Energy storage system
By employing multiple cooling systems and a central valve to control refrigerant flow in the energy storage system, the problem of battery module temperature deviation management was solved, achieving efficient and stable power supply and extended battery life.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-10
Smart Images
Figure CN121642285A_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an energy storage system. BACKGROUND
[0002] Unlike primary batteries that are not designed to be (re)charged, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are batteries designed to be discharged and recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used for portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, notebook computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving electric motors in hybrid and electric vehicles and for storing electric power (e.g., home and / or utility-scale power storage). A secondary battery generally includes an electrode assembly composed of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that accommodates the same, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.
[0003] An energy storage system (ESS) is configured to connect renewable energy sources such as wind and solar energy, which cannot control power generation output, to an existing power grid, and charge or discharge according to a power consumption pattern. In particular, an energy storage system using a secondary battery can not only be used to stabilize system voltage and frequency, but also store excess energy together with a renewable energy power generation system (e.g., wind or solar energy) whose power generation output is unstable, and supply energy to a load by releasing the energy stored in the battery.
[0004] Among these energy storage systems, one of the important factors is the effective management of battery temperature. For example, heat can be generated during the battery charging / discharging process. To this end, managing temperature deviation between battery modules or battery packs included in the energy storage system so as to prevent temperature deviation from increasing can be an important factor in improving the efficiency of the energy storage system. In addition, by preventing temperature deviation between batteries included in the energy storage system from increasing, the life of the battery can be prolonged, and thus, the energy storage system can stably supply electric power.
[0005] The above-described information disclosed in this BACKGROUND section is to enhance an understanding of the background of the present disclosure, and thus can include information that does not constitute the related (or prior) art. SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure provides an energy storage system for solving the above-described problems.
[0007] These and other aspects and features of the present disclosure will be described in or will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description of the embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0008] According to some aspects of the disclosure, there is provided an energy storage system, including: a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a first cooling system cooling a first group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a second cooling system cooling a second group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a central valve controlling a flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system; and a battery management system monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of battery modules, the first cooling system, the second cooling system, and the central valve, wherein the battery management system controls the central valve to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system according to whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system.
[0009] According to some aspects, the first cooling system can include a first cooler cooling the first group of battery modules and a first cooling passage allowing the refrigerant to circulate between the first cooler and the first group of battery modules, and the second cooling system can include a second cooler cooling the second group of battery modules and a second cooling passage allowing the refrigerant to circulate between the second cooler and the second group of battery modules.
[0010] According to some aspects, the first cooling system and the second cooling system can respectively include a temperature sensor installed at the first cooling passage and a temperature sensor installed at the second cooling passage, and the battery management system can be configured to monitor whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system based on temperature information output from the temperature sensors.
[0011] According to some aspects, the energy storage system can further include a first relay. In a case where an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery management system can transmit a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay can control the central valve to open the central valve in response to reception of the control signal.
[0012] According to some aspects, the energy storage system can further include a second relay. In a case where an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery management system can transmit a control signal to the second relay, and the second relay can control a shut-off valve related to the cooling system in which the abnormality in the operation has occurred to close the shut-off valve in response to reception of the control signal.
[0013] According to some aspects, in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery management system can control a current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells is reduced.
[0014] According to some aspects, the battery management system can control a current rate of the plurality of battery cells such that the current rate of the plurality of battery cells is reduced by half, in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system.
[0015] According to some aspects, the energy storage system can further include a third cooling system. In a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery management system can cause the third cooling system to operate in place of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred to cool at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules.
[0016] According to some aspects, the battery management system can be configured to close the central valve in a case where the third cooling system is operating.
[0017] According to some aspects, the battery management system can control a shut-off valve related to the third cooling system to open the shut-off valve in a case where the third cooling system is operating.
[0018] According to some aspects, the battery management system can control a current rate of the plurality of battery cells such that the current rate of the plurality of battery cells is increased, in a case where the third cooling system is operating.
[0019] According to some aspects, the battery management system can control a current rate of the plurality of battery cells such that the current rate of the plurality of battery cells is increased to twice, in a case where the third cooling system is operating.
[0020] According to some aspects, the refrigerant can be a coolant.
[0021] According to some aspects, the energy storage system can further include: a plurality of battery racks, each of the plurality of battery racks including a plurality of battery modules; and at least one battery container including the plurality of battery racks.
