Container for accommodating battery module, power storage system and related method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container comprising a base plate having at least one through opening for discharging a liquid and a drainage device (48) arranged in the or each through opening, where the drainage device (48) comprises a support (60) attached to the base plate, the support (60) defining a liquid discharge conduit (72), and a movable member (64) attached to the base plate, the movable member (64) is mounted to be translationally movable relative to the liquid discharge conduit (72), under the effect of the weight of the liquid applied to the movable member (64), between a rest position blocking the drainage device (48) and a position for discharging the liquid through the drainage device (48). The movable member (64) includes a perforated wall (92) having a through hole (96) for discharging liquid. The support (60) covers the through holes (96) in the rest position, wherein at least some of the through holes (96) are not covered by the support (60) in the liquid discharge position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a container intended for receiving a battery module, comprising:

[0002] - A self-supporting structure including a base plate defining an internal volume for receiving a battery module, the base plate having at least one through opening for liquid discharge, the container comprising:

[0003] - A drainage device arranged in the through opening or in each through opening, the drainage device including a support attached to a base plate and a movable member defining a liquid discharge conduit, the movable member being mounted to be able to translate relative to the liquid discharge conduit between a stationary position blocking the drainage device and a position for discharging liquid through the drainage device under the action of the mass of liquid applied to the movable member.

[0004] Containers, for example, are transport containers or electrical cabinets. Background Technology

[0005] Traditionally, it is known to construct energy storage systems by placing battery modules, along with electrical and thermal management units for the modules, within a standard parallelepiped container. Such storage systems are easily portable, particularly by road, rail, or sea.

[0006] The structure of a container for receiving battery modules typically includes a base plate, peripheral walls projecting relative to the base plate, and a top plate that encloses the internal volume containing the battery modules. The peripheral walls are equipped with doors that allow access to the internal volume when necessary.

[0007] Such a storage system can accommodate many battery modules, which themselves contain elements (the basic units of a battery) or electrochemical battery cells (e.g., lithium-ion battery cells) as well as electronic and electrical components.

[0008] In rare cases, these storage systems are prone to thermal runaway, which can lead to fire. Therefore, monitoring for heating caused by the battery modules present in the container is known to detect thermal runaway. If such runaway is detected, one approach is to spray water onto the battery modules to limit flames and temperature rise.

[0009] For example, it is known to inject a high flow rate of water (e.g., 1,000 L / min) at 10 bar for 1 to 2 hours. This water is beneficial for cooling the battery module, but it will still accumulate on the bottom plate of the container.

[0010] However, the water level must not reach the height of the lowest battery module, otherwise unwanted hydrogen gas may be generated through the hydrolysis of water. Sometimes a drainage device is installed in the bottom plate of the container to drain the water, as described in EP4135110, for example.

[0011] Under normal operation, for safety reasons (potential mixing of air with explosive gases, parasite intrusion) and operational reasons (humidity management), it is not possible to leave the air inlet open in the container. Therefore, the drainage device must be tightly sealed before its use. However, it must be able to reliably open and drain large amounts of water very quickly in the event of water accumulation.

[0012] The drainage device described in EP4135110 includes a movable member that is held in a stationary position by a magnetic system, thereby closing the drainage device.

[0013] Such a drainage device cannot completely and satisfactorily empty the water. On the one hand, when the drainage device is opened, its channel cross-section is very limited by the need to prevent the movable components from being moved too far away from the magnetic system. On the other hand, the triggering of the magnetic system may be unreliable in some cases and result in very limited water discharge. Summary of the Invention

[0014] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide a battery module storage container that can be protected by injecting a large flow of water over a considerable period of time, but in which the water is reliably and effectively drained, while maintaining its airtightness and large space available for storing the module during normal use of the container.

[0015] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a container of the above type, characterized in that the movable component includes a mesh-like wall having through holes for liquid discharge, a support covering the through holes in a resting position, and at least some of the through holes not being covered by the support in a liquid discharge position.

