Sealing cover for a container housing battery modules, system and associated process

Abstract

Sealing cover for a container housing battery modules, system and associated method. The cover (90) comprises a housing (92) opening through a main opening (96) and a wall (102) opposite the main opening (96) defining a gas vent (97) extending between a lower point (120) and an upper point (118). The housing (92) contains at least one baffle (100). The baffle (100) comprises a vertical region (130) extending opposite the vent (97) to an upper edge (134) located above the upper point (118), and a downward-sloping region (132) connecting the vertical region (130) to the wall (102). The housing (92) has a lower wall (104) connected to the wall (102) below the gas vent grille (97), the lower wall (104) defining at least one through-hole (122) for draining liquid from the housing (92). Figure for the abbreviated version: Figure 4

Description

Title of the invention: Sealing cover for a container receiving battery modules, associated system and method

[0001] The present invention relates to a sealing cover, configured to cover a pressure relief valve outlet of a container receiving battery modules, the cover comprising a housing defining an internal volume opening through a main opening intended to be placed opposite the valve outlet, the housing having a wall opposite the main opening defining a gas evacuation grid having a plurality of through holes, the gas evacuation grid extending between at least one lower point and at least one upper point, the housing containing at least one baffle.

[0002] The container is for example a transport container or an electrical cabinet (or “cabinet”).

[0003] Conventionally, it is known to construct an electrical power storage system by placing battery modules and an electrical and thermal management unit for the modules in a standard rectangular container. This storage system is easily transportable, particularly by road, rail, or sea.

[0004] The structure of the container housing the battery modules generally comprises a floor, perimeter walls projecting from the floor, and a roof that encloses the interior volume containing the battery modules. The perimeter walls are equipped with doors that allow access to the interior volume when necessary.

[0005] Such storage systems contain numerous battery modules themselves containing elements (basic unit of the battery) or electrochemical cells (for example lithium-ion cells), as well as electronic and electrotechnical components.

[0006] 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.

[0007] When thermal runaway is detected in a module, one possible measure is to rapidly inject a neutral gas (for example, nitrogen) into the internal volume of the container. The neutral gas replaces the air in the container, in order to limit the risk of combustion or the spread of combustion.

[0008] This is done for example by providing in the internal volume of the container a bottle of inert gas, which is opened on detection of a thermal runaway.

[0009] To avoid a significant increase in pressure within the internal volume, it is known to equip the container with a pressure relief valve, configured to open as soon as an overpressure greater than a given threshold, for example on the order of one millibar, is obtained.

[0010] This avoids in particular triggering mechanical safety opening systems, in particular blast panels or dislodging the container, in the worst case.

[0011] The use of such a pressure relief valve improves safety. However, by design, this pressure relief valve opens easily, which facilitates the intrusion of dust and liquids into the container, particularly in the event of a sandstorm or heavy rain.

[0012] To overcome this problem, it is known to place a sealing cover of the aforementioned type opposite the outlet of the pressure relief valve in order to limit the intrusion of liquid and / or dust.

[0013] For example, US 2012 / 0298330 is known to have a cover of the aforementioned type, intended to equip a wall of electrical equipment.

[0014] The sealing cover described in US 2012 / 0298330 is not suitable for providing sufficient protection against several types of directions of projection of liquids and dust, which may occur when these storage systems are disposed of in difficult or even hostile environments.

[0015] An object of the invention is therefore to obtain a sealing cover which can easily be mounted on a battery module container, opposite a pressure relief valve outlet, the cover not hindering the evacuation of gases through the pressure relief valve, while preventing unwanted intrusions of liquids and / or dust into the container.

[0016] To this end, the invention relates to a cover of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the baffle comprises a vertical region extending opposite the gas evacuation grid to an upper edge located above at least one upper point of the gas evacuation grid, and an inclined region connecting the vertical region to the wall opposite the main opening, the inclined region being inclined downwards from the inclined region towards the wall opposite the main opening, the housing having a lower wall connected to the wall opposite the main opening, below the gas evacuation grid, the lower wall delimiting at least one through orifice for liquid evacuation out of the housing.

