SOLID-STATE MODULAR BATTERY AND RELATED MODULAR BATTERY SYSTEM

Description

“ " BA TT ERIAMODULARY LL OSTATOSOLIDOER RELATED SYSTEMS HYMODULABLE TT ” FIELD TECHNICIAN This solution is for a battery modulate to the solid state and to a related system of modular batteries. CONTEXT Distributed systems of storing the electrical energy (so-called BESS, Battery Energy Storage Systems), particularly d① energy storage systems to drums, made up of a number of the strings (the “rack”) dielementidia cc mule , with the cats 1 inserted Each of such elements consists of a battery modular formed by a plurality of electrochemical cells, typically made with Lithium technology. Electrical energy storage systems of this type are for example used in traction systems for construction machinery or for agriculture; or in systems of propulsion and / or services in the naval domain and in general sailor. Typically , thalistemides are namentod gases electric power have medium or large size, with the tension was working in you , of the order of the hundreds Volts (e.g. up to 800 V) and high capacity of current, for example the order of the hundreds Ah. Although numerous accumulation systems exist today dienergize tt eria , at least determinate tt ori applicative and felt the need to develop solutions that present greater ease of use and installation and also offer improved performance in terms of relative electrical safety. SO MM ARTO The present solution has the general purpose ⑯ to provide an answer to the aforementioned need, offering a improved solution compared to modular systems known type of battery energy storage. According to this solution, a modular solid-state battery and related system debate about modules, as defined in the claims attached. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES For a better understanding of this invention, an embodiment of which is now described preferred, purely by way of non-limiting example and with reference to the attached drawings, in which: - Figure 1 shows a front perspective view of a modular battery, according to a form of realization of this solution; - Figure 2 shows a rear perspective view of the modular battery; - Figure 3 shows a rear perspective view of a portion of the modular battery, according to an aspect of this solution; - Figure 4 is a schematic cross-section of a main body portion of a casing modulate batteries, in a first form of realization of a related cooling system; - Figure 5 is a schematic cross-section of the main portion of body, in a second form of creation of a related cooling system; - Figures 6A-6C are equivalent circuit diagrams of the modular battery in different configurations operational; and - Figure 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a electrical energy storage system that includes a stackd ① modular batteries, according to a further expectation of this solution. DESCRIPTION OF CONFORMED IMPLEMENTATION As will be described later, one aspect of the This solution involves the creation of a battery with solid-state lithium technology, equipped with a modular and improved construction or architecture configurability and flexibility characteristics use and electrical safety. Referring first to Figures 1 and 2, a modular battery 1 in accordance with one embodiment of the present solution comprises a 1 casing (or container or package) 2, of metallic material, for example made of aluminium, which guarantees an adequate degree of hermeticity, for example a degree of protection IP65 (degree d① marking international standard-defined protection international IEC 60529). This casing 2 has a substantially box-shaped, delimited by a 2nd upper main face and a lower main face 2b, with extension in a horizontal plane xy, and 1lateral faces 2c, one face a 2d front and 2e rear face with long extension a vertical z-axis, orthogonal to said horizontal plane Xヅ・ Casing ② further includes a princip al portion body 3 , chera cc hiudethe inside , in a way illustrated in detail, a plurality of cells electrolytics, especially made with technology at Lithium in the solid state. In particular, in a possible implementation, such cells are of the so-called “blade”, distinguished by an elongated and narrow shape. For example , lece rolitic tt electricity , traloroco gates in series within the above main portion of body 3 of the casing 2, I can provide overall voltage nominal 5 6 V , current conecapacitance equal to 246 Ah. Said wrapper 2 further comprises a portion front 4 , correspondence of the front face 2 d , having an upper surface, which defines part of the above mentioned upper main face 2a, inclined by a negative angle with respect to the horizontal plane xy (of consequently, the 2d front face has a height along the vertical axis z less than the corresponding height of the rear face ②e ) . Internally, between the aforementioned anterior portion 4 and 1 the aforementioned body portion 3 can be advantageously present a separating wall. This front portion 4 is configured so as to to house the electronic circuitry inside it and modular battery control 1, comprising for example unrelativemodulediges tion , thus giving this BMS module (Battery Management