Device for ventilating and protecting a confined space, in particular for an energy storage system

Abstract

A ventilation and protection device (1) for a confined space, comprising a frame (3) delimiting at least one vent (4), at least one shutter called an opening shutter (5) which closes the vent and is capable of being movable to open the vent, its opening being capable of being controlled automatically, characterized in that said at least one opening shutter (5) comprises at least one explosion panel (7) capable of breaking mechanically. Such a ventilation and protection device is in particular used for a containerized energy storage system. Fig. 3

Description

Title of the invention: Device for ventilating and protecting a confined space, in particular for an energy storage system

[0001] The invention relates to a device for ventilating and protecting a confined space, in particular for an energy storage system.

[0002] The invention will be more particularly described with regard to a ventilation and protection device for a containerized energy storage system, without however being limited thereto.

[0003] An energy storage system (also referred to by the English acronym ESS for "Energy Storage System") is an enclosure which houses storage batteries for electrical energy generally from renewable energy production systems such as photovoltaic panels; the batteries make it possible to supply a local or temporary electricity supply network.

[0004] The enclosures that house an ESS are in particular containers that can be stationary or transportable depending on the use of the ESS; the containers are closed with one or more access doors. The batteries stored inside the containers produce gas emissions and there is a risk of thermal runaway. However, thermal runaway leads to the accumulation of a large quantity of flammable gas and, since the containers are closed, an explosion can occur. In order to protect the personnel and surrounding equipment, existing solutions consist of arranging temperature and / or pressure and / or gas detectors inside the containers which trigger, depending on predefined thresholds, the automatic opening of the access doors to the container or the automatic opening of ventilation panels arranged on the roofs which can then be closed once the risk of explosion has passed.

[0005] However, the automatic opening of the container access doors is not completely safe for an operator; in fact, the operator may be in the immediate vicinity of a door, or even just behind it, at the very moment of its automatic opening, which could then risk injuring him. In addition, the significant release of heat and toxic gases escaping through the doors, and therefore at human height, can also be dangerous. Furthermore, if a fire starts in the container, the opening of the doors can cause the fire to spread to adjacent containers.

[0006] Furthermore, if the presence of ventilation devices on the roofs is a good solution for ventilation from above the container, the risk of explosion cannot however be ruled out, particularly in the event of malfunction of the means of detection and / or control of automatic opening of the ventilation devices.

[0007] The invention therefore aims to propose a ventilation and protection device, in particular for a containerized energy storage system, which does not have the aforementioned drawbacks, in particular which makes it possible to guarantee pressure discharge even in the event of malfunction of the automated ventilation systems.

[0008] According to the invention, the device for ventilating and protecting a confined space comprises a frame delimiting at least one vent, at least one flap called an opening flap which closes the vent and is capable of being movable to be opened so as to open the vent, its opening being capable of being controlled in an automated manner (i.e. its opening can be controlled in an automated manner in response to predefined conditions such as for example an anomaly detection in the confined space), the device for ventilating and protecting being characterized in that said at least one opening flap comprises at least one explosion panel capable of breaking mechanically (for the discharge of an overpressure condition). The explosion panel is intended to break to open in the event of overpressure on its surface, independently of the open or closed state of the opening flap.According to one feature, the explosion panel is provided with at least one sheet with weakening lines, and it is this sheet which is intended to rupture mechanically in the event of overpressure exerted against its surface.

[0009] Thus, the ventilation and protection device of the invention has two functions, on the one hand, an active function corresponding to the automated opening of the opening flap in the event of detection of an anomaly in the confined space for which the device is intended, and on the other hand, a passive function which corresponds to the opening of the explosion panel breaking mechanically in the event of overpressure generated on its surface, which allows the ventilation and protection device to play its role of immediate pressure discharge independently of the automated opening of the opening flap. For example, if thermal runaway of batteries in an ESS occurs, in the event of a malfunction of the opening flap or even if it has opened but the pressure is too high, the explosion panel integrated into the flap will fully play its role of instantaneous discharge.

