Energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system is disclosed. The energy storage system includes a plurality of battery modules each including a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing pipe, a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a pipe portion connecting the plurality of battery modules to the fire extinguishing tank, the fire extinguishing pipeline extends into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, and wherein the pipeline part comprises: a distribution pipeline connected to the fire extinguishing pipeline in the battery module; and an extension duct including connection portions connected to the distribution duct and a bent portion disposed between the connection portions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to an energy storage system. Background Technology

[0002] An energy storage system is a system capable of storing surplus electricity or electrical energy generated from renewable energy sources. By utilizing energy storage systems, electricity supply and demand can be smoothly controlled by storing idle power during periods of low electricity demand and supplying electricity during periods of high electricity demand.

[0003] The spaces or facilities where energy storage systems are installed and operated must be equipped with facilities to suppress battery fires caused by electrical hazards such as electric shock, short circuits, and external surges. There is a growing need for fire suppression systems that can effectively suppress multiple battery fires and provide early suppression in the event of a high-voltage fire in an energy storage system.

[0004] The information disclosed in the background art is provided only to enhance the understanding of the background, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An energy storage system capable of effectively suppressing and extinguishing fires is provided.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved are not limited to the challenges described above. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand, through the description provided below, additional challenges not mentioned herein.

[0007] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an energy storage system includes a plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a piping portion connecting the plurality of battery modules to the fire extinguishing tank. Each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing pipe extending along an arrangement of the plurality of battery cells into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules. The piping portion includes a distribution pipe and an extension pipe. The distribution pipe is connected to the fire extinguishing pipe in the battery module, and the extension pipe includes a connection portion connected to the distribution pipe and a bend disposed between the connection portions.

[0008] In one embodiment, the curved portion may protrude in a direction away from the multiple battery modules.

[0009] In one embodiment, the curved portion can be placed between adjacent battery modules in a plurality of battery modules.

[0010] In an embodiment, the distance between the center of the bend and the center of each of the connecting portions can be 1.5% to 15% of the length of the extended pipe.

[0011] In an embodiment, the bent portion may include a first layer and a second layer, wherein the second layer comprises a material different from that of the first layer.

[0012] In an embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0013] In the embodiments, the second layer may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0014] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing conduit may be located at a position that is at least 30% but not more than 90% of the height of the battery cell.

[0015] In embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0016] In one embodiment, the extension pipe and the distribution pipe can be detachably connected to each other, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing pipe can be detachably connected to each other.

[0017] According to one aspect of the embodiments, an energy storage system includes a plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a piping portion connecting the plurality of battery modules to the fire extinguishing tank. Each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing pipe extending along an arrangement of the plurality of battery cells into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules. The piping portion may include a first layer and a second layer, the second layer comprising a material different from that of the first layer.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0019] In one embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0020] In an embodiment, the conduit portion may include: a distribution conduit connected to a fire extinguishing conduit; and an extension conduit including a connection portion connected to the distribution conduit and a bend portion disposed between the connection portions.

[0021] In one embodiment, the curved portion may protrude in a direction away from the multiple battery modules.

[0022] In one embodiment, the curved portion can be placed between adjacent battery modules in a plurality of battery modules.

[0023] In an embodiment, the distance between the center of the bend and the center of each of the connecting portions can be 1.5% to 15% of the length of the extended pipe.

[0024] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing conduit may be located at a position that is at least 30% but not more than 90% of the height of the battery cell.

[0025] In embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI).

[0026] In one embodiment, the extension pipe and the distribution pipe can be detachably connected to each other, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing pipe can be detachably connected to each other. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the disclosed technical concepts; therefore, the disclosure should not be construed as limited to the matters described in such drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 It is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an energy storage system according to at least one of the disclosed embodiments; Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a battery module shown; Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the battery module; Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of a disclosed battery cell; Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the battery module; Figure 6 This is an illustrative representation of at least one embodiment disclosed. Figure 1 A perspective view of part A of the energy storage system; and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an exposed pipe section. Detailed Implementation

[0029] In the following, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as consistent with the meaning and concept of the disclosed technical concept, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms in order to best interpret his or her own invention. Therefore, the embodiments described in the specification and the constructions shown in the drawings are merely some preferred embodiments of the disclosure and do not represent all the disclosed technical concepts. It should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace these may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] Furthermore, when used in the specification, "comprising," "including," and / or variations thereof indicate the presence of the stated features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, elements, and / or groups thereof.

[0031] Furthermore, to aid in understanding the disclosure, the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. Additionally, the same reference numerals may be assigned to the same components in different embodiments.