[0016] The container according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, individually or in any technically possible combination:

[0017] - The liquid discharge pipe includes a peripheral wall with a central axis, and the movable member is guided by the peripheral wall to translate along the central axis;

[0018] - The movable component has a solid bottom wall that blocks the liquid discharge pipe from the outside in the resting position;

[0019] - The support member carries a sealing gasket on its outer edge, and the bottom wall is applied to the sealing gasket in the rest position;

[0020] - The mesh-like wall protrudes relative to the bottom wall, and the through-hole is covered by the liquid discharge pipe in the resting position;

[0021] - The mesh-like walls are arranged around the liquid discharge pipe;

[0022] - The support includes a base fixed to the base plate, and the liquid discharge pipe protrudes downward relative to the base and passes upward through an opening in the base;

[0023] - The ratio of the area occupied by the through hole to the total area of ​​the mesh wall is greater than 0.4, and in particular greater than 0.5;

[0024] - The drainage device includes a return system for returning the movable member to its rest position;

[0025] - The return system includes at least one spring;

[0026] - The support defines a liquid discharge channel with an axis, the return system includes a rod that is arranged across the liquid discharge channel in a projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the liquid discharge channel, and the spring is fixed to the rod on one side and to the movable member on the other side;

[0027] - The return system includes a bracket protruding relative to the support member, and the rod is fixed to the bracket.

[0028] Another objective of this invention is to provide an energy storage system, comprising:

[0029] - Containers as specified above;

[0030] - A battery module disposed within the internal volume of the container.

[0031] The system according to the present invention may include the following features:

[0032] - The container is a transport container configured to jointly transport the battery module, the transport container including a self-supporting structure defining the internal volume, or the container is an electrical cabinet defining the internal volume, the electrical cabinet having at least one lockable door.

[0033] Another object of the present invention is a method for protecting the power storage system as described above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0034] - Liquid is injected under pressure into the internal volume of the container to cool the battery module;

[0035] - The injected liquid is collected on the bottom plate of the container;

[0036] - Pressurize the collected liquid on the movable member to move the movable member from the rest position to the liquid discharge position;

[0037] - The liquid is discharged through the through-holes in the mesh wall to drain the liquid from the internal volume.

[0038] The method according to the invention may include one or more of the following features, either alone or in any technically possible combination:

[0039] - The drainage device includes a return system for returning the movable member to its rest position, the method comprising: returning the movable member to its rest position after the liquid has been discharged from the internal volume;

[0040] - The liquid is water or a mixture of water and at least one additive. Attached Figure Description

[0041] The invention and its advantages will be better understood by reading the following description, which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0042] - [ Figure 1 ] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a power storage system according to the present invention, the power storage system comprising a container formed of a container for receiving battery modules;

[0043] - [ Figure 2 ] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed view of the bottom plate of the container shown, on which a drainage device is installed;

[0044] - [ Figure 3 ] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of the components of the drainage device shown;

[0045] - [ Figure 4 ] Figure 4 This is a view of the drainage device when the movable component is in the stationary position of the blocked drainage device;

[0046] - [ Figure 5 ] Figure 5 It is similar to Figure 4 A view of the liquid discharge location. Detailed Implementation

[0047] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A first power storage system 10 according to the present invention is shown.

[0048] The storage system 10 is intended to be moved to the point of use, for example, by road transport such as a truck, by rail transport, and / or by sea transport such as a ship. It is intended to be electrically connected to the energy usage network at the point of use and to be alternately connected to the energy supply network for recharging.

[0049] Storage system 10 includes a container and multiple battery modules 16 (in Figure 1 Only three modules 16 are shown in the dashed lines. The container is designed to receive battery modules and define an internal volume 14 in which the plurality of battery modules 16 are received. The storage system 10 advantageously includes an electrical and thermal management system (“battery management module” or “BMM”) for the battery modules 16, as well as a safety system (not shown).

[0050] The container here is formed by transport container 12. In a variant, storage system 10 includes another type of container, such as an electrical cabinet as described below.