[0010] Consequently, the ventilation and protection device of the invention allows, through its opening shutter which opens automatically, to ventilate the confined space (and to be able, depending on the conditions, to be reused by the manual or automatic re-closing of said shutter), but also it guarantees, thanks to the explosion panel integrated into the opening shutter, the systematic safety of people and the environment independently of the implementation of the opening shutter. Whether in the event of a breakdown of the gas, smoke or other detection means controlling the opening of the opening shutter or in the event of a direct problem with the operation of the opening of the opening shutter, or even in the event of opening of the shutter with nevertheless ventilation in sufficient through the vent, the explosion panel will fulfill its function of immediate discharge safely.

[0011] In addition, this two-in-one ventilation and protection device saves space and minimizes the number of openings in the container required for installing ventilation and protection devices (the design of the container is quicker to implement and does not affect its rigidity).

[0012] According to one characteristic, said at least one explosion panel is inscribed in the opening flap (inscribed in the surface of the opening flap) and in that said at least one explosion panel comprises a so-called rupture sheet which has a weakening zone opposite the vent, preferably the weakening zone has a U-shaped geometry, the branches of the U corresponding to three sides of the sheet. The explosion panel is capable of tearing in its weakening zone in the event of abnormal overpressure in the enclosure, the pressurized gas then escaping through the vent and the tear hole formed by the open sheet.

[0013] Preferably, the sheet of the explosion panel is metallic. The sheet has a thickness in particular between 0.5 and 1.2 mm, in particular of the order of 0.8 millimeters. The weakened zone of the sheet is in particular made up of discontinuous grooves and / or slots connected by frangible parts.

[0014] The panel may for example have a square, rectangular or circular shape.

[0015] Advantageously, said at least one explosion panel combined with the opening flap forms a substantially flat closing surface for the vent.

[0016] According to another characteristic, the chassis has a frame delimiting the vent and a peripheral fixing surface to the frame which constitutes a fixing surface for the ventilation and protection device, preferably by bolting (and in a sealed manner with the enclosure / container for which the ventilation and protection device is intended).

[0017] According to another characteristic, the opening shutter comprises a frame which has two opposite faces, one face which is intended to be applied in a sealed manner against the frame in the closed position of the opening shutter, and an opposite face on which is fixed a frame for fixing the explosion panel, preferably fixed in a sealed manner by bolting.

[0018] According to yet another characteristic, the ventilation and protection device comprises means for fixing and moving the opening flap relative to the frame, said fixing and moving means being elastically driven and being fixed, on the one hand, to the opening flap (at its internal face), and on the other hand, to the frame, preferably at a peripheral wall for embedding the frame (in an opening for which the ventilation and protection device is intended).

[0019] According to yet another characteristic, the ventilation and protection device comprises means for locking the closing of the opening flap, these locking means being capable of being controlled automatically for their unlocking, in particular in response to an anomaly information detected (within the enclosure / container for which the ventilation and protection device is intended). Advantageously, the locking means further comprise mutual mechanical cooperation parts which are positioned respectively inside the frame and on the so-called internal face of the opening flap opposite the vent in the closed position of the opening flap.

[0020] The locking means advantageously comprise a blocking member whose control makes it possible to lock or unlock said locking means, said blocking member being in particular electrically or electronically controlled, preferably the blocking member being an electromagnet.

[0021] The opening flap may be opened by pivoting along one of its sides or may be opened in translation parallel to and opposite the plane of the vent. This latter configuration, when the ventilation and protection device is arranged on the roof, limits the introduction of rain when the opening flap is opened.

[0022] The explosion panel may comprise at least one thermally insulating panel (with a section inscribed in the rupture sheet and arranged on at least one of the faces of said sheet).

[0023] The ventilation and protection device may comprise an opening angle limitation system for the explosion panel, in particular when the ventilation and protection device is intended to be arranged on a side wall of an enclosure / container so as to secure the immediate environment at human height.

[0024] The invention also relates to a container, in particular a container for an energy storage system, comprising one or more of the aforementioned ventilation and protection devices of the invention, the ventilation and protection device(s) being arranged on the roof of the container and / or in at least one (vertical) side wall of the container, preferably the ventilation and protection device(s) arranged in a side wall of the container comprising an opening angle limitation system for the explosion panel.

