Battery rack and power storage system including same

Abstract

The present invention provides a battery rack capable of effectively controlling thermal events and a power storage system including the same. The battery rack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module, a rack frame for accommodating the battery module, a fire extinguishing agent supply module disposed on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module, and a support module for supporting the fire extinguishing agent supply module and coupled to one side of the rack frame such that the fire extinguishing agent supply module faces the battery module.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0102009 filed on August 16, 2022, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery rack and a power storage system including the same, and more particularly to a battery rack that can effectively control thermal events and a power storage system including the same. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which can be easily applied to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) that are driven by electric driving sources.

[0004] Such secondary batteries have attracted attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency, since they not only have the primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels, but also have the advantage of not producing any by-products associated with energy use.

[0005] Currently, the types of secondary batteries that are widely used include lithium ion batteries, lithium polymer batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, and nickel zinc batteries. The operating voltage of such unit batteries is about 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, when a higher output voltage is required, a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of batteries in series. In addition, a battery pack may be constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in parallel depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack. Therefore, the number of batteries included in the battery pack and the electrical connection form may be variously set depending on the required output voltage and / or charge / discharge capacity.

[0006] Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series / parallel, a common method is to first construct a battery module including at least one battery cell, and then use the at least one battery module to add other components to construct a battery pack or a battery rack. Meanwhile, a power storage system is constructed by using at least one such battery rack as an energy source.

[0007] In such a battery rack, if an abnormality such as a short circuit occurs in some battery cells of the multiple battery modules, causing the temperature to continuously rise and causing the temperature of the battery cells to exceed a threshold temperature, a thermal event may occur. In this way, if a thermal event occurs in some battery cells, a safety issue may occur.

[0008] To address these issues, conventionally, a water supply system is configured adjacent to the battery rack to control thermal events occurring in the battery modules.

[0009] However, such conventional water systems spray extinguishing agents over a wide area of ​​the battery rack, making it difficult to quickly and effectively control the thermal events described above. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and has an object to provide a battery rack and a power storage system including the same that can effectively control thermal events.

[0011] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the problems described above, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, a battery rack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module, a rack frame that houses the battery module, a fire extinguishing agent supply module that is arranged on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module, and a support module that supports the fire extinguishing agent supply module and is coupled to one side of the rack frame so that the fire extinguishing agent supply module faces the battery module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the extinguishing agent supply module may include a nozzle portion connected to the battery module, and a fire extinguishing pipe coupled to the support module, connected to the nozzle portion, and supplying extinguishing agent to the nozzle portion, and the support module may include a pipe support portion supporting the fire extinguishing pipe, and a frame coupling portion extending from one side of the pipe support portion to face one side of the rack frame and configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame.

[0014] In one embodiment, the frame coupling portion may be configured to face contact one side of the rack frame.

[0015] In an embodiment, the frame coupling portion may be formed to extend in a vertical direction, and an upper end and a lower end may be configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame.

[0016] In one embodiment, the pipe support may be configured to encase at least a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the rack frame may include a rigidity reinforcement portion provided on one side of the rack frame to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame, and the fire extinguishing pipe may include a fixing member protruding from a side of the fire extinguishing pipe facing the battery module and configured to fix the fire extinguishing pipe to the rigidity reinforcement portion.

[0018] In one embodiment, the frame coupling portion may include a recess that is recessed in part to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcement portion.

[0019] In one embodiment, a nozzle portion facing the rigid reinforcement portion may be configured to penetrate the rigid reinforcement portion and connect with the battery module.

[0020] In one embodiment, the battery module may be provided in a plurality of parts, and the nozzle portions may be provided in a plurality of parts, each of which may be configured to correspond to a respective one of the battery modules.