[0051] In this example, container 12 holds, for example, 10 to 150 battery modules 16. It extends along the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0052] The battery module 16 is installed in series and / or in parallel to deliver power to at least two electrical terminals 22 on the container 12, for example, for voltages up to 1500V, the power can reach up to 4MWh.

[0053] Each battery module 16 includes multiple electrochemical battery cells, which are received, for example, in a prismatic or cylindrical inner casing or a pouch. Each electrochemical battery cell includes an anode, a cathode, and a separator, through which an electrochemical reaction occurs. The electrochemical battery cell is, for example, a lithium-ion battery cell.

[0054] Battery modules 16 are typically arranged vertically in columns or horizontally in at least one row extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of container 12.

[0055] Each row includes multiple columns of battery modules 16, which are arranged one after another parallel to axis A-A'.

[0056] The electrical management system (not shown) is designed to control the voltage and current supplied by each battery module 16 during power supply, as well as the power and current intensity supplied to each battery module 16 during recharging.

[0057] Electrical terminal 22 is intended to be connected to a user network (not shown) to supply electrical energy stored in battery module 16, and alternately connected to a power network to recharge battery module 16.

[0058] The safety system (not shown) includes, for example, temperature and / or pressure detection sensors (possibly an inert gas source) in the internal volume 14, and a control unit designed to deliver inert gas from the inert gas source into the internal volume 14 when the temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide, and / or pressure in the internal volume 14 is detected to increase above a given threshold.

[0059] It also includes at least one liquid inlet (not shown) disposed in, for example, the top 38 of container 12, to allow liquid (e.g., greater than 800 L / min, particularly between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min) and advantageously under pressure (e.g., at a pressure greater than 5 bar, particularly between 8 bar and 12 bar) to be injected into the internal volume 14.

[0060] The liquid is, for example, water, and may contain one or more additives, such as a water-glycol mixture.

[0061] See Figure 1 The container 12 includes a self-supporting structure 30, which is designed to define an internal volume 14 and allow the battery module 16, management system and safety system to be transported together to the place of use.

[0062] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The structure 30 includes a base plate 32, a peripheral wall 36 projecting around the periphery of the base plate 32, and a top 38. The base plate 32, the peripheral wall 36, and the top 38 internally define an internal volume 14.

[0063] The structure 30 of container 12 is polyhedral in shape. In particular, structure 30 has a cuboid shape extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A-A'. When container 12 is placed on a horizontal support, axis A-A' is horizontal.

[0064] The dimensions of structure 30 are specified by transportation standards.

[0065] The length of container 12 is, for example, greater than 2m, particularly between 2.5m and 15m, the width is greater than 1m, particularly between 2m and 4m, and the height is greater than 1m, particularly between 2m and 4m.

[0066] The height of container 12 is typically less than its length along axis A-A'.

[0067] Container 12 is specifically a 20-foot “high cube” container with a length of 6.058m, a width of 2.438m, and a height of 2.896m. It advantageously has corners (commonly referred to as “ISO corners”) that project downwards from the corners of the base plate 32.

[0068] The base plate 32 is flat here. (Reference) Figure 2 It defines a flat upper support surface 40. The support surface 40 carries the battery module 16, the management system, and the safety system (if present).

[0069] refer to Figure 1 The peripheral wall 36 includes two vertical longitudinal walls 50A and 50B, which are arranged vertically on both sides of the axis A-A', parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0070] The peripheral wall 36 also includes two vertical transverse walls 52C and 52D, which extend perpendicularly to the axis A-A' and connect the longitudinal walls 50A and 50B to each other at the longitudinal ends of the structure 30.

[0071] The longitudinal walls 50A and 50B and the transverse walls 52C and 52D define the corners of the structure 30. They define the internal volume 14 outwards.

[0072] like Figure 1 As can be seen, the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B and the possible transverse walls 52C, 52D are equipped with movable doors 53A, 53B that allow access to the internal volume 14 from outside the container 12, and a locking mechanism 53C for the movable doors 53A, 53B.

