Battery module intended to be placed in a transport container, associated system, method and process

Abstract

Battery module intended to be placed in a transport container, system, method and associated process. The module comprises a housing (16) having: a first main partition (30) and a second main partition (32) delimiting between them a receiving volume (18) for electrochemical elements (20); a front face (34) and a rear face (36) for closing the receiving volume (18) perpendicular to a longitudinal axis; a first longitudinal wall (38) and a second longitudinal wall (40) extending perpendicularly to a transverse axis. The module includes electrochemical elements (20) contained within the receiving volume (18).The first longitudinal wall (38) forms at least part of a structural beam (50) configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements (20) contained in the receiving volume (18) applied to the first longitudinal wall (38) in a module transport position in which the transverse axis is arranged vertically. Figure for the abbreviation: Figure 4.

Description

Title of the invention: Battery module for placement in a transport container, associated system, method and process

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery module intended to be placed in a transport container, comprising:

[0002] -a housing comprising:

[0003] -a first main partition and a second main partition parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis, the first main partition and the second main partition delimiting between them a volume for receiving electrochemical elements;

[0004] -a front face and a rear face each connecting the first main partition to the second main partition to close off the receiving volume perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0005] -a first longitudinal wall and a second longitudinal wall extending perpendicularly to a transverse axis and connecting the first main partition to the second main partition and the front face to the rear face, the area of ​​the first main partition being greater than the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall;

[0006] -electrochemical elements contained in the receiving volume.

[0007] Such battery modules are intended to be arranged, for example, in an electrical power storage system which includes a parallelepiped container suitable for transport and electrical and thermal management systems for the battery modules.

[0008] The storage system is easily movable, in particular by road, rail or sea transport.

[0009] Such storage systems contain many battery modules themselves comprising stacks of electrochemical elements (or "electrochemical cells"), for example lithium-ion elements, as well as electronic and electrotechnical components.

[0010] Battery modules generally have a parallelepiped-shaped casing. They are used on site in a horizontal configuration, in which the main partitions of maximum area of ​​the casing are arranged horizontally, the side walls of the casing being arranged vertically.

[0011] Such an electrical power storage system is very practical for supplying or receiving significant electrical power as a supplement or replacement to an electrical network.

[0012] Nevertheless, this type of electrical power storage system can still be improved, by maximizing the energy density stored by the storage system, while minimizing its footprint.

[0013] US20150300321 describes a wind turbine system in which the wind turbine components are transported in a container in a horizontal configuration to the installation site. Once at the installation site, the container is unloaded of its contents and then tilted into a vertical configuration before the wind turbine is mounted on it.

[0014] Such a transport and installation method would be tedious and uneconomical to implement for a container containing battery modules, since it would require discharging the battery modules before pivoting the container, and then recharging all the battery modules once the container has pivoted.

[0015] An object of the invention is to provide a battery module which allows, for a given footprint of an electrical power storage system equipped with a container receiving the battery modules, a significant increase in the amount of electrical power stored, the battery module being robust to allow easy transport and reliable installation of the system on site.

[0016] For this purpose, the invention relates to a battery module of the aforementioned type, characterized in that the first longitudinal wall forms at least part of a structural beam configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements contained in the receiving volume applying to the first longitudinal wall in a transport position of the battery module in which the transverse axis is arranged vertically, the first longitudinal wall being located under the second longitudinal wall.

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

[0018] - the structural beam comprises a profile extending parallel to the axis longitudinal.

[0019] - in which the profile has a U-shaped section, or a section in the shape of at least one polygon, in particular a rectangular shape.

[0020] - the first longitudinal wall is configured to undergo a lower deformation at 1% along the transverse axis under the effect of a surface mass between 180 kg / m2 and 1820 kg / m2 of electrochemical elements contained in the receiving volume applying to the first longitudinal wall in the transport position of the battery module.

[0021] - the structural beam comprises a plurality of reinforcements parallel to an axis elevation perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and to the transverse axis.