[0025] In the remainder of the description, the term "height", the qualifiers "upper", "lower", "high" and "low" of an element of the ventilation and protection device are used in the context of a normal installation of the device, that is to say relating to a vertical concept in relation to a ground on which a container would be placed. The qualifier "external" as opposed to "internal" is understood to qualify elements of the ventilation and protection device, which are facing the external environment.

[0026] The present invention is now described using examples which are solely illustrative and in no way limitative of the scope of the invention, and from the attached illustrations, in which: - [Fig.l] represents a perspective and top view of an example of a ventilation and protection device according to the invention in its closed position. - [Fig.2] corresponds to the device of [Fig.l] in the active and open position, that is to say that its opening shutter is open following an automated opening command, the example shown showing the opening shutter opening by pivoting. - [Fig.3] corresponds to the device of [Fig.l] in the passive and open position, that is to say that the explosion panel was ripped open while here the opening flap was closed. - [Fig.4] is a cross-sectional view of [Fig.l] at the level of the locking means of the opening flap. - [Fig.5] corresponds to [Fig.4] in the open position of the opening shutter and therefore in the unlocked position of the locking means. - [Fig.6] illustrates a perspective view from above of an example of an ESS container comprising on its roof several ventilation and protection devices conforming to that of [Fig.l], the dotted elements illustrating by transparency elements inside the container. - [Fig.7] is a side view of the container of [Fig.6] with its ventilation and protection devices as opened according to the active position of [Fig.2]. - [Fig.8] is a side view of the container of [Fig.6] with its ventilation and protection devices as opened according to the passive position of [Fig.3]. - [Fig.9] illustrates a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a container with a variant of ventilation and protection devices according to the invention, said devices being arranged on a side wall of the container and each comprising an opening angle limitation system for the explosion panel. - [[Fig. 10]] is a perspective view of the variant of the ventilation and protection device shown on the container of [Fig.9], the device being in its active position and being open. - [[Fig.l 1]] corresponds to [Fig.10], the device being on the other hand in its passive position and being open, that is to say that the explosion panel is ripped open and nevertheless retained and limited in angle opening. - [[Fig.12]] illustrates another example of a ventilation and protection device, open in the active position and corresponding to a variant embodiment of the opening mechanism of the opening flap opening in translation parallel to the plane of the ventilation vent. - [Fig. 13] corresponds to the ventilation and protection device of [Fig. 12] opened in passive position and the opening shutter being closed. - [[Fig. 1]4] shows a perspective and top view of yet another example of a ventilation and protection device of the invention in the closed position and comprising on the same frame two opening shutters and their associated explosion panel, as well as having thermal insulation of said device from above. - [[Fig. 1]5] corresponds to a ventilation and protection device of [Fig.14], in active and open position, with however thermal insulation of the device from below.

[0027] The ventilation and protection device 1 of the invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 3 and 10 to 15 according to the embodiment variants, is used to protect a confined space in which the atmosphere can increase in pressure to the point of risk of explosion.

[0028] By way of non-limiting example, the ventilation and protection device 1 is used to protect a containerized energy storage system (ESS) 2 as seen in FIGS. 6 to 9.

[0029] The illustrated containers 2 comprise at least one or more ventilation and protection devices 1 which are arranged on the roof ([Fig.6]) and / or at least one ventilation and protection device 1 which is arranged in a side wall of the container ([Fig.9]). The so-called wall-mounted ventilation and protection device 1 ([Fig.9]) which is arranged on at least one of the side walls of the container 2, is preferably integrated into the upper part of the container. Preferably, the wall-mounted ventilation and protection device 1 comprises, in relation to the roof-mounted ventilation and protection device 1, an opening angle limitation system 10 as will be described later to secure the external environment in the event of an explosion.

[0030] According to the invention, the ventilation and protection device 1 has two functions, an active function of ventilation or aeration of the container by being able to open via an automated opening command and if necessary to close (figures 1 and 2) and a passive rupture function ([Fig.3]) in the event of excess pressure exerted on its internal surface.