[0073] Advantageously, refer to Figure 2 Structure 30 may optionally include an internal partition 54 in the internal volume 14, which defines a storage compartment 56 for the battery module 16 in the internal volume 14 and separately defines a control compartment 58 for the receiving management system and security system.

[0074] The structure of container 30 also includes a lower frame for supporting the base plate 32. The lower frame includes at least two longitudinal beams 41 extending parallel to axis A-A' on the sides of container 12 on both sides of axis A-A'. The lower frame also includes a plurality of transverse members 42 connecting the beams 41 to each other.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, each beam 41 is formed by a longitudinal profile, for example by a polygonal section, or alternatively by an I-shaped beam.

[0076] Each beam 41 includes a lower support surface 43A and an upper support surface 43B for at least a portion of the base plate 32 (particularly the edge of the base plate 32).

[0077] At least one intermediate transverse member 42 extends between the longitudinal beams 41 at a longitudinal end away from the container 12. The transverse member 42 also has a lower surface 44A and an upper support surface 44B for the base plate 32.

[0078] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the lower surface 43A of the longitudinal beam 41 is located below the lower surface 44A of the transverse member 42. Therefore, the lower frame of the container 12 defines an intermediate space 45 below the base plate 32 and below the lower surface 44A of each transverse member 42, which is free at least up to the height of the lower surface 43A of the longitudinal beam 41.

[0079] The base plate 32 also has a through opening 46 for liquid discharge, which opens upward to the internal volume 14 and downward to the intermediate space 45 located below the base plate 32. The base plate 32 has a support edge (not visible) protruding at a height lower than the upper surface 40 around the periphery of the through opening 46.

[0080] The container 12 also includes a drainage device 48 installed in the through opening 46 to drain excess liquid present in the internal volume 14 in the event of liquid being sprayed into the internal volume 14, and to close the through opening 46 when at rest in the event of no liquid being sprayed into the internal volume 14.

[0081] refer to Figures 2 to 5 The drainage device includes a support 60 fixed to the support edge of the base plate 32 at the periphery of the through opening 46, and a fastening element 62 of the support 60 on the support edge.

[0082] The drainage device 48 also includes a movable member 64 that can move relative to the support 60 between an upper stationary position that prevents liquid from passing through the through opening 46 and a lower liquid discharge position that allows liquid to pass through the through opening 46.

[0083] The drainage device 48 also includes a return system 66, which is designed to continuously return the movable component 64 to its stationary position.

[0084] Advantageously, the support 60 is made of metal (especially steel). The metal is preferably coated to prevent corrosion, or it is made of stainless steel.

[0085] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the support 60 includes an outer peripheral base 70 for attachment to the base plate 32 and a vertical pipe 72 for liquid discharge. It also includes an outer peripheral sealing gasket 74 fixed to the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72.

[0086] The outer peripheral base 70 extends along the upper edge of the vertical pipe 72. In this example, it forms a flange that projects horizontally at the periphery of the vertical pipe 72. The flange here has a polygonal (specifically rectangular) outer contour.

[0087] The outer peripheral base 70 is equipped with a through hole 76 for fastening element 62, wherein the through hole 76 is vertically open.

[0088] Fastening element 62 engages in through hole 76 to secure the periphery of base 70 to base plate 32 at the level of the outer peripheral edge protruding at the periphery of through opening 46.

[0089] Fastening element 62 is, for example, a screw, a screw-nut system, or even a rivet.

[0090] The vertical pipe 72 is cylindrical here, with a circular outline. Alternatively, the vertical pipe 72 may have a parallelepiped outline or another shape.

[0091] The vertical conduit 72 defines an internal channel 78 for liquid discharge, which opens upward and downward along the vertical axis B-B'.

[0092] The cross-section perpendicular to axis B-B' of the vertical pipe 72 and its internal passage 78 remains constant as it moves along axis B-B', as... Figure 4 As can be seen in the text.

