Container for accommodating battery modules, electrical power storage system, and associated method

Abstract

The invention relates to a container comprising a floor having at least one through-opening for discharging liquid and a drain (48) arranged in the or in each through-opening, wherein the drain (48) comprises a support (60) attached to the floor, the support (60) defining a liquid discharge duct (72), and a movable member (64) mounted so as to be translatably movable relative to the liquid discharge duct (72) under the effect of the weight of the liquid applied to the movable member (64), between a rest position that blocks the drain (48) and a position for discharging the liquid through the drain (48). The movable member (64) comprises a perforated wall (92) having through-holes (96) for discharging the liquid. The support (60) covers the through-holes (96) in the rest position, wherein at least some of the through-holes (96) are uncovered by the support (60) in the liquid discharge position.

Description

[0001] TITLE: Container for receiving battery modules, electrical power storage system, and associated method

[0002] The present invention relates to a container for receiving battery modules, comprising:

[0003] - a self-supporting structure comprising a floor, the self-supporting structure delimiting an interior volume for receiving battery modules, the floor having at least one through opening for evacuating liquid, the container comprising:

[0004] - a drain arranged in the or each through opening, the drain comprising a support fixed to the floor, the support delimiting a liquid evacuation conduit, and a movable member, mounted movable in translation relative to the liquid evacuation conduit under the effect of a mass of liquid applied to the movable member, between a rest position closing the drain and a position for evacuating liquid through the drain.

[0005] The container is, for example, a transport container or an electrical cabinet (or “cabinet”).

[0006] Conventionally, it is known to build an electrical power storage system by placing, in a standard parallelepiped container, battery modules and an electrical and thermal management unit for the modules. This storage system is easily movable, particularly by road, rail or sea transport.

[0007] The structure of the container holding the battery modules generally includes a floor, peripheral walls projecting from the floor, and a roof that closes the interior volume containing the battery modules. The peripheral walls are equipped with doors that allow access to the interior volume when necessary.

[0008] Such storage systems contain numerous battery modules themselves containing elements (basic unit of the battery) or electrochemical cells (e.g. lithium-ion cells), as well as electronic and electrotechnical components.

[0009] In some rare cases, these storage systems are susceptible to thermal runaway (TR), which can lead to a fire. It is therefore known to monitor the heating resulting from the use of the battery modules present in the container to detect the onset of thermal runaway. If such runaway is detected, one solution is to spray the battery modules with water, both to limit flames and the rise in temperature. For example, it is known to inject a high flow of water, for example 1000 L / min under 10 bars for 1 to 2 hours. This water is beneficial for cooling the battery modules, but nevertheless accumulates on the floor of the container.

[0010] However, it is necessary that the water level does not reach the height of the lowest battery modules, otherwise an unwanted generation of dihydrogen could occur by hydrolysis of the water. A drain is sometimes mounted in the floor of the container to evacuate the water, as described for example in EP41351 10.

[0011] In normal operation, for safety reasons (air can mix with explosive gases, intrusion of parasites) and operational reasons (humidity management), it is not possible to leave an open air inlet in the container. The drain must therefore be tightly closed until use. However, it must open reliably in the event of water accumulation and drain a large quantity of water very quickly.

[0012] The drain described in EP41351 10 comprises a movable member which is held in a rest position closing the drain by a magnetic system.

[0013] Such a drain is not entirely satisfactory for evacuating water. On the one hand, its passage section is very limited by the need not to move the moving part too far away from the magnetic system when opening the drain. On the other hand, the triggering of the magnetic system may in certain cases not be reliable and produce very limited evacuation of water.

[0014] An object of the invention is therefore to obtain a battery module storage container which can be secured by injecting a significant flow of water for a substantial period, but in which the water is evacuated reliably and efficiently, while retaining its tightness and a large space available for storing the modules during normal use of the container.

[0015] To this end, the invention relates to a container of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the movable member comprises an openwork wall having through-orifices for discharging liquid, the support masking the through-orifices in the rest position, at least part of the through-orifices being clear of the support in the liquid discharge position.