[0021] In one embodiment, the battery rack may include a plurality of battery modules, at least one rack frame, and at least one extinguishing agent supply module and support module corresponding to the rack frame, and the battery rack may further include a pipe connection member configured to adjust the position of the extinguishing agent supply module corresponding to the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, the pipe connection member includes an extinguishing pipe connection member configured to connect different extinguishing agent supply modules arranged on one side of each rack frame, and the extinguishing pipe connection member may be configured so that a degree of bending can be adjusted corresponding to a height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

[0023] In one embodiment, the pipe connection member further includes a supply pipe connection member configured to connect a supply pipe that supplies extinguishing agent to the extinguishing agent supply module from the outside to the extinguishing agent supply module, and a discharge pipe connection member configured to connect a discharge pipe that receives extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent supply module and discharges it to the outside to the extinguishing agent supply module, and at least one of the supply pipe connection member and the discharge pipe connection member may be configured so that the degree of bending can be adjusted in accordance with the height of the rack frame when the support module is connected to the rack frame.

[0024] Furthermore, a power storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the battery rack according to the embodiment of the present invention described above. Effect of the Invention

[0025] This embodiment of the invention allows for the extinguishing agent to be discharged directly into the battery module, allowing for rapid suppression of a thermal event in the battery module.

[0026] In addition, the connection between the battery module and the extinguishing agent supply module becomes easier, enabling more stable spraying of the extinguishing agent.

[0027] Furthermore, even if the entire battery rack is subjected to strong vibrations due to natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons, the extinguishing agent supply module can be designed to withstand such vibrations, thereby enabling stable control of thermal events.

[0028] In addition to the above, various other effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in the sections of each embodiment, and descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0029] The drawings attached to this specification are intended to illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to facilitate a further understanding of the technical ideas of the present invention as well as the content of the invention, and therefore the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to only the matters depicted in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the battery rack in FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery module provided in the battery rack of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 2 is a diagram for explaining a coupling relationship between a fire extinguishant supply module and a support module provided in the battery rack in FIG. 1. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a diagram for explaining a coupling relationship between a fire extinguishant supply module and a support module provided in the battery rack in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a diagram for explaining a coupling relationship between a fire extinguishant supply module and a support module provided in the battery rack in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion A in FIG. [Figure 8] 4 is a diagram for explaining the coupling relationship between a rigidity reinforcing portion provided on the battery rack in FIG. 1 and a fire extinguishant supply module. FIG. [Figure 9] 4 is a diagram for explaining a coupling relationship between a fire-extinguishing agent supply module and a pipe connecting member provided in the battery rack in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 shows a battery rack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a battery rack according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a power storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0031] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the present specification and claims are not to be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but are to be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms himself / herself in order to best describe the invention.

[0032] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therefor at the time of this application.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a battery rack 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the battery rack 10 of FIG. 1 as viewed from the rear, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a battery module 100 provided in the battery rack 10 of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 4 to 6 are diagrams for explaining the connection relationship between a fire extinguishing agent supply module 300 and a support module 400 provided in the battery rack 10 of FIG. 1.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawings may refer to the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may refer to the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction and the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may refer to the up-down direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0035] 1 to 6, a battery rack 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a rack frame 200, a fire extinguishing agent supply module 300 and a support module 400.

[0036] The battery module 100 may include a cell assembly 110 and a module case 120 .

[0037] The cell assembly 110 may include at least one battery cell. Here, the battery cell may mean a secondary battery. Such a battery cell may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. As an example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0038] The module case 120 may accommodate the cell assembly 110 therein. To this end, the module case 120 may be provided with an internal accommodation space for accommodating the cell assembly 110 therein.

[0039] The rack frame 200 may accommodate the battery modules 100 therein. To this end, the rack frame 200 may include an internal accommodation space for accommodating the battery modules 100 therein.

[0040] Such a rack frame 200 may include a main frame 210 .

[0041] The main frame 210 may be formed to extend in the vertical direction. The main frame 210 may be formed in a column shape. The main frame 210 may form an accommodation space capable of accommodating the battery module 100 within the rack frame 200. Although not shown in detail, the rack frame 200 may further include a horizontal plate (not shown) connected to the main frame 210 and disposed in the horizontal direction. In this case, the battery module 100 may be disposed on the horizontal plate and accommodated within the rack frame 200.