[0022] -the electrochemical elements comprise at least one block of electrochemical elements wedged in the receiving volume against the first longitudinal wall, advantageously at least one row of blocks of electrochemical elements wedged in the receiving volume against the first longitudinal wall.

[0023] -it includes a transverse bracing system, interposed between at least one block of electrochemical elements and the second longitudinal wall, advantageously, between the row of blocks of electrochemical elements and the second longitudinal wall.

[0024] - the battery module includes at least one thermal shield separating two adjacent blocks of electrochemical elements along the transverse axis, advantageously between each pair of adjacent blocks in a row of electrochemical element blocks.

[0025] - the second longitudinal wall is movable in conjunction with the second main partition to form a movable cover between an open position for access to the receiving volume, and a closed position for sealing off the receiving volume.

[0026] - the first longitudinal wall is assembled onto the first main partition to form a base, the lid being movable relative to the base between the open and closed positions.

[0027] - the first longitudinal wall has a dropped edge receiving a rim as support of the second main partition in the closed position.

[0028] - the first main partition forms or is connected to a heat exchange plate thermal configured to evacuate from the receiving volume thermal power generated by electrochemical elements in the receiving volume.

[0029] - each of the area of ​​the first main partition and the area of ​​the second The main partition is greater than each of the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall and of the second longitudinal wall.

[0030] The invention also relates to an electrical power storage system comprising:

[0031] -a transport container comprising a self-supporting structure delimiting an internal volume;

[0032] -a plurality of battery modules as defined above, received in the internal volume;

[0033] the transport container being movable between a horizontal transport configuration, in which each battery module is in its transport position, and a vertical use configuration, in which each battery module is in a use position, the transverse axis extending horizontally, the weight of electrochemical elements applied to the first main partition, the first main partition being located below the second main partition.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for assembling a battery module comprising the following steps:

[0035] -assembly of a housing comprising:

[0036] * a first main partition and a second main partition parallel between they and to a longitudinal axis, the first main partition and the second main partition delimiting between them a volume for receiving electrochemical elements;

[0037] * a front face and a rear face, each connecting the first partition main to the second main partition to close off the receiving volume perpendicular to the longitudinal axis;

[0038] * a first longitudinal wall and a second longitudinal wall extending perpendicular to a transverse axis and connecting the first main partition to the second main partition and the front face to the rear face, the area of ​​the first main partition being greater than the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall;

[0039] the method comprising, before the installation of at least one of the second main partition, the second longitudinal wall, the front face and the rear face, the arrangement of electrochemical elements in the receiving volume, in support against the first longitudinal wall;

[0040] the assembly of the housing comprising the placement of at least one of the second main partition, the second longitudinal wall, the front face and the rear face to close the receiving volume containing the electrochemical elements,

[0041] the first longitudinal wall forming at least part of a structural beam configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements contained in the receiving volume applying to the first longitudinal wall in a transport position of the battery module in which the transverse axis is arranged vertically, the first longitudinal wall being located under a second longitudinal wall.

[0042] The method according to the invention may include the following feature:

[0043] - during the arrangement of the electrochemical elements in the receiving volume, the first main partition is inclined relative to a horizontal plane, the first longitudinal wall being directed downwards.

[0044] The invention also relates to a method for setting up an electrical power storage system, comprising the following steps:

[0045] -supply of an electrical power storage system as defined above, the transport container occupying the horizontal transport configuration;

[0046] - tilting the transport container from the horizontal transport configuration, in which each battery module is in its transport position towards the vertical configuration of use, in which each battery module is in the position of use, the battery modules remaining contained in the transport container when the transport container is tilted.

