propagation of thermal runaway between battery cells. In particular, due to the very narrow space between the flat top plate covering the top of the battery cell and the battery cell, it is difficult to form a flow channel for moving the exhaust gas to the exhaust portion, and thus, the internal pressure of the battery pack may further increase.

[0011] Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in the battery pack, it is necessary to direct the high-temperature gas toward the exhaust portion for exhausting to quickly release the gas to the outside of the battery pack.

[0012] In addition, a space for exhaust gas flow in the battery pack is required to prevent an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Technical Problem

[0014] The present disclosure aims to solve the above problems, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery pack for ensuring safety and reliability in the abnormal situation of a battery cell and an energy storage system (ESS) including the battery pack.

[0015] However, the problems to be solved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above problems, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand these and other problems from the following description.

[0016] Technical Solution

[0017] To solve the above problems, a battery pack according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of battery cells; and a battery pack housing including a plurality of unit plates and configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, the battery pack housing having an exhaust portion disposed in at least one of the plurality of unit plates to release gas discharged from the battery cells to the outside, wherein at least some of the plurality of unit plates have an exhaust space extending toward the exhaust portion to allow gas flow.

[0018] The unit plate may include a top plate configured to cover the top of the battery cell, and an exhaust space may be formed in the top plate.

[0019] The top plate may include a main body portion and a flow channel portion configured such that at least a portion of the main body portion protrudes upward to form the exhaust space.

[0020] The unit plate may include end plates configured to cover both sides of the cell array including the plurality of stacked battery cells, and the end plates may include coupling grooves into which the top plate is inserted.

[0021] The end plates may include protruding portions configured such that at least a portion of the ends protrudes further upward than the top plate, and the flow channel portion may be placed in the space between the protruding portions.

[0022] The exhaust portion may include a plurality of exhaust portions, and the flow channel portion may include a plurality of flow channel portions corresponding to the positions of the exhaust portions.

[0023] The flow channel portion may extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell.

[0024] The flow channel portion may include a region where the volume of the exhaust space increases as it gets closer to the exhaust portion.

[0025] The flow channel portion may include a corrugated shape on at least one surface in cross-section.

[0026] The top plate may include a guiding portion configured such that at least a portion of the main body portion slopes upward toward the flow channel portion.

[0027] The plurality of battery cells may be stacked to form a plurality of cell arrays, and the top plate may include a recessed portion between adjacent cell arrays, and the recessed portion is configured such that at least a portion of the flow channel portion protrudes downward.

[0028] At least a portion of the top plate may protrude downward to prevent gas from moving in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

[0029] The top plate may include a first rib configured such that at least a portion of the main body portion protrudes downward and is inserted between the battery cells.

[0030] The battery pack may further include a barrier member inserted between the battery cells, and the first rib may include an insertion groove into which the barrier member is inserted.

[0031] The top plate may include a second rib configured such that at least a portion of the flow channel portion protrudes downward and is inserted between the battery cells.

[0032] The exhaust portion may include an exhaust hole and a cover portion, where the exhaust hole passes through at least a part of the unit plate, and the cover portion is configured to cover at least a part of the exhaust hole.

[0033] The cover portion may be configured such that at least a part of the unit plate protrudes outward.

[0034] The exhaust portion may include a discharge hole formed by the open bottom of the cover portion.

[0035] In addition, an energy storage system (ESS) according to the present disclosure may include a battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0036] Advantageous Effects

[0037] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exhaust gas generated in the case of an abnormality of the battery cell can be quickly released to the outside of the battery pack housing, thereby effectively preventing an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack housing. Therefore, the safety and reliability of the battery pack can be ensured.

[0038] In addition, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the exhaust gas can be quickly released to the outside of the battery pack housing, thereby preventing damage to the components of the battery pack due to the exhaust gas.

[0039] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the directional exhaust (directionally released) of the exhaust gas generated in the case of an abnormality of the battery cell can be achieved, thereby preventing thermal damage to other battery cells in the battery pack.

[0040] Therefore, events such as fires or explosions caused by thermal runaway in the battery pack or a device including the battery pack can be prevented or delayed.

[0041] In addition, the present disclosure may also have many other effects, and the effects will be described in each embodiment, or the corresponding description will be omitted for effects that are easily inferred by those skilled in the art. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0042] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and are used together with the following detailed description to provide a better understanding of the technical aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0043] Figure 1 is a full perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 3It is taken along line I-I'. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view.

[0046] Figure 4 It is Figure 3 An enlarged view of section A in

[0047] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing the flow direction of exhaust gas in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 6 It is a full perspective view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 7 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 9 It is a full perspective view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 10 It is Figure 9 Cross-sectional view of the battery pack.

[0053] Figure 11 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 11 It is taken along line I-I'. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view.

[0054] Figure 12 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 13 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] Figure 14 It is a front perspective view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 14 It is a diagram showing the exhaust direction of exhaust gas in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0057] Figure 15 It is a front view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 16 It is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 16 It is taken along line II-II'. Figure 1 Cross-sectional view, showing some components at the front side. Detailed implementation mode

[0059] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms or words used in the specification and the appended claims should not be construed as limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best explanation.