[0032] Although terms such as "first" and "second" are used to describe various components, these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Unless otherwise specifically stated, a first component can be a second component.

[0033] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0034] When any structure is arranged on the “upper (or lower)” part of the component or “above (or below)” the component, it means not only that the structure is in direct contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, but also that other structures can be placed between the component and the structure arranged above (or below) it.

[0035] Additionally, when a component is described as being "connected," "joined," or "engaged" to another component, they can be directly connected or engaged; however, it should be understood that other components can be "inserted" between these components, or these components can be "connected," "joined," or "engaged" through other components. Furthermore, when a component is described as being "electrically joined" to another component, this includes both direct connections and connections utilizing other elements between them.

[0036] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise specifically stated, "A and / or B" means A, B, or both A and B. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. Unless otherwise specifically stated, "C to D" means at least C but no more than D.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0038] The disclosed embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the embodiments with reference to the drawings, the same or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of an energy storage system 1 according to at least one disclosed embodiment. Figure 2 It is shown schematically. Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a battery module 100, and Figure 3 It is shown schematically. Figure 2 A perspective view of a portion of the battery module 100.

[0040] An energy storage system (ESS) is a system capable of generating and storing electricity, providing a stable supply of power and controlling power supply and demand. The energy storage system 1 includes multiple battery modules 100, each of which includes multiple battery cells (10, see...). Figures 3 to 5 (and therefore may be prone to ignition and fire.) Below, a public energy storage system 1 with enhanced fire extinguishing capabilities will be described.

[0041] Reference Figure 1 According to the disclosed embodiments, the energy storage system 1 may include a plurality of battery modules 100, a fire extinguishing canister containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a piping portion 200 connecting the battery modules 100 to the fire extinguishing canister.

[0042] Reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 Each of the plurality of battery modules 100 may include a plurality of individual cell units 110, each of the plurality of individual cell units 110 including a plurality of battery cells 10, the plurality of battery cells 10 being arranged in a first direction DR1 such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 10 face each other. In this respect, the plurality of individual cell units 110 may be arranged in a second direction DR2 different from the first direction DR1.

[0043] Multiple arranged battery cells 10 can be secured by housings 130, 135, and 170. Housings 130, 135, and 170 may include a pair of end plates 170 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 10, and side plates 130, a bottom plate, and a top plate 135 connecting the pair of end plates 170 to each other. The side plates 130 may support the sides of the battery cells 10, the bottom plate may support the bottom surface of the battery cells 10, and the top plate 135 may support the top surface of the battery cells 10. In some embodiments, the pair of end plates 170, side plates 130, bottom plate, and top plate 135 may be connected to each other by means such as bolts.

[0044] Figure 4 This is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the battery cell 10 of this disclosure.

[0045] Reference Figure 4 The battery cell 10 may include a battery housing 15 and electrode assemblies and electrolyte housed within the battery housing 15. The electrode assemblies and electrolyte can undergo an electrochemical reaction to generate energy. Terminals 11 and 12, and an exhaust port 13 serving as a channel for venting internally generated gases, may be located on one side of the battery cell 10. The terminals 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 may include a positive terminal 11 and a negative terminal 12 with different polarities, and the terminals 11 and 12 of adjacent cells in the battery cell 10 may be electrically connected to each other in series or in parallel via connecting tabs. However, this structure is not limited to this, and various connection structures may be employed as needed. The battery housing 15 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and may comprise a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. In some embodiments, the battery housing 15 may provide space for accommodating the electrode assemblies.

[0046] Figure 5 It is shown schematically. Figure 3 A perspective view of a portion of the battery module 100.

[0047] In the embodiments, reference is made to Figure 5 The battery module 100 may include a cooling plate 190 and a fire extinguishing pipe 120. A fluid path 510 is formed on the cooling plate 190 to correspond to the arrangement of multiple battery cells 10, and the fire extinguishing pipe 120 is arranged between multiple battery cells 110.

[0048] The cooling plate 190 may be positioned such that one side of the cooling plate 190 is adjacent to the battery cell 10 for heat dissipation inside the battery module 100. In some embodiments, the cooling plate 190 may be positioned to contact the bottom surface of the battery cell 10. In some embodiments, a cooling fluid may be supplied to a fluid path 510 formed corresponding to the arrangement of the battery cells 10.