[0047] 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, in which: - [Fig.1] [Fig.1] is a three-quarter front perspective view of a first battery module according to the invention, in a position of use for electrical power storage; - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an elevation view of the battery module of [Fig.1], in a transport position of the battery module; - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a side view of the module of [Fig.1], illustrating the structural longitudinal beam intended to support the weight of the electrochemical elements applied to it in the transport position; - [Fig.4] [Fig.4] is a perspective view of the battery module of [Fig.1], a cover of the module having been removed, as well as a block of electrochemical elements; - [Fig.5] [Fig.5] is an elevation view of an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of battery modules, in a horizontal transport configuration, in which the battery modules extend vertically in their transport position; - [Fig.6] [Fig.6] is a view analogous to [Fig.5], in which the container has been tilted into a vertical configuration, with the battery modules extending horizontally into their position of use.

[0048] A first battery module 10 according to the invention is illustrated by figures 1 to 4.

[0049] The battery module 10 is intended to be placed within a transport container 14, in an electrical power storage system 12, schematically illustrated by figures 5 and 6.

[0050] As seen in Figures 1 to 4, the battery module 10 comprises a housing 16, internally delimiting a receiving volume 18, and a plurality of electrochemical elements 20, in particular a plurality of blocks 22 of electrochemical elements 20, arranged in the receiving volume 18 (see [Fig.4]).

[0051] Still with reference to [Fig.4], the battery module 10 further comprises, in this example, at least one system 24 for transversely positioning the blocks 22 of electrochemical elements 20, and thermal shields 26 intended to thermally isolate each block 22 of electrochemical elements 20 from the transversely adjacent block(s) 22.

[0052] In an operating position, shown in [Fig. 1], the battery module 10 has a longitudinal axis AA' which extends horizontally. The battery module 10 also has a transverse axis B-B', perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A', which is horizontal in the operating position, and an elevation axis C-C', perpendicular to the axes A-A' and B-B', which is vertical in the operating position.

[0053] According to the invention, the battery module 10 is configured to be rotated from a transport position shown in [Fig. 2], to its operating position shown in [Fig. 1].

[0054] In the transport position, visible in [Fig.2], the elevation axis CC' of the battery module 10 extends horizontally, while the transverse axis BB' extends vertically.

[0055] The housing 16 is illustrated in more detail in figures 1 to 4. It has a first main partition 30 and a second main partition 32 parallel to the first main partition 30, each of the partitions 30, 32 being parallel to the plane formed by the longitudinal axis AA' and the transverse axis BB' to close the receiving volume 18 perpendicular to the elevation axis C-C'.

[0056] The housing 16 further defines a front face 34 and a rear face 36 which extend transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis AA' to close the receiving volume 18, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0057] The housing 16 further comprises, perpendicular to the transverse axis B-B', a first longitudinal wall 38 and a second longitudinal wall 40 which close the receiving volume 18 perpendicular to the transverse axis B-B', on either side of the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0058] The first main partition 30 is a structural partition, configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements 20 applied to it in the position of use.

[0059] The first main partition 30 advantageously has a greater thickness than the second main partition 32

[0060] The first main partition 30, for example, has a greater thickness up to 2 mm, and in particular between 5 mm and 20 mm. It is made of metal, in particular aluminum alloy, steel, or stainless steel.

[0061] The first main partition 30 closes the receiving volume 18 downwards in the operating position. It is preferably a heat exchange plate, configured to dissipate thermal power produced by the electrochemical elements 20 out of the receiving volume 18.

[0062] The first main partition 30 is configured to undergo a deformation of less than 1% along the elevation axis C-C', under the effect of a surface mass of between 57 kg / m2 and 570 kg / m2 of electrochemical elements 20 contained in the receiving volume 18 applying to the first main partition 30 in the operating position of the battery module 10.

[0063] The first main partition 30 has a lip 42 which projects beyond the interior receiving volume 18.

[0064] In the example shown in figures 1 to 4, the rim 42 extends in particular in projection along the first longitudinal wall 38.

[0065] The second main partition 32 is for example formed of a sheet of metal, of a thickness less than the thickness of the first main partition 30.

[0066] It extends parallel to the first main partition 30, above it in the operating position. It closes the receiving volume 18 upwards in the operating position.

[0067] The second main partition 30 also has a lip 44 which projects beyond the interior receiving volume 18.

