Energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system includes: a rack including a plurality of horizontal frames arranged at intervals in a vertical direction and having a length in a horizontal direction; a plurality of vertical frames arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, having a length in the vertical direction, and coupled to the horizontal frame; and a plurality of guide rails coupled to an inner side of the horizontal frame and extending in an inward direction of the chassis; the battery module is mounted on the guide rail; and a fire extinguishing sheet coupled to the horizontal frame. The fire extinguishing sheet is configured to release a fire extinguishing agent to the battery module at a reference temperature.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority and benefit to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0166673, filed on November 27, 2023, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] An aspect of the embodiments of this disclosure relates to an energy storage system. Background Technology

[0004] An energy storage system is a device that includes a large number of battery cells, which together form a secondary battery to store electrical energy.

[0005] Typically, multiple battery cells can be stored in trays, multiple trays can be stored in racks, and multiple racks can be stored in containers. However, there is a risk of fire in racks storing multiple battery cells. If a fire occurs in one rack, the flames may spread to adjacent racks, or the surface temperature of adjacent racks may rise significantly.

[0006] The information disclosed in this section is provided to enhance the understanding of the background art of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Utility Model Content

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an energy storage system is provided that can suppress the surface temperature rise of adjacent racks and effectively prevent the flame from spreading to adjacent racks in the event of a fire in one rack.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this disclosure, an energy storage system includes: a rack comprising: a plurality of horizontal frames arranged at intervals in a vertical direction and having a length in a horizontal direction; a plurality of vertical frames arranged at intervals in a horizontal direction, having a length in a vertical direction, and connected to the horizontal frames; and a plurality of guide rails connected to the inner side of the horizontal frames and extending inward in the rack; a battery module mounted on the guide rails; and a fire extinguishing disc connected to the horizontal frames. The fire extinguishing disc is configured to release a fire extinguishing agent to the battery module at a reference temperature.

[0009] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing plate may be attached to a horizontal frame to face the battery module.

[0010] In one or more embodiments, the width of the extinguishing disc may be the same as the width of the horizontal frame.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the width of the fire extinguishing disc may be greater than the width of the horizontal frame.

[0012] In one or more embodiments, the horizontal frames can include a first horizontal frame corresponding to an upper end of the battery module, and a second horizontal frame corresponding to a lower end of the battery module.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing piece can include a first fire extinguishing piece coupled to the first horizontal frame, and a second fire extinguishing piece coupled to the second horizontal frame.

[0014] In one or more embodiments, the first fire extinguishing piece and the second fire extinguishing piece can be spaced apart from each other to allow the cooling fluid to pass between the first fire extinguishing piece and the second fire extinguishing piece.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing piece can be coupled between the first horizontal frame and the second horizontal frame.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing piece can have a plurality of through-holes.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of through-holes can have a size in a range of 5mm to 15mm.

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing piece can include a cover formed of resin, and a fire extinguishing agent dispersed inside the cover.

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the energy storage system can further include another rack on a side of the rack and spaced apart from the rack. The fire extinguishing piece can be coupled to one of the horizontal frames facing the other rack.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the energy storage system can further include a fire extinguishing pipe coupled to the guide rail, the fire extinguishing pipe being configured to spray a fire extinguishing liquid toward the battery module.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, the guide rail can have a groove to accommodate the fire extinguishing pipe in the groove.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the fire extinguishing pipe can have a length in a horizontal direction.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the battery module can include a top cover facing the guide rail, and the top cover is spaced apart from the guide rail. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments and together with the detailed description serve to further illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, and should not be interpreted to limit the present disclosure to the contents shown in such accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1is a perspective view of a rack of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rack and fire suppression sheet of an energy storage system shown in

[0027] Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a guide rail and battery module of an energy storage system shown in

[0028] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3

[0029] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a rack of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure mounted with a fire suppression sheet; and

[0030] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a rack of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure mounted with a fire suppression sheet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain aspects and features of the present disclosure to those having ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, the following embodiments can be modified in various other forms, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Embodiments are provided to make the present disclosure more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0033] It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on" another element or layer, "connected to" or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on the other element or layer, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or one or more intervening elements or layers can also be present. When an element or layer is referred to as being "directly on" another element or layer, "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present. For example, when a first element is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second element, the first element can be directly coupled or connected to the second element, or the first element can be indirectly coupled or connected to the second element via one or more intervening elements.

