Energy storage device and fire extinguishing method therefor

Abstract

To provide an energy storage device and a fire extinguishing method therefor.SOLUTION: An energy storage device comprises an energy storage cabinet and a fire extinguishing system. The energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet. The cabinet has a configuration that withstands combustion flames at a temperature of about 150°C or higher, has a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa and includes an accommodation space for housing at least one battery system. The fire extinguishing system includes a liquid injection device and a liquid guiding structure. The liquid injection device has a configuration that injects liquid into the liquid guiding structure. The liquid guiding structure is shaped to disperse the liquid and direct it into the accommodation space of the cabinet, thereby immersing at least one battery system in the liquid to extinguish the fire.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure substantially relates to an energy storage device and a method for extinguishing a fire thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to an energy storage device including a fire extinguishing system and a method for extinguishing a fire thereof.

Background Art

[0002] In order to improve the energy use efficiency and flexibility, the development of energy storage devices has been a trend in recent years. As battery technologies (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) have evolved and matured, battery energy storage devices have already become one of the mainstreams of energy storage devices.

[0003] However, due to various factors (e.g., overcharging, electronic control system errors, operating environment, or manufacturing process defects), the positive and negative electrodes in the battery may come into contact and cause a short circuit, resulting in a chemical reaction of high-temperature heat and the ignition of combustible organic components in the battery. The high temperature generated by the thermal runaway of the battery may further lead to unexpected situations such as damage to devices near the battery energy storage device and fire accidents.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In one or more embodiments, the energy storage device includes an energy storage cabinet and a fire extinguishing system. The energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet, the cabinet can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 150 °C or higher and has a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa according to the configuration, and the cabinet is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating at least one battery system. The fire extinguishing system includes a liquid injection device and a liquid guiding structure. The liquid guiding structure disperses the liquid according to its shape and flows it into the accommodation space of the cabinet, and extinguishes the fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid.

[0005] In one or more embodiments, a method for extinguishing a fire in an energy storage device includes providing an energy storage device, which includes an energy storage cabinet and a fire extinguishing system. The energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet that can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 150 °C or higher and has a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa according to the configuration, and the cabinet is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating at least one battery system. The fire extinguishing system includes a liquid injection device, a liquid guiding structure, and a fire sensor. The liquid injection device injects liquid into the accommodation space of the cabinet according to the configuration and extinguishes the fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid. The above fire extinguishing method also includes implementing a procedure of immersing in the liquid, which includes that in response to a first fire signal emitted by the fire sensor, the liquid injection device injects liquid into the liquid guiding structure, and the liquid guiding structure disperses the liquid according to its shape and flows it into the accommodation space of the cabinet, and further extinguishes the fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid.

[0006] In one or more embodiments, an energy storage device includes an energy storage cabinet and a fire extinguishing system. The energy storage cabinet includes a cabinet that is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating at least one battery system. The cabinet further includes a pressure relief valve that operates when the pressure in the accommodation space exceeds a threshold according to the configuration. The fire extinguishing system includes a liquid injection device and a liquid guiding structure. The liquid injection device injects liquid into the liquid guiding structure according to the configuration, and the liquid guiding structure disperses the liquid according to its shape and flows it into the accommodation space of the cabinet, and further extinguishes the fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] When reading this disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the embodiments of this disclosure can be better understood based on the following examples. It should be noted that the various characteristics may not be drawn in accordance with the size ratio, and the sizes of the various characteristics may be arbitrarily enlarged or reduced to clearly explain the content of this disclosure.

[0008]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] In the diagrams and embodiments of the present disclosure, the same or similar elements are denoted by the same element symbols.

Example

[0010] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an energy storage device 1 shown based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Please refer to FIG. 1A. The energy storage device 1 can include one or more energy storage cabinets (e.g., energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B), one or more battery systems 20, a fire extinguishing system, and a control system 80. It should be noted that hereinafter, the present disclosure will be described by taking an energy storage device including three energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B as an example. However, the number of energy storage cabinets that the energy storage device 1 of the present disclosure can include is by no means limited to this, and can be adjusted and changed based on the actual application situation.

[0012] In some embodiments, the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B each include a cabinet 110, and each cabinet 110 is provided with an accommodation space S1 for accommodating at least one battery system 20 respectively. In some embodiments, the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B can further include pressure relief valves 170, 170A, and 170B respectively. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valves 170, 170A, and 170B are each activated by configuration when the pressure in its corresponding accommodation space S1 exceeds a threshold value. In some embodiments, this threshold value is lower than the compression strength of the cabinet 110. Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, by operating the pressure relief valve, the pressure in the accommodation space S1 (e.g., the pressure generated by the gas in the accommodation space S1) can be released outside the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valves 170, 170A, and 170B are located at the top of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valves 170, 170A, and 170B are located above the battery system 20.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery system 20 of each energy storage cabinet may include a plurality of battery packs 210, a battery management system (BMS) 230, and an integrated energy management system (EMS). The battery management system 230 is located above the battery pack 210 and is electrically connected to the corresponding plurality of series-connected battery packs 210. In some embodiments, each battery pack 210 is provided with a temperature sensor used for measuring the temperature of the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the battery management system 230, according to the configuration, reduces or stops the output current or input current of the corresponding battery pack 210 based on the temperature signal of each received battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the battery management system 230, according to the configuration, reduces or stops the output current or input current of the corresponding battery pack 210 when the temperature of each battery pack 210 exceeds a threshold value (for example, about 50 °C or 55 °C). By reducing or stopping the output current or input current of the corresponding battery pack 210, the temperature of the battery pack 210 can be decreased, and further, the risk of fire can be reduced or the purpose of extinguishing the fire can be achieved. In some embodiments, the energy management system (EMS), according to the configuration, transfers the energy of the batteries in the battery system 20 within a certain energy storage cabinet to the battery system 20 within other energy storage cabinets. Due to the design of the integrated energy management system, the energy of the batteries in the battery system 20 within an energy storage cabinet that may face the risk of fire or has already caught fire can be transferred to the battery system 20 within other energy storage cabinets, thus reducing the risk of fire or achieving the purpose of extinguishing the fire. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valves 170, 170A, and 170B are respectively located above the corresponding battery packs 210.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may include a liquid injection device (e.g., liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B). In some embodiments, the liquid injection device injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of its corresponding energy storage cabinet according to the configuration, and extinguishes the fire by immersing the battery system 20 therein in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid injected by the liquid injection device 40 may include a liquid, an aqueous solution, an electrolyte (e.g., sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or similar substances), or other liquids that can be used for fire extinguishing, or any combination of the above, which has characteristics such as a large specific heat, can rapidly reduce the temperature, and / or chemical inertness. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device operates in response to at least one fire signal according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device operates in response to at least one fire signal of its corresponding energy storage cabinet according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration, and extinguishes the fire by immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40A operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10A according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40A injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10A according to the configuration, and extinguishes the fire by immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40B operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10B according to the configuration.In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40B extinguishes a fire by injecting a liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10B according to a configuration and immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid. Once the battery system 20 catches fire, the battery has a sufficiently high temperature and can continue to burn without oxygen until the energy is exhausted. Therefore, with the conventional fire extinguishing method of isolating oxygen, the battery system 20 cannot be effectively extinguished. Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, by injecting a liquid and immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid, the temperature of the battery pack 210 of the battery system 20 can be reduced, and further the purpose of fire extinguishing can be achieved. Moreover, by the integrated Energy Management System, the energy of other battery systems 20 in the energy storage cabinet where the already-fired battery system 20 is located can be transferred into the battery systems of other energy storage cabinets, and the fire extinguishing speed can be further accelerated.