[0093] The area of ​​the cross-section of the internal channel 78, taken perpendicular to the axis B-B' of the internal channel 78, is, for example, greater than 100 cm². 2 Especially at 300cm 2 and 500cm 2 between.

[0094] The vertical pipe 72 has a peripheral wall 80, which is typically thicker than 1.5 mm. It is integrally formed with the base 70 here.

[0095] The height of the vertical pipe 72 is less than the height of the intermediate space 45 located below the base plate 32 above the lower surface 43A of each longitudinal beam 41. This height, obtained along axis B-B', is typically greater than 0.5 times the maximum lateral range of the internal passage 78 obtained perpendicular to axis B-B'.

[0096] When the movable member 64 occupies its upper stationary position that prevents liquid from passing through, this height creates a liquid collection reservoir with sufficient volume to allow the movable member 64 to move downward under the weight of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir, as described below.

[0097] Furthermore, the available height below the vertically obtained vertical pipe 72 for downward movement of the movable member 64, between the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72 and the lower surface 43A of the beam 41, is, for example, greater than 4 cm, and preferably between 10 cm and 40 cm.

[0098] Therefore, when the lower surface 43A of beam 41 is placed on the ground, there is always a vertical gap below the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72. This gap allows the movable member 64 to move vertically downwards, for example, by 4 cm, as will be seen below.

[0099] The sealing gasket 74 has an annular shape. It engages around the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72 at the level of the lower opening of the discharge passage 78.

[0100] The movable member 64 is formed here by a basket having a solid bottom. It includes a solid bottom wall 90, which is designed to seal the discharge passage 78 of the vertical pipe 72 downwards when the movable member 64 is in a resting position.

[0101] It includes a mesh-like peripheral wall 92 that projects upward from the periphery of the bottom wall 90. The peripheral wall 92 joins the vertical pipe 72 outside the internal channel 78.

[0102] The movable component 64 is made of, for example, a polymer (especially polycarbonate, or polyolefin, such as polypropylene) or, possibly preferably, a metal with a corrosion-resistant coating (e.g., aluminum).

[0103] The bottom wall 90 is formed here by a completely solid flat disc. Its area is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the cross-section of the internal channel 78 taken at the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72.

[0104] The peripheral wall 92 includes a plurality of members 94 that define a through-hole 96 for liquid discharge. The peripheral wall advantageously includes an upper guide ring 98.

[0105] Component 94 is arranged here as a mesh forming through holes 96, which are offset at an angle to each other at the periphery of the peripheral wall and are also offset vertically to each other.

[0106] In this example, the via 96 has a polygonal profile, such as a hexagonal profile. Alternatively, the via 96 has a continuous non-polygonal profile, such as a circular or elliptical profile, or a series of slots.

[0107] The ratio of the area occupied by the through-hole 96 to the total area of ​​the mesh-like peripheral wall 92 is greater than 0.4, and in particular greater than 0.5. This ratio is, for example, between 0.5 and 0.6.

[0108] Even with reduced movement of the movable member 64 relative to the support member 60, this ratio ensures high liquid discharge capacity.

[0109] The upper guide ring 98 is located above the through hole 96. It forms the upper edge of the outer periphery of the movable member 64, which is solid over the entire angular range around the axis B-B'.

[0110] Therefore, the movable member 64 is assembled into Figure 4 The rest position shown and Figure 5 The liquid discharge locations shown move only along the axis B-B' around the vertical pipe 72.

[0111] exist Figure 4 In the resting position shown, the vertical pipe 72 completely blocks the through-hole 96. The bottom wall 90 is applied against the gasket 74, thereby blocking the discharge passage 78 downwards.

[0112] Therefore, in this position, the vertical pipe 72 is closed from the outside of the internal volume 14, thereby preventing harmful organisms from entering through the drainage device 48 and limiting the exposure of the internal volume 14 to the outside air. As described above, the internal channel 78 of the vertical pipe 72, which is closed downward by the bottom wall 90, forms a reservoir suitable for collecting and accumulating liquid received on the bottom plate 32 until the weight of the liquid causes the bottom wall 90 to move downward to the liquid discharge position.

