Energy storage system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an energy storage system, and an object is to provide an energy storage system capable of efficient thermal management and self-extinguishing when a battery cell is ignited. To this end, the present disclosure provides an energy storage system comprising: a housing configured to contain a cooling fluid; a battery cell disposed inside the case and immersed in the cooling fluid; a support member provided inside the case and supporting the battery cells; and a heat dissipation member connected to the housing and dissipating heat generated inside the housing. According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cells can be directly immersed in the cooling fluid inside the housing, and thus the cooling effect of the battery cells can be further improved.

Description

Technical Field

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

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

[0003] Methods for cooling an energy storage system include an air cooling method and a water cooling method. Different from the air cooling method in which the temperature change between battery cells may be large and local high temperature sections may occur, the water cooling method has the advantages or desired characteristics of achieving targeted temperature management and effective cooling control. However, in the case of a water-cooled energy storage system, since the battery cells are disposed inside a closed container, there is a risk of safety accidents, such as the risk of explosion due to excessive increase in internal pressure, when the battery cells catch fire.

[0004] The above information is provided to enhance the understanding of the background of the present disclosure and may therefore include information that does not constitute related (or prior) art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An aspect according to an embodiment of the present disclosure aims at an energy storage system that can perform effective thermal management and self-extinguishing when a battery cell catches fire.

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

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage system includes: a housing configured to accommodate a cooling fluid and having a bottom surface; battery cells disposed inside the housing and immersed in the cooling fluid; a support member disposed inside the housing and configured to support the battery cells, and a heat dissipation member connected to the housing and configured to dissipate heat generated inside the housing.

[0008] The battery cell may include: a cell housing; an electrode assembly accommodated inside the cell housing; and an exhaust member facing the bottom surface of the housing, the exhaust member being configured to open when the internal pressure of the cell housing increases.

[0009] The support member may include: a first support member for supporting the lower side of the battery cell; and a second support member facing the first support member and for supporting the upper side of the battery cell.

[0010] The first support member may include: a first support body surrounding the lower side of the battery cell; a discharge portion formed to pass through the first support body and arranged to face the exhaust member; and a support portion extending from the first support body and contacting the bottom surface of the housing.

[0011] The discharge portion may be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing.

[0012] The heat dissipation member may include a plurality of fins protruding from the housing.

[0013] The housing may include a housing body, a cover facing the housing body, and a gasket between the housing body and the cover.

[0014] The gasket may be inserted into a gasket groove formed to be recessed toward the inside of the housing body.

[0015] The energy storage system may further include a release member installed in the housing and configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing increases to a set pressure or higher.

[0016] The energy storage system may further include a blocking member arranged to face the release member and configured to block the discharge of a flame generated inside the housing to the outside of the housing.

[0017] The blocking member may include a plurality of mesh-like members stacked in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the release member.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an energy storage system includes: a housing configured to accommodate a cooling fluid and having a bottom surface; a battery cell inside the housing and immersed in the cooling fluid; a support member inside the housing and configured to support the battery cell; and a circulation member connected to the housing and configured to circulate the cooling fluid.

[0019] The battery cell may include: a cell housing; an electrode assembly accommodated inside the cell housing; and an exhaust member facing the bottom surface of the housing, the exhaust member being configured to open when the internal pressure of the cell housing increases.

[0020] The circulation member may include: a first port connected to the housing and configured to supply the cooling fluid into the housing; a second port spaced apart from the first port and configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the inside of the housing; a circulation pipeline connected to the first port and the second port; a driving pump installed in the circulation pipeline and configured to transfer the cooling fluid discharged from the second port to the first port; and a refrigerator installed in the circulation pipeline and configured to cool the cooling fluid moving along the circulation pipeline.

[0021] The first port may include: a first port housing that is fixed to the housing and connected to the interior of the housing; a first plug member that is movably installed in the first port housing and configured to open or close the first port housing according to its moving direction; and a first adjustment member that is connected to the first plug member and configured to adjust the moving direction of the first plug member. And the second port may include: a second port housing that is fixed to the housing and connected to the interior of the housing; a second plug member that is movably installed within the second port housing and configured to open or close the second port housing according to its moving direction; and a second adjustment member that is connected to the second plug member and configured to adjust the moving direction of the second plug member.

[0022] The first adjustment member may include: a first elastic member that is disposed on one side of the first plug member and configured to press the first plug member in the direction of closing the first port housing; and a first pressing member that is disposed on the other side of the first plug member and configured to selectively press the first plug member in the direction of opening the first port housing.

[0023] The second adjustment member may include: a second elastic member that is disposed on one side of the second plug member and configured to press the second plug member in the direction of closing the second port housing; and a second pressing element that is disposed on the other side of the second plug member and configured to selectively press the second plug member in the direction of opening the second port housing.

[0024] The energy storage system may further include: a detection sensor configured to detect the level of the cooling fluid inside the housing, and a control module configured to control the operation of the circulation member according to the data detected by the detection sensor.

[0025] The energy storage system may further include a heat dissipation member that is connected to the housing and configured to dissipate the heat generated inside the housing.

[0026] The heat dissipation member may include a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the housing. Description of the Drawings

[0027] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe the aspects and features of the present disclosure together with the detailed description of the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0028] By referring to the accompanying drawings to describe the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure in more detail, the above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. In the drawings:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 A side sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 A front sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 A sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 A perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 7 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a release member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0036] Figure 8 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0037] Figure 9 An exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 10 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a circulation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 11 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a first port and a second port;

[0040] Figure 12 A block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of a detection sensor and a control module;

[0041] Figures 13 - 16 A view schematically illustrating a process of adjusting the liquid level of a cooling fluid;

[0042] Figure 17 An exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 18 A block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0044] In this document, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to the ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor can be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the terms.

[0045] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are provided as example embodiments of the present disclosure, and do not represent all the technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that may replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing this application.