[0015] In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 immerses the battery system 20 in a liquid before the combustion of the battery system 20 in the energy storage cabinet 10 is completely terminated according to a configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 immerses the battery system 20 in a liquid before the fire spreads according to a configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to a configuration and immerses the battery system 20 in the energy storage cabinet 10 in a liquid before the fire spreads. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 immerses the battery system 20 in a liquid within an injection time (for example, an injection time between about 10 minutes, 9 minutes, 7 minutes, 5 minutes, 3 minutes, 2.5 minutes, 2 minutes or other between 2 and 10 minutes) that is less than about 10 minutes according to a configuration.

[0016] In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 includes a solenoid valve 410, an outlet 420, and a pipeline 430. In some embodiments, the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 is supplied to the liquid injection device 40 through the pipeline 430. When the liquid injection device 40 receives a fire signal, the solenoid valve 410 is activated, and the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 is immediately injected into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10 through the outlet 420, and the battery system 20 is immersed in the liquid to extinguish the fire. In some embodiments, the outlet 420 may be located above the battery pack 210. In some other embodiments, the outlet 420 may be located at the bottom of the cabinet 110. The outlet 420 of the present disclosure is not limited to being installed at a specific position. As long as it can be used to inject the liquid and immerse the battery system 20 in the liquid to extinguish the fire, that is sufficient. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 may include one or more solenoid valves 410, one or more outlets 420, and one or more pipelines 430.

[0017] In some embodiments, the liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B each include solenoid valves 410, 410A, and 410B, and are each activated in response to a fire signal of each energy storage cabinet 10, 10A, and 10B, so that the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 is injected into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the corresponding energy storage cabinet 10, 10A, and 10B through the corresponding outlet 420, and the battery system 20 is immersed in the liquid to extinguish the fire. In some embodiments, the liquid supply system 400 can include a liquid storage tank, a fire water supply system (for example, a fire water tank), or a combination of the above. In some embodiments, the pipelines 430 of the liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B are all connected to the same liquid supply system 400. In some embodiments, the pipelines 430 of the liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B may be connected to different liquid supply systems. For example, the pipelines 430 of the liquid injection devices 40 and 40A may be connected to a liquid storage tank, and the pipeline 430 of the liquid injection device 40B may be connected to a fire water supply system. In some embodiments, the liquid supply system 400 can include a water storage tank and a fire water supply system, the pipelines 430 of the liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B are all connected to the water storage tank, and further the water storage tank is connected to the fire water supply system, and the fire water supply system can continuously supply water into the water storage tank, which is advantageous for enabling the water storage tank to continuously provide water to the liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B.

[0018] In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet at a flow rate of at least about 6 liters per second (L / s) or more according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 at a flow rate of 6 L / s or more, 20 L / s, 35 L / s, 50 L / s, 70 L / s, 80 L / s, or other flow rates between 6 and 80 L / s according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the height of the cabinet 110 is less than 3 meters (for example, about 2.9 meters, 2.5 meters, 2 meters, or other heights between 2 and 2.9 meters). In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank is located above the cabinet 110, and the bottom of the liquid storage tank and the bottom of the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 are about 3 meters apart from each other. The pipe diameter of the pipeline 430 is about 3 inches or 4 inches. When a 3-inch pipe diameter is adopted, the liquid injection flow rate of the liquid injection device 40 is about 6.38 L / s. When a larger size pipe diameter is adopted, the flow rate can be further accelerated. In some embodiments, liquid is injected into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 at a flow rate of about 6.38 L / s, and after an injection time of about 30 minutes to 60 minutes, the battery system 20 can be immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank is located above the cabinet 110, and the bottom of the liquid storage tank and the bottom of the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 are about 6 meters apart from each other. The pipe diameter of the pipeline 430 is about 3 inches or 4 inches, and the liquid injection flow rate of the liquid injection device 40 is about 35.52 L / s. When a larger size pipe diameter is adopted, the flow rate can be further accelerated. In some embodiments, liquid is injected into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 at a flow rate of about 35.52 L / s, and after an injection time of within about 30 minutes, the battery system 20 can be immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid storage tank is located above the cabinet 110, and the bottom of the liquid storage tank and the bottom of the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 are about 15 meters apart from each other. The pipe diameter of the pipeline 430 is about 3 inches or 4 inches, and the liquid injection flow rate of the liquid injection device 40 is about 70.19 L / s. When a larger size pipe diameter is adopted, the flow rate can be further accelerated.In some embodiments, a liquid can be injected into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 at a flow rate of about 70.19 L / s, and within an injection time of about 5 minutes, the battery system 20 can be immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, further, by accelerating the flow rate of the liquid injection by combining a pressure pump with liquid storage tanks of different heights, after different injection times, the effect of immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid can be achieved.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system can include a liquid guiding structure installed below the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40. In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure disperses the cooling liquid flowing out from the outlet 420 according to its shape and guides it to flow towards the battery pack 210, first reducing the temperature as a primary response at the initial stage of thermal runaway of the battery pack 210, preventing heat diffusion to adjacent battery packs 210, achieving the effect of reducing the temperature at an early stage, and further reducing the temperature when the battery system 20 is immersed in the liquid, thus achieving the purpose of fire extinguishing. In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure can disperse the liquid according to its shape and guide it to flow towards any structure of the battery pack 210, and its dimensions can be adjusted as needed. In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure is a plate piece. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the liquid guiding structure are a cross-section that fills the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 completely.

[0020] As shown in FIGS. 6A to 6C and FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure is a plate piece 30, which is fixed to a preliminary hole in the top wall of the cabinet 110 by a fixture. In some embodiments, a nut 110D can be installed in the preliminary hole in the top wall of the cabinet 110, and the plate piece 30 can be fixed to the nut 110D using a bolt 90, suspending the plate piece 30 in the cabinet 110 and positioning it below the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40. In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure can be installed on the pipeline 430 of the liquid injection device 40 and may also be connected to one side of the outlet 420 close to the bolt 90.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 6A, the plate piece 30 has a spreading portion whose area gradually expands in a direction away from the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40. The spreading portion disperses the liquid flowing out from the outlet 420 and pours it toward the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the plate piece 30 may be triangular, trapezoidal, rectangular, circular, or any other shape.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 6B, in some embodiments, the spreading portion of the plate piece 30 has a depression angle θ relative to the horizontal plane. The magnitude of the depression angle θ can be adjusted based on the position of the outlet 420, the position of the battery pack 210, or the flow rate or flow volume of the liquid. In some embodiments, the depression angle θ of the spreading portion of the plate piece 30 relative to the horizontal plane is approximately 5° to 60°. In some embodiments, the depression angle θ of the spreading portion of the plate piece 30 relative to the horizontal plane may be approximately 10° to 50°, 20° to 40°, or 20° to 30°. In some embodiments, the plate piece 30 is a curved surface, whereby different zones on the plate piece 30 may have different depression angles θ relative to the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the area or surface curvature of the plate piece 30 can be adjusted as needed, so that the liquid can be poured into the battery pack 210 in a state of thermal runaway in a manner that maximizes the efficiency of temperature reduction.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 6B to 6C, in some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system can further include a motor (not shown) electrically connected to the plate piece 30. In some embodiments, the motor and the energy management system (EMS) communicate with each other, whereby the operator can control the direction and / or depression angle θ of the plate piece 30 by the energy management system (EMS).

[0024] As shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, the plate piece 30 has a rectangular shape and has a plurality of holes 310. In some embodiments, the plate piece 30 is substantially horizontally suspended below the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40, so that the liquid injected onto the plate piece 30 flows out through the plurality of holes 310. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the plurality of holes 310 of the plate piece 30 is circular, rectangular, polygonal, irregular, non-axisymmetric shape (e.g., elliptical, rectangular) or a composite shape thereof. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 310 of the plate piece 30 have a plurality of different cross-sectional shapes. In some embodiments, the plurality of holes 310 of the plate piece 30 are arranged in a matrix. In some embodiments, the distance between the plate piece 30 and the outlet 420 is greater than the diameter of the outlet 420, thereby preventing the liquid from being blocked and affecting the flow rate.