[0068] In the example shown in figures 1 to 4, the rim 44 extends in particular in projection along the first longitudinal wall 38 opposite the rim 42.

[0069] The front face 34 and the rear face 36 are also here formed by metal sheets of a thickness less than the thickness of the first main partition 30.

[0070] The front face 34 connects a front edge of the first main partition 30 to a front edge of the second main partition 32.

[0071] The rear face 36 connects a rear edge of the first main partition 30 to a rear edge of the second main partition 32.

[0072] The front face 34 and the rear face 36 are assembled, for example by screwing, onto the first main partition 30.

[0073] Advantageously, the front face 34 and / or the rear face 36 carry(s) electrical connection terminals to the electrochemical elements 20, hydraulic connections, electronic components for monitoring parameters of the battery module 10, for example temperature and pressure within the battery module 10, and voltage and / or current delivered to the terminals of the battery module 10, and optionally a gas evacuation system out of the receiving volume 18.

[0074] The area occupied by each of the first main partition 30 and the second main partition 32, taken in projection in a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis C-C', is greater than the area occupied by each of the front face 34 and the rear face 36, taken in projection in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0075] In this example, the first longitudinal wall 38 is also assembled on the first main partition 30, parallel to the plane defined by the elevation axis CC' and by the longitudinal axis AA' to close off the receiving volume 18 perpendicular to the axis B-B'.

[0076] It connects the first main partition 30 to the second main partition 32 along a first side of these partitions 30, 32 parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0077] According to the invention, the first longitudinal wall 38 forms at least part of a structural beam 50, configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements 20 which are applied to it when the battery module 10 occupies its transport position.

[0078] This is the case when the elevation axis CC' is horizontal, the transverse axis B-B' is vertical and when the first longitudinal wall 38 is arranged under the second longitudinal wall 40.

[0079] In the example shown in figures 1 to 4, the first longitudinal wall 38 has a plate 52, perpendicular to the transverse axis B-B', and a dropped edge 54 which projects out of the receiving volume 18, opposite the first main partition 30, to receive the rim 44 of the second main partition 32 as support. The plate 52 is advantageously made of metal.

[0080] The structural beam 50 thus comprises a U-shaped profile having the plate 52 as its base, and having, perpendicular to the plate 52, two legs formed, on one side by the rim 42 of the first main partition 30, and on the other side by the dropped edge 54, and by the rim 44 of the second main partition 32 assembled on the dropped edge 54.

[0081] The plate 52 is assembled to the partitions 30 and 32, for example, by a welding, bolting, screwing, or riveting process. If these parts need to be disassembled during the life of the battery module 10, several of these processes can be used simultaneously.

[0082] In the example shown in figures 1 to 4, the structural beam 50 further includes reinforcements 56 arranged outside the plate 52 between the legs.

[0083] The reinforcements 56 are arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis A-A', parallel to the elevation axis C-C'.

[0084] They are, for example, formed of members spaced apart from each other. Each reinforcement 56 connects the legs to each other, and is connected to the plate 52 between the legs.

[0085] The structural beam 50 is configured to undergo a deformation of less than 1% along the transverse axis B-B' under the effect of a surface mass of between 180 kg / m2 and 1820 kg / m2 of electrochemical elements 20 contained in the receiving volume 18 applying to the first longitudinal wall 38 in the transport position of the battery module 10.

[0086] Thus, when the battery module 10 occupies its transport position shown in [Fig.2], with the transverse axis B-B' vertical and the first longitudinal wall 38 positioned below the second longitudinal wall 40, the structural beam 50 carries the weight of the electrochemical elements 20 contained in the receiving volume 18 without significant deformation.

[0087] The second longitudinal wall 40 extends parallel to the first longitudinal wall 38. It connects the first main partition 30 to the second main partition 32 along a second side of the partitions 30, 32, parallel to the axis A-A'.

