energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system includes a housing, a battery cell assembly housed in the housing and configured to form a battery module with the housing, and a connection portion configured to connect a plurality of housings to each other to form a frame that supports a plurality of battery cell assemblies when the plurality of battery modules are connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this disclosure relate to energy storage systems. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, an energy storage system (ESS) is a device that can store surplus electricity or electricity generated using renewable energy sources. Typically, an energy storage system with the required capacity is constructed by mounting multiple battery modules in a rack.

[0003] With the increasing demand for high-capacity and high-power specifications, more and more diverse components are being assembled into the battery modules and brackets of energy storage systems. In addition, cooling devices, fire suppression systems, and other additional components are being installed to cope with heat generation and fire, making the structure of energy storage systems increasingly complex.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the art that forms the background of this disclosure is provided to facilitate understanding of the background of this disclosure, and may include information that does not constitute related art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to various aspects of embodiments of this disclosure, an energy storage system is provided that can avoid the aforementioned problems and reduce the number of components while ensuring fire safety.

[0006] According to one aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure, an energy storage system can reduce the number of components while ensuring fire safety.

[0007] The above and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage system includes: a housing; a battery cell assembly housed within the housing and configured to form a battery module together with the housing; and a connection portion configured to connect a plurality of housings to each other to form a frame supporting a plurality of battery cell assemblies when the plurality of battery modules are connected.

[0009] The housing may include: a housing body configured to define an internal space in which a battery cell assembly is configured to be housed; an assembly surface that contacts another housing on an outer surface of the housing body, with connecting portions protruding from or recessed into the assembly surface; and a cell receiving surface that is on an inner surface of the housing body and contacts the battery cell assembly.

[0010] The housing body may include: a first main body portion; a second main body portion positioned separately from the first main body portion in a first direction; and a third main body portion and a fourth main body portion, the third main body portion and the fourth main body portion being positioned separately from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and configured to define an internal space together with the first main body portion and the second main body portion, the battery cell assembly being configured to be housed in the internal space, and the energy storage system may further include: an injection flow path in the first main body portion and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can be injected into the housing; and a cooling flow path in at least one of the second main body portion, the third main body portion and the fourth main body portion, and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can flow.

[0011] The connection portion may include a first connection portion, which includes a structure configured to join the plurality of housings together in a first direction.

[0012] The first connection portion may include: a male assembly portion on the housing and protruding from a first surface of the housing facing a first direction; and a female assembly portion on the housing and located on a second surface of the housing facing the side opposite to the first surface, and having a shape in which the male assembly portion can be inserted.

[0013] The male assembly portion may include: a first protrusion protruding from a first surface in a first direction; and a second protrusion located at the end of the first protrusion and having a width greater than the width of the first protrusion. The female assembly portion may have a shape corresponding to the male assembly portion and the male assembly portion may be configured to be fitted into the female assembly portion.

[0014] The first connection portion may include: an intermediate connection portion configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other at the middle portion of each of the contact surfaces of the plurality of housings; and an end connection portion configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other at the edge portion of each of the contact surfaces of the plurality of housings.

[0015] The connecting portion may also include a second connecting portion having a structure configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0016] The second connection portion may include: a first groove on the housing and recessed in a third surface of the housing facing a second direction; a second groove on the housing and recessed in a fourth surface of the housing facing the side opposite to the third surface; and a wedge configured to be inserted into an insertion space defined between the plurality of housings by the first and second grooves facing each other.

[0017] The first groove may include: a first stepped groove on the third surface and facing the second groove; and a second stepped groove disposed at the end of the first stepped groove and having a width greater than the width of the first stepped groove, the second groove may have a shape symmetrical to the first groove, and the wedge may have a shape corresponding to the insertion space and be configured to be inserted into the insertion space.

[0018] The energy storage system may also include a reinforcing member that extends in a first direction and is configured to be incorporated into a housing assembly formed by interconnecting the plurality of housings.

[0019] The connecting portion may include: a first groove formed on the housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a second groove formed on the housing on the side opposite to the first groove. The reinforcing member may include: a support extending in the first direction and configured to contact the plurality of housings along the second direction; and a plurality of engaging protrusions spaced apart from each other on the support along the first direction and configured to fit into the plurality of first grooves or the plurality of second grooves formed in the different housings.

[0020] The reinforcing member may include: a first reinforcing member that contacts the housing assembly along a second direction and is coupled to the plurality of first slots; and a second reinforcing member that contacts the housing assembly on the side opposite to the first reinforcing member and is coupled to the plurality of second slots.

[0021] The energy storage system may also include an injection flow path defined within the housing and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can be injected into the housing.

[0022] The housing may include: a housing body configured to define an internal space in which a battery cell assembly is configured to be housed; and a cell receiving surface on an inner surface of the housing body and facing the internal space. The injection flow path may include: a first conveying flow path in the housing body and configured to form a flow path through which fluid can be conveyed; and an open flow path extending from the first conveying flow path to the cell receiving surface and opening toward the internal space.

[0023] The injection flow path may also include a plug that is incorporated to close the open flow path and configured to open the open flow path by melting at a certain (e.g., set) temperature or higher.

[0024] The energy storage system may also include a fire suppression manifold, which is incorporated into the housing and configured to supply fluid to an injection flow path, wherein the fire suppression manifold may include: a manifold body incorporated into the housing body; a main flow path inside the manifold body; an inlet flow path connected to the main flow path and positioned to open to the outside of the housing body; and a second delivery flow path connected to the main flow path at a location spaced apart from the inlet flow path and communicating with the injection flow path.

[0025] The energy storage system may also include a cooling flow path that is located within the housing and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can flow.

[0026] The energy storage system may also include a cooling manifold that is integrated into the housing and configured to supply fluid to and discharge fluid that has passed through the cooling flow path.

[0027] The cooling flow path may include: a forward flow path defining a flow path through which fluid can flow from a first end of the housing toward a second end of the housing; and a return flow path positioned separately from the forward flow path and defining a flow path through which fluid that has passed through the forward flow path can flow toward the first end. The cooling manifold may include: a first cooling manifold coupled to the first end and configured to supply fluid to the forward flow path and discharge fluid that has passed through the return flow path; and a second cooling manifold coupled to the second end and configured to convey fluid that has passed through the forward flow path to the return flow path. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The accompanying drawings included in this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present disclosure and further describe aspects and features of the disclosure together with the detailed description thereof. However, this disclosure should not be construed as being limited to the drawings.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main parts;

[0031] Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 6 It is shown schematically. Figure 5 Front view of the housing;

[0034] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of the housing connected in the first and second directions;

[0035] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the main parts.

[0036] Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A portion of the front view;

[0037] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "A";

[0038] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "B";

[0039] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "C";

[0040] Figure 13 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "D";

[0041] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating the assembly process of connecting the housing in a first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 15 This is a view illustrating the assembly process of connecting the housing in a second direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] Figure 16 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling a reinforcing member into a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] Figure 17 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] Figure 18 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] Figure 20 yes Figure 19A magnified view of area "E";

[0048] Figure 21 This is a conceptual view illustrating the flow of extinguishing agent through an injection flow path and an extinguishing manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 23 It is a conceptual view used to describe the flow of coolant through a cooling flow path and a cooling manifold according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 24 This is a perspective view schematically illustrating a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0052] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 An exploded perspective view of the main parts. Detailed Implementation

[0053] In this document, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms as his / her own lexicographer.

[0054] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are provided as some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and are not necessarily representative of all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications to the embodiments described herein may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0055] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "bonded to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, directly connected to, or directly bonded to that other element or layer, or one or more intermediate elements or layers may be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly bonded to" another element or layer, no intermediate elements or layers are present. For example, when a first element is described as being "bonded" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly bonded to or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly bonded to or connected to the second element via one or more intermediate elements.

[0056] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of various elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration. The same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when following a list of elements, without modifying individual elements within that list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using…,” and “being used” can be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “using…,” and “being exploited,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0057] It should be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, first component, first region, first layer, or first portion discussed below may be referred to as a second element, second component, second region, second layer, or second portion.

[0058] For ease of description, spatial relational terms such as “below,” “under,” “down,” “above,” “above,” etc., may be used herein to describe the relationship of an element or feature as shown in the figure to other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figure, spatial relational terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” or “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can cover both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relational descriptions used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0059] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “including,” and / or “containing” indicate the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0060] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or described herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the described range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1.0 and the maximum value of 10.0, that is, all subranges having a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as, for example, 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein.

[0061] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are identical or substantially identical. Therefore, the phrase “identical” or “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art (e.g., 5% or less). Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of average value.

[0062] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0063] When any element is referred to as being arranged (or located or positioned) "above (or below)" or "on (or below)" a component, this may mean that the element is in contact with the upper (or lower) surface of the component, and may also mean that another component can be inserted between the component and the element arranged (or located or positioned) on (or below) the component.

[0064] Furthermore, it should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "joined," "linked," or "connected" to another element, these elements may be directly "joined," "linked," or "connected" to each other, or there may be one or more intermediate elements between them through which the element can be "joined," "linked," or "connected" to the other element. Additionally, when a part is referred to as being "electrically joined" to another part, the part may be directly electrically connected to the other part, or there may be one or more intermediate parts between them, such that the part and the other part are indirectly electrically connected to each other.

[0065] Throughout this specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, 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 “C to D” is stated, it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise stated.

[0066] The terminology used in this specification is for describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0067] Figure 1 This is a perspective view schematically showing an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] For ease of description, in this article, Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z directions shown will be described as vertical, horizontal, and forward / backward directions, respectively. In describing this disclosure, when it is necessary to distinguish between positive (+) and negative (-) directions, Figure 1 The X, Y, and Z directions shown can refer to the +X, +Y, and +Z directions, respectively, and the opposite directions can refer to the -X, -Y, and -Z directions, respectively. For example, when it is necessary to distinguish between the upward and downward directions, the X direction can point upward, and the opposite direction or the -X direction can point downward.

[0069] refer to Figure 1 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage system 1 may have a structure in which a plurality of battery modules 3 are connected to each other in contact in at least one of the vertical direction (X direction) and the lateral direction (Y direction).

