Power storage device

Abstract

To provide a power storage device with high cooling capacity and maintainability.SOLUTION: A power storage device 100 according to the present invention: includes an outer frame 1; an inner frame 5 that supports a battery 6 inside the outer frame 1; a blower 4 that generates an air flow 9 inside the outer frame 1; and a partition 7 that blocks the air flow between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The inner frame 5 is configured to be detachable from the outer frame 1. The partition 7 is supported by the outer frame 1, but is not supported by the inner frame 5.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power storage device with replaceable batteries.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a power supply device having a carriage with wheels, an inverter supported by the carriage, and a battery having power output terminals at the lower part, wherein the battery is detachable by being moved in the vertical direction.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power storage device of Patent Document 1, sufficient consideration is not given to guiding cooling air around the battery to improve the cooling efficiency of the battery.

[0005] As a method of improving the cooling efficiency, for example, it is conceivable to improve the heat transfer rate on the battery surface by increasing the wind speed around the battery by means of a blowing means and a duct. However, if the duct is fixed and supported to the inner wall of the device and the battery, it will be troublesome to remove the duct when replacing the battery, and there is a demerit that the maintainability is reduced.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a power storage device with high cooling capacity and maintainability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] To achieve the above object, a typical power storage device according to the present invention is An outer frame, an inner frame that supports a battery inside the outer frame, a blower that forms an air flow inside the outer frame, and a partition that blocks the air flow between the outer frame and the inner frame. The inner frame is configured to be detachable from the outer frame. The partition is supported by the outer frame and is not supported by the inner frame.

[0008] Also, in order to achieve the above object, a typical power storage device according to the present invention An outer frame, an inner frame that supports a battery inside the outer frame, and a partition that blocks the air flow between the outer frame and the inner frame. The inner frame is configured to be detachable from the outer frame. The partition is supported by the outer frame and is not supported by the inner frame. The outer frame includes at least one air intake and at least one air exhaust. The air intake is provided below the outer frame. The air exhaust is provided above the outer frame. The air flow flowing inside the inner frame forms a flow from bottom to top by natural convection.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the cooling air by the blower can be induced so that the wind speed and the air volume around the battery are increased by the partition, so the cooling capacity is improved. Also, when replacing the battery in units of the inner frame, since the partition is easy to remove, the maintainability is high. Problems, configurations, and effects other than those described above will be clarified by the description of the following embodiments.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In recent years, against the backdrop of environmental issues such as global warming, movements to promote decarbonization have been actively underway in various industrial fields. Among such movements, research has been conducted on reusing used batteries, such as those in electric vehicles (EVs), as industrial energy storage devices.

[0012] As a result of earnestly examining the problems in reusing used batteries as industrial energy storage devices or power supply devices, the inventors of the present application obtained the following findings. (1) Since used batteries have inferior performance compared to new ones, the replacement frequency is higher than that of new batteries. (2) In order to continuously operate the device, it is desirable to have a highly maintainable structure that allows replacement work to be performed in a short time. (3) As the battery generates heat and becomes hot during charge and discharge, deterioration of the positive and negative electrodes occurs, and deterioration such as a decrease in power capacity and an increase in resistance value is promoted. In order to prevent such deterioration, it is necessary to efficiently cool the battery and the energy storage device. (4) Since industrial energy storage devices and power supply devices are often installed outdoors, high cooling efficiency is required to miniaturize the device and maintain the battery at an appropriate temperature regardless of environmental conditions.

[0013] As a method for improving the cooling efficiency, for example, a proposal is conceivable to provide an intake port and an exhaust port in the device and increase the wind speed around the battery by means of a blower and a duct to enhance the heat transfer rate on the battery surface. However, if the duct is fixed and supported to the inner wall of the device and the battery, it will be troublesome to remove the duct during battery replacement, resulting in a demerit of reduced maintainability.

[0014] Also, as in Patent Document 1, when the exhaust after cooling the inverter is used for cooling the battery, there is a demerit that the cooling efficiency of the battery decreases.

[0015] Also, as a means for improving the cooling efficiency, it is also conceivable to adopt a liquid cooling method, but problems are that equipment such as a radiator and a pump is required, the size of the entire energy storage device including the cooling device becomes large, and the frequency of maintenance increases such as the need to replace the refrigerant used for liquid cooling.

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. When explaining using the drawings, three mutually orthogonal directions (first direction 41, second direction 42, and third direction 43) are set. In the following examples, the first direction 41 and the third direction 43 are set along the horizontal direction, and the second direction 42 is set along the height direction. Among the first direction 41 and the third direction 43 along the horizontal direction, the first direction 41 is taken as the length direction, and the third direction 43 is taken as the width direction.

[0017] [Example 1] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the central plane in the width direction showing the structure of an example (Example 1) according to the power storage device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the II-II cross-section of FIG. 1.

[0018] In this example, the longitudinal direction of the power storage device 100 is set along the length direction 41, the short side direction is set along the width direction 43, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the short side direction is set along the height direction 42, respectively.

