Module housing, battery structure, and energy storage device including the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a module housing, a battery structure, and an energy storage device including the same, which can simplify a structure and reduce costs.SOLUTION: The apparatus includes a first battery cell, a first support plate supporting the first battery cell and having a first cooling channel formed therein to cool the first battery cell, a second battery cell disposed below and spaced apart from the first support plate, and a second support plate supporting the second battery cell and having a second cooling channel formed therein to cool the second battery cell. A fire extinguishing nozzle is formed in the first cooling channel, and the fire extinguishing nozzle can supply a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to module housings, battery structures, and energy storage devices including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not rechargeable, secondary batteries are batteries that can be charged and discharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in small portable electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptop computers, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as motor drive power sources and power storage batteries in hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, and the like. Such secondary batteries include an electrode assembly consisting of a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case that houses the electrode assembly, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] A secondary battery may generate heat while being discharged or charged. If the heat generation continues, the secondary battery may go into thermal runaway, which may cause a fire in the device or system in which the secondary battery is installed.

[0004] To address this issue, the cooling structure for the secondary battery is formed as a cooling channel structure below the battery cell, and a separate fire extinguishing spray structure is formed in the event of a battery cell fire to address the heat generation problem. However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the battery cooling structure and the fire suppression structure are formed separately, there are problems in that the structure is complicated and costs increase.

[0005] The foregoing information disclosed in this Background of the Invention section is intended solely to enhance understanding of the background of the present invention and may therefore include information that does not constitute prior art. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2024-0052378 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention provides a module housing, a battery structure, and an energy storage device including the same, which can simplify the structure and reduce costs.

[0008] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems that are not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention set forth below. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A battery structure according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem includes a first battery cell, a first support plate having a first cooling channel formed therein for cooling the first battery cell and supporting the first battery cell, a second battery cell disposed below and spaced apart from the first support plate, and a second support plate having a second cooling channel formed therein for cooling the second battery cell, wherein a fire extinguishing nozzle is formed in the first cooling channel, and the fire extinguishing nozzle is capable of supplying a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell.

[0010] An energy storage device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problem includes a battery structure and a battery rack in which the battery structure is housed. The battery structure includes a first battery cell, a first support plate having a first cooling channel formed therein for cooling the first battery cell and supporting the first battery cell, a second battery cell disposed below and spaced apart from the first support plate, and a second support plate having a second cooling channel formed therein for cooling the second battery cell and supporting the second battery cell. A fire extinguishing nozzle is formed in the first cooling channel, and the fire extinguishing nozzle supplies a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, individual fire suppression for each battery cell is possible through the fire extinguishing nozzle.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, it is possible to respond accurately and quickly to a battery cell where a fire has occurred, and by supplying a fire extinguishing agent directly to the battery cell where a fire has occurred, it is possible to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding battery cells or surrounding battery modules.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the injection amount and injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent can be adjusted through the chiller, thereby improving the fire extinguishing effect when a fire occurs.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a cooling channel may perform a fire extinguishing function for a battery module disposed below the cooling channel and a cooling function for a battery module disposed above the cooling channel, thereby simplifying the structure of the energy storage device and reducing costs.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fire extinguishing agent is directly sprayed from top to bottom through the fire extinguishing nozzle, so that the fire extinguishing agent can be sprayed intensively on the battery cell where the fire has occurred.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the chiller allows for continuous injection of fire extinguishing agent, thereby minimizing the spread of a fire in a battery cell.

[0017] However, the effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other technical effects not mentioned herein should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention set forth below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] The following drawings and the like attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention to be given later, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be analyzed by being limited to the matters depicted in such drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a battery structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a bottom view of a first support plate of a battery structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 3 is a diagram showing a fire extinguisher nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged partial view of region B in FIG. 2, and a side cross-sectional view of a first cooling channel in region C. FIG. [Figure 4] 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a fire extinguisher nozzle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of a portion of region B in FIG. 2, and a side cross-sectional view of a first cooling channel in region C. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of a battery structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a battery assembly including a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of region D in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a module housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] <Summary of the Invention> According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing nozzle may be formed along the first cooling channel at a position corresponding to the second battery cell.