[0016] The container according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0017] - the liquid discharge conduit comprises a peripheral wall with a central axis, the movable member being guided in translation along the central axis by the peripheral wall;

[0018] - the movable member has a solid bottom wall, the bottom wall closing the liquid discharge conduit to the outside in the rest position; - the support carries a seal at its outer edge, the bottom wall being applied to the seal in the rest position;

[0019] - the perforated wall projects relative to the bottom wall, the through holes being masked by the liquid discharge conduit in the rest position;

[0020] - the openwork wall is arranged around the liquid evacuation conduit;

[0021] - the support comprises a base fixed to the floor, the liquid discharge conduit projecting downwards relative to the base and opening upwards through the base;

[0022] - the ratio of the area occupied by the through holes to the total area of ​​the openwork wall is greater than 0.4, in particular greater than 0.5;

[0023] - the drain includes a system for returning the moving part to its rest position;

[0024] - the return system comprises at least one spring;

[0025] - the support delimits a liquid discharge passage having an axis, the return system comprising a rod arranged through the liquid discharge passage in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the liquid discharge passage, the spring being fixed on the one hand to the rod and on the other hand to the movable member;

[0026] - the recall system includes stirrups projecting from the support, the rod being fixed to the stirrups.

[0027] The invention also relates to an electrical power storage system, comprising:

[0028] - a container as defined above;

[0029] - battery modules arranged in the interior volume of the container.

[0030] The system according to the invention may comprise the following characteristic:

[0031] - the container is a transport container configured to jointly transport the battery modules, the transport container comprising a self-supporting structure defining the interior volume, or wherein the container is an electrical cabinet defining the interior volume, the electrical cabinet having at least one door equipped with a lock.

[0032] The invention also relates to a method for securing an electrical power storage system as defined above, the method comprising the following steps:

[0033] - injection of pressurized liquid into the interior volume of the container to cool the battery modules;

[0034] - collection of the injected liquid on the floor of the container; - pressing the collected liquid on the moving member to move the moving member from the rest position to the liquid evacuation position;

[0035] - passage of the evacuated liquid through the through holes in the perforated wall to evacuate the liquid from the interior volume.

[0036] The method according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

[0037] - the drain comprises a system for returning the mobile member to its rest position, the method comprising, after the liquid has been evacuated from the interior volume, returning the mobile member to its rest position;

[0038] - the liquid is water or a mixture of water and at least one additive.

[0039] The invention will be better understood by reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

[0040] - [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an electrical power storage system according to the invention comprising a container formed by a container, receiving battery modules;

[0041] - [Fig. 2] Figure 2 is a view of a detail of the floor of the container of Figure 1 on which a drain is mounted;

[0042] - [Fig. 3] Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of the drain components of Figure 2;

[0043] - [Fig. 4] Figure 4 is a view of the drain in a rest position closing the drain of the moving member;

[0044] - [Fig. 5] Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4, in a liquid discharge position.

[0045] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a first electrical power storage system 10 according to the invention.

[0046] The storage system 10 is intended to be moved to a site of use, for example by a road vehicle such as a truck, by a rail vehicle, and / or by a maritime vehicle such as a transport vessel. It is intended to be electrically connected to an electrical energy use network at a site of use and alternately to an electrical energy supply network for its recharging.

[0047] The storage system 10 comprises a container intended to receive battery modules, delimiting an interior volume 14, and a plurality of battery modules 16 received in the interior volume 14 (only three modules 16 are shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1). The storage system 10 advantageously comprises an electrical and thermal management system for the battery modules 16 (“Battery Management Module” or “BMM” in English) and a security system (not shown).

[0048] The container is here formed by a transport container 12. In variants, the storage system 10 comprises a container of another type, such as an electrical cabinet, as described below.

[0049] In this example, the container 12 contains, for example, between 10 and 150 battery modules 16. It extends along a longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0050] The battery modules 16 are mounted in series and / or in parallel to deliver to at least two electrical terminals 22 present on the container 12, an electrical power which can reach for example up to 4MWh for voltages going in particular up to 1500V.

