Battery module and energy storage system

Abstract

Battery module (100), including: a housing (110) with an internal receiving space (114) for accommodating a large number of battery assemblies (120); a cooling assembly (140) arranged in the housing (110) and containing a cooling path (142) through which a cooling fluid flows to cool the plurality of battery assemblies (120); a fire extinguishing path (150) which includes one end connected to the cooling path (142) and the other end arranged in the inner receiving space (114); a passive valve (152) located at the other end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and configured to open and close the fire extinguishing path (150); an active valve (151) arranged between one end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and the passive valve (152) and configured to open and close the fire extinguishing path (150); and a module control unit (160) configured to control the operation of the active valve (151).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATION AND PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority from Korean patent application No. 10-2024-0178909, filed on December 4, 2024, and No. 10-2025-0126069, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) on September 4, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL AREA

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and an energy storage system. BACKGROUND

[0003] The use and application of energy storage systems (ESS) is increasing rapidly, and their storage capacities are growing. These large-scale energy storage systems use a battery module containing a large number of electrically interconnected battery cells and a battery pack in which the battery modules are connected as modular units.

[0004] The battery cells that form the energy storage system can generate a large amount of heat for various reasons, such as during charging and discharging processes, a short circuit, or exposure to high-temperature environments.

[0005] If the generated heat is not effectively removed, it can accumulate within the system, causing a deterioration in the performance of the energy storage system and potentially leading to safety hazards such as fire or explosion. SUMMARY

[0006] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery module and an energy storage system are provided which are capable of preventing the spread of fire.

[0007] A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a housing with an internal receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery assemblies; a cooling assembly arranged in the housing and comprising a cooling path through which a cooling fluid flows for cooling the plurality of battery assemblies; a fire suppression path comprising one end connected to the cooling path and the other end arranged in the internal receiving space; a passive valve arranged at the other end of the fire suppression path and configured to open and close the fire suppression path; an active valve arranged between one end of the fire suppression path and the passive valve and configured to open and close the fire suppression path; and a module control unit configured to control the operation of the active valve.

[0008] In one embodiment, the battery module may further include a sensor unit configured to detect a normal or abnormal state of the battery assembly.

[0009] In one embodiment, the sensor unit can include a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery assembly.

[0010] In one embodiment, the module control unit opens the active valve when the temperature of the battery assembly is outside a normal range.

[0011] In one embodiment, the sensor unit can include a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the battery assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the module control unit opens the active valve when the voltage of the battery assembly deviates from a reference value.

[0013] In one embodiment, the module control unit operates the active valve to direct the cooling fluid into the fire suppression path when it is determined that the battery assembly is in an abnormal condition.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the battery assembly is in a normal state, the module control unit keeps the active valve closed, allowing the cooling fluid to flow through the cooling path.

[0015] In one embodiment, the passive valve can be opened when the temperature of the battery assembly reaches or exceeds a reference temperature.

[0016] In one embodiment, when both the active valve and the passive valve are open, the cooling fluid flowing through the fire extinguishing path can be introduced into the inner receiving chamber.

[0017] In one embodiment, when the cooling fluid is introduced into the inner receiving chamber, the plurality of battery assemblies can be immersed in the cooling fluid.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing can include a gas venting section formed therein, through which gas generated in the inner receiving chamber is discharged.

[0019] An energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a battery rack; a plurality of battery modules arranged in the battery rack; and a system control unit configured to control the plurality of battery modules, each of the plurality of battery modules being able to include: a housing with an internal receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery assemblies; a cooling assembly positioned within the housing and comprising a cooling path through which a cooling fluid flows; a fire suppression path comprising one end connected to the cooling path and another end arranged in the internal receiving space; a passive valve arranged at the other end of the fire suppression path and configured to selectively open or close the fire suppression path;an active valve located between one end of the fire extinguishing path and the passive valve, configured to selectively open or close the fire extinguishing path; and a module control unit configured to control the operation of the active valve.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery module further comprises a sensor unit configured to detect whether the battery assembly is in a normal or abnormal state.

