Battery array

Abstract

A battery array is disclosed. A battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention is a battery array including a structure in which a plurality of battery cell units are stacked in the vertical direction, and includes a first heat sink having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink, a first column coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink and extending in the vertical direction, and a second heat sink having a plate shape, located above the first column, and having a lower surface coupled to the first column.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery array.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0068578 filed on May 26, 2023, and all of the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely because they hardly exhibit a memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density.

[0004] In recent years, issues such as power shortages and environmentally friendly energy (green energy) have emerged, and energy storage systems (ESS: Energy Storage System) for storing the generated electricity have received more attention. For example, as one of the mechanisms for adjusting the power supply and demand, a smart grid system (Smart Grid System) has been proposed. The amount of electricity consumed by consumers is not always constant and may vary at any time. As a typical example, it can be cited that in the afternoon in summer, the electricity consumption increases rapidly due to the use of air conditioners, and the electricity consumption decreases rapidly at night. Thus, on the power consumption side, the electricity consumption is not constant and may fluctuate frequently. However, on the power supply side, even if the power production can be adjusted to some extent, it is difficult to realistically match such power consumption. Therefore, such an imbalance between power supply and consumption may cause power supply surplus or power supply shortage. The smart grid system can store and adjust power elastically to solve such problems. The smart grid system can be said to be a concept that stores power at the time and in the area where surplus power is generated and supplies the stored power to the time and area where power shortage occurs. One of the core components in constructing such a smart grid system is an energy storage system for storing power. Also, recently, the commercialization of electric vehicles has been progressing in earnest, and an energy storage system can also be used in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such an energy storage system may include a plurality of battery arrays. The battery array may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery array units. And the battery array unit may include a plurality of battery cell units. The need for a structure that can stack a plurality of battery cell units while increasing the energy density of the battery array in a limited height space is increasing. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery array with improved assemblability.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a battery array with a simplified structure.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a battery array having an excellent cooling effect while increasing the energy density.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0010] A battery array according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object is a battery array including a structure in which a plurality of battery cell units are stacked in the vertical direction, and includes a first heat sink having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink, a first column coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink and extending in the vertical direction, and a second heat sink having a plate shape, located above the first column, and having a lower surface coupled to the first column.

[0011] Further, the battery array may further include a second battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the second heat sink.

[0012] Further, the battery array may further include a second column coupled to the upper surface of the second heat sink and extending in the vertical direction.

[0013] Further, the second column may be located in the direction in which the first column extends.

[0014] Further, the battery array may further include a coupling pin that penetrates the second heat sink, has a lower portion inserted into the first column, and an upper portion inserted into the second column.

[0015] Further, the first battery cell unit may include a front battery cell unit and a rear battery cell unit arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0016] Further, the first column may include a middle column positioned between the front battery cell unit and the rear battery cell unit.

[0017] Further, the first column may include a front column positioned in front of the front battery cell unit and a rear column positioned behind the rear battery cell unit.

[0018] Further, the first column includes a pair of front columns positioned in front of the front battery cell unit, The battery array may further include a battery management system (Battery Management System, BMS) positioned between the pair of front columns and electrically connected to the battery cell unit.

[0019] Further, the height of the first column is higher than the height of the first battery cell unit.

[0020] The battery array may further include an insulating cover positioned between the first battery cell unit and the second heat sink.

[0021] Further, the second heat sink includes an upper plate having a flat plate shape; a lower plate having a coupling portion coupled to the lower portion of the upper plate and a protruding portion bent downward from the coupling portion, and the second heat sink may be configured such that a cooling flow path is formed between the upper plate and the protruding portion.

[0022] Further, the cooling flow path may include a plurality of first flow paths that communicate with the inflow port and are partitioned in the front-rear direction; a plurality of second flow paths that communicate with the discharge port and are partitioned in the front-rear direction; and a third flow path that communicates the plurality of first flow paths and the plurality of second flow paths.