[0060] Therefore, the embodiments described herein and the illustrations shown in the accompanying drawings are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure for describing the technical aspects of the present disclosure and are not intended to be restrictive. Thus, it should be understood that various other equivalents and modifications may have emerged at the time of filing of the present application.

[0061] In addition, the present disclosure includes many different embodiments. To avoid redundancy, the description of substantially the same or similar elements in each embodiment is omitted, and the differences will be described.

[0062] Terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used for convenience of description, but it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms may change according to the position of the element or the observer.

[0063] For example, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the X-axis direction shown in the accompanying drawings may refer to the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal surface (X-Y plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0064] Figure 1 is a full perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 3 is taken along line I-I' of Figure 1 cross-sectional view. In addition, Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of section A in Figure 5 is a view showing the flow direction of the exhaust gas in the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Referring to Figures 1 to 5 According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 includes battery cells 100 and a battery pack housing 200.

[0066] First, mainly referring to Figure 2, the battery cell 100 may include a plurality of battery cells. Although not shown in the drawings, the plurality of battery cells 100 may include an electrode assembly, a cell housing that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode leads that are connected to the electrode assembly and extend outward from the cell housing to serve as electrode terminals. In this case, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be electrically connected to each other.

[0067] The battery cell 100 may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell housing of the pouch-type secondary battery may be formed in the shape of a pouch including an aluminum metal layer interposed between polymer layers.

[0068] As Figure 2 shown, the plurality of battery cells 100 may be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) in a standing position along the vertical direction (Z-axis direction). In this case, each battery cell 100 may have a sealed portion facing the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) and the upward direction (+Z-axis direction) and a housing portion facing the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0069] The plurality of battery cells 100 may be stacked side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) to form a cell array C. As Figure 2 shown, the cell array C may include a plurality of cell arrays arranged side by side in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction).

[0070] Meanwhile, the present disclosure is not limited to a specific type or shape of the battery cell 100, and various types of battery cells 100 known at the time of filing the application may be used to form the battery pack 10 of the present disclosure. For example, the battery cell 100 may include a prismatic battery.

[0071] In addition, the battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a bus bar assembly and / or terminals that are electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0072] Meanwhile, the battery pack housing 200 may be configured to house the plurality of battery cells 100. That is, the battery pack housing 200 may provide a housing space for housing the plurality of battery cells 100. The battery pack housing 200 may be made of a material having mechanical stiffness such as metal (such as steel or SUS) or plastic, or include such a material to safely protect the battery cells 100 housed therein.

[0073] The battery pack housing 200 may include a plurality of unit plates. The plurality of unit plates may be configured to cover the upper surface, the lower surface, and the sides of the stacked cell array C.

[0074] The battery pack housing 200 may have an exhaust portion 300. The exhaust portion 300 may be configured to release the gas generated from the battery cells 100 received in the battery pack housing 200 to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. The exhaust portion 300 may be disposed in at least one of the plurality of unit plates.

[0075] The exhaust portion 300 may be formed in the shape of a hole passing through the battery pack housing 200 from the inside to the outside. Alternatively, the exhaust portion 300 may be formed in the shape of an exhaust device that is installed in the hole of the battery pack housing 200 and operates when gas is generated inside the battery pack housing 200.

[0076] The battery pack housing 200 may have an exhaust space S in which the gas discharged from the battery cells 100 flows. The exhaust space S may be formed in at least some of the plurality of unit plates. The exhaust space S may be formed in the unit plate located on the side where the gas is discharged from the battery cells 100, and the position where the exhaust space S is formed here may be changed according to the gas exhaust direction. For example, as in Figures 1 to 4 the illustrated embodiment, when the gas is discharged in the upward direction of the battery cells 100, the exhaust space S may be formed in the unit plate configured to cover the top of the battery cells 100 among the unit plates.

[0077] Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the case of an abnormal situation occurring in the battery pack 10, the exhaust can be quickly guided to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust space S between the battery pack housing 200 and the battery cells 100.

[0078] In addition, through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the exhaust is quickly released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200, damage to the components of the battery pack 10, such as other battery cells 100 or the battery pack housing 200, due to the exhaust can be prevented.

[0079] In this case, the exhaust space S may extend toward the exhaust portion 300. That is, the exhaust space S may be configured to guide the gas toward the exhaust portion 300. Therefore, the gas collected in the exhaust space S may move toward the exhaust portion 300.

[0080] With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery pack 10, the gas generated from the battery cell 100 and guided toward the exhaust space S can be quickly released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust portion 300. Therefore, in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery cell 100, an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack housing 200 can be effectively prevented, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10. In addition, with the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the event of an abnormal situation in the battery pack 10, the spread of fire to other battery cells 100 can be suppressed or delayed.