[0017] The lid according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technically feasible combination possible:

[0018] - the inclined region connects the vertical region to the wall opposite the opening main, below the lower point of the gas exhaust grille;

[0019] - the vertical region has a lower edge, the inclined region connecting the edge lower of the vertical region to the wall opposite the main opening;

[0020] - the lower edge of the vertical region is located above at least one point lower part of the gas exhaust grille;

[0021] - the lower wall is inclined downwards from the main opening towards the wall opposite the main opening, the lower wall preferably connecting to a lower edge of the wall opposite the main opening;

[0022] - at least one through orifice is located under the baffle, advantageously along of the junction between the lower wall and the wall opposite the main opening;

[0023] - the cumulative area of ​​the or at least one through orifice is less than the cumulative area holes passing through the gas exhaust grille;

[0024] - the upper edge of the vertical region has a fold;

[0025] - the housing has an upper wall extending between the main opening and the wall opposite the main opening, the upper wall being inclined downwards from the main opening towards the wall opposite the main opening;

[0026] - the housing has two side walls connecting the upper wall, the inner wall lower, and the wall opposite the main opening, the side walls laterally closing the casing;

[0027] - the baffle extends over the entire width of the housing, being fixed to the side walls;

[0028] - it includes a flange for fixing the housing to the container projecting towards the exterior around the main opening;

[0029] - the baffle is welded onto the housing;

[0030] - the housing opens exclusively through the main opening, through the holes passing through the grid and by at least one through-hole.

[0031] The invention also relates to an electrical power storage system, comprising:

[0032] - a container having at least one peripheral wall defining a passage gas evacuation system equipped with a pressure relief valve having an outlet opening to the outside;

[0033] - battery modules arranged in the internal volume of the container;

[0034] - a sealing cover as defined above, fixed to the peripheral wall around the valve outlet, the wall opposite the main opening extends opposite and away from the valve outlet.

[0035] The storage system according to the invention may comprise one or more of the following features, taken individually or in any technical combinations. only possible:

[0036] - the pressure relief valve includes a movable flap between an open position gas evacuation, and a closed position, the valve possibly being non-sealing in the closed position;

[0037] - the minimum area of ​​a gas passage section between the valve outlet and the grid gas evacuation is greater than 100%, specifically greater than 120% of the valve outlet area.

[0038] The invention also relates to a method for qualifying a storage system as defined above, comprising at least one of the following steps:

[0039] - projection of a downward-inclined jet of liquid into the gas exhaust grid, the liquid being diverted by the vertical region of the baffle, without water entering the container through the overpressure valve;

[0040] - projection of a jet of liquid horizontally through the drain grid gas, the liquid jet being redirected towards the gas vent, or being partially evacuated through at least one through-orifice opening below the baffle, without water entering the container through the pressure relief valve; and / or

[0041] - placing the container in an atmosphere containing dust produced by spraying powder and intrusion of dust through the gas vent grid and / or through at least one through orifice, the dust being deflected by the baffle, without dust entering the container through the overpressure valve.

[0042] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings, on which: - [Fig.1] The [Fig.1] is a perspective view of an electrical power storage system according to the invention comprising a container receiving battery modules and a sealing cover according to the invention assembled on the container; - [Fig. 2] [Fig. 2] is a perspective view from the outside of the lid sealing of the storage system of the [Fig.l]; - [Fig.3] Fig.3 is a partial cross-sectional view, along a longitudinal plane. illustrating the internal volume defined by the housing of the sealing cover and the baffle contained within the housing; - [Fig. 4] [Fig. 4] is a cross-sectional view along a median axial plane of the sealing cover mounted on a peripheral wall of the container, opposite the pressure relief valve; - [Fig. 5] [Fig. 5] is a schematic view illustrating a quality process. Fication of the storage system of the [Fig.1], including the projection of a jet of liquid inclined from top to bottom through the grid of the sealing cover; - [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a view analogous to the [Fig.5], illustrating the projection of a jet of liquid horizontally through the grid; - [Fig. 7] [Fig. 7] is a view analogous to [Fig. 5] illustrating the intrusion of dust through the grid of the sealing cover.

[0043] The terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are defined below with reference to a container placed on the ground on a horizontal surface.

[0044] The term "vertical" is generally understood as having a maximum inclination of 5° or less, preferably 2° or less, with respect to a strictly vertical plane. The term "horizontal" is generally understood as having a maximum inclination of 5° or less, preferably 2° or less, with respect to a strictly horizontal plane.

[0045] Fig. 1 illustrates a first electrical power storage system 10 according to the invention.

[0046] The storage system 10 is intended to be transported 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 power grid at a site of use and, alternatively, to an electrical power supply grid for recharging.

[0047] The storage system 10 comprises a container 12 delimiting an internal volume 14, and a plurality of battery modules 16 received in the internal volume 14 (only three modules 16 are shown in dotted lines on [Fig.1]).