[0019] The power storage device 100 includes an outer frame 1, at least one intake port 2, at least one exhaust port 3, at least one blower (blowing device) 4, at least one battery 6 (pack or battery module), an inner frame 5 that supports the battery 6, and a partition portion (partition wall) 7 that blocks the air flow between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The intake port 2 is provided at the rear (rear part) 45 of the outer frame 1. The exhaust port 3 is provided at the front (front part) 44 of the outer frame 1. The blower 4 is provided in front of the inner frame 5 at 44.

[0020] The outer frame 1 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the length direction 41, and has an upper surface 1a, a lower surface 1b, two side surfaces 1c, and end surfaces 1d1 and 1d2. The upper surface 1a, the lower surface 1b, and the side surfaces 1c are surfaces along the length direction 41, and constitute a wall surface (circumferential wall surface) that surrounds the inside of the outer frame 1 in the circumferential direction. The end surface 1d1 is the front end surface (front end face) of the outer frame 1 at the front 44, and is composed of a wall surface perpendicular to the length direction 41. The end surface 1d2 is the rear end surface (rear end face) of the outer frame 1 at the rear 45, and is composed of a wall surface perpendicular to the length direction 41. The end surface 1d2 is constituted by an openable door 17. The air inlet 2 is provided on the end surface 1d2. The exhaust port 3 is provided on the end surface 1d1.

[0021] The inner frame 5 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the length direction 41, and has an upper surface 5a, a lower surface 5b, two side surfaces 5c, and end surfaces 5d1 and 5d2. The upper surface 5a, the lower surface 5b, and the side surfaces 5c are surfaces along the length direction 41, and constitute a wall surface (circumferential wall surface) that surrounds the inside of the inner frame 5 in the circumferential direction. The end surface (front end face) 5d1 is the front end surface (front end face) of the inner frame 5 at the front 44, and is composed of a wall surface perpendicular to the length direction 41. The end surface 1d2 is the rear end surface (rear end face) of the inner frame 5 at the rear 45, and constitutes an opening surface in this embodiment.

[0022] A battery 6 is arranged in the inner space of the inner frame 5, and a refrigerant flow path (air duct) through which a refrigerant (air) for cooling the battery 6 flows is formed.

[0023] The blower 4 is provided on the end surface 1d1. The end surface 1d1 is provided integrally with the inner frame 5. The inner frame 5 is configured to block the surfaces 5a to 5c along the height direction 42 and the length direction 41 of the inner frame 5, and the portion of the surface 5d1 other than the blower 4 along the height direction 42 and the width direction 43.

[0024] A partition portion 7 is provided between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The partition portion 7 is arranged between the inner surface of the outer frame 1 and the outer surface of the inner frame 5, and blocks the air flow.

[0025] In this embodiment, the upper surface 1a, lower surface 1b, side surface 1c, and end surfaces 1d1 and 1d2 of the outer frame 1 are each composed of a flat surface (flat plate), but may be composed of, for example, a member having a curved surface. Also, the upper surface 5a, lower surface 5b, two side surfaces 5c, and end surface 5d1 of the inner frame 5 are each composed of a flat surface (flat plate), but may be composed of, for example, a member having a curved surface.

[0026] Inside the outer frame 1, there are accommodated a power cable (not shown) for transmitting and receiving power to and from the charge and discharge control device, a cable connector 11 for connecting a communication cable (not shown) for communicating with the charge and discharge control device, a battery management system (hereinafter, BMS (Battery Management System)) 12 for monitoring the charge and discharge status of the battery 6, a package controller 13 for communicating with the charge and discharge control device and controlling the charge and discharge from the battery 6, a power supply 14 for supplying power to the BMS 12, the package controller 13, and the blower 4, a control device 15 for controlling the blower 4, an environment sensor 16 for measuring the environment around the battery 6 such as humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure, a temperature sensor 18 for measuring the battery temperature, a temperature sensor 19 for measuring the temperature inside the device, and the like. Also, for example, a maintenance door 17 for taking the inner frame 5 in and out is provided at the rear.

[0027] Note that the temperature sensor 19 is attached integrally with the outer frame 1 and disposed inside the outer frame 1, so that when the inner frame 5 is attached and detached, it is not necessary to attach and detach the electrical wiring of the temperature sensor 19, and the maintenance of the power storage device 100 becomes easy.

[0028] The temperature sensor 19 may be attached integrally with the inner frame 5 and disposed inside the inner frame 5. Thereby, although it becomes necessary to attach and detach the electrical wiring of the temperature sensor 19 when the inner frame 5 is attached and detached, the temperature sensor 19 can be removed from the outer frame 1 integrally with the inner frame 5, and the maintainability of the temperature sensor 19 is improved.

[0029] The outer frame 1 is made of, for example, metal or resin, and a heat insulating material or a heat insulating layer may be provided inside. An air filter, a wire mesh, or a duct for preventing the intrusion of rain, insects, and dust may be provided at the air inlet 2 and the exhaust port 3.