[0081] Referring to Figures 1 to 4 , the unit plate of the battery pack housing 200 may include a top plate 210. The top plate 210 may be configured to cover the tops of the plurality of battery cells 100. That is, the top plate 210 may form the upper surface of the battery pack housing 200. The top plate 210 may protect the components (such as the battery cell 100) received therein and prevent the exhaust from the battery cell 100 from being released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200, particularly in the upward direction of the battery pack housing 200.

[0082] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the exhaust space S may be formed in the top plate 210. Specifically, the top plate 210 may include a main body portion 211 and a flow channel portion 212. The main body portion 211 may be configured to cover the top of the battery cell 100. The main body portion 211 may be in a flat shape of a substantially rectangular plate.

[0083] The flow channel portion 212 may be configured to form the exhaust space S. The flow channel portion 212 may be configured such that at least a part of the main body portion 211 protrudes upward (+Z axis direction). The flow channel portion 212 may be integrally formed with the main body portion 211. In addition, the flow channel portion 212 may be formed in a shape in which a part of the outer surface is recessed in the outward direction of one main body portion 211. The flow channel portion 212 may be formed by plastic extrusion molding of the top plate 210.

[0084] Therefore, when viewed from the outside, the flow channel portion 212 may protrude further outward than the main body portion 211, and when viewed from the inside, the flow channel portion 212 may be formed in the shape of a recessed groove that is recessed further outward than the main body portion 211. The exhaust space S may be formed in the internal space of the outwardly protruding flow channel portion 212.

[0085] The flow channel portion 212 may include a plurality of flow channel portions, and thus the exhaust space S may also include a plurality of exhaust spaces. Accordingly, when an abnormal situation occurs in any battery cell 100, the exhaust gas can move to the exhaust space S closest to the battery cell 100 where the event occurs.

[0086] The main body portion 211 may direct the exhaust gas toward the exhaust space S in the battery pack housing 200. Specifically, since the flow channel portion 212 protrudes upward, the pressure in the space between the flow channel portion 212 and the battery cell 100 may be lower than the pressure in the space between the main body portion 211 and the battery cell 100. Thus, as Figure 4 shown by the solid arrows in the figure, the exhaust gas can move from the top of the exhaust battery cell 100 along the upper inner surface of the main body portion 211 to the exhaust space S with a lower pressure.

[0087] With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, since there is a volume inside the battery pack housing 200, an increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack 10 can be more effectively prevented. Additionally, the exhaust gas can flow naturally to the exhaust space S due to the pressure difference, thereby causing directional exhaust.

[0088] In addition, according to an embodiment, a fire extinguishing portion may be provided in the exhaust space S. The fire extinguishing portion may be filled with a fire extinguishing material. The fire extinguishing portion may be configured to force the filled fire extinguishing material out when the fire extinguishing portion is melted by high-temperature gas or flame. With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the gas or flame generated from the battery cell 100 enters the exhaust space S, heat can be absorbed from the high-temperature gas or flame or the fire can be stopped at an early stage through the operation of the fire extinguishing portion. Thus, heat transfer between the battery cells 100 can be suppressed or prevented, thereby ensuring safety.

[0089] Hereinafter, the structure of the battery pack housing 200 will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 5 In addition to the top plate 210, the unit plates of the battery pack housing 200 may include a base plate 220, end plates 230, a front plate 240, and a rear plate 250.

[0090] The base plate 220 may have an upper surface on which the plurality of battery cells 100 are mounted. The base plate 220 may form the lower surface of the battery pack housing 200 and may be in the shape of a substantially rectangular plate. Additionally, the upper surface of the base plate 220 may be flat to stably mount the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0091] The end plates 230, the front plate 240, and the rear plate 250 may extend upward from each side (edge portion) of the base plate 220. The end plates 230, the front plate 240, and the rear plate 250 may be configured to cover the sides of the plurality of battery cells 100.

[0092] More specifically, the front plate 240 may be located at the front end portion (-Y axis direction) of the substrate 220 and configured to cover the front side of the single cell array C. The rear plate 250 may be located at the rear end portion (+Y axis direction) of the substrate 220 and configured to cover the rear side of the single cell array C.

[0093] In addition, the end plates 230 may be located at both end portions (+X axis direction and -X axis direction) of the substrate 220 and configured to cover both sides of the single cell array C including the plurality of stacked battery cells 100. That is, the end plates 230 may be configured to cover both sides of the single cell array C in the stacking direction. The end plates 230 may include a plurality of end plates arranged in the front-rear direction. Accordingly, the end plates 230 may be arranged on both sides of the single cell array C facing each other in the left-right direction.

[0094] The top plate 210 may be configured to cover the open top of the internal space defined by the substrate 220, the end plates 230, the front plate 240, and the rear plate 250. In particular, referring to Figure 4 , the top plate 210 may be coupled to the end plates 230. Specifically, the top plate 210 may be inserted and coupled to the upper end portions of the end plates 230. The end plates 230 may have coupling grooves 231 into which the top plate 210 is inserted. The coupling grooves 231 may be disposed in the upper end portions of the end plates 230.