[0042] The extinguishing agent supply module 300 may be disposed on one side of the rack frame 200 (for example, on the rear side of the rack frame 200). The extinguishing agent supply module 300 may be connected to the battery module 100.

[0043] Specifically, the extinguishing agent supply module 300 may be connected to the module case 120 of the battery module 100 (see FIG. 7). The extinguishing agent supply module 300 may be supplied with extinguishing agent from an external extinguishing agent supply tank (not shown) and may inject the extinguishing agent into the cell assemblies 110 in the module case 120. As an example, the extinguishing agent may be a liquid, more specifically, water, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] The support module 400 can support the extinguishing agent supply module 300. As an example, the extinguishing agent supply module 300 can be bolted to the support module 400, but is not limited to such a connection manner.

[0045] The support module 400 may be coupled to one side of the rack frame 200 such that the extinguishing agent supply module 300 faces the battery module 100. Specifically, the support module 400 may be coupled to the above-mentioned main frame 210. As an example, the support module 400 may be bolted to the rack frame 200, but is not limited to such a coupling method.

[0046] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing agent can be discharged directly into the battery module 100, so that when a thermal event occurs in the battery module 100, such a thermal event can be quickly suppressed.

[0047] In addition, since the support module 400 is coupled to one side of the rack frame 200 so that the extinguishing agent supply module 300 faces the battery module 100, the battery module 100 and the extinguishing agent supply module 300 can be easily connected to each other and the extinguishing agent can be sprayed more stably.

[0048] Furthermore, by directly connecting the support module 400 supporting the extinguishing agent supply module 300 to the rack frame 200, even if strong vibrations are applied to the entire battery rack 10 due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, the extinguishing agent supply module 300 can be made to sufficiently withstand such vibrations. Therefore, thermal events can be controlled more stably.

[0049] Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion A in Fig. 1. Note that in Fig. 7, a pipe connecting member 500, which will be described later, is omitted from the illustration.

[0050] 1, 2 and 4 to 7, the extinguishing agent supply module 300 may include a nozzle unit 310 and an extinguishing pipe 320. The extinguishing agent supply module 300 may include a nozzle unit 310 and an extinguishing pipe 320.

[0051] The nozzle unit 310 may be connected to the battery module 100. In this case, the nozzle unit 310 may be connected to a module case 120 of the battery module 100. Specifically, a nozzle insertion hole 122 may be formed in the module case 120 of the battery module 100, as shown in Fig. 3. The nozzle insertion hole 122 has a predetermined area formed in the module case 120 such that the nozzle unit 310 is inserted into the module case 120.

[0052] At least a portion of the nozzle portion 310 can be inserted into the module case 120 through the nozzle insertion hole 122. The nozzle portion 310 can receive extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent supply tank described above and spray the extinguishing agent onto the cell assembly 110 in the module case 120.

[0053] Moreover, the nozzle portion 310 may include a nozzle body 312 and a nozzle head 314, as shown in FIGS.

[0054] The nozzle body 312 may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape. A fire extinguishing agent discharge path may be provided in the nozzle body 312 in a hollow shape.

[0055] The nozzle head 314 is connected to the nozzle body 312 and can be inserted into the module case 120 through the nozzle insertion hole 122 of the module case 120 .

[0056] Also, the nozzle head 314 may be exemplarily constituted of a glass bulb. The nozzle head 314 constituted of such a glass bulb normally blocks the extinguishing agent discharge path in the nozzle body 312, but may be configured to break and discharge the extinguishing agent into the module case 120 when a thermal event such as a thermal runaway phenomenon of the cell assembly 110 occurs. Exemplarily, the glass bulb may contain a predetermined liquid (e.g., water) therein. Such a glass bulb may be configured to break due to volume expansion of the predetermined liquid when the temperature inside the module case 120 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher due to a thermal runaway phenomenon of the cell assembly 110.