[0023] Also, a battery array according to one aspect of the present invention may include a first heat sink having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink, and a first column that is coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink, extends in the vertical direction, and has an upper portion configured to be fastened to other components.

[0024] Also, a battery container according to one aspect of the present invention includes the battery array of the present invention.

Advantages of the Invention

[0025] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the energy density of the battery array can be improved.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the structural rigidity of the battery array can be improved.

[0027] According to at least one embodiment of the present invention, the assemblability of the battery array can be improved.

[0028] The drawings attached to this specification illustrate desirable embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0029]

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Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventor himself interprets them according to the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that he can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0031] Therefore, it must be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. At the time of this application, there can be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a separated partial configuration of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a structure in which a plurality of battery cell units 200 are stacked in the vertical direction. A battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first heat sink 100, a first battery cell unit 200, a first column 400, and a second heat sink 100.

[0033] The first heat sink 100 may have a plate shape. And the first battery cell unit 200 may be placed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached on the upper surface of the first heat sink 100. The first battery cell unit 200 may include one or more battery cells. At this time, the battery cell may mean a secondary battery. For example, the battery cell may be a secondary battery having a pouch shape. The first heat sink 100 may be configured to dissipate heat generated from the first battery cell unit 200 to the outside. The first battery cell unit 200 may be composed of a plurality of units.

[0034] The first column 400 may be placed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached on the upper surface of the first heat sink 100. And the first column 400 may be configured to extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The first column 400 may be composed of a plurality of columns.

[0035] The second heat sink 100 has a plate shape, is located above the first column 400, and may have a lower surface that is placed, coupled, fixed, fastened, or attached to the first column 400. The second heat sink 100 may have substantially the same configuration or components as the first heat sink 100.

[0036] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the stacking of the battery array can be easily performed. At this time, the heat sink 100 functions as a base plate to which the battery cell unit 200 is coupled, thereby simplifying the stacking structure. In addition, by connecting and coupling the first heat sink 100 and the second heat sink 100 by the column 400, the load of the battery array can be supported. Thereby, the stacking structure can be simplified. Thereby, the energy density of the battery array in the vertical direction can be improved.

[0037] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by stacking a plurality of battery array units 10 in the vertical direction. At this time, the battery array unit 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first heat sink 100 having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit 200 placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink 100, and a first column 400 coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink 100, extending in the vertical direction, and having an upper portion configured to be fastened to other components. At this time, the other components that can be fastened to the first column 400 may be other battery array units 10 or the heat sinks 100 of other battery array units 10.

[0038] According to such a configuration of the present invention, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be composed of a plurality of battery array units 10 having the same structure or configuration. Therefore, by stacking, assembling, fastening, or coupling a plurality of assembled battery array units 10 in the vertical direction, a battery array can be manufactured. Thereby, the productivity and energy density of the battery array can be improved.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second battery cell unit 200 placed on the upper surface of the second heat sink 100. The second battery cell unit 200 may have substantially the same configuration or structure as the first battery cell unit 200.

[0040] According to such a configuration of the present invention, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by stacking the same structure or configuration. Thereby, the productivity and energy density of the battery array can be improved.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second column 400 that is coupled to the upper surface of the second heat sink 100 and extends in the vertical direction. The second column 400 may have substantially the same configuration or structure as the first column 400.

[0042] According to such a configuration of the present invention, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be formed by stacking the same structure or configuration. Thereby, the productivity and energy density of the battery array can be improved.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the second column 400 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be configured to be located in the direction in which the first column 400 extends.

[0044] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the second column 400 can transmit the load acting on the second heat sink 100 to the first column 400. Thereby, the load of the battery array can be stably supported.

[0045] FIG. 3 is a view showing the heat sink 100 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention separated. FIG. 4 is a view showing the cooling liquid flowing through the heat sink 100 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the heat sink 100 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an upper plate 110 having a flat plate shape, a coupling portion 121 coupled to the lower portion of the upper plate 110, and a lower plate 120 having a protruding portion 122 bent downward from the coupling portion 121. And the heat sink 100 may be configured such that a cooling flow path is formed between the upper plate 110 and the protruding portion 122.