[0020] According to one embodiment, a vent portion is formed on the upper surface of the second battery cell, and the fire extinguishing nozzle can inject a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portion.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the fire extinguishing nozzle further includes a heat-sensitive member formed on one side of the fire extinguishing nozzle in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at or above its melting point, and the heat-sensitive member can seal the fire extinguishing nozzle.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the fire extinguishing nozzle includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the second battery cell, and the heat-sensitive member can seal the open end of the protrusion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the heat-sensitive member melts, opening the fire-extinguishing nozzle, and the fire-extinguishing agent can be sprayed through the fire-extinguishing nozzle toward the second battery cell.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the cooling system may further include a chiller connected to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel, for supplying a refrigerant containing a fire extinguishing agent.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the chiller can adjust the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are connected to each other, and the lower portion of the first battery cell and the lower portion of the second battery cell can be cooled by the refrigerant.

[0027] A module housing according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the technical problems includes a pair of end plates disposed on the outside of a plurality of battery cells aligned in one direction, a pair of side plates connecting the pair of end plates and supporting both side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and a support plate fastened to the pair of end plates adjacent to bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, in which a cooling channel through which a fire-extinguishing agent flows is formed, and a fire-extinguishing nozzle may be formed in the cooling channel.

[0028] According to an embodiment, in the event of a fire in the second battery cell disposed at the bottom, a fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed onto the vent portion of the second battery cell through a fire extinguishing nozzle.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the fire extinguishing nozzle may further include a heat-sensitive member formed on one side in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at a temperature equal to or higher than the melting point.

[0030] According to one embodiment, the heat sensitive member melts, opening the extinguishing nozzle through which the extinguishing agent can be sprayed.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the cooling system may further include a chiller connected to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel, for supplying a refrigerant containing a fire extinguishing agent.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the chiller can adjust the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0033] According to an embodiment, when stacked on a battery rack, the fire extinguishing nozzle of the battery structure may be formed along the first cooling channel at a position corresponding to the second battery cell.

[0034] According to one embodiment, a vent portion is formed on the upper surface of the second battery cell, and the fire extinguishing nozzle can inject a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portion.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the fire extinguishing nozzle further includes a heat-sensitive member formed on one side of the fire extinguishing nozzle in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at or above its melting point, and the heat-sensitive member can seal the fire extinguishing nozzle.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the heat-sensitive member melts, opening the fire-extinguishing nozzle, and the fire-extinguishing agent can be sprayed through the fire-extinguishing nozzle toward the second battery cell.

[0037] <Detailed Description of the Invention> Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the terms and phrases used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted in a limited manner based on their ordinary and dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a manner consistent with the technical concept of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe his or her invention. Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0038] Furthermore, as used herein, "comprise" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of a stated shape, number, step, operation, member, element, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, numbers, operations, members, elements, and / or groups. Furthermore, when describing an embodiment of the present invention, "may" and "may be" can include "one or more embodiments of the present invention."

[0039] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the accompanying drawings may not be drawn to scale, and the dimensions of some components may be exaggerated. In addition, the same reference numerals are used to refer to the same components in different embodiments.

[0040] A statement that two comparison objects are "identical" means that they are "substantially identical." Therefore, being substantially identical can include cases where there is a deviation that is considered low in the art, for example, a deviation of 5% or less. Furthermore, a statement that a certain parameter is uniform in a given region can mean that the parameters are uniform on average.

[0041] Although terms such as "first," "second," and the like are used to describe various components, it is understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and unless otherwise specified, a first component can also be a second component.

[0042] Throughout the specification, unless specifically stated to the contrary, each element may be singular or plural.