[0057] Alternatively, the nozzle head 314 may include a separate on-off valve. The on-off valve of the nozzle head 314 may be provided in the nozzle head 314 together with a temperature detection sensor that detects the temperature inside the module case 120. As a result, the on-off valve may be configured to normally maintain the extinguishant discharge path in the nozzle body 312 in a closed state, but to open the extinguishant discharge path and allow the nozzle head 314 to discharge the extinguishant into the module case 120 when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the cell assembly 110. For example, the on-off valve may open the extinguishant discharge path when the temperature detection sensor detects that the temperature inside the module case 120 has risen to a predetermined temperature or higher due to the thermal runaway phenomenon in the cell assembly 110.

[0058] The extinguishing pipe 320 is coupled to the support module 400 and connected to the nozzle portion 310 so as to supply an extinguishing agent to the nozzle portion 310 .

[0059] Specifically, the fire extinguishing pipe 320 is connected to the nozzle body 312 and can supply the fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle head 314. At this time, the fire extinguishing pipe 320 can be connected to the fire extinguishing agent discharge path in the nozzle body 312. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, holes configured to communicate with the fire extinguishing agent discharge path in the nozzle body 312 can be formed in the fire extinguishing pipe 320.

[0060] Also, the fire extinguishing pipe 320 is connected to an external fire extinguishing agent supply tank and can be supplied with the fire extinguishing agent. As an example, the fire extinguishing pipe 320 can be an extruded pipe formed by being integrally extruded, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] In addition, the fire extinguishing agent supply module 300 may further include a leak prevention member D. The leak prevention member D can be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the nozzle body 312. As an example, the leak prevention member D can be a silicon foam, but is not limited thereto, and any material with good cushioning and compressibility can be applied. Exemplarily, the leak prevention member D can be composed of materials such as rubber and sponge.

[0062] Such a leak prevention member D can be in close contact with the outer surface of the module case 120 when the nozzle portion 310 is connected to the battery module 100, as shown in FIG. 7. Thereby, when the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the nozzle portion 310, the impact applied to the nozzle portion 310 and the battery module 100 can be alleviated. Also, when the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the nozzle portion 310, leakage of the fire extinguishing agent to the outside of the battery module 100 from the gap between the nozzle portion 310 and the battery module 100 can be prevented.

[0063] Also, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4 to 7, the support module 400 may include a pipe support portion 410 and a frame coupling portion 420.

[0064] The pipe support portion 410 can support the fire extinguishing pipe 320. Such a pipe support portion 410 can be formed in a plate shape.

[0065] The frame coupling part 420 may extend from one side of the pipe support part 410 to face one side of the rack frame 200 and be configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame 200. Specifically, the frame coupling part 420 may be coupled to the main frame 210. In this case, the case support part 420 may be formed in a plate shape. Exemplarily, the case support part 420 may be coupled to the main frame 210 located on the right side of the battery module 100 when viewed in the left-right direction of the rack frame 200.

[0066] That is, the plate-shaped frame coupling part 420 may be coupled to one side of the rack frame 200 such that the portion of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 to which the nozzle part 310 is connected faces the battery module 100.

[0067] This allows easy connection between the battery module 100 and the nozzle unit 310, and also minimizes vibrations applied to the extinguishant supply module 300, making it possible to more stably control thermal events.

[0068] 1, 2 and 4 to 7, the frame coupling portion 420 may be configured to come into surface contact with one side of the rack frame 200. As shown in FIG.

[0069] That is, since the frame coupling part 420 is formed in a plate shape and configured to have a predetermined area, the frame coupling part 420 may be closely attached and coupled to one side of the rack frame 200. As an example, the frame coupling part 420 may be at least partially bolted to one side of the rack frame 200 while being closely attached to one side of the rack frame 200.

[0070] According to the above embodiment, the connection between the rack frame 200 and the support module 400 can be more stable.

[0071] In particular, the frame coupling part 420 may be formed to extend in the vertical direction, and may be configured such that its upper and lower ends are coupled to one side of the rack frame 200 .

[0072] As described above, the frame coupling part 420 is in surface contact with one side of the rack frame 200, so that it can be stably fixed to the rack frame 200 even if only the upper and lower ends are fixed to one side of the rack frame 200.

[0073] This can reduce labor time and manufacturing costs by minimizing the fastening requirements for coupling the support modules 400 to the rack frame 200.

