Secondary battery

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery that is charged and discharged by oxidation and reduction of metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte. A secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and that are stacked in a vertical direction, and a pair of bus bars that electrically connect the plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers including an anode in which a first half-reaction occurs and a cathode in which a second half-reaction occurs, and the anodes and the cathodes of the layers are arranged in a vertical direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery, and more particularly to a secondary battery which is charged and discharged by oxidation-reduction of metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike existing secondary batteries, redox batteries are electrochemical storage devices that store electrical energy in the chemical energy of electrolytes, as they are charged and discharged through oxidation and reduction of active materials in electrolytes. Conventional redox flow batteries operate by continuously circulating electrolyte in a tank inside a stack using a pump, and an electrochemical reaction occurs in the stack. Such redox flow batteries have spatial restrictions and design difficulties due to the tank and pump, so the inventors of the present invention have developed a redox secondary battery that does not have a tank and pump. However, there are problems with low energy density, volume, and weight, and high-density integration is required to minimize the size and weight of the secondary battery. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to provide a secondary battery module that allows high-density integration.

[0004] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a secondary battery that can be electrically connected even when highly densely integrated.

[0005] The objects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other objects not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and which are stacked in a vertical direction, and a pair of bus bars electrically connecting the plurality of layers, each of the plurality of layers including an anode in which a first semi-reaction occurs and a cathode in which a second semi-reaction occurs, and the anodes and cathodes of the layers are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules, each of which includes a plurality of layers in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and which are stacked in a vertical direction, and a pair of bus bars that electrically connect the plurality of layers, and the plurality of secondary battery modules are densely arranged in a horizontal direction.

[0008] Other specific details of the embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. Effect of the Invention

[0009] The secondary battery of the present invention has one or more of the following advantages.

[0010] First, it has an advantage that it simplifies the secondary battery module and allows for dense horizontal packing and vertical stacking.

[0011] Second, it has an advantage of simplifying electrical connections of secondary battery modules and enabling high density integration.

[0012] Third, there is an advantage that the secondary batteries can be densely packed and yet are easy to install and manage.

[0013] Fourth, there is an advantage that the temperature is stable even when the secondary batteries are densely packed.

[0014] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned above can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of layers of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 2 is a cross-sectional view of layers of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a partial perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] 1 is a partial cross-sectional view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 7] 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of secondary battery modules arranged in a horizontal direction according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of secondary battery modules arranged in a horizontal direction according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 10] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] 2 is a diagram showing a plurality of secondary battery modules stacked vertically according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of use of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 14] 11 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 13 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16]13A and 13B are diagrams showing a structure relating to a handle according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] 13 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 13 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 13 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 21] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 22] 1 is an exemplary view showing a process for transporting a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 23] 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a charging system including a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 24] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 25] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 31] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of secondary battery modules according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of secondary battery modules according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of secondary battery modules according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a structure of a plurality of secondary battery modules according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 40] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 41] FIG. 13 is a schematic structure diagram of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 42] 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The advantages and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear from the following detailed description of the embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, and may be embodied in various different forms, and the present embodiments are provided to fully disclose the present invention and fully inform those skilled in the art of the present invention of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals refer to the same elements throughout the specification.

[0017] Although the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one component from another, and it is understood that a first component may also be a second component unless otherwise specified.

[0018] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise specified to the contrary, each element may be singular or plural.

[0019] Hereinafter, when an arbitrary structure is arranged on the "top (or bottom)" of a component or "above (or below)" a component, it means that the arbitrary structure is not only arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, but also that other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure arranged on (or below) the component.

[0020] In addition, when a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly coupled or connected to each other, but that there may be other components "intervening" between each component, or each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components.

[0021] As used herein, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as "comprise" or "include" in this application should not be interpreted as including all of the multiple components or multiple steps described in the specification, and should be interpreted as including some of the components or some steps that may not be included or may include additional components or steps.

[0022] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or more and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings in order to explain a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of layers of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of layers of the secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] In the layer 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, a redox couple dissolved in an electrolyte undergoes an oxidation-reduction reaction to store or release electrical energy. The layer 10 has a shape of a short rectangular parallelepiped.

[0026] The layer 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an anode 12 where a first half-reaction occurs, a cathode 13 where a second half-reaction occurs, a separation membrane 19 separating the anode 12 and the cathode 13, a frame 11 that is divided into two spaces by the separation membrane 19 and that houses the anode 12 and the cathode 13, an anode current collector 14 electrically connected to the anode 12, and a cathode current collector 15 electrically connected to the cathode 13.

[0027] The anode 12 includes an electrolyte in which an anode redox couple is dissolved, and may further include a conductive material such as carbon felt. The anode redox couple may be embodied with a material including at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co). In this embodiment, V is used. 2+ / V 3+ The electrolyte may be an aqueous acid solution, which is a solution that conducts electric current by ionization, and preferably contains sulfuric acid. 2 SO 4 VOSO in aqueous solution 4 (vanadylsulfate) or V 2 O 5 It can be produced by dissolving vanadium pentoxide.

[0028] A first half-reaction occurs at the anode 12. The first half-reaction is as follows, where → indicates the discharge reaction direction and ← indicates the charge reaction direction.

[0029] V 2+ ←→V 3+ +e -

[0030] During discharge, the divalent vanadium ions are oxidized to trivalent vanadium ions, and during charge, the trivalent vanadium ions are reduced to divalent vanadium ions.

[0031] The anode 12 may further include a solid electrode made of a carbon-based material such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon fiber cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The solid electrode may be formed into a porous rectangular shape and impregnated with the electrolyte, or may be mixed with the electrolyte in the form of a powder, felt, pellet, etc.

[0032] The anode 12 is surrounded by a frame 11, an anode current collector 14 (or a bipolar plate 17), and a separation membrane 19. The anode 12 is electrically connected to the anode current collector 14, so that electrons move to the anode current collector 14 during discharge, and electrons from the anode current collector 14 move to the anode 12 during charge. The anode 12 is in contact with the separation membrane 19, and hydrogen cations (protons) are transferred through the separation membrane 19.