[0030] The blower 4 is, for example, an axial flow fan, a sirocco fan, or a centrifugal blower, and at least one blower 4 is arranged to supply air as a refrigerant to the surface of the battery 6 and to flow the cooling air 9 to the air inlet 2, the space 5A between the battery 6 and the inner frame 5, and the exhaust port 3. The blower 4 is connected to the control device 15 by a conducting wire or the like. The blower 4 may be attached to the inner frame 5 or the battery 6, or may be attached by providing a jig to the outer frame 1, or may be attached to the inner wall of the outer frame 1. Also, a blower for supplying air around the battery 6 and a blower for intake and exhaust may be provided separately. The ON / OFF and the rotation speed of the blower 4 may be controlled according to the detection values of the battery temperature sensor 18, the temperature sensor inside the device, and the environment sensor 17.

[0031] When the blower 4 is attached to the outer frame 1 by providing a jig, it is preferable to use the end face 1d1 of the inner frame 5 as the jig. In this case, the end face 1d1 is provided separately from the inner frame 5 and is fixed to the outer frame 1. When the inner frame 5 is attached to the outer frame 1, the inner frame 5 is assembled so as to be pressed against the end face (end plate) 1d1. As a result, the end face 1d1 closes the inner space of the inner frame 5 from the front 44 side.

[0032] Since the blower 4 is attached to the outer frame 1 side instead of the inner frame 5 side, when the inner frame 5 is attached and detached, the attachment and detachment of the electric wiring of the blower 4 arranged on the end face 1d1 become unnecessary, and the maintainability of the power storage device 100 is improved.

[0033] The inner frame 5 is made of, for example, metal or resin. To allow the cooling air 9 to flow inside the inner frame 5, the surfaces other than the direction of the cooling air 9 may be blocked with panels made of glass, plastic, or resin. The inner frame 5 is fixed to the outer frame 1 in a detachable manner. For example, rails 10 may be provided on the inner surface of the floor surface (lower surface) 1b of the outer frame 1 to fix a part of the inner frame 5, or wheels may be provided on the bottom surface (lower surface) 5b of the inner frame 5 and fixed with clasps or bolts. Further, a battery fixing part 8 for supporting the battery 6 may be provided on the inner frame 5.

[0034] The battery 6 is a battery pack or a battery module and is composed of a plurality of cells or battery modules. The cells are, for example, cylindrical, rectangular, or laminated, and a space for allowing air to pass between the cells may be provided. The battery module may be configured by stacking cells in multiple rows and multiple layers and covering them with an exterior such as resin or metal. The battery pack may be configured by stacking battery modules in multiple rows and multiple layers and covering them with an exterior such as resin or metal. The battery module and the battery pack may have a blower 4 for forced air cooling on the exterior or inside.

[0035] The partition part 7 is made of, for example, a curtain, a blind, a bellows-type or a hanging door, etc., and is composed of a resin or cloth such as vinyl or plastic. The partition part 7 is provided to block the air flow between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5, with one side fixed to the inner wall of the outer frame 1 and the other side fixed to the inner frame 5 in a manner that allows easy attachment and detachment. Such a fixing method may be, for example, a structure in which a part of the partition part [7] and a part of the inner frame 5 are fastened with a clasp or a hook-and-loop fastener, or a structure in which the fitting part of the partition part 7 is fitted into the fitting part of the inner frame 5. When the wind speed near the partition part 7 is small and the partition part 7 is not rolled up by the cooling air 9, etc., the partition part 7 may not be fixed to the inner frame 5. When the cross-sectional area in the flow direction of the cooling air 9 in the space between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5 is sufficiently smaller than the space between the inner frame 5 and the battery 6, the partition part 7 may not be provided.

[0036] The cable connector 11 is provided, for example, at the end 41 in the longitudinal direction of the outer frame 1. In this case, the cable connector 11 is preferably provided on the front surface 1d1 of the outer frame 1. This makes it less likely for the cable connector 11 to obstruct the attachment and detachment of the inner frame 5. The BMS 12, the package controller 13, and the power supply 14 for the controller may be fixed, for example, to a frame installed on the floor surface of the outer frame 1 or to the inner frame 5. However, an arrangement that does not obstruct the flow of the cooling air 9 and the insertion and removal of the inner frame 5 is desirable.

[0037] The environmental sensor 16 is composed of, for example, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., is connected to the control device 15, and is fixed to the wall surface of the outer frame 1 near the intake port 2 and the exhaust port 3, etc., by soldering, an adhesive, tape, or bolts. In this embodiment, the environmental sensor 16 is arranged near the intake port 2. Thereby, the humidity and temperature of the outside air immediately after being taken into the device can be measured, and the humidity and temperature can be accurately measured. The temperature sensors 18 and 19 are composed of thermocouples or thermistors and are connected to the control device 15. The temperature sensor 18 is fixed to the cell, the bus bar, the battery module, the surface of the battery pack, etc., by soldering, an adhesive, tape, etc. The temperature sensor 19 is fixed to the inner wall of the outer frame 1, the surface of the inner frame 5, etc., by soldering, an adhesive, tape, etc. A plurality of each sensor may be provided.