[0074] Referring again to FIGS. 4-7, the pipe support 410 may be configured to encase at least a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe 320.

[0075] As an example, the pipe support portion 410 may be configured to enclose all of the remaining outer surfaces of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 except for the side facing the battery module 100 (the side on which the nozzle portion 310 is provided), or may be configured to enclose only a portion of the remaining outer surfaces of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 except for the side facing the battery module 100 (the side on which the nozzle portion 310 is provided).

[0076] For example, the pipe support portion 410 may be configured to enclose the right side and the top side of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 when viewed from the left-right direction, the front-back direction, and the top-bottom direction of the rack frame 200.

[0077] This allows the pipe support portion 410 to more stably support the fire extinguishing pipe 320, and further reinforces the rigidity of the extinguishing agent supply module 300 when the support module 400 is connected to the rack frame 200.

[0078] FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the coupling relationship between the rigidity reinforcing portion 230 provided on the battery rack in FIG. 1 and the extinguishant supply module 300. As shown in FIG.

[0079] 1, 2, and 4 to 8, the rack frame 200 may further include a rigidity reinforcement portion 230.

[0080] The rigidity reinforcing part 230 may be provided on one side of the rack frame 200 to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame 200. Specifically, the rigidity reinforcing part 230 may reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame 200 in the left-right direction by connecting between a pair of main frames 210 in the left-right direction of the battery rack 10. Exemplarily, both ends of the rigidity reinforcing part 230 may be coupled to the main frames 210 when viewed in the left-right direction of the rack frame 200. As an example, both ends of the rigidity reinforcing part 230 may be bolted to the main frames 210, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] Moreover, the fire extinguishing pipe 320 may include a fixing member 322 as shown in FIGS.

[0082] The fixing member 322 may be configured to protrude from a side of the extinguish pipe 320 facing the battery module 100 and fix the extinguish pipe 320 to the rigid reinforcement part 230. For example, the fixing member 322 may be formed by injection into the extinguish pipe 320 during the manufacture of the extinguish pipe 320, or may be configured as a separate member and coupled to the extinguish pipe 320.

[0083] When the support module 400 is coupled to one side of the rack frame 200, the fixing member 322 may be inserted into a first hole H1 formed in the rigid reinforcement part 230 on one side of the rigid reinforcement part 230 facing the fire extinguishing pipe 320. Although not shown, the fixing member 322 inserted into the first hole H1 may be configured to be fixed to the rigid reinforcement part 230 by a nut inserted into the fixing member 322 on the other side of the rigid reinforcement part 230.

[0084] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the side of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 facing the battery module 100 can be fixed to the rack frame 200, so that the rigidity of the extinguishing agent supply module 300 can be further reinforced in a state where the support module 400 is coupled to the rack frame 200. This can minimize vibrations applied to the extinguishing agent supply module 300, and as a result, thermal events can be controlled more stably.

[0085] Furthermore, the frame coupling portion 420 may include a recess 422 that is partially recessed to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 .

[0086] The recess 422 can prevent interference between the rigidity reinforcement part 230 and the frame coupling part 420 when the frame coupling part 420 is coupled to the rack frame 200. At this time, an end portion located above and an end portion located below the recess 422 of the frame coupling part 420 can be bolted to one side of the rack frame 200.

[0087] In addition, when the frame coupling portion 420 is coupled to the rack frame 200, one end of the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 can be engaged with the recess 422. With this configuration, not only can the number of frame coupling portions 420 be reduced to reduce costs, but also the coupling of the support module 400 to the rack frame 200 can be more stably performed.

[0088] In addition, the nozzle portion 310 facing the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 may be configured to penetrate the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 and connect to the battery module 100.

[0089] Specifically, the nozzle portion 310 facing the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 may be inserted into a second hole H2 formed in the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 toward one side of the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 facing the fire extinguishing pipe 320 when the support module 400 is coupled to one side of the rack frame 200. Thus, the nozzle portion 310 facing the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 may be easily connected to the battery module 100 provided at a position opposite the rigidity reinforcement portion 230.