[0048] The storage system 10 advantageously includes an electrical and thermal management system (not shown) for the battery modules 16 (“Battery Management Module” or “BMM” in English) and a safety system 18.

[0049] The container 12 is here formed by a transport container. In variants, the storage system 10 comprises a container of another type, such as an electrical cabinet.

[0050] In this example, the container contains, for example, between 10 and 150 battery modules 16. It extends along a longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0051] 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, an electrical power which can reach for example up to 4MWh for voltages up to 1500V.

[0052] Each battery module 16 comprises a plurality of electrochemical cells, for example received in prismatic or cylindrical inner housings or in flexible pouches. Each electrochemical cell comprises anodes, cathodes, and separators, between which electrochemical reactions take place. The electrochemical cells are, for example, lithium-ion cells.

[0053] The battery modules 16 are generally arranged vertically in columns and horizontally in at least one row extending parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A' of the container.

[0054] Each row comprises a plurality of columns of battery modules 16, arranged one after the other, parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0055] The electrical management system (not shown) is designed to control the voltage and current delivered by each battery module 16 during the supply of electrical power, and the power and current delivered to each battery module 16 during the recharging of the battery modules 16.

[0056] 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 alternatively, to an electrical power supply network, for the recharging of the battery modules 16.

[0057] The safety system 18 includes, for example, temperature and / or pressure detection sensors in the internal volume 14, an inert gas source, for example at least one pressurized cylinder containing inert gas, and a control unit, suitable for delivering the inert gas into the internal volume 14 from the inert gas source, upon detection of an increase in temperature, smoke, carbon monoxide and / or pressure exceeding a given threshold in the internal volume 14, in particular in one or more battery modules 16.

[0058] The inert gas is, for example, nitrogen or argon.

[0059] With reference to [Fig.1], the container includes a self-supporting structure 30, intended to define the internal volume 14, and to allow the joint transport of the battery modules 16, the management system, and the security system 18 to a site of use.

[0060] With reference to [Fig.1], the structure 30 comprises a floor 32, peripheral walls 36 projecting from the periphery of the floor 32 and a roof 38. The floor 32, the peripheral walls 36 and the roof 38 internally delimit the internal volume 14.

[0061] The container structure 30 is polyhedral in 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 is placed on a horizontal support.

[0062] The dimensions of structure 30 are governed by transport standards.

[0063] The container 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.

[0064] The height of the container is generally less than its length, taken along the A-A' axis.

[0065] The container is in particular a 20-foot container known as a "High Cube" measuring 6.058 m in length, 2.438 m in width and 2.896 m in height.

[0066] It advantageously features lower corners 39 (often called "ISO corners"), which project downwards from the corners of the floor 32.

[0067] The floor 32 is flat here. With reference to [Fig. 1], it defines, upwards, a flat upper support surface. The support surface carries the battery modules 16, the management system, and the safety system 18.

[0068] The structure of the container 30 further comprises a lower support frame for the floor 32. The lower support frame comprises at least two longitudinal beams 40 extending along the sides of the container on either side of the axis A-A', parallel to the axis A-A'. The lower support frame further comprises a plurality of cross members 42 connecting the beams 40 to each other.

[0069] Each beam 40 is here formed of a longitudinal profile, for example of polygonal section, or alternatively, of an IPN.

[0070] At least one intermediate cross member extends between the longitudinal beams 40 away from the longitudinal ends of the container.

[0071] The roof 38 closes the interior volume 14 upwards. It is here equipped with blast panels 44, configured to open when a substantial overpressure (for example greater than or equal to 25 mb) appears in the interior volume 14 relative to the outside.

[0072] With reference to [Fig.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'.

[0073] The peripheral walls 36 further comprise two transverse vertical walls 52C, 52D, extending perpendicularly to the axis A-A', and connecting the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B to each other at the longitudinal ends of the structure 30.

[0074] The longitudinal walls 50A, 50B and the transverse walls 52C, 52D delimit two by two the corners of the structure 30. They delimit the interior volume 14 on the outside.

[0075] As can be seen in [Fig.1], the longitudinal walls 50A, 50B and possibly the transverse walls 52C, 52D are provided with movable doors 53A, 53B allowing access to the interior volume 14 from outside the container, and a locking mechanism 53C for the movable doors 53A, 53B.

[0076] The structure 30 may include an internal partition 54 to the internal volume 14, the internal partition 54 delimiting, in the internal 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 18.