[0070] Multiple battery modules 3 can be interconnected in a vertically stacked state to form a module assembly 2. Two or more battery modules 3 can be stacked to form a module assembly 2. Multiple battery modules 3 can be provided, including a first battery module 3A and a second battery module 3B.

[0071] Two or more module components 2 can be arranged in parallel. Multiple module components 2 (including a first module component 2A and a second module component 2B) can be provided, and the multiple module components 2 can be interconnected in the lateral direction. When the second module component 2B is connected to the left or right side of the first module component 2A, the multiple battery modules 3 constituting the second module component 2B can be sequentially stacked adjacent to the first module component 2A from below.

[0072] Multiple battery modules 3 can have a structure that allows them to be combined with each other. Each battery module 3 can include a housing 10 (described below). In an embodiment, multiple battery modules 3 can be interconnected to form a single structure by interconnecting the housings 10. A module assembly 2 can be configured by connecting the housings 10 in the vertical direction. Furthermore, multiple module assemblies 2 can be interconnected by connecting the housings 10 in the lateral direction.

[0073] although Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a structure in which two module components 2 (including a first module component 2A and a second module component 2B) are interconnected; however, the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure is not limited to this structure. The energy storage system 1 may be configured with only one module component 2 or with three or more module components 2. Furthermore, the number of battery modules 3 constituting each of the first module component 2A and the second module component 2B may be the same or different.

[0074] For example, the number of battery modules 3 constituting a module assembly 2 and the number of module assemblies 2 constituting an energy storage system 1 can vary and be applied in various ways depending on the output specifications, size, shape, and installation environment of the energy storage system 1 to be manufactured. Furthermore, even after the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure has been installed, some of the multiple battery modules 3 can be removed, or additional battery modules 3 can be added.

[0075] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of the main parts. Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is a schematic exploded perspective view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] and Figure 1 Let's refer to each other. Figures 2 to 4 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage system 1 may include a housing 10, a battery cell assembly 20, a connecting portion 30, a reinforcing member 40, an injection flow path 50, a fire extinguishing manifold 60, a cooling flow path 70, and a cooling manifold 80.

[0077] Each housing 10 may have a shape capable of accommodating a battery cell assembly 20 therein. An internal space S1 for accommodating and protecting the battery cell assembly 20 may be formed inside the housing 10. The housing 10 may have a shape that allows housings 10 arranged adjacent to each other to contact each other in the vertical and lateral directions, and multiple housings 10 in an interconnected state may form a frame capable of supporting multiple battery modules 3.

[0078] In one embodiment, the housing 10 may comprise a metallic material such as aluminum to ensure sufficient rigidity to support the multiple battery modules 3. In another embodiment, to securely support loads in the vertical and lateral directions, the upper, lower, left, and right portions of the housing 10 may each have the form of a wall or plate, and the housing 10 may be manufactured in a manner in which the upper, lower, left, and right portions are integrally interconnected. The housing 10 may be manufactured, for example, by aluminum extrusion, to have any of a variety of cross-sectional shapes.

[0079] The housing 10 may have a configuration in which at least one of the front and rear sides is open to accommodate the battery cell assembly 20. A first cover 14 may be attached to the front side (-Z direction) of the housing 10, and a second cover 15 may be attached to the rear side (+Z direction) of the housing 10. The first cover 14 may be configured to be detachably assembled to the housing 10 or the battery cell assembly 20 from the front side of the housing 10. The second cover 15 may be configured to be secured to the housing 10 by means of fastening members such as bolts.

[0080] The battery cell assembly 20 can be inserted into and housed inside the housing 10 through its open front side. With the battery cell assembly 20 housed in the housing 10, a first cover 14 can be attached to the front of the housing 10 to protect the front portion of the battery cell assembly 20. When it is desired to inspect or replace the battery cell assembly 20, the first cover 14 can be removed from the housing 10 or the battery cell assembly 20 to open the housing 10. A second cover 15 can support the battery cell assembly 20 from the rear side of the housing 10 to prevent the battery cell assembly 20 housed in the housing 10 from being separated from the outside of the housing 10.

[0081] The battery cell assembly 20 may include one or more battery cells 21 and may be housed in the housing 10. The battery cell assembly 20 may include other electrical components physically and electrically connected to the battery cells 21. The battery cell assembly 20 housed in the housing 10 may form a battery module 3 together with the housing 10.

[0082] The connecting portion 30 can connect the housings 10 to each other, so that when multiple battery modules 3 are connected, the housings 10 form a frame that can support the battery cell assembly 20. The connecting portion 30 can be formed on the outer surface of the housing 10, and multiple housings 10 can be connected so that the multiple housings 10 are in surface contact with each other.

[0083] Connecting portions 30 may be formed on the upper and lower surfaces of the housing 10 to connect the plurality of housings 10 to each other in the vertical direction. The plurality of housings 10 may be in surface contact with each other in the vertical direction (e.g., tight surface contact) while being connected to each other via the connecting portions 30. Connecting portions 30 may also be formed on the left and right surfaces of the housing 10 to connect the plurality of housings 10 to each other in the lateral direction. The plurality of housings 10 may be in surface contact with each other in the lateral direction (e.g., tight surface contact) while being connected to each other via the connecting portions 30.

[0084] The reinforcing member 40 may be in the form of a rod or plate extending in the vertical direction (X direction) and may be attached to the side surface of the module assembly 2. The reinforcing member 40 enhances the rigidity of the module assembly 2 by being attached to the side surface of the module assembly 2. The reinforcing member 40 may have a length extending throughout the housing 10 constituting the plurality of battery modules 3 of the module assembly 2. In embodiments, the reinforcing member 40 may include a metallic material capable of reinforcing the rigidity of the housing 10.

[0085] The injection flow path 50 can form a flow path through which fluid can be injected into the housing 10. The fluid can be a fire extinguishing agent. The injection flow path 50 can be formed in the housing 10 in the form of a hole or groove, and can be formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The injection flow path 50 can be formed to communicate with the internal space S1, so that the fire extinguishing agent introduced into the injection flow path 50 can be injected into the interior of the housing 10. The injection flow path 50 can be formed in the upper part of the housing 10, and the fire extinguishing agent injected into the housing 10 through the injection flow path 50 can be injected downward toward the battery cell assembly 20.

[0086] The extinguishing manifold 60 can be integrated into the housing 10 to supply extinguishing agent to the injection flow path 50. Multiple injection flow paths 50 can be formed, and the extinguishing manifold 60 can receive and branch the extinguishing agent to supply it to multiple injection flow paths 50. The extinguishing manifold 60 can be in the form of a block corresponding to a portion of the front or rear surface of the housing 10, can be selectively integrated into the open front or open rear side of the housing 10, and can communicate with the injection flow path 50.

[0087] The cooling flow path 70 can form a flow path through which fluid can flow within the housing 10. The fluid can be a coolant. The cooling flow path 70 can be formed in the housing 10 in the form of holes or grooves, and can be formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The cooling flow path 70 can be formed in the lower portion of the housing 10 on which the battery cell assembly 20 is disposed. The battery cell assembly 20 can be maintained within a certain (e.g., set) temperature range by heat exchange with the coolant flowing through the cooling flow path 70, thereby preventing or substantially preventing overheating.

[0088] A cooling manifold 80 can be incorporated into the housing 10 to supply coolant to the cooling flow paths 70. Multiple cooling flow paths 70 can be formed, and the cooling manifold 80 can receive coolant and branch the coolant to supply coolant to the multiple cooling flow paths 70. Furthermore, the cooling manifold 80 can discharge coolant that has passed through the cooling flow paths 70. The cooling manifold 80 can be in the form of a block corresponding to a portion of the front surface and / or a portion of the rear surface of the housing 10, can be selectively incorporated into the open front side and / or the open rear side of the housing 10, and can communicate with the cooling flow paths 70.

[0089] Here, for reference Figures 5 to 25 The following will describe in further detail the housing 10, battery cell assembly 20, connecting portion 30, reinforcing member 40, injection flow path 50, fire extinguishing manifold 60, cooling flow path 70 and cooling manifold 80 according to this disclosure.

[0090] Figure 5 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic front view of the housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] and Figure 4 Let's refer to each other. Figure 5 and Figure 6 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 10 may include a housing body 11, an assembly surface 12, and a single-unit receiving surface 13.

[0092] The housing body 11 is part of the basic frame that forms the housing 10, and can form an internal space S1 that can accommodate the battery cell assembly 20 therein. The housing body 11 can have a generally cuboid box shape with the internal space S1, and can have a frame shape in which the upper part, lower part, left part and right part are closed and the front and rear sides are open.

[0093] The housing body 11 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first main body portion 111, a second main body portion 112, a third main body portion 113 and a fourth main body portion 114.

[0094] In one embodiment, the first main body portion 111, the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 may have an integrally interconnected structure. The first main body portion 111, the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 are interconnected to form an internal space S1, in which the battery cell assembly 20 can be accommodated.

[0095] The first main body portion 111 and the second main body portion 112 may be disposed separately from each other in a first direction (vertical direction or X direction). The first main body portion 111 may be formed in the upper portion of the housing body 11 in the shape of a panel, the panel having a width in the lateral direction and a width in the front-rear direction. The second main body portion 112 may be formed in the lower portion of the housing body 11 in the shape of a panel, and may have the same width in the lateral direction and the same width in the front-rear direction as the first main body portion 111.

[0096] The third main body portion 113 and the fourth main body portion 114 may be arranged separately from each other in a second direction (lateral direction or Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (vertical direction or X direction). The third main body portion 113 may be formed in the right side portion of the housing body 11 in the shape of a panel, the panel having a width in the vertical direction and a width in the front-rear direction. The fourth main body portion 114 may be formed in the left side portion of the housing body 11 in the shape of a panel, and may have the same width in the vertical direction and the same width in the front-rear direction as the third main body portion 113.

[0097] An injection flow path 50, which forms a flow path through which the extinguishing agent can be injected into the housing 10, can be formed in the first main body portion 111. The injection flow path 50 can be formed in the shape of a hole or groove at the middle portion of the first main body portion 111 in its thickness direction. The first main body portion 111 can have a certain (e.g., set) thickness that allows for the stable formation of the injection flow path 50 while taking into account the reduction in rigidity caused by the formation of the injection flow path 50.