[0046] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on", "connected to", "linked to", or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, linked to, or coupled to another element or layer, or there may also be one or more intervening elements or layers. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to", "directly linked to", or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0047] In the drawings, for clarity of illustration, the sizes of the respective elements, layers, etc. may be enlarged. The same reference numerals designate the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. Further, when using "may" in describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, it relates to "one or more embodiments of the present disclosure". Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of...", when before / after a list of elements, modify the entire list of elements and do not modify a single element in the list. When a phrase such as "at least one of A, B, and C", "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C", or "at least one selected from A, B, and C" is used to specify a list of elements A, B, and C, the phrase can 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" and "be used for" can be considered to be synonymous with the terms "utilize" and "be utilized for", respectively. As used herein, the terms "substantially", "about", and similar terms are used as approximate terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent deviations in measured or calculated values that would be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

[0048] It should be understood that although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or section discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or section.

[0049] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below", "lower", "above", and "upper", etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped, an element or feature described as "beneath" or "below" other elements or features will be oriented "above" or "over" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an upper and a lower orientation. The device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0050] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a" and "an" are intended to also include the plural forms. It should be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification, specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0051] Moreover, any numerical range disclosed and / or recited herein is intended to include all sub-ranges having the same numerical precision included within the recited range. For example, the range "1.0 to 10.0" is intended to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value 1.0 and the recited maximum value 10.0, i.e., having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation recited herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to modify this specification (including the claims) to expressly recite any sub-ranges included within the ranges expressly recited herein.

[0052] Referring to two compared components, features, etc. as "identical" may mean that they are "substantially identical". Thus, the phrase "substantially identical" may include cases where there is a relatively low deviation in the art, such as a deviation of less than 5%. Additionally, when a certain parameter is referred to as uniform in a given region, this may mean that it is uniform in terms of the average value.

[0053] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0054] When any element is referred to as being "above (or below)" or "on (or beneath)" a component, it may mean that any element is placed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and it may also mean that another component may be interposed between the component and any element disposed (or positioned or located or set) above (or below) the component.

[0055] Additionally, when a part is referred to as being "electrically coupled" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediate parts between them such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0056] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, when referring to "A and / or B", it means A, B, or A and B. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. Unless otherwise indicated, when referring to "C to D", it means greater than or equal to C and less than or equal to D.

[0057] The terms used in this specification are for describing embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 1 For schematically illustrating a perspective view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, Figure 2 For schematically illustrating a side sectional view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 3 For schematically illustrating a front sectional view of the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1 - 3 , the energy storage system according to this embodiment includes a housing 100, battery cells 200, a support member 300, and a heat dissipation member 400.

[0060] The housing 100 can shape the appearance of the energy storage system (e.g., form a schematic appearance of the energy storage system), and support (e.g., fully support) the battery cells 200, the support member 300, and the heat dissipation member 400. The cooling fluid C can be accommodated inside the housing 100. The cooling fluid C is a fluid that can cool the battery cells 200 (to be described more hereinafter) through heat exchange with the battery cells 200, and can be a phase change dielectric liquid material whose phase changes to a liquid state or a gaseous state based on a set temperature. For example, the cooling fluid C can include Novec 7000 (e.g., 3M TM Novec TM 7000) series coolants.

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 5 FIG. is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Referring to Figures 1 - 5 , the housing 100 can include a housing body 110, a cover 120, a gasket 130, and a fastening member 140.

[0063] The housing body 110 can form the exterior of the lower side of the housing 100 and provide a space for accommodating the cooling fluid C. For example, the housing body 110 can be formed in the shape of a box having an empty interior (e.g., an interior) and an open upper side. The design of the height, area, etc. of the housing body 110 can be appropriately changed in various ways according to the size and number, etc. of the battery cells 200, which will be described in more detail below. The cooling fluid C can be accommodated inside the housing body 110 at a set or predetermined height. The height of the cooling fluid C can be less than the height of the housing body 110. Therefore, a space for the phase change of the cooling fluid C can be provided inside the housing body 110.

[0064] The width direction of the housing body 110 to be described below can be a direction parallel to the X-axis with respect to Figure 1 , the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110 can be a direction parallel to the Y-axis with respect to Figure 1 , and the vertical direction or height direction of the housing body 110 can be a direction parallel to the Z-axis with respect to Figure 1 .

[0065] The cover 120 can form the exterior of the upper side of the housing 100 and open or close the interior space of the housing body 110. The cover 120 can be formed in a plate shape and can be arranged to face the upper surface of the housing body 110.

[0066] The cover 120 can be detachably coupled to the housing body 110. For example, the cover 120 can be fixed to the upper surface of the housing body 110 or separated from the upper surface of the housing body 110 by fastening members 140, which will be described in more detail below. The fastening member 140 can be formed in the shape of a bolt having threads on its outer peripheral surface. The fastening member 140 can vertically pass through the cover 120 and the housing body 110 after the cover 120 is seated (e.g., placed or disposed) on the upper surface of the housing body 110, and can be coupled to the cover 120 and the housing body 110 using a screw connection method. The fastening member 140 can be provided as a plurality of fastening members 140. The plurality of fastening members 140 can be arranged at a set or predetermined interval along the upper surface of the housing body 110 (e.g., in the extending direction of the upper surface of the housing body 110).

[0067] The gasket 130 is disposed between the housing body 110 and the cover 120 and seals the gap between the housing body 110 and the cover 120. That is, the gasket 130 can be used as a component that prevents the cooling fluid C accommodated in the housing body 110 from being discharged into the gap between the housing body 110 and the cover 120. The gasket 130 can be formed in a hollow ring shape and can be disposed to face the upper surface of the housing body 110. The gasket 130 can be made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber or silicone. The gasket 130 can be inserted into a gasket groove 111 that is recessed toward the inside of the housing body 110, for example, recessed downward from the upper surface of the housing body 110. In this case, the upper end portion of the gasket 130 can protrude upward from the housing body 110 by a set or predetermined distance. When the cover 120 is seated or disposed on the upper surface of the housing body 110, the gasket 130 can be compressed up and down by its own elastic restoring force and can be attached (e.g., firmly attached) to the cover 120 and the housing body 110.