[0077] The neutral gas source present in the control compartment 58 is configured to deliver neutral gas throughout the internal volume 14, including the storage compartment 56, on command from the control unit.

[0078] To avoid a pressure rise that could trigger the opening of the deflagration panels 44, or even a dislocation of the container, at least one peripheral wall 36 defines, as seen in [Fig.4], a passage 70 for gas evacuation from the internal volume 14, equipped with a pressure relief valve 72 opening to the outside of the container 12.

[0079] The gas exhaust passage 70 extends through the peripheral wall 36 to open into the internal volume 14. In this example, it is provided in the transverse wall 52C. It opens internally into the storage compartment 56, axially opposite the control compartment 58.

[0080] The gas evacuation passage 70 extends horizontally here, preferably in an upper region of the peripheral wall 36 in the vicinity of the roof 38.

[0081] The pressure relief valve 72 is configured to close the gas discharge passage 70 at rest. It is also configured to open when a pressure difference greater than a threshold difference appears between the internal volume 14 and the outside of the container 12.

[0082] The threshold difference is chosen to be less than the overpressure causing the opening of the deflagration panels 44. It is for example between 0.1 mbar and 10 mbar, in particular between 1 mbar and 10 mbar.

[0083] In the particular example shown in [Fig.4], the pressure relief valve 72 comprises a sleeve 76 inserted in a sealed manner at the periphery of the gas discharge passage 70, a movable valve 78 between a closed rest position and an open gas discharge passage position, and at least one stop 80 for setting the valve 78 in the closed position.

[0084] The sleeve 76 delimits an inlet 84 of the pressure relief valve 72 opening into the internal volume 14, an outlet 86 of the pressure relief valve 72 opening to the outside and an intermediate light 88 connecting the inlet 84 to the outlet 86, in which the valve 78 and each stop 80 are housed.

[0085] In this example, the valve 78 is mobile in rotation, in particular under the effect of an overpressure greater than the threshold difference present in the internal volume 14, around an axis 82 perpendicular to the axis of the gas evacuation passage 70 between the closed position and the open position.

[0086] In the open position, the valve 78 has pivoted away from each stop 80. The gas circulation area within the gas evacuation passage 70 is then at its maximum.

[0087] On the contrary, in the closed position, the valve 78 is positioned in contact with the or each stop 80. The gas circulation section within the gas evacuation passage 70 is then minimal.

[0088] In most cases, the valve 78 does not seal the gas exhaust passage 70 tightly, even in the closed position.

[0089] To compensate for a possible leak in the pressure relief valve 72, the storage system 10 includes a sealing cover 90 according to the invention, attached to a peripheral wall 36 of the container 12, to cover the outlet 86 of the pressure relief valve 72.

[0090] The sealing cover 90 is illustrated by figures 2 to 4. It comprises a hollow housing 92 delimiting an internal volume 94 (see [Fig.3]) opening through a main gas collection opening 96 and through a gas evacuation grid 97, arranged opposite the main opening 96.

[0091] The sealing cover 90 further includes a flange 98 for fixing the housing 92 to the peripheral wall 36, located at the periphery of the main opening 96 and an internal baffle 100 for protection against the entry of liquid and / or dust through the grid 97, fixed to the hollow housing 92 in the internal volume 94.

[0092] In this example, the sealing cover 90 is made of metal, for example galvanized steel or stainless steel.

[0093] With reference to figures 2 to 4, the housing 92 comprises a vertical wall 102 extending opposite the main opening 96, a lower wall 104, inclined downwards moving away from the peripheral wall 36 and an upper wall 106, advantageously inclined downwards moving away from the peripheral wall 36.

[0094] The housing 92 includes two side walls 108 connecting the walls 102, 104, 106, on either side of the housing 92, to laterally close the housing 92.

[0095] The vertical wall 102 extends vertically between an upper edge 110 advantageously arranged above the valve outlet 86 and a lower edge 112 arranged below the valve outlet 86.

[0096] The gas vent 97 is delimited by the vertical wall 102, which is at least partially perforated. The gas vent 97 thus has a plurality of holes 114 passing through the vertical wall 102, delimited from each other by members 116.

[0097] In this example, the gas vent grid 97 has an area less than the area of ​​the vertical wall 102. This area is generally greater than the area of ​​the valve outlet 86, in particular greater than or equal to 1.2 times the area of ​​the valve outlet 86.

[0098] Each hole 114 has an individual area of ​​less than 120 mm², in particular between 80 mm² and 120 mm², and especially between 90 mm² and 110 mm². The area The cumulative area of ​​the 114 holes in the grid is greater than 100%, specifically greater than 120% of the area of ​​the valve outlet 86.