[0034] ​In the figures, the size of various elements, layers, etc., can be exaggerated for clarity. Like reference numbers signify like elements in all figures. As used in herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, use of “can” in describing embodiments of the disclosure relates to “one or more embodiments of the disclosure” being so described. Expressions such as “at least one of,” when preceding a list of two or more items, cover all combinations of the items in the list. For example, the expression “at least one of a, b, or c” covers the possibilities of a only, b only, c only, both a and b, both a and c, both b and c, and all of a, b, and c. As used herein, the term “use” can be considered synonymous with the term “utilize.” As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximating terms and not as terms of degree, and are intended to account for the inherent variations in measurements or calculations that would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0035] It will be understood that, although the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc. can be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

[0036] Spatially relative terms such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like can be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientations depicted in the figures. For example, if a device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” or “over” the other elements or features. Thus, the term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device can be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0037] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0038] In view of the full content of the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that each suitable feature of various embodiments of the present disclosure can be partially or wholly combined or combined with each other, and can be technically interlocked and operated in various suitable ways, and each embodiment can be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other in any suitable way, unless otherwise specified or implied.

[0039] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2 is Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a rack and a fire extinguishing sheet of an energy storage system shown in Figure 3 is Figure 1 and Figure 2 is a perspective view of a guide rail and a battery module of an energy storage system shown in Figure 4 is a partial sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 3

[0040] Figure 1 An energy storage system 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is schematically shown. The energy storage system 10 can include a rack 11, battery modules 13, and a fire extinguishing sheet 25. The rack 11 can be configured to accommodate one or more battery modules 13. For ease of understanding, Figure 1 one battery module 13 is exemplified outside the rack 11 in Figure 1 can be moved in the arrow direction shown in Figure 1 to be accommodated (e.g., installed) in the rack 11. The rack 11 can be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules 13. As shown in

[0041] The rack 11 can be a structure made by assembling a plurality of frames. Referring to Figure 1 ​The rack 11 can include a plurality of horizontal frames 15 and a plurality of vertical frames 17. The plurality of horizontal frames 15 can be arranged at intervals in a first direction (e.g., a vertical direction), and each of the horizontal frames 15 can have a length in a second direction (e.g., a horizontal direction) perpendicular to the vertical direction. The plurality of vertical frames 17 can be arranged at intervals in the second direction, and each of the vertical frames 17 can have a length in the first direction. The horizontal frames 15 and the vertical frames 17 can be assembled (e.g., connected) to each other such that the rack 11 has an approximately cuboid external shape. The horizontal frames 15 and the vertical frames 17 can be coupled to each other by using various fasteners such as bolts. As shown in FIG. 1, Figure 1 The upper plate 18 and the lower plate 19 can be coupled to upper ends and lower ends of the assembly of the horizontal frames 15 and the vertical frames 17, respectively.

[0042] The rack 11 can include rails 21 configured to support the battery modules 13. For example, the rails 21 can be coupled to inner sides of the horizontal frames 15 and can be arranged in pairs. Each pair of the rails 21 can be disposed to face each other to guide insertion of a corresponding one of the battery modules 13 and to support the inserted battery module 13. The rails 21 can extend in an inward direction of the rack 11 (e.g., a direction in which the battery modules 13 are inserted).

[0043] The battery modules 13 can be mounted on the rails 21. The battery modules 13 can be mounted on the rails 21 such that both opposite side ends of each of the battery modules 13 in a width direction thereof are placed on upper surfaces of a corresponding pair of the rails 21 facing each other.

[0044] Each of the battery modules 13 can include a case 23 defining a space to accommodate a battery (e.g., a battery cell), a plurality of batteries accommodated in the case 23, and a top cover 24. The case 23 can be a tray-shaped structure to accommodate the battery, and the top cover 24 can be coupled to an upper end of the case 23.

[0045] The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can be coupled to the horizontal frames 15. Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can be coupled to the horizontal frames 15 to cover at least a portion of a space between adjacent horizontal frames 15.