[0088] The area occupied by each of the first main partition 30 and the second main partition 32, taken in projection in a plane perpendicular to the elevation axis C-C', is greater than the area occupied by each of the first longitudinal wall 38 and the second longitudinal wall 40, taken in projection on a plane perpendicular to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0089] In the example shown in figures 1 to 4, the second longitudinal wall 40

[0090] is formed of a sheet of metal attached to the second main partition 32.

[0091] For example, it has a Young's modulus that is at least 10% lower than the Young's modulus of the structural beam 50.

[0092] Advantageously, as illustrated by [Fig.4], the second main partition 32 and the second longitudinal wall 40 are formed in one piece by being made from material, for example by folding a metal sheet.

[0093] The first main partition 30, the front face 34, the rear face 36, and the first longitudinal wall 38 assembled on the first main partition 30 form a base 60 intended to receive the electrochemical elements 20 and to support them in the receiving volume 18.

[0094] The second main partition 32 and the second longitudinal wall 40 form a cover 62 intended to close the receiving volume 18, while securing the electrochemical elements 20 in the base 60. The cover 62 is movable between an open position providing access to the receiving volume 18, visible in [Fig.4], and a closed position for sealing the receiving volume 18, visible in [Fig.1].

[0095] The electrochemical elements 20 each comprise a prismatic outer casing, a cylindrical outer casing, or a pouch. Each electrochemical element 20 (referred to as an "electrochemical cell" in English) includes anodes, cathodes, and separators (not shown), between which electrochemical reactions take place.

[0096] The electrochemical element 20 is, for example, rechargeable. It is, for example, of the lithium-ion type, the sodium-ion type, or the alkaline electrolyte type. It further comprises terminals, which are connected to the terminals of the battery module 10 by an electrical connection system (not shown).

[0097] In the battery module 10 shown in [Fig.4], the electrochemical elements 20 are arranged in the form of a plurality of blocks 22 of electrochemical elements 20, in which the electrochemical elements 20 of the same block 22 are held together by a chassis so that they can be moved together with each other.

[0098] Each block 22 thus comprises a plurality of electrochemical elements 20 arranged parallel to each other, and the chassis allows the electrochemical elements 20 of the block 22 to be held and moved together. Each block 22 is here generally parallelepiped in shape.

[0099] In the example shown in [Fig. 4], the receiving volume 18 contains at least one column 64 of successive blocks 22 arranged end to end along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A-A'. The receiving volume 18 further contains at least one row 66 of adjacent blocks 22 extending side by side along an axis parallel to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0100] In this example, each electrochemical element 20 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis A-A'. The successive blocks 22 are in longitudinal contact with each other along each column 64.

[0101] The blocks 22 are also wedged transversely with each other along each row 66.

[0102] Preferably, a thermal shield 26 is interposed between each pair of adjacent blocks 22 in a row 66 of blocks 22. This thermally isolates the electrochemical elements 20 located in a block 22 within a row 66 and in the or each adjacent block 22 of the same row 66.

[0103] The shimming system 24 comprises, for example, at least one deformable shim. The deformable shim is interposed between the second longitudinal wall 40 and the blocks 22 adjacent to the second longitudinal wall 40.

[0104] The deformable wedge is for example formed from a block of foam applied against the second longitudinal wall 40.

[0105] Thus, in each row 66 of blocks 22, the block 22 adjacent to the first longitudinal wall 38 is arranged in contact with the first longitudinal wall 38.

[0106] On this same row 66, the block 22 adjacent to the second longitudinal wall 40 is wedged relative to the second longitudinal wall 40, by the interposition of a deformable wedge of the wedge system 24.

[0107] The or each intermediate block 22 between the blocks 22 adjacent to the longitudinal walls 38, 40 is wedged between the blocks 22 adjacent to the intermediate block 22, with interposition of a thermal shield 26 between each pair of adjacent blocks 22.

[0108] Alternatively, the columns of successive blocks 22 are arranged end to end along an axis parallel to the transverse axis B-B', the successive electrochemical elements 20 in each block 22 extending perpendicularly to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0109] Each battery module 10 according to the invention is received in a storage container 14 shown in Figures 5 and 6.