[0038] The effects of Example 1 will be described. The inner frame 5 that closes the surfaces other than the direction of the cooling air 9 constitutes an air passage through which the cooling air 9 sucked from the intake port 2 passes through the space 5A between the battery 6 and the inner frame 5 and is discharged from the exhaust port 3. Thereby, compared with the configuration in which each surface of the inner frame 5 is open, the air volume and air velocity around the battery 6 increase, and the cooling capacity (cooling performance) is improved. Also, the partition portion 7 prevents the exhaust after cooling the battery 6 from flowing back to the intake side, so the cooling capacity is improved. In addition, since the partition portion 7 can be easily removed from and attached to the inner frame 5, the working time when taking in and out the battery 6 in units of the inner frame 5 can be shortened.

[0039] In addition, as long as the flow of the cooling air similar to that described above can be configured, the arrangement and number of the intake port 2, the exhaust port 3, the partition portion 7, and the blower 4 are not limited. Further, a plurality of batteries 6 may be provided in the height direction 42, the width direction 43, and the length direction 41, and the space may be partitioned in each direction within the inner frame 5. Further, a plurality of blowers 4 may be provided to supply the cooling air to each of the partitioned spaces.

[0040] [Embodiment 2] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the center in the width direction showing the structure of an embodiment (Embodiment 2) of the power storage device 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the IV-IV cross section of FIG. 3.

[0041] In this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 1, the longitudinal direction of the power storage device 100 is set along the length direction 41, the short-side direction is set along the width direction 43, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the short-side direction is set along the height direction 42, respectively.

[0042] As a difference from Embodiment 1, in this embodiment, the intake port 2 is provided near the center in the height direction 42 and the width direction 43 at the rear 45 of the outer frame 1, and two exhaust ports 3 are provided on both sides in the width direction 43 below the height direction 42 at the rear 45 of the outer frame 1. The blower 4 is provided at one end (front end) in the length direction 41 of the inner frame 5, and the inner frame 5 is configured to close the surfaces 5a to 5c along the height direction 42 and the length direction 41 and the portion other than the blower 4 of the surface 5d1 along the height direction 42 and the width direction 43. Further, the first partition portion (first partition wall) 21 is provided so as to prevent the air flow into the space between the bottom surface (lower surface) 5b of the inner frame 5 and the floor surface (lower surface) 1b of the outer frame 1. Further, the second partition portion (second partition wall) 22 is arranged so as to block the air flow from the intake port 2 to the outer spaces 1A1 to 1A3 of the inner frame 5 in the space 1B at the rear 45 of the outer frame 1.

[0043] In this embodiment, the second partition portion 22 is configured separately from the inner frame 5 and the rear end surface 1d2 of the outer frame 1. Further, the second partition portion 22 extends from the rear end portions of the upper surface 5a, the lower surface 5b, and the two side surfaces 5c of the inner frame 5 toward the rear end surface 1d2 of the outer frame 1.

[0044] The space 1A2 formed between the lower surface 5b of the inner frame 5 and the outer frame 1 is partitioned from the outer space 1A3 of the inner frame 5 by the first partition portion 21 and the rail 10. In this case, in FIG. 3, the first partition portion 21 is provided at both ends in the length direction 41 of the inner frame 5, but any one of the first partition portions 21 arranged in the front or rear can be omitted. By closing either the front or the rear of the space 1A2 with the first partition portion 21, the flow path resistance of the air flow path flowing into the space 1A2 increases, and air does not flow into the space 1A2.

[0045] Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the air sucked in from the intake port 2 at the center of the rear 45 of the outer frame 1 passes through the inner frame 5 toward the front 44 to cool the battery 6, and then flows toward the rear 45 in the spaces 1A1 and 1A3 between the inner frame 5 and the outer frame 1. Thereafter, the air circulating inside the outer frame 1 pushes the warm air under the ceiling (upper surface) 1a and is discharged from the exhaust ports 3 arranged on both sides in the width direction 43 at the rear 45 of the outer frame 1. Therefore, it becomes easier to discharge the warm air inside the device, and the cooling capacity (cooling performance) can be improved.

[0046] In this embodiment, the rail 10 is utilized as a partition member (partition wall) that partitions the space 1A2. In this case, the first partition portion 21 includes the rail 10. The rail 10 may be integrally formed as the first partition portion 21. However, it is desirable that the rail 10 has dimensions that prevent the flow of air between the outer surface of the bottom surface 5b of the inner frame 5 and the inner surface of the floor surface 1b of the outer frame 1.

