Battery pack, and energy storage system and vehicle including same

Abstract

A battery pack, and an energy storage system and a vehicle including the same are disclosed. A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a module assembly including a plurality of battery modules each including a module opening through which a vent gas is discharged on at least one side; a pack cover facing the module opening and configured to cover at least one side of the module assembly; a battery pack opening having a first battery pack opening formed at one of both ends in an extending direction of a space formed between the battery pack cover and the module assembly, and a second battery pack opening formed at the other end in the extending direction of the space, a second battery pack opening formed at the other end opposite one of the two ends in the extending direction of the space; and an oxygen introduction prevention member located in the space and configured to be openable toward at least one of the first battery pack opening and the second battery pack opening.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of a Chinese utility model patent application with a filing date of December 27, 2022, application number 202290000413.8, and name “Battery pack, energy storage system and vehicle including the battery pack”. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack, and an energy storage system (ESS) and a vehicle including the battery pack.

[0004] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0188647 filed on December 27, 2021 in the Republic of Korea, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0005] A battery pack applied to a device such as an energy storage system (ESS) or an electric vehicle may be manufactured to include a plurality of battery modules to which a high-power and high-capacity lithium secondary battery is applied. In order to meet the output characteristics of a battery pack applied to a device requiring high power and large capacity such as an energy storage system (ESS) and an electric vehicle and to achieve high capacity, the number of lithium secondary batteries included in one battery module may be increased and the number of battery modules included in one battery pack may be increased.

[0006] However, when a fire or explosion occurs in a battery pack including such a large number of lithium secondary batteries, damage inevitably increases.

[0007] The fire that occurred in the battery pack started with the abnormal temperature increase of the lithium secondary battery in the battery module and the generation of internal gas. When the temperature of the lithium secondary battery rises abnormally, internal gas is generated, and the internal pressure of the lithium secondary battery increases to a specified level or higher, ventilation occurs in the lithium secondary battery, and therefore, high-temperature gas is ejected to the outside of the lithium secondary battery, and high-temperature sparks including electrode active materials and aluminum particles are ejected. When the high-temperature gas and sparks encounter oxygen, a fire may occur.

[0008] In particular, immediately after the ventilation gas generated in the battery pack leaks rapidly to the outside under high pressure, it is likely that the high-temperature ventilation gas and high-temperature sparks generated by the thermal event encounter a large amount of oxygen. That is, because the pressure in the battery pack is greatly increased temporarily due to the ventilation of the secondary battery caused by the thermal event, and then, when the ventilation gas is quickly discharged, the pressure in the battery pack is greatly reduced in a short time, the negative pressure may actually act from the outside to the inside, and thus a large amount of oxygen may be introduced. In this case, when the high-temperature gas and sparks remaining in the battery pack encounter each other with a large amount of oxygen, a fire may occur.

[0009] Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a battery pack structure in which the ventilation gas generated during a thermal event can be discharged at an appropriate rate despite the high initial ventilation pressure to prevent the generation of negative pressure due to the rapid decrease in ventilation pressure. Moreover, it is necessary to develop a battery pack structure in which the amount of oxygen introduced into the battery pack can be minimized even when negative pressure is generated as the ventilation pressure decreases. Utility Model Content

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] The present disclosure is designed to solve the problems of the related art, and thus the present disclosure aims to provide a battery pack configured to minimize generation of negative pressure due to a rapid decrease in ventilation pressure by discharging ventilation gas generated during a thermal event at an appropriate rate.

[0012] The present disclosure also aims to provide a battery pack configured to minimize the amount of oxygen introduced into the battery pack even when a negative pressure is generated as ventilation pressure decreases.

[0013] However, the technical objectives to be achieved by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and based on the description of the present disclosure, other technical objectives not mentioned will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0014] Technical Solution

[0015] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack, comprising:

[0016] a module assembly including a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a module opening on at least one side through which ventilation gas is discharged;

[0017] a battery pack cover facing the module opening and configured to cover the at least one side of the module assembly;

[0018] a battery pack opening having a first battery pack opening formed at one of two ends in an extension direction of a space formed between the battery pack cover and the module assembly and a second battery pack opening formed at the other end opposite to the one of the two ends in the extension direction of the space; and

[0019] An oxygen introduction prevention member is located in the space and is configured to be able to be opened in two directions or only in one direction to open toward the first battery pack opening or the second battery pack opening.