[0022] According to some aspects of the disclosure, a battery energy storage system is provided, including: a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a first chiller cooling a first set of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a second chiller cooling a second set of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a first cooling passage allowing circulation of a refrigerant between the first chiller and the first set of battery modules; a second cooling passage allowing circulation of the refrigerant between the second chiller and the second set of battery modules; a central valve controlling flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage and the second cooling passage; and a battery management system monitoring and managing operations of the plurality of battery modules, the first chiller, the second chiller, and the central valve, wherein the battery management system controls the central valve to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage and the second cooling passage according to whether an abnormality in operation of either of the first chiller and the second chiller occurs.
[0023] According to some aspects, the battery energy storage system can further include a first relay. In a case where an abnormality in operation of either of the first chiller and the second chiller is detected, the battery management system can send a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay can control the central valve to open the central valve in response to receipt of the control signal.
[0024] According to some aspects, the battery energy storage system can further include a second relay. In a case where an abnormality in operation of either of the first chiller and the second chiller is detected, the battery management system can send a control signal to the second relay, and the second relay can control a shut-off valve related to the chiller in which the abnormality in operation has occurred to close the shut-off valve in response to receipt of the control signal.
[0025] According to some aspects, in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in operation of either of the first chiller and the second chiller, the battery management system can control a current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells is reduced.
[0026] According to some aspects, the battery energy storage system can further include a third cooling system. In a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in operation of either of the first chiller and the second chiller, the battery management system can operate the third cooling system to allow circulation of the refrigerant through a cooling passage connected to the chiller in which the abnormality in operation has occurred.
[0027] According to some aspects, the battery management system can be configured to close the central valve in a case where the third cooling system is operated.
[0028] The energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cooling systems for cooling a plurality of battery modules, and controls the flow of refrigerant between the plurality of cooling systems through a central valve. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cells included in the battery container can be effectively managed.
[0029] The energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure controls the flow of refrigerant between the plurality of cooling systems through a central valve. Thereby, even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the plurality of cooling systems, the energy storage system can be managed, thereby preventing an increase in the temperature deviation between the battery cells included in the plurality of battery modules connected to the plurality of cooling systems. According to this management, the efficiency of the energy storage system can be improved, and the energy storage system can stably supply electric power.
[0030] The energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure controls the flow of a plurality of refrigerants between the cooling systems through a central valve. In the case where an abnormality in the operation of any one of the plurality of cooling systems is detected, the battery current multiplication rate control unit reduces the current multiplication rate of the battery cells, and thus, the heat generation in the battery cells can be reduced. Thereby, it is possible to prevent an overload of the cooling system for which the abnormality in the operation is not detected.
[0031] However, aspects and features of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other aspects and features not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0032] The following accompanying drawings attached to the present specification illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the detailed description below further describe aspects and features of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.
[0033] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0034] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a cooling system in the energy storage system of FIG. 1. Figure 1
[0035] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an operating principle of a central valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0036] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a battery management system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0037] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of refrigerant according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0038] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a central valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0039] Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a shut-off valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0040] Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a battery current rate according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0041] Figure 9 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a battery rack according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0042] Figure 10 FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0043] Description of some reference numerals
[0044] 10: energy storage system
[0045] 20: battery container
[0046] 30: battery rack
[0047] 40: battery module
[0048] 100: first cooling system
[0049] 102: second cooling system
[0050] 200: battery management system
[0051] 300: central valve DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0052] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in the present specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to commonly or dictionary meanings and should be interpreted as having a conception meeting the technical idea of the present disclosure based on a principle that an inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best explain his / her own invention.
[0053] The embodiments described in the present specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are only some embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that there can be various equivalents and modifications which can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing the present application.
[0054] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on” or “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers can be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. For example, when a first element is described as “coupled” or “connected” to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element or intervening elements can be present. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term “coupled” or “connected” means the joining of two members together for the purposes of mechanical or electrical support, allowing communication between the members, or allowing the flow of a medium between the members.
[0055] In the drawings, the size of various elements, layers, etc. can be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numbers signify like elements throughout. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. In addition, use of “may” when describing embodiments of the present disclosure relates to “one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.” Expressions such as “at least one of,” and “one or more of,” when preceding the list of two or more members, modify the entire list of members and do not modify the list of members individually. When such expressions are used in conjunction with individual members of a list, they are used to indicate that at least one occurrence of the individual member is present. Phrases such as “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “at least one of the group consisting of A, B, and C,” or “at least one of the group consisting of A, B, and C,” are intended to mean A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, when used in a description of a list of items that includes at least one of A, B, and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “used,” and “using” can be taken in their broadest possible context as synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilized,” and “utilizing,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “approximately,” and similar terms are used as terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in a measurement or calculation that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.