[0049] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may be arranged within the battery module 100 along a first direction DR1 between a pair of adjacent individual cells 110. That is, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may extend along the first direction DR1 through at least one side of all individual cells 110 within the battery module 100. The fire extinguishing conduit 120 arranged between the plurality of individual cells 110 is connected to a fluid path 510 formed on a cooling plate 190, allowing cooling fluid to flow to perform a cooling function between the plurality of individual cells 110. Additionally, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may be a conduit through which fire extinguishing agent flows, and may be a component that allows the fire extinguishing agent to move and be sprayed in the event of thermal runaway within the battery cell 10.

[0050] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may include at least one selected from polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI), and the materials that the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may include are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may include a material having a melting point of 260°C or lower.

[0051] High heat caused by an event such as a fire or explosion in one of the battery cells 10 inside the energy storage system 1 may melt the fire extinguishing pipe 120 near the corresponding cell in the battery cell 10.

[0052] In this way, when the fire extinguishing conduit 120 melts during thermal runaway in one of the battery cells 10, the cooling fluid and extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing conduit 120 can be sprayed toward the battery cell 10 to suppress thermal runaway.

[0053] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 may be located at a position that is at least 30% but not more than 90% of the height of the battery cell 10.

[0054] Since the fire extinguishing conduit 120 is located at at least 30% but not more than 90% of the height of the battery cell 10, the fire extinguishing conduit 120 melts in close proximity to the specific cell in the battery cell 10 that has undergone thermal runaway, thereby immersing the corresponding cell in the battery cell 10 in the extinguishing agent to reduce the temperature, suppress the fire, and prevent heat transfer to the surrounding cells in the battery cell 10.

[0055] Figure 6 This is an illustrative representation of at least one embodiment disclosed. Figure 1 A perspective view of part A of the energy storage system 1, and Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of an exposed pipe section 200.

[0056] In the embodiments, reference is made to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The piping section 200 of the energy storage system 1 may include a distribution pipe 222 connected to a fire extinguishing pipe 120 in a plurality of battery modules 100, and an extension pipe 221 including a connection portion connected to the distribution pipe 222 and a bend disposed between the connection portions.

[0057] The distribution pipe 222 may include opposing ends that can be joined and connected to the extension pipe 221 or end cap to extend and connect multiple extension pipes 221.

[0058] In some embodiments, the distribution conduit 222 may include a region between its opposite ends, which may be combined with and connected to the fire extinguishing conduit 120 of each of the battery modules 100.

[0059] In other words, the extension pipe 221 and the distribution pipe 222 can form a pipe section 200 corresponding to the arrangement of the battery module 100, and the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the pipe section 200 can move along the extension pipe 221 and branch through the distribution pipe 222 to the fire extinguishing pipe 120 in the battery module 100, and the fire extinguishing agent can be sprayed onto the battery cell 10 where the fire occurs.

[0060] In this respect, the extension pipe 221 and the distribution pipe 222 are detachably connected to each other, and the distribution pipe 222 and the fire extinguishing pipe 120 are detachably connected to each other, which facilitates the product assembly process and improves the maintenance efficiency of the components.

[0061] Meanwhile, the curved portion of the extension pipe 221 can have a shape that protrudes in a direction away from the multiple battery modules 100. This solves the problem that when a fire occurs due to thermal runaway of the battery cells 10 in the battery module 100, the pipe portion 200 is damaged by the flame, thus preventing the fire extinguishing agent from reaching the fire extinguishing pipe 120.

[0062] Additionally, the bend can be located in the region corresponding to the area between a pair of adjacent modules in the battery module 100. When a flame occurs within the battery module 100, the flame is more likely to be ejected into the space between the battery modules 100 compared to the area surrounded by the housings 130, 135, or 170. Therefore, the conduit portion 200 located in the region between a pair of adjacent modules in the battery module 100 is the most vulnerable and easily exposed to flame. Therefore, by arranging the bend in this region and ensuring a separation distance from the battery module 100, the conduit portion 200 can be protected from flame during thermal runaway of the battery cell 10.

[0063] The bends formed in the extension conduit 221 can effectively absorb assembly tolerances caused by factors such as the sinking of the battery module 100 by creating curvature, thereby facilitating product manufacturing. They also protect the conduit section 200 by maintaining separation from the flame of the battery module 100. However, these effects may be minimal if the curvature is too small. On the other hand, when the curvature is significant, the movement of the extinguishing agent is hindered during spraying, the agent may accumulate in the bends, or the spraying speed may slow down. Furthermore, as the curvature of the bends in the extension conduit 221 increases, the amount of material required to manufacture the extension conduit 221 increases, leading to higher manufacturing costs.

[0064] In some embodiments, the extension pipe 221 may have a curved shape, such that the distance r between the center of the bend and the center of each of the connecting portions is set in the range of 1.5% to 15% of the length of the extension pipe 221.