[0025] In some embodiments, the density and cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes 310 in the plate piece 30 are functions of the distance from the outlet 420. In some embodiments, the density of the plurality of holes 310 in the plate piece 30 is directly proportional to the distance between the hole 310 and the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40 (that is, the closer the distance to the outlet 420, the smaller the density of the hole 310, and the farther the distance to the outlet 420, the larger the density of the hole 310). In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes 310 in the plate piece 30 is directly proportional to the distance between the hole 310 and the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40 (that is, the closer the distance to the outlet 420, the smaller the cross-sectional area of the hole 310, and the farther the distance to the outlet 420, the larger the cross-sectional area of the hole 310). In some embodiments, in order to ensure that the liquid is uniformly injected into the battery pack 210, the cross-sectional area and density of the plurality of holes 310 in the plate piece 30 are determined according to the distribution of the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of holes 310 in the plate piece 30 is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device 40, so that the liquid flowing out from the outlet 420 accumulates on the plate piece 30 due to the factor that it cannot flow out from the hole 310 quickly, or the cross-sectional area of the hole 310 is too large, resulting in the liquid flowing out completely in the zone near the outlet 420 and disappearing, preventing it from flowing uniformly to the battery pack 210 in a thermal runaway state.

[0026] In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure is made of any material that does not decompose naturally, has stable properties, can maintain mechanical strength, and does not affect the internal environment of the cabinet 110, and can be freely selected from one or more of the following groups (single-component metal, alloy of multiple metals, petrochemical materials composed of single or multiple types, composite materials composed of multiple substances, ultra-high performance concrete). In some embodiments, the liquid guiding structure can prevent the corrosion or deterioration of the material by coating.

[0027] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may further include atomizing fire extinguishing devices (e.g., atomizing fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B). In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device sprays atomized droplets into the battery system 20 of its corresponding energy storage cabinet according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the particle size of the atomized droplets is less than 0.1 centimeter. In some embodiments, the liquid supply source of the atomized droplets may include a liquid, aqueous solution, electrolyte (e.g., sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), or similar substances), or other liquids that can be used for fire extinguishing, or any combination of the above, which has a high specific heat, can rapidly reduce the temperature, and / or has chemically inert properties. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device operates in response to at least one fire signal according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50 sprays atomized droplets into the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50 operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50A sprays atomized droplets into the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10A according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50A operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10A according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50B sprays atomized droplets into the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10B according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the atomizing fire extinguishing device 50B operates in response to at least one fire signal of the energy storage cabinet 10B according to the configuration. Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, by spraying atomized droplets into the battery system 20, the temperature of the battery pack 210 of the battery system 20 can be reduced, and further contribute to the achievement of the purpose of fire extinguishing.

[0028] In some embodiments, the spray fire extinguishing device 50 includes a solenoid valve 510, an outlet 520, and a pipeline 530. In some embodiments, the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 is supplied to the spray fire extinguishing device 50 through the pipeline 530. When the spray fire extinguishing device 50 receives a fire signal, the solenoid valve 510 is activated, and the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 immediately sprays atomized droplets onto the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10 through the outlet 520. In some embodiments, the outlet 520 may be located above the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, the aperture diameter of the outlet 520 of the spray fire extinguishing device is smaller than the aperture diameter of the outlet 420 of the liquid injection device. In some embodiments, the pipe diameter of the pipeline 530 of the spray fire extinguishing device is smaller than the pipe diameter of the pipeline 430 of the liquid injection device. In some embodiments, the spray fire extinguishing device 50 can include one or more solenoid valves 510, one or more outlets 520, and one or more pipelines 530.

[0029] In some embodiments, the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B each include a solenoid valve 510, 510A, and 510B, and are each activated in response to a fire signal of each energy storage cabinet 10, 10A, and 10B, so that the liquid provided by the liquid supply system 400 is atomized into droplets and sprayed through the corresponding outlet 520 into the battery system 20 of the corresponding energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B. In some embodiments, the pipelines 530 of the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B are all connected to the same liquid supply system 400. In some embodiments, the pipelines 530 of the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B may be connected to different liquid supply systems. For example, the pipelines 530 of the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A may be connected to a liquid storage tank, and the pipeline 530 of the spray fire extinguishing device 50B may be connected to a fire water supply system. In some embodiments, the liquid supply system 400 can include a water storage tank and a fire water supply system. The pipelines 530 of the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B are all connected to the water storage tank. Further, the water storage tank is connected to the fire water supply system, and the fire water supply system can continuously supply water into the water storage tank, which is advantageous for enabling the water storage tank to continuously provide water to the spray fire extinguishing devices 50, 50A, and 50B.

[0030] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may further include a gas fire extinguishing device (not shown in the diagrams). In some embodiments, the gas fire extinguishing device injects fire extinguishing gas into the battery system 20 according to a configuration. In some embodiments, the gas fire extinguishing device can be installed within the battery system 20. The gas fire extinguishing device may include a plurality of sealed containers containing concentrated fire extinguishing gas or solid fire extinguishing gas. Each sealed container seals its opening with a colloid, and these sealed containers are respectively installed within each battery pack 210. When the temperature of the battery pack 210 rises to a predetermined temperature (for example, about 80°C or higher), the colloid on the sealed container within this battery pack 210 melts to open the opening, and the fire extinguishing gas is released from within the sealed container and injected into this battery pack 210 to extinguish the fire. In some embodiments, the gas fire extinguishing device may include a gas delivery pipeline and a gas outlet control valve. Each gas outlet control valve is installed corresponding to each battery pack 210 of the battery system 20. The gas outlet control valve operates in response to at least one fire signal of its corresponding battery pack 210 according to a configuration. The fire extinguishing gas supply system provides fire extinguishing gas to the corresponding gas outlet control valve through the gas supply pipeline, and thereby extinguishes the fire by injecting the fire extinguishing gas into this battery pack 210. Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to directly extinguish the fire in the zone that has caught fire by injecting fire extinguishing gas into the battery pack 210, which contributes to achieving the effect of fire extinguishing in the initial stage of battery ignition.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may further include fire sensors (e.g., fire sensors 60, 60A, and 60B). In some embodiments, the fire sensors 60, 60A, and 60B are configured to detect the fire situation of the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B respectively and issue at least one fire signal. In some embodiments, the fire sensors 60, 60A, and 60B may each include a smoke sensor, a temperature sensor, a combustible gas sensor, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, the fire sensors 60, 60A, and 60B are each disposed within the cabinet 110 and may be located outside the battery pack 210 and the battery management system 230. Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, compared with the sensors disposed within the battery pack 210, the fire sensors 60, 60A, and 60B disposed outside the battery pack 210 and the battery management system 230 can operate independently, can quickly detect the smoke, gas, and / or temperature conditions within the accommodation space S1, and can select and mount the required detection functions based on the functions of the energy storage cabinet and the requirements of its mounting location, and are also easy to replace and maintain. Therefore, it has the advantages of high design flexibility and low rework / repair and maintenance costs.

[0032] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system further includes a plurality of fire sensors located within the battery pack 210, and these fire sensors are separately located within each battery pack 210. Each of the plurality of fire sensors within the battery pack 210 can include, for example, a smoke sensor, a temperature sensor, a combustible gas sensor, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, the gas outlet control valve of the gas fire extinguishing device is configured to operate in response to at least one fire signal S100 emitted by the fire sensor within its corresponding battery pack 210. The fire signal S100 can include, for example, the case where the temperature of the battery pack 210 exceeds a threshold value (e.g., about 80 °C or higher). In some other embodiments, the gas outlet control valve of the gas fire extinguishing device is configured to operate in response to at least one fire signal S100 (e.g., at least one fire signal emitted by the fire sensors 60, 60A, and / or 60B) emitted by the fire sensor outside its corresponding battery pack 210.