[0098] A cooling flow path 70, forming a flow path through which coolant can flow, may be formed in at least one of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114. In an embodiment, a plurality of cooling flow paths 70 may be formed in the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114. In an embodiment, the cooling flow path 70 may be formed in the shape of a hole or groove at the middle portion of each of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 in its thickness direction. The second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 may each have a certain (e.g., set) thickness that allows for the stable formation of the cooling flow path 70 while taking into account the reduction in rigidity due to the formation of the cooling flow path 70.

[0099] Assembly surface 12 can be formed on the outer surface of housing body 11, can contact other housings 10, and can have a connecting portion 30 formed as protruding or recessed therefrom. When multiple battery modules 3 are stacked in the vertical direction or arranged in parallel in the lateral direction, the assembly surfaces 12 of the multiple battery modules 3 can be made to contact each other face to face.

[0100] The assembly surface 12 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first surface 121, a second surface 122, a third surface 123 and a fourth surface 124.

[0101] First surface 121, second surface 122, third surface 123, and fourth surface 124 can be formed in first main body portion 111, second main body portion 112, third main body portion 113, and fourth main body portion 114, respectively. The outward-facing upper surface of first main body portion 111 can be referred to as first surface 121. The outward-facing lower surface of second main body portion 112 can be referred to as second surface 122. The outward-facing right side surface of third main body portion 113 can be referred to as third surface 123. The outward-facing left side surface of fourth main body portion 114 can be referred to as fourth surface 124.

[0102] The cell receiving surface 13 may be formed on the inner surface of the housing body 11 and may face the internal space S1. The cell receiving surface 13 may contact the battery cell assembly 20 housed in the housing 10. In an embodiment, the cell receiving surface 13 may be subjected to insulation treatment by methods such as insulating coating, insulating sheet attachment, or anodizing. The battery cell assembly 20 may be disposed on the cell receiving surface 13 corresponding to the upper surface of the second body portion 112. The left and right portions of the battery cell assembly 20 may contact the cell receiving surface 13 corresponding to the right surface of the fourth body portion 114 and the cell receiving surface 13 corresponding to the left surface of the third body portion 113, respectively.

[0103] Figure 7 It is shown Figure 5 A perspective view of the housing connected in the first and second directions; Figure 8 yes Figure 7 An exploded perspective view of the main parts; and Figure 9 yes Figure 7 A portion of the front view.

[0104] refer to Figures 7 to 9 Multiple housings 10 can be interconnected via connecting portions 30 to form a single structure with a certain (e.g., defined) width and rigidity. Such a structure formed by interconnecting multiple housings 10 can be referred to as housing assembly 4.

[0105] The housing assembly 4 can form a frame capable of supporting multiple battery cell assemblies 20. The housing assembly 4 can form a frame having a frame shape and including multiple partitioned internal spaces S1 to accommodate and support the multiple battery cell assemblies 20 when the multiple housings 10 are stacked, arranged in parallel, and connected. By interconnecting the multiple housings 10 in this way, the frame of the energy storage system 1 can be formed.

[0106] The housing assembly 4 may have a front-to-back width and a lateral width corresponding to n times the front-to-back width (width in the front-to-back direction) and lateral width (width in the lateral direction) of a housing 10. The energy storage system 1 according to embodiments of this disclosure may generally have a front-to-back width and a lateral width corresponding to the front-to-back width and lateral width of the housing assembly 4. The battery module 3 may include a housing 10 and a battery cell assembly 20 housed within the housing 10, and the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure may generally have a front-to-back width and a lateral width corresponding to n times the front-to-back width and lateral width of the battery module 3.

[0107] Conventional energy storage systems include a separate support frame that serves as a support for battery modules, and have a structure in which the battery modules are mounted on the support. In contrast, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing assembly 4 can replace the function of the conventional support frame, allowing components corresponding to the support frame to be omitted, and configuring the energy storage system 1 in a simple structure in which the battery modules 3 are directly interconnected.

[0108] Multiple battery modules 3 can be assigned names that distinguish them from each other, such as first battery module 3A, second battery module 3B, etc. Among the multiple battery modules 3 forming the first module assembly 2A, one battery module 3 can be referred to as the first battery module 3A, and the battery module 3 disposed above the first battery module 3A can be referred to as the second battery module 3B.

[0109] The housing 10 of the first battery module 3A may be referred to as the first housing 10A, and the housing 10 of the second battery module 3B disposed above the first battery module 3A may be referred to as the second housing 10B. The first battery module 3A may include the first housing 10A and a battery cell assembly 20 housed in the first housing 10A. The second battery module 3B may include the second housing 10B and a battery cell assembly 20 housed in the second housing 10B.

[0110] The housing 10 constituting one of the battery modules 3 of the second module assembly 2B (which is connected to the left or right side of the first module assembly 2A) and the housing 10 disposed above it can be distinguished and referred to as the third housing 10C and the fourth housing 10D, respectively. The first housing 10A and the third housing 10C can be adjacent in the lateral direction, and the second housing 10B and the fourth housing 10D can be adjacent in the lateral direction.

[0111] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the connection portion 30 may include a first connection portion 31 and a second connection portion 36.

[0112] The first connecting portion 31 may have a structure that allows the housings 10 to be connected to each other in a first direction (vertical direction, or X direction). The first connecting portion 31 may have a structure that allows the housings 10 to be directly connected to each other without using a separate intermediate component. When multiple battery modules 3 are stacked to configure the module assembly 2, the housings 10 that are adjacent to each other in the vertical direction can be connected to each other through the first connecting portion 31.

[0113] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "A"; Figure 11 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "B"; Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "C"; and Figure 13 yes Figure 9 A magnified view of area "D".

[0114] refer to Figures 10 to 13 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connection portion 31 may include a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33.

[0115] Male assembly portion 32 and female assembly portion 33 may be formed on a first surface 121 and a second surface 122 of the housing 10, respectively, with the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 facing each other in a vertical direction when multiple housings 10 are stacked. Male assembly portion 32 may be formed to protrude from the first surface 121 (e.g., the upper surface of the housing 10). Female assembly portion 33 may be formed to be recessed into the second surface 122 (e.g., the lower surface of the housing 10). Female assembly portion 33 may have a shape that allows male assembly portion 32 to be inserted therein.

[0116] In one embodiment, the male assembly portion 32 may have a linear track structure and may be formed to extend in the front-rear direction. The female assembly portion 33 may have a linear shape corresponding to the male assembly portion 32 and may be formed at a position facing the male assembly portion 32. In another embodiment, a plurality of male assembly portions 32 may be formed, and female assembly portions 33 may be formed at corresponding positions.

[0117] The male assembly portion 32 formed on the upper surface of the first housing 10A can be fitted into the female assembly portion 33 formed on the lower surface of the second housing 10B. Since the male assembly portion 32 has an upwardly convex shape and is fitted into the female assembly portion 33, the male assembly portion 32 formed on the upper surface of the first housing 10A can prevent or substantially prevent the second housing 10B from moving relative to the first housing 10A in the lateral direction.

[0118] The male assembly portion 32 may include a first protrusion 321 and a second protrusion 322.

[0119] The first protrusion 321 may be formed to protrude from the first surface 121 in a first direction (X direction). A second protrusion 322 may be formed at the end of the first protrusion 321 and may have a width greater than the width of the first protrusion 321. The female assembly portion 33 may have a shape corresponding to the male assembly portion 32, and the male assembly portion 32 may be fitted therein. In an embodiment, the second protrusion 322 has a width greater than the width of the first protrusion 321, and the second protrusion 322 may prevent or substantially prevent the second housing 10B from moving relative to the first housing 10A in the vertical direction.

[0120] In one embodiment, the second protrusion 322 has a width greater than that of the first protrusion 321, and the widths of the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322 are clearly distinguishable from each other to the extent that a step is formed at the boundary between the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322. For example, the first protrusion 321 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second protrusion 322 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a larger width. That is, in one embodiment, the male assembly portion 32 may have a "T"-shaped cross-section. With such a structure, the male assembly portion 32, including the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322, can stably contact the female assembly portion 33 in both the vertical and lateral directions at multiple locations spaced apart from each other.

[0121] In an embodiment, at least one of the left and right surfaces of the male assembly portion 32 may be formed to slope from the first protrusion 321 toward the second protrusion 322. If the male assembly portion 32 has the sloped side surface as described above, even if the second protrusion 322 has a width greater than the width of the first protrusion 321, no obvious boundary will be formed between the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322. With such a structure, stress concentration at the boundary between the first protrusion 321 and the second protrusion 322 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0122] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first connecting portion 31 may include an intermediate connecting portion 34 and an end connecting portion 35.

[0123] The intermediate connecting portion 34 can connect the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B to each other at the middle portion of the first surface 121 and the second surface 122 in the lateral direction. The intermediate connecting portion 34 may include a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33, and in an embodiment, the male assembly portion 32 of the intermediate connecting portion 34 may have a "T"-shaped structure, which includes a first protrusion 321 and a second protrusion 322 with different widths.

[0124] The end connection portion 35 can connect the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B to each other at the edge portions of each of the first surface 121 and the second surface 122. The end connection portion 35 can be formed at the left and right portions of each of the first surface 121 and the second surface 122. The end connection portion 35 may include a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33, and in an embodiment, the male assembly portion 32 of the end connection portion 35 may include a first protrusion 321 and a second protrusion 322 having continuously inclined side surfaces.

[0125] The second connecting portion 36 may have a structure that allows the housings 10 to be connected to each other in a second direction (lateral or Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction). In an embodiment, the second connecting portion 36 may have a structure that allows the housings 10 to be connected to each other using a separate intermediate member corresponding to the wedge 39 (described below). When multiple battery modules 3 are stacked to configure module assemblies 2 that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, the housings 10 that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction can be connected to each other via the second connecting portion 36.

[0126] The second connection portion 36 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39.

[0127] When multiple housings 10 are arranged adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 can be formed on the third surface 123 and the fourth surface 124 of the housing 10, which face each other, respectively. The first groove 37 can be formed to be recessed into the third surface 123, which is the right side surface of the housing 10. The second groove 38 can be formed to be recessed into the fourth surface 124, which is the left side surface of the housing 10.