[0056] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third, etc. can 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, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.
[0057] For ease of description, spatially relative terms, such as "below", "beneath", "lower", "above", "upper", and the like, can be used herein for the purpose of describing one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is inverted, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The devices can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0058] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes" and / or "including", when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.
[0059] Furthermore, any numerical ranges expressed in this document as endpoints include all sub-ranges spanning from the lower value and to the upper value. For example, a range of 1.0 to 10.0 should be considered to include all sub-ranges between (and including) the minimum of 1.0 and the maximum of 10.0, that is, all sub-ranges having a minimum of equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum of equal to or less than 10.0, for example, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limitation
[0060] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as "the same" can mean they are "substantially the same". Thus, the phrase "substantially the same" can include having deviations that are considered low in the art, for example, 5% or less. Also, when a certain parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.
[0061] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise indicated, each element can be singular or plural.
[0062] Arranging an arbitrary element "on (or under) another element" or "above (below)" can mean that the arbitrary element can be disposed in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element can also be interposed between the element and the arbitrary element disposed on (or below) the element.
[0063] In addition, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "linked," "connected," or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly linked, connected, or coupled to the other element, or another element can be interposed therebetween.
[0064] Throughout the specification, when stating "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, "and / or" includes any or all combinations of the listed items. When stating "C to D," it means C or above and D or below, unless otherwise specifically stated.
[0065] As used herein, the singular form includes the plural form, unless the context clearly indicates that each element is singular. In addition, the plural form includes the singular form, unless the context clearly indicates that each element is plural. It will be further understood that, unless otherwise stated, when used in this specification, the form "a part includes a component" does not mean that other components are excluded, but that the part can include other components.
[0066] In the present disclosure, the sizes of the layers and regions shown in the drawings indicate relative sizes, and can be exaggerated for clarity of explanation. That is, the sizes shown in the drawings are only for ease of understanding, and are not limited thereto. In addition, throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements.
[0067] Figure 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of an energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0068] Referring to Figure 1 According to some aspects of the present disclosure, an energy storage system 10 can include a plurality of battery modules 40 (each battery module 40 including a plurality of battery cells), a first cooling system 100 cooling a first group of battery modules 42 among the plurality of battery modules, a second cooling system 102 cooling a second group of battery modules 44 among the plurality of battery modules, a central valve 300 controlling flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102, and a battery management system (BMS) 200 monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of battery modules 40, the first cooling system 100, the second cooling system 102, and the central valve 300.
[0069] The battery cell included in each of the plurality of battery modules 40 can be a secondary battery, and can be charged and discharged. The battery cell can include a battery case and an electrode assembly and an electrolyte accommodated in the battery case. For example, in the battery cell, the electrode assembly in which a separator is interposed between an anode and a cathode can be stacked or wound, and can be accommodated in the battery case together with the electrolyte by sealing. The electrode assembly and the electrolyte accommodated in the battery case can electrochemically react with each other to generate energy.
[0070] The battery module 40 can mean an assembly in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected in series or in parallel to each other. The plurality of battery cells included in the battery module 40 can be electrically connected to each other via connection terminals. Further, the plurality of battery modules 40 can be electrically connected in series or in parallel to each other to form a battery rack 30, which is an assembly of the plurality of battery modules 40. The plurality of battery racks 30 can be electrically connected in series or in parallel to each other to form a battery container 20, which is an assembly of the plurality of battery racks 30. The battery container 20 can be used to store and supply energy.
[0071] In some aspects, the first cooling system 100 can cool a first group of battery modules 42 among the plurality of battery modules 40. Further, the second cooling system 102 can cool a second group of battery modules 44 among the plurality of battery modules 40. Although not shown, the energy storage system 10 according to some aspects of the present disclosure can include additional cooling systems, such as a third cooling system cooling a third group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules, a fourth cooling system cooling a fourth group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules, etc. Accordingly, in the energy storage system 10 according to some aspects of the present disclosure, a plurality of cooling systems for cooling the plurality of battery modules 40 can be configured. Thereby, the temperature of the battery cells or the battery modules included in the battery container 20 can be efficiently managed.