[0068] The gasket 130 can include a groove 131. The groove 131 can be a part of the entire cross-section of the gasket 130, and the inner surface of this part is provided to surround the circumferential surface of the fastening member 140. The design of the curvature of the groove 131 can be appropriately changed in various ways according to the diameter of the fastening member 140, etc. The groove 131 can be provided as a plurality of grooves 131. The plurality of grooves 131 can be arranged at a set or predetermined spacing in the longitudinal direction of the gasket 130.

[0069] The battery cell 200 can be used as a unit structure for storing and supplying electric power in an energy storage system.

[0070] An example of the battery cell 200 may include a prismatic secondary battery, in which an electrode assembly 211 including a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate provided on both sides of a separator is accommodated inside a cell case 210 and is capable of charging or discharging a preset amount of electric power. The electrode assembly 211 may be formed in a wound form in which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are wound into a roll shape, or may be formed in a laminated form in which the positive electrode plate, the separator, and the negative electrode plate are stacked on top of each other.

[0071] The battery cell 200 may be disposed inside the housing 100, for example, inside the housing body 110. The battery cell 200 may be immersed in a cooling fluid C inside the housing body 110. The cooling fluid C may cool the battery cell 200 through heat exchange with the battery cell 200. In this case, a phase of a part of the cooling fluid C may change to a gaseous state, and this part of the cooling fluid C may move to a space on the upper side of the housing body 110.

[0072] An exhaust member 220 that opens when the internal pressure of the cell case 210 increases may be formed on one surface of the cell case 210. The exhaust member 220 may be disposed at the central portion of one surface of the cell case 210. The exhaust member 220 may be disposed to face the housing 100, for example, to face the bottom surface of the housing body 110. Thus, when the battery cell 200 explodes or catches fire, the exhaust member 220 may prevent or substantially prevent gas or other moving or flying products from directly impacting the cover 120.

[0073] A pair of cell tabs 230 electrically connected to the electrode assembly 211 may be formed to protrude from one surface of the cell case 210 where the exhaust member 220 is formed. The pair of cell tabs 230 may be respectively connected to different electrodes of the electrode assembly 211. The pair of cell tabs 230 may be disposed on both sides of the exhaust member 220, and the exhaust member 220 is interposed therebetween.

[0074] The battery cells 200 may be provided as a plurality of battery cells 200. The plurality of battery cells 200 may be arranged in multiple rows inside the housing body 110 in the width direction of the housing body 110. Hereinafter, an example in which the plurality of battery cells 200 are arranged in two rows in the width direction of the housing body 110 will be described. The plurality of battery cells 200 provided in any one row may be arranged in one row in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110.

[0075] The support member 300 may be used as a component disposed inside the housing 100 and supporting the battery cells 200 inside the housing 100. Thus, the support member 300 may prevent or substantially prevent the positions of the battery cells 200 from being arbitrarily changed inside the housing 100.

[0076] Figure 6A perspective exploded view schematically illustrating the configuration of a support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Referring Figure 2 、 Figure 3 and Figure 6 , the support member 300 may include a first support member 310 and a second support member 320.

[0078] The first support member 310 may form the exterior of one side (e.g., the lower side) of the support member 300 and support the lower side of the battery cell 200.

[0079] The first support member 310 may include a first support body 311, a discharge portion 312, and a support portion 313.

[0080] The first support body 311 may be formed in the shape of a box having an empty interior and an open upper surface. The lower surface of the first support body 311 may be arranged to face the bottom surface of the housing body 110. The battery cell 200 may be inserted into the first support body 311 through the open upper surface of the first support body 311. The height of the first support body 311 may be less than the height of the battery cell 200. The inner surface of the first support body 311 may be arranged to surround the circumferential surface of the lower side of the battery cell 200. A plurality of busbars electrically connected to the cell tab 230 of the battery cell 200 may be mounted on the first support body 311.

[0081] A first lower partition 311a and a second lower partition 311b may be formed in the first support body 311.

[0082] The first lower partition 311a may protrude upward from the bottom surface of the first support body 311 and extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. The first lower partition 311a may be inserted between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the housing body 110. Therefore, the first lower partition 311a may allow the spacing between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the housing body 110 to remain constant.

[0083] The second lower partition 311b may protrude upward from the bottom surface of the first support body 311 and extend in a direction parallel to the width direction of the housing body 110. The second lower partition 311b may be provided as a plurality of second lower partitions 311b. The plurality of second lower partitions 311b may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. Each second lower partition 311b may be respectively inserted between a pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. Therefore, the second lower partition 311b may allow the spacing between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110 to remain constant.

[0084] The discharge part 312 may be formed to pass through the first support body 311, and may discharge gases, moving or flying products, etc. discharged from the exhaust member 220 to the outside of the first support body 311. The discharge part 312 may protrude downward from the lower surface of the first support body 311. Two (e.g., opposite) end parts of the discharge part 312 may be formed to be open, and may be respectively arranged to face the bottom surface of the housing body 110 and the exhaust member 220. The lower end part of the discharge part 312 may be arranged to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing body 110. Therefore, when the exhaust member 220 is opened, the discharge part 312 may enable (e.g., be able to enable) gases, moving or flying products, etc. discharged from the exhaust member 220 to be discharged (e.g., smoothly discharged) to the outside of the first support body 311, and at the same time, enable (e.g., be able to enable) the cooling fluid C to be introduced into the exhaust member 220. The discharge part 312 may be provided as a plurality of discharge parts 312. The plurality of discharge parts 312 may be respectively arranged to face the exhaust members 220 of different battery cells 200.