[0033] In some embodiments, the fire sensor 60 issues a fire signal S101 by detecting the fire situation of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration, and the spray fire extinguishing device 50 sprays atomized droplets onto the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10 by reacting to the fire signal S101 according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the fire sensor 60 issues a fire signal S102 by detecting the fire situation of the energy storage cabinet 10 according to the configuration, and the liquid injection device 40 injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10 by reacting to the fire signal S102 according to the configuration, and extinguishes the fire by immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid. In some embodiments, similar to the fire sensor 60, the fire sensor 60A issues fire signals S101 and S102 by detecting the fire situation of the energy storage cabinet 10A according to the configuration, and the spray fire extinguishing device 50A and the liquid injection device 40A are each activated by reacting to the fire signals S101 and S102 according to the configuration, and the fire sensor 60B issues fire signals S101 and S102 by detecting the fire situation of the energy storage cabinet 10B according to the configuration, and the spray fire extinguishing device 50B and the liquid injection device 40B are each activated by reacting to the fire signals S101 and S102 according to the configuration.

[0034] In some embodiments, the fire extinguishing system may further include liquid level sensors (e.g., liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B). In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors detect the liquid level within the accommodation space S1 according to the configuration. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 immerses the battery pack 210 of the energy storage cabinet 10 in the liquid by injecting the liquid in response to the liquid level signal emitted by the liquid level sensor 70 according to the configuration, but the battery management system 230 is not immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40A immerses the battery pack 210 of the energy storage cabinet 10A in the liquid by injecting the liquid in response to the liquid level signal emitted by the liquid level sensor 70A according to the configuration, but the battery management system 230 is not immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40B immerses the battery pack 210 of the energy storage cabinet 10B in the liquid by injecting the liquid in response to the liquid level signal emitted by the liquid level sensor 70B according to the configuration, but the battery management system 230 is not immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B may be respectively disposed within the cabinet 110 and may be located outside the battery pack 210 and the battery management system 230. In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B may each include a liquid level gauge (e.g., a water level gauge). In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B each include a flow meter, and the liquid level can be calculated by mounting the flow meter according to the size of the accommodation space S1. In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B each include an image sensor (e.g., a CCD), and the distance between the image sensor and the liquid surface can be detected by the image sensor installed in the cabinet 110, and further the liquid level can be calculated.In some embodiments, the liquid level sensors 70, 70A, and 70B can each include a plurality of liquid level detectors, and the plurality of liquid level detectors can be respectively installed at positions with different liquid level heights within one cabinet 110 (for example, installed on the inner wall of the cabinet 110 or arranged outside the battery packs 210 at different heights), so as to detect the real-time liquid level.

[0035] In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S100 from the fire sensor 60 or the fire signal S100 within the battery pack 210, the control system 80 activates the gas fire extinguishing device of the energy storage cabinet 10. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S101 from the fire sensor 60 after activating the gas fire extinguishing device, the control system 80 further activates the spray fire extinguishing device 50 of the energy storage cabinet 10. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S102 from the fire sensor 60 after activating the spray fire extinguishing device 50, the control system 80 further activates the liquid injection device 40 of the energy storage cabinet 10.

[0036] In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S100 from the fire sensor 60A or the fire signal S100 within the battery pack 210, the control system 80 activates the gas fire extinguishing device of the energy storage cabinet 10A. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S101 from the fire sensor 60A after activating the gas fire extinguishing device, the control system 80 further activates the spray fire extinguishing device 50A of the energy storage cabinet 10A. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives, according to the configuration, the fire signal S102 from the fire sensor 60A after activating the spray fire extinguishing device 50A, the control system 80 further activates the liquid injection device 40A of the energy storage cabinet 10A.

[0037] In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives the fire signal S100 from the fire sensor 60B or the fire signal S100 in the battery pack 210 according to the configuration, it activates the gas fire extinguishing device of the energy storage cabinet 10B. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives the fire signal S101 from the fire sensor 60B after activating the gas fire extinguishing device according to the configuration, it further activates the spray fire extinguishing device 50B of the energy storage cabinet 10B. In some embodiments, when the control system 80 receives the fire signal S102 from the fire sensor 60B after activating the spray fire extinguishing device 50B according to the configuration, it further activates the liquid injection device 40B of the energy storage cabinet 10B.

[0038] FIG. 1B is a flowchart of a fire extinguishing method for an energy storage device shown based on some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the procedure shown in FIG. 1B is performed by the energy storage device 1 shown in FIG. 1A or other suitable energy storage devices.

[0039] In step S11, it is determined whether the temperature of one or more battery packs 210 of the battery system 20 in the energy storage device exceeds the threshold T1. In some embodiments, in step S11, it is determined whether the temperature of one or more battery packs 210 in the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B exceeds the threshold T1. In some embodiments, in step S11, the temperature is detected by a fire sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor) in the battery pack 210. In some embodiments, this threshold T1 may be 50°C, 55°C, 60°C, 65°C, or other temperatures between 50°C and 65°C.

[0040] When it is determined that the temperature of one or more battery packs 210 in the energy storage device exceeds the aforementioned threshold T1, procedure S12 is performed. In procedure S12, the output current or input current of one or more battery packs 210 having a temperature exceeding the threshold T1 is reduced or stopped. In some embodiments, the battery management system 230, by configuration, reduces or stops the output current or input current of the battery pack 210 when its temperature exceeds the threshold T1.

[0041] When it is determined that not all of the temperatures of the battery packs 210 in the energy storage device exceed the aforementioned threshold T1, the energy storage device determines that there is no risk of fire and performs procedure S20. This includes continuously charging the energy storage device or continuously charging an external device by the energy storage device. In some embodiments, it is possible to continuously charge the energy storage device by a power supply device (for example, a power transmission network, a power generation device, etc.) or to continuously charge an external device (for example, a motor, an electric bike, a charger for a portable electronic product, etc.) by the energy storage device.

[0042] In step S13, it is determined whether the fire sensor emits a fire signal S100. In some embodiments, in step S13, it is determined whether the temperature of one or more battery packs 210 in the energy storage device exceeds a threshold value T2. In some embodiments, this threshold value T2 may be 80°C, 90°C, 100°C, 200°C, or other temperatures between 80°C and 200°C. In some embodiments, in step S13, it is determined by a fire sensor (for example, a temperature sensor inside or outside the battery pack 210) whether the temperature of one or more battery packs 210 in the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B exceeds the threshold value T2. In some embodiments, step S13 is performed after step S12. In some embodiments, the threshold value T2 is equal to or greater than the threshold value T1. In some embodiments, after performing step S12, it is determined whether the temperature of the battery pack 210 has decreased by step S13, so as to determine whether there is still a risk of fire in the energy storage device.

[0043] If it is determined that the temperature of any one or more of the battery packs 210 in the energy storage device exceeds the threshold value T2, step S14 is performed. In step S14, a gas fire extinguishing procedure is performed. In some embodiments, the gas fire extinguishing procedure includes injecting a fire extinguishing gas into the battery system 20 including the battery pack 210 whose temperature exceeds the threshold value T2 as described above. In some embodiments, the gas fire extinguishing procedure includes injecting a fire extinguishing gas into the battery system 20 corresponding to the battery pack 210 that emits the fire signal S100 in response to the fire signal S100 emitted by the fire sensor. If it is determined that the temperature of all the battery packs 210 in the energy storage device does not exceed the aforementioned threshold value T2, or the fire signal S100 has not been emitted, it is determined that there is no risk of fire in the energy storage device, and step S20 is performed.