[0021] In one embodiment, the sensor unit includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery assembly.

[0022] In one embodiment, the module control unit opens the active valve when it is determined that the battery assembly is in an abnormal state.

[0023] In one embodiment, the module control unit determines that the battery assembly is in an abnormal state when the temperature exceeds a reference temperature.

[0024] In one embodiment, the passive valve can be opened when the temperature of the battery assembly reaches or exceeds the reference temperature.

[0025] In one embodiment, the system control unit operates the module control unit to open the active valve associated with the corresponding battery assembly when it detects that any of the battery assemblies is in an abnormal state.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cooling fluid flowing through the fire extinguishing path can be introduced into the inner receiving space when both the active valve and the passive valve are open, thereby immersing the plurality of battery assemblies in the cooling fluid.

[0027] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the use of a coolant within the battery module can prevent the spread of fire in the battery module and the energy storage system.

[0028] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, thermal runaway of the battery module and the energy storage system can be prevented. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The above and other tasks, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view representing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view representing a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 an enlarged view of area A of Fig. 2 is; Fig. 4 is a view that represents the flow of a coolant under normal conditions; Fig. 5 is a view that represents the flow of a coolant in an abnormal condition; Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a module control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8 is a schematic perspective view representing an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and Fig. 9 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of a system control unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0030] The embodiments disclosed herein are provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present disclosure more fully. The following embodiments can be modified in various ways, and the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments.

[0031] For the sake of simplicity, some embodiments of the present disclosure are described below by means of exemplary drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components of the respective drawings, it should be noted that the same components are designated by the same reference numerals, even if they appear in different drawings.

[0032] The terms or words used in the present description and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their conventional or lexical meanings. Rather, they should be interpreted in accordance with the principle that a person who drafted the revelation could define the terms or words in the most appropriate way to describe the revelation, based on the meanings and concepts that are consistent with the technical concept of the present revelation.

[0033] The terms used herein are provided to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular form may include the plural form.

[0034] Additionally, when used to describe and define the present disclosure, terms such as "include," "contain," "consist of," and "have" should be interpreted in a non-exclusive manner. Unless expressly stated otherwise, these terms should be interpreted as implying the presence of the corresponding component and not excluding other components, but rather including them.

[0035] Additionally, when describing components of the embodiment of the present disclosure, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b) and the like may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components and do not impose any restrictions regarding its nature, sequence, or order, etc.

[0036] It is understood that when a component is described as being “connected” or “coupled” to another component, the component may be directly connected or coupled to the other component, but it may also be “connected” or “coupled” to the other component by means of another component placed in between.

[0037] Spatial terms such as "below," "under," "lower," "above," and "upper" may be used to aid in understanding the relationship between one element or feature and another as illustrated in the drawings. These spatial terms are provided to assist in understanding the present disclosure in different processing or use states and are not intended to impose any limitations on the present disclosure. For example, if an element or feature is reversed in the drawing, the element or feature described as "below" or "lower" becomes "above" or "upper." Accordingly, the expression "below" is a relative concept that, depending on an orientation, can include both "upper" and "lower."

[0038] The embodiments described in this description and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, but do not encompass all aspects of the technical spirit of the present disclosure. It should therefore be understood that various modifications and equivalents may exist at the time of filing of the present application. Furthermore, publicly known features and configurations that are considered unnecessary for clarifying the core of the present disclosure are not described.

[0039] This description may use an XYZ coordinate system. For example, the XYZ coordinate system may include an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis. Unless otherwise specified, the XYZ coordinate system described herein refers to a Cartesian coordinate system.

[0040] In this description, the front-back direction, the left-right direction, and the up-down direction can be based on... Fig. Option 1 must be selected. The front-back direction can be parallel to the X-axis. For example, a positive X-axis direction can represent the forward direction, and a negative X-axis direction can represent the backward direction.