[0051] Each battery module 16 comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, for example received in prismatic or cylindrical inner cases or in flexible pockets. Each electrochemical cell comprises anodes, cathodes and separators, between which electrochemical reactions take place. The electrochemical cells are for example lithium-ion cells.

[0052] The battery modules 16 are generally arranged vertically in the form of columns and horizontally in the form of at least one row extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the container 12.

[0053] Each row comprises a plurality of columns of battery modules 16, arranged one after the other parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0054] The electrical management system (not shown) is capable of controlling the voltage and intensity delivered by each battery module 16 when supplying electrical power, and the power and intensity of electrical current delivered to each battery module 16 when recharging the battery modules 16.

[0055] The electrical terminals 22 are intended to connect to the user network (not shown) for the supply of electrical energy stored in the battery modules 16, and alternately, to an electrical power supply network, for recharging the battery modules 16.

[0056] The safety system (not shown) comprises, for example, sensors for detecting temperature and / or pressure in the interior volume 14, possibly a source of inert gas, and a control unit, capable of delivering the inert gas into the interior volume 14 from the source of inert gas, upon detection of an increase in temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide and / or pressure greater than a given threshold in the interior volume 14. It also comprises at least one liquid inlet (not shown) arranged, for example, in the roof 38 of the container 12 to allow the injection of liquid, for example, greater than 800 L / min, in particular between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min, and advantageously under pressure, for example at a pressure greater than 5 bars, in particular between 8 bars and 12 bars, into the interior volume 14.

[0057] The liquid is, for example, water, possibly with one or more additives, such as glycolated water.

[0058] With reference to FIG. 1, the container 12 comprises a self-supporting structure 30, intended to define the interior volume 14, and to allow the joint transport of the battery modules 16, the management system, and the security system to a site of use.

[0059] With reference to Figures 1 and 2, the structure 30 comprises a floor 32, peripheral walls 36 projecting at the periphery of the floor 32 and a roof 38. The floor 32, the peripheral walls 36 and the roof 38 internally delimit the interior volume 14.

[0060] The structure 30 of the container 12 is here of polyhedral shape. In particular, the structure 30 has the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, extending longitudinally along the longitudinal axis A-A'. The axis A-A' is horizontal when the container 12 is placed on a horizontal support.

[0061] The dimensions of the 30 structure are governed by transport standards.

[0062] The container 12 has, for example, a length greater than 2 m, in particular between 2.5 m and 15 m, a width greater than 1 m, in particular between 2 m and 4 m and a height greater than 1 m, in particular between 2 m and 4 m.

[0063] The height of container 12 is generally less than its length, taken along the axis A-A'.

[0064] Container 12 is in particular a 20-foot container called “High Cube” measuring 6.058 m in length, 2.438 m in width and 2.896 m in height. It advantageously has corners (often called “ISO corners”), which protrude downwards from the corners of floor 32.

[0065] The floor 32 is here planar. With reference to FIG. 2, it defines upwards, an upper planar support surface 40. The support surface 40 carries the battery modules 16, the management system as well as the security system, when present.

[0066] With reference to Figure 1, the peripheral walls 36 comprise two longitudinal vertical walls 50A, 50B, the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B being arranged vertically, parallel to the axis A-A', on either side of the axis A-A'.

[0067] The peripheral walls 36 further comprise two transverse vertical walls 52C, 52D extending perpendicular to the axis A-A' and connecting the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B to each other at the longitudinal ends of the structure 30. The longitudinal walls 50A, 50B and the transverse walls 52C, 52D delimit two by two corners of the structure 30. They delimit the interior volume 14 towards the outside.

[0068] As visible in Figure 1, the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B and possibly the transverse walls 52C, 52D are provided with movable doors 53A, 53B making it possible to provide an access passage to the interior volume 14 from the outside of the container 12, and with a locking mechanism 53C for the movable doors 53A, 53B.

[0069] Advantageously, with reference to FIG. 2, the structure 30 possibly comprises an internal partition 54 in the interior volume 14, delimiting in the interior volume 14 a compartment 56 for storing the battery modules 16, and separately, a control compartment 58, receiving the management system and the security system.