[0110] The storage container 14 is generally parallelepiped in shape. It is mobile between a horizontal transport configuration shown in [Fig. 5], in in which the battery modules 10 are in their transport position, the first longitudinal wall 38 supporting the weight of the electrochemical elements 20, and a vertical use configuration shown in [Fig.6], in which the battery modules 10 are in their use position, the first main partition 30 supporting the weight of the electrochemical elements 20.

[0111] In this example, the storage container 14 comprises a self-supporting structure 70, with dimensions governed by transport standards, for example by ISO Standard 1496-1 dated 19 September 2015 or ISO Standard 668 dated 1 May 2020 and its amendment 1 of 2022. It comprises, in the self-supporting structure 70, a plurality of bays 72 for supporting battery modules 10.

[0112] As illustrated by [Fig.6], the self-supporting structure 70 defines an internal volume 74 containing the bays 72. It allows the joint transport of the battery modules 10 contained in the bays 72 and, advantageously, of an electrical management system and a security system (not shown) to a site of use.

[0113] The storage container 14 further includes electrical terminals 76 intended to connect to an electrical power consumer (not shown) for the supply of electrical energy stored in the battery modules 10 to the consumer or, alternatively, to the electrical power supplier, for the recharging of the battery modules 10.

[0114] The electrical management system (not shown) is configured to control the voltage and current delivered by each battery module 10 when supplying electrical power by the battery module 10, and the voltage and current delivered to each battery module 10 when recharging the battery module 10.

[0115] The self-supporting structure 70 is here of polyhedral form, in particular in the form of a rectangular parallelepiped having a longitudinal axis D-D'.

[0116] The longitudinal axis D-D' is kept horizontal during transport of the storage container 14 in the horizontal configuration, the storage container 14 containing the battery modules 10 in the transport position. The longitudinal axis D-D' is configured to tilt vertically when the storage container 14 is used in the vertical configuration, the battery modules 10 then occupying their operating position.

[0117] The dimensions of the self-supporting structure 70 are governed by transport standards, in particular by the ISO 1496 or ISO668 standards mentioned above.

[0118] In its horizontal configuration, the transport container 14 thus 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.

[0119] Transport container 14 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 when transported.

[0120] The transport container 14 has projecting corners 80 (often called "ISO corners") at each of the corners of the self-supporting structure 70.

[0121] The self-supporting structure 70 comprises a structural framework including on each face of the container two longitudinal beams 90 connected to each other by two end crossbeams 92 and optionally, by a plurality of intermediate crossbeams 94.

[0122] The self-supporting structure 70 may include additional longitudinal beams and / or crossbeams inside the internal volume 74.

[0123] The bays 72 are mounted on the structural frame of the self-supporting structure 70 to be supported by the structural frame. The battery modules 10 are mounted in each support bay 72 parallel to each other.

[0124] The assembly of a battery module 10 according to the invention will now be described.

[0125] Initially, the first main partition 30, the front face 34, the rear face 36 and the first longitudinal wall 38 are provided to be assembled together to form a base 60, as illustrated in [Fig.4].

[0126] The reinforcements 56 are also provided and are assembled between the dropped edge 54 of the plate 52 and the rim 42 of the first main partition 30.

[0127] Then, advantageously, the first main partition 30 of the base 60 is inclined with respect to the horizontal to direct the first longitudinal wall 38 downwards.

[0128] For each row 66, a block 22 is placed adjacent to the first longitudinal wall 38, in contact with it. Then, a thermal shield 26 is interposed on a face of the block 22 opposite the first longitudinal wall 38, and another block 22 is applied against the thermal shield 26.

[0129] These steps are repeated until the block 22 intended to be adjacent to the second longitudinal wall 40 is placed in the receiving volume 18.

[0130] When all the blocks 22 of each row 66 have been placed in the receiving volume 18, the shimming system 24 is put in place, and the cover 62 is assembled on the base 60.

[0131] The second longitudinal partition 32 is arranged to rest on a free edge of the front face 34, on a free edge of the rear face 36, and on the dropped edge 54 of the plate 52.