[0072] In some aspects, the energy storage system 10 can include a central valve 300 controlling the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102. As Figure 1 shown, the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 can be divided in relation to the central valve 300. Accordingly, depending on whether the central valve 300 is open or closed, the refrigerant can or can not flow from the first cooling system 100 to the second cooling system 102. Similarly, depending on whether the central valve 300 is open or closed, the refrigerant can or can not flow from the second cooling system 102 to the first cooling system 100.
[0073] In some aspects, the central valve 300 can include a manual valve configured to be opened or closed in response to an opening / closing operation of an operator. For example, the central valve 300 can correspond to a ball valve configured to be opened and closed with a 90° manipulation of a handle by the operator. In the case where the central valve 300 is configured as a manual valve, when the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of the first cooling system 100 or the second cooling system 102, operation abnormality information can be transmitted to the operator. Accordingly, the operator can manually open the central valve 300 so that the cooling system in a normal operation state controls the cooling state of the plurality of battery modules connected to the cooling system in which the operation abnormality has occurred. Thereby, management can be performed to maintain the cooling efficiency of the entire energy storage system 10.
[0074] In some aspects, the central valve 300 can be an automatic valve configured to be opened or closed in response to a received electrical control signal. For example, the central valve 300 can correspond to a solenoid valve configured to be opened or closed in response to a received electrical signal. In the case where the central valve 300 is configured as an automatic valve, when the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of the first cooling system 100 or the second cooling system 102, the central valve 300 can be opened according to an electrical signal provided from the battery management system 200. Accordingly, the cooling system in a normal operation state can control the cooling state of the plurality of battery modules connected to the cooling system in which the operation abnormality has occurred. Thereby, management can be performed to maintain the cooling efficiency of the entire energy storage system 10.
[0075] In some aspects, the energy storage system 10 can include a battery management system 200 that monitors and controls the operation of the plurality of battery modules 40, the first cooling system 100, the second cooling system 102, and the central valve 300. Here, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102. For example, in the case where the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of the first cooling system 100, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 so that the central valve 300 is opened. Thereby, the flow of the refrigerant can be controlled so that the refrigerant flows between the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102. Conversely, in the case where the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of the second cooling system 102, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 so that the central valve 300 is opened. Thereby, the flow of the refrigerant can be controlled so that the refrigerant flows between the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102. With this configuration, even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 included in the energy storage system 10, the flow of the refrigerant is controlled by the control of the central valve 300, and thus the energy storage system 10 can be managed to prevent an increase in the temperature deviation between the battery cells included in each of the first group of battery modules 42 and the second group of battery modules 44. According to this management, the efficiency of the energy storage system 10 can be improved, and the energy storage system 10 can stably supply electric power.
[0076] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration of a cooling system in the energy storage system of Figure 1 Reference Figure 2 , the first cooling system 100 can include a first cooler 110 and a first cooling passage 120, and the second cooling system 102 can include a second cooler 112 and a second cooling passage 122.
[0077] In some aspects, the first cooler 110 can be configured to cool the first group of battery modules 42 among the plurality of battery modules, and the second cooler 112 can be configured to cool the second group of battery modules 44 among the plurality of battery modules. Also, the first cooling passage 120 can be a passage for circulating the refrigerant between the first cooler 110 and the first group of battery modules 42, and the second cooling passage 122 can be a passage for circulating the refrigerant between the second cooler 112 and the second group of battery modules 44.
[0078] In some aspects, an industrial chiller or the like can be used in each of the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 112. The industrial chiller can include components for circulating a refrigerant, such as an evaporator, a compressor, a condenser, an expansion valve, and a pump. The industrial chiller can effectively cool a system by cooling a refrigerant (the refrigerant is circulated through the system to absorb heat, and the temperature of the refrigerant is increased due to the heat absorption) to a low temperature and circulating the refrigerant through the system again to absorb heat. The specific configuration of the industrial chiller is well known, and thus a detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0079] In some aspects, the first cooling passage 120 can be provided to allow the refrigerant output from the first chiller 110 and having a low temperature to circulate around the first group of battery modules 42 to cool the first group of battery modules 42. Accordingly, the first cooling passage 120 can be provided at a peripheral area of each of the battery modules or battery cells included in the first group of battery modules 42. Here, the peripheral area of each of the battery modules or battery cells can mean an area or a location in which the refrigerant has a distance sufficient to absorb heat of each of the battery modules or battery cells. Similarly, the second cooling passage 122 can be provided to allow the refrigerant output from the second chiller 112 and having a low temperature to circulate around the second group of battery modules 44 to cool the second group of battery modules 44.