[0095] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the top plate 210 may be fixedly placed on the end plates 230 disposed on both sides of the single cell array C. Accordingly, in the case where the battery cells 100 expand, the end plates 230 can be prevented from moving away in the left-right direction. In addition, with the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the case where expansion occurs on the top of the battery pack 10 while the battery pack 10 is in use, both sides of the top plate 210 can be fixed by the end plates 230.

[0096] Referring to Figure 4 , the upper end portions of the end plates 230 may be stepped. That is, at least a part of the upper end portions of the end plates 230 may be formed in a shape that is recessed inward. Specifically, the end plates 230 may have protruding portions 232. The protruding portions 232 may be configured such that at least a part of the ends of the end plates 230 protrude upward. In particular, the protruding portions 232 may protrude further upward than the top plate 210.

[0097] The protruding portions 232 may be disposed at positions more outward than the coupling grooves 231. Accordingly, the top plate 210 may be coupled between the protruding portions 232 of the two end plates 230, and a space may be formed in the horizontal direction along the extending direction of the plane of the top plate 210 between the protruding portions 232.

[0098] In addition, the flow channel portion 212 can be placed in the space between the protruding portions 232. In this case, the height by which the flow channel portion 212 protrudes from the main body portion 211 can be equal to or less than the height by which the protruding portion 232 protrudes further than the main body portion 211.

[0099] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, since the flow channel portion 212 is placed in the space formed by the protruding portions 232, the flow channel portion 212 protrudes further outward than the main body portion 211, but the height of the battery pack 10 may no longer increase. Therefore, the volume of the battery pack 10 can be minimized, thereby improving the efficiency of the battery pack 10.

[0100] Meanwhile, as Figure 1 shown, the top plate 210 and the base plate 220 can protrude further outward than the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250.

[0101] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the case of an abnormal situation occurring in the battery pack 10, it is possible to prevent the gas discharged through the exhaust portion 300 from moving to the upper or lower part of the battery pack 10. Therefore, when a plurality of battery packs 10 of the present disclosure are included in another device in the vertical direction, it is possible to prevent heat from spreading to adjacent battery packs 10.

[0102] In addition, since the top plate 210 protrudes further forward and backward than the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250, particles can be collected in the protruding space. That is, the top plate 210 can include a collection portion that is configured such that at least a part of the top plate 210 protrudes outward to collect particles.

[0103] Particles or flames with high flatness can move from the exhaust battery cell 100 to the exhaust portion 300, impact the internal structure of the battery pack housing 200, and with the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the protruding space can prevent the particles from being released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the flames generated by the reaction between the particles and oxygen outside the battery pack housing 200. Therefore, through the above aspects of the present disclosure, the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0104] Meanwhile, the exhaust portion 300 can include a plurality of exhaust portions. In particular, the exhaust portion 300 can be located in at least some unit plates of the battery pack housing 200. For example, the exhaust portion 300 can be placed in each of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250.

[0105] The exhaust portion 300 can be separately formed in each of two or more unit plates, and two or more exhaust portions 300 can be formed in a single unit plate. The plurality of exhaust portions 300 can be placed in each of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250. For example, referring toFigure 2 Each of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250 may have six exhaust portions 300, and the battery pack 10 may include a total of 12 exhaust portions 300.

[0106] The plurality of exhaust portions 300 may be placed in a single unit plate, spaced apart from each other in the horizontal or vertical direction. Additionally, the plurality of exhaust portions 300 may be symmetric with respect to the center of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250.

[0107] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the event of an abnormality of the battery cell 100, high-temperature gas can be discharged in two directions of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust portions 300 symmetrically placed on both sides of the battery pack housing 200. Additionally, with the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, gas can be first discharged from the exhaust portion 300 closest to the specific battery cell 100 where the thermal event occurs, thereby discharging gas quickly according to the location of the thermal event.

[0108] Specifically, the electrode leads or empty spaces of the battery cell 100 may be located in the unit plate where the exhaust portion 300 is located. Thus, the gas generated from the battery cell 100 and present inside the battery pack housing 200 can be easily and more quickly released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200.

[0109] Meanwhile, Figures 1 to 5 The number or position of the exhaust portions 300 described on the basis of the embodiments of

[0110] As described above, the exhaust portions 300 may be arranged in rows and columns. In this case, the flow channel portion 212 may also include a plurality of flow channel portions. The plurality of flow channel portions 212 may be placed at positions corresponding to the positions of the exhaust portions 300. For example, as Figure 2 shown, the exhaust portions 300 may be arranged in 2 rows and 3 columns in each of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250, and three flow channel portions 212 may be arranged corresponding to the number of columns in which the exhaust portions 300 are arranged.

[0111] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the gas flowing in each exhaust space S can be released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust portion 300 corresponding to each exhaust space S. Thus, directional exhaust can be caused more efficiently.