[0046] The upper plate 110 may have a square plate shape. The upper plate 110 may be configured in a flat plate shape.

[0047] The lower plate 120 may have a rectangular plate shape. The lower plate 120 may be coupled, attached, fastened, welded, or fixed to the lower surface of the upper plate 110. The coupling portion 121 of the lower plate 120 may be in a flat plate shape. The protruding portion 122 may form a cooling flow path.

[0048] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the heat sink 100 can cool the heat of the battery cell unit 200. By providing the heat sink 100 in each of the battery array units 10 of the present invention, the cooling of the battery array can be effectively performed.

[0049] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the cooling flow path of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of first flow paths 124 communicating with the inflow port 111 and partitioned in the front-rear direction, a plurality of second flow paths 125 communicating with the discharge port 112 and partitioned in the front-rear direction, and a third flow path 126 communicating the plurality of first flow paths 124 and the plurality of second flow paths 125.

[0050] The upper plate 110 may include an inflow port 111 and a discharge port 112 on the front side of the upper surface. The cooling liquid (CM: cooling medium) may flow into the heat sink 100 through the inflow port 111 of the upper plate 110, sequentially pass through the first flow path 124, the third flow path 126, and the second flow path 125, and flow out of the heat sink 100 through the discharge port 112.

[0051] At this time, the first flow path 124 and the second flow path 125 may be configured by a plurality of parallel flow paths. The plurality of parallel flow paths may be formed in parallel.

[0052] In order to achieve a high energy density, the battery array of the present invention may include a heat sink 100 having a relatively thin thickness. Accordingly, the height of the flow path of the heat sink 100 may be formed low.

[0053] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, since the first flow path 124 and the second flow path 125 are composed of a plurality of flow paths, the pressure of the cooling liquid (CM) flowing through the heat sink 100 can be dispersed. Thereby, the battery array can maintain a stable state.

[0054] Also, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the protruding portion 122 of the heat sink 100 can be partitioned so as to form a plurality of flow paths in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. Thereby, the rigidity of the heat sink 100 can be improved, and the stability of the battery array can be improved.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the heat sink 100 and the coupling pins 300 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the heat sink 100 and the column 400 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the heat sink 100, the column 400, and the battery cell unit 200 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first battery cell unit 200 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front battery cell unit 210 and a rear battery cell unit 220 arranged in the front-rear direction.

[0056] The front battery cell unit 210 and the rear battery cell unit 220 can each be fastened, fixed, coupled, or attached to the heat sink 100. And the front battery cell unit 210 can be configured as a pair.

[0057] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the battery array unit can improve the energy storage capacity and output by including a plurality of battery cell units 210, 220.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, a pair of front battery cell units 210 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention can be arranged in the left-right direction. Also, the rear battery cell unit 220 can be configured as a pair. The pair of rear battery cell units 220 can be arranged in the left-right direction.

[0059] At this time, the pair of front battery cell units 210 can include different numbers of battery cells. Thereby, the widths of the pair of front battery cell units 210 in the left-right direction can be configured to be different from each other. For example, the pair of front battery cell units 210 can include 19 battery cells and 21 battery cells, respectively.

[0060] Also, the pair of rear battery cell units 220 can include different numbers of battery cells. Thereby, the widths of the pair of rear battery cell units 220 in the left-right direction can be configured to be different from each other. For example, the pair of rear battery cell units 220 can include 19 battery cells and 21 battery cells, respectively.

[0061] Also, the front battery cell unit 210 and the rear battery cell unit 220 facing each other in the front-rear direction can include different numbers of battery cells. For example, the front battery cell unit 210-1 including 19 battery cells can face the rear battery cell unit 220-2 including 21 battery cells. And the front battery cell unit 210-2 including 21 battery cells can face the rear battery cell unit 220-2 including 19 battery cells.