[0020] Preferably, the oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to prevent oxygen from being reversely introduced after the ventilation gas is discharged in the extending direction of the space.

[0021] Preferably, the oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the first battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the module opening.

[0022] Preferably, the first battery pack opening is configured such that a cooling fluid is introduced, and the second battery pack opening is configured such that the cooling fluid is discharged.

[0023] Preferably, a discharge direction of the cooling fluid and a discharge direction of the ventilation gas inside the space are opposite to each other.

[0024] Preferably, the oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by pressure of the cooling fluid.

[0025] Preferably, in the plurality of battery modules, the module openings include a first module opening disposed on one side of each battery module and a second module opening disposed on the other side of each battery module.

[0026] Preferably, the battery pack cover includes a first battery pack cover disposed on one side of the module assembly and a second battery pack cover disposed on the other side.

[0027] Preferably, the first battery pack opening is formed at one of both ends of a first space formed between the first battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extending direction, and

[0028] The second battery pack opening is formed at the other end opposite to the one end of the second space formed between the second battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extending direction.

[0029] Preferably, the oxygen introduction prevention member includes: a first oxygen introduction prevention member located in the first space; and a second oxygen introduction prevention member located in the second space.

[0030] Preferably, the first oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the first battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the first module opening, and

[0031] The second oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the second module opening.

[0032] Preferably, the first battery pack opening is configured such that a cooling fluid is introduced, and the second battery pack opening is configured such that the cooling fluid is discharged.

[0033] Preferably, a discharge direction of the cooling fluid and a discharge direction of the ventilation gas inside the first space are opposite to each other.

[0034] Preferably, the first oxygen introduction prevention member and the second oxygen introduction prevention member are configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by pressure of the cooling fluid.

[0035] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an energy storage system (ESS), comprising the above-mentioned battery pack.

[0036] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is provided, comprising the battery pack described above.

[0037] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a module assembly, the module assembly including a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a module opening on one side through which ventilation gas is discharged; a battery pack cover, the battery pack cover facing the module opening and configured to cover the one side of the module assembly; and an oxygen introduction prevention member, the oxygen introduction prevention member being located in a space formed between the module assembly and the battery pack cover and configured to prevent oxygen from being reversely introduced after the ventilation gas is discharged in an extension direction of the space.

[0038] The battery pack may further include a battery pack opening provided at at least one of both ends of the space in the extending direction.

[0039] A plurality of oxygen introduction preventing members may be provided, wherein the plurality of oxygen introduction preventing members are spaced apart from each other in the extending direction of the space.

[0040] The oxygen introduction preventing member may be located between a pair of battery modules adjacent to each other in the space.

[0041] The space may include a plurality of divided spaces divided by the oxygen introduction preventing member, wherein the oxygen introduction preventing member has a structure that is opened and closed to allow or block the flow of a fluid between adjacent divided spaces.

[0042] The oxygen introduction preventing member may be configured to open when a pressure of the fluid flowing in the extending direction of the space is equal to or higher than a reference pressure.

[0043] The oxygen introduction preventing member may be an opening / closing door configured to be rotatable.

[0044] The oxygen introduction preventing member may be a valve having a partially cut structure to be opened and closed.

[0045] The oxygen introduction preventing member may be configured to open only in one direction.

[0046] In the plurality of battery modules, the module openings may include a first module opening disposed on one side of each battery module and a second module opening disposed on the other side.

[0047] The battery pack cover may include a first battery pack cover disposed on one side of the module assembly and a second battery pack cover disposed on the other side.

[0048] The battery pack may further include: a first battery pack opening, which is formed at one of the two ends of the space formed between the first battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extension direction; and a second battery pack opening, which is formed at the other end opposite to the one of the two ends of the space formed between the second battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extension direction.