[0047] The second partition part 22 is composed of, for example, a curtain, a blind, a bellows-type or a hanging door, a duct or a plate, and is made of a material such as a resin such as vinyl or plastic, a cloth, or a metal.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, for example, one end of the plate-shaped second partition part 22 may be fixed to the inner wall of the maintenance door 17 of the outer frame 1, and the other end (the other end) may be fixed to the inner frame 5 in a removable manner.

[0049] Alternatively, a duct-shaped second partition part 22 having dimensions equivalent to the cross-section in the length direction 41 of the inner frame 5 may be attached to the door 17 side, and when the door is closed, one end of the partition part 22 and the inner frame 5 may be configured to be in close contact with each other. At this time, it is desirable to provide a rubber packing, an inlay material, etc. on the inner frame 5 side so that there is no gap between the inner frame 5 and the second partition part 22 when the door is closed. In the case of each of the above-described configurations, when the outer frame 1 is closed, the other end of the second partition part 22 fixed to the door 17 may be pressed against the rear end part of the inner frame 5. Thereby, the inner frame 5 may be pressed toward the front 44 side so that the inner frame 5 is fixed in the length direction 45.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing the structure of a modification (modification 1) of Example 2. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the VI-VI cross-section of FIG. 5. A duct-shaped second partition part 22 having dimensions slightly larger than the cross-section in the length direction 41 of the inner frame 5 may be attached to the door 17 side, and when the door is closed, the periphery of the inner frame 5 may be surrounded by the partition part 22.

[0051] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing the structure of a modification (modification 2) of Example 2. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the VIII-VIII cross-section of FIG. 7. Attach a duct-shaped second partition portion 22 having a dimension slightly smaller than the lengthwise cross-section of the inner frame 5 to the door 17 side, and when the door is closed, the partition portion 22 may be configured to be inserted inside the inner frame 5.

[0052] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 3 showing the structure of a modification (modification 2) of Example 2. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the X-X cross-section of FIG. 9.

[0053] The rear end portion of the inner frame 5 may be extended to the door 17, and the rear end portion of the inner frame 5 may be configured to directly abut against the door 17. In this case, the second partition portion 22 is constituted by the inner frame 5.

[0054] In order to facilitate the flow of air under the ceiling 1a, a ventilation blower (not shown) may be provided at the upper part or the like of the inner frame 5, and the blower may be arranged in the space 1A1. Further, in addition to the blower 4, blowers for intake and exhaust may be provided. Also, a plurality of these blowers and the blower 4 may be provided.

[0055] Note that as long as the flow of the cooling air similar to that described above can be configured, the arrangement and number of each component are not limited. For example, a plurality of batteries 6 may be provided in the height direction 42, width direction 43, and length direction 41, and the space may be partitioned in each direction inside the inner frame 5. Also, a plurality of blowers 4 may be provided to supply cooling air to each of the partitioned spaces.

[0056] [Example 3] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken at the center in the width direction showing the structure of an embodiment (Example 3) of the power storage device 100 according to the present invention. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the XII-XII cross-section of FIG. 11.

[0057] In this embodiment, similar to Example 1, the longitudinal direction of the power storage device 100 is set along the height direction 42, the short-side direction is set along the width direction 43, and the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and the short-side direction is set along the length direction 41, respectively.

[0058] As a difference from Example 1, in this example, the blower 4 is provided above the inner frame 5 in the height direction 42.

[0059] The outer frame 1 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the height direction 42 and has an upper surface 1a, a lower surface 1b, and four side surfaces 1c. The upper surface 1a corresponds to the end surface 1d1 of Example 1. The upper surface 1a and the lower surface 1b are surfaces along the length direction 41 and the width direction 43 and are composed of wall surfaces perpendicular to the height direction 42. The four side surfaces 1c constitute wall surfaces (circumferential wall surfaces) that surround the inside of the outer frame 1 in the circumferential direction. An openable door 17 is provided on one of the four side surfaces 1c. The air inlet 2 is provided below (lower part) the side surface 1c. The exhaust port 3 is provided above (upper part) the side surface 1c.

[0060] The inner frame 5 has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the height direction 42 and has an upper surface 5a, a lower surface 5b, and four side surfaces 5c. The upper surface 5a and the lower surface 5b are surfaces along the length direction 41 and the width direction 43 and are composed of wall surfaces perpendicular to the height direction 42. The upper surface 5a corresponds to the end surface 5d1 of Example 1 and constitutes the upper end surface in the height direction 42 in this example. The lower surface 5b constitutes the lower end surface in the height direction 42. The four side surfaces 5c constitute wall surfaces (circumferential wall surfaces) that surround the inside of the outer frame 1 in the circumferential direction.

[0061] An air inlet 23 is provided on one side surface 5c of the inner frame 5. A blower 4 is provided on the upper surface 5a, and an exhaust port is formed. The four side surfaces 5c, the upper surface 5a, and the lower surface 5b of the inner frame 5 are configured to block portions other than the air inlet 23 and the blower 4.