[0113] At each liquid discharge location (examples are shown in...) Figure 5 As shown in the figure, the movable member 64 has been translated downward along axis B-B'.

[0114] At least a portion of the through-hole 96 for liquid discharge is exposed because it is located below the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72. Thus, the internal channel 78 defined by the vertical conduit 72 is opened, so that it no longer forms a reservoir for accumulating liquid, but rather a channel for discharging accumulated liquid.

[0115] The bottom wall 90 is positioned away from the gasket 74, thereby opening the discharge passage 78 downwards. Therefore, liquid contained in the discharge passage 78 is adapted to flow radially outwards through the through-hole 96 relative to the axis B-B'.

[0116] When the bottom wall 90 is at the height of the lower surface 43A of the beam 41, the surface of the through hole 96 exposed below the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72 is greater than 150cm. 2 .

[0117] Therefore, large amounts of liquid can be discharged quickly, especially if the liquid flow rate is greater than 800 L / min, particularly between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min, through the discharge channel 78.

[0118] This high flow rate is achieved through a very small vertical movement of the movable member 64, for example, less than 10 cm, especially between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0119] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The return system 66 includes a spring 110 advantageously arranged at the center of the vertical pipe 72, a retaining clip 112 for securing the lower end of the spring 110 to a movable member 64, and a rod 114 for securing the upper end of the spring 110 to an outer peripheral base 70. It also includes a bracket 116 for locking the rod 114 to the outer peripheral base 70.

[0120] In this example, the return system 66 also includes an intermediate assembly 118 for securing the end of the spring 110 to the retaining clip 112 and the rod 114.

[0121] Spring 110 here is a helical spring. It has retaining rings 120A and 120B at its ends.

[0122] The stiffness of spring 110 is, for example, between 0.6 N / mm and 1.2 N / mm. The height of spring 110 is less than the height of the discharge channel 78 of pipe 72.

[0123] The retaining clip 112 protrudes from the bottom wall 90 of the movable member 64. For example, it is fixed to the bottom wall 90 by welding.

[0124] The projection of rod 114 in a plane perpendicular to axis B-B' extends above the upper opening of the inner channel 78 and through the upper opening.

[0125] The rod 114 has two central holes for locking the upper end of the spring 110, and an end hole for locking the rod 114 onto the bracket 116.

[0126] Each bracket 116 has at least one hole 122 for inserting a rod 114, for example, multiple insertion holes 122 for the rod 114 located at different heights. Thus, the rod 114 can be placed in the bracket 116 at different heights relative to the outer peripheral base 70 and parallel to the outer peripheral base 70.

[0127] The bracket 116 is attached to the outer peripheral base 70 on both sides of the vertical pipe 72.

[0128] The rod 114 is held in the hole 122 by a pin 124, which passes through the rod 114 outside the bracket 116 and is inserted into the end hole.

[0129] Spring 110 extends along axis B-B' between rod 114 and retaining clip 112.

[0130] The intermediate assembly 118 includes a hook 130A at the lower end of the spring 110 to connect the lower ring 120A of the spring 110 to the retaining clip 112.

[0131] The intermediate assembly 118 includes, at the upper end of the spring 110, another hook 130B connecting the upper ring 120B to the rod 114, and a pin 132 for wedging the hook 130B along the rod 114, the pin 132 being inserted into a central hole formed through the rod 114. The pin 132 forms a stop to prevent the hook 130B from moving axially along the rod 114.

[0132] The operation of the drainage device 48 in the container 12 according to the present invention will now be described.

[0133] When stationary, and when no significant heating is observed on the battery module 16, the movable member 64 is in a stationary position. It is held in this position by a spring 110 returning to the system 66.

[0134] The bottom wall 90 tightly seals the vertical pipe 72. This prevents harmful organisms (e.g., rodents or pests) from entering the internal volume 14 of the container 12. In addition, the closed drainage device 48 restricts the entry of outside air into the internal volume 14.