System) . The nmododipers is known, the BMS module is a ' unit control atta to manage the operation and monitor re operating state of the modular battery 1, for example in such a way to prevent it from operating outside the conditions unsecure zz to . In particular , the BMS module is active control and manage 1 set of electrochemical cells that make up the modular battery 1 by monitoring its state discharge , temperature , voltage and / other parameters , for example to implement a balancing of the charge state in case of imbalance between the various cells electrochem. According to one aspect of this solution, in correspondence of the aforementioned upper surface of the front portion 4 of the casing 1 is made a removable pillar 5 (coupled to this upper surface for example by means of screws or similar fastening elements removable). This removable plate 5 allows access inside the aforementioned front portion 4, for AL purposes an inspection and possible maintenance of the circuitry modular battery electronics 1, advantageously without compromising the hermeticity of the body portion 3 housing the electrochemical cells. In correspondence with the aforementioned front face 2d, 1 casing 2 also carries appropriate electrical connectors, electrically coupled, inside the aforementioned anterior portion 4 , to the ronic circuit , edin detail: a first and a second connector to power a , 6 b , for example, we have retained so nn e tt ore female, mated to a positive clamp and a clamp modular battery negative 1; a first and a second with connections 8 a , 8 b , especially CAN bus type ( such as saradiscu sso unfollowed , talico nn and tt directedwithout consent communication between multiple modular batteries, connected to each other serial or parallel); a diagnostic connector 9; ed one or more signal input / output connectors 10, at example to receive command or configuration signals from peripheral ( for example , uncharged tt air , a control unit ECU - Electronic C ontrol U nit , unsystematic power management PMS - Power Management System, a EMS Energy Budget Management System - En ergy Management System) or to provide status signals or detection at the same outer peripherals. According to an aspect of the present solution, in matching of the aforementioned rear face 2e, 1 ' envelope 2 furthermore a vent membrane 1 0 , integrated in such rear face 2e and having an opening (break) checked in case of internal overpressure. T herefore, the respiratory membrane 10 represents a major safety aspect as it allows 1'emission towards the outside of the casing 2 of gases that can be generated at cause problems or cell malfunctions electrochemical, for example in the case of thermal leaks (so-called “Thermal Runaway”). Advantageously, and as illustrated in Figure 3, such 10 vent membrane can also be coupled with a extraction duct 12 (of which only one is shown) an initial portion), suitable for conveying the gases, which they come out in case of internal overpressure and consequent rupture of the above mentioned breather membrane 10, avoiding involve the environment (room or battery compartment) in which the 1 modular battery is installed. Overall, the entire casing 2 presents small size and particularly compact along the on dd and tt or to ss vertical 2 z , having for example a height less than 200 mm, for example equal to 165 mm. This feature makes it easy to stack more unit of the above modular batteries 1 1along the axis vertical z, to form a stack of batteries (in such stacking, The upper main face 2a of a modular battery 1 arranged below is therefore arranged facing the lower main face 2b of a modular battery 1 arranged above). In this stack, as will be described in detail also later, the modular batteries 1 are connected to each other in series, so as to reach voltages high, for example up to around 800 V. In particular, 1 electrical connections in series between The 1 stacked modular batteries are performed via power electrical cables appropriately coupled to the the above-mentioned first and second power connectors 6a, 6b; furthermore, CAN lines or buses, coupled to the above mentioned first and according to data numbers 8 a, 8 b, connected not together modular batteries 1 stacked from the point of view of the data connection. Furthermore, in the above stacking, the plate removable 5 remains easily accessible for an operator, thanks to the appropriate inclination of the surface top of the front portion 4 of the casing 2. According to a further aspect of this solution, the internal layout adopted and the related solutions to the construction of the 1 lithium cells and the relative housing allow the modular battery 1 to function correctly in different configurations of cooling, with different performances and specifications, but while still preserving its robustness characteristics, durability and safety requirements, even in the presence of high electrical loads, without particular increases in temperatures . In detail, the modular battery 1 can be equipped of a natural convection cooling system, or forced air cooling, or even liquid cooling via cold plate (“co ld plate”) applied below, in any case ensuring that meet the IP65 