[0070] The structure of the container 30 further comprises a lower frame for supporting the floor 32. The lower frame comprises at least two longitudinal beams 41 extending on the sides of the container 12 on either side of the axis A-A', parallel to the axis A-A'. The lower frame further comprises a plurality of crosspieces 42 connecting the beams 41 together.

[0071] As illustrated in Figure 2, each beam 41 is here formed from a longitudinal profile, for example of polygonal section, or alternatively, from an IPN.

[0072] Each beam 41 comprises a lower support surface 43A, and an upper surface 43B for supporting at least part of the floor 32, in particular an edge of the floor 32.

[0073] At least one intermediate cross member 42 extends between the longitudinal beams 41 away from the longitudinal ends of the container 12. The cross member 42 also has a lower surface 44A and an upper surface 44B for supporting the floor 32.

[0074] In the example of Figure 2, the lower surface 43A of the longitudinal beam 41 is located below the inner surface 44A of the crosspiece 42. Thus, the lower frame of the container 12 defines, under the floor 32 and under the lower surface 44A of each crosspiece 42, an intermediate space 45 free at least up to the height of the lower surface 43A of the longitudinal beam 41.

[0075] The floor 32 further has a through opening 46 for discharging liquid, which opens upwards into the interior volume 14 and downwards into the intermediate space 45 located under the floor 32. The floor 32 has a support rim (not visible) projecting at the periphery of the through opening 46 at a height lower than that of the upper surface 40. The container 12 further comprises a drain 48 mounted in the through opening 46, in order to evacuate the excess liquid present in the interior volume 14 in the event of liquid being sprayed into the interior volume 14, and to close the through opening 46 at rest, in the absence of liquid being sprayed into the interior volume 14.

[0076] With reference to figures 2 to 5, the drain comprises a support 60 fixed on the support edge of the floor 32 at the periphery of the through opening 46 and members 62 for fixing the support 60 on the support edge.

[0077] The drain 48 further comprises a movable member 64 relative to the support 60 between an upper rest position preventing the passage of liquid through the through opening 46 and a lower liquid evacuation position, allowing the passage of liquid through the through opening 46.

[0078] The drain 48 further comprises a return system 66 capable of permanently returning the movable member 64 to its rest position.

[0079] Advantageously, the support 60 is formed of metal, in particular steel. The metal is preferably coated against corrosion or is stainless steel.

[0080] As illustrated by Figures 3 and 4, the support 60 comprises a peripheral base 70 for fixing to the floor 32, and a vertical conduit 72 for discharging liquid. It further comprises, fixed on a lower edge of the vertical conduit 72, a peripheral seal 74.

[0081] The peripheral base 70 extends along the upper edge of the vertical duct 72. In this example, it forms a flange projecting horizontally at the periphery of the vertical duct 72. The flange here has an external contour of polygonal shape, in particular rectangular.

[0082] The peripheral base 70 is provided with orifices 76 for the passage of the fixing members 62, the passage orifices 76 opening vertically.

[0083] The fixing members 62 are engaged in the passage holes 76 to fix the periphery of the base 70 on the floor 32, at the level of the peripheral rim projecting at the periphery of the through opening 46.

[0084] The fixing members 62 are, for example, screws, screw-nut systems, or even rivets.

[0085] The vertical duct 72 is here cylindrical, with a circular outline. Alternatively, the outline of the vertical duct 72 is parallelepipedal or has another shape.

[0086] The vertical conduit 72 defines an internal liquid discharge passage 78 which opens upwards and downwards along a vertical axis B-B'. The cross-section of the vertical conduit 72 and its internal passage 78, taken perpendicular to the axis BB', is here constant while moving along the axis B-B', as visible in FIG. 4.

[0087] The area of ​​the cross-section of the interior passage 78 taken perpendicular to the axis BB' of the interior passage 78 is for example greater than 100 cm 2 , in particular between 300 cm 2 and 500 cm 2 .