[0085] The support part 313 may be used to support (e.g., fully support) with respect to the bottom surface of the housing body 110

[0086] as a component of the first support body 311. The support part 313 may vertically extend downward from the lower surface of the first support body 311, and may contact the housing 100 (e.g., the bottom surface of the housing body 110). The longitudinal direction of the support part 313 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. The height of the support part 313 may be greater than the height of the discharge part 312. Therefore, the support part 313 may enable (e.g., be able to enable) the discharge part 312 to be spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing body 110. The support part 313 may be provided as a plurality of support parts 313. The plurality of support parts 313 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the housing body 110.

[0087] The second support member 320 may form the outside of the other side (e.g., the upper side) of the support member 300, and support the upper side of the battery cell 200. The second support member 320 may face the first support member 310.

[0088] The second support member 320 may include a second support body 321, a first upper partition part 322, and a second upper partition part 323.

[0089] The second support body 321 may be formed in an open shape of a box having an empty interior and an open lower surface. The upper surface of the second support body 321 may be arranged to face the lower surface of the cover 120. The upper surface of the second support body 321 may be spaced apart from the lower surface of the cover 120 by a set or predetermined distance. Accordingly, the second support body 321 may provide a space in which a part of the cooling fluid C whose phase has become gaseous may be located between the cover 120 and the second support body 321.

[0090] The upper end portion of the battery cell 200 may be inserted into the second support body 321 through the open lower surface of the second support body 321. The inner surface of the second support body 321 may be arranged to surround the circumferential surface of the upper side of the battery cell 200.

[0091] The height of the second support body 321 may be less than the height of the battery cell 200. The sum of the heights of the first support body 311 and the second support body 321 may be greater than the height of the battery cell 200. In this case, the side surface of the second support body 321 may be joined to the side surface of the first support body 311 by welding, bolting, etc., while being in contact with the side surface of the first support body 311.

[0092] The first upper partition portion 322 may protrude downward from the top surface of the second support body 321 and extend in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. The first upper partition portion 322 may be inserted between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the housing body 110. Accordingly, together with the first lower partition portion 311a, the first upper partition portion 322 may allow the spacing between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the width direction of the housing body 110 to be kept constant.

[0093] The second upper partition portion 323 may protrude downward from the top surface of the second support body 321 and extend in a direction parallel to the width direction of the housing body 110. The second upper partition portion 323 may be provided as a plurality of second upper partition portions 323. The plurality of second upper partition portions 323 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. Each second upper partition portion 323 may be respectively inserted between a pair of battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. Accordingly, together with the second lower partition portion 311b, the second upper partition portion 323 may allow the spacing between the battery cells 200 arranged adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110 to be kept constant.

[0094] The heat dissipation member 400 may be connected to the housing 100 and dissipate the generated heat from the inside of the housing 100 to the outside of the housing 100.

[0095] The heat dissipation member 400 may include a plurality of heat sinks 410.

[0096] The heat sink 410 may protrude upward from the housing 100, for example, upward from the upper surface of the cover 120. The heat sink 410 may be formed in a thin plate shape. The heat sink 410 may be made of a material having high thermal conductivity such as aluminum. The longitudinal direction of the heat sink 410 may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the housing body 110. In this case, a plurality of heat sinks 410 may be arranged in multiple rows in the width direction of the housing body 110. The heat sink 410 may cool the battery cell 200 and exchange heat with a part of the cooling fluid C that has become gaseous. Thereafter, the heat sink 410 may discharge the heat received from the cooling fluid C to the external air to change the phase of the cooling fluid C back to the liquid state (for example, by cooling the temperature of the cooling fluid C to change the phase of the cooling fluid C back to the liquid state). Therefore, even without replacing the cooling fluid C, the heat sink 410 may guide (for example, enable) continuous cooling of the battery cell 200.

[0097] Figure 7 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a release member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 8 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of a blocking member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the energy storage system according to the present embodiment may further include a release member 500 and a blocking member 600.

[0099] The release member 500 may be installed in the housing 100 and rupture when the internal pressure of the housing 100 increases to a set pressure or higher. That is, when the internal pressure of the housing 100 excessively increases due to the explosion or fire of the battery cell 200, the release member 500 may be used as a component for releasing the internal pressure of the housing 100 by opening the internal space of the housing 100.

[0100] The release member 500 may include a rupture disk 510 and a rupture guiding groove 520.

[0101] The rupture disk 510 may be formed in the shape of a plate or a film having a thickness less than the thickness of the cover 120. The rupture disk 510 may be provided to block a through hole 121 formed through one side of the cover 120. The edge (for example, the edge side) of the rupture disk 510 may be fixed to the cover 120 by welding, an adhesive, etc. The upper surface and the lower surface of the rupture disk 510 may be provided to face the external space of the cover 120 and the internal space of the housing body 110, respectively.

[0102] The rupture guiding groove 520 may be formed in a shape having a notch recessed from the surface of the rupture disk 510. The rupture guiding groove 520 may be formed in a substantially C shape. The rupture guiding groove 520 may be provided as a pair of rupture guiding grooves 520, and the pair of rupture guiding grooves 520 may be arranged to face each other on the rupture disk 510. Two (e.g., opposite) end portions of the pair of rupture guiding grooves 520 may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other. When the internal pressure of the housing body 110 increases to a set pressure or higher, the rupture guiding groove 520 may rupture. Accordingly, the central portion of the rupture disk 510 may open around the rupture guiding groove 520, and gases or the like generated inside the housing body 110 may be discharged to the outside.

[0103] The blocking member 600 may be arranged to face the release member 500 and may block the discharge of flames generated inside the housing 100 to the outside. That is, the blocking member 600 may serve as a component that allows gases or the like generated inside the housing 100 to pass through the through-hole 121 and at the same time blocks the flames from passing through the through-hole 122 when the release member 500 ruptures. Accordingly, the blocking member 600 may block the spread of flames to adjacent facilities (e.g., cells) of the energy storage system.