[0080] In some aspects, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage 120 and the second cooling passage 122, depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first chiller 110 and the second chiller 112. For example, in the case where the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of the first chiller 110 or the second chiller 112, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 such that the central valve 300 is opened. Thereby, the flow of the refrigerant can be controlled such that the refrigerant flows between the first cooling passage 120 and the second cooling passage 122.
[0081] In some aspects, the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 can respectively include a temperature sensor installed at the first cooling passage 120 and a temperature sensor installed at the second cooling passage 122. The battery management system 200 can be configured to monitor whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 based on temperature information output from the temperature sensors.
[0082] With this configuration, even in the case where an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system 100 and the second cooling system 102 included in the energy storage system 10, the flow of the refrigerant is controlled by the control of the central valve 300, and thus the energy storage system 10 can be managed, thereby preventing an increase in the temperature deviation between the battery cells included in each of the first and second groups of battery modules 42 and 44. According to this management, the efficiency of the energy storage system 10 can be improved, and the energy storage system 10 can stably supply electric power.
[0083] Figure 3 is a diagram for explaining the principle of operation of the central valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Referring to Figure 3 , the central valve 300 can be disposed between the first cooling passage 120 and the second cooling passage 122 to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage 120 and the second cooling passage 122.
[0084] In some aspects, the central valve 300 can be a solenoid valve in which the sensor 308 is included. In some aspects, the central valve 300 can be electrically connected to the battery management system 200 and can transmit and receive a control signal through the sensor 308. For example, in the case where the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of any one of the first and second cooling systems, the battery management system 200 can transmit a control signal to the central valve 300 through the sensor 308 to control the central valve 300 so that the central valve 300 is opened. As another example, in the case where the battery management system 200 detects an abnormality in the operation of any one of the first and second cooling systems, the battery management system 200 can transmit a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay can transmit a control signal to the central valve 300 in response to the reception of the control signal. Accordingly, the battery management system 200 can control the central valve 300 through the first relay so that the central valve 300 is opened.
[0085] In some aspects, in the case where the central valve 300 is a solenoid valve, the central valve 300 can include a coil 302, a spring 304, a plunger 306, and a sensor 308. In the case where the central valve 300 is closed, as shown in Figure 3 , the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage 120 and the second cooling passage 122 can be blocked by the plunger 306. In some aspects, the plunger 306 can be fixed in the central valve 300 to block the flow of the refrigerant by the elastic force of the spring 304. In the case where the sensor 308 receives a control signal to open the central valve 300, an electric current can flow through the coil 302 in the central valve 300. When the electric current flows through the coil 302, a magnetic field can be formed around the coil 302. At this time, the magnetic field formed around the coil 302 attracts the plunger 306, and thus the central valve 300 can be opened.
[0086] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a battery management system according to some aspects of the disclosure. Referring to Figure 4 , the battery management system 200 can include a monitoring unit 210, a control unit 220, and a battery current multiplication control unit 230.
[0087] In some aspects, the monitoring unit 210 can monitor operations of the plurality of battery modules, the first cooling system, the second cooling system, and the central valve. For example, the first cooling system and the second cooling system can each include a temperature sensor installed at the first cooling passage and a temperature sensor installed at the second cooling passage, respectively, and the monitoring unit 210 can monitor whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system based on temperature information output from the temperature sensors. In some aspects, the battery management system 200 can determine that an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system in a case where a temperature deviation between the first cooling system and the second cooling system increases to a first threshold or more or a temperature of the first cooling system or the second cooling system increases to a second threshold or more compared to temperature information measured in a normal state. In addition, in a case where the monitoring unit 210 detects an abnormality in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the monitoring unit 210 can monitor an operation of a third cooling system that operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in the operation has occurred.
[0088] In some aspects, the control unit 220 can control the central valve to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system according to whether an abnormality occurs in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system. For example, in a case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a control signal to the central valve to control the central valve so that the central valve is opened. As another example, in a case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in the operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay can control the central valve so that the central valve is opened in response to reception of the control signal.