[0088] The vertical conduit 72 has a peripheral wall 80 with a thickness generally greater than 1.5 mm. Here it is made of the same material as the base 70.

[0089] The height of the vertical duct 72 is less than the height of the intermediate space 45 located under the floor 32 above the lower surface 43A of each longitudinal beam 41. This height, taken along the axis B-B', is generally greater than 0.5 times the maximum transverse extent of the interior passage 78, taken perpendicular to the axis B-B'.

[0090] When the movable member 64 occupies its upper rest position preventing the passage of liquid, this height creates a liquid collection reservoir having a sufficient volume to allow the downward movement of the movable member 64 under the effect of the weight of the liquid accumulated in the reservoir, as will be described below.

[0091] Furthermore, the height available under the vertical duct 72 for the movement of the movable member 64 downwards, taken vertically between the lower edge of the vertical duct 72 and the lower surface 43A of the beam 41 is for example greater than 4 cm, and is preferably between 10 cm and 40 cm.

[0092] Thus, a vertical clearance is always present under the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72 when the lower surface 43A of the beam 41 is placed on the ground. This clearance allows a vertical downward movement of the movable member 64 of for example 4 cm, as will be seen below.

[0093] The seal 74 has a ring shape. It is engaged around the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72, at the lower opening of the discharge passage 78.

[0094] The movable member 64 is here formed of a basket with a solid bottom. It comprises a solid bottom wall 90, intended to close the discharge passage 78 of the vertical conduit 72 downwards in the rest position of the movable member 64.

[0095] It comprises an openwork peripheral wall 92 projecting upwards from the periphery of the bottom wall 90. The peripheral wall 92 is engaged around the vertical conduit 72, outside the internal passage 78. The movable member 64 is for example made of polymer (in particular polycarbonate, or polyolefin such as polypropylene) or possibly metal with preferably an anti-corrosion coating (for example aluminum)

[0096] The bottom wall 90 is here formed from a flat disc which is completely solid. Its area is greater than or equal to the area of ​​the cross-section of the interior passage 78, taken at the level of the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72.

[0097] The peripheral wall 92 comprises a plurality of members 94 delimiting between them through orifices 96 for discharging liquid. It advantageously comprises an upper guide ring 98.

[0098] The members 94 are here arranged to form a network of through holes 96, offset from each other angularly at the periphery of the peripheral wall, and also offset vertically from each other.

[0099] In this example, the through-holes 96 have a polygonal outline, for example a hexagonal outline. Alternatively, the through-holes 96 have a continuous non-polygonal outline, such as a circular or elliptical outline, or a succession of slots.

[0100] The ratio of the area occupied by the through holes 96 to the total area of ​​the perforated peripheral wall 92 is greater than 0.4, and in particular greater than 0.5. This ratio is for example between 0.5 and 0.6.

[0101] Such a ratio ensures a high liquid evacuation capacity, even for a reduced movement of the movable member 64 relative to the support 60.

[0102] The upper guide ring 98 is located above the through holes 96. It forms a peripheral upper edge of the movable member 64, which is solid over its entire angular extent around the axis B-B'.

[0103] The movable member 64 is thus engaged by being movable exclusively in translation along the axis B-B' around the vertical conduit 72, between the rest position, shown in Figure 4, and the liquid evacuation position, shown in Figure 5.

[0104] In the rest position illustrated in Figure 4, the vertical conduit 72 completely masks the through orifices 96. The bottom wall 90 is applied against the seal 74, closing the downward evacuation passage 78.

[0105] In this position, the vertical conduit 72 is thus closed from the outside of the interior volume 14, preventing the intrusion of pests through the drain 48 and limiting the exposure of the interior volume 14 to the outside air. As indicated above, the interior passage 78 of the vertical conduit 72, closed downwardly by the bottom wall 90, forms a reservoir suitable for collecting and accumulating liquid received on the floor 32, until the weight of the liquid moves the bottom wall 90 downwardly to a liquid discharge position.

[0106] In each liquid discharge position, an example of which is shown in FIG. 5, the movable member 64 has moved in translation downwards along the axis B-B'.