[0043] When an arbitrary structure is placed "on (or under)" a component or "above (or below)" a component, it means that the arbitrary structure is placed in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the component, and other structures may be interposed between the component and the arbitrary structure placed above (or below) the component.

[0044] Furthermore, 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 other components may be "intervening" between the components, or that each component may be "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" via other components.

[0045] Furthermore, when a part is said to be electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only the case where they are directly coupled, but also the case where they are coupled via another element in between.

[0046] Throughout the specification, when we say "A and / or B," this means A only, B only, or A and B, unless specifically stated to the contrary. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. When we say "C through D," this means at least C and at most D, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a first support plate of the battery structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] 1 and 2, a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first battery cell 110, a first support plate 120 that supports the first battery cell 110, a second battery cell 210, and a second support plate 220 that supports the second battery cell 210. A fire extinguishing nozzle 130 is formed in the first cooling channel 121, and the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 can supply a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell 210.

[0049] The first support plate 120 may have a first cooling channel 121 formed therein to cool the first battery cell 110. The first support plate 120 may support the first battery cell 110. The second battery cell 210 may be disposed below the first support plate 120 and spaced apart from it.

[0050] The second support plate 220 has second cooling channels 221 formed therein for cooling the second battery cells 210 and can support the second battery cells 210 .

[0051] The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may be formed inside the first and second support plates 120, 220. The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may correspond to piping through which a liquid can flow and may correspond to piping that penetrates the first and second support plates 120, 220. The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may be formed to protrude from the first and second support plates 120, 220. For example, the lower surface of the battery cell may contact only a portion of the protruding surfaces of the first and second support plates 120, 220 that are protruded by the first and second cooling channels 121, 221.

[0052] The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may extend in the longitudinal direction of the first and second support plates 120, 220. The longitudinal direction of the first and second support plates 120, 220 may correspond to the stacking direction of the multiple battery cells supported by the first and second support plates 120, 220. The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may extend in the width direction of the first and second support plates 120, 220. The width direction of the first and second support plates 120, 220 may be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may extend in the longitudinal direction or width direction inside the first and second support plates 120, 220 so as to cool the lower portions of all of the battery cells supported by the first and second support plates 120, 220.

[0053] The lower surfaces of the first and second cooling channels 121, 221 may correspond to the lower surfaces of the first and second support plates 120, 220. For example, if nozzles having openings penetrating the lower surfaces of the first and second cooling channels 121, 221 are formed on the lower surfaces of the first and second cooling channels 121, 221, the openings of the nozzles may also be formed penetrating the lower surfaces of the first and second support plates 120, 220.

[0054] A fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be formed in the first cooling channel 121. For example, the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be formed by injection molding on the lower surface of the first cooling channel 121. A plurality of fire extinguishing nozzles 130 may be formed to supply a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell 210.

[0055] The fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be formed along the first cooling channel 121. Although not shown in FIG. 1 , if the battery cell is additionally disposed below the second support plate 220, the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be formed along the second cooling channel 221.

[0056] The fire extinguisher nozzle 130 may be in communication with the first cooling channel 121 or the second cooling channel 221. Fluid flowing through each cooling channel may be discharged through the fire extinguisher nozzle.

[0057] The fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be formed along the cooling channel at a position corresponding to the second battery cell 210. Referring to FIG. 2 , a plurality of fire extinguishing nozzles 130 may be formed along the first cooling channel 121 in region A, which is a position corresponding to the second battery cell 210. When a fire breaks out in the second battery cell 210, the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may supply a fire extinguishing agent directly to the top of the second battery cell 210 where the fire has broken out. Therefore, by spraying the fire extinguishing agent directly onto the battery cell where the fire has broken out, it is possible to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding battery cells or surrounding battery modules.

[0058] The first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 may include at least one electrode assembly wound or stacked with an insulating separator interposed between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a case housing the electrode assembly, and a cap plate coupled to an open end of the case. The first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 illustrated in FIG. 1 may be a type of secondary battery. The first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 may be a lithium battery cell, a sodium battery cell, or the like. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 include all batteries that can repeatedly provide electricity through charging and discharging.