[0099] Each hole is for example square in outline with a side dimension between 8 mm and 12 mm.

[0100] Thus, intrusions of birds or nesting insects such as bees into the internal volume 94 are prevented, while ensuring a minimal pressure loss for the evacuation of gases from the valve outlet 86 through the gas evacuation grid 97.

[0101] The gas vent grid 97 extends vertically between at least one upper point 118, here a horizontal upper edge, and at least one lower point 120, here a horizontal lower edge.

[0102] The lower point 120 extends above and away from the lower edge 112, for example to a height greater than 5% of the height of the vertical wall 102, taken between the lower edge 112 and the upper edge 110.

[0103] The lower wall 104 here connects a lower edge of the main opening 96 to the lower edge 112 of the vertical wall 102. It slopes downwards between the main opening 96 and the vertical wall 102. The angle of inclination of the lower wall 104 with respect to a horizontal plane is for example greater than 3°, in particular greater than 5° and is in particular between 3° and 15°.

[0104] The lower wall 104 defines, along the lower edge 112 of the vertical wall 102, under the baffle 100, at least one through orifice 122 for liquid evacuation, advantageously, a line of through orifices 122.

[0105] Each through orifice 122 passes vertically through the lower wall 104.

[0106] In the example shown in figures 2 to 4, the lower wall 104 defines a row of through holes 122 arranged side by side along the lower edge 112.

[0107] Each through orifice 122 has an individual area of ​​less than 120 mm², in particular between 80 mm² and 120 mm², and in particular between 90 mm² and 110 mm². The cumulative area of ​​the through orifices 122 is less than 10% of the cumulative area of ​​the through holes 114 of the gas vent grid 97.

[0108] These orifices through 122 are intended to evacuate excess water and dust, but are not normally intended to evacuate gases from the pressure relief valve 72.

[0109] Thus, the orifices through 122 are sized to evacuate any possible accumulation of liquid or dust on the lower wall 104 into the internal volume 94, while preventing the intrusion of volatiles.

[0110] The upper wall 106 is solid. Here, it connects an upper edge of the main opening 96 to the upper edge 110 of the vertical wall 102. It slopes downwards. between the main opening 96 and the vertical wall 102. The angle of inclination of the upper wall 106 with respect to a horizontal plane is for example greater than 3°, in particular greater than 5° and is in particular between 3° and 15°.

[0111] The downward inclination of the upper wall 106 as it moves away from the peripheral wall 36 limits the accumulation of liquid or solid on the housing 92, limiting the risks of degradation, in particular by corrosion of the housing 92.

[0112] Each side wall 108 defines a side edge of the main opening 96. It connects a side edge of the vertical wall 102 to a side edge of the lower wall 104 and to a side edge of the upper wall 106.

[0113] Each side wall 108 is here solid to laterally close off the internal volume 94 and thus limit its exposure to weather and dust.

[0114] The mounting flange 98 projects outwards at the periphery of the main opening 96, downwards from the lower wall 104, upwards from the upper wall 106 and laterally from each side wall 108. It defines through holes 124 receiving fixing elements (not shown) of the housing 92 to the peripheral wall 36.

[0115] Thus, when the sealing cover 90 is fixed to the peripheral wall 36, the housing 92 completely covers the valve outlet 86, and the closed peripheral edge of the main opening 96 surrounds the valve outlet 86. The drainage grid 97 on the vertical wall 102 opposite the main opening 96 is advantageously located at least partly opposite the valve outlet 86.

[0116] All gases extracted from the internal volume 14 of the container 12 are therefore forced to enter and travel through the internal volume 94 of the casing 92, before being expelled through the exhaust grid 97.

[0117] The internal baffle 100 extends totally into the internal volume 94, opposite the grid 97. With reference to figures 3 and 4, it comprises a vertical region 130 for protection against the intrusion of liquid and dust, disposed away from the vertical wall 102 and a downward inclined region 132 for connecting the vertical region 130 to the vertical wall 102.

[0118] The internal baffle 100 advantageously extends over the entire width of the internal volume 94 of the housing 92 between the side walls 108. The lateral edges of the internal baffle 100, in the vertical region 130 and in the inclined region 132, are assembled on the side walls 108, for example by welding.

[0119] The internal baffle 100 also extends above and away vertically from the lower wall 104 over its entire width, in particular above the through-holes 122.