[0112] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Together with Figure 1 for reference Figure 6, the flow channel portion 212 may be formed corresponding to the exhaust direction. The flow channel portion 212 may extend along the longitudinal direction of the battery cell 100. That is, the flow channel portion 212 may extend along a horizontal direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 100. In addition, the extending direction of the flow channel portion 212 may face the exhaust portion 300. For example, the flow channel portion 212 may extend along the front-rear direction or the placement direction of the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250.

[0114] The flow channel portion 212 may extend toward the exhaust portion 300 in the same manner as Figure 1 the embodiment shown. Alternatively, the flow channel portion 212 may include a buckling portion in the middle.

[0115] Therefore, as Figure 4 indicated by the solid arrows in, the gas may move toward the top of the battery cell 100 to the exhaust space S. Additionally, as Figure 5 indicated by the solid arrows in, the gas may be guided through the flow channel portion 212 extending toward the exhaust portion 300 to the front plate 240 and the rear plate 250 having the exhaust portion 300.

[0116] Through the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the case of an abnormal situation in the battery pack 10, the gas generated from the battery cell 100 may move toward the exhaust portion 300 instead of moving in all directions.

[0117] The flow channel portion 212 may include a region where the volume of the exhaust space S increases as it gets closer to the exhaust portion 300. For example, as in the Figure 6 embodiment shown, the flow channel portion 212 may include a region where the width increases as it gets closer to the exhaust portion 300. Alternatively, the flow channel portion 212 may include a region where the height increases as it gets closer to the exhaust portion 300. Therefore, by utilizing the change in the volume of the exhaust space S in one flow channel portion 212, the exhaust can be guided toward the exhaust portion 300. That is, as it gets closer to the exhaust portion 300, the volume of the exhaust space S formed by the flow channel portion 212 increases, and the pressure decreases, thereby enhancing the movement of the exhaust to the exhaust portion 300.

[0118] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] Referring to Figure 7, the flow channel portion 212 may include a wavy shape on at least one surface in cross-section. That is, the upper surface of the flow channel portion 212 may have a wavy, triangular, or wedge shape. At least one surface of the flow channel portion 212 may be shaped such that regular or irregular protruding portions and recessed portions repeat along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100.

[0120] In this case, some of the gas, sparks, or flames entering the exhaust space S continuously impinge on the wavy structure formed in the flow channel portion 212. Therefore, through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the path of the sparks or flames with high flatness can be increased, thereby more effectively suppressing the flow of the sparks or flames moving to the exhaust portion 300.

[0121] In addition, through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when exhausting rapidly in the front-rear direction extending along the exhaust space S, high-temperature heat damage to the components of the battery pack 10 can be prevented.

[0122] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0123] The top plate 210 may include a guiding portion 213. The guiding portion 213 may be configured to guide the gas between the main body portion 211 and the battery cells 100 to the flow channel portion 212. For example, as in the Figure 8 illustrated embodiment, the guiding portion 213 may be configured such that at least a part of the main body portion 211 is inclined upward toward the flow channel portion 212. Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the gas generated from the battery cells 100 located below the main body portion 211 can be moved to the flow channel portion 212 more quickly.

[0124] Figure 9 is a full perspective view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 10 is Figure 9 a cross-sectional view of the battery pack.

[0125] As described above, the battery cells 100 may be stacked in the left-right direction to form a cell array C. In this case, the cell array C may include a plurality of cell arrays arranged in the front-rear direction (Y-axis direction) (i.e., the horizontal direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery cells 100). For example, as in the Figure 2 illustrated embodiment, two cell arrays C may be arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0126] The top plate 210 may be configured to prevent gas from moving between the cell arrays C. For example, as in the Figure 9 and Figure 10In the illustrated embodiment, the top plate 210 may include a recessed portion 214. The recessed portion 214 may be disposed between adjacent cell arrays C. The recessed portion 214 may be configured to define an exhaust space S for the flow channel portion 212.

[0127] The recessed portion 214 may be configured such that at least a portion of the flow channel portion 212 protrudes downward. When viewed from the outside, the recessed portion 214 may be more recessed inward than the flow channel portion 212. The adjacent cell arrays C may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance, and the recessed portion 214 may contact the structure disposed between the cell arrays C.

[0128] With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the space for gas movement between the cell arrays C can be minimized, thereby minimizing the possibility that gas or flame will spread to another cell array C when a thermal event occurs in any of the cell arrays C. That is, the gas generated from the cell array C where the thermal event occurs can be released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust space S and the exhaust portion 300 located on the side of the cell array C affected by the thermal event. Therefore, thermal runaway propagation between other adjacent cell arrays C can be prevented.

[0129] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 11 may be taken along line I-I' Figure 1 of the cross-sectional view. Additionally, Figure 12 and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0130] At least a portion of the top plate 210 may protrude downward to prevent gas from moving in the stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells 100. That is, the top plate 210 may be configured to divide the battery cells 100 into groups.

[0131] With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the gap between the battery cells 100 and the top plate 210 can be minimized, thereby preventing thermal runaway from spreading to other adjacent battery cells 100. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in any group of battery cells 100, the possibility that gas or flame will spread to other groups of battery cells 100 can be minimized.