[0031] The ventilation and protection device 1 comprises, according to the invention, a frame 3 which delimits at least one opening or vent 4, at least one opening flap 5 closing the vent 4 and being able to be movable to open the vent in response to an opening control order, and locking means 6 locking the opening of the opening flap and controllable in an automated manner to be unlocked in response to an anomaly information within the container 2, as well as at least one explosion panel 7 which is integrated into said at least one opening flap 5.

[0032] The opening flap 5 is intended to adopt two positions, either a closed position to close the vent 4 ([Fig.l]), or an open position ([Fig.2]) to open the vent 4 in order to constitute a gas ventilation system for the container 2 above all risk of explosion.

[0033] The explosion panel 7 is intended to compensate for the opening of the opening flap 5 in the event of a malfunction in its opening or to compensate for insufficient ventilation if it is already open; the explosion panel 7 comprises a sheet 70 which is capable of breaking mechanically ([Fig.3]) in the event of excessive overpressure in the container 2. The ventilation and protection device 1 thus provides additional safety.

[0034] The chassis 3 (figures 1 to 4) more particularly has a frame 30 delimiting the vent 4 and a peripheral fixing surface 31 to the frame 30 which constitutes a fixing surface for the chassis 3 to the container 2.

[0035] As illustrated in [Fig.4], the frame 30 of the chassis 3 is intended to be arranged around a through opening 20 of the wall 21 (roof or side) of the container 2. Preferably, the frame 30 comprises an inner peripheral wall 32 to provide an arrangement height for the frame 3 so as to facilitate its embedding in the through opening of the wall 20 of the container. In particular, the peripheral wall 32 ([Fig.2]) extends at the level of the inner edge 33 of the frame 30, in a direction opposite to the closed plane of the opening flap 5. In addition, the wall height 32 makes it possible to arrange, as will be seen later, the fixing and locking means 6 of the opening flap 5.

[0036] The fixing surface 31 is intended to rest on the external face of the wall 21 of the container and to be fixed there in a sealed manner to fix said frame 3 to the container and around the through opening 20. The fixing of the frame 3 is carried out by bolting. A peripheral seal 80 (illustrated only in [Fig. 4]) is sandwiched between the fixing surface 31 of the frame and the wall 21 of the container. Furthermore, an insulating material 81 (in the form of a frame and visible in [Fig. 4]) is preferably sandwiched between the frame 30 (raised relative to the fixing surface 31) and the wall 21 of the container. The peripheral seal 80 and the insulating material 81 are preferably made integral with the frame 30 during the manufacture of the ventilation and protection device 1.

[0037] The opening flap 5 is movably fixed to the frame 3. The opening flap 5 comprises a closing surface 50 extending to correspond to the section of the vent 4 and to be applied along its periphery against the frame 30 of the frame, and fixing and moving means 51 capable of making said opening flap 5 movable.

[0038] The closing surface 50 integrates the explosion panel 7.

[0039] The closing surface 50 ([Fig.2]) comprises a frame 50A which is intended to come into contact with the frame 30 and the fixing surface 31 of the chassis 3 in the closed position of the opening shutter 5. A sealing gasket 82 (in the form of a frame and illustrated in figures 3 and 4) is secured to the internal face of the frame 50A and at a distance of the edge of said frame to cooperate with the internal edge 33 of the frame 30 delimiting the vent 4. In the closed position of the opening flap 5, the sealing gasket 82 is sandwiched between the frame 30 of the chassis 3 and the frame 50A of the opening flap 5, all around the vent 4.

[0040] As for the fixing of the opening flap 5 on the frame 3 and its mobility relative to said frame 3 and therefore to the vent 4, the figures show two non-limiting exemplary embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the opening flap 5 opens by pivoting around an axis parallel to one of the sides of the frame 3, and therefore to one of the sides of the vent 4. In the exemplary embodiment illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the opening flap 5 opens by translation parallel to and above the plane of the vent 4. In a manner common to both examples, the fixing and movement means 51 of the opening flap 5 are elastically driven to allow automatic movement of the opening flap 5 when the latter is unlocked (when the locking means 6 are unlocked).