[0033] The cathode 13 includes an electrolyte in which a cathode redox couple is dissolved, and may further include a conductive material such as carbon felt. The cathode redox couple may be embodied with a material including at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co). In this embodiment, V is used. 4+ / V 5+ The electrolyte may be an aqueous acid solution, which is a solution that conducts electric current by ionization, and preferably contains sulfuric acid. 2 SO 4 VOSO in aqueous solution 4 (vanadylsulfate) or V 2 O 5 It can be produced by dissolving vanadium pentoxide.

[0034] The second half-reaction occurs at the cathode 13. The second half-reaction is as follows, where → indicates the discharge reaction direction and ← indicates the charge reaction direction.

[0035] V 5+ +e - ←→V 4+

[0036] During discharge, the pentavalent vanadium ions are reduced to tetravalent vanadium ions, and during charge, the tetravalent vanadium ions are oxidized to pentavalent vanadium ions.

[0037] The cathode 13 may further include a solid electrode made of a carbon-based material such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon fiber cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The solid electrode may be formed into a porous rectangular shape and impregnated with the electrolyte, or may be mixed with the electrolyte in the form of a powder, felt, pellet, etc.

[0038] The cathode 13 is surrounded by the frame 11, the cathode current collector 15 (or bipolar plate 17), and the separation membrane 19. The cathode 13 is electrically connected to the cathode current collector 15, so that electrons move to the cathode current collector 15 during charging, and electrons of the cathode current collector 15 move to the cathode 13 during discharging. The cathode 13 is in contact with the separation membrane 19, and hydrogen cations (protons) are transferred through the separation membrane 19.

[0039] 2, the anode 12 and the cathode 13 are arranged in a vertical direction. In one layer 10, the anode 12 may be disposed on the upper side and the cathode 13 may be disposed on the lower side, or the cathode 13 may be disposed on the upper side and the anode 12 may be disposed on the lower side.

[0040] The frame 11 is formed as a hollow hexahedron. The frame 11 is preferably a low rectangular parallelepiped with an open top and bottom. Depending on the embodiment, the frame 11 may be formed as a polyhedron of various shapes. The frame 11 has a hollow space that is divided into two spaces by the separation membrane 19. The frame 11 supports the separation membrane 19.

[0041] The separation membrane 19 is disposed inside the frame 11 to separate the anode 12 and the cathode 13 and allow hydrogen cations (protons) to move between them. The separation membrane 19 is disposed inside the frame 11 to divide the frame 11 into two spaces in which the anode 12 and the cathode 13 are accommodated. The separation membrane 19 is disposed between the anode current collector 14 and the cathode current collector 15. The separation membrane 19 is bonded to the frame 11 at its edges. Hydrogen cations move from the anode 12 to the cathode 13 through the separation membrane 19 during discharge, and move from the cathode 13 to the anode 12 through the separation membrane 19 during charge.

[0042] Separation membrane 19 may include perfluorinated ionomers, partially fluorinated polymers, and non-fluorinated hydrocarbons. Separation membrane 19 may be formed of or include Nafion®, Flemion®, NEOSEPTA-F®, or Gore Select®.

[0043] The separation membrane 19 is disposed at the center in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 10) of the frame 11. The separation membrane 19 is bonded to the frame 11 and fixed thereto.

[0044] The anode current collector 14 is disposed on one side of the frame 11 and, together with the frame 11 and the separator 19, forms a space in which the anode 12 is housed. The anode current collector 14 is electrically connected to the anode 12, and electrons move and current flows during charging and discharging. The anode current collector 14 serves as a negative electrode from which electrons are released during discharging, and as a positive electrode into which electrons are received during charging.

[0045] The anode current collector 14 is formed of a metal having high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The anode current collector 14 may be formed of a flexible thin film or a rigid plate. The anode current collector 14 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, but a portion of the anode current collector 14 protrudes to the side of the layer 10. A portion of the anode current collector 14 protrudes in the lateral direction of the layer 10.

[0046] A bipolar plate 17 may be provided between the anode current collector 14 and the anode 12. The bipolar plate 17 is made of a material such as graphite, carbon, carbon plastic, etc., and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The bipolar plate 17 is electrically connected to the anode current collector 14 and the anode 12, and allows electrons to be transferred between the anode current collector 14 and the anode 12, but prevents the anode current collector 14 from being oxidized by the electrolyte of the anode 12. The bipolar plate 17 may be formed by coating the anode current collector 14.

[0047] The cathode current collector 15 is disposed on one side of the frame 11 and forms a space in which the cathode 13 is accommodated together with the frame 11 and the separator 19. The cathode current collector 15 is electrically connected to the cathode 13, and electrons move and current flows during charging and discharging. The cathode current collector 15 serves as a positive electrode into which electrons flow during discharging, and as a negative electrode from which electrons are released during charging.

[0048] The cathode current collector 15 is formed of a metal having high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The cathode current collector 15 may be formed of a flexible thin film or a rigid plate. The cathode current collector 15 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, but a portion of the cathode current collector 15 protrudes from the side of the layer 10. A portion of the cathode current collector 15 protrudes laterally from the layer 10.

[0049] A bipolar plate 17 may be provided between the cathode current collector 15 and the cathode 13. The bipolar plate 17 is made of a material such as graphite, carbon, carbon plastic, etc., and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The bipolar plate 17 is electrically connected to the cathode current collector 15 and the cathode 13, and allows electrons to be transferred between the cathode current collector 15 and the cathode 13, but prevents the cathode current collector 15 from being oxidized by the electrolyte of the cathode 13. The bipolar plate 17 may be formed by coating the cathode current collector 15.

[0050] 2, anode current collector 14 and cathode current collector 15 each partially protrude into a side surface of layer 10, but protrude in opposite directions. That is, anode current collector 14 partially protrudes into one side surface of layer 10, and cathode current collector 15 partially protrudes into the surface of layer 10 opposite the protruding side surface of anode current collector 14.

[0051] 3 and 4 are perspective views of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] A secondary battery module 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers 10 in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs and which are stacked vertically, a pair of bus bars 120 that electrically connect the plurality of layers 10, an upper end plate 130 disposed at the upper ends of the plurality of layers 10, and a lower end plate 140 disposed at the lower ends of the plurality of layers 10.