[0049] The oxygen introduction preventing member may include: a first oxygen introduction preventing member located in a first space formed between the first battery pack cover and the module assembly; and a second oxygen introduction preventing member located in a second space formed between the second battery pack cover and the module assembly.

[0050] An energy storage system (ESS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the battery pack of the present disclosure.

[0051] A vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include the battery pack of the present disclosure.

[0052] Beneficial effects

[0053] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, ventilation gas generated during a thermal event may be discharged at an appropriate rate, and thus the generation of negative pressure due to a rapid decrease in ventilation pressure may be minimized.

[0054] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, even when a negative pressure is generated as the ventilation pressure decreases, the amount of oxygen introduced into the battery pack can be minimized, and thus a fire can be prevented.

[0055] However, the effects achievable by the present disclosure are not limited thereto, and other effects not mentioned will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the foregoing disclosure, are used to provide a further understanding of the technical features of the present disclosure, and therefore, the present disclosure is not to be construed as being limited to the accompanying drawings.

[0057] Figure 1 is a view illustrating an appearance of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0058] Figure 2 is a view illustrating an oxygen introduction preventing member located between a battery pack cover and a module assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0059] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0060] Figure 4 is a view illustrating a module opening provided in a battery module according to the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 5 It is a view illustrating an arrangement structure of an oxygen introduction prevention member and an operation of the oxygen introduction prevention member according to a flow of ventilation gas according to the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 6 and Figure 7 It is a view illustrating the shape of an oxygen introduction preventing member according to the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 8 is a view illustrating a battery module including module openings on one side and the other side.

[0064] Fig. 9 is a view illustrating a battery pack including a battery pack opening on one side and the other side.

[0065] Fig.10 It is shown in Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a view of the flow of cooling fluid in a battery pack.

[0066] Fig.11 It is shown in Fig. 9 A view of an open operation of an oxygen introduction prevention member in a battery pack according to the flow of a cooling fluid.

[0067] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating an energy storage system (ESS) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Fig.13 is a view illustrating a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0069] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Before the description, it should be understood that the terms used in the specification and the appended claims should not be understood as being limited to the general and dictionary meanings, but are interpreted based on the meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical aspects of the present disclosure on the basis of the principle that allows the inventor to appropriately define the terms for the best interpretation. Therefore, the descriptions presented here are only preferred examples for illustration only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, so that it should be understood that other equivalents and modifications can be made to this without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0070] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a battery pack 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a module assembly M, a battery pack cover 20, and an oxygen introduction prevention member 30. The module assembly M may include a plurality of battery modules 10, each of which includes a module opening P on one side, through which ventilation gas may be discharged. The battery pack cover 20 may face the module opening P to cover the one side of the module assembly M. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be located in a space S formed between the module assembly M and the battery pack cover 20. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to prevent oxygen from being reversely introduced after the ventilation gas is discharged in an extension direction of the space (a direction parallel to the X-axis).

[0071] When the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure is constructed as described above, the flow of the ventilation gas discharged from the battery module 10 due to a thermal event and along the extension direction of the space S can be delayed. When the discharge flow of the ventilation gas is appropriately delayed in this manner, the generation of negative pressure due to a significant decrease in pressure in the late discharge stage can be minimized or prevented compared to the pressure in the initial discharge stage of the ventilation gas.

[0072] When ventilation occurs in the battery module 10 due to a thermal event, high-temperature spark materials (e.g., electrode active materials or aluminum metal particles) may be discharged together with the high-temperature ventilation gas. When the high-temperature ventilation gas and the high-temperature spark materials encounter oxygen, a fire may occur. The battery pack 1 of the present disclosure can prevent an explosion caused by an abnormal increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack 1 by discharging ventilation gas, and can prevent a large amount of oxygen from being introduced into the battery pack 1 from the outside due to the generation of a large amount of negative pressure by preventing a sudden change in the ventilation gas discharge pressure. Accordingly, because a fire is prevented from occurring when ignitable materials and oxygen meet each other, the safety of use of the secondary battery can be greatly improved.