[0041] The left-right direction can be parallel to the Y-axis. For example, a positive Y-axis direction can represent a leftward direction. A negative Y-axis direction can represent a rightward direction.

[0042] The up-down direction can be parallel to the Z-axis. For example, a positive Z-axis direction can represent an upward direction. For example, a negative Z-axis direction can represent a downward direction.

[0043] However, if the orientation of the object in question changes, the direction can be expressed differently.

[0044] A battery module 100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] With reference to the Fig. 1 to Fig. 6 The battery module 100 can contain a housing 110, a battery assembly 120, a cooling assembly 140, a fire extinguishing path 150 and a module control unit 160.

[0046] The housing 110 can protect the components contained within it from external impacts or contamination. An inner receiving space 114 can be formed within the housing 110.

[0047] The housing 110 can contain a gas venting element 113 formed therein to discharge gas generated in the inner receiving chamber 114. If the temperature of the battery assembly 120 rises and gas is generated, the gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the gas venting element 113.

[0048] With reference to Fig. 2 The inner receiving space 114 can accommodate the cooling assembly 140, the fire extinguishing path 150 and a variety of battery assemblies 120.

[0049] The multiple battery assemblies 120 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction. The multiple battery assemblies 120 can be arranged in a top-to-bottom direction. The fire extinguishing path 150 can be arranged in a front-to-back direction at one end of the housing 110. The fire extinguishing path 150 can be arranged in the upper or lower section of the housing 110. The fire extinguishing path 150 can be arranged on the front or rear of the housing 110.

[0050] The battery assembly 120 can contain a variety of battery cells (not shown), a busbar assembly (not shown) and a scanning unit (not shown).

[0051] The battery cells can be conventional battery cells capable of converting the chemical energy of materials stored in an electrode assembly into electrical energy. The battery cells described in the present disclosure can be conventional battery cells capable of performing multiple charge and discharge cycles.

[0052] The busbar assembly can include a busbar (not shown) and a busbar plate (not shown). The busbar can electrically connect electrode leads from the multiple battery cells.

[0053] The busbar plate can be a plate on which the busbar can be mounted.

[0054] The scanning unit can be a scanning element that detects the state of the battery cell.

[0055] Since the battery cell, the busbar assembly and the scanning unit are known in the technology, a detailed description of them is omitted.

[0056] The battery assembly 120 can have various shapes, such as cylindrical, prismatic or bag-type.

[0057] The cooling assembly 140 can be arranged in the housing 110. A cooling fluid C can flow within the cooling assembly 140.

[0058] Cooling fluid C can cool the numerous battery assemblies (120). Cooling fluid C can be a coolant or cooling oil.

[0059] The housing 110 can contain a coolant inlet 111 and a coolant outlet 112 formed therein. The coolant inlet 111 and the coolant outlet 112 can be spaced apart from each other on one side of the housing 110. The coolant inlet 111 can be formed on one side of the housing 110, and the coolant outlet 112 can be formed on the other side of the housing 110.

[0060] The cooling assembly 140 can be connected to the cooling fluid inlet 111 and the cooling fluid outlet 112. The cooling fluid C can flow into the cooling assembly 140 through the cooling fluid inlet 111. The cooling fluid C introduced into the cooling assembly 140 can be discharged to the outside of the housing 110 through the cooling fluid outlet 112.

[0061] The cooling assembly 140 can contain a cooling plate 141 and a cooling path 142.

[0062] The cooling plate 141 can be arranged on one side of the battery assembly 120. If the plurality of battery assemblies 120 are arranged in the top-bottom direction, the cooling plate 141 can be arranged in the top-bottom direction between the battery assemblies 120. If the plurality of battery assemblies 120 are arranged in the front-back direction, the cooling plate 141 can be arranged in the front-back direction between the battery assemblies 120.

[0063] The cooling fluid C can flow within the cooling plate 141.