[0128] The first groove 37 may have a linear shape and may be formed to extend in the front-to-back direction. The second groove 38 may have a linear shape corresponding to the first groove 37 and may be formed at a position facing the first groove 37. In an embodiment, a plurality of first grooves 37 may be formed, and second grooves 38 may be formed at positions corresponding to them.

[0129] The first groove 37 formed in the first housing 10A and the second groove 38 formed in the third housing 10C can be arranged to face each other. The first groove 37 formed in the first housing 10A and the second groove 38 formed in the third housing 10C can communicate with each other to form an insertion space S2.

[0130] The first groove 37 may include a first stepped groove 371 and a second stepped groove 372.

[0131] The first stepped groove 371 may be formed in the third surface 123 to be recessed in the second direction (Y direction) and may face the second groove 38. The second stepped groove 372 may be formed at the end of the first stepped groove 371 with a width greater than the width of the first stepped groove 371. In an embodiment, the second groove 38 may have a shape symmetrical to the shape of the first groove 37. Similar to the first groove 37, the second groove 38 may include the first stepped groove 371 and the second stepped groove 372.

[0132] In one embodiment, the second stepped groove 372 has a wider width than the first stepped groove 371, and the widths of the first stepped groove 371 and the second stepped groove 372 are clearly distinguishable from each other to the extent that a step is formed at the boundary between the first stepped groove 371 and the second stepped groove 372. In another embodiment, for example, the first stepped groove 371 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and the second stepped groove 372 may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape with a larger width. In yet another embodiment, the first groove 37 may have a "T"-shaped cross-section. With this structure, the wedge 39 can stably contact the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 in both the vertical and lateral directions at multiple spaced-apart locations.

[0133] In an embodiment, although not shown in the figures, at least one of the upper and lower surfaces of the first groove 37 may be formed to slope from the first stepped groove 371 to the second stepped groove 372. In an embodiment, if the first groove 37 has the sloped inner surface as described above, even if the second stepped groove 372 has a width greater than the width of the first stepped groove 371, no distinct boundary will be formed between the first stepped groove 371 and the second stepped groove 372. With such a structure, stress concentration at the boundary between the first stepped groove 371 and the second stepped groove 372 can be prevented or substantially prevented.

[0134] The wedge 39 can be inserted into the insertion space S2 formed between the housing 10 by the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 facing each other. The wedge 39 can have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the insertion space S2.

[0135] The wedge 39 may have left and right portions respectively shaped to correspond to the first groove 37 and the second groove 38, and can be inserted into the insertion space S2. In an embodiment, the wedge 39 may have an "H" shaped cross-section. When the wedge 39 is fitted into the insertion space S2, the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C can be connected to each other via the wedge 39. The first housing 10A and the third housing 10C can contact each other in the lateral direction (e.g., close contact) via the wedge 39, and can prevent or substantially prevent the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C from moving relative to each other in the lateral direction.

[0136] The housing assembly 4 may include a plurality of horizontally extending portions (not shown by reference numerals) supporting loads in the vertical direction and a plurality of vertically extending portions (not shown by reference numerals) supporting loads in the lateral direction. The horizontally extending portions may have a shape extending in the lateral direction and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. The vertically extending portions may have a shape extending in the vertical direction and may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction.

[0137] Multiple horizontal and vertical extensions can be formed by connecting multiple housings 10 to each other using connecting portions 30. When multiple housings 10 are connected to each other via connecting portions 30, the remaining portion of the frame of housing assembly 4, except for the portion forming the outer boundary of housing assembly 4, can have a thickness corresponding to the combined thickness of the respective main body portions of two overlapping housings 10. Except for the horizontal extensions forming the outer boundary of housing assembly 4, the remaining horizontal extensions of housing assembly 4 can have a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the first main body portion 111 of the first housing 10A and the second main body portion 112 of the second housing 10B. Except for the vertical extensions forming the outer boundary of housing assembly 4, the remaining vertical extensions of housing assembly 4 can have a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the third main body portion 113 of the first housing 10A and the fourth main body portion 114 of the third housing 10C.

[0138] As described above, when multiple housings 10 are connected to each other via connecting portions 30, housing assembly 4 may include horizontal and vertical extension portions having a thickness corresponding to twice the thickness of each of the first to fourth main body portions 111 to 114 of housing 10, in addition to the horizontal and vertical extension portions forming the outer boundary of housing assembly 4. Therefore, housing assembly 4 can stably ensure sufficient rigidity to reliably support the weight of the multiple battery cell assemblies 20.

[0139] When the first module assembly 2A and the second module assembly 2B are arranged parallel to each other in the lateral direction, the left side surface of the first module assembly 2A and the right side surface of the second module assembly 2B can be exposed to the external environment. In this case, a plurality of second grooves 38 formed in the first module assembly 2A and a plurality of first grooves 37 formed in the second module assembly 2B can be located on the left and right sides of the housing assembly 4, respectively. By using the plurality of first grooves 37 and the plurality of second grooves 38, the reinforcing member 40 can be assembled and attached to the right and left sides of the housing assembly 4.

[0140] refer to Figures 7 to 9 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the reinforcing member 40 may include a support member 41 and a connecting protrusion 42.

[0141] The support member 41 may be formed to extend in a first direction (vertical or X-direction) and to contact a plurality of housings 10 in a second direction (lateral or Y-direction). The support member 41 may be in the form of a flat plate and may make surface contact with the side surface of the housing 10. In an embodiment, the support member 41 may have a length corresponding to the module assembly 2 and may make continuous contact with a plurality of housings 10 stacked in the vertical direction.

[0142] The engaging protrusion 42 can be formed to protrude from the surface of the support member 41 facing the housing 10. Multiple engaging protrusions 42 can be arranged at a certain distance from each other in a first direction (vertical or X-direction). The engaging protrusion 42 can be formed at positions corresponding to the first groove 37 and the second groove 38. The engaging protrusion 42 can be fitted into multiple first grooves 37 and multiple second grooves 38 formed in different housings 10.

[0143] The connecting protrusion 42 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the first groove 37 and can be fitted into the first groove 37. Furthermore, the connecting protrusion 42 may have a cross-sectional shape corresponding to the second groove 38 and can be fitted into the second groove 38. In an embodiment, the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 may each have a "T"-shaped cross-section, and the connecting protrusion 42 may have a "T"-shaped cross-section corresponding to the first groove 37 and the second groove 38.

[0144] The reinforcing member 40 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first reinforcing member 40A and a second reinforcing member 40B.

[0145] The first reinforcing member 40A may contact the housing assembly 4 on its right side and may be coupled to a plurality of first grooves 37. The first reinforcing member 40A may include a support member 41 and a coupling protrusion 42. In embodiments, the first reinforcing member 40A may have a rod-shaped or column-shaped form extending in the vertical direction, and a plurality of first reinforcing members 40A may be provided. The first reinforcing member 40A may have a front-to-back width smaller than the front-to-back width of the right side surface of the housing assembly 4, and one or more first reinforcing members 40A may be coupled to the housing assembly 4. In embodiments, the first reinforcing member 40A may include a metallic material capable of reinforcing the rigidity of the housing assembly 4.

[0146] The second reinforcing member 40B may contact the housing assembly 4 on its left side and may be coupled to a plurality of second slots 38. The second reinforcing member 40B may include a support member 41 and a coupling protrusion 42. In embodiments, the second reinforcing member 40B may have a rod-shaped or column-shaped form extending in the vertical direction, and a plurality of second reinforcing members 40B may be provided. The second reinforcing member 40B may have a front-to-back width smaller than the front-to-back width of the left side surface of the housing assembly 4, and one or more second reinforcing members 40B may be coupled to the housing assembly 4. In embodiments, the second reinforcing member 40B may include a metallic material capable of reinforcing the rigidity of the housing assembly 4.

[0147] The first reinforcing member 40A can be attached to the right side surface of the second module assembly 2B, and the second reinforcing member 40B can be attached to the left side surface of the first module assembly 2A. In one embodiment, the first reinforcing member 40A is attached to the right side surface of the housing assembly 4, and the first reinforcing member 40A can enhance the rigidity of the right side portion of the housing assembly 4. In another embodiment, the second reinforcing member 40B is attached to the left side surface of the housing assembly 4, and the second reinforcing member 40B can enhance the rigidity of the left side portion of the housing assembly 4.

[0148] When the reinforcing member 40 is attached to the side surface of the housing assembly 4, the left and right portions of the housing assembly 4 can each have a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the corresponding main body portion of the housing 10 and the reinforcing member 40. The right portion of the housing assembly 4 can have a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the third main body portion 113 of the third housing 10C and the support member 41 of the first reinforcing member 40A. The left portion of the housing assembly 4 can have a thickness equal to the combined thickness of the fourth main body portion 114 of the first housing 10A and the support member 41 of the second reinforcing member 40B. Therefore, the rigidity of the side portions of the housing assembly 4 can be strengthened by the reinforcing member 40.

[0149] Figure 14 This is a view illustrating the assembly process of connecting the housing in a first direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 15 This is a view illustrating the assembly process of connecting the housing in a second direction according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 16 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling a reinforcing member into a housing according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0150] refer to Figure 14 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the housing 10 can be joined and assembled into a stacked structure in the vertical direction by having the male assembly portion 32 and the female assembly portion 33 configured to correspond to each other in the front-rear direction while sliding the housing 10 in the front-rear direction.

[0151] When the second housing 10B is stacked and connected to the upper side of the first housing 10A, the second housing 10B can be connected to the upper part of the first housing 10A through an assembly process. During the assembly process, the rear portion of the female assembly portion 33 formed in the second housing 10B is positioned to correspond to the front portion of the male assembly portion 32 formed in the first housing 10A, and the second housing 10B is pushed backward.

[0152] In this configuration, the first housing 10A and the second housing 10B can be securely connected at three locations corresponding to the intermediate connecting portion 34 and a pair of end connecting portions 35 on the left and right sides via the engagement between the male assembly portion 32 and the female assembly portion 33 as described above. Therefore, the second housing 10B can be reliably assembled at a location (e.g., a predetermined location) above the first housing 10A, and the movement of the second housing 10B in the vertical and lateral directions can be stably constrained.

[0153] refer to Figure 15 By inserting the wedge 39 into the insertion space S2 (formed by the first groove 37 and the second groove 38) in the front-rear direction while the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 are configured to face each other in the lateral direction, the housing 10 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be joined and assembled with each other in the lateral direction.