[0053] The multiple layers 10 are stacked in a vertical direction (up-down direction, height direction, or gravity direction). The secondary battery module 100 according to the present invention is relatively resistant to pressure applied in the stacking direction (vertical direction), but is weak against pressure applied in a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction (horizontal direction), so the secondary battery module 100 is arranged so that the stacking direction of the multiple layers 10 is vertical. Also, by arranging in these directions, each secondary battery module 100 can be easily pulled out during maintenance. The multiple layers 10 stacked in the vertical direction are preferably in the shape of a tall rectangular parallelepiped.

[0054] An upper end plate 130 and a lower end plate 140 are arranged at both ends in the stacking direction (vertical direction) of the stacked multiple layers 10. The upper end plate 130 is arranged at the upper end of the stacked multiple layers 10, and the lower end plate 140 is arranged at the lower end of the stacked multiple layers 10. A pair of bus bars 120 are arranged on both side surfaces of the stacked multiple layers 10, respectively.

[0055] The anode current collectors 14 and cathode current collectors 15 are disposed one by one between the multiple layers 10. That is, one anode current collector 14 is disposed between a pair of adjacent anodes 12, and one cathode current collector 15 is disposed between a pair of adjacent cathodes 13.

[0056] 6, the anode 12 of any one of the multiple layers 10 is stacked with the anode 12 of another adjacent layer 10, and the cathode 13 of another layer 10 is stacked with the cathode 13 of yet another adjacent layer 10. Thus, adjacent layers 10 share one anode current collector 14 or cathode current collector 15. Any one of the multiple anode current collectors 14 is disposed between a pair of adjacently arranged anodes 12, and any one of the multiple cathode current collectors 15 is disposed between a pair of adjacently arranged cathodes 13.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 6, the multiple layers 10 are stacked such that the anode 12 of the first battery cell 10a is adjacent to the anode 12 of the second battery cell 10b via the anode current collector 14, and the cathode 13 of the second battery cell 10b is adjacent to the cathode 13 of the third battery cell 10c via the cathode current collector 15.

[0058] 5, the plurality of anode current collectors 14 and the plurality of cathode current collectors 15 are disposed so as to protrude from both opposing side surfaces of the plurality of layers 10. That is, the plurality of anode current collectors 14 are disposed so as to protrude partially from one side surface of the plurality of layers 10, and the plurality of cathode current collectors 15 are disposed so as to protrude partially from the surface opposite to one side surface of the plurality of layers 10 (the side surface from which the plurality of anode current collectors 14 protrude partially).

[0059] Each of the pair of bus bars 120 is formed long in the vertical direction (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 10) and has a bar or plate shape that is long in one direction. Each of the pair of bus bars 120 is disposed with the length direction being vertical.

[0060] The height of the busbars 120 is greater than the height of the stacked layers 10. The upper end of each of the pair of busbars 120 is disposed higher than the upper ends of the layers 10, and the lower end is disposed lower than the lower ends of the layers 10. The upper end of each of the pair of busbars 120 may be in contact with the upper end plate 130, and the lower end of each of the pair of busbars 120 may be in contact with the lower end plate 140. An insulator may be disposed between the pair of busbars 120 and the upper end plate 130 and / or between the pair of busbars 120 and the lower end plate 140.

[0061] The pair of bus bars 120 are disposed on the sides of the multiple layers 10 to electrically connect the multiple layers 10. The bus bars 120 in this embodiment connect the multiple layers 10 in parallel. An insulator may be disposed between the pair of bus bars 120 and the side surfaces of the multiple layers 10.

[0062] A pair of bus bars 120 are arranged, one on each of the opposing side surfaces of the multiple layers 10. Either bus bar 120 of the pair of bus bars 120 is arranged on either side surface of the multiple layers 10, and the other bus bar 120 is arranged on the opposite side surface of the multiple layers 10 to the side surface on which either bus bar 120 is arranged.

[0063] A pair of bus bars 120 can bundle the multiple layers 10. The bus bars 120 can be coupled to an upper end plate 130 and a lower end plate 140 to bundle the multiple layers 10.

[0064] The pair of bus bars 120 includes a first bus bar 120a that electrically connects the multiple anode current collectors 14, and a second bus bar 120b that electrically connects the multiple cathode current collectors 15. The first bus bar 120a is disposed on one side of the multiple layers 10, and the second bus bar 120b is disposed on the side of the multiple layers 10 opposite to the side on which the first bus bar 120a is disposed.

[0065] A portion of each of the anode current collectors 14 protruding from the side surfaces of the layers 10 is bent and connected to a first bus bar 120a, and a portion of each of the cathode current collectors 15 protruding from the side surfaces of the layers 10 is bent and connected to a second bus bar 120b.

[0066] The upper end plate 130 and the lower end plate 140 are disposed at both ends of the stacked layers 10 in the stacking direction, i.e., at the upper end and the lower end, respectively. Each of the upper end plate 130 and the lower end plate 140 is a low rectangular parallelepiped, and may have various three-dimensional shapes in which the upper and lower surfaces are parallel to each other depending on the embodiment. Each of the upper end plate 130 and the lower end plate 140 may be formed of a high-strength inorganic compound material (e.g., cement) or an organic compound material (e.g., engineering plastic), or may be a mixture of an insulating coated metal and cement.

[0067] The upper end plate 130 and the lower end plate 140 protect the upper and lower ends of the multiple layers 10 and, together with a fastener, pressurize and fasten the multiple layers 10. The fastener in this embodiment is a bus bar 120, but in some embodiments, the fastener may be a band or tie that surrounds and ties the upper end plate 130, the multiple layers 10, and the lower end plate 140.

[0068] The upper end plate 130 and / or the lower end plate 140 may protrude laterally beyond the multiple layers 10. Since the multiple secondary battery modules 100 are arranged densely in the laterally direction, the upper end plate 130 and / or the lower end plate 140 may be in close contact with the upper end plate 130 and / or the lower end plate 140 of the adjacent secondary battery module 100 so that the multiple layers 10 adjacent in the laterally direction are not in close contact with each other and are not pressurized. In the multiple secondary battery modules 100 arranged densely in the laterally direction, the adjacent upper end plates 130 and / or the lower end plates 140 may be in close contact with each other, and the multiple layers 10 adjacent in the laterally direction may be spaced apart from each other.

[0069] The secondary battery module 100 is actually in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the vertical direction, and the stacking direction of the layers 10 of the secondary battery module 100 is the height direction.