[0120] The vertical region 130 is solid. It extends here between a horizontal upper edge 134 and a horizontal lower edge 136 which connects it to the inclined region 132.

[0121] The upper edge 134 is disposed over its entire extent above the gas vent grid 97. Preferably, the height vertically separating the upper point 118 of the gas vent grid 97 from the upper edge 134 of the vertical region is greater than 5% of the height of the gas vent grid 97 and is in particular between 5% and 10% of the height of the gas vent grid 97.

[0122] Thus, the pressure relief valve 72 is protected from liquid splashes or dust ingestion by the mechanical barrier formed by the vertical region 130.

[0123] The lower horizontal edge 136 extends opposite the gas vent grid 97, above the lower point 120.

[0124] Advantageously, to reinforce the mechanical strength of the internal baffle 100, the upper edge 134 has a fold 138 which is here directed towards the main opening 96.

[0125] The area measured horizontally at the upper edge 138 between the upper region 130, the vertical wall 102 and the side walls 108 is greater than or equal to 120% of the valve outlet 86, measured vertically and intended for the passage of gases.

[0126] The area measured horizontally at the upper edge 138 between the upper region 130, the main opening 96 and the side walls 108 is 120% greater than that of the valve outlet 86, measured vertically and intended for the passage of gases.

[0127] The area measured vertically at the upper edge 134 between the upper region 130, the upper part 106 and the side walls 108 is 120% greater than that of the valve outlet 86, measured vertically and intended for the passage of gases.

[0128] In this example, the vertical region 130 extends approximately halfway between the main opening 96 and the vertical wall 102.

[0129] The inclined region 132 extends between the lower edge 136 of the vertical region 130 and the lower point 120 of the gas vent grid 97. It slopes downwards from the vertical region 130 towards the vertical wall 102. The angle of inclination of the inclined region 132 with respect to a horizontal plane is, for example, greater than 5°, in particular greater than 8°, and is in particular between 5° and 15°.

[0130] This angle of inclination is greater than that of the lower wall 104 and that of the upper wall 106.

[0131] The inclined region 132 extends above and away from the lower wall 104. It is positioned above the through-holes 122.

[0132] The inclined region 132 here came from material with the vertical region 130.

[0133] The internal baffle 100 thus defines, within the internal volume 94, a path tortuous 140 of the gases between the valve outlet 86 and the gas evacuation grid 97.

[0134] This path 140 here has an inverted U shape. It has a minimum gas passage cross-section greater than 100%, in particular greater than 120% of the area of ​​the valve outlet 86, taken in projection in a vertical plane.

[0135] Thus, despite the protection provided by the internal baffle 100, the gas flow remains significant in the event of evacuation outside the internal volume 14 of the container 12, effectively preventing a pressure rise in the internal volume 14.

[0136] The storage system 10, equipped with a sealing lid 90 according to the invention, is configured to be qualified in terms of protection against the intrusion of liquids into the internal volume 14 of the container 12 according to Standards UL50E-3R and UL50E-3S, October 2020 version. It is also configured to be qualified in terms of protection against the intrusion of dust into the internal volume 14 of the container 12 according to Standards UL50E-3X, October 2020 version and / or IEC 60529:1989 indicating an IP protection rating, here validated at IP6X, November 1989 version.

[0137] With reference to [Fig.5], for the implementation of Standard UL50E-3R, a jet of liquid 150 directed at 45° downwards is projected onto the vertical wall 102 opposite the valve outlet 86.

[0138] The liquid jet 150 is preferably projected from a point 152 located away from and above the vertical wall 102. The liquid jet 150 is oriented for example with an angle between 40° and 50° with respect to a horizontal plane.

[0139] At least part of the liquid projected by the jet 150 enters obliquely into the internal volume 94 through the holes 114 in the grid 97. This liquid hits the vertical region 130 and slides along the inclined region 132 to be discharged through the holes 114 in the grid 97. The upper edge 134 of the vertical region 130 being located above the upper point 118 of the grid 97, the liquid remains confined between the vertical region 130 and the vertical wall 102.

[0140] Thus, in operation, the sealing cover 90 according to the invention protects the valve outlet 86 from the intrusion of liquids from above the cover 90, even if the valve 78 does not close in a watertight manner.

[0141] With reference to [Fig.6], for the implementation of Standard UL50E-3S, a horizontal jet of liquid 154 is projected onto the vertical wall 102, opposite the valve outlet 86.