[0044] In step S15, it is determined whether the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S101 corresponding to one or more energy storage cabinets. In some embodiments, the fire signal S101 is based on whether the smoke concentration in one or more accommodation spaces S1 within the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B exceeds a threshold, whether the temperature exceeds a threshold (e.g., about 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, or other temperatures between 300°C and 600°C), whether the concentration of combustible gas exceeds a threshold (e.g., 25% of the LFL of the above combustible gas, e.g., the concentration of methane exceeds 0.714% or the concentration of propane exceeds 0.300%), or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, in step S15, it is determined whether the fire sensors 60, 60A, and / or 60B have issued a fire signal S101 corresponding to the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and / or 10B. In some embodiments, step S15 is performed after step S14. In some embodiments, after performing step S14, by step S15, it is determined whether the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S101 after performing the gas fire extinguishing procedure, so as to determine whether there is still a risk of fire in the energy storage device.

[0045] If it is determined that the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S101, step S16 is performed. In step S16, in response to the fire signal S101 issued by the fire sensor, a spray fire extinguishing procedure is performed. In some embodiments, the spray fire extinguishing procedure includes spraying atomized droplets onto the battery system 20 corresponding to the energy storage cabinet that has issued the fire signal S101. If it is determined that the fire sensor has not issued any fire signal S101, it is determined that there is no longer a risk of fire in the energy storage device, and step S20 is performed.

[0046] In step S17, it is determined whether the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S102 corresponding to one or more energy storage cabinets. In some embodiments, the fire signal S102 is based on whether the smoke concentration in one or more storage spaces S1 within the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B exceeds a threshold, whether the temperature exceeds a threshold (e.g., about 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, or other temperatures between 300°C and 600°C), whether the concentration of combustible gas exceeds a threshold (e.g., 25% of the LFL of the above combustible gas, e.g., the concentration of methane exceeds 0.714% or the concentration of propane exceeds 0.300%), or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, in step S17, it is determined whether the fire sensors 60, 60A, and / or 60B have issued a fire signal S102 corresponding to the energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and / or 10B. In some embodiments, step S17 is performed after step S16. In some embodiments, after performing step S16, by step S17, it is determined whether the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S102 after extinguishing the fire by spraying atomized liquid droplets, thereby determining whether there is still a risk of fire in the energy storage device.

[0047] If it is determined that the fire sensor has issued a fire signal S102, step S18 is performed. In step S18, in response to the fire signal S102 issued by the fire sensor, a procedure of immersing in a liquid is performed. In some embodiments, the procedure of immersing in a liquid includes injecting a liquid into the storage space S1 of the cabinet 110 by a liquid injection device and extinguishing the fire by immersing the battery system 20 in the liquid.

[0048] Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, the fire extinguishing method includes a procedure of advancing multiple steps little by little, and can be stopped immediately when the temperature drop and the effect of fire extinguishing are achieved at any step, thereby having the effects of highly efficient fire extinguishing and reduction of cost or loss. Further, based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, by gradually performing fire extinguishing by advancing multiple steps little by little, each procedure contributes to the temperature drop of the battery. Thus, even if the temperature drop and fire extinguishing are not completely achieved in a certain procedure, all the procedures performed produce a synergistic effect of temperature drop, and therefore the effects of temperature drop and fire extinguishing can be achieved in a relatively efficient manner.

[0049] In addition, compared with a fire extinguishing method in which water is supplied by a fire fighting water tank in an open space and a water column is injected into the energy storage device, a large amount of water flows directly through the outer periphery of the energy storage device towards the ground, and since the cooling water cannot directly contact a large number of battery packs that have generated heat, the effect of temperature reduction is very limited. In contrast, based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, the last step of the fire extinguishing method is to immerse the battery packs 210 of the battery system 20 in a liquid, and the liquid used for immersion is covered by the cabinet 110, so that the liquid in the accommodation space S1 has an effect similar to being sealed, and all the liquid in the accommodation space S1 can be used for cooling the battery system 20 with high efficiency. For example, all the latent heat of vaporization required for the liquid (for example, water) to receive heat and increase in temperature and / or evaporate can be the heat dissipated from the battery system 20, thereby achieving good temperature reduction and fire extinguishing effects. Furthermore, in the batteries within the battery system 20, combustible gases or toxic gases generated as a cause of the fire are accommodated in the space within the accommodation space S1 that is not yet occupied by the liquid. A part of the gas can be discharged through a pressure relief valve, and another part can be covered by the liquid (when the gas is soluble in the liquid), thereby isolating the toxic gas and reducing the concentration of the combustible gas, and reducing other disasters that may occur due to the occurrence of a fire in the battery system. In this way, the energy storage device of some embodiments of the present disclosure can successfully reduce its own temperature and extinguish the fire through the above fire extinguishing method, without the need to wait for the arrival of firefighters to start extinguishing the fire for the first time. Therefore, it has high safety and can be applied in multiple types of places that require high safety. For example, as a charging facility for electric vehicles, it can be installed in the vicinity of buildings or houses.

[0050] Furthermore, based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, the liquid injection device 40, according to the configuration, immerses the battery pack 210 of the energy storage cabinet 10 in the liquid by injecting the liquid in response to the liquid level signal emitted by the liquid level sensor 70. However, the battery management system 230 is not immersed in the liquid, and immersing the battery management system 230 having a relatively high voltage terminal in the liquid can prevent dangerous accidents such as electric shock, leakage, and thus electric shock.

[0051] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an energy storage device drawn based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0052] Please refer to FIG. 2. The energy storage cabinet 10 can include a cabinet 110, a battery system 20, a liquid injection device 40, a spray fire extinguishing device 50, a gas fire extinguishing device (not shown in the figure), a fire sensor 60, a liquid level sensor 70, and a pressure relief valve 170. In some embodiments, the battery system 20 can include four sets of battery packs 210 and corresponding four battery management systems 230, but the quantities of the battery packs 210 and the battery management systems 230 are not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 is provided with an opening 117 and an opening 118, each corresponding to two sets of battery packs 210. The door 130 can be pivotally attached to the side edges of the opening 117 and the opening 118 of the cabinet 110.

[0053] In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 170 is configured to operate when the pressure in the accommodation space S1 exceeds a threshold value, which is smaller than the compression strength of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the liquid injected into the accommodation space S1 may evaporate due to the high temperature of the battery system 20, and when the vapor pressure is too high, it can be discharged through the pressure relief valve 170. In some embodiments, the pressure relief valve 170 is configured to operate in response to a signal from a fire sensor to discharge smoke, combustible gas (e.g., methane, propane, or the like), or toxic gas (e.g., carbon monoxide).

[0054] In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can have an outlet control valve 440. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 440 is configured to operate to open the liquid in the accommodation space S1 to the outside of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the outlet control valve 440 is configured to control such that the flow rate of the injected liquid exceeds the flow rate of the outflow liquid, enabling the battery system 20 to remain immersed in the liquid. In some embodiments, the control system 80 is configured to control the flow rate of the injected liquid of the liquid injection device 40 and the flow rate of the outflow liquid of the outlet control valve 440.

[0055] Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, the design of the outlet control valve 440 enables the liquid that immerses the battery pack 210 to be cooled again by the liquid flowing in before it evaporates, thereby improving the cooling effect of the liquid in the accommodation space S1 on the battery system 20, and further improving the temperature reduction and fire extinguishing effects of the energy storage device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 includes a concrete body 110A and a fire-resistant material layer 120. In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A is formed of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and the fire-resistant material layer 120 is in direct contact with one or more inner surfaces of a plurality of walls of the concrete body 110A and is exposed to the accommodation space S1. In some embodiments, the wall of the concrete body 110A has a thickness of about 5 cm or less. In some embodiments, the wall of the concrete body 110A has a thickness of about 2.5 cm or less. In some embodiments, the size of the accommodation space S1 is such that an operator can enter therein and perform maintenance and / or operation on the functional components or devices installed in the accommodation space S1.