[0059] The positive and negative electrodes included in the battery cell may include a current collector formed of a thin metal foil, with a coated portion where an active material is applied and a plain portion where the active material is not coated. The positive and negative electrodes are wound up with an insulating separator interposed therebetween. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the electrode assembly may have a structure in which positive and negative electrodes made of multiple sheets are alternately stacked with separators sandwiched between them.

[0060] The case forms the overall appearance of the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 and may be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. The case may also provide a space for accommodating the electrode assembly. In FIG. 1 , the case is illustrated as a rectangular case and the first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 are rectangular battery cells, but the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first battery cell 110 and the second battery cell 210 may be battery cells of any shape, such as rectangular or cylindrical.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 1 , a vent may be formed on the top surface of the first battery cell 110 or the second battery cell 210. The vent may be configured to open when the internal pressure of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined critical pressure. The critical pressure may be set differently depending on the application, material, purpose, etc. of the secondary battery. For example, a relatively high critical pressure may be set for a secondary battery that maintains a higher internal case pressure on average compared to other application fields due to a short charge-discharge cycle during use. In another example, a relatively high critical pressure may be set for a secondary battery manufactured using materials and / or designs with relatively high heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. Conversely, a relatively low critical pressure may be set for a secondary battery manufactured using materials and / or designs with relatively low heat resistance and / or pressure resistance. The vent may be configured to open when the internal temperature exceeds a predetermined critical temperature. With this configuration, the vent can prevent the secondary battery from exploding and prevent a chain reaction of heat generated by secondary batteries arranged adjacent to the secondary battery.

[0062] The vent portion may include a notch. The notch may be at least one groove formed by removing or digging a certain thickness into the surface of the case. The notch may have various shapes so that it can be broken when the internal pressure of the case exceeds a critical pressure.

[0063] 1 illustrates a single vent formed at the center of the upper surface of the secondary battery, but is not limited thereto, and any number of vents may be formed at any position. For example, two or more vents may be formed on one surface of the case.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1 , a battery structure according to the present invention may include at least two or more battery modules. Here, the battery module may include a plurality of battery cells electrically connected through a plurality of bus bars, and a circuit electrically connected to the plurality of bus bars and equipped with various circuits and components. According to one embodiment, the battery module may be referred to as a battery pack. Also, according to one embodiment, the battery module may be included in a vehicle, an energy storage device (ESS, Energy Storage System), etc.

[0065] A battery module may include a plurality of battery cells. According to one embodiment, the plurality of battery cells may be arranged in one direction in the battery module with their wide surfaces facing each other. While FIG. 1 illustrates the plurality of battery cells arranged in a single row within the battery module, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the plurality of battery cells may be arranged in multiple rows.

[0066] In the present disclosure, a battery module may include a plurality of battery cells and a module housing. The battery cells may be housed in a stacked configuration within the module housing. The battery cells may include a positive electrode lead and a negative electrode lead. The battery cells may be circular or rectangular depending on the battery configuration. The battery module may include a plurality of cells connected to each other in series or parallel. The battery modules may be connected to each other in series or parallel.

[0067] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a fire extinguisher nozzle according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of a portion of region B in FIG. 2 and a side cross-sectional view of a first cooling channel in region C.

[0068] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a fire extinguisher nozzle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, and is an enlarged view of a portion of region B in FIG. 2 and a side cross-sectional view of a first cooling channel in region C.

[0069] FIG. 5 is a side view of a battery structure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0070] 3 to 5, a vent portion 211 may be formed on an upper surface of the second battery cell 210, and the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may spray a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portion 211. The vent portion 211 may be formed on an upper surface of the second battery cell 210. The vent portion 211 may be configured to open when an internal pressure equal to or greater than a predetermined critical pressure is detected in the second battery cell 210. The vent portion 211 may serve as a discharge passage for vent gas generated inside the second battery cell 210.