[0104] The blocking member 600 may include a plurality of mesh-like members 610.

[0105] The mesh-like member 610 may be formed in a shape of a plate with a plurality of mesh holes. The mesh-like member 610 may be made of a metal material such as aluminum or stainless steel having high strength and high heat resistance. The plurality of mesh-like members 610 may be arranged below the rupture disk 510 and parallel to the rupture disk 510. The plurality of mesh-like members 610 may be stacked in sequence in the direction from the internal space of the housing body 110 toward the rupture disk 510.

[0106] The plurality of mesh-like members 610 may be supported on the lower side of the rupture disk 510 by a support bracket 620 fixed to the lower surface of the cover 120. The plurality of mesh-like members 610 may be coupled to the support bracket 620 by various suitable coupling methods such as welding, bolting, and fitting. The specific shape of the support bracket 620 is not limited to Figure 8 the shape illustrated in, and the design of the support bracket 620 may be changed to various suitable shapes capable of supporting the plurality of mesh-like members 610 in a stacked state.

[0107] Hereinafter, an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0108] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Reference Figure 9, the energy storage system according to this embodiment may include a housing 100, battery cells 200, a support member 300, and a circulation member 700.

[0110] The housing 100, battery cells 200, and support member 300 according to this embodiment may be configured in substantially the same manner as the housing 100, battery cells 200, and support member 300 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 1 - 8 the description.

[0111] Therefore, when describing the energy storage system according to this embodiment, only the circulation member 700 that is not described in the energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0112] The circulation member 700 may be connected to the housing 100 and serve as a component for circulating the cooling fluid C. Therefore, the circulation member 700 may allow the temperature of the cooling fluid C to remain constant during the operation of the battery cells 200.

[0113] Figure 10 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of the circulation member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] With reference to Figure 10 , the circulation member 700 may include a first port 710, a second port 720, a circulation pipeline 730, a driving pump 740, and a refrigerator 750.

[0115] The first port 710 may be connected to the housing 100 and supply the cooling fluid C to the housing 100.

[0116] Figure 11 A view schematically illustrating the configuration of the first port and the second port.

[0117] With reference to Figure 11 , the first port 710 may include a first port housing 711, a first plug member 712, and a first adjustment member 713.

[0118] The first port housing 711 can be formed in the shape of a tube, which (e.g., a hollow tube) has an empty interior and two open end portions. The first port housing 711 can include a first large-diameter portion 711a fixed to the housing body 110 and a first small-diameter portion 711b extending from the first large-diameter portion 711a and having a diameter smaller than that of the first large-diameter portion 711a. One end portion of the first large-diameter portion 711a can communicate with the interior space of the housing body 110. Due to the diameter difference between the first large-diameter portion 711a and the first small-diameter portion 711b, a stepped structure can be formed between the first large-diameter portion 711a and the first small-diameter portion 711b. The cooling fluid C moving along the circulation pipeline 730 (to be described in more detail below) can be supplied into the housing body 110 by sequentially passing through the first small-diameter portion 711b and the first large-diameter portion 711a.

[0119] The first plug member 712 can be movably installed in the first port housing 711 and open or close the first port housing 711 according to its moving direction.

[0120] The first plug member 712 can include a first moving rod 712a and a first plug 712b.

[0121] The first moving rod 712a can be disposed inside the first port housing 711. The longitudinal direction of the first moving rod 712a can be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first port housing 711, i.e., in the extending direction of the first large-diameter portion 711a and the first small-diameter portion 711b. The first moving rod 712a can be installed to reciprocate inside the first port housing 711 in its longitudinal direction.

[0122] The first plug 712b can be connected to one end portion of the first moving rod 712a and disposed inside the first large-diameter portion 711a. The diameter of the first plug 712b can be larger than the diameter of the first small-diameter portion 711b. According to the moving direction of the first moving rod 712a, the first plug 712b can contact or separate from the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b. When the first plug 712b contacts the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b, the first plug 712b can block the movement of the cooling fluid C between the first large-diameter portion 711a and the first small-diameter portion 711b. When the first plug 712b separates from the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b, the first plug 712b can allow the cooling fluid C to move between the first large-diameter portion 711a and the first small-diameter portion 711b.

[0123] The first adjustment member 713 may be connected to the first plug member 712 and adjust the moving direction of the first plug member 712.

[0124] The first adjustment member 713 may include a first elastic member 713a and a first pressing member 713b.

[0125] The first elastic member 713a may be disposed on one side of the first plug member 712 and press (e.g., always press) the first plug member 712 in the direction in which the first port housing 711 is closed. The first elastic member 713a may be formed in the shape of a coil spring capable of expanding and contracting in its longitudinal direction. Two (e.g., opposite) end portions of the first elastic member 713a may be connected to the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the housing main body 110 and the first plug 712b, respectively. When no separate external force is applied to the first plug member 712, the first elastic member 713a may bring the first plug 712b into contact with the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b by its own elastic restoring force.

[0126] The first pressing member 713b may be disposed on the other side of the first plug member 712 and selectively press the first plug member 712 in the direction in which the first port housing 711 is opened. The first pressing member 713b may be disposed to face the end portion of the first moving rod 712a disposed inside the first small-diameter portion 711b. The first pressing member 713b may be installed in the first small-diameter portion 711b to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first moving rod 712a. The first pressing member 713b may contact or separate from the end portion of the first moving rod 712a in its moving direction. When the first pressing member 713b contacts the end portion of the first moving rod 712a, the first pressing member 713b may press the first moving rod 712a in a direction opposite to that of the first elastic member 713a and move the first moving rod 712a in a direction in which the first plug 712b is separated from the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b. The specific shape of the first pressing member 713b is not limited to Figure 11 the shape illustrated in, and the design of the first pressing member 713b may be appropriately changed in various ways within the technical idea of a shape capable of pressing the first moving rod 712a or releasing the pressing on the first moving rod 712a according to the moving direction. The first pressing member 713b may be manually moved by a worker, or alternatively, may be automatically moved by being connected to a separate actuator such as a motor or a solenoid.