[0073] Figure 3 1 is a view illustrating the shape of the battery module 10 according to the present disclosure. Figure 3 , the battery module 10 may include: a cell assembly including a plurality of battery cells 100, a module cover 200 in which the cell assembly is accommodated, and a cover frame 300 configured to cover the open side of the module cover 200. The battery cell 100 may include an electrode lead 110, which is connected to the electrode assembly (not shown) in the cell housing and is pulled out of the cell housing. The battery cell 100 may be, for example, a pouch-type battery cell. The module cover 200 may have a shape with at least one open side. The electrode lead 110 may extend toward the open side of the module cover 200. The cover frame 300 may include a lead slit through which the electrode lead 110 passes. A bus bar may be located on the cover frame 300, and each of the plurality of electrode leads 110 may pass through the lead slit and may be coupled to the bus bar.

[0074] When the battery module 10 of the present disclosure has such a structure, a module opening P which is a gap through which ventilation gas generated in the battery module 10 can be discharged may be formed between the lead slit and the electrode lead 110. The module opening P may functionally serve as a path through which a cooling fluid (e.g., air) may be introduced when the battery pack 1 is normally used, and may functionally serve as a path through which ventilation gas is discharged when ventilation gas is generated due to a thermal event.

[0075] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , the plurality of battery modules 10 may be arranged such that the module openings P face the same direction. In the module assembly M, the module openings P may be formed in a plane (XZ plane) facing the battery pack cover 20 of the present disclosure.

[0076] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the pack cover 20 may be configured to cover one side of the module assembly M. The pack cover 20 may be coupled to the module assembly M. The pack cover 20 may face the module opening P of the battery module 10. The pack cover 20 may be spaced apart from the module assembly M at a specified distance so that a space S for the flow of ventilation gas discharged from the module opening P of the battery module 10 is formed. The pack cover 20 may extend in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery modules 10 (a direction parallel to the X-axis).

[0077] Since the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure includes the battery pack cover 20 as described above, it is possible to block ventilation gas and spark materials that may be discharged from each of the plurality of battery modules 10. Moreover, when ventilation gas is discharged from at least some of the plurality of battery modules 10 included in the module assembly M, the battery pack cover can guide the ventilation gas to be discharged in a desired direction.

[0078] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4 The oxygen introduction preventing member 30 may be configured to allow the flow of the cooling fluid and the flow of the ventilation gas and to block the introduction of oxygen due to the negative pressure. The oxygen introduction preventing member 30 will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0079] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The battery pack 1 may include a battery pack opening A (see Figure 1 ). The battery pack opening A may be provided at least at one of the two ends of the space S formed between the module assembly M and the battery pack cover 20 in the extension direction (the direction parallel to the X-axis). According to this structure, the battery pack 1 may discharge the ventilation gas discharged through the module opening P and flowing in the extension direction of the space S to the outside. Accordingly, the explosion of the battery pack 1 due to the increase in the internal pressure of the battery pack 1 when the ventilation gas is generated may be prevented.

[0080] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 4, a plurality of oxygen introduction prevention members 30 may be provided. The plurality of oxygen introduction prevention members 30 may be spaced apart from each other in the extension direction of the space S. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be located between a pair of battery modules 10 adjacent to each other in the space S. According to this arrangement of the oxygen introduction prevention member 30, when ventilation gas is discharged from any one of the adjacent battery modules 10, the ventilation gas can be prevented from being easily introduced into the adjacent battery module 10. On the other hand, according to this arrangement of the oxygen introduction prevention member 30, the smooth discharge of ventilation gas through the module opening P may not be hindered. In particular, when a plurality of oxygen introduction prevention members 30 are provided and each of the plurality of oxygen introduction prevention members 30 is located in the space S at a position corresponding to the gap between a pair of adjacent battery modules 10, the smooth discharge of ventilation gas through the module opening P may be maintained, and the rapid discharge of ventilation gas in the extension direction of the space S may be well suppressed.

[0081] refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , the space S formed between the pack cover 20 and the module assembly M may include a plurality of partitioned spaces divided by the oxygen introduction prevention member 30. In this case, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may have a structure that can be opened and closed to allow or block the flow of fluid between adjacent partitioned spaces.