[0090] According to this embodiment configuration, when a rigid reinforcement portion 230 is provided on the rack frame 200, interference between the rigid reinforcement portion 230 and the nozzle portion 310 can be prevented, and a portion of the nozzle portion 310 can be inserted into the rigid reinforcement portion 230, allowing the rack frame 200 to more stably support the extinguishing agent supply module 300.

[0091] 1, 2, and 4 to 8 again, there may be a plurality of battery modules 100. Such a plurality of battery modules 100 may be stacked vertically so as to be electrically connected to each other. As an example, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be arranged in two rows in a vertically stacked state within the rack frame 200.

[0092] Also, there may be a plurality of nozzle units 310. Such nozzle units 310 are connected to the fire extinguishing pipe 320, and may be provided in a plurality of nozzle units 310 along the up-down direction of the fire extinguishing pipe 320.

[0093] And, each of the nozzle units 310 may be configured to correspond to each of the battery modules 100. That is, each of the multiple nozzle units 310 may be connected to each of the battery modules 100.

[0094] According to this embodiment, even if a thermal event occurs in multiple battery modules 100, the thermal event can be controlled more quickly.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the connection relationship between the extinguishant supply module 300 and the pipe connection member 500 provided in the battery rack 10 of FIG.

[0096] 1, 2, and 4 to 9, there may be a plurality of battery modules 100. Also, there may be at least one rack frame 200. And there may be at least one extinguishant supply module 300 and support module 400 corresponding to the rack frame 200. Exemplarily, when there are a plurality of rack frames 200, there may be a plurality of extinguishant supply modules 300 and support modules 400 corresponding thereto. Meanwhile, the plurality of rack frames 200 may be configured by being stacked in the vertical direction.

[0097] The battery rack 10 may further include a pipe connection member 500. As an example, the pipe connection member 500 may be configured with a flexible pipe.

[0098] Such a pipe connection member 500 may be configured to allow the position of the extinguishing agent supply module 300 to be adjusted corresponding to the height of the rack frame 200 when the support module 400 is coupled to the rack frame 200 .

[0099] For example, if the number of battery modules 100 constituting the battery rack 10 is changed, the size of the rack frame 200 may be changed accordingly.

[0100] Specifically, the pipe connection member 500 may be configured to connect different extinguishant supply modules 300 arranged on one side of each rack frame 200. Also, the pipe connection member 500 may be configured to connect a supply pipe I that supplies extinguishant to the extinguishant supply module 300 from the outside (e.g., an extinguishant supply tank) to the extinguishant supply module 300. Also, the pipe connection member 500 may be configured to connect a discharge pipe O that receives the extinguishant from the extinguishant supply module 300 and discharges it to the outside to the extinguishant supply module 300.

[0101] As an example, when there are multiple rack frames 200, the supply pipe I may be provided at the uppermost ends of the stacked rack frames 200, and the discharge pipe O may be provided at the lowermost ends of the stacked rack frames 200.

[0102] Such a pipe connection member 500 is made of a flexible material and configured so that the degree of bending can be adjusted, thereby making it possible to adjust the position of the extinguishing agent supply module 300 in accordance with changes in the height of the rack frame 200.

[0103] According to such an embodiment of the present invention, the position of the extinguishant supply module 300 can be easily adjusted in accordance with the number of battery modules 100 mounted in the rack frame 200 without changing the configuration of the extinguishant supply module 300. This allows the overall configuration of the battery rack 10 to be made more compact.

[0104] More specifically, the pipe connection member 500 may include a fire extinguishing pipe connection member 510 .

[0105] The extinguishing pipe connection member 510 may be configured to connect different extinguishing agent supply modules 300 disposed on one side of each rack frame 200. In this case, the plurality of rack frames 200 may be configured to be stacked in the vertical direction.

[0106] Specifically, the extinguishment pipe connection member 510 may connect different extinguishment pipes 320 disposed on one side of each rack frame 200. At this time, the extinguishment pipe connection member 510 may be coupled to each extinguishment pipe 320 by a first connector C1. The first connector C1 may be a joint for connecting the pipes.