[0062] Also, according to such a configuration of the present invention, the pressure and torque applied to the heat sink 100 can be dispersed. Also, the arrangement of the wiring for connecting the plurality of battery cell units 210, 220 can be facilitated.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first column 400 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a middle column 420 positioned between the front battery cell unit 210 and the rear battery cell unit 220.

[0064] The middle column 420 may be configured as a pair. The pair of middle columns 420 may be arranged in the left - right direction. The middle column 420 may contact the rear surface of the front battery cell unit 210 or the front surface of the rear battery cell unit 220.

[0065] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the middle column 420 can prevent the deflection (sagging) of the central portion of the heat sink 100. Thereby, the structural rigidity and stability of the battery array can be improved.

[0066] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the first column 400 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front column 410 positioned in front of the front battery cell unit 210 and a rear column 430 positioned behind the rear battery cell unit 220.

[0067] The front column 410 may be configured as a pair. The pair of front columns 410 may be arranged in the left - right direction. The front column 410 may contact the front surface of the front battery cell unit 210.

[0068] The rear column 430 may be configured as a pair. The pair of rear columns 430 may be arranged in the left - right direction. The rear column 430 may contact the rear surface of the rear battery cell unit 220.

[0069] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the front column 410 and the rear column 430 can prevent the deflection (sagging) of the heat sink 100. Also, the front column 410 and the rear column 430 can appropriately disperse the load acting on the heat sink 100. Thereby, the structural rigidity and stability of the battery array can be improved.

[0070] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a heat sink 100, a column 400, a battery cell unit 200, and a cover 500 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an insulating cover 500 positioned between a first battery cell unit 200 and a second heat sink 100.

[0071] The cover 500 may also be referred to as an insulating cover 500. The insulating cover 500 may have electrical insulation properties. The insulating cover 500 may cover the front surface of the front battery cell unit 210. And the insulating cover 500 may cover the upper surfaces of the front battery cell unit 210 and the rear battery cell unit 220. Also, the insulating cover 500 may cover the rear surface of the rear battery cell unit 220. The insulating cover 500 can electrically insulate adjacent battery array units 10 in the vertical direction. The insulating cover 500 may be provided for each battery array unit 10.

[0072] The column 400 may include a coating layer having electrical insulation properties. Or the column 400 may be covered with a film having electrical insulation properties.

[0073] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the electrical safety of the battery array can be improved.

[0074] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a heat sink 100, a column 400, a battery cell unit 200, a cover 500, and a battery management system (BMS) 600 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, the first column 400 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pair of front columns 410 located in front of the front battery cell unit 210, and the battery array may include a battery management system (BMS) 600 located between the pair of front columns 410 and electrically connected to the battery cell unit 200. The battery management system (BMS) 600 may be configured to control charging and discharging of the battery cell unit 200. The battery management system (BMS) 600 may be provided in each of the battery array units 10. And each battery management system (BMS) 600 may be electrically connected.

[0075] According to such a configuration of the present invention, since the battery management system (BMS) 600 is located between the pair of front columns 410, the space efficiency can be improved. Thereby, the energy density of the battery array can be improved.

[0076] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the stacking of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a coupling pin 300 having a lower part that penetrates the second heat sink 100 and is inserted into the first column 400, and an upper part that is inserted into the second column 400.

[0077] The heat sink 100 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention may be fastened, coupled, fixed, or inserted to the coupling pin 300. The coupling pin 300 may penetrate or pass through the coupling portion 121 of the upper plate 110 and the lower plate 120 of the heat sink 100 of the battery array unit 10 adjacent above. The coupling pin 300 may penetrate or pass through the coupling hole 101 (see FIG. 3) of the upper plate 110 and the coupling hole 127 (see FIG. 3) of the lower plate 120.

[0078] The coupling pin 300 can be provided, inserted, coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to each of the columns 400. At least a part of the coupling pin 300 can be inserted, coupled, and fastened to the column 400, and the remaining part can be exposed above the column 400.