[0070] FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the anode 12 of any one of the layers 10 is stacked with the cathode 13 of the adjacent other layer 10. Current collectors 14, 15 are disposed between the adjacent anode 12 and cathode 13.

[0072] 7, the multiple layers 10 are stacked such that the anode 12 of the first battery cell 10a is adjacent to the cathode 13 of the second battery cell 10b via the current collectors 14, 15, and the anode 12 of the second battery cell 10b is adjacent to the cathode 13 of the third battery cell 10c via the current collectors 14, 15. In this case, the multiple layers 10 are connected in series.

[0073] 8 and 9 are diagrams showing a plurality of secondary battery modules arranged horizontally according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] A secondary battery 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 arranged laterally and closely packed together.

[0075] The secondary battery 1000 refers to a secondary battery pack or an energy storage system (ESS) consisting of a plurality of secondary battery modules 100.

[0076] The secondary battery modules 100 are arranged densely in the horizontal direction. The secondary battery module 100 according to the present invention generates almost no heat, does not require a fluid flow path for cooling, and has a simple structure. Therefore, the secondary battery modules 100 may be arranged densely in the horizontal direction.

[0077] The multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be electrically connected by contacting one of the pairs of bus bars 120 of each pair of adjacent secondary battery modules 100. Referring to Fig. 8, the first bus bar 120a of any one of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be electrically connected by contacting the second bus bar 120b of the adjacent secondary battery module 100. In this case, the multiple secondary battery modules 100 are connected in series.

[0078] In the multiple secondary battery modules 100, one of the pairs of bus bars 120 of each adjacent pair of secondary battery modules 100 may be connected by a common bus bar 129. Referring to FIG. 9, the first bus bar 120a of one of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 and the second bus bar 120b of the adjacent secondary battery module 100 are electrically connected by the common bus bar 129.

[0079] Referring to FIG. 10, secondary battery modules 100 arranged laterally and closely packed together constitute a secondary battery 1000.

[0080] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a plurality of secondary battery modules stacked vertically according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for energy storage devices for ships, and when used for ships, it is necessary to arrange a suitable secondary battery module 100 therein. The secondary battery 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a container 9 in which a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are housed. The container 9 is a standardized ship container, and when loading or unloading the energy storage device onto or from a ship, it is easy to use a container crane at a port.

[0082] When a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are accommodated in a ship container 9, the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are preferably arranged densely in the horizontal direction, and the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 arranged densely in the horizontal direction are preferably stacked vertically with other plurality of secondary battery modules 100 arranged densely in the horizontal direction. Even when stacked vertically, the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 can withstand pressure relatively well. Therefore, when accommodated in a tall case such as a ship container 9, the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are preferably stacked vertically.

[0083] The multiple secondary battery modules 100 arranged in the horizontal direction may be housed in a housing (or case), and the multiple housings (or cases) may be stacked. In addition, a plate supporting the multiple secondary battery modules 100 in each layer may be provided between each layer of the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be slid laterally by layer to be housed in or pulled out of a ship container 9 or case.

[0084] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of use of the secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0085] The secondary battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention further includes a handle 170 connected to the upper end plate 130. The handle 170 is detachably connected to the upper end plate 130. The handle 170 allows a user to grasp the secondary battery module 100 to be pulled out or stored in a vertical direction. The upper end plate 130 may be provided with a handle coupling portion 135 to which the handle 170 is detachably connected.

[0086] 13, it may be necessary to pull out the secondary battery module 100 for maintenance of the secondary battery 1000. A user connects the handle 170 to the secondary battery module 100 requiring maintenance. The user connects the handle 170 to the handle coupling portion 135 of the upper end plate 130, grasps the handle 170, and pulls it upward to pull out the secondary battery module 100. Depending on the embodiment, the handle 170 may be pulled up by a crane or the like.

[0087] When further storing the secondary battery module 100, the user grasps the handle 170 and moves it downward to store the secondary battery module 100. After storing the secondary battery module 100, the user separates the handle 170 from the handle coupling portion 135 of the upper end plate 130.

[0088] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0089] The secondary battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention further includes a tie 180 that surrounds and ties the multiple layers 10 , the upper end plate 130 , and the lower end plate 140 .

[0090] The tie 180 is formed in a ring shape and is disposed to surround both sides and the top of the upper end plate 130, both sides of the layers 10, and both sides and the bottom of the lower end plate 140. The tie 180 is made of a PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylen terephthalate) material that has low elasticity, is non-conductive, and has excellent heat resistance and chemical resistance.

[0091] In this embodiment, the bundling means for bundling the multiple layers 10, the upper end plate 130, and the lower end plate 140 is a tie 180. The tie 180 applies pressure to the multiple layers 10, the upper end plate 130, and the lower end plate 140 to bundling them together.

[0092] The tie 180 is disposed on a side surface of the layers 10 on which the pair of bus bars 120 is not disposed. A plurality of ties 180 may be provided.

[0093] The handle 170 in this embodiment may be detachably connected to the tie 180. Depending on the embodiment, the tie 180 may have a foldable handle 170 at its top, or a portion of the upper side of the tie 180 may serve as the handle 170.

[0094] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 16 is a view showing a structure of a handle according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0095] A secondary battery module 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a negative upper end plate 230a and a negative lower end plate 240a electrically connected to a first bus bar 120a, and a positive upper end plate 230b and a positive lower end plate 240b connected to a second bus bar 120b. The handle 270 in this embodiment shorts the secondary battery module 100 when connected.

[0096] As described above, the first bus bar 120a and the second bus bar 120b are connected to the anode current collector 14 and the cathode current collector 15. In this embodiment, the negative electrode upper end plate 230a and the negative electrode lower end plate 240a serve as a negative electrode terminal during discharge of the secondary battery module 100 and as a positive electrode terminal during charge. The positive electrode upper end plate 230b and the positive electrode lower end plate 240b serve as a positive electrode terminal during discharge and as a negative electrode terminal during charge.

[0097] Handle 270 in this embodiment includes body 271 made of a conductive material (e.g., metal) and coating material 272, which is an insulating material, applied to body 271. Coating material 272 is applied to the part that is gripped by the user to prevent the user from getting an electric shock. For safety, elements such as a switch, resistor, and capacitor may be included inside body 271 of handle 270.