[0107] At least a portion of the liquid discharge through-orifices 96 are cleared by being located under the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72. The interior passage 78 defined by the vertical conduit 72 is then open, so that it no longer forms a reservoir accumulating liquid, but rather a channel evacuating the accumulated liquid.

[0108] The bottom wall 90 is arranged away from the seal 74 opening the discharge passage 78 downwards. Liquid contained in the discharge passage 78 is thus able to flow radially outwards relative to the axis B-B' through the through orifices 96.

[0109] When the bottom wall 90 is located at the height of the lower surface 43A of the beam 41, the surface area of ​​the through holes 96 which are cleared under the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72 is greater than 150 cm 2 .

[0110] It is thus possible to quickly evacuate a large quantity of liquid, in particular if a liquid flow rate greater than 800L / min, in particular between 900L / min and 1,100L / min, flows through the evacuation passage 78.

[0111] This high flow rate is obtained with a very low vertical movement of the moving member 64, for example less than 10 cm, in particular between 3 cm and 5 cm.

[0112] With reference to figures 3 and 4, the return system 66 comprises a spring 110, advantageously arranged in the center of the vertical conduit 72, a clip 112 for fixing a lower end of the spring 110 on the movable member 64, and a rod 114 for fixing an upper end of the spring 110 on the peripheral base 70. It further comprises stirrups 116 for locking the rod 114 on the peripheral base 70.

[0113] In this example, the return system 66 further comprises an intermediate assembly 118 for fixing the ends of the spring 110 to the rider 112 and to the rod 114.

[0114] The spring 110 is here a helical spring. It has at its ends fixing loops 120A, 120B.

[0115] The stiffness of the spring 110 is for example between 0.6N / mm and 1.2N / mm. The height of the spring 110 is less than the height of the discharge passage 78 of the conduit 72.

[0116] The rider 112 here projects from the bottom wall 90 of the movable member 64. It is for example fixed to the bottom wall 90 for example by welding. The rod 114 extends above the upper opening of the internal passage 78, through the upper opening, in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis B-B'.

[0117] The rod 1 14 has two central holes for locking the upper end of the spring 1 10, and end holes for locking the rod 1 14 on the stirrups 1 16.

[0118] Each stirrup 116 has at least one hole 122 for inserting the rod 114, for example a plurality of holes 122 for inserting the rod 114, located at different heights. It is thus possible to house the rod 114 in the stirrups 116 at different heights relative to the peripheral base 70, parallel to the peripheral base 70.

[0119] The stirrups 116 are attached to the peripheral base 70, on either side of the vertical conduit 72.

[0120] The rod 114 is held in the holes 122 by means of pins 124 inserted into the end holes through the rod 114 outside the stirrups 116.

[0121] The spring 110 extends along the axis BB' between the rod 114 and the rider 112.

[0122] The intermediate assembly 118 comprises, at the lower end of the spring 110, a shackle 130A connecting the lower loop 120A of the spring 110 to the jumper 112.

[0123] The intermediate assembly 118 comprises, at the upper end of the spring 110, another shackle 130B connecting the upper loop 120B to the rod 114, and pins 132 for wedging the shackle 130B along the rod 114 inserted into the central holes provided through the rod 114. The pins 132 form stops preventing axial movement of the shackle 130B along the rod 114.

[0124] The operation of the drain 48 in the container 12 according to the invention will now be described.

[0125] At rest, when no significant heating is observed on the battery modules 16, the movable member 64 is in the rest position. It is held in this position by the spring 110 of the return system 66.

[0126] The bottom wall 90 seals the vertical conduit 72 in a sealed manner. This prevents the intrusion of pests (for example rodents or vermin) into the interior volume 14 of the container 12. In addition, the closure of the drain 48 limits the entry of outside air into the interior volume 14.

[0127] If thermal runaway is detected by the sensors present within the interior volume 14, the emergency teams spray the battery modules 16 with liquid, for example by injecting liquid from the outside via pipes provided for this purpose in the container.