[0154] When the third housing 10C is connected to the right side of the first housing 10A, the second groove 38 formed in the third housing 10C can be positioned to correspond to the first groove 37 formed in the first housing 10A, and in this state, the insertion space S2 can be formed to extend continuously in the front-rear direction between the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C. A wedge 39 can be disposed between the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C through the insertion space S2.

[0155] The front and rear ends of the insertion space S2 can be configured to open to the front and rear portions of each of the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C, respectively. The third housing 10C can be connected to the right side of the first housing 10A by an assembly process in which the wedge 39 is inserted into the insertion space S2 from at least one of the front and rear sides in the front-rear direction.

[0156] A plurality of first grooves 37 may be formed on the right side surface of the housing 10 and may be arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction. A plurality of second grooves 38 may be formed on the left side surface of the housing 10 and may be arranged apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0157] As described above, the first housing 10A and the third housing 10C can be joined to each other by wedges 39 at multiple locations corresponding to the plurality of first slots 37 and the plurality of second slots 38. Therefore, the third housing 10C can be reliably assembled at a location (e.g., a predetermined location) on the right side of the first housing 10A, and the movement of the third housing 10C in the vertical and lateral directions can be stably constrained.

[0158] refer to Figure 16By having multiple connecting protrusions 42 configured to correspond to multiple first grooves 37 and multiple second grooves 38 in the front-rear direction respectively while sliding the reinforcing member 40 in the front-rear direction, the reinforcing member 40 according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be combined and assembled to be stacked on the side surface of the housing assembly 4.

[0159] The first groove 37 and the second groove 38 may each be formed on the side surface of the housing 10 to extend continuously in the front-rear direction. The front end and rear end of each of the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 may be formed to be open in the front-rear direction. The reinforcing member 40 may be connected to the side surface of the housing assembly 4 by an assembly process in which a coupling protrusion 42 is inserted into the first groove 37 and the second groove 38 from at least one of the front and rear sides in the front-rear direction.

[0160] When the first reinforcing member 40A is assembled to the right side surface of the housing assembly 4, the first reinforcing member 40A can be joined and assembled to be stacked on the right side surface of the housing assembly 4 by sliding the first reinforcing member 40A in the front-back direction while multiple engagement protrusions 42 are positioned to correspond to multiple first grooves 37 formed on the right side surfaces of the third housing 10C and the fourth housing 10D.

[0161] Multiple first reinforcing members 40A may be provided, and the multiple first reinforcing members 40A may be arranged in the front-rear direction. Among the multiple first reinforcing members 40A, the first reinforcing member 40A positioned relatively forward can be fitted into the first groove 37 by sliding from the front side to the rear side. Among the multiple first reinforcing members 40A, the first reinforcing member 40A positioned relatively rearward can be fitted into the first groove 37 by sliding from the rear side to the front side.

[0162] As described above, the reinforcing member 40 can be attached to the housing assembly 4 at multiple locations corresponding to the plurality of first grooves 37 and the plurality of second grooves 38 formed in the housing assembly 4. Therefore, the reinforcing member 40 can be reliably assembled at a location (e.g., a predetermined location) on the side surface of the housing assembly 4, and the movement of the reinforcing member 40 in the vertical and lateral directions can be stably restrained.

[0163] Figure 17 This is a schematic perspective view of a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and Figure 18 This is a perspective view schematically showing a housing according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0164] According to the reference Figures 5 to 16In the described embodiments, the first connecting portion 31 for joining the housing 10 together in a first direction (vertical or X direction) and the second connecting portion 36 for joining the housing 10 together in a second direction (lateral or Y direction) perpendicular to the first direction (X direction) can have different structures.

[0165] The first connecting portion 31 may have a structure including a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33, and the second connecting portion 36 may have a structure including a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39. According to the connection structure in which the male assembly portion 32 and the female assembly portion 33 are assembled to each other, the housing 10 can be directly connected to each other without separate intermediate components. According to the connection structure in which the wedge 39, serving as an intermediate component, is inserted into the first groove 37 and the second groove 38, the housing 10 can stably and easily make surface contact with each other without being disturbed by the protrusion corresponding to the male assembly portion 32.

[0166] refer to Figure 17 Both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 36 can have a structure including a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33. When both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 36 have a structure including a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33, the housing 10 can be directly connected to each other in the vertical and lateral directions through male-female assembly.

[0167] When the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure has a structure consisting of a single module assembly 2, the housing assembly 4 can be completed by assembling the housing 10 together in a male-female manner in the vertical direction using a first connecting portion 31 including a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33. When the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure has a structure including multiple module assemblies 2, the housing assembly 4 can be completed by assembling the housing 10 together in a male-female manner in the lateral direction using a second connecting portion 36 including a male assembly portion 32 and a female assembly portion 33, without providing additional separate intermediate components.

[0168] refer to Figure 18 Both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 36 can have a structure including a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39. When both the first connecting portion 31 and the second connecting portion 36 have a structure including a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39, the housing 10 can be easily configured to be in surface contact with each other in the vertical and lateral directions without being lifted or tilted due to interference with the male assembly portion 32 formed as a protrusion from the outer surface of the housing 10.

[0169] When the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure has a structure consisting of a single module assembly 2, the housing assembly 4 can be completed by joining the housing 10 together in the vertical direction using a first connecting portion 31 including a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39. When the energy storage system 1 according to this disclosure has a structure including multiple module assemblies 2, the housing assembly 4 can be completed by joining the housing 10 together in the transverse direction using a second connecting portion 36 including a first groove 37, a second groove 38, and a wedge 39.

[0170] Figure 19 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 20 yes Figure 19 A magnified view of area "E"; Figure 21 This is a conceptual view illustrating the flow of extinguishing agent through an injection flow path and an extinguishing manifold according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0171] refer to Figure 19 and Figure 20 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the injection flow path 50 may include a delivery flow path 51, an open flow path 52, and a plug 53.

[0172] The conveying flow path 51 can be formed as a hole passing through the housing body 11. In an embodiment, the conveying flow path 51 is formed to extend in the front-rear direction within the housing body 11, and the extinguishing agent can be conveyed along the conveying flow path 51 from the front side of the housing body 11 to the rear side of the housing body 11. The extinguishing agent can also be conveyed along the conveying flow path 51 from the rear side of the housing body 11 to the front side of the housing body 11.

[0173] The conveying flow path 51 can be formed to extend in the front-rear direction in the first main body portion 111, and multiple conveying flow paths 51 can be arranged separately from each other in the lateral direction. Fluid can be introduced into the interior of the first main body portion 111 through the conveying flow path 51 and can pass through the interior of the first main body portion 111 in the front-rear direction.

[0174] In one embodiment, the housing 10 may have a form in which it extends continuously in the longitudinal direction with a uniform or substantially uniform cross-sectional shape by an extrusion process. A conveying flow path 51 may be formed during the extrusion process of the housing 10 and may have a straight shape extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. The conveying flow path 51 may be formed to traverse the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction. The conveying flow path 51 may also be formed by a process such as drilling to pass through the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction or another direction, and in one embodiment, it may be formed in the shape of a groove.

[0175] The open flow path 52 can be formed to extend from the conveying flow path 51 to the monomer receiving surface 13 and can be formed to open toward the interior space S1. A first end of the open flow path 52 can communicate with the conveying flow path 51, and a second end can communicate with the interior space S1 of the housing 10. The open flow path 52 can communicate with the conveying flow path 51, thereby allowing fluid flowing through the conveying flow path 51 to be introduced and injected into the interior space S1 through the open flow path 52.

[0176] Multiple open flow paths 52 may be arranged separately from each other in the extension direction of the conveying flow path 51. The multiple open flow paths 52 may be arranged separately from each other in the front-to-back direction from the front to the rear portion of the housing 10 at a certain interval (e.g., a set interval). In an embodiment, the multiple open flow paths 52 may be arranged at a uniform or substantially uniform interval in the front-to-back direction. Fluid passing through the conveying flow path 51 can be introduced and injected into the internal space S1 at multiple locations spaced apart from each other through the multiple open flow paths 52.

[0177] The open flow path 52 can be formed from the receiving surface 13 through the housing 10 to the transfer flow path 51. In an embodiment, the open flow path 52 can be formed by machining such as drilling from the internal space S1 to the transfer flow path 51 formed in the first main body portion 111. When the transfer flow path 51 is formed in the first main body portion 111, the open flow path 52 can be formed to pass vertically through the portion of the first main body portion 111 facing the internal space S1.

[0178] A plurality of battery cells 21 (described below) in the battery cell assembly 20 may be arranged in a front-to-back direction, and a conveying flow path 51 may be configured to extend in the front-to-back direction along the arrangement direction of the battery cells 21. In an embodiment, a plurality of open flow paths 52 may be arranged along the conveying flow path 51 at uniform or substantially uniform spacing to uniformly or substantially uniformly inject the extinguishing agent over all of the plurality of battery cells 21.

[0179] The plug 53 can be attached to the second end (injection end) of the open flow path 52 to close the open flow path 52, and can melt at a certain (e.g., set) temperature or higher to open the open flow path 52. The certain (e.g., set) temperature can be a temperature generated when the energy storage system 1 is in an abnormal state (such as during a fire or flame). The certain (e.g., set) temperature can be higher than the normal temperature generated when the energy storage system 1 is operating normally.

[0180] In one embodiment, the plug 53 may be formed of a material having a low melting point such that the material melts at a certain (e.g., set) temperature. In another embodiment, the plug 53 may comprise a plastic material. The plug 53 may have a structure capable of closing the open flow path 52 as a stopper or cap, and may be fitted from the internal space S1 side to the injection end of the open flow path 52. In another embodiment, the plug 53 may have a screw-type structure.

[0181] During normal operation of the energy storage system 1, the open flow path 52 can be kept closed by the plug 53. At this time, fire extinguishing agent can be filled in the conveying flow path 51 and the open flow path 52. If a fire or flame occurs, the plug 53 can be melted and removed, thereby opening the open flow path 52 and allowing the fire extinguishing agent to be injected into the internal space S1.

[0182] refer to Figure 21 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing manifold 60 may include a manifold body 61, a main flow path 62, an inlet flow path 63, and a conveying flow path 64.