[0082] For example, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to be opened when the pressure of the fluid flowing in the extension direction of the space S is equal to or higher than a reference level. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to be opened by the circulating pressure of the cooling fluid. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to be opened by the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas in the initial ventilation stage due to a thermal event, and will not be opened by the ventilation pressure that is reduced when a specified time elapses after ventilation occurs. That is, the reference pressure at which the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be opened may be lower than the circulating pressure of the cooling fluid (first pressure) and the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas in the initial ventilation stage (second pressure), and may be higher than the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas when a specified time period elapses after ventilation (third pressure).

[0083] When the reference pressure for opening the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is set as described above, smooth cooling can be maintained and the introduction of oxygen due to the rapid discharge of ventilation gas can be prevented. For cooling, sufficient circulation pressure of the cooling fluid can be generated by driving a device for cooling the battery pack 1 (for example, a fan for circulating cooling air) by considering the reference pressure. Accordingly, smooth cooling can be possible even when the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is applied. When the ventilation gas of the secondary battery is discharged due to a thermal event, the ventilation gas is discharged at a very high pressure in the initial discharge stage and then the discharge pressure decreases as the amount of internal gas decreases. Accordingly, the internal pressure can be reduced according to the discharge of appropriate ventilation gas by adjusting the reference pressure at which the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be opened, and the introduction of oxygen due to the generation of negative pressure caused by the rapid reduction in pressure can also be prevented.

[0084] Figure 6 and Figure 7 2 is a view illustrating the shape of the oxygen introduction preventing member 30 according to the present disclosure.

[0085] First, with Figure 5 Reference together Figure 6 The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be an opening / closing door configured to be rotatable. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be coupled to, for example, an edge of the battery module 10. The opening / closing door may be hinged to the battery module 10.

[0086] Although not shown, the open / close door may be configured to receive an elastic restoring force to return to the closed state again when operating from a state in which the space S is divided, i.e., a closed state, to an open state. For example, the hinge applied to the rotating oxygen introduction prevention member may be a spring hinge. In this case, the discharge of the ventilation gas may be appropriately adjusted by adjusting the elastic modulus of the spring applied to the spring hinge. When the elastic modulus of the spring is too large, it is difficult to discharge the ventilation gas, and when the elastic modulus of the spring is too small, it is difficult to prevent the rapid discharge of the ventilation gas, thereby making it difficult to prevent the reverse introduction of oxygen due to negative pressure.

[0087] Then, with Figure 5 Reference together Figure 7, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be a valve having a partial cutting structure to be opened and closed. The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be connected to, for example, the edge of the battery module 10. In a valve having a partial cutting structure, the opening pressure may be determined based on the area occupied by the cutting portion relative to the total area, the thickness of the component used as the valve, and the material properties applied to the component used as the valve. When the valve includes an elastic material such as a resin, the valve may be opened by a ventilation pressure equal to or higher than a reference pressure, and as the ventilation gas is discharged and the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas decreases, the valve may be slowly closed by an elastic restoring force.

[0088] As described above, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 of the present disclosure can be configured to open / close a door and / or a valve. Moreover, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be configured to have an elastic restoring force, and therefore, the degree of opening of the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be proportional to the magnitude of the applied pressure. In this way, the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure can be configured to allow smooth cooling by applying a cooling fluid circulation pressure to fully open the oxygen introduction prevention member 30. Moreover, in the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be fully opened by the high pressure in the initial discharge stage of the ventilation gas to quickly reduce the internal pressure, and as the discharge pressure of the gas decreases, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be slowly closed to block the introduction of oxygen.

[0089] The oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to open only in one direction. For example, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be a one-way opening / closing door or a one-way opening / closing valve. In this case, since the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is configured to open only in the discharge direction of the ventilation gas and not in the opposite direction, even when the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas is reduced, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is only closed and cannot be opened in the reverse direction. Accordingly, the reverse introduction of oxygen due to the reduction in the discharge pressure of the ventilation gas is impossible.