[0041] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the fixing and moving means 51 comprise two pivot joints 52A and 52B and two elastic drive elements 52C and 52D. The two pivot joints 52A and 52B form a hinge and are coupled, on the one hand, to two corners of the frame 50A, and on the other hand, to two corners of the fixing surface 31 of the chassis 3. The two elastic drive elements 52C and 52D are for example two elastic telescopic rods. The two elastic drive elements 52C and 52D are arranged in the immediate vicinity of two opposite edges of the frame 50A and on the side of its internal face (outside the surface of the rupture sheet 70 of the explosion panel).The two elastic drive elements 52C and 52D have a first distal end 52E fixed to the internal face of the frame 50A and a second distal end 52F fixed to the internal face of the peripheral wall 32 of the frame 30.

[0042] In the embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, the fixing and moving means 51 comprise a pair of two identical elastic drive mechanisms 53 and 54 arranged opposite each other and in line with the frame 50A. The pair of elastic drive mechanisms 53 and 54 is capable of moving the opening flap 5 from a closed position to an open position by moving it by translation in a direction perpendicular to the extension plane of said opening flap. Each elastic drive mechanism 53, 54 is fixed on the one hand, to the internal face of the frame 50A (and therefore outside the surface of the rupture sheet 70 of the explosion panel), preferably against the peripheral edge of the internal face of the frame 50A, and on the other hand, to the internal face of the wall 32 of the frame 30 of the chassis. Each elastic drive mechanism 53, 54 comprises a pair of connecting rods which are fixed to each other at a point of articulation 55 and which have their respective distal end 56, 57 opposite the point of articulation, made integral respectively with the frame 50A of the opening flap 5 and with the wall 32 of the chassis 3, the points of articulation 55 of the pairs of connecting rods being connected by an elastic element 58 such as a steering spring parallel to the plane of the opening flap 5. When the locking means 6 of the opening flap 5 are unlocked, the opening flap 5 is translated automatically by deployment of the connecting rods connected by the elastic element 58.

[0043] Concerning the locking means 6 of the opening flap 5 ensuring the blocking of the opening flap in its closed position, said locking means 6 comprise mutual mechanical cooperation parts which are positioned respectively on the inside of the frame 3 and the internal face of the opening flap 5 (figures 2, 4 and 5 and [Fig. 15]). In the example presented in no way limiting, the locking means 6 are locking and unlocking, mechanical and magnetic. The locking means 6 comprise at least one hook, here in the example illustrated two hooks 60 which are fixed to the peripheral wall 32 of the frame 3, and at least one axis, here a pair of axes 61 spaced apart and secured to the internal face of the frame 50A of the opening flap 5, the hooks 60 being able to be movable to cooperate around the axes 61 in the closed position of the opening flap 5 or to uncouple from them in order to allow the opening flap 5 to be opened.The axes 61 are fixed to the opening flap 5 by being for example integral with a pair of yokes 62, themselves integral with the opening flap 5. The hooks 60 are here movable in pivoting around an axis of rotation 60' parallel to the plane of the frame 30. The hooks are able to tilt by their own weight. In addition, the mobility of each of the hooks 60 is advantageously elastic return, which generates a rapid movement of each of the hooks during unlocking and therefore their immediate decoupling from the axes 61. The elastic return is obtained by a spring 63 whose two distal ends are fixed respectively to the body of the hook and to the wall 32 of the chassis 3, the spring being compressed in the closed position of the associated hook (locking position). The movement of each of the hooks 60 is moreover controlled by a magnetic locking member 64 such as an electromagnet able to cooperate with a ferromagnetic surface 65 of the hooks.When the electromagnet 64 is supplied with current and the hook 60 has been locked, the magnetic surface 65 of the hook remains stuck to the electromagnet 64, blocking the locking. When the current is cut off, the electromagnet 64 is no longer magnetic and the magnetic surface 65 of the hook is no longer magnetized, the hook 60 automatically tilts (by its weight and very quickly due to the spring).

[0044] Concerning the explosion panel 7, this is integrated in the center of the shutter opening 5. The explosion panel 7 is integrated into the frame 50A and is almost coplanar therewith. The explosion panel 7 comprises the sheet 70 which is preferably metallic and a peripheral frame 71 around the edge of the sheet 70.