protection rating. In particular, in the case of a system with cooling liquid, a possible failure of the cooling system it is not such as to prevent the battery from functioning modular 1, which can continue to work, even if with reduced electrical performance. In more detail, Figure 4 shows in a schematic 1'case 2 of the modular battery 1, in in particular the relative portion of body 3 housing ①e electrochemical cells, of the solid state type, here indicated with 20 (such solid state cells 20 have, in the illustrated example, an elongated blade shape, long a first horizontal axis x of the horizontal plane xy). I n particular, the on dd and all casing 2 has a base 2 1, cup-shaped, which houses the aforementioned cells in the state solid 20, and a lid 22, which closes above of the axis dd and tt base 2 1 , for example through analog screws fasteners, so as to ensure the degree of protection required (eg IP65). Indeed , 1 solid state 2 0 particles are internally paired at base 21, corresponding of the above lower main face 2b of the casing 2, by means of a respective platform 25 of material thermal conduit, thus called a thermal plate (for example of a dielectric insulator). Also, below the same main face bottom 2 b , externally and the envelope 2 , is in this case present a plate 26, equipped internally with an appropriate channeling for a cooling fluid (according to the “cold plate” and “liquid cooling” techniques). In a manner known in itself, not described here in detail, the coolant allows in this case to cool the solid state cells 20 and maintain a controlled temperature within a range of safety (for example, in order to prevent the aforementioned leaks thermals). Figure 5 shows schematically the same portion of body 3 of casing 2 of modular battery 1, in case in which cooling occurs by air, by convection or by forced ventilation (the air flow is represented by the arrows in Figure ⑤). The design is now described in more detail. of the electrical circuitry inside the battery, optimized to realize the related architecture modular. In particular, according to one aspect of this solution, each modular battery ① can be configured to operate as: an independent or “STANDALONE” module, or rather independent battery or battery pack, with a circuit integrated control and safety (so-called BDU, Battery Disconnect Unit); or a primary module or “MASTER”, or vve rocomemodule progenitor of a string or stack of linked modules series to reach a desired battery voltage, multiple of the unit value of each modular battery (if one module has a nominal voltage of 56 V, two modules in series allow you to obtain a voltage of 112 V and so VLa up to a maximum value, for example 800 V); or a SLAVE secondary module , or vve rocomemodule subject to control and coordination by the module leadership or MASTER. In greater detail, Figure 6A shows a scheme circuit equivalent to modular battery 1, in the case of stand-alone or stand-alone setup. Notably, Figure 6A shows cells at the state solid 20 (illustrated with the ⑯ と or electrical equivalent) connected to each other in series between a negative terminal '-' and a positive Y+' terminal of modular battery 1; ed also the BMS module , indicated by 3 0 , inside the battery module 1 (in particular the relative shell 2, here schematically illustrated) and configured to handle the operation of the cells at the solid state 3 and furthermore in order to interface with external peripherals via a line of communication 3 2 , in particular a line CANbus. In particular, the BMS 30 module is equipped with a system measuring the voltage and temperature of the individual 20 solid state cells present inside the modular battery 1, in order to always operate in conditions maximum safety and optimized to preserve life of the battery by extending its life, regardless of the battery configuration of the same modular battery 1. In In particular, the BMS 30 module is responsible for monitoring of cell voltages and temperatures and ensures that they are maintained balanced among themselves by balancing the energy by means of appropriate balancing resistors. In this configuration, the modular lab furthermore includes integrated internal of the casing 1, a check circuit stage and safety, indicated with 34, having BDU function, Battery Disconnect Unit. Specifically, such circuit stage 34 comprises a safety fuse element 34a and a relay element of security 34b, connected in series between them and interpo these between the positive terminal of the modular battery 1 and the cells solid state 20 series connections. TL BMS module 30 is configured to check and pilot the aforementioned circuit stage 34, in particular the element-relative is uncertain zz a 3 4 b , unmodeled implement selective disconnection of allo cells state solid 2 0 from dd and tt if tt is opposite , for example in case of breakdowns or other problems, or for prevent operation under hot conditions or voltage unsuitable to the range allowed by the cells themselves, preserving its proper functioning. Figure 6B shows a circuit pattern instead equivalent to modular D battery 1 , in the case “master” setup. Such a setup differs from the independent (discussed