[0107] The fire extinguishing pipe connecting member 510 may be configured such that the degree of bending can be adjusted according to the height of the rack frame 200 when the support module 400 is coupled to the rack frame 200 .

[0108] As a result, in a structure in which the rack frames 200 are stacked in the vertical direction, the position of the extinguishant supply module 300 can be easily adjusted to correspond to the number of battery modules 100 mounted in the rack frame 200 without changing the configuration of the extinguishant supply module 300. Therefore, the overall configuration of the battery rack 10 can be made more compact.

[0109] In addition, the pipe connecting member 500 may further include a supply pipe connecting member 520 and a discharge pipe connecting member 530. In this case, the rack frame 200 may be one or more.

[0110] The supply pipe connection member 520 may be configured to connect the supply pipe I and the extinguishing agent supply module 300 .

[0111] Specifically, the supply pipe connection member 520 may connect the supply pipe I and the fire extinguishing pipe 320. At this time, the supply pipe connection member 520 and the fire extinguishing pipe 320 may be coupled by a second connector C2. Such a second connector C2 may be a joint for connecting pipes.

[0112] The exhaust pipe connection member 530 may be configured to connect the exhaust pipe O and the extinguishing agent supply module 300 .

[0113] Specifically, the exhaust pipe connection member 530 may connect the exhaust pipe O and the fire extinguishing pipe 320. At this time, the exhaust pipe connection member 530 and the fire extinguishing pipe 320 may be connected by a third connector C3. Such a third connector C3 may be a joint for connecting pipes.

[0114] At least one of the supply pipe connecting member 520 and the exhaust pipe connecting member 530 may be configured such that the degree of bending can be adjusted in accordance with the height of the rack frame 200 when the support module 400 is coupled to the rack frame 200.

[0115] This makes it possible to easily adjust the position of the extinguishant supply module 300 so as to correspond to the number of battery modules 100 mounted in the rack frame 200, without changing the configuration of the extinguishant supply module 300. Therefore, the overall configuration of the battery rack 10 can be made more compact.

[0116] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a battery rack 12 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Since the battery rack 12 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery rack 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment, a duplicated description of the configuration that is substantially the same or similar to the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery rack 12, the pipe support portion 410 may be configured to encase all of the remaining outer surfaces of the fire extinguishing pipe 320 except for the side facing the battery module 100 (the side on which the nozzle portion 310 is provided).

[0119] Therefore, the battery rack 12 according to this embodiment can further reinforce the rigidity of the extinguishing agent supply module 300 when the support module 400 is connected to the rack frame 200, while minimizing the exposure of the extinguishing pipe 320 to the outside.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a battery rack 14 according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0121] Since the battery rack 14 according to this embodiment is similar to the battery rack 10 according to the above-mentioned embodiment, a duplicated description of the configuration that is substantially the same or similar to the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences from the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 11 , in the battery rack 14, the frame connection portion 420 of the support module 400 may further include a pair of flange portions 424.

[0123] 1, 4 to 6, and 8 together with Fig. 11, the flange portion 424 may be formed in a shape bent toward the outside of the rack frame 200 at an end portion located on the upper side and an end portion located on the lower side of the recessed portion 422 in the frame coupling portion 420. Such a pair of flange portions 424 may be configured to face each other in the up-down direction.

[0124] In this case, the flange portion 424 may be configured to come into surface contact with one end of the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 when the frame coupling portion 420 is coupled to the rack frame 200. As an example, the flange portion 424 may be fastened to one end of the rigidity reinforcement portion 230 by a bolt.

[0125] With this configuration, in the battery rack 14 according to this embodiment, the support module 400 can be more firmly connected to the rack frame 200.

[0126] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing agent can be directly discharged into the battery module 100, so that a thermal event in the battery module 100 can be quickly suppressed.

[0127] In addition, the battery module 100 and the extinguishant supply module 300 can be easily connected to each other, so that the extinguishant can be sprayed more stably.

[0128] In addition, even if strong vibrations are applied to the entire battery racks 10, 12, 14 due to natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, the extinguishing agent supply module 300 can be designed to sufficiently withstand such vibrations, thereby enabling stable control of thermal events.