[0090] refer to Figure 8 and Fig. 9 In the plurality of battery modules 10 , the module openings P may include a first module opening P1 disposed on one side of each battery module 10 and a second module opening P2 disposed on the other side.

[0091] The battery pack cover 20 may include a first battery pack cover 20A provided on one side of the module assembly M and a second battery pack cover 20B provided on the other side. In this case, the ventilation gas discharged through one side of the battery module 10 and the ventilation gas discharged through the other side may be guided to flow in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery modules 10 (a direction parallel to the X-axis).

[0092] The battery pack 1 of the present disclosure may include a first battery pack opening A1 and a second battery pack opening A2. The first battery pack opening A1 may be formed at one of the two ends of a space S1 formed between the first battery pack cover 20A and the module assembly M in an extension direction (a direction parallel to the X-axis). The second battery pack opening A2 may be formed at the other end opposite to the one of the two ends of the space S2 formed between the second battery pack cover 20A and the module assembly M in the extension direction.

[0093] and Figure 8 and Fig. 9 Reference together Fig.10 When the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure is constructed as described above, any one of the first battery pack opening A1 and the second battery pack opening A2 can be used as an inlet of the cooling fluid and the other can be used as an outlet of the cooling fluid. Moreover, the cooling fluid can directly pass through the inner side of the plurality of battery modules 10, thereby achieving effective cooling (see the cooling fluid in Fig.10 moving path in the direction of the arrow).

[0094] and Figures 8 to 10 Reference together Fig.11 , the oxygen introduction preventing member 30 of the present disclosure may be disposed in each of a first space S1 formed between one side of the module assembly M and the first pack cover 20A and a second space S2 formed between the other side of the module assembly M and the second pack cover 20B.

[0095] In the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure, when the first battery pack opening A1 is used as an inlet for introducing a cooling fluid and the second battery pack opening A2 is used as an outlet for discharging the cooling fluid, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 provided in the first space S1 may be configured to open toward the second battery pack opening A2 when the cooling fluid flows. As described above, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be configured to open when the pressure of the fluid is equal to or higher than the reference pressure. Accordingly, when the cooling fluid circulates at a pressure equal to or higher than the reference pressure, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 may be opened, and the cooling of the battery pack 1 may be smoothly performed.

[0096] In the battery pack 1 of the present disclosure, when ventilation gas is discharged from the battery module 10 due to a thermal event, the ventilation gas discharged through the first module opening P1 can cause the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the first space S1 to open toward the first battery pack opening A1. Accordingly, the ventilation gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the first battery pack opening A1. The ventilation gas discharged through the second module opening P2 can cause the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the second space S2 to open toward the second battery pack opening A2. Accordingly, the ventilation gas can be discharged through the second battery pack opening A2. As time passes after the ventilation gas is discharged, the ventilation pressure can decrease, and therefore, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 can be slowly closed to prevent oxygen from being introduced in reverse.

[0097] When the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is configured to open in both directions, both the first battery pack opening A1 used as the inlet of the cooling fluid and the second battery pack opening A2 used as the outlet can be functionally used as openings for discharging ventilation gas. That is, the discharging direction of the cooling fluid and the discharging direction of the ventilation gas may not be the same.

[0098] On the other hand, when the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 is configured to open only in one direction, the discharge direction of the cooling fluid and the discharge direction of the ventilation gas are the same. As described above, when the first battery pack opening A1 is functionally used as the inlet of the cooling fluid and the second battery pack opening A2 is functionally used as the outlet of the cooling fluid, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the first space S1 can be configured to open only in the direction opposite to the first battery pack opening A1, and the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the second space S2 can be configured to open only in the direction toward the second battery pack opening A2. In this case, the ventilation gas from the battery module 10 can be discharged through the second module opening P2. The ventilation gas introduced into the second space S2 through the second module opening P2 can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1 through the second battery pack opening A2. In the initial ventilation stage, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the second space S2 can be opened toward the second battery pack opening A2 due to the high ventilation pressure to discharge the ventilation gas. As time passes after ventilation starts, ventilation pressure may decrease, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 in the second space S2 may be slowly closed, and thus, oxygen may be blocked from being reversely introduced through the second battery pack opening A2. In this case, the oxygen introduction prevention member 30 located in the first space S1 may be maintained in a closed state.