[0089] In some aspects, the control unit 220 can control the shutoff valve related to the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred, according to whether an abnormality in operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system occurs. Thereby, it is possible to control the flow of refrigerant between the cooler included in the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred and the cooling passage. For example, in the case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in operation of the first cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a control signal to the shutoff valve installed between the first cooler and the first cooling passage to control the shutoff valve so that the shutoff valve is closed. As another example, in the case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in operation of the first cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a second relay control signal, and the second relay can control the shutoff valve installed between the first cooler and the first cooling passage in response to the reception of the control signal so that the shutoff valve is closed.
[0090] In some aspects, in the case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can control the central valve so that the central valve is closed. Also, in the case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can control the shutoff valve related to the third cooling system so that the shutoff valve is opened. Accordingly, the third cooling system can be connected to supply refrigerant to the cooling passage connected to the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred.
[0091] In some aspects, in the case where an abnormality in operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery current rate control unit 230 can control the current rate (C-rate) of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules so that the current rate is reduced. For example, in the case where an abnormality in operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery current rate control unit 230 can control the current rate of the plurality of battery cells so that the current rate is reduced by half. In the case where an abnormality in operation of any one of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery current rate control unit 230 can reduce the current rate of the battery cells to reduce heat generation in the battery cells. Thereby, it is possible to prevent overload of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation is not detected.
[0092] Further, in some aspects, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which an abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery current multiplication control unit 230 can control the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication is increased. For example, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which an abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery current multiplication control unit 230 can control the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells such that the current multiplication is increased to twice.
[0093] The battery management system 200 is not limited to the above-described configuration, and can include additional configurations and perform additional functions.
[0094] Figure 5 is a diagram for explaining the flow of a refrigerant according to some aspects of the disclosure.
[0095] In some aspects, the refrigerant output from the cooler 110 or 112 can circulate through each of the battery racks 30 and cool each of the battery modules 40 while circulating through each of the battery modules 40 via the branch passage 130. Further, as the refrigerant circulates through the cooling passage to absorb heat, the temperature of the refrigerant can increase due to the heat absorption, and the refrigerant having a high temperature can re-enter the cooler 110 or 112.
[0096] In some aspects, the refrigerant that cools the plurality of battery modules 40 can be coolant.
[0097] In some aspects, an outlet stop valve 312 can be provided at the outlet of the cooler 110 or 112. The outlet stop valve 312 can block the flow of the refrigerant output from the cooler 110 or 112. In some aspects, an inlet stop valve 314 can be provided at the inlet of the cooler 110 or 112. The inlet stop valve 314 can block the flow of the refrigerant entering the cooler 110 or 112. Here, the cooling system can include only one of the outlet stop valve 312 and the inlet stop valve 314, or can include both the outlet stop valve 312 and the inlet stop valve 314.
[0098] In some aspects, in a case where an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the stop valve 310 connected to the cooler of the cooling system in which an abnormality in operation has occurred can be controlled to be closed. Here, the stop valve 310 can be closed in response to receiving a control signal from the battery management system. In other aspects, the battery management system can transmit a control signal to the second relay, and the second relay can control the stop valve in response to the reception of the control signal such that the stop valve is closed.
[0099] In some aspects, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the shutoff valve 310 connected to the cooler of the third cooling system can be controlled to open. Accordingly, the cooler of the third cooling system can supply the refrigerant to the relevant battery module instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred.
[0100] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a central valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a shutoff valve according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 8 FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a process in which a battery management system controls a battery current rate according to some aspects of the present disclosure.
[0101] In some aspects, with reference to Figure 6 , the control unit 220 can control the central valve 300 to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system according to whether an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system has occurred. For example, in a case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a control signal to the first relay 140, and the first relay 140 can control the central valve 300 so that the central valve 300 opens in response to reception of the control signal.
[0102] In some aspects, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can control the central valve 300 so that the central valve 300 closes.
[0103] In some aspects, the first relay 140 can be a mechanical contactor turned on and off by magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). The first relay 140 can be configured to receive a control signal from the battery management system 200 and transmit the control signal to the central valve 300 in response to reception of the control signal. The first relay 140 can be configured with a plurality of relays and can be disposed in the first cooler or the second cooler. As another example, the first relay 140 can be included as an internal component of the battery management system 200. In Figure 6 , although the first relay 140 is illustrated as an external component of the battery management system 200, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0104] In some aspects, with reference to Figure 7According to whether an abnormality in operation has occurred in either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can control the shutoff valve 310 related to the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred. Thereby, it is possible to control the flow of refrigerant between the cooler included in the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred and the cooling passage. For example, in a case where the control unit 220 detects an abnormality in operation of the first cooling system, the control unit 220 can transmit a control signal to the second relay 142, and the second relay 142 can control the shutoff valve 310 installed between the first cooler and the first cooling passage so that the shutoff valve 310 is closed in response to the reception of the control signal.