previously) for not including internally the safety circuitry. In this case, it is infa tt expected goodbye BDU 3 6 , outdoor house area modular 1 ( eadrela tive envelope 2 ) , operationally coupled to the BMS module 30. Such BDU stage 36 includes, similarly to what was discussed previously, a respective safety fuse element 36a and a respective element read safety zz a 3 6 b , with their serial number Figure 6C further shows the “Slavic” setup of the modular battery 1, which in this case includes the cell ostatosolido 2 0 , traloroco ll egateinseries , and the BMS 30 module, operationally coupled via the line communication 3 2 , CAN bus type , with 1 external node same modular 1 battery. Figure 7 shows the setup of a system of the humodienergetic cc , indicated on the surface together with 39, comprising a string or stack, herein referred to as 40, diba tt was modular 1 , first tt was modular 1 act " master " , with the relevant BMS module coupled to BDU stage 36, external to stack; as remaining modular 1 batteries act as “slaves”, with operation subordinate and slave to the master module (for if implied by illustration, it is not illustrated in such Figure 7 the BMS module 30 of the Slavic batteries). Specifically , each t was modulated by 1 agent as “slave” has positive terminal connected to negative seat of a modular battery 1 in position top in stack 40 and negative terminal connected to the positive terminal of the modular battery 1 below in the ostack 4 0 , via the respective connection cables of power, indicated by 3 7 . Furthermore, the modular battery 1 acts as a “master” has positive terminal connected, with 1 interposition of the BDU 3 6 stage, with a positive terminal supplied of energy of the electrical energy storage system① 39, and negative terminal connected to the positive terminal of a first modular battery 1 acting as a "slave"; and a last one Modular battery 1 acting as “slave” in stack 40 has a negative terminal «connected to a terminal negative energy supply of the storage system electricity 39. Furthermore, in stack 4 0 , we have t herimodular 1 presentanolelin and communication 3 2 , type CAN bus , links between them (in a “daisy chain” link, such as for itself known, here not described in detail), with the line CANbus of the first modular battery 1 of the stack 40 agent as a “slave” connected to the respective CANbus line of the modular battery 1 agent as “master”. The substance , the circuit , is involved in the modular battery 1 allows you to adapt the same battery to different needs, with minimal changes of type hardware / software . In particular, you can make the battery modulate 1 with or without the circuit stage integrated inside the relative casing 2 (comprising the fuse element 34a and the relay element 34b); furthermore, it is it is possible to modify the module firmware accordingly BMS 30 without having to completely re-adapt the module but simply by acting on the parametric configuration of the same BMS 30 module. For example, thanks to different sets of firmware and the communication via programmable CANbus, and possible establish the connection between the modular batteries 1 in the different configurations. The BMS 30 module present in every modular battery 1 It is in fact equipped with a set of programmable parameters to be able to define the role of the battery in which it is applied and therefore have the correct information, for example relating to to the peripherals to be managed (e.g. safety relays) and / or 1 signals to be acquired. Common 3 2 , CAN bus type , you can also communicate modular batteries between them , in order to establish the hierarchy of each respective BMS module 30 and pair the same batteries modular 1 in stack 4 0 , both 1 physical level , 5 L aa software level. The n each BMS module 30 can advantageously be e separate the CANbus layer of the internal communication to the stack 40, between BMS modules 30 and between their batteries modular 1 , with respect to communication to peripherals external ( tt erie charger , control unit ECU , management systems PMS power, Balance Sheet management systems energetic EMS). The advantages of the proposed solution emerge in a evident from the previous description. In any case, 51 underlines that this solution provides a solid-state lithium battery, equipped with wuna modular architecture and having high performance characteristics with configurability and flexibility of use and forwarding of electrical safety. Finally, it is clear that what is described here and illustrated changes and variations can be made without thereby leaving the scope of protection of the This invention, as defined in the claims attached. In particular, it is evident that the modular batteries are 1 can also be configured in a configuration “multiparallel”, for example with multiple 40 battery stacks modular 1, or with quilts, modular 1 in configuration independent, connected to each other in parallel, maintaining therefore a nominal voltage of the resulting system equal to at the nominal voltage of the stack 40 (or single battery, for example equal to 56 V), but with the possibility of increasing the overall current capacity.