[0071] A heat-sensitive member 140 may be coupled to each fire extinguishing nozzle 130. The heat-sensitive member 140 may be formed on one side of the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 in the direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed. The heat-sensitive member 140 may melt at or above its melting point. For example, the heat-sensitive member 140 may melt when exposed to a temperature of 200°C or higher due to a fire in the second battery cell 210. The fire extinguishing agent may be, without limitation, a water-based agent, Novec, or the like.

[0072] 3, the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may correspond to a hole penetrating the first cooling channel 121. At this time, the heat-sensitive member 140 may seal the fire extinguishing nozzle 130. If the heat-sensitive member 140 melts due to a fire in the second battery cell 210, the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may be opened. When a fire occurs in the second battery cell 210, the heat-sensitive member 140 melts, opening the fire extinguishing nozzle 130, and a fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed toward the second battery cell 210 through the fire extinguishing nozzle 130. The fire extinguishing agent may be contained in a liquid or a refrigerant flowing in the cooling channel.

[0073] As another example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 may include a protrusion 131 connected to the first cooling channel 121. The protrusion 131 may be connected to the cooling channel and have an open end. The protrusion 131 may protrude toward the second battery cell, and the heat-sensitive member 140 may seal the open end of the protrusion 131. If the heat-sensitive member 140 melts due to a fire in the second battery cell 210, the end of the protrusion 131 may be opened, thereby opening the fire extinguishing nozzle 130. If a fire occurs in the second battery cell 210, the heat-sensitive member 140 melts, opening the fire extinguishing nozzle 130, and a fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed through the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 toward the second battery cell 210. In this case, the protrusion 131 is located adjacent to the vent 211 of the second battery cell 210, and the opening of the protrusion 131 is arranged toward the vent 211. The fire extinguishing agent may be contained in a liquid or refrigerant flowing in the cooling channel. This allows the fire extinguishing agent to be sprayed accurately and more intensively at the fire site.

[0074] The heat-sensitive member 140 may be formed on one surface of the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 in the direction in which the extinguishing agent is sprayed from the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 (e.g., the direction of gravity). The shape of the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 may be appropriately changed, such as a polyhedral shape, a spherical shape, or a hemispherical shape. Accordingly, the shape of the heat-sensitive member 140 may also be appropriately changed depending on the shape of the fire extinguisher nozzle 130. The heat-sensitive member 140 may be formed in the direction in which the extinguishing agent is sprayed from the fire extinguisher nozzle 130.

[0075] The heat-sensitive member 140 may melt at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined critical value. For example, the critical temperature at which the heat-sensitive member 140 melts may be in the range of 80° C. to 250° C. Accordingly, if a fire occurs in the second battery cell 210, the heat or flames discharged through the vent 211 may melt the heat-sensitive member 140.

[0076] The material of the heat-sensitive member 140 may be determined in consideration of the temperature rise inside the battery module in the event of a fire occurring in the second battery cell 210. The heat-sensitive member 140 may be made of a resin material such as ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) or PP (Polypropylene), but is not limited thereto.

[0077] The heat-sensitive member 140 may be formed to surround the fire extinguisher nozzle 130. In this case, the heat-sensitive member 140 normally blocks the fire extinguisher nozzle 130, and when a fire occurs, the heat-sensitive member 140 melts and the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 is opened. When the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 is opened, the pressure in the corresponding area decreases, and the fire extinguishing agent supplied through the first cooling channel 121 may be sprayed through the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 due to a pressure gradient. The fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed through the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 directly onto the top of the second battery cell 210 where the fire occurred (e.g., the vent portion 211 of the second battery cell 210).