[0132] The second longitudinal wall 40 compresses the shimming system 24 to ensure the immobilization of the blocks 22 parallel to the transverse axis B-B'.

[0133] Having done this, each battery module 10 is loaded into transport position in a bay 72 of the transport container 14 arranged in a horizontal configuration (see [Fig.5]).

[0134] As described previously, the electrochemical elements 20 within each battery module 10 then rest on the structural beam 50 defined at least in part by the first longitudinal wall 38. The structural beam 50 provides robust support for the electrochemical elements 20.

[0135] Then, when the electrical power storage system 12 reaches its place of use, the transport container 14 containing the battery modules 10 is tilted into the vertical configuration.

[0136] Each battery module 10 contained in the transport container 14 then switches from its transport position to its use position. The electrochemical elements 20 finally rest against the first main partition 30.

[0137] The battery module 10 is therefore configured to occupy two different positions, while adequately supporting the electrochemical elements 20 it contains, in particular a large number of electrochemical elements 20 with a surface mass greater than 100 kg / m2.

[0138] The presence of a first longitudinal wall 38 perpendicular to the first main partition 30 forming at least part of a structural beam 50 ensures that the battery module 10 can be held on its edge, while retaining its integrity.

[0139] The battery module 10 is also configured to be tilted into its operating position by passing through any inclined position between the transport position and the operating position, without damage to the housing 16 under the weight of the electrochemical elements 20.

[0140] This is achieved in a simple way, by a limited modification of the first longitudinal wall 38 to reinforce it and form a structural beam 50, having for example a U-shaped profile.

[0141] Alternatively, the profile has other shapes, for example a parallelepiped shape, in particular a rectangular parallelepiped, or a shape comprising a plurality of parallelepipeds.

[0142] As a further alternative, plate 50 is perforated.

Claims

Demands

1. Battery module (10), intended to be placed in a transport container (14), comprising: - a housing (16) having: • a first main partition (30) and a second main partition (32) parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis (A-A'), the first main partition (30) and the second main partition (32) delimiting between them a receiving volume (18) for electrochemical elements (20); • a front face (34) and a rear face (36) each connecting the first main partition (30) to the second main partition (32) to close the receiving volume (18) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A-A');• a first longitudinal wall (38) and a second longitudinal wall (40) extending perpendicularly to a transverse axis (B-B') and connecting the first main partition (30) to the second main partition (32) and the front face (34) to the rear face (36), the area of ​​the first main partition (30) being greater than the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall (38); - electrochemical elements (20) contained in the receiving volume (18); characterized in that the first longitudinal wall (38) forms at least part of a structural beam (50) configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements (20) contained in the receiving volume (18) applied to the first longitudinal wall (38) in a transport position of the battery module (10) in which the transverse axis (B-B') is arranged vertically, the first longitudinal wall (38) being located under the second longitudinal wall (40).

2. Battery module (10) according to claim 1, wherein the structural beam (50) comprises a profile extending parallel to the longitudinal axis (A-A').

3. Battery module (10) according to claim 2, wherein the profile has a U-shaped cross-section, or a cross-section in the shape of at least one polygon, in particular a rectangular shape.

4. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first longitudinal wall (38) is configured to undergo a deformation of less than 1% along the transverse axis (B-B') under the effect of a surface mass of between 180 kg / m2 and 1820 kg / m2 of electrochemical elements (20) contained in the receiving volume (18) applying to the first longitudinal wall (38) in the transport position of the battery module (10).

5. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the structural beam (50) comprises a plurality of reinforcements parallel to an elevation axis (C-C') perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A-A') and to the transverse axis (B-

6. n). Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electrochemical elements (20) comprise at least one block (22) of electrochemical elements (20) wedged in the receiving volume (18) against the first longitudinal wall (38), advantageously at least one row (66) of blocks (22) of electrochemical elements (20) wedged in the receiving volume (18) against the first longitudinal wall (38).