[0142] The liquid jet 154 is preferably projected by a nozzle with a diameter between 20 mm and 30 mm, from a point 156 located at a horizontal distance between 2.5 m and 3.5 m from the vertical wall 102, with a flow rate between 150 l / min and 200 l / min.

[0143] At least part of the liquid projected by the jet 154 enters horizontally into the internal volume 94 through the holes 114 in the grid 97. This liquid hits the vertical region 130. Part of the liquid slides along the inclined region 132 to be evacuated through the holes 114 in the grid 97.

[0144] Another part of the liquid rises along the vertical region 130, passes over the upper edge 134 before descending again along the vertical region 130 opposite the main opening 96 to pass under the inclined region 132. The liquid then drains through the orifices passing through 122.

[0145] The upper edge 134 of the vertical region 130 being located above the upper point 118 of the grid 97, the liquid remains essentially conveyed on either side of the vertical region 130, without reaching the valve outlet 86.

[0146] Thus, in operation, the sealing cover 90 according to the invention protects the valve outlet 86 from intrusions of liquids sweeping across the cover 90, for example in the event of strong winds, even if the valve 78 does not close tightly.

[0147] With reference to [Fig. 7], for the implementation of Standard IEC 60529:1989, the container 12 is placed in a chamber. A powder, in particular talc, having a diameter advantageously between 50 µm and 100 µm, is sprayed into the chamber, creating an atmosphere 160 containing dust in relation to the container 12, particularly at the level of the grid 97.

[0148] Container 12 is tested under conditions of use, in particular with ventilation on.

[0149] At least part of the dust present in the atmosphere 160 enters horizontally into the internal volume 94 through the holes passing through 114 of the grid 97, in particular under the effect of the suction generated at the outlet of valve 86 by the ventilation within the container 12.

[0150] The dust hits the vertical region 130 and falls back down the inclined region 132.

[0151] A dust stream rises along the vertical region 130, passes over the upper edge 134, before descending again along the vertical region 130.

[0152] Furthermore, another dust stream enters the internal volume 94 via the orifices through 122. The meeting of the two streams creates a disturbance (for example a vortex) opposite the valve outlet 84 and thus contains the dust that may have passed behind the vertical region 130 by preventing it from being sucked through the valve outlet 86.

[0153] The upper edge 134 of the vertical region 130 being located above the upper point 118 of the grid 97, and the orifices through 122 being located below the inclined region 132, the dust flow remains essentially conveyed on either side of the vertical region 130, without reaching the valve outlet 86.

[0154] Thus, in operation, the sealing cover 90 according to the invention protects the valve outlet 86 from dust intrusions sweeping across the cover 90, for example in the event of a sandstorm, even if the valve 78 does not close tightly.

[0155] The sealing cover thus enables container 12 to meet the IP6X criterion according to Standard IEC 60529:1989, that is to say that no dust enters it through the outlet of valve 86.

[0156] In operation, the sealing cover 90 of the storage system 10 according to the invention does not disrupt the safety provided by the overpressure valve 72.

[0157] At rest, when no significant heating is observed on the battery modules 16, the overpressure valve flap 72 is in the closed position, resting on the stop or each stop 80.

[0158] If thermal runaway is detected by the sensors within the internal volume 14, the control unit of the safety system releases inert gas into the internal volume 14 from the inert gas source. The pressure in the internal volume then increases.

[0159] The pressure relief valve 72 opens when a pressure difference greater than a threshold difference appears between the internal volume 14 and the outside of the container 12. In the example of [Fig.4], the valve 78 pivots around its axis of rotation 82, releasing the passage of gases through the valve outlet 86.

[0160] The gases then travel along the tortuous path 140 towards the grid 97 to be evacuated through the holes passing through 114.

[0161] Thus, the sealing cover 90 according to the invention is particularly effective in preventing liquid intrusions into the container 12, in particular within the meaning of Standards UL50E-3R and UL50E-3S, and also dust intrusions, in particular within the meaning of Standards UL50E-3X version of October 2020 and IEC 60529:1989 in particular by respecting the IP6X index within the container.

[0162] The slopes of the upper wall 106, the lower wall 104, and the presence of the inclined region 132 within the baffle 100 also prevent the accumulation of liquid on or within the sealing cover, preventing the valve outlet 86 from being obstructed by ice or snow. This allows compliance with the freeze-thaw test as defined in UL50E-3S, October 2020 version.

[0163] The sealing cover 90 is easily assembled on the peripheral wall 36 of a container 12, in particular a transport container, to cover an outlet 86 of a pressure relief valve 72. It does not disrupt the reliability of the operation of the pressure relief valve 72.