[0064] Cooling path 142 can connect cooling plate 141 and housing 110. Multiple cooling paths 142 can be provided. Some cooling paths 142 can connect the cooling fluid inlet 111 and cooling plate 141. Other cooling paths 142 can connect the cooling fluid outlet 112 and cooling plate 141. Still other cooling paths 142 can connect the cooling plates 141 to each other. If multiple cooling plates 141 are arranged within housing 110, cooling path 142 can connect these multiple cooling plates 141 to each other. Alternatively, a cooling path 142 can connect the cooling fluid inlet 111 and cooling plate 141, and it can also connect the cooling plate 141 and cooling fluid outlet 112.

[0065] As long as the cooling path 142 connects the cooling plate 141 and the housing 110 and connects each cooling plate 141 to each other, the number and shape of the cooling paths 142 are not particularly limited.

[0066] With reference to Fig. 3. The fire extinguishing path 150 can be connected to the cooling assembly 140.

[0067] One end of the fire extinguishing path 150 can be connected to the cooling assembly 140 and the other end can be arranged in the inner receiving space 114.

[0068] An active valve 151 and a passive valve 152 can be installed in the fire extinguishing path 150. For example, the active valve 151 can be a solenoid valve. The active valve 151 can be opened and closed by the module control unit 160.

[0069] The passive valve 152 can open when the temperature of the battery assembly 120 reaches or exceeds a reference temperature. The passive valve 152 can close when the temperature of the battery assembly 120 is at or below the reference temperature. For example, the reference temperature could be 70 °C. The passive valve 152 could be a temperature-sensitive valve, such as a wax valve or a temperature-responsive valve.

[0070] The active valve 151 can be arranged between the cooling assembly 140 and the passive valve 152. For example, the active valve 151 can be connected to the cooling path 142 and the passive valve 152 can be connected to the active valve 151.

[0071] The cooling fluid introduced into the housing 110 through the cooling fluid inlet 111 can flow from the active valve 151 to the passive valve 152.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 4. When the battery assembly 120 is in a normal state, the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 can be kept closed by the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152. Therefore, the cooling fluid C can be introduced through the cooling fluid inlet 111 and flow within the cooling assembly 140. The cooling fluid C can cool the battery assembly 120.

[0073] With reference to Fig. 5. If the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal state, the active valve 151 can be opened by the module control unit 160. If the temperature of the battery assembly 120 reaches or exceeds the reference temperature, the passive valve 152 can be opened. If both the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 are open, the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 can be open. The coolant C introduced through the coolant inlet 111 can flow into the fire extinguishing path 150. Although not shown in the drawings, some of the coolant C can flow into the cooling assembly 140.

[0074] The cooling fluid C introduced into the fire extinguishing path 150 can be introduced into the inner receiving space 114 within the housing 110. The multitude of battery assemblies 120 received in the housing 110 can be immersed in the cooling fluid C. When the battery assemblies 120 are immersed in the cooling fluid C, they can be cooled. Details of this are described below.

[0075] With reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. The module control unit 160 can control the operation of the active valve 151.

[0076] The module control unit 160 can contain a sensor unit 170 configured to detect the condition of the battery assembly 120.

[0077] The sensor unit 170 can detect the condition of the battery assembly 120 to determine whether it is in a normal or abnormal condition.

[0078] The module control unit 160 can receive a signal S1 from the sensor unit 170. Based on the signal S1 received from the sensor unit 170, the module control unit 160 can determine whether the battery assembly 120 is in a normal or abnormal state. Depending on the state of the battery assembly 120, the module control unit 160 can control the opening or closing of the active valve 151 (S2).

[0079] For example, sensor unit 170 can contain a voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage of battery assembly 120. Sensor unit 170 can measure the voltage of battery assembly 120. If the voltage of battery assembly 120 measured by sensor unit 170 is lower than a reference voltage, the module control unit 160 can determine that battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal condition.