[0105] In some aspects, in a case where the third cooling system is operated instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the control unit 220 can control the shutoff valve 310 related to the third cooling system so that the shutoff valve 310 is opened. For example, in a case where an abnormality in operation of the first cooling system occurs, the shutoff valve installed between the first cooler and the first cooling passage can be closed. Thereby, the flow of refrigerant in the first cooling passage can be stopped. In some aspects, the shutoff valve related to the third cooling system can be opened. Thereby, the third cooler of the third cooling system can be connected to the first cooling passage.
[0106] In some aspects, the second relay 142 can be a mechanical contactor turned on and off by the magnetic force of a coil, or a semiconductor switch such as a MOSFET. The second relay 142 can be configured to receive a control signal from the battery management system 200, and transmit a control signal to the shutoff valve 310 in response to the reception of the control signal. The second relay 142 can be configured with a plurality of relays, and can be provided in the first cooler or the second cooler. As another example, the second relay 142 can be included as an internal component of the battery management system 200. In Figure 7 In the above, although the second relay 142 is illustrated as an external component of the battery management system 200, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
[0107] In some aspects, with reference to Figure 8 In a case where an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery current rate control unit 230 can control the current rate (C-rate) of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules 40 so that the current rate is reduced. For example, in a case where an abnormality in operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery current rate control unit 230 can control the current rate of the plurality of battery cells so that the current rate is reduced by half.
[0108] In some aspects, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery current multiplier control unit 230 can control the current multiplier of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules 40 so that the current multiplier is increased again. For example, in a case where the third cooling system operates instead of the cooling system in which the abnormality in operation has occurred among the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery current multiplier control unit 230 can control the current multiplier of the plurality of battery cells so that the current multiplier is increased again to twice.
[0109] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a battery rack according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 10 is a perspective view of a battery module according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Reference is made to Figure 9 and Figure 10 An energy storage system according to some aspects of the present disclosure can include battery modules 40 each including a plurality of battery cells 50 and battery racks 30 each including a plurality of battery modules 40. In Figure 9 , eight battery modules 40 can be included in a battery rack 30. This is an example, and one or more battery modules 40 can be included in a battery rack 30.
[0110] A battery module 40 can be an assembly in which a plurality of battery cells 50 are connected in series or in parallel to each other, and can include a plurality of battery cells 50 and a frame for accommodating the battery cells 50. In the battery module 40, the plurality of battery cells 50 can be connected in series to each other using a plurality of connection terminals. One connection terminal can electrically connect a cathode terminal of one battery cell 50 to an anode terminal of another battery cell 50. In this way, the plurality of battery cells 50 can be connected in series to each other. The present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of battery cells 50 can be connected in parallel or in series to each other using connection terminals. The plurality of battery cells 50 in a plurality of rows can be included in the battery module 40.
[0111] The frame of the battery module 40 can accommodate and protect the battery cells 50, and can be detachably fixed to the battery rack 30. For example, the battery rack 30 can be a cabinet that accommodates eight battery modules 40. According to some aspects, the energy storage system can include at least one battery rack 30, and a plurality of battery racks 30 can be electrically connected to each other. The battery rack 30 can have high-power terminals (terminals for anodes and cathodes) exposed to the outside, and the high-power terminals of each battery rack 30 can be connected in parallel. The battery rack 30 can include a plurality of battery modules 40 in which a plurality of battery cells 50 are electrically connected to each other. Each battery rack 30 can include a plurality of battery modules 40 electrically connected to each other. The plurality of battery modules 40 included in each battery rack 30 can be connected in series and / or in parallel to each other. The plurality of battery modules 40 can be accommodated along the height direction of the battery rack 30. Furthermore, although not shown, a plurality of battery racks 30 can be electrically connected to each other to form a battery container. The battery container can be an assembly of a plurality of battery cells, and can be used as an energy storage system to store and supply electric power.
[0112] Although the present disclosure has been described above with respect to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes thereto within the spirit of the present disclosure and the scope of the appended claims.