[0099] refer to Fig.12, an energy storage system (ESS) 3 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure. The ESS 3 may include a battery system including a plurality of battery packs 1 and a battery rack housing 2 in which the plurality of battery packs 1 may be stacked. The ESS 3 may include one or more battery systems.

[0100] refer to Fig.13 A vehicle 5 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a battery pack 1 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle 5 may be driven by receiving power from one or more battery packs 1. The vehicle 5 may be, for example, an electric vehicle (EV) or a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV).

[0101] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the claims.

[0102] Description of Reference Numerals

[0103] 1: Battery Pack

[0104] 2: Battery rack cover

[0105] 3: Energy Storage System (ESS)

[0106] 5: Vehicles

[0107] 10: Battery module

[0108] P: Module opening

[0109] P1: First module opening

[0110] P2: Second module opening

[0111] M: Module components

[0112] 100: Battery cell

[0113] 110: Electrode lead

[0114] 200: Module cover

[0115] 300: Covering frame

[0116] 20: Battery pack cover

[0117] 20A: First battery pack cover

[0118] 20B: Second battery pack cover

[0119] S: Space

[0120] S1: First Space

[0121] S2: Second Space

[0122] A: Battery pack opening

[0123] A1: First battery pack opening

[0124] A2: Second battery pack opening

[0125] 30: Oxygen introduction prevention component

Claims

1. A battery pack, characterized in that include: a module assembly including a plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules including a module opening on at least one side through which ventilation gas is discharged; a battery pack cover facing the module opening and configured to cover at least one side of the module assembly; a battery pack opening having a first battery pack opening formed at one of two ends in an extending direction of a space formed between the battery pack cover and the module assembly, and a second battery pack opening formed at the other end opposite to the one of the two ends in the extending direction of the space; and An oxygen introduction prevention member is located in the space and is configured to be able to be opened in two directions or only in one direction to open toward the first battery pack opening or the second battery pack opening.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to prevent oxygen from being reversely introduced after ventilation gas is discharged in the extending direction of the space.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the first battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the module opening.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first battery pack opening is configured such that a cooling fluid is introduced, and the second battery pack opening is configured such that the cooling fluid is discharged.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: A discharge direction of the cooling fluid and a discharge direction of the ventilation gas inside the space are opposite to each other.

6. The battery pack according to claim 4, characterized in that: The oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by pressure of the cooling fluid.

7. The battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the plurality of battery modules, the module openings include a first module opening disposed on one side of each battery module and a second module opening disposed on the other side of each battery module.

8. The battery pack according to claim 7, characterized in that: The battery pack cover includes a first battery pack cover disposed on one side of the module assembly and a second battery pack cover disposed on the other side of the module assembly.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first battery pack opening is formed at one of both ends of a first space formed between the first battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extending direction, and The second battery pack opening is formed at the other end opposite to the one end of the second space formed between the second battery pack cover and the module assembly in the extending direction.

10. The battery pack according to claim 9, characterized in that: The oxygen introduction preventing member includes: a first oxygen introduction preventing member located in the first space; and a second oxygen introduction preventing member located in the second space.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the first battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the first module opening, and The second oxygen introduction preventing member is configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by ventilation gas discharged from the second module opening.

12. The battery pack according to claim 10, characterized in that: The first battery pack opening is configured such that a cooling fluid is introduced, and the second battery pack opening is configured such that the cooling fluid is discharged.

13. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: A discharge direction of the cooling fluid and a discharge direction of the ventilation gas inside the first space are opposite to each other.

14. The battery pack according to claim 12, characterized in that: The first oxygen introduction preventing member and the second oxygen introduction preventing member are configured to be opened toward the second battery pack opening by pressure of the cooling fluid.

15. An energy storage system (ESS), characterized in that Comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. A vehicle, characterized in that Comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images