[0079] For example, the coupling pin 300 can be assembled, coupled, fastened, or fixed to the column 400 by an interference fit.

[0080] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the coupling pin 300 can be easily assembled, coupled, fastened, or fixed to the column 400. Thereby, the assemblability of the battery array can be improved.

[0081] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of the coupling pin 300 of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the coupling pin 300a according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a stopper 310a, a lower pin 320a extending below the stopper 310a, and an upper pin 330a extending above the stopper 310a. The stopper 310a may have a diameter larger than those of the lower pin 320a and the upper pin 330a. The diameter of the stopper 310a may be formed to be similar to or the same as the diameter of the column 400. The lower pin 320a can be inserted, coupled, and fastened to the upper side of the column 400. The stopper 310a can limit the coupling depth of the lower pin 320a. Further, the upper pin 330a can be inserted, coupled, and fastened to the lower side of the column 400 adjacent to the upper side. The stopper 310a can limit the coupling depth of the upper pin 330a.

[0082] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the assemblability of the coupling pin 300a can be improved.

[0083] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a modified embodiment of column 400 of a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 12, a coupling pin 401 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be integrally formed with columns 410, 420, and 430. The coupling pin 401 can extend above columns 410, 420, and 430. The coupling pin 401 can be inserted, coupled, and fastened to the lower sides of the adjacent upper columns 410, 420, and 430.

[0084] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the assemblability of column 400 can be improved.

[0085] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a part of the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of FIG. 1. FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of part B of FIG. 13. FIG. 15 is an enlarged view of part C of FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part D of FIG. 13. Referring to FIGS. 13 to 15, the first columns 410b, 420b, 430b of the battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to have a height h1 higher than the height h2 of the first battery cell units 210b, 220b.

[0086] The height h2 of the first columns 410b, 420b, 430b can be the distance from the upper surface of the heat sink 100b to the lower surface of the adjacent heat sink 100c. Then, the battery cell units 210b, 220b and the insulating cover 500b can be arranged between the adjacent heat sinks 100b, 100c. Also, the protrusion 122 can be located above the insulating cover 500b. Thereby, the height h1 of the first columns 410b, 420b, 430b can be formed higher than the height h2 of the first battery cell units 210b, 220b.

[0087] According to such a configuration of the present invention, the battery cell units 201b, 220b and the insulating cover 500b can be stably arranged between the heat sinks 100b, 100c.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the coupling pin 300b can penetrate the heat sink 100b. Then, the lower part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the front column 410a, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the front column 410b.

[0089] The coupling pin 300c can penetrate the heat sink 100c. Then, the lower part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the front column 410b, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the front column 410c. The front battery cell units 210a, 210b, 210c can be sequentially stacked along the vertical direction.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 15, the lower part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the middle column 420a, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the middle column 420b. Also, the lower part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the middle column 420b, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the middle column 420c.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 16, the lower part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the rear column 430a, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300b can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the rear column 430b. Also, the lower part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the rear column 430b, and the upper part of the coupling pin 300c can be inserted, coupled, fixed or fastened to the rear column 430c.

[0092] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a battery array and a case 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the connection between the battery array and the case 700 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 17 and 18, a battery array according to an embodiment of the present invention can be coupled, fastened, or assembled with the case 700. The case 700 may include a base plate 710 that covers the lower surface of the battery array. The case 700 may include side plates 720 that cover the left and right sides of the battery array. The case 700 may include a top plate 730 that covers the upper surface of the battery array. The case 700 may include a front plate 740 that covers the front surface of the battery array. The case 700 may include a rear plate 750 that covers the rear surface of the battery array. The plates 710, 720, 730, 740, 750 that make up the case 700 can be joined by welding.

[0093] Also, pads 760 may be disposed on the lower surface of the base plate 710. The pads 760 may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The pads 760 may be configured as a pair, and the pair of pads 760 may be arranged in the side direction.