[0135] If a sensor present within the internal volume 14 detects thermal runaway, the rescue team sprays liquid onto the battery module 16, for example by injecting liquid into the container from the outside via a pipeline provided for this purpose.

[0136] For example, liquid injection is carried out at a flow rate greater than 800 L / min, particularly between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min, at a pressure advantageously greater than 5 bar, such as between 9 bar and 11 bar, for a duration greater than 30 minutes, particularly between 1 hour and 2 hours.

[0137] The liquid that has cooled the battery module 16 accumulates on the upper surface 40 of the base plate 32. It flows to the discharge device 48 and enters the discharge channel 78 of the vertical pipe 72, thus forming a reservoir that allows the liquid to accumulate.

[0138] Under the sole influence of the liquid's weight, the movable member 64 spontaneously moves from its rest position to its liquid discharge position by translating along axis B-B'. The movable member 64 is guided by the vertical conduit 72, overcoming the return force generated by the return system 66.

[0139] like Figure 5 As can be seen, at least a portion of the through-hole 96 is then exposed and positioned below the lower edge of the vertical pipe 72. This opens a liquid discharge section that radially passes through the mesh-like peripheral wall 92.

[0140] Therefore, the liquid is discharged very quickly and efficiently through the discharge channel 78 and the exposed through-hole 96, which together form an open channel. This limits or even prevents the accumulation of liquid within the internal volume 14.

[0141] By means of the significant area of ​​the through-hole 96 and the possibility of the movable member 64 moving along the vertical axis B-B', a flow rate, particularly greater than 800 L / min, especially between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min, can be discharged with a simple downward movement of 4 cm of the movable member 64, without causing vibration phenomena associated with large liquid flow.

[0142] The vertical pipe 72 guides the translation of the movable member 64 along the axis B-B', avoiding vibration and preventing the drainage device 48 from being shut off by suction, for example, due to the liquid velocity in a very small section.

[0143] No slowdown in flow was observed, therefore no liquid accumulation occurred at the bottom of the internal volume 14, thus greatly limiting the risk of hydrogen production and explosion.

[0144] Furthermore, the movable member 64 is guided by the vertical conduit 72, and due to the low friction between the peripheral wall 80 of the vertical conduit 72 and the grid-like peripheral wall 92 of the movable member 64, it is unlikely to get stuck, for example, by micro-rotation or blockage.

[0145] When the movable member 64 occupies its liquid discharge position, the through holes 96 for liquid passage are distributed at an angle around the axis B-B', which promotes uniform discharge.

[0146] Once the flow of liquid in the internal volume 14 decreases, the weight exerted on the movable member 64 by the liquid decreases, and the return force generated by the return system 66 spontaneously returns the movable member 64 to its rest position.

[0147] Therefore, the drainage device 48 automatically closes, thereby protecting the integrity of the internal volume 14. The described drainage device 48 is entirely mechanical, without using active components such as electric or hydraulic actuators. Therefore, it is particularly reliable and can operate even without electrical or hydraulic power.

[0148] The size of the drainage device 48 is perfectly suited to the characteristics of a fire protection system that requires a high flow rate for a considerable period of time. Once too much liquid has been drained, the drainage device 48 automatically closes, thus the reintroduction of liquid into the internal volume 14 is very limited, and partial airtightness is achieved once no fire is detected.

[0149] The drainage device 48 is also compact and of limited mass.

[0150] In addition, the spring 110 is fixed by a rod 114, the height of which can be advantageously adjusted on the bracket 116, allowing for the adaptation of different spring 110 supply sources for the selected spring 110 stiffness.

[0151] Therefore, the drainage device 48 is particularly reliable, inexpensive and very effective in use.

[0152] In one variant (not shown), the mesh wall 92 of the movable member 64 is received to slide along axis B-B' in the vertical pipe 72.

[0153] In one variant (not shown), the container is an electrical cabinet that includes a base plate, side walls, and top wall defining an internal volume 14 that houses the battery module 16.