[0183] The manifold body 61 may have a block shape and may be attached to the housing body 11. When the injection flow path 50 is formed to pass through the first body portion 111 in the front-rear direction, the manifold body 61 may have a block shape corresponding to the front surface of the first body portion 111 and may be attached to the front surface of the first body portion 111. The front surface of the first body portion 111 may have a rectangular shape with a certain (e.g., set) thickness in the vertical direction and extending in the lateral direction, and the manifold body 61 may have a hexahedral block shape having a rectangular rear surface corresponding to the front surface of the first body portion 111.

[0184] The main flow path 62 can be formed inside the manifold body 61. The manifold body 61 can be formed to extend in the lateral direction, and the main flow path 62 can be formed to extend in the lateral direction along the extension direction of the manifold body 61. The main flow path 62 can be formed to extend along a position corresponding to a plurality of injection flow paths 50, and can have a length greater than the distance between the two furthest injection flow paths 50 among the plurality of injection flow paths 50.

[0185] The inlet flow path 63 can be connected to the main flow path 62 and can be positioned to open to the outside of the housing body 11. When the manifold body 61 is attached to the front surface of the first body portion 111, the inlet flow path 63 can be located in front of the main flow path 62. The inlet flow path 63 can be formed to protrude from or be recessed into the manifold body 61.

[0186] The transfer flow path 64 can be connected to the main flow path 62 at a position spaced apart from the inlet flow path 63 and can communicate with the injection flow path 50. When the manifold body 61 is attached to the front surface of the first body portion 111, the transfer flow path 64 can be located behind the main flow path 62, and the transfer flow path 64 can be positioned to correspond to the injection flow path 50. The front portion of the transfer flow path 64 can communicate with the main flow path 62, and the rear portion of the transfer flow path 64 can communicate with the transfer flow path 51.

[0187] The extinguishing agent supplied from the front of the housing 10 to the inlet flow path 63 can be distributed laterally along the main flow path 62, branching into multiple transfer flow paths 64 located behind the main flow path 62, and then introduced in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) into multiple injection flow paths 50. The extinguishing agent introduced into the injection flow path 50 can move rearward along the transfer flow path 51 and can be injected into the internal space S1 through multiple open flow paths 52.

[0188] Figure 22 This is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main parts of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Figure 23 It is a conceptual view used to describe the flow of coolant through a cooling flow path and a cooling manifold according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0189] refer to Figure 22 and Figure 23 The cooling flow path 70 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a forward flow path 71 and a return flow path 72.

[0190] The forward flow path 71 can form a flow path through which coolant can flow from a first end 115 of the housing 10 toward a second end 116 of the housing 10. The first end 115 can correspond to the front surface of the housing body 11, and the second end 116 can correspond to the rear surface of the housing body 11. The forward flow path 71 can be formed in at least one of the second body portion 112, the third body portion 113, and the fourth body portion 114 that are in contact with the battery cell assembly 20.

[0191] If formed in the second main body portion 112, the forward flow path 71 can be formed from the front surface through the second main body portion 112 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple forward flow paths 71 can be arranged in the lateral direction. If formed in the third main body portion 113, the forward flow path 71 can be formed from the front surface through the third main body portion 113 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple forward flow paths 71 can be arranged in the vertical direction. If formed in the fourth main body portion 114, the forward flow path 71 can be formed from the front surface through the fourth main body portion 114 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple forward flow paths 71 can be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0192] The return flow path 72 can form a flow path through which coolant that has passed through the forward flow path 71 can flow toward the first end 115. The return flow path 72 can be provided separately from the forward flow path 71. The return flow path 72 can be formed together with the forward flow path 71 in at least one of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114.

[0193] Multiple forward flow paths 71 can be formed extending in the front-back direction in one of the left and right portions of the second main body portion 112, and multiple return flow paths 72 can be formed extending in the front-back direction in the other of the left and right portions. Multiple forward flow paths 71 can be formed extending in the front-back direction in one of the upper and lower portions of each of the third and fourth main body portions 113 and 114, and multiple return flow paths 72 can be formed extending in the front-back direction in the other of the upper and lower portions.

[0194] If formed in the second main body portion 112, the return flow path 72 can be formed from the front surface through the second main body portion 112 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple return flow paths 72 can be arranged in the lateral direction. If formed in the third main body portion 113, the return flow path 72 can be formed from the front surface through the third main body portion 113 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple return flow paths 72 can be arranged in the vertical direction. If formed in the fourth main body portion 114, the return flow path 72 can be formed from the front surface through the fourth main body portion 114 to the rear surface and can have a linear shape, and multiple return flow paths 72 can be arranged in the vertical direction.

[0195] The forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 can each be formed as a hole passing through the housing body 11. In an embodiment, the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 are formed to extend in the front-rear direction in the housing body 11, and the coolant can be transferred from the front side of the housing body 11 to the rear side of the housing body 11 through the forward flow path 71, and can be returned from the rear side to the front side through the return flow path 72.

[0196] Fluid can be introduced into the interior of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 through the forward flow path 71, and can pass through the interior of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 from the front to the rear. Fluid that has passed through the housing 10 in the front-rear direction can be reintroduced into the interior of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 through the return flow path 72, and can pass through the interior of the second main body portion 112, the third main body portion 113, and the fourth main body portion 114 from the rear to the front.

[0197] In one embodiment, the housing 10 may have a form in which it extends continuously in the longitudinal direction with a uniform cross-sectional shape through an extrusion process. In another embodiment, the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 may be formed during the extrusion process of the housing 10 and may each have a straight shape extending continuously in the longitudinal direction. The forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 may be formed to traverse the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction. Alternatively, the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 may be formed by a process such as drilling to traverse the housing 10 in the longitudinal direction or another direction.

[0198] The cooling manifold 80 according to embodiments of the present disclosure may include a first cooling manifold 81 and a second cooling manifold 82.

[0199] The first cooling manifold 81 may have a shape corresponding to a portion of the first end 115 of the housing 10 and may be coupled to the first end 115. A flow path through which coolant is supplied and delivered to the forward flow path 71 and a flow path through which coolant that has passed through the return flow path 72 is discharged to the outside may be formed in the first cooling manifold 81.

[0200] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cooling manifold 81 may include a first block 811, a main supply flow path 812, a first inlet flow path 813, a second inlet flow path 814, a main discharge flow path 815, a first discharge flow path 816, and a second discharge flow path 817.

[0201] The first block 811 may have a block shape and can be attached to the housing body 11. In an embodiment, the forward flow path 71 is formed to pass through the second body portion 112 in the front-rear direction, and the first block 811 may have a block shape corresponding to the front surface of the second body portion 112 and can be attached to the front surface of the second body portion 112. The front surface of the second body portion 112 may have a rectangular shape with a certain (e.g., set) thickness in the vertical direction and extending in the lateral direction, and the first block 811 may have a hexahedral block shape with a rectangular rear surface corresponding to the front surface of the second body portion 112.

[0202] The main supply flow path 812 can be formed inside the first block 811. The main supply flow path 812 can be formed to extend laterally along the first block 811. The main supply flow path 812 can be formed to extend along a position corresponding to a plurality of forward flow paths 71 and can have a length greater than the distance between the two farthest forward flow paths 71 among the plurality of forward flow paths 71.

[0203] The first inlet flow path 813 can be connected to the main supply flow path 812 and can be positioned to open to the outside of the housing body 11. In one embodiment, the first block 811 is attached to the front surface of the second body portion 112, and the first inlet flow path 813 can be located in front of the main supply flow path 812. The first inlet flow path 813 can be formed to protrude from or be recessed into the first block 811.

[0204] The second inlet flow path 814 can be connected to the main supply flow path 812 at a position spaced apart from the first inlet flow path 813, and can communicate with the forward flow path 71. In an embodiment, the first block 811 is attached to the front surface of the second main body portion 112, and the second inlet flow path 814 can be located behind the main supply flow path 812, and the second inlet flow path 814 can be positioned to correspond to the forward flow path 71. The front portion of the second inlet flow path 814 can communicate with the main supply flow path 812, and the rear portion of the second inlet flow path 814 can communicate with the forward flow path 71.

[0205] Coolant supplied from the front side of the housing 10 to the first inlet flow path 813 can be distributed laterally along the main supply flow path 812, branching into multiple second inlet flow paths 814 located behind the main supply flow path 812, and then introduced in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) into multiple forward flow paths 71. The coolant introduced into the forward flow paths 71 can move rearward along the forward flow paths 71 and exchange heat with the housing 10 and the battery cell assembly 20.

[0206] The main discharge flow path 815 can be located inside the first block 811 to be spaced apart from the main supply flow path 812. The main discharge flow path 815 can be formed to extend laterally along the first block 811 at a position spaced apart from the main supply flow path 812 in the lateral direction. The main discharge flow path 815 can be formed to extend along positions corresponding to a plurality of return flow paths 72 and can have a length greater than the distance between the two furthest return flow paths 72 among the plurality of return flow paths 72.

[0207] The first emission flow path 816 can be connected to the main emission flow path 815 and can communicate with the return flow path 72. In one embodiment, the first block 811 is attached to the front surface of the second main body portion 112, and the first emission flow path 816 can be located behind the main emission flow path 815, and the first emission flow path 816 can be positioned to correspond to the return flow path 72. The front portion of the first emission flow path 816 can communicate with the main emission flow path 815, and the rear portion of the first emission flow path 816 can communicate with the return flow path 72.

[0208] The second emission flow path 817 may connect to the main emission flow path 815 at a location spaced apart from the first emission flow path 816 and may be positioned to open to the outside of the housing body 11. In an embodiment, the first block 811 is attached to the front surface of the second body portion 112, and the second emission flow path 817 may be located in front of the main emission flow path 815. The second emission flow path 817 may be formed to protrude from or be recessed into the first block 811.

[0209] The coolant can exchange heat with the housing 10 and the battery cell assembly 20 while moving backward and forward along the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72. After this heat exchange through the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72, the coolant can be introduced into a plurality of first discharge flow paths 816 located in front of the return flow path 72 and can be distributed laterally along the main discharge flow path 815. The coolant introduced into the main discharge flow path 815 can be discharged to the front of the housing 10 through a second discharge flow path 817.