[0129] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a power storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 12, the power storage system 1 may include at least one battery rack 10 and a rack container 50.

[0131] In one embodiment, the battery rack 10 may be a plurality of two or more.

[0132] Moreover, the rack container 50 may include a storage space for storing at least one battery rack 10.

[0133] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

[0134] Meanwhile, although directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art of the present invention that these terms are used merely for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0135] 1. Energy storage system 10 Battery Rack 12 Battery Rack 14 Battery Rack 50 Rack Container 100 Battery Module 110 Cell Assembly 120 Module Case 122 Nozzle insertion hole 200 Rack Frame 210 Mainframe 230 Rigidity reinforcement section 300 Extinguishing Agent Supply Module 310 Nozzle section 312 Nozzle body 314 Nozzle Head 320 Fire Pipe 322 Fixing member 400 Support Module 410 Pipe support 420 Frame joint 422 Recess 424 Flange part 500 Pipe connection parts 510 Fire extinguishing pipe connection parts 520 Supply pipe connection member 530 Exhaust pipe connection member

Claims

1. A battery module; A rack frame that houses the battery modules; a fire extinguishing agent supply module disposed on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module; a support module supporting the extinguishing agent supply module and coupled to one side of the rack frame such that the extinguishing agent supply module faces the battery module; Including the battery rack.

2. The extinguishing agent supply module comprises: A nozzle portion connected to the battery module; a fire extinguishing pipe coupled to the support module and connected to the nozzle portion for supplying a fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle portion; The support module includes: A pipe support portion for supporting the fire extinguishing pipe; 2. The battery rack according to claim 1, further comprising: a frame coupling portion extending from one side of the pipe support portion to face one side of the rack frame and configured to be coupled to the one side of the rack frame.

3. The frame coupling portion is The battery rack of claim 2 , configured to face contact one side of the rack frame.

4. The frame coupling portion is The battery rack according to claim 3 , wherein the battery rack is formed to extend in a vertical direction and has an upper end and a lower end configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame.

5. The pipe support portion is The battery rack of claim 2 configured to encase at least a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe.

6. The rack frame includes: a rigidity reinforcing portion provided on one side of the rack frame to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame; The fire extinguishing pipe is 3. The battery rack according to claim 2, further comprising a fixing member protruding from a side of the fire extinguishing pipe facing the battery module and configured to fix the fire extinguishing pipe to the rigid reinforcement portion.

7. The frame coupling portion is The battery rack according to claim 6 , further comprising a recess that is partially recessed to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcement portion.

8. The nozzle portion facing the rigidity reinforcement portion is The battery rack according to claim 6 , configured to penetrate the rigid reinforcement portion and connect to the battery module.

9. A plurality of the battery modules and a plurality of the nozzle units are provided, Each of the nozzle portions is The battery rack of claim 2 , configured to accommodate a respective battery module.

10. A plurality of the battery modules are provided, At least one of the rack frames, At least one of the extinguishing agent supply module and the support module is provided to correspond to the rack frame; The battery rack comprises:

10. The battery rack of claim 1, further comprising a pipe connection member configured to adjust a position of the extinguishing agent supply module corresponding to a height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

11. The pipe connection member is a fire extinguishing pipe connecting member configured to connect different extinguishing agent supply modules arranged on one side of each rack frame; The fire extinguishing pipe connecting member is The battery rack according to claim 10 , wherein the support module is configured to have an adjustable degree of bending corresponding to a height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

12. The pipe connection member is a supply pipe connecting member configured to connect a supply pipe for supplying an extinguishing agent to the extinguishing agent supply module from the outside to the extinguishing agent supply module; and a discharge pipe connecting member configured to connect the extinguishing agent supply module to a discharge pipe that receives the extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent supply module and discharges the extinguishing agent to the outside, At least one of the supply pipe connecting member and the exhaust pipe connecting member is The battery rack according to claim 10 , wherein the support module is configured to have an adjustable degree of bending corresponding to a height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

13. 10. An electrical power storage system comprising at least one battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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