[0045] The frame 71 makes it possible to fix the explosion panel 7 to the frame 50A. The fixing of the frame 71 is preferably done by bolting onto the frame 50A. A sealing gasket 83 (figures 4 and 5) is sandwiched between the frame 71 of the explosion panel and the frame 50A of the opening flap 5.

[0046] The sheet 70 has a thickness of between 0.5 and 1.2 mm, for example of the order of 0.8 millimeters. The sheet 70 comprises a weakened zone 72 which is capable of tearing in the event of abnormal overpressure in the container 2. The weakened zone 72 consists, for example, of discontinuous cuts generally made using a laser. The sealing gasket 83 is systematically arranged opposite and under said weakening zone 72 in order to ensure sealing of the ventilation and protection device 1 in the closed position of the opening flap 5. The weakening zone 72 here has a "U" shaped outline whose three "branches" extend parallel and close to three sides of the sheet so that the sheet 70 can tear as illustrated in [Fig.3] by opening and folding along one of the longitudinal sides of the explosion panel (the fourth side without a weakening zone).When the weakening zone 72 gives way under certain conditions (with respect to an overpressure in the container 2), the central part of the sheet 70 will lift, while remaining integral with its peripheral part by the region parallel to the fourth non-weakened side. Furthermore, the central part of the sheet 70 of the explosion panel 7 may comprise stiffening folds 73, for example in the shape of a diamond point.

[0047] The opening flap 5 and the explosion panel 7 here have a rectangular shape. They could have another geometry.

[0048] The opening shutter 5 may comprise a position detector 9 ([Fig.3]) intended to be connected to a control system to indicate the open or closed position of the opening shutter.

[0049] Concerning the anomaly detector(s) 90 within the container, these may be arranged inside the container in a manner offset from the ventilation and protection device(s) 1 as illustrated schematically by dotted lines in [Fig. 6]. Alternatively, the ventilation and protection device 1 could comprise one or more anomaly detectors 90 which would be fixed at the peripheral wall 32 of said ventilation and protection device 1. To control the automated opening of the opening flap 5, the detector(s) 90 and / or a control and command system receiving the data from the detectors are connected to the locking means 6 and more particularly to the blocking member of the lock 64.

[0050] The detector(s) 90 comprise, for example, a CO2 sensor and a VOC sensor (for “Volatile Organic Compounds” and corresponding to residual gases other than CO2). Generally, a gas concentration measurement sensor is used to detect a danger threshold.

[0051] Furthermore, the ventilation and protection device 1 may comprise several closing flaps 5 on the same frame 3 as illustrated in Figures 14 and 15. In addition, the ventilation and protection device 1, in particular the or each of the closing flaps 5 when there are several closing flaps, may comprise at least one thermally insulating panel 59 to avoid or limit the risk of condensation inside the container 2, this thermally insulating panel 59 being able to be arranged on the external face ([Fig. 14]) of the opening flap 5 or on the internal face of the opening flap 5 ([Fig.l5]). Said at least one thermally insulating panel 59 is necessarily included in the rupture sheet 70 of the explosion panel 7; the thermally insulating panel 59 does not overflow onto the fixing frame 71 of the explosion panel.

[0052] Finally, when the ventilation and protection device 1 is arranged on a side wall of the container 2 (figures 9 to 11), to better secure the environment, the ventilation and protection device 1 comprises the opening angle limitation system 10 for the explosion panel 7. In the event of an explosion, the panel 7 opens over a limited angle, preferably not exceeding 45° relative to the closed plane of the panel, so that in the installed position of the ventilation and protection device 1 on a side wall of the container, the resulting ventilation duct guides and directs the discharge of pressure, possible flame and heat towards the top of the container.

[0053] The opening angle limitation system 10 forms a volume structure forming a receptacle which projects and is integral with the explosion panel 7, in particular is fixed on the fixing frame 71 and at the limit of the rupture sheet 70, and is open on one of its sides in a plane substantially perpendicular to said explosion panel. The structure of the opening angle limitation system 10 is preferably in the form of a polyhedron. The opening angle limitation system 10 is fixed and does not deform under the action of a pressure force. Such an opening angle limitation system 10 is for example known and marketed by the applicant under the trade name VIGISPACE®.