[0046] The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can be configured to release the fire extinguishing agent to the battery module 13 at a reference temperature. The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can contain the fire extinguishing agent, and can be configured to undergo a phase change and release of the fire extinguishing agent in response to an increase in temperature. For example, the phase change of the fire extinguishing agent can occur in the fire extinguishing sheet 25 at an ambient temperature in the range of about 40℃ to about 60℃. If the ambient temperature is further increased to the range of about 120℃ to about 200℃, the fire extinguishing agent can be ejected (e.g., emitted) from a portion of the fire extinguishing sheet 25.

[0047] The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can include a cover formed of a resin and a fire extinguishing agent dispersed inside the cover. The cover can be formed of a polyurea resin and / or a polyurethane resin, and the fire extinguishing agent can contain, for example, a halocarbon (e.g., a halogen-containing hydrocarbon compound such as a compound consisting only of carbon atoms and halogen atoms), such as a haloketone (e.g., NOVEC 1230 of 3M Company). If the fire extinguishing agent is ejected from the fire extinguishing sheet 25, a flame in the battery module 13 in the rack 11 can be extinguished.

[0048] The fire extinguishing sheet 25 can be coupled to the outer side and / or the inner side of the horizontal frame 15, and can face the installed battery module 13 to improve the fire extinguishing effect of the fire extinguishing sheet 25.

[0049] The width (e.g., the vertical height of the fire extinguishing sheet 25 in Figure 1 and Figure 2 may be equal to or greater than the width (e.g., the vertical height of the horizontal frame 15 in Figure 1 and 2 ). Accordingly, the fire extinguishing sheet 25 can cover at least a portion of the area of the horizontal frame 15 in the width direction of the horizontal frame 15 and the space between adjacent horizontal frames 15 to improve the fire extinguishing effect of the fire extinguishing sheet 25.

[0050] As described above, the energy storage system can include a plurality of racks. If another rack is disposed on one side of the rack 11 shown in Figure 1 while being spaced apart therefrom, the fire extinguishing sheet 25 can be coupled to the horizontal frame 15 facing the other (e.g., adjacent) rack to more effectively prevent the spread of fire from one rack to another adjacent rack.

[0051] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4The battery module 13 (e.g., each battery module 13) can have a fire extinguishing pipe 27 coupled to the rail 21 and configured to spray a fire extinguishing liquid. The rail 21 can have a groove 29 formed in the rail 21 to accommodate the fire extinguishing pipe 27 in the groove 29. The fire extinguishing pipe 27 can spray the fire extinguishing liquid toward the battery module 13 mounted on the rail 21 as the fire extinguishing liquid flows through the fire extinguishing pipe 27. The fire extinguishing pipe 27 can be a pipe member having a length in the second direction and configured to allow the fire extinguishing liquid to flow through the fire extinguishing pipe 27. The fire extinguishing pipe 27 can be configured to spray the fire extinguishing liquid through a spray hole 28 (e.g., a spray opening) formed in the fire extinguishing pipe 27.

[0052] Referring to Figure 4 The top cover 24 of the battery module 13 can face the battery module 13 disposed below the top cover 24, can face the rail 21, and can be spaced apart from the rail 21 disposed directly above the top cover 24. Accordingly, an empty space (e.g., a gap) can be defined between the top cover 24 and a lower surface of the rail 21 disposed above the top cover 24.

[0053] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a fire extinguishing sheet-mounted rack of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Hereinafter, referring to Figure 5 An energy storage system according to another embodiment of the disclosure will be described. Descriptions of components and configurations identical or substantially similar to those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted or simply repeated.

[0054] Referring to Figure 5 The horizontal frame 31 can include a first horizontal frame 32 corresponding to the upper end of the battery module and a second horizontal frame 33 corresponding to the lower end of the battery module. For example, the first horizontal frame 32 can be disposed above the second horizontal frame 33, and the battery module can be disposed between the first horizontal frame 32 and the second horizontal frame 33 in the vertical direction. The fire extinguishing sheet can include a first fire extinguishing sheet 36 coupled to the first horizontal frame 32 and a second fire extinguishing sheet 37 coupled to the second horizontal frame 33. The first fire extinguishing sheet 36 and the second fire extinguishing sheet 37 can be spaced apart from each other to allow the cooling fluid to pass between the first fire extinguishing sheet 36 and the second fire extinguishing sheet 37. Such a configuration can allow the cooling fluid to flow through the gap between the first fire extinguishing sheet 36 and the second fire extinguishing sheet 37 and allow the stable flow of the cooling fluid despite the installation of the fire extinguishing sheets 36, 37.