[0094] The battery container according to the present invention may include the battery array according to the present invention. The battery array may be composed of a plurality. The battery container may include a container housing. The container housing may provide a storage space for storing the battery array. Also, the battery container may include a control unit for controlling a plurality of battery arrays. Further, the battery container may further include a sensor for detecting the state of the battery array or a fire extinguishing module for controlling thermal events.

[0095] The energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a battery array according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of battery containers. And each battery container may include a plurality of battery arrays. Such an energy storage system may form a link group with a certain number of battery containers and control containers in combination. In one example, the control container can perform overall control and diagnosis on the battery containers. Also, the control container may include a DC part, an AC part, a BSC part, etc. for controlling the battery containers. On the other hand, each control container may be connected to a PCS.

[0096] On the other hand, in this specification, directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are only used for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object to be described and the position of the observer, etc. This is self-evident to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0097] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations are possible within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0098] 10 Battery array unit 100 Heat sink (First heat sink; Second heat sink) 110 Upper plate 111 Inflow port 112 Discharge port 120 Lower plate 121 Coupling part 122 Protrusion 124 First flow path 125 Second flow path 126 Third flow path 127 Coupling hole 200 Battery Cell Unit (First Battery Cell Unit; Second Battery Cell Unit) 210 Front Battery Cell Unit 210 Battery Cell Unit 220 Rear Battery Cell Unit 300 Coupling Pin 400 Column (First Column; Second Column) 500 Insulation Cover 600 Battery Management System (BMS) 700 Case

Claims

1. A battery array including a structure in which a plurality of battery cell units are stacked in the vertical direction, a first heat sink having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink, a first column coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink and extending in the vertical direction, a second heat sink having a plate shape, located above the first column, and having a lower surface coupled to the first column, A battery array including the above.

2. The battery array according to claim 1, further including a second battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the second heat sink.

3. The battery array according to claim 1, further including a second column coupled to the upper surface of the second heat sink and extending in the vertical direction.

4. The second column, is located in the direction in which the first column extends. The battery array according to claim 3.

5. The battery array includes a coupling pin that penetrates the second heat sink, the lower part of the coupling pin is inserted into the first column, and the upper part of the coupling pin is inserted into the second column. The battery array according to claim 3.

6. The first battery cell unit, includes a front battery cell unit and a rear battery cell unit arranged in the front-rear direction. The battery array according to claim 1.

7. The first column, includes a middle column located between the front battery cell unit and the rear battery cell unit. The battery array according to claim 6.

8. The first column, includes a front column located in front of the front battery cell unit, and a rear column located behind the rear battery cell unit. The battery array according to claim 6.

9. The first column, includes a pair of front columns located in front of the front battery cell unit, The battery array, further includes a battery management system (BMS) located between the pair of front columns and electrically connected to the battery cell unit. The battery array according to claim 6.

10. The height of the first column, is higher than the height of the first battery cell unit. The battery array according to claim 1.

11. The battery array according to claim 10, further comprising an insulating cover positioned between the first battery cell unit and the second heat sink.

12. The second heat sink has an upper plate having a flat plate shape, a lower plate having a connecting portion coupled to the lower portion of the upper plate, and a protruding portion bent downward from the connecting portion, and includes The second heat sink is configured such that a cooling flow path is formed between the upper plate and the protruding portion. The battery array according to claim 1.

13. The cooling flow path communicates with an inflow port and includes a plurality of first flow paths partitioned in the front-rear direction, communicates with a discharge port and includes a plurality of second flow paths partitioned in the front-rear direction, and a third flow path that communicates the plurality of first flow paths and the plurality of second flow paths. The battery array according to claim 12.

14. A first heat sink having a plate shape, a first battery cell unit placed on the upper surface of the first heat sink, a first column coupled to the upper surface of the first heat sink, extending in the vertical direction, and having an upper portion configured to be fastenable to other components. The battery array unit includes.

15. A battery container including the battery array according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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