Claims

: CLAIMS 1. Modular battery (1), comprising a casing (2) having a main body portion (3) housing a plurality of electrochemical cells (20), of the solid state Lithium type, connected so as to provide a nominal voltage between a positive terminal and a negative terminal of said modular battery (1); wherein said casing (2) also houses internally an internal electronics comprising a BMS module (30) configured for the management and control of the electrochemical cells (20) and further coupled to a communication line (32) for communication with the outside of said modular battery (1), said internal electronics and said BMS module (30) being configured so as to define a modular architecture for said modular battery (1), alternatively configurable as: an independent module; a master module, i.e. the progenitor in a string or stack (40) of modules;or a slave module, subject to control and coordination by the master module.; 2. Battery according to claim 1, wherein said modular battery (1), in independent module configuration, comprises inside the casing (2) a safety circuit stage (34), defined by a safety fuse element (34a) and a safety relay element (34b), connected in series with each other and interposed between the positive terminal of the modular battery (1) and the electrochemical cells (20) connected in series; wherein said BMS module (30) is configured to control and drive said circuit stage (34), in such a way as to implement a selective disconnection of the electrochemical cells (20) with respect to said positive terminal.

3. Battery according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said modular battery (1), in master module configuration, has the related BMS module (30) configured so as to be operationally coupled to a BDU stage (36), Battery Disconnect Unit, external to the casing (2) of said modular battery (1), and also to at least one slave module in said stack (40) via the respective communication line (32).

4. Battery according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said modular battery (1), in slave module configuration, has the related BMS module (30) configured so as to be operationally coupled to a respective master module in said stack (40) or to at least one further slave module, via the respective communication line (32).

5. Battery according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said communication line (32) is a CANbus line.

6. Battery according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) comprises a further portion (4), distinct from said main body portion (3), configured so as to house said internal electronics and having a surface in which a removable plate (5) is made, suitable to allow access to the inside of said further portion (4) for the purposes of inspection and maintenance of said electronics.

7. Battery according to claim 6, wherein said further portion (4) defines a face (2d) of said casing (2), which carries electrical connectors, electrically coupled, inside said further portion (4), to said internal electronics, comprising: a first and a second power connector (6a, 6b), coupled to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the modular battery (1); a first and a second data connector (8a, 8b), of the CANbus type; and one or more signal input / output connectors (10), configured for the exchange of signals with one or more external peripherals.

8. A battery according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said main body portion (3) of said casing (2) comprises a cup-shaped base (21) housing said electrochemical cells (20) and a lid (22), which closes above the base (21), so as to ensure a hermetically sealed coupling; wherein said electrochemical cells (20) are internally coupled to the base (21), at a main face (2b) of the casing (2), by means of a respective pad (25) of thermally conductive material; wherein said main face (2b) is intended to be cooled by means of an air or liquid cooling system.

9. Battery according to claim 8, wherein said main face (2b) of the casing (2) is configured so as to be coupled to a plate (26), internally equipped with a channel for a cooling fluid.

10. Battery according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said casing (2) has an external face (2e), which carries a vent membrane (10), integrated into said external face (2e) and having a controlled burst opening in the event of overpressure inside said casing (2).

11. A battery according to claim 10, further comprising an extraction duct (12) coupled to said vent membrane (10), configured to convey gases that escape in the event of internal overpressure and a consequent rupture of said vent membrane (10).

12. Electric energy storage system (39), comprising a string or stack (40) of modular batteries (1) connected in series and made according to any of the preceding claims.

13. System according to claim 12, wherein a first modular battery (1) in said stack (40) acts as master, with the related BMS module (30) coupled to a BDU stage (36), external to the stack (40); and remaining modular batteries (1) act as slaves, with operation subordinate and subservient to the master battery.

14. System according to claim 13, wherein the modular battery (1) acting as master has a positive terminal connected, with the interposition of the BDU stage (36), to a positive energy supply terminal of the electrical energy storage system (39), and a negative terminal connected to the positive terminal of a first modular battery (1) acting as slave; and a last modular battery (1) acting as slave in the stack (40) has a negative terminal connected to a negative energy supply terminal of the electrical energy storage system (39); and wherein, in the stack (40), the modular batteries (1) have their respective communication lines (32) connected to each other.

15. System according to any of claims 12-14, for use in a traction system for construction or agricultural machinery; or in a propulsion and / or service system in the naval or marine sector.