[0128] The injection of liquid is for example at a flow rate greater than 800 L / minute, in particular between 900 L / min and 1100 L / min, under a pressure advantageously greater than 5 bars, for example between 9 bars and 11 bars, for a duration greater than 30 minutes, in particular between 1 hour and 2 hours.

[0129] The liquid having cooled the battery modules 16 accumulates on the upper surface 40 of the floor 32. It flows towards the drain 48 and enters the discharge passage 78 of the vertical conduit 72 which then forms a reservoir allowing the accumulation of the liquid.

[0130] Under the sole effect of the weight of the liquid, the movable member 64 spontaneously passes from its rest position to its liquid evacuation position by translation along the axis B-B'. The movable member 64 is guided by the vertical conduit 72, against the return force generated by the return system 66.

[0131] As can be seen in Figure 5, at least part of the through-orifices 96 are then cleared and are arranged under the lower edge of the vertical conduit 72. This opens a liquid evacuation section radially through the perforated peripheral wall 92.

[0132] The liquid is therefore evacuated very quickly and very efficiently through the evacuation passage 78 and the cleared through orifices 96, which then form an open channel. This limits, or even prevents, the accumulation of liquid within the interior volume 14.

[0133] Thanks to the significant area of ​​the through orifices 96 and the possibility of moving the mobile member 64 along the vertical axis B-B', it is possible to evacuate a flow rate in particular greater than 800 L / min, in particular between 900 L / min and 1,100 L / min with a simple downward movement of 4 cm of the mobile member 64, without generating a vibratory phenomenon linked to the abundant flow of liquid.

[0134] The translational guidance along the axis B-B' of the mobile member 64 by the vertical conduit 72 avoids vibration phenomena and prevents the drain 48 from closing, for example by suction due to the speed of the liquid for a very small section.

[0135] No slowdown in the flow is observed, and thus, no accumulation of liquid in the bottom of the interior volume 14 occurs, greatly limiting the risk of creation of dihydrogen and explosion.

[0136] Furthermore, the movable member 64 being guided by the vertical conduit 72, it is unlikely to become blocked, for example by micro-rotation or bracing, thanks to the low friction between the peripheral wall 80 of the vertical conduit 72 and the perforated peripheral wall 92 of the movable member 64.

[0137] The through-orifices 96 for the passage of liquid are distributed angularly around the axis BB' when the movable member 64 occupies its liquid evacuation position, which promotes homogeneous evacuation.

[0138] As soon as the flow of liquid in the interior volume 14 stops, the weight applied by the liquid to the movable member 64 decreases and the return force generated by the return system 66 spontaneously returns the movable member 64 to its rest position.

[0139] Thus, the drain 48 closes automatically, protecting the integrity of the interior volume 14. The drain 48 thus described is completely mechanical, and does not use active components, such as electrical or hydraulic actuators. It is therefore particularly reliable and operates even without electrical or hydraulic power.

[0140] The sizing of the drain 48 is perfectly adapted to the characteristics of a fire-fighting system which requires a high flow rate for a fairly significant time. The drain 48 closes automatically once the excess liquid has been evacuated, the reintroduction to the outside in the interior volume 14 is therefore very limited, and partial airtightness is obtained as long as no fire is detected.

[0141] The drain 48 is also compact and has a limited mass.

[0142] Furthermore, the spring 110 being fixed by a rod 114 whose height can advantageously be adjusted on the stirrups 116, it is possible to adapt to different sources of supply of spring 110, for a chosen stiffness of spring 110.

[0143] The 48 drain is therefore particularly reliable to use, inexpensive and very effective.

[0144] In a variant (not shown), the perforated wall 92 of the movable member 64 is received slidingly along the axis B-B' in the vertical conduit 72.

[0145] In one variant (not shown), the container is an electrical cabinet which comprises a floor, side walls and a top wall which delimit the interior volume 14 containing the battery modules 16.