[0098] The coating material 272 is not applied to the portion of the handle 270 that contacts the negative electrode upper end plate 230a and the positive electrode upper end plate 230b, and when the handle 270 is connected to the negative electrode upper end plate 230a and the positive electrode upper end plate 230b, the negative electrode upper end plate 230a and the positive electrode upper end plate 230b are electrically connected to each other, thereby shorting the secondary battery module 100. As a result, even if the secondary battery module 100 is in a charged state, when the handle 270 is connected, the secondary battery module 100 discharges, and the user can safely pull out the secondary battery module 100.

[0099] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0100] A secondary battery module 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention includes a first bus bar 320a, a second bus bar 320b, a negative electrode connection port 360a formed by extending the first bus bar 320a, and a positive electrode connection port 360b formed by extending the second bus bar 320b. The handle 370 in this embodiment shorts out the secondary battery module 100 when connected to the negative electrode connection port 360a and the positive electrode connection port 360b.

[0101] The first bus bar 320a and the second bus bar 320b are connected to the anode current collector 14 and the cathode current collector 15, so that the negative electrode connection port 360a and the positive electrode connection port 360b are electrically connected to the anode current collector 14 and the cathode current collector 15 of the multiple layers 10. The negative electrode connection port 360a serves as a negative electrode terminal when the secondary battery module 100 is discharged, and serves as a positive electrode terminal when the secondary battery module 100 is charged. The positive electrode connection port 360b serves as a positive electrode terminal when the secondary battery module 100 is discharged, and serves as a negative electrode terminal when the secondary battery module 100 is charged.

[0102] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0103] A secondary battery module 100 according to still another embodiment of the present invention further includes guides 191 and 192 which are slidably coupled to adjacent secondary battery modules 100. The guides 191 and 192 couple adjacent secondary battery modules 100 to each other so that they can support each other, and facilitate the removal and storage of the secondary battery modules 100. The guides 191 and 192 are disposed vertically in the length direction. The guides 191 and 192 may be slidably coupled to the guides 190 of the adjacent secondary battery modules 100. The guides 191 and 192 may function as bus bars 120.

[0104] The guides 191, 192 in this embodiment may include recessed recesses 192 formed in the upper end plate 130 and the lower end plate 140, and protruding convex portions 191 disposed on the upper end plate 130, the multiple layers 10, and the lower end plate 140. The convex portions 191 of the secondary battery modules 100 may be inserted into the recessed portions 192 of the adjacent secondary battery modules 100, and may be slidably coupled to each other.

[0105] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0106] The guides 191 and 192 in this embodiment may include a first guide 193 disposed on one side of the secondary battery module 100 and a second guide 194 disposed on the other side. The first guide 193 of the secondary battery module 100 may be slidably coupled to the second guide 194 of the adjacent secondary battery module 100. The first guide 193 and the second guide 194 may include rollers or balls.

[0107] First guide 193 and second guide 194 may be either second bus bar 120b or first bus bar 120a, or the other. In this embodiment, first guide 193 is first bus bar 120a, and second guide 194 is second bus bar 120b.

[0108] Either one of the pair of bus bars 120 of each pair of adjacent secondary battery modules 100 is in contact with and electrically connected to each other, and the two connected bus bars 120 are formed to support each other. In this embodiment, the first bus bar 120a, which is the first guide 193, is electrically connected to the second bus bar 120b, which is the second guide 194, and is formed to support each other.

[0109] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0110] A secondary battery 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 each arranged laterally, and the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are arranged under a bottom 2 supporting an object to be charged 1 to which electrical energy stored in the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 is supplied.

[0111] The secondary battery modules 100 are arranged under a bottom 2 supporting an object to be charged 1 to be charged by the secondary battery modules 100. In this embodiment, the object to be charged 1 is a vehicle (electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid vehicle) 1, and various power devices and transportation means that require charging by the electric energy stored in the secondary battery modules 100 can all be the object to be charged. The secondary battery modules 100 are arranged densely in the lateral direction under a bottom 2 of a parking lot where the vehicle 1 is parked. If the bottom 2 is the ground, the ground is excavated and the secondary battery modules 100 are buried, and if the bottom 2 is each layer of a building, the secondary battery modules 100 are buried under a slab or inside the slab. It is not necessary for all components of the secondary battery 1000 to be arranged under the bottom 2, and a control module (such as a battery management system (BMS) or an energy management system (EMS)) may be arranged on the bottom 2.

[0112] The plurality of secondary battery modules 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention has a width (W) narrower than the wheel distance of the vehicle 1 to which the electric energy stored in the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 is supplied, that is, the vehicle 1 to be charged.

[0113] Preferably, the width (W) of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be narrower than the distance (L) between the inner sides of the tires on both sides of the vehicle so that the tires of the vehicle 1 are not placed above the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0114] Although the secondary battery module 100 is resistant to vertical pressure, a vehicle is very heavy, particularly an electric vehicle, due to the weight of the battery. Therefore, in order to prevent the weight of the vehicle 1 from being transferred to the secondary battery module 100 as much as possible, the width (W) of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 is narrower than the wheel distance, and preferably narrower than the distance (L) between the inner sides of the tires on both sides.

[0115] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a schematic structure of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] A secondary battery 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 arranged laterally, a housing 1210 surrounding the sides and bottom of the plurality of secondary battery modules 100, and a cover 1220 covering the upper side of the housing 1210.

[0117] The housing 1210 is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped with an open top, and accommodates a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 therein. The housing 1210 insulates the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 from being heated or cooled by external influences, and is waterproof to prevent water from penetrating into the plurality of secondary battery modules 100. The housing 1210 is based on a metal material, and may further include a waterproof material, an insulating material, and / or a thermal insulating material.

[0118] The cover 1220 is detachably coupled to the housing 1210. The cover 1220 covers the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The cover 1220 is based on a metal material that can be insulated and waterproofed, and may further include a waterproof material, an insulating material, and / or a heat insulating material. The cover 1220 may have an upper end surface that protrudes from the bottom 2 or may be disposed at the same height as the bottom 2 and be flat with the bottom 2. The protruding portion of the cover 1220 may function as a parking guide when parking the vehicle 1. The control module 1110 that controls the wiring and the multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be accommodated inside the cover 1220. The control module 1110 may include a battery management system (BMS) or an energy management system (EMS), etc.