[0078] 3 illustrates the heat-sensitive member 140 surrounding the fire extinguisher nozzle 130 over a wider area than the fire extinguisher nozzle 130, but the shape of the heat-sensitive member 140 is not limited thereto. For example, the heat-sensitive member 140 may be formed in a shape corresponding to the diameter of the fire extinguisher nozzle 130. Furthermore, the number of fire extinguisher nozzles 130 formed in the first cooling channel 121 may be two or more, and the size, position, and arrangement of the fire extinguisher nozzles 130 may also be appropriately changed.

[0079] The heat-sensitive member 140 may be made of a material and / or a thickness that can withstand the spray pressure of the fire extinguishing agent. In addition, by adjusting the shape, material, thickness, etc. of the heat-sensitive member 140, the time that the fire extinguishing nozzle 130 is opened can be adjusted.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 5, in the battery structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cooling channel 121 may be configured to perform a cooling function and a fire suppression function.

[0081] The first cooling channel 121 normally (when a fire has not occurred in the second battery cell) cools the first battery cell 110 while a fire extinguishing agent flows through it. When a fire occurs in the second battery cell 210, the first cooling channel 121 can perform a fire suppression function through the fire extinguishing nozzle 130.

[0082] FIG. 6 is a side view of a battery assembly including a chiller according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0083] 6, a battery structure according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a chiller 300. The chiller 300 is connected to the first cooling channel 121 and the second cooling channel 221 and may supply a refrigerant containing a fire extinguishing agent to each cooling channel. The chiller 300 may adjust the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

[0084] For example, when performing a cooling function, the chiller 300 can circulate a flow rate of 1.5 LPM per first cooling channel 121 or second cooling channel 221. The chiller 300 can maximize the fire extinguishing effect by increasing the flow rate when a fire occurs in the second battery cell 210. In addition, the chiller 300 can continuously maintain the injection amount and injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent until the fire is extinguished.

[0085] As a result, if a fire breaks out in a specific battery cell, the fire in the specific battery cell can be quickly extinguished before it spreads to multiple battery cells, thereby preventing the fire from spreading to other battery cells.

[0086] The chiller 300 may be coupled to the first cooling channel 121 and the second cooling channel 221 to supply a refrigerant containing a fire extinguishing agent. The first cooling channel 121 and the second cooling channel 221 may be coupled to each other. In a situation where no fire has occurred in the second battery cell 210, the refrigerant may cool the lower part of the first battery cell 110 and the lower part of the second battery cell 210.

[0087] The plurality of fire extinguishing nozzles 130 are formed at positions corresponding to the vent portions 211 formed on the upper surfaces of the second battery cells 210, and the fire extinguishing nozzles 130 can inject a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portions 211. That is, when a fire occurs in a second battery cell 210 at a specific position, the fire extinguishing nozzles 130 positioned above the corresponding battery cell are opened to extinguish the fire in the second battery cell 210 at the specific position.

[0088] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of area D in FIG.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the energy storage device 500 may include a battery structure 510 and a battery rack 520 in which the battery structures 510 are housed. The energy storage device 500 may include a plurality of battery structures 510 and at least one battery rack 520 in which the plurality of battery structures 510 are housed. A plurality of battery cells may be housed within the housing of each battery module of the battery structure 510. The battery rack 520 may have a frame structure for housing the battery structures 510. For example, the battery rack 520 may have a frame structure for stacking the plurality of battery structures 510. The battery rack 520 may include a structure for flowing a liquid or coolant through cooling channels included in each battery structure 510. For example, the battery rack 520 may include a communication pipe connected to the cooling channel of each battery structure 510, and the cooling channel may be connected to the chiller 530 via the communication pipe.

[0090] The energy storage device 500 may include a battery management system (BMS). The battery management system BMS may be connected to a plurality of battery management modules (BMM) included in each of the plurality of battery modules. For example, the battery management system BMS and the plurality of battery management modules BMM may be connected in a daisy chain configuration. That is, the battery management system BMS may monitor and manage all of the plurality of battery modules included in the energy storage device 500 in an integrated manner.