[0127] The second port 720 may be connected to the housing 100 and discharge the cooling fluid C from the housing 100. The second port 720 may be disposed at an interval from the first port 710.

[0128] The second port 720 may include a second port housing 721, a second plug member 722, and a second adjustment member 723.

[0129] The second port housing 721 may be formed in the shape of a tube, which (e.g., a hollow tube) has an empty interior and two open end portions. The second port housing 721 may include a second large-diameter portion 721a fixed to the housing body 110 and a second small-diameter portion 721b extending from the second large-diameter portion 721a and having a diameter smaller than that of the second large-diameter portion 721a. One end portion of the second large-diameter portion 721a may communicate with the interior space of the housing body 110. Due to the diameter difference between the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b, a stepped structure may be formed between the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b. The cooling fluid C inside the housing body 110 may be discharged to the circulation pipeline 730 by sequentially passing through the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b.

[0130] The second plug member 722 may be movably installed in the second port housing 721 and open or close the second port housing 721 according to its moving direction.

[0131] The second plug member 722 may include a second moving rod 722a and a second plug 722b.

[0132] The second moving rod 722a may be disposed inside the second port housing 721. The longitudinal direction of the second moving rod 722a may be parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second port housing 721, i.e., in the extending direction of the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b. The second moving rod 722a may be installed in the second port housing 721 to reciprocate in the longitudinal direction.

[0133] The second plug 722b may be connected to one end portion of the second moving rod 722a and disposed inside the second large-diameter portion 721a. The diameter of the second plug 722b may be larger than that of the second small-diameter portion 721b. According to the moving direction of the second moving rod 722a, the second plug 722b may contact or separate from the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b. When the second plug 722b contacts the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b, the second plug 722b may block the flow of the cooling fluid C between the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b. When the second plug 722b separates from the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b, the second plug 722b may allow the cooling fluid C to flow between the second large-diameter portion 721a and the second small-diameter portion 721b.

[0134] The second adjustment member 723 may be connected to the second plug member 722 and adjust the moving direction of the second plug member 722.

[0135] The second adjustment member 723 may include a second elastic member 723a and a second pressing member 723b.

[0136] The second elastic member 723a may be disposed on one side of the second plug member 722 and press (e.g., always press) the second plug member 722 in the direction in which the second port housing 721 is closed. The second elastic member 723a may be formed in the shape of a coil spring capable of expanding and contracting in its longitudinal direction. Two (e.g., opposite) end portions of the second elastic member 723a may be connected to the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the housing body 110 and the second plug 722b, respectively. When no separate external force is applied to the second plug member 722, the second elastic member 723a may bring the second plug 722b into contact with the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b by its own elastic restoring force.

[0137] The second pressing member 723b may be disposed on the other side of the second plug member 722 and selectively press the second plug member 722 in the direction in which the second port housing 721 is opened. The second pressing member 723b may be disposed to face the end portion of the second moving rod 722a disposed inside the second small-diameter portion 721b. The second pressing member 723b may be installed in the second small-diameter portion 721b to reciprocate in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the second moving rod 722a. The second pressing member 723b may contact or separate from the end portion of the second moving rod 722a in its moving direction. When the second pressing member 723b contacts the end portion of the second moving rod 722a, the second pressing member 723b may press the second moving rod 722a in a direction opposite to that of the second elastic member 723a and move the second moving rod 722a in a direction in which the second plug 722b separates from the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b. The specific shape of the second pressing member 723b is not limited to Figure 11 the shape illustrated in, and the design of the second pressing member 723b may be appropriately changed in various ways within the technical idea of a shape capable of pressing the second moving rod 722a or releasing the pressing on the second moving rod 722a according to the moving direction. The second pressing member 723b may be manually moved by a worker, or alternatively, may be automatically moved by being connected to a separate actuator such as a motor or a solenoid.

[0138] The circulation pipeline 730 can be connected to the first port 710 and the second port 720 and serves as a component that provides a circulation path for the cooling fluid C. The circulation pipeline 730 can be formed in the shape of a tube, which (e.g., a hollow tube) has an empty interior and two open end portions. One end portion of the circulation pipeline 730 can be connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b of the first port housing 711. One end portion of the circulation pipeline 730 can be directly connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b, or can be indirectly connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b through the first pressing member 713b. The other end portion of the circulation pipeline 730 can be connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b of the second port housing 721. The other end portion of the circulation pipeline 730 can be directly connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b, or can be indirectly connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b through the second pressing member 723b. A storage tank for storing the cooling fluid C can be additionally installed in the circulation pipeline 730.

[0139] The driving pump 740 can be installed in the circulation pipeline 730 and convey (e.g., transfer) the cooling fluid C discharged from the second port 720 to the first port 710. Examples of the driving pump 740 can include various types of fluid pumps, which can receive power from the outside and provide a flow power to the cooling fluid C inside the circulation pipeline 730. The driving pump 740 can receive the cooling fluid C discharged from the second port 720 through its inlet and convey the cooling fluid C to the first port 710 through its outlet.

[0140] The refrigerator 750 can be installed in the circulation pipeline 730 and cool the cooling fluid C moving along the circulation pipeline 730. The refrigerator 750 can be connected to the circulation pipeline 730, and examples of the refrigerator 750 can include various types of heat exchangers capable of exchanging heat with the cooling fluid C moving along the circulation pipeline 730. The refrigerator 750 can be provided on the front end side of the driving pump 740, or can be provided on the rear end side of the driving pump 740.

[0141] Figure 12 A block diagram for schematically illustrating the configuration of the detection sensor and the control module.

[0142] Reference Figure 12 , according to the energy storage system of this embodiment, it can further include a detection sensor 800 and a control module 900.