[0119] According to an embodiment, the cover 1220 can heat the object 1 to be charged by heat generation or a separate heating means when discharging the multiple secondary battery modules 100. Since a battery is housed in the bottom surface of the vehicle 1, which is the object to be charged, and the efficiency of the battery decreases at low temperatures, it is preferable that the cover 1220 heats the bottom of the vehicle 1 so that the battery can be heated in a low temperature environment.

[0120] Depending on the embodiment, a solar panel may be installed on the upper surface of the cover 1220. When the secondary battery 1000 is installed on an open ground, it is preferable to provide a solar panel that can absorb solar heat to prevent the temperature of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 from increasing and charge the multiple secondary battery modules 100 when there is no vehicle 1 or the like above.

[0121] An elastic body may be disposed on the bottom surface of the housing 1210 to provide elasticity to the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The elastic body may facilitate the removal and storage of the secondary battery modules 100 and eliminate height deviations between the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0122] Depending on the embodiment, the secondary battery 1000 may include a means for containing water in preparation for the ignition of a lithium ion battery installed in an object to be charged such as the vehicle 1. In this embodiment, the anode 12 and the cathode 13 of the layer 10 contain water.

[0123] According to an embodiment, an anchor is provided on the bottom surface of the housing 1210, and the anchor engages with the lower end plate 140 of the secondary battery module 100 to align the position of the secondary battery module 100. In addition, an upper end plate 130 of the secondary battery module 100 is provided with a block-shaped structure that engages with each other, so that the heights of a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are aligned.

[0124] FIG. 22 is an exemplary diagram illustrating the transportation of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0125] The housing 1210 may have a connecting portion 1211 at an upper end of the frame to which the steel wire 7 is connected. When the secondary battery 1000 is initially installed, a steel wire is connected to the connecting portion 1211 of the housing 1210 in which a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 are accommodated, and the housing 1210 can be moved by hanging the steel wire 7 on a crane.

[0126] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a charging system including a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] The charging system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a secondary battery 1000, a charger 1310 connected to an object to be charged such as a vehicle 1 and supplying electrical energy from the secondary battery 1000 to the object to be charged such as the vehicle 1, and a power conversion system (PCS) 1320 that converts AC electricity supplied from an external power source (S) into DC electricity.

[0128] The power converter 1320 is connected to a charger 1310 , and the secondary battery 1000 is connected to the charger 1310 and receives DC electricity converted by the power converter 1320 via the charger 1310 .

[0129] The charger 1310 may be arranged so as to be movable up and down, and may be raised and arranged above the bottom 2 when connected to an object to be charged such as the vehicle 1, and may be lowered and arranged below the bottom 2 when not connected to an object to be charged such as the vehicle 1. The power conversion device 1320 may also be arranged below the bottom 2.

[0130] The secondary battery 1000 includes a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 and a control module 1110 that controls the plurality of secondary battery modules 100. The control module 1110 may include a battery management system (BMS) and / or an energy management system (EMS). The control module 1110 may be disposed between the bottom 2 and the plurality of secondary battery modules 100. The control module 1110 may be disposed inside the cover 1220 described above.

[0131] 24 to 26 are diagrams showing a schematic structure of a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] The secondary battery 1000 may further include a supporter 1230 provided inside the housing 1210 and supporting some sides of the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The supporter 1230 may be slidably coupled to the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The supporter 1230 may guide the secondary battery module 100 so that the secondary battery module 100 slides in the vertical direction when the secondary battery module 100 is pulled out or stored. The secondary battery module 100 may include a guide that slidably couples with the supporter 1230, and the bus bar 120 may serve as the guide. The supporter 1230 may include a roller or a ball.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 24, the supporter 1230 may be formed in an upright plate shape that is disposed between the heat sources of the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0134] 25, the supporter 1230 may be formed in a columnar shape disposed between a plurality of secondary battery modules 100. The columnar supporter 1230 may function as a pile with the lower side inserted into the ground.

[0135] Referring to FIG. 26, the supporters 1230 may be arranged orthogonally like a checkerboard, with the multiple secondary battery modules 100 each being disposed therebetween.

[0136] In this embodiment, the supporter 1230 prevents electrolyte leakage from each of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 from leaking over to the other secondary battery modules 100. Also, the supporter 1230 guides each of the secondary battery modules 100 so that the positions of the modules are aligned when the modules are pulled out and retracted.

[0137] 27 to 31 are diagrams showing schematic structures of secondary batteries according to further embodiments of the present invention.

[0138] The secondary battery 1000 in this embodiment may further include guide walls 1260 that support at least some of the side surfaces of the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0139] The guide wall 1260 has a plate-like wall shape and is configured to be able to stand independently. The guide wall 1260 supports the secondary battery modules 100 so as not to fall while guiding the placement position when the secondary battery modules 100 are installed or removed. A plurality of guide walls 1260 may be provided and may be arranged in perpendicular directions. The guide walls 1260 may be provided in pairs and arranged in the same direction. The guide wall 1260 is installed only when the secondary battery modules 100 are installed or removed, and the guide wall 1260 may be removed after the work is completed. According to an embodiment, the guide wall 1260 may not be removed and may be arranged on one side inside the housing 1210.

[0140] The inner bottom surface of the housing 1210 may be treated to have a low coefficient of friction so that the guide wall 1260 can move smoothly. Depending on the embodiment, the inner bottom surface of the housing 1210 may be provided with a base material (not shown) having a low coefficient of friction.

[0141] With reference to FIG. 28, the guide wall 1260 may include a pivotable wing member 1265 .

[0142] The wing member 1265 may be rotatably connected to the guide wall 1260 and disposed in a direction perpendicular to the guide wall 1260. The wing member 1265 can open from the guide wall 1260 to support at least one of the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The wing member 1265 can support a side surface of at least one of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 that is not supported by the guide wall 1260. The uppermost end of the wing member 1265 may be disposed higher than the uppermost ends of the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0143] 29, the guide wall 1260 may further include a hanging member 1266 that hangs on the upper end of the housing 1210.

[0144] When the guide wall 1260 is installed in the housing 1210, the hanging member 1266 hangs on the upper end of the housing 1210 to allow the guide wall 1260 to stand up and can function as a handle for a jig or the like for moving the guide wall 1260.