[0062] A partition portion 7 is provided between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The partition portion 7 is arranged so as to impede the air flow between the inner surface of the outer frame 1 and the outer surface of the inner frame 5. The air intake 2 of the outer frame 1 and the air intake 23 of the inner frame 5 are arranged below the partition portion 7, and the exhaust port 3 of the outer frame 1 and the exhaust port (fan 4) of the inner frame 5 are arranged above the partition portion 7. In this embodiment, the air intake 2 of the outer frame 1 is provided on the side surface 1c located at the rear 45 of the outer frame 1, and the exhaust port 3 of the outer frame 1 is provided on the side surface 1c located at the front 44 of the outer frame 1.

[0063] Even with such a configuration, the same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, the air sucked in from the air intake 2 at the rear 45 passes through the inner frame 5, cools the battery 6, then pushes away the warm air under the ceiling (upper surface) 1a in the outer frame 1, and is discharged from the exhaust port 3 at the front 44. Therefore, it becomes easier to discharge the warm air inside the device, and the cooling capacity (cooling performance) is improved. Also, since the flow of the cooling air 9 by the fan 4 and the flow of natural convection are in the same direction, the cooling capacity (cooling performance) is improved.

[0064] When it is desired to reduce the cooling capacity, such as when the heat generation amount of the battery 6 is small or the environmental conditions are mild, the fan 4 can be eliminated, the upper side in the height direction 42 of the inner frame 5 can be opened, and a configuration can be adopted in which cooling is performed only by natural convection.

[0065] Note that as long as the same flow of the cooling air as described above can be configured, the arrangement and number of each component are not limited. For example, a plurality of batteries 6 may be provided in the height direction 42, width direction 43, and length direction 41, and the space may be partitioned in each direction inside the inner frame 5. Also, in order to supply the cooling air to each of the partitioned spaces, a plurality of fans 4 may be provided.

[0066] [Embodiment 4] FIG. 13 is a central cross-sectional view in the width direction showing the structure of an embodiment (Embodiment 4) of the power storage device 100 of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a view of the power storage device in FIG. 13 when the opening / closing mechanism performs an opening operation and the blower stops. Note that FIG. 13 shows the case where the opening / closing mechanism 31 performs a closing operation and the blower 4 is operating.

[0067] As a difference from Embodiment 3, in this embodiment, an opening / closing mechanism 31 is provided in parallel with the blower 4 with respect to the direction of the cooling air 9, and a motor 32 is connected to the opening / closing mechanism 31. The motor 32 is controlled by the control device (15), and the opening and closing of the opening / closing mechanism 31 are controlled. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of Embodiment 3 can be obtained.

[0068] Furthermore, when the heat generation of the battery 6 is small or the outside air conditions are mild, the blower 4 is stopped, and an opening operation is commanded to the opening / closing mechanism 31, thereby promoting the flow of the cooling air 9 by natural convection. As a result, cooling capacity as strong as forced air cooling is not required, but the power consumption of the blower 4 can be reduced under heat generation and environmental conditions where cooling to the extent of natural convection is desired.

[0069] The opening / closing mechanism 31 is composed of a plurality of blades made of, for example, iron, aluminum, resin, etc., and is connected to the motor 32. The periphery of the blades may be surrounded by a dedicated casing. The opening / closing mechanism 31 or the casing is attached to the inner frame 5 without gaps by bolts, rubber packings, etc. Further, a damper, an air flow adjustment valve, etc. may be applied to the opening / closing mechanism 31. The opening / closing mechanism 31 may be manually adjusted in angle or opened / closed, and may be manually operated, for example, in units of one day to several months according to seasons and climates. Further, the angle may be adjusted or the opening / closing operation may be performed according to the temperatures of the outside air temperature sensor (environment sensor) 16, the battery temperature sensor 18, and the temperature sensor 19. Further, the opening / closing mechanism 31 may be provided at the intake port 2 or the exhaust port 3, and a closing operation may be commanded to the opening / closing mechanism 31 when it is desired to prevent overcooling of the battery 6 when the outside air temperature is low.

[0070] For example, when the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 18, and 19 are less than the first temperature threshold T1, the control device 15 commands the motor 32 to perform an opening operation of the opening / closing mechanism 31, stops the blower device 4, and when the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 18, and 19 exceed the first temperature threshold T1, the control device 15 commands the motor 32 to perform a closing operation of the opening / closing mechanism 31 and controls the blower device 4 to operate.

[0071] Note that as long as the same flow of cooling air as described above can be configured, the arrangement and number of each component are not limited. For example, a plurality of batteries 6 may be provided in the height direction 42, width direction 43, and length direction 41, and the space may be partitioned in each direction within the inner frame 5. Also, in order to supply cooling air to each of the partitioned spaces, a plurality of blowers 4 may be provided.

[0072] [Control method of blower 4] FIG. 15 is an example of an explanatory diagram of a control method of the blower 4 according to the battery temperature of the power storage device 100 in Embodiments 1 to 4.