[0132] Specifically, referring to Figure 11 , the top plate 210 may include a first rib 215.

[0133] The first rib 215 can be configured such that at least a part of the main body portion 211 of the top plate 210 protrudes downward. Therefore, since the first rib 215 is located inside the battery pack 10, the height of the battery pack 10 is not increased and the appearance is not changed. In addition, since the first rib 215 is located in the empty space inside the battery pack 10, the energy density of the battery pack 10 is not affected.

[0134] The first rib 215 can be inserted between adjacent battery cells 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. In particular, the first rib 215 can be inserted between the upper sealing portions of the battery cells 100. The first rib 215 can be placed between the battery cells 100, and as Figure 12 shown, when the barrier member 500 is included, the first rib 215 can be placed on the barrier member 500.

[0135] In addition, the first rib 215 can extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The first rib 215 can have the same shape or length as the battery cell 100. The length of the first rib 215 can be equal to the length of the battery cell 100. Therefore, both sides of the battery cell 100 can be blocked by the first rib 215, thereby preventing gas movement.

[0136] The top plate 210 can be manufactured by extrusion such that the first rib 215 is incorporated into the top plate 210. Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the first rib 215 is incorporated into the top plate 210, the process of coupling the first rib 215 to the top plate 210 can be eliminated, and damage to the coupling portion of the first rib 215 and the top plate 210 can be minimized.

[0137] The first rib 215 can be made of a material having high heat resistance and / or fire resistance to maintain an airtight structure under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the first rib 215 can be made of a fire-resistant plastic material.

[0138] The first rib 215 can include a plurality of first ribs along one direction. This direction can be defined as the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked, that is, the left-right direction (X-axis direction). In this case, each first rib 215 can be placed in the main body portion 211 between the flow channel portions 212. For example, in the case of three flow channel portions 212, two first ribs 215 can be provided, and the battery cells 100 can be divided into three groups. The exhaust gas generated in the space defined by the first rib 215 can smoothly move from the space between the main body portion 211 and the top plate 210 to the flow channel portion 212.

[0139] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the battery cell 100 can be thoroughly divided and separated into groups by the first rib 215. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100, it is possible to prevent exhaust gas or flames from spreading in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 across the first rib 215, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0140] Reference Figure 12 , according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 may include a barrier member 500. The barrier member 500 may be disposed between the battery cells 100 and configured to divide the plurality of battery cells 100. In particular, the barrier member 500 may include a plurality of barrier members along the direction in which the battery cells 100 are arranged. The barrier member 500 may be disposed for each at least one battery cell 100. Therefore, the plurality of battery cells 100 and the barrier members 500 interposed therebetween may form a cell stack C.

[0141] The barrier member 500 may be a heat-insulating pad having a thickness less than that of the battery cell 100. The barrier member 500 may include a material having high heat resistance and / or fire resistance. Alternatively, the barrier member 500 may be formed of a pad having compressive strength and may include, for example, silicone resin or aerogel.

[0142] With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the battery cell 100 is divided or separated, it is possible to prevent gas or flames from spreading to another barrier member 500 adjacent to the barrier member 500. Additionally, with the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, in the case where the battery cell 100 expands, the barrier member 500 may compress the battery cell 100, thereby contributing to the structural rigidity of the battery cell 100.

[0143] Meanwhile, considering the convenience of assembly or tolerance, the top plate 210 and the barrier member 500 may be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. In this case, when a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100, the exhaust gas or flames may spread to adjacent other battery cells 100 through the predetermined gap between the barrier member 500 and the top plate 210.

[0144] Even though there is no gap between one surface of the barrier member 500 and the top plate 210, in the absence of a device for fixing the barrier member 500, warping deformation may occur in the barrier member 500 due to the pressure of the exhaust gas or flames, and the barrier member 500 may move in the left-right direction. Therefore, a gap may be formed between the barrier member 500 and the top plate 210, and the exhaust gas may spread to adjacent other battery cells 100 through the gap.

[0145] Accordingly, the first rib 215 may include an insertion groove 215a into which the barrier member 500 is inserted. The insertion groove 215a may be configured such that at least a part of the lower end portion of the first rib 215 is recessed inwardly. Accordingly, the first rib 215 may be configured to fixedly insert the barrier member 500 between the battery cells 100.

[0146] With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the battery cells 100 can be thoroughly partitioned and separated with a minimum space between the top plate 210 and the barrier member 500. Accordingly, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell 100, exhaust gas or flames can be prevented from spreading in the stacking direction of the battery cells 100, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0147] In addition, with the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the barrier member 500 is fixed to the top plate 210 by the first rib 215, warping deformation in the barrier member 500 can be suppressed. That is, when a thermal event occurs, the possibility that high-temperature and high-pressure exhaust gas or flames will push the barrier member 500 and spread to other battery cells 100 can be reduced. Accordingly, in the case of thermal runaway propagation of the battery pack 10, thermal runaway propagation between the battery cells 100 can be effectively prevented or delayed.