[0080] For example, the sensor unit 170 can contain a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery assembly 120. The sensor unit 170 can measure the temperature of the battery assembly 120. If the temperature of the battery assembly 120 is higher than a reference temperature, the module control unit 160 can determine that the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal condition. For example, if the temperature of the battery assembly 120 is 70 °C or higher, the module control unit 160 can determine that the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal condition.

[0081] The operation of battery module 100 is described below with reference to Fig. 7 described.

[0082] The active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 can be in a closed state.

[0083] The sensor unit 170 can monitor the condition of the battery assembly 120. The sensor unit 170 can transmit condition information from the battery assembly 120 to the module control unit 160.

[0084] If the battery assembly 120 is in a normal condition, the passive valve 152 can remain in the closed position. If the temperature of the battery assembly 120 is at or below the reference temperature, the passive valve 152 can be closed.

[0085] The module control unit 160 can close the active valve 151. When the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 are closed, one end of the fire extinguishing path 150 can be closed. Therefore, the cooling fluid cannot be introduced into the inner receiving chamber 114 through the fire extinguishing path 150. The cooling fluid can flow into the cooling path 142.

[0086] If the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal condition, the module control unit 160 can open the active valve 151.

[0087] The active valve 151 can, for example, be a three-way valve. When the battery assembly 120 is in a normal state, the module control unit 160 can control the active valve 151 so that the cooling fluid C flows from the cooling fluid inlet 111 to the cooling assembly 140.

[0088] If it is determined that the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal condition, the module control unit 160 can switch the flow direction of the active valve 151. The module control unit 160 can block the fire extinguishing path to the cooling assembly 140 and open the valve to the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150.

[0089] If the battery assembly 120 reaches or exceeds the reference temperature, the temperature of the cooling fluid C near the battery assembly 120 may rise. The cooling fluid C can be supplied to the cooling assembly 140 at a low temperature. The cooling plate 141 can be arranged to be in contact with the battery assembly 120 so that the cooling fluid flowing within the cooling plate 141 can absorb heat from the battery assembly 120 to cool it. Therefore, if the temperature of the battery assembly 120 rises, the temperature of the cooling fluid C near the battery assembly 120 may also rise. If the temperature of the cooling fluid C rises to or above the reference temperature, the passive valve 152 may open.

[0090] When both the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 are open, the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 can be open. The cooling fluid C flowing within the fire extinguishing path 150 can be introduced into the inner receiving chamber 114. Accordingly, the battery assembly 120 located in the inner receiving chamber 114 can be immersed.

[0091] In contrast, if only the active valve 151 is open, the passive valve 152 cannot be open, and thus one end of the fire extinguishing path 150 cannot be open.

[0092] For example, the sensor unit 170 can measure the voltage of the battery assembly 120. If the voltage of the battery assembly 120 is at or below the reference voltage, the module control unit 160 can determine that the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal state. In this case, the module control unit 160 can control the active valve 151 to open. However, since the temperature of the battery assembly 120 or the cooling fluid C is not at or above the reference temperature, the passive valve 152 cannot be open. Therefore, the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 cannot be open. The cooling fluid C cannot be introduced through the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 into the inner receiving chamber 114 within the housing 110.

[0093] Alternatively, a malfunction of the sensor unit 170 may cause the module control unit 160 to malfunction. If, due to a malfunction of the sensor unit 170, the module control unit 160 determines that the battery assembly 120 is in an abnormal state, the active valve 151 may open. In this case, the passive valve 152 may remain closed, thus preventing the coolant C from entering the inner receiving chamber 114.

[0094] Therefore, by installing both the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 at the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150, the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 cannot be opened in any other abnormal state of the battery assembly 120 than an event such as a fire or a thermal runaway.

[0095] In this way, the cooling fluid C cannot be introduced into the inner receiving chamber 114 if only the active valve 151 is open and the passive valve 152 is closed. The battery assembly 120 cannot be immersed in the cooling fluid C. The sensor unit 170 can monitor the status of the battery assembly 120. Until both the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 are open, the sensor unit 170 can monitor the status of the battery assembly 120 and transmit a signal to the module control unit 160.