[0143] The detection sensor 800 can detect the liquid level of the cooling fluid C contained inside the housing 100. The detection sensor 800 can include at least one of a contact-type liquid level sensor, a non-contact type liquid level sensor installed inside the housing main body 110 to directly detect the liquid level of the cooling fluid C, or a flow rate sensor that can indirectly detect the liquid level of the cooling fluid C by measuring the flow rate of the cooling fluid C using the first port 710 and the second port 720.

[0144] The control module 900 can control the operation of the circulation member 700 based on the data detected by the detection sensor 800. That is, the control module 900 can be used as a component that actively adjusts the liquid level of the cooling fluid C contained in the housing 100 based on the data of the liquid level of the cooling fluid C detected by the detection sensor 800.

[0145] The control module 900 can monitor the data detected by the detection sensor 800 in real time, and can be implemented in the form of an integrated circuit (IC), a microcontroller (μC), a microprocessor or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and can actively control the operations of the first port 710, the second port 720 and the driving pump 740 based on the monitored data. Further, the control module 900 can include a communication device, which can establish a communication connection with the circulation member 700 and the detection sensor 800, and transmit or receive data through the established communication connection. The communication device can be implemented as a device that performs a wireless communication connection through any one of a Bluetooth communication method, a Wi-Fi communication method, a Zigbee communication method and an NFC communication method, or can be implemented as a device that performs a wired communication through a cable or the like.

[0146] Figures 13 - 16 A view schematically illustrating the process of adjusting the liquid level of the cooling fluid.

[0147] Reference Figures 13 - 14 , when the liquid level of the cooling fluid C inside the housing body 110 drops to a set height h1 or less, the control module 900 can operate the second pressing member 723b so that the second pressing member 723b moves in a direction separating from the second moving rod 722a.

[0148] Here, the design of the set height h1 can be appropriately changed in various ways within a range greater than the height of the battery cell 200.

[0149] When the second pressing member 723b separates from the second moving rod 722a, due to the pressure of the cooling fluid C inside the housing body 110 and the elastic force of the second elastic member 723a, the second plug 722b can move in a direction contacting the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b, and can close the second port housing 721.

[0150] Moreover, the control module 900 can operate the first pressing member 713b so that the first pressing member 713b moves in a direction contacting the first moving rod 712a.

[0151] When the first pressing member 713b contacts the first moving rod 712a, due to the pressing force applied from the first pressing member 713b and the pressure of the cooling fluid C introduced into the first small-diameter portion 711b, the first plug 712b moves in a direction separating from the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b, and the first port housing 711 can be opened.

[0152] Therefore, compared with the flow rate of the cooling fluid C supplied to the inside of the housing main body 110, the flow rate of the cooling fluid C discharged from the inside of the housing main body 110 decreases, and the liquid level of the cooling fluid C inside the housing main body 110 increases.

[0153] Thereafter, when the liquid level of the cooling fluid C inside the housing main body 110 exceeds the set height h1, the control module 900 can operate the second pressing member 723b so that the second pressing member 723b moves in a direction of contacting the second moving rod 722a.

[0154] When the second pressing member 723b contacts the second moving rod 722a, the second plug 722b can move in a direction separating from the inner surface of the second large-diameter portion 721a connected to the second small-diameter portion 721b, and the second port housing 721 can be opened.

[0155] At the same time, the control module 900 can operate the first pressing member 713b so that the first pressing member 713b moves in a direction separating from the first moving rod 712a.

[0156] When the first pressing member 713b separates from the first moving rod 712a, due to the pressure of the cooling fluid C inside the housing main body 110 and the elastic force of the first elastic member 713a, the first plug 712b can move in a direction of contacting the inner surface of the first large-diameter portion 711a connected to the first small-diameter portion 711b, and the first port housing 711 can be closed.

[0157] Therefore, compared with the flow rate of the cooling fluid C supplied to the inside of the housing main body 110, the flow rate of the cooling fluid C discharged from the inside of the housing main body 110 increases, and the liquid level of the cooling fluid C inside the housing main body 110 decreases.

[0158] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , when the cooling fluid C inside the housing main body 110 is at the set height h1, the control module 900 can operate the first pressing member 713b and the second pressing member 723b so that both the first port housing 711 and the second port housing 721 are opened, and the cooling fluid C can be circulated and moved sequentially through the second port 720, the circulation pipeline 730, and the first port 710 by the operation of the driving pump 740.

[0159] The energy storage system according to the present embodiment may further include a release member 500 and a blocking member 600. The release member 500 and the blocking member 600 according to the present embodiment may be configured in substantially the same manner as the release member 500 and the blocking member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 1 - 8 the description of the release member 500 and the blocking member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described above.

[0160] Hereinafter, an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0161] Figure 17 A perspective exploded view schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 18 A block diagram schematically illustrating the configuration of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0162] Reference Figure 17 and Figure 18 , the energy storage system according to the present embodiment may include a housing 100, battery cells 200, a support member 300, a heat dissipation member 400, and a circulation member 700.

[0163] Reference Figures 1 - 8 The description of the housing 100, battery cells 200, support member 300, and heat dissipation member 400 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described above may be directly applied to the housing 100, battery cells 200, support member 300, and heat dissipation member 400 according to the present embodiment, and the description of the circulation member 700 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 9 - 16 may be directly applied to the circulation member 700 according to the present embodiment.

[0164] The energy storage system according to the present embodiment may further include a release member 500, a blocking member 600, a detection sensor 800, and a control module 900.

[0165] The release member 500 and the blocking member 600 according to the present embodiment may be configured in substantially the same manner as the release member 500 and the blocking member 600 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 1 - 8 and the detection sensor 800 and the control module 900 according to the present embodiment may be configured in substantially the same manner as the detection sensor 800 and the control module 900 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure described with reference to Figures 9 - 16 the description above.