[0057] In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A can include synthetic fibers, steel fibers, combinations thereof, or similar substances. In some embodiments, the length of the synthetic fibers is about 4 millimeters (mm) to about 20 millimeters, and the diameter of the synthetic fibers is about 0.1 to 0.2 millimeters. In some embodiments, the content of the synthetic fibers in the concrete body 110A is about 20 kg / m 3 ~ about 60 kg / m 3 . In some embodiments, the length of the steel fibers is about 5 millimeters (mm) to about 15 millimeters, and the diameter of the steel fibers is about 0.2 millimeters. In some embodiments, the content of the steel fibers in the concrete body 110A is about 120 kg / m 3 ~ about 200 kg / m 3That is. Synthetic fibers and / or steel fibers can enhance the flexural strength of the concrete body 110A. Since the concrete body 110A contains the aforementioned synthetic fibers and / or steel fibers and is formed of ultra-high performance concrete, it is not necessary to install a reinforcing structure (for example, a reinforcing cage and / or a reinforcing structure member composed of a plurality of stirrups) in the wall of the concrete body 110A. The concrete body 110A itself can have a flexural resistance similar to that of ordinary reinforced concrete, and the concrete body 110A can also have a relatively thin wall thickness. Therefore, by reducing the overall weight of the cabinet 110, the transportation and movement of the cabinet 110 are facilitated.

[0058] In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A has a Portland Type I cement content of about 400 kg / m 3 ~ about 500 kg / m 3 of one of Portland Type I cement, Portland Type II cement, Portland Type III cement, Portland Type IV cement, and Portland Type V cement, and a Portland Type I cement content of about 400 kg / m 3 ~ about 500 kg / m 3 of another one of Portland Type I cement, Portland Type II cement, Portland Type III cement, Portland Type IV cement, and Portland Type V cement. In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A can include a silica fume content of about 120 kg / m 3 ~ about 180 kg / m 3 In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A can include a silica sand content of about 900 kg / m 3 ~ about 1000 kg / m 3 In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A can include a quartz powder content of about 30 kg / m 3 ~ about 150 kg / m 3 In some embodiments, by combining the aforementioned silica fume and quartz powder, the concrete body 110A can have a higher compressive strength compared to ordinary concrete.

[0059] In some embodiments, the unit structural weight of the concrete body 110A is about 2300 kg / m 3 or more. In some embodiments, the unit structural weight of the concrete body 110A is about 2300 kg / m 3 to about 2700 kg / m 3 . In some embodiments, the compressive strength of the concrete body 110A is about 120 MPa or more. In some embodiments, the compressive strength of the concrete body 110A is about 120 MPa to about 180 MPa. In some embodiments, the ultimate flexural strength of the concrete body 110A exceeds about 15 MPa. By doing so, it is not necessary to install a reinforcing cage used to increase the flexural strength and / or a reinforcing member composed of a plurality of stirrups in the concrete body 110A, and the concrete body 110A can have a relatively thin wall thickness, thereby reducing the overall weight of the cabinet 110. Moreover, the concrete body 110A provides high compressive strength and high flexural strength for the cabinet 110, and thus can maintain the integrity of the overall structure even when used in a relatively extreme environment (for example, an environment exposed to high-temperature combustion flames).

[0060] In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the concrete body 110A is about 1.8 W / m·K or less. In some embodiments, the thermal conductivity of the concrete body 110A is about 1.6 W / m·K to about 1.8 W / m·K. Compared with a metal material or general concrete (whose thermal conductivity is about 1.9 W / m·K to about 2.1 W / m·K), the concrete body 110A of the present disclosure has an excellent heat insulation effect, which is advantageous for alleviating the heat conduction between the inside of the accommodation space S1 and the outside of the concrete body 110A. When the devices or elements inside the accommodation space S1 need to maintain a specific high temperature or low temperature, the good heat insulation effect of the concrete body 110A helps to reduce the energy required by the air conditioning equipment, can reduce the running cost, and further has additional effects of environmental protection, energy saving, and carbon dioxide reduction.

[0061] In some embodiments, the flame retardant material layer 120 includes a ceramic fiber board, a ceramic fiber cotton blanket, refractory mortar, heat insulating refractory bricks, lightweight aggregate refractories, heat insulators, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments, the flame retardant material layer 120 has a thickness of about 5 cm or less. In some embodiments, the flame retardant material layer 120 has a thickness of about 2.5 cm or less. In some embodiments, the mixed and finished concrete slurry is poured into a mold of a predetermined shape, and before the concrete slurry hardens, the semi-finished products of the flame retardant material layer 120 and the concrete slurry are bonded together, and then further cured. By doing so, the hardened concrete can be firmly bonded to the flame retardant material layer 120, so that the bonding interface between the concrete body 110A and the flame retardant material layer 120 has a high bonding strength, and the flame retardant material layer 120 does not peel off even when receiving high-temperature heat.

[0062] In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of at least about 150°C or higher due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 150°C or higher, 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, 800°C, 900°C, 1000°C, 1100°C, 1200°C, or other temperatures between 150°C and 1200°C due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 has a compressive strength of at least about 60 MPa or higher due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 has a compressive strength of more than about 60 MPa, 70 MPa, 80 MPa, 90 MPa, 100 MPa, 110 MPa, 120 MPa, 130 MPa, 140 MPa, 150 MPa, 160 MPa, 170 MPa, 180 MPa, or other values between 60 MPa and 180 MPa due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 600°C or higher and has a compressive strength of more than about 120 MPa due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 900°C or higher due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 900°C or higher up to about 1200°C due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the entire combination of the concrete body 110A and the flame-retardant material layer 120 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 900°C or higher due to its configuration. In some embodiments, the entire combination of the concrete body 110A and the flame-retardant material layer 120 can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 900°C or higher up to about 1200°C due to its configuration.

[0063] In some other embodiments, the cabinet 110 may include a steel structural material, such as a metal plate. In some embodiments, the cabinet 110 made of a steel structural material can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 150 °C or higher (e.g., a combustion flame at a temperature between about 150 °C and 1200 °C, such as 200 °C, 300 °C, 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C, 900 °C, 1000 °C, 1100 °C, 1200 °C) according to the configuration, and has a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa (e.g., exceeding about 60 MPa, such as 70 MPa, 80 MPa, 90 MPa, 100 MPa, 110 MPa, 120 MPa, 130 MPa, 140 MPa, 150 MPa, 160 MPa, 170 MPa, 180 MPa, or other compressive strengths between 60 MPa and 180 MPa).

[0064] FIG. 3A is a partial schematic view of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage device depicted based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0065] Please refer to FIGS. 2 and 3A. The energy storage cabinet 10 further includes a door 130 and buffer materials 140 and 240. In some embodiments, the door 130 can be pivotally attached to the side edges of the opening 117 of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the door 130 can be pivotally attached to the side edges 1171 and 1172 of the opening 117 of the cabinet 110 by a door frame 130A. In some embodiments, the door 130 includes a double door, the double door opens outwards to the left and right, and is pivotally attached to the side edges 1171 and 1172 of the opening 117 of the cabinet 110 respectively. In some embodiments, the buffer material 140 is used to seal the gap between the door 130 and the side edges (e.g., side edges 1171, 1172, 1173, and 1174) of the opening 117 of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the energy storage cabinet 10 can further include another door 130, which is pivotally attached to the side edges 1181 and 1182 of the opening 118 of the cabinet 110 by a door frame 130A. In some embodiments, the door frame 130A is installed on the cabinet 110, and the buffer material 140 is used to seal the gap between the door frame 130A and the side edges (e.g., side edges 1171, 1172, 1173, and 1174) of the opening 117 of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, the buffer material 140 is used to seal the gap between the door frame 130A and the side edges (e.g., side edges 1181, 1182, 1183, and 1184) of the opening 118 of the cabinet 110.