Claims
1. An energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a first cooling system cooling a first group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a second cooling system cooling a second group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a central valve controlling a flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system; and a battery management system monitoring and controlling operations of the plurality of battery modules, the first cooling system, the second cooling system, and the central valve, wherein the battery management system controls the central valve to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling system and the second cooling system depending on whether an abnormality occurs in the operations of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system.
2. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the first cooling system includes: a first chiller cooling the first group of battery modules, and a first cooling passage allowing the refrigerant to circulate between the first chiller and the first group of battery modules, and the second cooling system includes: a second chiller cooling the second group of battery modules, and a second cooling passage allowing the refrigerant to circulate between the second chiller and the second group of battery modules.
3. The energy storage system of claim 2, wherein the first cooling system and the second cooling system respectively include a temperature sensor installed at the first cooling passage and a temperature sensor installed at the second cooling passage, and the battery management system is configured to monitor whether an abnormality occurs in the operations of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system based on temperature information output from the temperature sensors.
4. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a first relay, wherein in a case where an abnormality in the operations of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery management system transmits a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay controls the central valve to open the central valve in response to reception of the control signal.
5. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a second relay, wherein in a case where an abnormality in the operations of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system is detected, the battery management system transmits a control signal to the second relay, and the second relay controls a shut-off valve related to a cooling system in which the abnormality in the operations has occurred to close the shut-off valve in response to reception of the control signal.
6. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operations of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery management system controls a current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication rate of the plurality of battery cells is reduced. 7. The energy storage system of claim 6, wherein, in the event that the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery management system controls the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells such that the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells is reduced by half.
8. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a third cooling system, wherein, in the event that the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooling system and the second cooling system, the battery management system causes the third cooling system to operate in place of the cooling system in which the abnormality in the operation has occurred to cool at least a portion of the plurality of battery modules.
9. The energy storage system of claim 8, wherein, the battery management system is configured to close the central valve in the event that the third cooling system operates.
10. The energy storage system of claim 8, wherein, in the event that the third cooling system operates, the battery management system controls a shut-off valve related to the third cooling system to open the shut-off valve.
11. The energy storage system of claim 8, wherein, in the event that the third cooling system operates, the battery management system controls a current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells is increased.
12. The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein, in the event that the third cooling system operates, the battery management system controls the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells such that the current multiplication of the plurality of battery cells is increased by two times.
13. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, the refrigerant is a coolant.
14. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of battery racks, each of the plurality of battery racks including the plurality of battery modules; and at least one battery container including the plurality of battery racks.
15. An energy storage system, comprising: a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a plurality of battery cells; a first chiller cooling a first group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a second chiller cooling a second group of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules; a first cooling passage allowing a refrigerant to circulate between the first chiller and the first group of battery modules; a second cooling passage allowing a refrigerant to circulate between the second chiller and the second group of battery modules; a central valve controlling a flow of a refrigerant between the first cooling passage and the second cooling passage; and a battery management system monitoring and managing operations of the plurality of battery modules, the first chiller, the second chiller, and the central valve, wherein, The battery management system controls the central valve to control the flow of the refrigerant between the first cooling passage and the second cooling passage depending on whether an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooler and the second cooler has occurred.
16. The energy storage system of claim 15, further comprising: a first relay, wherein: in a case where an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooler and the second cooler is detected, the battery management system sends a control signal to the first relay, and the first relay controls the central valve to open the central valve in response to receipt of the control signal.
17. The energy storage system of claim 15, further comprising: a second relay, wherein: in a case where an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooler and the second cooler is detected, the battery management system sends a control signal to the second relay, and the second relay controls a shutoff valve related to the cooler in which the abnormality in the operation has occurred to close the shutoff valve in response to receipt of the control signal.
18. The energy storage system of claim 15, wherein, in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooler and the second cooler, the battery management system controls a current multiplication factor of the plurality of battery cells included in each of the plurality of battery modules such that the current multiplication factor of the plurality of battery cells is reduced.
19. The energy storage system of claim 15, further comprising: a third cooling system, wherein, in a case where the battery management system detects an abnormality in the operation of either of the first cooler and the second cooler, the battery management system causes the third cooling system to operate to allow the refrigerant to circulate through a cooling passage connected to the cooler in which the abnormality in the operation has occurred.
20. The energy storage system of claim 19, wherein, the battery management system is configured to close the central valve in a case where the third cooling system is operating.