[0148] Referring Figure 13 , the top plate 210 may include a second rib 216. The second rib 216 may be configured such that at least a part of the flow channel portion 212 of the top plate 210 protrudes downward.

[0149] The second rib 216 may be inserted between adjacent battery cells 100 among the plurality of battery cells 100. In particular, the second rib 216 may be inserted between the upper sealing portions of the battery cells 100. The second rib 216 may be placed between the battery cells 100, and as Figure 12 shown, when the barrier member 500 is included, the second rib 216 may be placed on the barrier member 500.

[0150] In addition, the second rib 216 may extend along the longitudinal direction (Y-axis direction) of the battery cell 100. The second rib 216 may have the same shape or length as the battery cell 100. The length of the second rib 216 may be equal to the length of the battery cell 100. Accordingly, both sides of the battery cell 100 can be blocked by the second rib 216, thereby preventing gas movement.

[0151] The top plate 210 may be manufactured by extrusion such that the second rib 216 is incorporated into the top plate 210. With the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the second rib 216 is incorporated into the top plate 210, the process of coupling the second rib 216 to the top plate 210 can be eliminated, and damage to the coupling portion between the second rib 216 and the top plate 210 can be minimized.

[0152] The second rib 216 may be made of a material having high heat resistance and / or fire resistance properties to maintain an airtight structure under high temperature and high pressure. For example, the second rib 216 may be made of a refractory plastic material.

[0153] The second rib 216 may include a plurality of second ribs along one direction. This direction may be defined as the direction in which the battery cells 100 are stacked, i.e., the left-right direction (X-axis direction).

[0154] Through the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the exhaust space S in the flow channel portion 212 is divided and separated by the second rib 216, the thermal runaway propagation between the battery cells 100 in one flow channel portion 212 can be prevented. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs in any of the battery cells 100, the exhaust or flame can be prevented from spreading along the stacking direction of the battery cells 100 across the second rib 216, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0155] Figure 14 is a front perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 14 is a diagram showing the exhaust direction of exhaust gas in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 15 is a front view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Additionally, Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For example, Figure 16 is taken along line II-II' Figure 1 of the cross-sectional view showing some components at the front side.

[0156] Referring to Figures 14 to 16 , the exhaust portion 300 may include an exhaust hole 310 and a cover portion 320. Specifically, as in the Figure 16 illustrated embodiment, the exhaust hole 310 may pass through at least a part of the unit plate, and the cover portion 320 may be configured to cover at least a part of the exhaust hole 310.

[0157] The cover portion 320 may be placed on the outer surface of the unit plate of the battery pack housing 200 forming the exhaust hole 310. The cover portion 320 may be configured such that at least a part of the unit plate protrudes outward.

[0158] The cover part 320 may guide the exhaust direction of the gas discharged from the exhaust hole 310. Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the cover part 320 may guide the discharge of the gas in the battery pack housing 200 in a specific direction, that is, to the outside of the battery pack housing 200. In addition, the gas released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 can be prevented from re-entering the battery pack housing 200. Furthermore, through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, oxygen can be prevented from entering the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust hole 310. Therefore, the flame generated from the battery pack 10 can be prevented or suppressed.

[0159] Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, since the cover part 320 is configured to cover the exhaust hole 310 on the outside, foreign substances such as dust can be prevented from entering the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust hole 310. Therefore, the dust-proof function of the battery pack 10 can be ensured, thereby guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the battery pack 10.

[0160] The cover part 320 may be configured to prevent water from seeping in. The cover part 320 may be configured to prevent water from seeping into the battery pack housing 200 through the exhaust hole 310. Alternatively, the cover part 320 may include any structure or material that can prevent water from seeping in. For example, the cover part 320 may be made of a material having waterproof characteristics. Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, since water can be prevented from seeping into the battery pack 10 through the exhaust hole 310, the waterproof function of the battery pack 10 can be ensured.

[0161] More specifically, as Figure 16 shown, the cover part 320 may have an open bottom. For this purpose, the cover part 320 may be configured to cover both sides and the front side of the exhaust hole 310. In particular, the cover part 320 may be configured to cover the upper side of the exhaust hole 310. Therefore, the exhaust part 300 may include a discharge hole 330 formed by the open bottom of the cover part 320.

[0162] Through the above-described exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, when the high-temperature gas is released to the outside of the battery pack housing 200 through the discharge hole 330 on the bottom in the case of thermal runaway, the exhaust may not be guided upward. That is, through the exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, the directional exhaust in the downward direction of the battery pack 10 can increase the safety of the user located at the upper position.

[0163] The battery pack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a cooling unit 400. The cooling unit 400 may be configured to allow a cooling medium to flow. The cooling unit 400 may include an inlet port 410 and an outlet port 420. The inlet port 410 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to enter the battery pack housing 200, and the outlet port 420 may be configured to allow the cooling medium to leave the battery pack housing 200.

[0164] The inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420 may be placed on one side of the battery pack housing 200. For example, as Figure 15 shown, the inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420 may be placed on the side where the front plate 240 is located. In this case, the exhaust portion 300 may be placed on the side of the battery pack housing 200 where the inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420 are placed, that is, at the front plate 240.