[0096] If the temperature of the battery assembly 120 or the cooling fluid C rises to or above the reference temperature, the module control unit 160 can open the active valve 151. Alternatively, some of the active valves 151 can be open and some can be closed to redirect the flow path of the cooling fluid C. The module control unit 160 can control the active valve 151 so that the cooling fluid C flows to the other end of the fire extinguishing path 150 and not to the cooling plate 141. At this time, the passive valve 152 can also be open due to the temperature of the cooling fluid C. If both the active valve 151 and the passive valve 152 are open in this way, the cooling fluid C can be introduced into the inner receiving chamber 114. The battery assembly 120, whose temperature has risen, can be immersed in the cooling fluid C, thus reducing its temperature.Therefore, fire spread or thermal runaway can be prevented.

[0097] With reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 can include an energy storage system (ESS) 1, a battery rack 200, the battery modules 100 and a system control unit 300.

[0098] The energy storage system 1 can store electrical energy supplied from an external energy source in the battery module and, if required, supply the stored electrical energy to an external device.

[0099] The battery rack 200 can hold and secure the battery module 100. The battery rack 200 can contain a metallic material. The battery rack 200 can be formed by connecting frames.

[0100] Since the battery module 100 has been described above, a detailed description of it is omitted.

[0101] The system control unit 300 can control multiple module control units 160. The system control unit 300 can include a battery management system (BMS). The system control unit 300 can communicate with multiple module control units 160. The module control unit 160 can transmit a signal S3 to the system control unit 300 and receive a signal S4 from the system control unit 300. The system control unit 300 can receive information, such as voltage, temperature, and state of charge (SoC) of the battery assembly 120, from each module control unit 160. The system control unit 300 can transmit a signal S4 to the module control unit 160 to control the operation of each battery module 100 based on the received information.

[0102] With reference to Fig.8. Some of the battery modules 100 in the energy storage system 1 may overheat or catch fire. In this case, the module control unit 160 of the corresponding battery module 100 can determine that the battery module 100 is in an abnormal state and transmit a signal S3 to the system control unit 300. The system control unit 300 can then transmit a signal S4 to the corresponding module control unit 160, causing the active valve 151 of the corresponding battery module 100 to open. If the battery module 100 overheats or catches fire, the temperature of the battery assembly 120 or the nearby cooling fluid C may rise, causing the passive valve 152 to open.

[0103] The system control unit 300 can control the opening of only the active valve 151, which corresponds to the battery module 100 that has overheated or caught fire, via the module control unit 160. With the exception of the battery module 100 that has overheated or caught fire, the active valve 151 cannot be opened by other battery modules 100. Therefore, only the battery module 100 that has overheated or caught fire can be immersed in the cooling fluid C. If a fire occurs in some of the battery modules 100, heat transfer can be prevented without spraying an extinguishing fluid from the outside.

[0104] Furthermore, by replacing only some of the battery modules 100 in the energy storage system 1, damage to the energy storage system 1 can be minimized.

[0105] Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art based on the basic concepts of the present disclosure, as defined in the following claims, also fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] The present disclosure relates to a battery module comprising: a housing with an internal receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery assemblies; a cooling assembly arranged in the housing and comprising a cooling path through which a cooling fluid flows for cooling the plurality of battery assemblies; a fire suppression path comprising one end connected to the cooling path and the other end arranged in the internal receiving space; a passive valve arranged at the other end of the fire suppression path and configured to open and close the fire suppression path; an active valve arranged between one end of the fire suppression path and the passive valve and configured to open and close the fire suppression path; and a module control unit configured to control the operation of the active valve. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] KR 10-2024-0178909

[0001]