[0145] When the hanging member 1266 is hung on the upper end of the housing 1210 , the uppermost end of the guide wall 1260 may be disposed higher than the uppermost ends of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 .

[0146] The secondary battery 1000 may further include a bottom member 1270 disposed at the bottom inside the housing 1210. The bottom member 1270 is elastic and can absorb shock when the secondary battery module 100 is disposed. The bottom member 1270 can absorb moisture such as electrolyte leaking from the multiple layers 10.

[0147] 30, the bottom member 1270 may be movable up and down. The bottom member 1270 may rise at the bottom of the housing 1210 and move the multiple secondary battery modules 100 and the guide wall 1260 to the top of the housing 1210.

[0148] 31, a guide protrusion 1280 for guiding the positions at which the multiple secondary battery modules 100 are disposed may be provided on the bottom or bottom member 1270 of the housing 1210. The guide protrusion 1280 protrudes upward from the bottom or bottom member 1270 of the housing 1210 to guide the positions at which the multiple secondary battery modules 100 are disposed and adjust the intervals between them.

[0149] According to an embodiment, a guide protrusion protruding downward is also provided on the ceiling of the housing 1210 or on the cover 1220 covering the upper side of the housing 1210 to adjust the distance between the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 so that the secondary battery modules 100 do not tilt.

[0150] 32 to 35 are diagrams showing schematic structures of a plurality of secondary battery modules according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0151] The secondary battery 1000 in this embodiment includes a container 8 having an internal storage space (S) and a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 arranged horizontally in the internal storage space (S) of the container 8, and each of the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 has a plurality of layers 10 stacked vertically.

[0152] The container 8 in this embodiment is a 20-foot half container. The container 8 has external dimensions of 6,058 mm in length, 2,438 mm in width, and 1,280 mm in height, and the storage space (S) is 13.4 m 3 The container 8 housing the multiple secondary battery modules 100 may be placed on the ground, underground, or on a ship.

[0153] The multiple secondary battery modules 100 are preferably arranged densely in the horizontal direction so as to fully fill the horizontal direction of the storage space (S) of the container 8. The height of each of the multiple secondary battery modules 100 is configured to be lower than the height of the storage space (S) of the container 8. A service space (V) is preferably formed above the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0154] Referring to FIG. 33, the service space (V) may include a module bus bar 1160 that electrically connects multiple secondary battery modules 100, and a control module 1110 such as a battery management system (BMS) or an energy management system (EMS).

[0155] It is preferable that the service space (V) is provided with a structure that can collect and remove or discharge to the outside gas that may be generated in the multiple layers 10. It is preferable that the direction of the shortest path for the gas generated in the layer 10 to move is perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0156] Depending on the embodiment, a control module 1110 such as a master battery management system may be disposed in a portion of the area where the secondary battery module 100 may be disposed.

[0157] Depending on the embodiment, a container 8 housing a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 may be stacked on top of another container 8 housing a plurality of other secondary battery modules 100.

[0158] 34, the secondary battery 1000 may be disposed under a bottom 2 supporting an object to be charged 1. A container 8 accommodating a plurality of secondary battery modules 100 may be disposed under the bottom 2.

[0159] 35, the secondary battery 1000 may further include a shielding member 8b disposed between the container 8 and the multiple secondary battery modules 100.

[0160] The shielding member 8b can electrically insulate the multiple secondary battery modules 100 from the container 8. The shielding member 8b can prevent foreign matter penetrating into the container 8 from flowing into the multiple secondary battery modules 100. The shielding member 8b can absorb moisture such as electrolyte leaking from the multiple layers 10. The shielding member 8b may be lime, cement, a foamed polymer compound, or a polymer compound such as vinyl.

[0161] According to an embodiment, the shielding member 8b may completely fill the internal space of the container 8, such as the service space (V). For example, when the shielding member 8b is made of concrete, concrete may be poured into the container 8 when the container 8 is equipped with the plurality of secondary battery modules 100 and other control modules 1110. In this case, an injection port 8a through which concrete is poured may be provided at the top of the container 8. The injection port 8a may function as an outlet for discharging gas that may be generated in the plurality of layers 10.

[0162] In some embodiments, the shielding member 8b is salt water, and the salt water can fill the container 8 through the inlet 8a. A drain port (not shown) for draining the salt water may be provided at the bottom of the container.

[0163] 36 to 41 are diagrams showing schematic structures of secondary batteries according to further embodiments of the present invention.

[0164] In the present embodiment, some of the secondary battery modules 100 charge while the other discharge. The secondary battery 1000 in the present embodiment includes a plurality of first battery modules 100a and a plurality of second battery modules 100b that discharge when the plurality of first battery modules 100a are charged.

[0165] The secondary battery module 100 generates heat during discharging and absorbs heat during charging. In order to stabilize the temperature, when some of the battery modules 100a are discharging, it is preferable that the other battery modules 100b are not discharging or are charging.

[0166] After only the first battery modules 100a are discharged and the vehicle 1 is charged, when the discharge of the first battery modules 100a is completed, the first battery modules 100a are charged and the second battery modules 100b are discharged to charge the vehicle 1. The second battery modules 100b generate heat, but the temperature is stabilized by the heat absorption of the first battery modules 100a. According to an embodiment, the second battery modules 100b can simultaneously charge the vehicle 1 and the first battery modules 100a.

[0167] The first battery modules 100a and the second battery modules 100b can be controlled so that some of the first battery modules 100a become the second battery modules 100b or vice versa in response to the external temperature or the temperature of the entire secondary battery module 100. In addition, charging conditions and discharging conditions can be appropriately adjusted and controlled.

[0168] Referring to FIG. 36, a plurality of first battery modules 100a and a plurality of second battery modules 100b are arranged closely packed in the horizontal direction, but cross each other.

[0169] 37, a plurality of first battery modules 100a arranged in the horizontal direction and a plurality of second battery modules 100b arranged in the horizontal direction are stacked together. That is, the plurality of first battery modules 100a are arranged above the plurality of second battery modules 100b.

[0170] 38, each of the first battery modules 100a may be disposed so as to intersect with each of the second battery modules 100b. Heat exchange means may be provided between each of the first battery modules 100a and each of the second battery modules 100b for heat exchange therebetween.