[0066] In some embodiments, the door 130 includes a concrete layer 131 and a door panel frame 133, and the concrete layer 131 is installed within the door panel frame 133. In some embodiments, the buffer material 240 is used to seal the gap between the concrete layer 131 and the door panel frame 133.

[0067] In some embodiments, the buffer 140 creates a pressure relief buffer mechanism by deforming or rupturing when the pressure in the accommodation space S1 exceeds a threshold value due to its configuration, and this threshold value is lower than the compression strength of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the buffer 240 creates a pressure relief buffer mechanism by deforming or rupturing when the pressure in the accommodation space S1 exceeds a threshold value due to its configuration, and this threshold value is lower than the compression strength of the cabinet 110. In some embodiments, the liquid injection device 40 injects liquid into the accommodation space S1 of the cabinet 110 at a first flow rate, and the liquid in the accommodation space S1 overflows and flows out of the cabinet 110 by the pressure relief buffer mechanism at a second flow rate, and the first flow rate is faster than the second flow rate. In some embodiments, the buffers 140 and 240 contain silicon carbide.

[0068] Based on some embodiments of the present disclosure, due to the design of the buffers 140 and 240, a part of the liquid can flow out of the cabinet 110, and the flow rate of the injected liquid can be maintained to be higher than the flow rate of the outflowing liquid, enabling the battery system 20 to remain in a state of being immersed in the liquid, eliminating the need for an additional pressure sensor and a control system to control the outflowing liquid, being easy to operate, and having the effect of reducing costs. Furthermore, due to the design of the buffers 140 and 240, it is possible to ensure that the liquid that immerses the battery pack 210 is cooled again by the incoming liquid before it evaporates, thereby improving the cooling effect of the liquid in the accommodation space S1 on the battery system 20, and further improving the temperature reduction and fire extinguishing effects of the energy storage device.

[0069] FIG. 3B is a partial exploded view of the door 130 of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage device drawn based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0070] In some embodiments, the door 130 includes a concrete layer 131 and a fire-resistant material layer 120 installed on the concrete layer 131. In some embodiments, the entire concrete layer 131 and the fire-resistant material layer 120 constitute the door panel, and the buffer material 240 is used to seal the gap between the door panel and the door panel frame 133.

[0071] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the cabinet 110 of the energy storage device depicted based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A of the cabinet 110 further includes a plurality of ribs 110B, and the ribs 110B protrude from the wall 110C of the concrete body 110A. In some embodiments, the protruding height H1 of the ribs 110B is greater than the thickness of the wall 110C. In some embodiments, the protruding height H1 of the ribs 110B is approximately 2 to 5 times the thickness of the wall 110C. In some embodiments, the wall 110C of the concrete body 110A has a thickness of about 2.5 cm or less, and the protruding height H1 of the ribs 110B is approximately 10 to 13 cm.

[0073] In some embodiments, the concrete body 110A is integrally formed. In some embodiments, an integrally formed concrete body 110A can be created by injecting the mixed and finished concrete slurry into a mold of a predetermined shape and then subsequently curing and demolding.

[0074] Figure 5 is a schematic view of the energy storage device 1 depicted based on some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0075] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 1 may include a plurality of energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B, and the fire extinguishing system may further include a plurality of liquid injection devices 40, 40A, and 40B. In some embodiments, two or more of the plurality of energy storage cabinets can be installed in complete proximity to each other. For example, they can be installed in pairs in proximity, or a plurality of energy storage cabinets can be installed in proximity as a set. The plurality of energy storage cabinets installed in proximity can form an energy storage device in the form of a combination of a plurality of units similar to a container type. In some other embodiments, the plurality of energy storage cabinets 10, 10A, and 10B can also be installed separately from each other. As shown in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, when a fire occurs in the energy storage cabinet 10 and after performing the procedure of immersing the energy storage cabinet 10 in liquid, the liquid that overflows and flows out from the energy storage cabinet 10 by the pressure relief buffer mechanism 140S of the buffer material 140 can be isolated from each other by the cabinet 110 of the energy storage cabinet 10A and the battery system 20 of the energy storage cabinet 10A. Further, in some embodiments, since the cabinet 110 can withstand a combustion flame at a relatively high temperature (for example, a combustion flame at a temperature of about 600° C. or higher) and has a relatively high compressive strength (for example, a compressive strength exceeding about 120 MPa) due to its configuration, even if a fire occurs in an adjacent energy storage cabinet, high-temperature heat is generated, or liquid that overflows and flows out is generated by performing the procedure of immersing in liquid, the energy storage cabinets without a fire occurring (for example, the energy storage cabinets 10A and 10B) can still maintain good operation and are not adversely affected.

[0076] As used herein, the terms "about," "substantially," "essentially," and "approximately" are used for purposes of explanation and to account for minor variations. When used in reference to an event or a situation, the terms can refer to both the situation in which the event or situation clearly occurs and the situation in which the event or situation occurs very nearly. By way of example, when used in connection with a numerical value, these terms refer to a range of variation within ±10% of that numerical value, such as within ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1%, or ±0.05%. By way of example, if the difference between two values is within ±10% of the average value of the values, such as within ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.1%, or ±0.05%, the two numerical values are considered to be "substantially" or "approximately" the same. By way of example, "substantially parallel" can refer to a range of angular variation within ±10° of 0°, such as within ±5°, ±4°, ±3°, ±2°, ±1°, ±0.5°, ±0.1°, or ±0.05°. By way of example, "substantially perpendicular" can refer to a range of angular variation within ±10° of 90°, such as within ±5°, ±4°, ±3°, ±2°, ±1°, ±0.5°, ±0.1°, or ±0.05°.

[0077] When the displacement between two surfaces does not exceed 5 μm, 2 μm, 1 μm, or 0.5 μm, the two surfaces are considered to be coplanar or substantially coplanar.

[0078] As used herein, the terms "conductive," "electrically conductive," and "conductivity" refer to the ability to transport an electric current. A conductive material typically refers to a material having a very low or zero resistance to the flow of an electric current. The unit of measurement for conductivity is Siemens per meter (S / m). Typically, a conductive material has a conductivity greater than about 10 4 S / m (e.g., at least 105 S / m or at least 10 6 S / m). The conductivity of the material may vary with temperature. Unless otherwise specified, the conductivity measured at room temperature shall be used.

[0079] As used herein, unless otherwise explicitly defined in the context above and below, the singular terms "a / an" and "the" can include plural referents. In the description of some embodiments, "on" or "above" another component means the situation where the previous component is directly on top of the subsequent component (e.g., in contact with this entity), and the situation where one or more intervening components are located between the previous component and the subsequent component can be included.

[0080] Although the present disclosure is depicted and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, these depictions and descriptions do not limit the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art can clearly understand that various changes can be made and equivalent components in the embodiments can be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure defined by the appended claims. The drawings may not be drawn to scale. There may be differences between the reproduction of the processes in the present disclosure and the actual devices due to variables in the manufacturing process and the like. There may be other embodiments of the present disclosure not specifically shown. The specification and drawings should be regarded as for explanatory purposes and not for limiting purposes. Modifications can be made to adapt specific situations, materials, compositions of substances, methods or processes to the objectives, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such modifications should be made to be within the scope of the appended claims here. Although the methods disclosed herein are described with reference to the implementation of specific operations by specific procedures, it can be understood that equivalent methods can be formed by combining, further subdividing or reordering these operations without departing from the content shown in the present disclosure. Therefore, unless there are specific instructions in the text, the operation procedures and groupings do not limit the present disclosure.