[0164] In one variant (not shown), the container is an electrical cabinet which includes a floor, side walls and a top wall which delimit the internal volume 14 containing the battery modules 16.

[0165] The cabinet is generally metallic 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.

[0166] As a further alternative, the pressure relief valve 72 has a different structure from that described above and shown in the figures.

Claims

Demands

1. A sealing cover (90) configured to cover a pressure relief valve outlet (86) (72) of a container (12) receiving battery modules (16), the cover (90) comprising a housing (92) defining an internal volume (94) opening through a main opening (96) intended to be positioned opposite the valve outlet (86), the housing (92) having a wall (102) opposite the main opening (96) defining a gas vent (97) having a plurality of holes through (114), the gas vent (97) extending between at least one lower point (120) and at least one upper point (118), the housing (92) containing at least one baffle (100), characterized in that the baffle (100) comprises a vertical region (130) extending opposite the gas vent (97) up to an upper edge (134) located above at least one upper point (118) of the gas vent grille (97),and an inclined region (132) connecting the vertical region (130) to the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), the inclined region (132) being inclined downwards from the inclined region (132) towards the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), the housing (92) having a lower wall (104) connected to the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), below the gas discharge grille (97), the lower wall (104) defining at least one through-hole (122) for discharge of liquid out of the housing (92).

2. Lid (90) according to claim 1, wherein the vertical region (130) has a lower edge (136), the inclined region (132) connecting the lower edge (136) of the vertical region (130) to the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96).

3. Cover (90) according to claim 2, wherein the lower edge (136) of the vertical region (130) is located above at least one lower point (120) of the gas vent grid (97).

4. Lid (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower wall (104) is inclined downwards from the main opening (96) towards the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), the lower wall (104) preferably connecting to a lower edge (112) of the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96).

5. Lid (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which at least one through orifice (122) is located below the baffle (100), advantageously along the junction between the lower wall (104) and the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96).

6. Cover (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cumulative area of ​​the through holes (122) is less than the cumulative area of ​​the through holes (114) of the gas vent grid (97).

7. Lid (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper edge (134) of the vertical region (130) has a fold (138).

8. Lid (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (92) has an upper wall (106) extending between the main opening (96) and the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), the upper wall (106) being inclined downwards from the main opening (96) towards the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96).

9. Lid (90) according to claim 8, in which the housing (92) has two side walls (108) connecting the upper wall (106), the lower wall (104), and the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96), the side walls (108) laterally closing the housing (92).

10. Cover (90) according to claim 9, in which the baffle (100) extends over the entire width of the housing (92) by being fixed to the side walls (108).

11. Lid (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a flange for fixing the housing (92) to the container (12) projecting outwards around the main opening (96).

12. Cover (90) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the baffle (100) is welded to the housing (92).

13. Electrical power storage system (10), comprising: - a container (12) having at least one peripheral wall (36) defining a gas vent (70) equipped with a pressure relief valve (72) having an outlet (86) opening to the outside; - battery modules (16) arranged in the internal volume (14) of the container (12); - a sealing cover (90) according to any one of the following: previous demands, fixed on the peripheral wall (36) around the valve outlet (86), the wall (102) opposite the main opening (96) extending opposite and away from the valve outlet (86).

14. System (10) according to claim 13, wherein the pressure relief valve (72) has a movable valve (78) between an open gas discharge position and a closed position, the valve (78) optionally being non-sealing in the closed position.

15. System (10) according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the minimum area of ​​a gas passage cross-section between the valve outlet (86) and the gas discharge grid (97) is greater than 100%, in particular greater than 120% of the area of ​​the valve outlet (86).

16. A method for qualifying a system (10) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, comprising at least one of the following steps: - projecting a downward inclined jet of liquid (150) into the gas vent grid (97), the liquid being deflected by the vertical region (130) of the baffle (100), without water entering the container (12) through the pressure relief valve (72); - projecting a horizontal jet of liquid (154) through the gas vent grid (97), the liquid jet (154) being redirected towards the gas vent grid (97), or being partially evacuated through at least one through orifice (122) opening under the baffle (100), without water entering the container (12) through the pressure relief valve (72);and / or - placement of the container (12) in an atmosphere (160) containing dust produced by powder spraying and dust intrusion through the gas vent grid (97) and / or through at least one through orifice (122), the dust being deflected by the baffle (100), without dust entering the container (12) through the overpressure valve (72).

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