[0055] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a fire extinguishing sheet-mounted rack of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Hereinafter, referring to Figure 6An energy storage system according to another embodiment of the disclosure is described. Descriptions of components and configurations that are the same or substantially similar to those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted or repeated only briefly.

[0056] Referring to Figure 6 The horizontal frame 41 can include a first horizontal frame 42 corresponding to the upper end of the battery module and a second horizontal frame 43 corresponding to the lower end of the battery module. For example, the first horizontal frame 42 can be disposed above the second horizontal frame 43, and the battery module can be disposed between the first horizontal frame 42 and the second horizontal frame 43 in the vertical direction. The fire extinguishing sheet 45 can be coupled between the first horizontal frame 42 and the second horizontal frame 43. For example, the fire extinguishing sheet 45 can be positioned to cover at least a portion of the area between the first horizontal frame 42 and the second horizontal frame 43. The fire extinguishing sheet 45 can have a plurality of through-holes (e.g., openings) 47 formed therein. The through-holes 47 can serve as passages through which the cooling fluid passes. For example, the through-holes 47 can have a size in the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm. For example, the through-holes 47 can have a circular shape with a diameter in the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm.

[0057] As is apparent from the above description, according to embodiments of the disclosure, a fire extinguishing sheet is installed to a rack that accommodates a battery module. Accordingly, in the event of a fire occurring in one rack, the surface temperature of an adjacent rack can be suppressed from rising, and the spread of flames to the adjacent rack can be effectively prevented.

[0058] The above is merely some embodiments for implementing an energy storage system according to the disclosure, and the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the disclosure as set forth in the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An energy storage system, characterized by, Comprising: a rack including: a plurality of horizontal frames arranged at intervals in a vertical direction and having a length in a horizontal direction; a plurality of vertical frames arranged at intervals in the horizontal direction, having a length in the vertical direction, and coupled to the horizontal frames; and a plurality of rails coupled to inner sides of the horizontal frames and extending in an inward direction of the rack; a battery module installed on the rails; and a fire extinguishing piece coupled to the horizontal frames, the fire extinguishing piece being configured to release a fire extinguishing agent to the battery module at a reference temperature.

2. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The fire extinguishing piece is coupled to the horizontal frames to face the battery module.

3. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, A width of the fire extinguishing piece is equal to or greater than a width of the horizontal frames.

4. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The horizontal frames include: a first horizontal frame corresponding to an upper end of the battery module; and a second horizontal frame corresponding to a lower end of the battery module.

5. The energy storage system of claim 4, wherein, The fire extinguishing piece includes: a first fire extinguishing piece coupled to the first horizontal frame; and a second fire extinguishing piece coupled to the second horizontal frame.

6. The energy storage system of claim 5, wherein, The first fire extinguishing piece and the second fire extinguishing piece are spaced apart from each other to allow a cooling fluid to pass between the first fire extinguishing piece and the second fire extinguishing piece.

7. The energy storage system of claim 4, wherein, The fire extinguishing piece is coupled between the first horizontal frame and the second horizontal frame.

8. The energy storage system of claim 7, wherein, The fire extinguishing piece has a plurality of through-holes.

9. The energy storage system of claim 8, wherein, Each of the plurality of through-holes has a size in a range of 5 mm to 15 mm.

10. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The fire extinguishing piece includes: a cover formed of resin; and a fire extinguishing agent dispersed inside the cover.

11. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising another rack on a side of the rack and spaced apart from the rack, wherein the fire extinguishing piece is coupled to one of the plurality of horizontal frames facing the other rack.

12. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, Further comprising a fire extinguishing pipe coupled to the rail, the fire extinguishing pipe being configured to spray a fire extinguishing liquid toward the battery module.

13. The energy storage system of claim 12, wherein, The rail has a groove to accommodate the fire extinguishing pipe in the groove.

14. The energy storage system of claim 12, wherein, The fire extinguishing pipe has a length in the horizontal direction.

15. The energy storage system of claim 1, wherein, The battery module includes a top cover facing the rail, and wherein the top cover is spaced apart from the rail.

Images