[0073] Battery temperature thresholds T1 and T2 (T2 is on the high temperature side), and rotation speed thresholds D1 and D2 (D2 is on the high rotation side) are set. In the region where the temperature of the battery 6 is equal to or lower than the first battery temperature threshold T1, the blower 4 is commanded to operate at the first rotation speed threshold D1. In the region where the temperature of the battery 6 ranges from the first battery temperature threshold T1 to the second battery temperature threshold T2, the blower 4 is commanded to linearly increase according to the temperature of the battery 6 from the first rotation speed threshold D1 to the second rotation speed threshold D2. In the region where the temperature of the battery 6 is equal to or higher than the second battery temperature threshold T2, the blower 4 is commanded to operate at the second rotation speed threshold D2. Here, the rotation speed threshold D1 may be set to 0 rpm, and the blower 4 may be stopped when the temperature of the battery 6 is equal to or lower than the first battery temperature threshold T1. Also, in the region where the temperature is equal to or higher than the first battery temperature threshold T1, the rotation speed may be set to be constant at the second rotation speed threshold D2, and controlled only by the first battery temperature threshold T1. Further, instead of the battery temperature, the control may be performed based on the temperature of the air inside the device, the temperature of the inner wall of the device, or the outside air temperature.

[0074] Also, the battery temperature thresholds T1 and T2 may be changed according to the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor 16 or the season. For example, when the outside air temperature is 20 to 40°C, T1 is set to 10 to 20°C and T2 is set to 20 to 30°C. When the outside air temperature is 20°C or less, T1 is set to 20 to 30°C and T2 is set to 30 to 40°C. Thereby, when the outside air temperature is high, the blower 4 is operated from a stage where the temperature of the battery 6 is low to actively cool it. When the outside air temperature is low, the blower 4 is operated after the temperature of the battery 6 becomes high to prevent overcooling. The set values of T1 and T2 may be changed according to the detected value of the outside air temperature sensor 16, or may be manually or automatically changed according to the season or date. Note that the presented numerical values are examples, and appropriate values should be set according to the type of the battery 6 and the operating conditions.

[0075] The above-described embodiments have been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and are not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations and control methods described. Also, a part of the configuration in one embodiment can be replaced with the configuration in another embodiment, and the configuration in another embodiment can be added to the configuration in one embodiment. Also, it is possible to add, delete, or replace some of the configurations and control methods in each embodiment with other configurations and control methods. For example, the present invention is applicable not only to industrial power storage devices but also to power storage devices for automobiles, airplanes, ships, railways, etc.

[0076] The power storage device 100 according to the present invention described above has at least the following features. (1) An outer frame 1, an inner frame 5 that supports the battery 6 inside the outer frame 1, a blower device 4 that forms an air flow 9 inside the outer frame 1, and a partition portion 7 that blocks the air flow between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The inner frame 5 is configured to be detachable from the outer frame 1. The partition portion 7 is supported by the outer frame 1 and is not in a supported relationship with the inner frame 5.

[0077] (2) The outer frame 1 includes at least one air inlet 2 and at least one exhaust port 3. The partition portion 7 and the blower device 4 are configured to form an air flow in the order of the air inlet 2, the inside of the inner frame 5, and the exhaust port 3.

[0078] (3) The outer frame 1 includes at least one air inlet 2 and at least one exhaust port 3 provided on the same surface 1d2 as the surface 1d2 where the air inlet 2 is provided. The partition portion 7 and the blower device 4 form an air flow in the order of the air inlet 2, the inside of the inner frame 5, the outside of the inner frame 5, and the exhaust port 3.

[0079] (4) The partition portion 7 includes a first partition portion 21 provided so as to prevent an air flow into the space between the bottom surface (lower surface) 5b of the inner frame 5 and the floor surface (lower surface) 1b of the outer frame 1. The power storage device 100 includes a second partition portion 22 that blocks the air flow 9 from the air inlet 2 toward the inside of the inner frame 5 from flowing to the outside of the inner frame 5.

[0080] (5) The air flow 9 flowing outside the inner frame 5 flows through the space 1A1 between the inner surface of the ceiling (upper surface) 1a of the outer frame 1 and the upper surface 5a of the inner frame 5.

[0081] (6) The outer frame 1 includes at least one air inlet 2 and at least one exhaust port 3. The air inlet 2 is provided below the outer frame 1. The exhaust port 3 is provided above the outer frame 1. The blower device 4 forms an air flow flowing in the height direction inside the inner frame 1.

[0082] (7) It includes an opening / closing mechanism 31 provided in parallel with the blower device 4 in the direction of the air flow 9 flowing inside the inner frame 5, and a motor 32 that drives the opening / closing mechanism 31 to open and close.

[0083] When the opening / closing mechanism 31 performs an opening operation and the blower device 4 is stopped, an air flow that flows in the height direction is formed inside the inner frame 5.