7. Battery module (10) according to claim 6, comprising a transverse shimming system (24), interposed between at least one block (22) of electrochemical elements (20) and the second longitudinal wall (40), advantageously, between the row (66) of blocks (22) of electrochemical elements (20) and the second longitudinal wall (40).

8. Battery module (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the battery module (10) comprises at least one heat shield separating two adjacent blocks (22) of electrochemical elements (20) along the transverse axis (B-B'), advantageously between each pair of adjacent blocks (22) of a row (66) of blocks (22) of electrochemical elements (20).

9. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second longitudinal wall (40) is movable in conjunction with the second main partition (32) to form a movable cover (62) between an open position for accessing the receiving volume (18), and a closed position for sealing the receiving volume (18).

10. Battery module (10) according to claim 9, wherein the first longitudinal wall (38) is assembled on the first main partition (30) to form a base (60), the cover (62) being movable relative to the base (60) between the open position and the closed position.

11. Battery module (10) according to any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the first longitudinal wall (38) has a dropped edge (54) receiving support from a rim (44) of the second main partition (32) in the closed position.

12. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first main partition (30) forms or is connected to a heat exchange plate configured to evacuate out of the receiving volume (18) thermal power generated by the electrochemical elements (20) in the receiving volume (18).

13. Battery module (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the area of ​​the first main partition (30) and of the area of ​​the second main partition (32) is greater than each of the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall (38) and of the area of ​​the second longitudinal wall (40).

14. An electrical power storage system (12) comprising: - a transport container (14) including a self-supporting structure (70) delimiting an internal volume (74); - a plurality of battery modules (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, received in the internal volume (74); the transport container (14) being movable between a horizontal transport configuration, in which each battery module (10) is in its transport position, and a vertical use configuration, in which each battery module (10) is in a use position, the transverse axis (B-B') extending horizontally, the weight of the electrochemical elements (20) being applied to the first main partition (30), the first

15. main partition (30) being located below the second main partition (32). Method for assembling a battery module (10), comprising the following steps: - assembly of a housing (16) comprising: * a first main partition (30) and a second main partition (32) parallel to each other and to a longitudinal axis (A-A'), the first main partition (30) and the second main partition (32) delimiting between them a receiving volume (18) of electrochemical elements (20); * a front face (34) and a rear face (36) each connecting the first main partition (30) to the second main partition (32) to close off the receiving volume (18) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (A-A'); * a first longitudinal wall (38) and a second longitudinal wall (40) extending perpendicularly to a transverse axis (B-B') and connecting the first main partition (30) to the second main partition (32) and the front face (34) to the rear face (36), the area of ​​the first main partition (30) being greater than the area of ​​the first longitudinal wall (38); the method comprising, before the placement of at least one of the second main partition (32), the second longitudinal wall (40), the front face (34) and the rear face (36), the arrangement of electrochemical elements (20) in the receiving volume (18), supported against the first longitudinal wall (38); the assembly of the housing comprising the placement of at least one of the second main partition (32), the second longitudinal wall (40), the front face (34) and the rear face (36) to seal the receiving volume (18) containing the electrochemical elements, the first longitudinal wall (38) forming at least part of a structural beam (50) configured to support the weight of the electrochemical elements (20) contained in the receiving volume (18) applied to the first longitudinal wall (38) in a transport position of the battery module (10) in which the transverse axis (B-B') is arranged vertically, the first

16.

17. longitudinal wall (38) being located below a second longitudinal wall (40). Method according to claim 15, wherein, when arranging the electrochemical elements (20) in the receiving volume (18), the first main partition (30) is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane, the first longitudinal wall (38) being directed downwards. Method for installing an electrical power storage system, comprising the following steps: - supply of an electrical power storage system (12) according to claim 14, the transport container (14) occupying the horizontal transport configuration; - tilting of the transport container (14) from the horizontal transport configuration, in which each battery module (10) is in its transport position, to the vertical use configuration, in which each battery module (10) is in the use position, the battery modules (10) remaining contained in the transport container (14) during the tilting of the transport container (14).

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