[0171] Referring to FIG. 39, a plurality of first battery modules 100a may be arranged in a plurality of rows, and a plurality of second battery modules 100b may be arranged in a plurality of rows, each row being disposed between each of the rows of the plurality of first battery modules 100a.

[0172] 40 and 41, each of the first battery modules 100a may be disposed so as to cross the inside and outside of each of the second battery modules 100b. That is, the first battery modules 100a may be disposed so as to vertically surround the second battery modules 100b, or the second battery modules 100b may be disposed so as to vertically surround the first battery modules 100a.

[0173] FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating a method for controlling a secondary battery according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0174] When a charging target such as a vehicle 1 is connected to the charger and charging begins, the first battery modules 100a are discharged to charge the vehicle 1 (S10). All the secondary battery modules 100 are discharged at the same time to prevent an excessive rise in temperature.

[0175] When the discharge of the first battery modules 100a is completed, the first battery modules 100a charge and the second battery modules 100b discharge to charge the vehicle 1 (S20). The second battery modules 100b generate heat and the first battery modules 100a absorb heat, stabilizing the temperature. According to an embodiment, the second battery modules 100b can simultaneously charge the vehicle 1 and the first battery modules 100a.

[0176] When charging of the object to be charged, such as the vehicle 1, is completed, the second battery modules 100b are charged (S30). At this time, if the first battery modules 100a are not fully charged, the first battery modules 100a can also be charged.

[0177] The first battery modules 100a and the second battery modules 100b can be controlled so that some of the first battery modules 100a become the second battery modules 100b or vice versa in response to the external temperature or the temperature of the entire secondary battery module 100. In addition, charging conditions and discharging conditions can be appropriately adjusted and controlled.

[0178] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It goes without saying that various modifications can be made by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the claims, and these modifications should not be understood separately from the technical ideas and prospects of the present invention.

Claims

1. A redox reaction occurs in multiple layers stacked vertically; A pair of bus bars electrically connecting the layers; Including, Each of the plurality of layers comprises: an anode where the first half-reaction occurs; a cathode where the second half-reaction occurs; Including, the anodes and cathodes of the layers are aligned vertically; Secondary battery module.

2. the anode of any one of the plurality of layers is stacked with the anode of any adjacent other one of the layers; The cathode of the other layer is stacked with the cathode of the adjacent yet another layer. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

3. Each of the plurality of layers comprises: a plurality of anode current collectors electrically connected to the plurality of anodes; a plurality of cathode current collectors electrically connected to the plurality of cathodes; Including, any one of the plurality of anode current collectors is disposed between a pair of the anodes that are disposed adjacent to each other, Any of the plurality of cathode current collectors is disposed between a pair of the cathodes disposed adjacent to each other. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

4. the anode current collectors are arranged such that a portion of each of the anode current collectors protrudes from any one of the side surfaces of the layers; a portion of each of the cathode current collectors is disposed on a surface of the layer opposite to the side surface from which the portion of each of the anode current collectors of the layer protrudes; The secondary battery module according to claim 3 .

5. a portion of each of the anode current collector and the cathode current collector protrudes in opposite directions from each other in the layer; The secondary battery module according to claim 3 .

6. Each of the plurality of layers comprises: a plurality of anode current collectors electrically connected to the plurality of anodes; a plurality of cathode current collectors electrically connected to the plurality of cathodes; Including, The pair of bus bars are a first bus bar electrically connecting the plurality of anode current collectors; a second bus bar electrically connecting the cathode current collectors; Including, The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

7. any one of the pair of bus bars is disposed on any one side surface of the plurality of layers; the other bus bar is disposed on a side of the plurality of layers opposite to a side on which any one of the bus bars is disposed. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

8. an upper end plate disposed on an upper end of the plurality of layers; a lower end plate disposed at a lower end of the plurality of layers; a tie encircling the layers, the upper end plate, and the lower end plate; Further comprising: the tie is disposed on a side surface of the plurality of layers on which the pair of bus bars are not disposed. The secondary battery module according to claim 7 .

9. Each of the pair of bus bars is formed long in the vertical direction. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

10. an upper end plate disposed on an upper end of the plurality of layers; a lower end plate disposed at a lower end of the plurality of layers; Further comprising: Each of the pair of bus bars has an upper end in contact with the upper end plate or a lower end in contact with the lower end plate. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

11. an upper end plate disposed on an upper end of the plurality of layers; a lower end plate disposed at a lower end of the plurality of layers; Further comprising: Each of the pair of bus bars has an upper end disposed higher than upper ends of the plurality of layers, or a lower end disposed lower than lower ends of the plurality of layers. The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

12. an upper end plate disposed on an upper end of the plurality of layers; a lower end plate disposed at a lower end of the plurality of layers; a handle coupled to the upper end plate; Further comprising: The secondary battery module according to claim 1 .

13. A plurality of secondary battery modules are included, Each of the plurality of secondary battery modules is A redox reaction occurs in multiple layers stacked vertically; A pair of bus bars electrically connecting the layers; Including, The plurality of secondary battery modules are arranged densely in the lateral direction. Secondary battery.

14. the plurality of secondary battery modules densely arranged in the horizontal direction are stacked in the vertical direction with other plurality of secondary battery modules densely arranged in the horizontal direction; The secondary battery according to claim 13.

15. The plurality of secondary battery modules are electrically connected to each other by contacting one of the pair of bus bars of each of the adjacent pair of the secondary battery modules. The secondary battery according to claim 13.

16. The two bus bars connected to each other are formed to support each other. The secondary battery according to claim 15.

17. a supporter that supports a side surface of a part of the plurality of secondary battery modules; The secondary battery according to claim 13.

18. When some of the secondary battery modules are charging, the other parts are discharging. The secondary battery according to claim 13.

19. The battery pack further includes a container in which the plurality of secondary battery modules are housed. The secondary battery according to claim 13.

20. The plurality of secondary battery modules are disposed under a bottom supporting an object to be charged by the plurality of secondary battery modules. The secondary battery according to claim 13.

21. Further comprising a cover for covering the plurality of secondary battery modules. The secondary battery according to claim 13.

22. the cover heats an object to be charged by the plurality of secondary battery modules; The secondary battery according to claim 21.

23. a battery management system that controls the plurality of secondary battery modules; The battery management system is disposed inside the cover. The secondary battery according to claim 21.

Images