Description of the reference numerals

[0081] 1 Energy storage device 10 Energy storage cabinets 10A Energy storage cabinet 10B Energy storage cabinet 110 Cabinet 20 Battery system 30 Plate pieces 40 Liquid injection device 40A Liquid injection device 40B Liquid injection device 50 Spray fire extinguishing device 50A Spray fire extinguishing device 50B Spray fire extinguishing device 60 Fire sensor 60A Fire sensor 60B Fire sensor 70 Liquid level sensor 70A Liquid level sensor 70B Liquid level sensor 80 Control system 90 Bolts 110A Concrete body 110B Rib 110C Wall 110D Nut 117 Opening 118 Opening 120 Flame retardant material layer 130 Door 130A Door frame 131 Concrete layer 133 Door panel frame 140 Buffer material 140S Pressure relief buffer mechanism 170 Pressure relief valve 170A Pressure relief valve 170B Pressure relief valve 210 Battery pack 230 Battery management system 240 Buffer material 310 Hole 400 Liquid supply system 410 Electromagnetic valve 410A Electromagnetic valve 410B Electromagnetic valve 420 Outlet 430 Pipeline 440 Outlet control valve 510 Electromagnetic valve 510A Electromagnetic valve 510B Electromagnetic valve 520 Outlet 530 Pipeline 1171 Side edge 1172 Side edge 1173 Side edge 1174 Side edge 1181 Side edge 1182 Side edge 1183 Side edge 1184 Side edge H1 Height θ Depression angle S1 Accommodation space S11 Procedure S12 Procedure S13 Procedure S14 Procedure S15 Procedure S16 Procedure S17 Procedure S18 Procedure S20 Procedure

Claims

1. An energy storage device, comprising: a cabinet including a concrete body and a flame-retardant material layer, the cabinet being configured to withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 400 °C or higher and having a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa, and the cabinet having a storage space for accommodating at least one battery system, wherein the cabinet further includes a pressure relief valve, the pressure relief valve being configured to operate when the pressure in the storage space exceeds a threshold value, an energy storage cabinet; a liquid injection device and a liquid guiding structure, the liquid injection device being configured to inject liquid into the liquid guiding structure, the liquid guiding structure being configured to disperse the liquid and flow the liquid into the storage space of the cabinet and to extinguish fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid, a fire extinguishing system; An energy storage device comprising the above.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid guiding structure is a plate.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the plate has a deployment portion in a direction away from the liquid injection device, and the deployment portion has a depression angle relative to a horizontal plane.

4. Furthermore, an energy management system (Energy Management System, EMS); a motor connected to the plate; The energy storage device according to claim 3, wherein the energy management system (EMS) controls the depression angle and / or direction of the deployment portion of the plate by the motor.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 4, wherein the depression angle is approximately 5 to 60 degrees.

6. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the plate has a plurality of holes.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged in a matrix.

8. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein the density of the plurality of holes is directly proportional to the distance between the holes and the liquid injection device.

9. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein the cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes is directly proportional to the distance between the holes and the liquid injection device.

10. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein the total cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the outlet of the liquid injection device.

11. ​ Among them, the energy storage cabinet further includes a door pivotally attached to a side edge of the opening of the cabinet, and a buffer material used to seal a gap between the door and the side edge of the opening of the cabinet, which creates a pressure relief buffer mechanism by deforming or rupturing when the pressure in the accommodation space exceeds a threshold value, and the threshold value is lower than the compression strength of the cabinet, The energy storage device according to claim 1, comprising.

12. The liquid injection device injects the liquid into the accommodation space of the cabinet at a first flow rate, and the liquid in the accommodation space overflows and flows out of the cabinet by the pressure relief buffer mechanism at a second flow rate, and the first flow rate is faster than the second flow rate. The energy storage device according to claim 11.

13. The fire extinguishing system further includes a liquid level sensor, and the liquid level sensor detects the liquid level in the accommodation space according to the configuration, and The at least one battery system includes a plurality of battery packs and a battery management system (BMS) located above the plurality of battery packs. The liquid injection device immerses the battery packs in the liquid by injecting the liquid in response to the liquid level signal of the liquid level sensor according to the configuration, but the battery management system is not immersed in the liquid. The energy storage device according to claim 1.

14. The concrete body is formed of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and the flame retardant material layer is in direct contact with one or more inner surfaces of the plurality of walls of the concrete body and is exposed to the accommodation space. The energy storage device according to claim 1.

15. The concrete body further includes a plurality of ribs, the plurality of ribs protrude from the plurality of walls, and the protruding height of the plurality of ribs exceeds the thickness of the plurality of walls. The energy storage device according to claim 14.

16. Furthermore, a plurality of the energy storage cabinets are included, and the fire extinguishing system further includes a plurality of the liquid injection devices and a plurality of the liquid guiding structures corresponding to each of the plurality of the liquid injection devices. Each of the liquid injection devices injects the liquid into each of the liquid guiding structures according to a configuration, and each of the liquid guiding structures disperses the liquid according to a shape and flows the liquid into each of the accommodation spaces of each of the cabinets, and also extinguishes a fire by immersing each of the at least one battery system in the liquid. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 2 to 10.

17. The energy storage cabinet further includes an energy management system (EMS), and the energy management system (EMS) transfers the energy of the battery of at least one battery system in one of the energy storage cabinets to another one of the at least one battery system in the energy storage cabinets according to a configuration. The energy storage device according to claim 16.

18. A method for extinguishing a fire in an energy storage device, which comprises: Including a cabinet, the cabinet includes a concrete body and a flame-retardant material layer, can withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 400 °C or higher and has a compressive strength exceeding about 60 MPa according to a configuration, and the cabinet is provided with an accommodation space for accommodating at least one battery system, in which the cabinet further includes an energy storage cabinet including a pressure relief valve, and Including a liquid injection device, a liquid guiding structure and a fire sensor, the fire sensor detects the fire situation of the energy storage cabinet and emits at least one fire signal according to a configuration, and a fire extinguishing system. Providing an energy storage device; In response to a first fire signal emitted by the fire sensor, injecting a liquid into the liquid guiding structure by the liquid injection device, the liquid guiding structure disperses the liquid according to a shape and flows the liquid into the accommodation space of the cabinet, and extinguishes a fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid. Implementing a procedure of immersing in a liquid, and When the pressure in the accommodation space exceeds a threshold value, operating the pressure relief valve. Including a method for extinguishing a fire in an energy storage device.

19. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 18, wherein the liquid guiding structure is a plate piece.

20. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 19, wherein the plate piece has a deployment portion in a direction away from the liquid injection device, and the deployment portion has a depression angle relative to the horizontal plane.

21. Furthermore, an energy management system (EMS), and a motor connected to the plate piece, are provided, wherein the energy management system (EMS) controls the depression angle and / or direction of the deployment portion of the plate piece by the motor. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 20.

22. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 21, wherein the depression angle is approximately 5 to 60 degrees.

23. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 19, wherein the plate piece has a plurality of holes.

24. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 23, wherein the plurality of holes are arranged in a matrix.

25. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 23, wherein the density of the plurality of holes is directly proportional to the distance between the holes and the liquid injection device.

26. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 23, wherein the cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes is directly proportional to the distance between the holes and the liquid injection device.

27. The fire extinguishing method according to claim 23, wherein the total cross-sectional area of the plurality of holes is approximately equal to the cross-sectional area of the outlet of the liquid injection device.

28. An energy storage device, including a cabinet, the cabinet includes a concrete body and a fire-resistant material layer, is configured to withstand a combustion flame at a temperature of about 400 °C or higher, and the cabinet has a storage space used to accommodate at least one battery system. Among them, the cabinet further includes a pressure relief valve, and the pressure relief valve is configured to operate when the pressure in the storage space exceeds a threshold value. An energy storage cabinet, including a liquid injection device and a liquid guiding structure, the liquid injection device injects liquid into the liquid guiding structure according to the configuration, and the liquid guiding structure disperses the liquid according to the shape and flows it into the storage space of the cabinet, and extinguishes the fire by immersing at least one battery system in the liquid. A fire extinguishing system, including an energy storage device.

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