[0210] The second cooling manifold 82 may have a shape corresponding to a portion of the second end 116 of the housing 10 and may be coupled to the second end 116. A flow path may be formed in the second cooling manifold 82 through which coolant supplied from the forward flow path 71 is conveyed to the return flow path 72. The second cooling manifold 82 may allow coolant that has passed through the housing 10 to return to the interior of the housing 10.

[0211] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second cooling manifold 82 may include a second block 821, a main flow path 822, a first branch flow path 823, and a second branch flow path 824.

[0212] The second block 821 may have a block shape and may be incorporated into the housing body 11. When the forward flow path 71 and the return flow path 72 are formed to pass through the second body portion 112 in the front-rear direction, the second block 821 may have a block shape corresponding to the rear surface of the second body portion 112 and may be incorporated into the rear surface of the second body portion 112. The rear surface of the second body portion 112 may have a certain (e.g., set) thickness in the vertical direction and may have a rectangular shape extending in the lateral direction, and the second block 821 may have a hexahedral block shape having a rectangular front surface corresponding to the rear surface of the second body portion 112.

[0213] The main flow path 822 can be formed inside the second block 821. The second block 821 can be formed to extend in the lateral direction, and the main flow path 822 can be formed to extend in the lateral direction along the extension direction of the second block 821. The main flow path 822 can be formed to extend along the positions corresponding to the plurality of forward flow paths 71 and the plurality of return flow paths 72, and can have a length greater than the distance between the two farthest flow paths among the forward flow paths 71 and the return flow paths 72.

[0214] The first branch flow path 823 can be connected to the main flow path 822 and can communicate with the forward flow path 71. When the second block 821 is attached to the rear surface of the second main body portion 112, the first branch flow path 823 can be located in front of the main flow path 822, and multiple first branch flow paths 823 can be positioned to correspond to the forward flow path 71. The front portion of the first branch flow path 823 can communicate with the forward flow path 71, and the rear portion of the first branch flow path 823 can communicate with the main flow path 822.

[0215] The second branch flow path 824 can connect to the main transport flow path 822 at a position spaced apart from the first branch flow path 823, and can communicate with the return flow path 72. When the second block 821 is attached to the rear surface of the second main body portion 112, the second branch flow path 824 can be located in front of the main transport flow path 822, and multiple second branch flow paths 824 can be positioned to correspond to the return flow path 72. The front portion of the second branch flow path 824 can communicate with the return flow path 72, and the rear portion of the second branch flow path 824 can communicate with the main transport flow path 822.

[0216] Coolant that has passed through multiple forward flow paths 71 can be introduced into multiple first branch flow paths 823, can flow along the main flow path 822 toward a second branch flow path 824, and can be introduced in parallel (e.g., simultaneously) into multiple return flow paths 72 after branching into multiple second branch flow paths 824 located ahead of the main flow path 822. Coolant introduced into the return flow path 72 can move along the return flow path 72 toward the front of the housing 10, and can then be introduced into multiple first discharge flow paths 816 formed in the first cooling manifold 81.

[0217] The size and number of injection flow paths 50 and cooling flow paths 70 can be varied and adjusted depending on the number and assembly position of battery cells 21, the size of battery module 3, and required characteristics. If the number of injection flow paths 50 and cooling flow paths 70 is large, the connections between injection flow paths 50 and cooling flow paths 70 may become complex. In this case, the structure of injection flow paths 50 and cooling flow paths 70 can be simplified by providing the fire extinguishing manifold 60 and cooling manifold 80 in block form as described above.

[0218] Figure 24 This is a perspective view schematically showing a battery cell assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 25 yes Figure 24 An exploded perspective view of the main parts.

[0219] refer to Figure 24 and Figure 25 According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery cell assembly 20 may include a battery cell 21, a first plate 22, a second plate 23, a strip 24, a busbar retainer 25, and a support strip 26.

[0220] Battery cells 21 can be disposed inside the housing 10 to form a battery module 3. When multiple battery cells 21 are connected in series, the voltage of the battery module 3 can be increased proportionally to the number of battery cells 21; when multiple battery cells 21 are connected in parallel, the capacity of the battery module 3 can be increased proportionally to the number of battery cells 21. The battery cells 21 can be used as unit structures for storing and supplying power in the battery module 3, and can be, for example, lithium-ion secondary batteries.

[0221] Although the battery cell 21 is shown as a prismatic battery in the accompanying drawings of this disclosure, this disclosure is not limited thereto, and the battery cell 21 may be, for example, a lithium polymer battery or a cylindrical battery. The can (not indicated by reference numerals) of the battery cell 21 may have any of a variety of shapes (such as prismatic, cylindrical, or pouch-shaped) and may be formed of a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel, or a laminate or plastic forming the pouch.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 may each have a panel shape and may be respectively disposed on the front and rear sides of the battery cell 21. Multiple battery cells 21 may be arranged in both the front-rear and lateral directions. The first plate 22 and the second plate 23 may each have a panel shape corresponding to the front surface of the battery cell 21 located at the foremost position and the rear surface of the battery cell 21 located at the rearmost position.

[0223] The right-side portions of the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 can contact the single-unit receiving surface 13 of the third main body portion 113 of the housing 10, and the left-side portions of the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 can contact the single-unit receiving surface 13 of the fourth main body portion 114 of the housing 10. Fastening members can be fastened to the third main body portion 113 of the housing 10 via the right-side portions of the first plate 22 or the second plate 23. Fastening members can be fastened to the fourth main body portion 114 of the housing 10 via the left-side portions of the first plate 22 or the second plate 23. Using this fastening structure, the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 can be fixed at a certain (e.g., predetermined) position on the housing 10.

[0224] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the first plate 22 may include a panel body 221, a slit 222, and a retainer assembly portion 223.

[0225] The panel body 221 may have a plate shape corresponding to the front surface of the battery cell 21 located at the foremost position. The panel body 221 may have a vertical width corresponding to the vertical width (width in the vertical direction) of the battery cell 21. In an embodiment, the battery cells 21 are arranged in two rows in the horizontal direction, and the panel body 221 may have a horizontal width corresponding to the combined horizontal width of a pair of battery cells 21 on the left and right sides.

[0226] The slit 222 can be formed to pass through the left and right portions of the panel body 221, and each can have a slit shape extending in the vertical direction. Multiple slits 222 can be formed in the left portion of the panel body 221, thus being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction. Multiple slits 222 can be formed in the right portion of the panel body 221, thus being spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction.

[0227] The strip 24 can press multiple battery cells 21 onto each other circumferentially (e.g., press multiple battery cells 21 tightly onto each other). In an embodiment, the strip 24 can have a flat strip shape. The multiple battery cells 21 can be arranged in the front-rear and lateral directions, and the strip 24 can be configured to surround the periphery of the battery cell assembly (not shown by reference numerals) formed by the battery cells 21.

[0228] The strip 24 may have a closed-loop structure capable of surrounding the front, rear, left, and right surfaces of the battery cell assembly. The strip 24 may have sufficient rigidity to tightly bind multiple battery cells 21 circumferentially without spacing them apart. The strip 24 may be elastic. In one embodiment, the strip 24 may include a metallic material capable of providing rigidity, and in another embodiment, it may include an elastic material, such as rubber.

[0229] The strip 24 can extend from the rear side of the panel body 221 to the front side of the panel body 221 through the slit 222 formed in the right side portion of the panel body 221. The strip 24 can extend to the left on the front side of the panel body 221 and can extend further to the rear side of the panel body 221 through the slit 222 formed in the left side portion of the panel body 221.

[0230] The strip 24 extending to the rear side of the panel body 221 can extend rearward on the left side of the plurality of battery cells 21 and reach the second plate 23. After reaching the second plate 23, the strip 24 can pass through the second plate 23 from left to right, extend forward on the right side of the plurality of battery cells 21, and reach the slit 222 formed in the right side portion of the first plate 22.

[0231] In one embodiment, the strip 24 may have a closed-loop structure that extends continuously across the right, front, left, and rear sides of a plurality of battery cells 21. Therefore, the strip 24 can press and bind the plurality of battery cells 21 together in both the lateral and longitudinal directions. Simultaneously, the strip 24 can use a first plate 22 to press the plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in the lateral direction from the front to the rear. Furthermore, the strip 24 can use a second plate 23 to press the plurality of battery cells 21 arranged in the lateral direction from the rear to the front.

[0232] As described above, by pressing the multiple battery cells 21 in the front-rear and lateral directions with the strip 24 while the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 are respectively in contact with the front and rear sides of the multiple battery cells 21, the battery cells 21 subjected to the pressure of the strip 24 in the lateral direction can be prevented or substantially prevented from twisting or misaligning with each other.

[0233] A retainer assembly portion 223 may be formed on the front side of the upper portion of the panel body 221, and the upper portion of the retainer assembly portion 223 contacts the busbar retainer 25. The retainer assembly portion 223 may have an upper surface with a certain (e.g., set) width. Fastening members may sequentially pass through the support bar 26 and the busbar retainer 25 and be fastened to the retainer assembly portion 223. Using this fastening structure, the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 may be connected to the support bar 26 and the busbar retainer 25.

[0234] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the second plate 23 may have the same structure as the first plate 22, and the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 may be symmetrically arranged in the front-rear direction. Similar to the first plate 22, the second plate 23 may include a panel body 221, a slit 222, and a retainer assembly portion 223. Since the second plate 23 may have a structure corresponding to the first plate 22, further detailed description of the structure of the second plate 23 will be omitted.

[0235] The busbar holder 25 may have the shape of a panel having a width in the lateral direction and a width in the front-rear direction, and may be disposed above the battery cell 21. Busbars (not shown) configured to electrically connect multiple battery cells 21 to each other, as well as other electrical components for the battery cells 21, may be mounted on the busbar holder 25.

[0236] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the busbar retainer 25 may include a retainer panel 251, a busbar assembly hole 252, a busbar assembly portion 253, and a housing assembly portion 254.

[0237] The retainer panel 251 may have a shape and width corresponding to the upper surface of the assembly of battery cells 21 arranged in the front-rear and lateral directions, and may be disposed above the battery cells 21. When the retainer panel 251 is disposed on the battery cells 21, the lower surface of the retainer panel 251 may contact the upper surface of the battery cells 21.