[0154] The cabinet is typically made of metal and grounded. Its height is greater than its width. It is advantageously configured to block fires and is usually equipped with a cooling system, particularly ventilation equipment. The electrical cabinet has at least one door, which is equipped with a lock to restrict access.

Claims

1. A container (12) intended to receive a battery module, comprising: - A self-supporting structure (30) including a base plate (32) defining an internal volume (14) for receiving a battery module (16), the base plate (32) having at least one through opening (46) for liquid discharge, the container (12) comprising: - A drainage device (48) arranged in or in each of the through openings (46), the drainage device (48) comprising a support (60) attached to the base plate (32) and a movable member (64), the support (60) defining a liquid discharge conduit (72), the movable member (64) being mounted to be translatably movable relative to the liquid discharge conduit (72) between a stationary position blocking the drainage device (48) and a liquid discharge position for discharging liquid through the drainage device (48) under the weight of the liquid applied to the movable member (64). The movable member (64) is characterized in that it includes a mesh wall (92) having a through hole (96) for discharging the liquid, the support (60) covering the through hole (96) in the rest position, and at least some of the through holes (96) not being covered by the support (60) in the liquid discharge position.

2. The container (12) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid discharge pipe (72) includes a peripheral wall (80) having a central axis (B-B'), and the movable member (64) is guided by the peripheral wall (80) to translate along the central axis (B-B').

3. The container (12) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The movable component (64) has a solid bottom wall (90) that blocks the liquid discharge pipe (72) from the outside in the rest position.

4. The container (12) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The support (60) carries a sealing gasket (74) on its outer edge, and the bottom wall (90) is applied to the sealing gasket (74) in the rest position.

5. The container (12) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, The mesh wall (92) protrudes relative to the bottom wall (90), and the through hole (96) is covered by the liquid discharge pipe (72) in the rest position.

6. The container (12) according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mesh wall (92) is arranged around the liquid discharge pipe (72).

7. The container (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The support (60) includes a base (70) attached to the base plate (32), and the liquid discharge pipe (72) protrudes downward relative to the base (70) and passes upward through the opening of the base (70).

8. The container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The ratio of the area occupied by the through hole (96) to the total area of ​​the mesh wall (92) is greater than 0.4, and in particular greater than 0.

5.

9. The container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The drainage device (48) includes a return system (66) for returning the movable member (64) to its rest position.

10. The container (12) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The return system (66) includes at least one spring (110).

11. The container (12) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The support (60) defines a liquid discharge channel (78) having an axis (B-B'), the return system (66) includes a rod (114) arranged across the liquid discharge channel (78) in its projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis (B-B') of the liquid discharge channel (78), and a spring (110) is attached to the rod (114) on one side and to the movable member (64) on the other side.

12. The container (12) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The return system (66) includes a bracket (116) protruding from the support (60), to which the rod (114) is attached.

13. An energy storage system (10), comprising: - Container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; - A battery module (16) arranged in the internal volume (14) of the container (12).

14. The system according to claim 13, characterized in that, The container is a transport container (12) configured to jointly transport the battery module (16), the transport container (12) including a self-supporting structure (30) defining the internal volume (14), or the container is an electrical cabinet defining the internal volume (14) having at least one lockable door.

15. A method for protecting an electric power storage system, said electric power storage system being the electric power storage system (10) according to claim 13 or 14, the method comprising the following steps: - Liquid is injected under pressure into the internal volume (14) of the container (12) to cool the battery module (16). - The injected liquid is collected on the bottom plate (32) of the container (12); - The collected liquid is applied to the movable member (64) to move the movable member (64) from the rest position to the liquid discharge position; - The discharged liquid is passed through the through-hole (96) of the mesh wall (92) to discharge the liquid from the internal volume (14).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The drainage device (48) includes a return system (66) for returning the movable member (64) to its rest position, the method comprising: returning the movable member (64) to its rest position after the liquid has been discharged from the internal volume (14).

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The liquid is water or a mixture of water and at least one additive.

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