[0054] The opening angle limitation system 10 secured to the fixing frame 71 of the explosion panel 7 is therefore inscribed in the surface of the opening flap 5, thus not hindering its opening in any way as shown in [Fig. 10].

[0055] The operation of the ventilation and protection device 1 is now described.

[0056] In the event of detection of an anomaly within the container 2, for example detected by a detector 90, the ventilation and protection device 1 has an active role: the detection of an anomaly causes the locking means 6 to be unlocked, for example by cutting off the electrical power supply to the electromagnet 64, which automatically opens the opening flap 5 as illustrated in [Fig.7] (until the flap is fully open), allowing the escape via the vent 4 of the gases or fumes confined in the container 2. Depending on the circumstances, the opening flap 5 will be closed manually or possibly automatically, or will remain open (independently of the passive operation of the explosion panel 7).

[0057] In the event of the ventilation and protection device 1 not opening (for example due to a malfunction in the unlocking of the locking means 6 or another reason), or in the event of insufficient opening of the opening flap 5 in relation to the pressure prevailing in the container 2, said ventilation and protection device 1 may play its passive role of instantaneous discharge: if the atmosphere within the container increases in pressure to the point of breaking the weakening lines 72 of the sheet 70 of the explosion panel, the sheet 70 systematically opens until, if necessary, full opening as illustrated in [Fig. 8]. The same applies to a ventilation and protection device 1 which would be arranged laterally, the sheet 70 will open; Advantageously, the opening angle limiting system 10 will block the opening of the sheet 70 up to an angle not exceeding 45° ([Fig. 11]) for better protection of the environment.

Claims

Claims

1. Ventilation and protection device (1) for a confined space, comprising a frame (3) delimiting at least one vent (4), at least one shutter called an opening shutter (5) which closes the vent and is capable of being movable to open the vent, its opening being capable of being controlled automatically, said at least one opening shutter (5) comprising at least one explosion panel (7) capable of breaking mechanically, the explosion panel (7) being inscribed in the opening shutter (5) and comprising a sheet (70) which is metallic and has a weakening zone (72) opposite the vent, characterized in that the explosion panel (7) comprises at least one thermally insulating panel (59) which is arranged on at least one of the faces of the sheet (70) and of section inscribed in said sheet.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the weakening zone (72) has a U-shaped geometry, the branches of the U corresponding to three sides of the sheet.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the chassis (3) has a frame (30) delimiting the vent (4) and a fixing surface (31) peripheral to the frame (30) which constitutes a fixing surface for the ventilation and protection device (1), preferably by bolting.

4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening flap (5) comprises a frame (50A) which has two opposite faces, one face which is intended to be applied in a sealed manner against the frame (3) in the closed position of the opening flap (5), and an opposite face on which is fixed a fixing frame (71) for the explosion panel (7), preferably fixed in a sealed manner by bolting.

5. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises means for fixing and moving (51) the opening flap (5) relative to the frame (3), said fixing and moving means (51) being elastically driven and being fixed, on the one hand, to the opening flap (5), and on the other hand, to the frame (3), preferably at the level of a peripheral wall (32) for embedding the frame.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises locking means (6) of the closing of the opening flap (5), these locking means being capable of being controlled automatically for their unlocking, and in that the locking means (6) comprise mutual mechanical cooperation parts (60; 61) which are positioned respectively inside the frame (3) and on the so-called internal face of the opening flap (5) opposite the vent (4) in the closed position of the opening flap.

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening flap (5) opens by pivoting along one of its sides or opens in translation parallel to and opposite the plane of the vent (4).

8. Device according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises one or more anomaly detectors (90), the detector(s) 90 and / or a control and command system receiving the data from the detectors being connected to the locking means (6).

9. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation and protection device (1) comprises an opening angle limitation system (3) for the explosion panel.

10. Container (2), in particular a container for an energy storage system, comprising one or more ventilation and protection devices (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the ventilation and protection device(s) (1) being arranged on the roof of the container and / or in at least one side wall of the container, preferably the ventilation and protection device(s) (1) arranged in a side wall of the container comprising an opening angle limiting system (10) for the explosion panel (7).

Images