[0238] The busbar assembly hole 252 can be formed to pass through the retainer panel 251 at a position corresponding to the plurality of battery cells 21. The plurality of busbars respectively connected to the plurality of battery cells 21 can be configured to pass vertically through the retainer panel 251 via the busbar assembly hole 252.

[0239] The strip assembly portion 253 may be a portion of the retainer panel 251 on which the support strip 26 is disposed, and may be formed on the upper surface of the retainer panel 251. The strip assembly portion 253 may be formed to extend in the front-rear direction at the middle portion in the lateral direction of the retainer panel 251. The strip assembly portion 253 may be formed to be recessed in a shape corresponding to the lower surface of the support strip 26. The support strip 26 may be stably disposed in the strip assembly portion 253 having a groove shape.

[0240] The front portion of the strip assembly portion 253 can protrude forward from the retainer panel 251 and can be positioned to stack on the upper portion of the retainer assembly portion 223 of the first plate 22. The rear portion of the strip assembly portion 253 can protrude rearward from the retainer panel 251 and can be positioned to stack on the upper portion of the retainer assembly portion 223 of the second plate 23.

[0241] The right and left portions of the retainer panel 251 can contact the individual receiving surfaces 13 of the third main body portion 113 and the fourth main body portion 114 of the housing 10, respectively. The housing assembly portion 254 can be formed to protrude upward at the left and right portions of the retainer panel 251, which contact the fourth main body portion 114 and the third main body portion 113, respectively.

[0242] The fastening member can be fastened to the third main body portion 113 via the housing assembly portion 254 formed on the right side of the retainer panel 251. The fastening member can be fastened to the fourth main body portion 114 via the housing assembly portion 254 formed on the left side of the retainer panel 251. With this fastening structure, the retainer panel 251 can be fixed at a certain (e.g., set) position on the housing 10.

[0243] In one embodiment, the support bar 26 may have a rod shape extending in the front-rear direction and may be disposed on the upper surface of the busbar retainer 25. The support bar 26 may be fitted into a bar assembly portion 253 having a groove shape and may be reliably assembled at a certain (e.g., set) position on the busbar retainer 25, and the movement of the support bar 26 in the lateral direction may be stably constrained.

[0244] The fastening member can sequentially pass through the support bar 26 and the front portion of the busbar holder 25 and be fastened to the holder assembly portion 223 of the first plate 22. The fastening member can sequentially pass through the support bar 26 and the rear portion of the busbar holder 25 and be fastened to the holder assembly portion 223 of the second plate 23. With this fastening structure, the busbar holder 25 can be connected to the first plate 22 and the second plate 23 while being pressed downward toward the plurality of battery cells 21 by the support bar 26 and supported by the support bar 26.

[0245] Multiple battery cells 21 arranged in the lateral and longitudinal directions can be tightly bound together while being pressed in the longitudinal, lateral, and vertical directions by the first plate 22, second plate 23, strip 24, busbar holder 25, and support strip 26 assembled and joined together as described above. In this tightly bound state, a single battery cell assembly 20 can be formed, and the battery cell assembly 20 can be easily housed in and assembled into the housing 10.

[0246] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an energy storage system with a desired capacity can be implemented through a simple structure in which the housings of adjacent battery modules in a plurality of battery modules are interconnected using connecting portions. Therefore, compared to conventional energy storage systems that include separate structures corresponding to supports, the number of components is reduced and assembly time can be decreased.

[0247] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the structure corresponding to the support structure is omitted, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in capacity expansion compared to conventional energy storage systems (where the support structure with various numbers of layers and columns may need to be customized according to the required capacity).

[0248] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the injection flow path and the cooling flow path are directly formed in the housing, thereby enabling the cooling and fire extinguishing functions to be achieved using a single component corresponding to the housing, compared to conventional energy storage systems that require additional auxiliary devices to achieve cooling and fire extinguishing functions.

[0249] Furthermore, according to embodiments of this disclosure, the housings are arranged in an overlapping manner in the vertical and lateral directions to form the framework of the energy storage system, thereby reliably preventing or substantially preventing the spread of flames to other housings if a flame or fire occurs inside any of the housings, thus further improving fire safety.

[0250] However, the aspects and effects that can be obtained through this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art can clearly understand other aspects and technical effects not mentioned based on the description of this disclosure.

[0251] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to some embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, these embodiments are merely illustrative, and it should be understood that those skilled in the art can derive various modifications and equivalent other embodiments based on these embodiments.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, comprising: case; A battery cell assembly, wherein the battery cell assembly is housed in the housing and configured to form a battery module together with the housing; as well as The connecting portion is configured to connect multiple housings to each other to form a frame supporting multiple battery cell assemblies when multiple battery modules are connected.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises: A housing body configured to define an internal space, wherein the battery cell assembly is configured to be housed within the internal space; An assembly surface is located on the outer surface of the housing body and contacts another housing. The connecting portion protrudes from or is recessed into the assembly surface. as well as A cell receiving surface, which is located on the inner surface of the housing body and contacts the battery cell assembly.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 2, wherein the housing body comprises: First main body; The second main body portion is positioned separately from the first main body portion in a first direction; as well as A third main body portion and a fourth main body portion, the third main body portion and the fourth main body portion being positioned separately from each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction and configured to define the internal space together with the first main body portion and the second main body portion, the battery cell assembly being configured to be housed in the internal space, and The energy storage system also includes: An injection flow path is provided in the first body portion and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can be injected into the housing. as well as A cooling flow path, which is located in at least one of the second main body portion, the third main body portion, and the fourth main body portion, and is configured to define a flow path through which fluid can flow.

4. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein the connection portion includes a first connection portion, the first connection portion including a structure configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other in a first direction.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, wherein the first connection portion comprises: A male assembly portion, the male assembly portion being on the housing and protruding from a first surface of the housing facing the first direction; as well as The female assembly portion is on the housing and located on a second surface of the housing facing the side opposite to the first surface, and has a shape in which the male assembly portion can be inserted.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, wherein the anode assembly comprises: A first protrusion protrudes from the first surface in the first direction; as well as The second protrusion is located at the end of the first protrusion and has a width greater than that of the first protrusion. The female assembly portion has a shape corresponding to the male assembly portion and the male assembly portion is configured to be fitted into the female assembly portion.

7. The energy storage system according to claim 4, wherein the first connection portion comprises: An intermediate connecting portion is configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other at the middle portion of the contact surfaces of each of the plurality of housings; as well as An end connection portion is configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other at the edge portion of each of the contact surfaces of the plurality of housings.

8. The energy storage system of claim 4, wherein the connection portion further comprises a second connection portion having a structure configured to connect the plurality of housings to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 8, wherein the second connection portion comprises: A first groove, which is recessed in the housing and in the third surface of the housing facing the second direction; The second groove is on the housing and recessed in the fourth surface of the housing on the side opposite to the third surface; as well as A wedge-shaped body configured to be inserted into an insertion space defined between the plurality of housings by a first groove and a second groove facing each other.

10. The energy storage system according to claim 9, wherein the first tank comprises: A first stepped groove is located on the third surface and faces the second groove; as well as A second stepped groove is disposed at the end of the first stepped groove and has a width greater than that of the first stepped groove. The second groove has a shape symmetrical to the first groove, and The wedge has a shape corresponding to the insertion space and is configured to be inserted into the insertion space.

11. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing member extending in a first direction and coupled to a housing assembly formed by interconnecting the plurality of housings.

12. The energy storage system of claim 11, wherein the connection portion comprises: A first groove is formed on the housing along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; as well as The second groove, located on the housing on the side opposite to the first groove, and The reinforcing member includes: A support member extending in the first direction and configured to contact the plurality of housings along the second direction; as well as Multiple connecting protrusions, spaced apart from each other along the first direction on the support member, are configured to fit into multiple first grooves or multiple second grooves formed in different housings.

13. The energy storage system according to claim 12, wherein the reinforcing member comprises: A first reinforcing member, which contacts the housing assembly along the second direction and is engaged with the plurality of first slots; as well as A second reinforcing member contacts the housing assembly on the side opposite to the first reinforcing member and is engaged with the plurality of second slots.

14. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising an injection flow path, the injection flow path being in the housing and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can be injected into the housing.

15. The energy storage system of claim 14, wherein the housing comprises: A housing body configured to form an internal space, wherein the battery cell assembly is configured to be housed in the internal space; as well as A single-unit receiving surface, the single-unit receiving surface being located on the inner surface of the housing body and facing the internal space, and The injection flow path includes: A first conveying flow path is located within the housing body and configured to form a flow path through which the fluid can be conveyed. as well as An open flow path extends from the first conveying flow path to the monomer receiving surface and opens toward the interior space.

16. The energy storage system of claim 15, wherein the injection flow path further comprises a plug, the plug being engaged to close the open flow path and configured to open the open flow path by melting at a certain temperature or higher.

17. The energy storage system of claim 15, further comprising a fire suppression manifold, said fire suppression manifold being coupled to the housing and configured to supply the fluid to the injection flow path, The fire extinguishing manifold includes: The manifold body is attached to the housing body; The main flow path is located inside the main body of the manifold; An inlet flow path, which is connected to the main flow path and is positioned to open to the outside of the housing body; as well as A second conveying flow path is connected to the main flow path at a position spaced apart from the inlet flow path and is in communication with the injection flow path.

18. The energy storage system of claim 1, further comprising a cooling flow path, the cooling flow path being located within the housing and configured to define a flow path through which fluid can flow.

19. The energy storage system of claim 18, further comprising a cooling manifold, the cooling manifold being incorporated into the housing and configured to supply the fluid to the cooling flow path and discharge the fluid that has passed through the cooling flow path.

20. The energy storage system of claim 19, wherein the cooling flow path comprises: A forward flow path, configured to define a flow path through which the fluid can flow from a first end of the housing toward a second end of the housing; as well as A return flow path, positioned separately from the forward flow path and configured to define a flow path through which the fluid that has passed through the forward flow path can flow toward the first end, and The cooling manifold includes: A first cooling manifold is connected to the first end and configured to supply the fluid to the forward flow path and discharge the fluid that has passed through the return flow path; as well as A second cooling manifold, which is connected to the second end and configured to transfer the fluid that has passed through the forward flow path to the return flow path.

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