[0091] The energy storage device 500 may include a chiller 530. The chiller 530 may be connected to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel and may supply a refrigerant containing a fire extinguishing agent. The chiller 530 may include a refrigerant container and a fire extinguishing agent container. The chiller 530 may mix the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing agent discharged from each container and supply the mixed refrigerant to each cooling channel. The fire extinguishing agent container may be a pressure container that stores a high-pressure fire extinguishing agent. The fire extinguishing agent may be stored in the agent container in a pressurized or pressurized manner. The chiller 530 may include a mixing container in which the refrigerant and the fire extinguishing agent are stored in a mixed state. The chiller 530 may supply the refrigerant containing the fire extinguishing agent to each cooling channel.

[0092] The chiller 530 may supply the fire extinguishing agent contained in the refrigerant to each battery rack 520 through a communication pipe, and the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the battery rack 520 may be supplied to the battery structure 510 housed in the battery rack 520. The chiller 530 may adjust the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the battery structure 510. For example, the chiller 530 may adjust the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent by adjusting the injection amount or injection pressure of the refrigerant containing the fire extinguishing agent.

[0093] The battery structures 510_1, 510_2 may be stacked on the battery rack 520. With the battery structures 510_1, 510_2 stacked on the battery rack 520, fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 of the battery structures 510_1, 510_2 may be formed on the lower surface of each cooling channel. The fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 may be formed along the first cooling channel at positions corresponding to the second battery cells. The fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 may each spray a fire extinguishing agent toward a vent portion formed on the upper surface of the second battery cell.

[0094] The fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 of the battery structures 510_1, 510_2 may have a heat-sensitive member formed on one side in the direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member being capable of melting at or above its melting point. The heat-sensitive member seals the fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2, and when the heat-sensitive member melts, the fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 may be opened. When the fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 are opened, the fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed through the fire extinguishing nozzles 540_1, 540_2 toward the second battery cells located below.

[0095] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating an example of a module housing according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] The module housing according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pair of end plates 410, a pair of side plates 420, and a support plate 430. A plurality of battery cells may be housed in the module housing.

[0097] The end plate 410 may be disposed on the outside of the plurality of battery cells aligned in one direction. For example, the end plate 410 may be in contact with the outermost battery cell along the arrangement direction of the battery cells.

[0098] The side plate 420 may connect the pair of end plates 410 and support both sides of the plurality of battery cells. For example, the side plate 420 may be coupled perpendicularly to the end plate 410. The support plate 430 may be fastened to the pair of end plates 410 adjacent to the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells, and may form cooling channels 431 through which a fire-extinguishing agent flows. For example, the support plate 430 may support the bottoms of the plurality of battery cells. In this case, a fire-extinguishing nozzle may be formed on the lower surface of the cooling channel 431.

[0099] The module housing may have a substantially hexahedral shape. The module housings may be arranged in a row or column direction (left-right or up-down direction in FIG. 7 ) of the battery rack 520. Although not shown, multiple battery modules may also be arranged in a depth direction (front-back direction in FIG. 7 ) of the battery rack 520. Within the module housing, multiple battery cells may be arranged in a single row or multiple rows.

[0100] The end plate 410 and the side plate 420 can be fastened together by welding, screws, or the like, and laser welding may also be used.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described above using limited examples and drawings, it is not limited thereto, 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 pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 110: First battery cell 120: First support plate 121: First cooling channel 130, 540_1, 540_2: Fire extinguishing nozzle 131:Protrusion 140: Heat-sensitive material 210: Second battery cell 211: Vent section 220: Second support plate 221: Second cooling channel 300, 530: Chiller 400:Module housing 410: End plate 420: Side plate 430: Support plate 431: Cooling channel 510, 510_1, 510_2: Battery structure 520: Battery rack

Claims

1. a first battery cell; a first support plate having a first cooling channel formed therein for cooling the first battery cell and supporting the first battery cell; a second battery cell disposed below and spaced apart from the first support plate; a second support plate having a second cooling channel formed therein for cooling the second battery cell and supporting the second battery cell; Including, a fire extinguishing nozzle formed in the first cooling channel; The fire extinguishing nozzle supplies a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell.