[0165] Hoses through which the cooling medium flows may be connected to the inlet port 410 and the outlet port 420. With the above exemplary configuration of the present disclosure, since the cover portion 320 is placed at a position where condensation may easily occur due to the cooling medium, water generated by condensation can be prevented from entering the battery pack housing 200.

[0166] An energy storage system (ESS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure. The ESS may include, for example, a battery container including a plurality of battery packs 10 and a container housing accommodating the plurality of battery packs 10. The ESS may include one or more battery systems.

[0167] In addition, the present disclosure may include various battery systems including the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure. For example, a battery system according to the present disclosure may include a battery charging system, a battery swapping system, and a battery repair system according to the present disclosure.

[0168] Furthermore, the present disclosure may include a vehicle having the battery pack 10 according to the present disclosure. A vehicle according to the present disclosure may include, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid electric vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. The vehicle may include four-wheel vehicles and two-wheel vehicles. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the vehicle may be operated using the power supplied from the battery pack 10.

[0169] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been shown and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above specific embodiments, and various modifications and variations can be made by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the claimed subject matter of the present disclosure, and these variations should not be understood separately from the technical aspects or prospects of the present disclosure.

[0170] 10: Battery pack

[0171] 100: Battery cell

[0172] 200: Battery pack housing

[0173] 210: Top plate

[0174] 211: Main body portion

[0175] 212: Flow channel portion

[0176] S: Exhaust space

[0177] 213: Guide part

[0178] 214: Recessed part

[0179] 215: First rib

[0180] 215a: Insertion groove

[0181] 216: Second rib

[0182] 220: Substrate

[0183] 230: End plate

[0184] 231: Connection groove

[0185] 232: Protruding part

[0186] 240: Front plate

[0187] 250: Rear plate

[0188] 300: Exhaust part

[0189] 310: Exhaust hole

[0190] 320: Cover part

[0191] 330: Discharge hole

[0192] 400: Cooling unit

[0193] 410: Inlet port

[0194] 420: Outlet port

[0195] 500: Barrier member

Claims

1. A battery pack comprising: Multiple battery cells; as well as a battery pack case including a plurality of unit plates and configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells, the battery pack case having a vent portion disposed in at least one unit plate of the plurality of unit plates to release gas exhausted from the battery cells to the outside, At least some of the plurality of unit plates have exhaust spaces extending toward the exhaust portion to allow the gas to flow.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The unit plate includes a top plate configured to cover tops of the battery cells, and the exhaust space is formed in the top plate.

3. The battery pack according to claim 2, in, The top plate comprises: The main part, and A flow passage portion is configured such that at least a portion of the body portion protrudes upward to form the exhaust space.

4. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The unit plate includes an end plate configured to cover both sides of a cell array including the plurality of stacked battery cells, and Wherein, the end plate includes a coupling groove, and the top plate is inserted into the coupling groove.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, in, The end plate includes a protruding portion configured such that at least a portion of the end protrudes further upward than the top plate, and Wherein, the flow channel portion is disposed in the space between the protruding portions.

6. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The exhaust portion includes a plurality of exhaust portions, and The flow channel portion includes a plurality of flow channel portions, and the plurality of flow channel portions correspond to positions of the exhaust portion.

7. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The flow channel portion extends along a length direction of the battery cell.

8. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The flow channel portion includes a region in which the volume of the exhaust space increases as it gets closer to the exhaust portion.

9. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The flow channel portion includes a corrugated shape on at least one surface in cross section.

10. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The top plate comprises: A guide portion is configured such that at least a portion of the body portion is inclined upward toward the flow channel portion.

11. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, The plurality of battery cells are stacked to form a plurality of cell arrays, and The top plate includes a recessed portion between adjacent monomer arrays, and the recessed portion is configured such that at least a portion of the flow channel portion protrudes downward.

12. The battery pack according to claim 3, in, At least a portion of the top plate protrudes downward to prevent the gas from moving in a stacking direction of the plurality of battery cells.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The top plate includes a first rib configured such that at least a portion of the body portion protrudes downward and is interposed between the battery cells.

14. The battery pack according to claim 13, in, The battery pack further includes a barrier member interposed between the battery cells, and Wherein, the first rib includes an insertion groove, and the barrier member is inserted into the insertion groove.

15. The battery pack according to claim 12, in, The top plate includes a second rib configured such that at least a portion of the flow channel portion protrudes downward and is interposed between the battery cells.

16. The battery pack according to claim 1, in, The exhaust part comprises: an exhaust hole passing through at least a portion of the unit plate, and A cover portion is configured to cover at least a portion of the exhaust hole.

17. The battery pack according to claim 16, in, The cover portion is configured such that at least a portion of the unit plate protrudes outward.

18. The battery pack according to claim 17, in, The exhaust portion includes a discharge hole formed by an open bottom of the cover portion.

19. An energy storage system (ESS) comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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