[0166] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cells may be directly immersed in the cooling fluid inside the housing, so that the cooling effect of the battery cells may be further improved.

[0167] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a heat dissipation member can be used to prevent or reduce a continuous increase in the temperature of a cooling fluid during a process of cooling a battery cell.

[0168] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an exhaust member of a battery cell is arranged to face a bottom surface of a housing, and thus can quickly and stably extinguish a fire when the battery cell ignites.

[0169] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by using a release member to prevent or substantially prevent an excessive increase in the internal pressure of the housing, safety accidents such as explosions can be prevented or reduced.

[0170] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by using a blocking member to prevent a flame from being discharged to the outside of the housing, the spread of the flame to adjacent facilities can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0171] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a circulation member can be used to allow the temperature of a cooling fluid contained inside a housing to remain constant and prevent or reduce a decrease in cooling efficiency due to stagnation of the cooling fluid.

[0172] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, by actively controlling the liquid level of a cooling fluid contained inside a housing using a detection sensor and a control module, the cooling efficiency of a battery cell can be flexibly changed.

[0173] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the control module and the cooling module are spaced apart from each other, and a battery module is interposed therebetween, and thus damage to the control module caused by a coolant leaking from the cooling module can be prevented or reduced.

[0174] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the volume of an accommodation part is larger than the volume of a coolant circulating through a plurality of battery modules, and thus even when all of the coolant circulating through a plurality of battery assemblies leaks, leakage of the coolant to the outside of the container can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0175] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a discharge hole and an opening / closing member can be used to prevent or substantially prevent an excessive increase in the liquid level of a coolant contained in an accommodation part.

[0176] However, the effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to the above effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the present disclosure.

[0177] Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and other equivalent embodiments based on the embodiments.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, comprising: a housing configured to contain a cooling fluid and having a bottom surface; a battery cell inside the housing and immersed in the cooling fluid; a support member inside the housing and configured to support the battery cell; and a heat dissipation member connected to the housing and configured to dissipate heat generated inside the housing.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the battery cell comprises: a cell housing; an electrode assembly accommodated inside the cell housing; and an exhaust member facing the bottom surface of the housing, the exhaust member being configured to open when the internal pressure of the cell housing increases.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein the support member comprises: a first support member for supporting the lower side of the battery cell; and a second support member facing the first support member and for supporting the upper side of the battery cell.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 3, wherein the first support member comprises: a first support body surrounding the lower side of the battery cell; a discharge portion formed to pass through the first support body and arranged to face the exhaust member; and a support portion extending from the first support body and contacting the bottom surface of the housing.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, wherein the discharge portion is spaced apart from the bottom surface of the housing.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the heat dissipation member comprises a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the housing.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: a housing body; a cover facing the housing body; and a gasket between the housing body and the cover.

8. The energy storage system according to claim 7, wherein the gasket is inserted into a gasket groove formed to be recessed toward the inside of the housing body.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 1, further comprising a release member installed in the housing and configured to rupture when the internal pressure of the housing increases to a set pressure or higher.

10. The energy storage system according to claim 9, further comprising a blocking member arranged to face the release member and configured to block the discharge of a flame generated inside the housing to the outside of the housing.

11. The energy storage system according to claim 10, wherein the blocking member comprises a plurality of mesh-like members stacked in a direction from the inside of the housing toward the release member.

12. An energy storage system, comprising: a housing configured to contain a cooling fluid and having a bottom surface; a battery cell inside the housing and immersed in the cooling fluid; a support member inside the housing and configured to support the battery cell; and a circulation member connected to the housing and configured to circulate the cooling fluid.

13. The energy storage system according to claim 12, wherein the battery cell comprises: a cell housing; an electrode assembly accommodated inside the cell housing; and An exhaust member, facing the bottom surface of the housing, is configured to open when the internal pressure of the single housing increases.

14. The energy storage system according to claim 12, wherein the circulation member comprises: A first port, connected to the housing and configured to supply the cooling fluid into the housing; A second port, spaced apart from the first port and configured to discharge the cooling fluid from the interior of the housing; A circulation pipeline, connected to the first port and the second port; A driving pump, installed in the circulation pipeline and configured to transfer the cooling fluid discharged from the second port to the first port; And A refrigerator, installed in the circulation pipeline and configured to cool the cooling fluid moving along the circulation pipeline.

15. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein the first port comprises: A first port housing, fixed to the housing and connected to the interior of the housing; A first plug member, movably installed in the first port housing and configured to open or close the first port housing according to its moving direction; And A first adjustment member, connected to the first plug member and configured to adjust the moving direction of the first plug member, and The second port comprises: A second port housing, fixed to the housing and connected to the interior of the housing; A second plug member, movably installed in the second port housing and configured to open or close the second port housing according to its moving direction; and A second adjustment member, connected to the second plug member and configured to adjust the moving direction of the second plug member.

16. The energy storage system according to claim 15, wherein the first adjustment member comprises: A first elastic member, arranged on one side of the first plug member and configured to press the first plug member in the direction of closing the first port housing; And A first pressing member, arranged on the other side of the first plug member and configured to selectively press the first plug member in the direction of opening the first port housing.

17. The energy storage system according to claim 15, wherein the second adjustment member comprises: A second elastic member, arranged on one side of the second plug member and configured to press the second plug member in the direction of closing the second port housing; And A second pressing member, arranged on the other side of the second plug member and configured to selectively press the second plug member in the direction of opening the second port housing.

18. The energy storage system according to claim 12, further comprising: A detection sensor, configured to detect the liquid level of the cooling fluid inside the housing; And A control module, configured to control the operation of the circulation member according to the data detected by the detection sensor.

19. The energy storage system according to claim 12, further comprising a heat dissipation member, the heat dissipation member being connected to the housing and configured to dissipate the heat generated inside the housing.

20. The energy storage system according to claim 19, wherein the heat dissipation member includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins protruding from the housing.

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