2. The fire extinguishing nozzle is The battery structure according to claim 1 , wherein a second battery cell is formed along the first cooling channel at a position corresponding to the second battery cell.

3. a vent portion formed on an upper surface of the second battery cell; The battery structure according to claim 2 , wherein the fire extinguishing nozzle injects a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portion.

4. The fire extinguishing nozzle further includes a heat-sensitive member formed on one side in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a melting point, The battery structure according to claim 1 , wherein the heat sensitive member seals the fire extinguishing nozzle.

5. the fire extinguishing nozzle includes a protrusion that protrudes toward the second battery cell, 5. The battery structure of claim 4, wherein the heat sensitive member seals the open end of the protrusion.

6. 6. The battery structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the heat-sensitive member melts, the fire-extinguishing nozzle is opened, and a fire-extinguishing agent is sprayed through the fire-extinguishing nozzle toward the second battery cell.

7. 10. The battery structure of claim 1, further comprising a chiller coupled to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel to supply a coolant containing a fire extinguishing agent.

8. The battery structure according to claim 7 , wherein the chiller adjusts the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

9. the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel are connected to each other; The battery structure according to claim 7 , wherein the coolant cools a lower portion of the first battery cell and a lower portion of the second battery cell.

10. a pair of end plates disposed outside the plurality of battery cells aligned in one direction; a pair of side plates connecting the pair of end plates and supporting both side surfaces of the plurality of battery cells; a support plate that is fastened to the pair of end plates adjacent to bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery cells and has a cooling channel through which a fire-extinguishing agent flows; A module housing, wherein the cooling channel is formed with a fire extinguishing nozzle.

11. The module housing according to claim 10 , wherein in the event of a fire in a second battery cell disposed at a lower portion, a fire extinguishing agent is sprayed through the fire extinguishing nozzle into a vent portion of the second battery cell.

12. The module housing according to claim 10, further comprising a heat-sensitive member formed on one surface of the fire extinguishing nozzle in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at a temperature equal to or higher than its melting point.

13. The module housing of claim 12, wherein the heat sensitive member melts to open the extinguishing nozzle and spray the extinguishing agent through the extinguishing nozzle.

14. a battery structure; a battery rack in which the battery structure is housed; The battery structure includes: a first battery cell; a first support plate having a first cooling channel formed therein for cooling the first battery cell and supporting the first battery cell; a second battery cell disposed below and spaced apart from the first support plate; a second support plate having a second cooling channel formed therein for cooling the second battery cell and supporting the second battery cell; a fire extinguishing nozzle formed in the first cooling channel; The fire extinguishing nozzle supplies a fire extinguishing agent toward the second battery cell.

15. The energy storage device of claim 14 , further comprising a chiller coupled to the first cooling channel and the second cooling channel to supply a refrigerant including a fire extinguishing agent.

16. The energy storage device according to claim 15 , wherein the chiller adjusts the injection amount or injection pressure of the fire extinguishing agent.

17. 15. The energy storage device according to claim 14, wherein, when stacked on the battery rack, the fire-extinguishing nozzle of the battery structure is formed along the first cooling channel at a position corresponding to the second battery cell.

18. a vent portion is formed on an upper surface of the second battery cell; The energy storage device of claim 17 , wherein the fire extinguishing nozzle injects a fire extinguishing agent toward the vent portion.

19. The fire extinguishing nozzle further includes a heat-sensitive member formed on one side in a direction in which the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the heat-sensitive member melting at a temperature equal to or higher than a melting point, The energy storage device of claim 14 , wherein the heat sensitive member seals the extinguisher nozzle.

20. 20. The energy storage device of claim 19, wherein the heat-sensitive member melts, opening the fire extinguishing nozzle, and spraying a fire extinguishing agent through the fire extinguishing nozzle toward the second battery cell.

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