[0084] (9) It includes temperature sensors 18 and 19 that detect the temperature of the battery 6 or the air temperature inside the power storage device 100, and a control device 15 that controls the blower device 4 based on the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 18 and 19.

[0085] (10) The control device 15 When the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 18, and 19 are less than the first temperature threshold T1, it commands the motor 32 to perform an opening operation of the opening / closing mechanism 31 and stops the blower device 4. When the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 16, 18, and 19 exceed the first temperature threshold T1, it commands the motor 32 to perform a closing operation of the opening / closing mechanism 31 and operates the blower device 4.

[0086] (11) It includes an outer frame 1, an inner frame 5 that supports the battery 6 inside the outer frame 1, and a partition portion 7 that blocks the air flow between the outer frame 1 and the inner frame 5. The inner frame 5 is configured to be detachable from the outer frame 1. The partition portion 7 is supported by the outer frame 1 and is not supported by the inner frame 5. The outer frame 1 includes at least one air intake 2 and at least one air outlet 3. The air intake 2 is provided below the outer frame 1. The air outlet 3 is provided above the outer frame 1. The air flow 9 that flows inside the inner frame 5 forms a flow that goes from the bottom to the top by natural convection.

Explanation of Signs

[0087] 1… Outer frame, 1A1… Space between the inner surface of the ceiling (upper surface) 1a of the outer frame 1 and the upper surface 5a of the inner frame 5, 2… Air inlet, 3… Exhaust port, 4… Blower, 5… Inner frame, 6… Battery (pack or module), 7… Partition part, 8… Battery fixing part, 9… Cooling air, 10… Rail, 11… Cable connector, 12… BMS (Battery Management System), 13… Package controller, 14… Power supply for the controller, 15… Control device, 16… Environment sensor, 17… Door for maintenance, 18… Battery temperature sensor, 21… First partition part, 22… Second partition part, 31… Opening and closing mechanism, 32… Motor, 41… Length direction, 42… Height direction, 43… Width direction, 44… Front, 45… Rear, T1… First battery temperature threshold, T2… Second battery temperature threshold (T2 > T1), D1… First rotation speed threshold, D2… Second rotation speed threshold (D2 > D1).

Claims

1. An outer frame, an inner frame that supports a battery inside the outer frame, a blower that forms an air flow inside the outer frame, and a partition that blocks the air flow between the outer frame and the inner frame. The inner frame is configured to be detachable from the outer frame. The partition is supported by the outer frame and is in a non-supporting relationship with the inner frame, which is a power storage device.

2. In the power storage device according to Claim 1, The outer frame includes at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port. The partition and the blower are configured to form an air flow in the order of the intake port, the inside of the inner frame, and the exhaust port, which is a power storage device.

3. In the power storage device according to Claim 1, The outer frame includes at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port provided on the same surface as the surface where the intake port is provided. The partition and the blower are configured to form an air flow in the order of the intake port, the inside of the inner frame, the outside of the inner frame, and the exhaust port, which is a power storage device.

4. In the power storage device according to Claim 3, The partition includes a first partition provided to prevent air flow into the space between the bottom surface of the inner frame and the floor surface of the outer frame. The power storage device includes a second partition that blocks the air flow from the intake port toward the inside of the inner frame from flowing outside the inner frame.

5. In the power storage device according to Claim 3, The air flow flowing outside the inner frame flows through the space between the inner surface of the ceiling of the outer frame and the upper surface of the inner frame, which is a power storage device.

6. In the power storage device according to Claim 1, The outer frame includes at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port. The intake port is provided below the outer frame. The exhaust port is provided above the outer frame. The blower forms an air flow flowing in the height direction inside the inner frame, which is a power storage device.

7. In the power storage device according to Claim 6, A power storage device comprising an opening / closing mechanism provided in parallel with the blower device with respect to the direction of the air flow flowing inside the inner frame, and a motor that drives the opening / closing mechanism to open and close.

8. In the power storage device according to claim 7, A power storage device in which, when the opening / closing mechanism performs an opening operation and the blower device is stopped, an air flow that flows in the height direction is formed inside the inner frame.

9. In the power storage device according to claim 8, A power storage device comprising a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the battery or the air temperature inside the power storage device, and a control device that controls the blower device based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor.

10. In the power storage device according to claim 9, The control device When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is less than the first temperature threshold, commands the motor to perform an opening operation of the opening / closing mechanism and stops the blower device, When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor exceeds the first temperature threshold, commands the motor to perform a closing operation of the opening / closing mechanism and operates the blower device.

11. An outer frame, an inner frame that supports a battery inside the outer frame, and a partition portion that blocks the air flow between the outer frame and the inner frame, The inner frame is configured to be detachable from the outer frame, The partition portion is supported by the outer frame and is not in a supported relationship with the inner frame, The outer frame includes at least one intake port and at least one exhaust port, The intake port is provided below the outer frame, The exhaust port is provided above the outer frame, The air flow flowing inside the inner frame forms a flow from the bottom to the top by natural convection.

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