[0146] The cabinet is generally made of metal and grounded. It is taller than it is wide. It is advantageously configured to obstruct fire and is generally equipped with a cooling system, including ventilation. The electrical cabinet has at least one door equipped with a lock to limit access to people.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Container (12) intended to receive battery modules, comprising: - a self-supporting structure (30) comprising a floor (32), the self-supporting structure (30) delimiting an interior volume (14) for receiving battery modules (16), the floor (32) having at least one through opening (46) for evacuating liquid, the container (12) comprising: - a drain (48) arranged in the or each through opening (46), the drain (48) comprising a support (60) fixed to the floor (32), the support (60) delimiting a liquid evacuation conduit (72), and a movable member (64) mounted movable in translation relative to the liquid evacuation conduit (72) under the effect of a mass of liquid applied to the movable member (64), between a rest position closing the drain (48) and a position for evacuating liquid through the drain (48), characterized in that the movable member (64) comprises an openwork wall (92) having through orifices (96) for evacuating liquid, the support (60) masking the through orifices (96) in the rest position, at least a portion of the through orifices (96) being clear of the support (60) in the liquid evacuation position.

2. Container (12) according to claim 1, in which the liquid discharge conduit (72) comprises a peripheral wall (80) with a central axis (B-B'), the movable member (64) being guided in translation along the central axis (B-B') by the peripheral wall (80).

3. Container (12) according to claim 2, in which the movable member (64) has a solid bottom wall (90), the bottom wall (90) closing the liquid discharge conduit (72) towards the outside in the rest position.

4. Container (12) according to claim 3, in which the support (60) carries a seal (74) at its outer edge, the bottom wall (90) being applied to the seal (74) in the rest position.

5. Container (12) according to any one of claims 3 or 4, in which the perforated wall (92) projects relative to the bottom wall (90), the through orifices (96) being masked by the liquid discharge conduit (72) in the rest position.

6. Container (12) according to claim 5, in which the perforated wall (92) is arranged around the liquid discharge conduit (72).

7. Container (12) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the support (60) comprises a base (70) fixed on the floor (32), the liquid discharge conduit (72) projecting downwards relative to the base (70) and opening upwards through the base (70).

8. Container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the ratio of the area occupied by the through orifices (96) to the total area of ​​the perforated wall (92) is greater than 0.4, in particular greater than 0.

5.

9. Container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the drain (48) comprises a system (66) for returning the movable member (64) to its rest position.

10. Container (12) according to claim 9, in which the return system (66) comprises at least one spring (110).

11. Container (12) according to claim 10, in which the support (60) delimits a liquid discharge passage (78) having an axis (B-B'), the return system (66) comprising a rod (1 14) arranged through the liquid discharge passage (78) in projection in a plane perpendicular to the axis (B-B') of the liquid discharge passage (78), the spring (1 10) being fixed on the one hand to the rod (1 14) and on the other hand to the movable member (64).

12. Container (12) according to claim 11, in which the return system (66) comprises stirrups (116) projecting relative to the support (60), the rod (114) being fixed to the stirrups (116).

13. Electrical power storage system (10), comprising: - a container (12) according to any one of the preceding claims; - battery modules (16) arranged in the interior volume (14) of the container (12).

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the container is a transport container (12) configured to jointly transport the battery modules (16), the transport container (12) comprising a self-supporting structure (30) defining the interior volume (14), or wherein the container is an electrical cabinet defining the interior volume (14), the electrical cabinet having at least one door equipped with a lock.

15. Method for securing an electrical power storage system (10) according to any one of claims 13 or 14, the method comprising the following steps: - injection of pressurized liquid into the interior volume (14) of the container (12) to cool the battery modules (16); - collection of the liquid injected onto the floor (32) of the container (12); - pressing the collected liquid on the movable member (64) to move the movable member (64) from the rest position to the liquid evacuation position; - passage of the evacuated liquid through the through orifices (96) of the perforated wall (92) to evacuate the liquid from the interior volume (14).

16. Method according to claim 15, in which the drain (48) comprises a system (66) for returning the movable member (64) to its rest position, the method comprising, after the liquid has been evacuated from the interior volume (14), returning the movable member (64) to its rest position.

17. Method according to one of claims 15 or 16, in which the liquid is water or a mixture of water and at least one additive.

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