Claims

[1] Battery module (100), comprising: a housing (110) with an internal receiving space (114) for accommodating a large number of battery assemblies (120); a cooling assembly (140) arranged in the housing (110) and containing a cooling path (142) through which a cooling fluid flows to cool the plurality of battery assemblies (120); a fire extinguishing path (150) which includes one end connected to the cooling path (142) and the other end arranged in the inner receiving space (114); a passive valve (152) located at the other end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and configured to open and close the fire extinguishing path (150); an active valve (151) arranged between one end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and the passive valve (152) and configured to open and close the fire extinguishing path (150); and a module control unit (160) configured to control the operation of the active valve (151). [2] Battery module (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor unit (170) configured to detect a normal or abnormal state of the battery assembly (120). [3] Battery module (100) according to claim 2, wherein the sensor unit (170) includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery assembly (120). [4] Battery module (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the module control unit (160) opens the active valve (151) when the temperature of the battery assembly (120) is outside a normal range. [5] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the sensor unit (170) includes a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the battery assembly (120). [6] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein the module control unit (160) opens the active valve (151) when the voltage of the battery assembly (120) deviates from a reference value. [7] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein, when it is determined that the battery assembly (120) is in an abnormal state, the module control unit (160) operates the active valve (151) to direct the cooling fluid into the fire extinguishing path (150). [8] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein, when the battery assembly (120) is in a normal state, the module control unit (160) keeps the active valve (151) closed, so that the cooling fluid flows through the cooling path. [9] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein when the temperature of the battery assembly (120) reaches or exceeds a reference temperature, the passive valve (152) is opened. [10] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein when both the active valve (151) and the passive valve (152) are open, the cooling fluid flowing through the fire extinguishing path (150) is introduced into the inner receiving space (114). [11] Battery module (100) according to claim 10, wherein when the cooling fluid is introduced into the inner receiving space (114), the plurality of battery assemblies (120) are immersed in the cooling fluid. [12] Battery module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the housing (110) includes a gas venting part (113) formed therein, through which gas generated in the inner receiving space (114) is discharged. [13] Energy storage system (1), comprising: a battery rack (200); a plurality of battery modules (100) arranged in the battery rack (200); and a system control unit (300) configured to control the multiple battery modules (100), each of the multiple battery modules (100) includes: a housing (110) with an internal receiving space (114) for accommodating a large number of battery assemblies (120); a cooling assembly (140) positioned inside the housing (110) and containing a cooling path (142) through which a cooling fluid flows; a fire extinguishing path (150) having one end connected to the cooling path (142) and another end arranged in the inner receiving space (114); a passive valve (152) located at the other end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and configured to selectively open or close the fire extinguishing path (150); an active valve (151) arranged between one end of the fire extinguishing path (150) and the passive valve (152) and configured to selectively open or close the fire extinguishing path (150); and a module control unit (160) configured to control the operation of the active valve (151). [14] Energy storage system (1) according to claim 13, wherein the battery module (100) further includes a sensor unit (170) configured to detect whether the battery assembly (120) is in a normal or abnormal state. [15] Energy storage system (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the sensor unit (170) includes a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the battery assembly (120). [16] Energy storage system (1) according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the module control unit (160) opens the active valve (151) when it is determined that the battery assembly (120) is in an abnormal state. [17] Energy storage system (1) according to claim 16, wherein the module control unit (160) determines that the battery assembly (120) is in an abnormal state when the temperature exceeds a reference temperature. [18] Energy storage system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 17, wherein when the temperature of the battery assembly (120) reaches or exceeds the reference temperature, the passive valve (152) is opened. [19] Energy storage system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein, when it is detected that any of the battery assemblies (120) is in an abnormal state, the system control unit (300) operates the module control unit (160) to open the active valve (151) connected to the corresponding battery assembly (120). [20] Energy storage system (1) according to claim 19, wherein when both the active valve (151) and the passive valve (152) are open, the cooling fluid flowing through the fire extinguishing path (150) is introduced into the inner receiving space (114), thereby immersing the plurality of battery assemblies (120) in the cooling fluid.

Images