[0065] In an embodiment, the curved portion of the extension pipe 221 may include a first layer 211 and a second layer 212, wherein the second layer 212 and the first layer 211 are made of different materials.

[0066] In an embodiment, the first layer 211 may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), and thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), and the materials that the first layer 211 may include are not limited thereto.

[0067] In some embodiments, the second layer 212 may include at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), and polyimide (PI), and the materials that the second layer 212 may include are not limited thereto.

[0068] The first layer 211 and the second layer 212 comprise materials with the flexibility and elasticity listed above, enabling them to respond effectively to tolerance changes during assembly.

[0069] In addition, due to the dual structure of the first layer 211 and the second layer 212, the pipe section 200 can have a higher heat resistance compared to a single structure, and even with flexible and elastic materials, the pipe section 200 can form and maintain the desired pipe shape.

[0070] According to the disclosed embodiments, when a fire occurs in the energy storage system, the extinguishing agent is configured to be sprayed directly into the battery module, thereby enhancing the fire extinguishing effect.

[0071] In addition, by constructing fire extinguishing pipe structures with excellent heat resistance and easy assembly during manufacturing, the productivity of energy storage systems can be improved and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0072] However, the effects that can be obtained through disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the disclosure described below that other technical effects not described are also possible.

[0073] Although the disclosure has been described above with the aid of limited embodiments and drawings, it is not limited thereto. It will be apparent that various modifications and variations may be possible for those skilled in the art within the spirit of the disclosure and the scope of the equivalents of the appended claims to be described.

Claims

1.An energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent; and a pipe portion connecting the plurality of battery modules to the fire extinguishing tank, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing pipe extending into an interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along an arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, and the pipe portion includes a distribution pipe connected to the fire extinguishing pipe in each of the plurality of battery modules and an extension pipe including connection portions connected to the distribution pipe and a curved portion disposed between the connection portions. 2.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the curved portion is convex in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules. 3.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the curved portion is disposed between adjacent battery modules of the plurality of battery modules. 4.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein a distance between a center of the curved portion and a center of each of the connection portions is 1.5% to 15% of a length of the extension pipe. 5.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the curved portion includes a first layer and a second layer including a material different from a material of the first layer. 6.The energy storage system of claim 5, wherein the first layer includes at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyester elastomer, thermoplastic vulcanized rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer. 7.The energy storage system of claim 5, wherein the second layer includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyether ether ketone, polyether ketone ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether imide, polyether sulfone, and polyimide. 8.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing pipe is located at a position of at least 30% but not more than 90% of a height of each of the battery cells. 9.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing pipe includes at least one of polyamide, polycarbonate, polyether ether ketone, polyether ketone ketone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyether imide, polyether sulfone, and polyimide. 10.The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the extension pipe and the distribution pipe are detachably connected to each other, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing pipe are detachably connected to each other. 11.An energy storage system comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a fire extinguishing tank containing a fire extinguishing agent; and a pipe portion connecting the plurality of battery modules to the fire extinguishing tank, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing pipe extending into an interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along an arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, and the pipe portion includes a first layer and a second layer including a material different from a material of the first layer. 12.The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein ​ ​ The first layer includes at least one of a thermoplastic polyurethane, a thermoplastic polyester elastomer, a thermoplastic vulcanized rubber, and a thermoplastic elastomer. 13.The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein, The second layer includes at least one of a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polyether ether ketone, a polyether ketone ketone, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyether imide, a polyether sulfone, and a polyimide. 14.The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein, The pipe portion includes a distribution pipe connected to the fire extinguishing pipe, and an extension pipe including connection portions connected to the distribution pipe and a curved portion disposed between the connection portions. 15.The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein, The curved portion is convex in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules. 16.The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein, The curved portion is disposed between adjacent battery modules among the plurality of battery modules. 17.The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein, A distance between a center of the curved portion and a center of each of the connection portions is 1.5% to 15% of a length of the extension pipe. 18.The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein, The fire extinguishing pipe is located at a position of at least 30% but not more than 90% of a height of each of the plurality of battery cells. 19.The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein, The fire extinguishing pipe includes at least one of a polyamide, a polycarbonate, a polyether ether ketone, a polyether ketone ketone, a polyphenylene sulfide, a polyether imide, a polyether sulfone, and a polyimide. 20.The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein, The extension pipe and the distribution pipe are detachably connected to each other, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing pipe are detachably connected to each other.

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