Energy storage systems

Abstract

The objective is to provide an energy storage system that can effectively suppress and extinguish fires. [Solution] An energy storage system (1) is disclosed, comprising a plurality of battery modules (100), a fire extinguishing tank for containing fire extinguishing agent, and a pipe section (200) connecting the plurality of battery modules (100) and the fire extinguishing tank, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules (100) comprises a plurality of battery cells (10) and a fire extinguishing tube (120) arranged to extend into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules (100) along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells (10), and the pipe section (200) comprises a distribution pipe (222) connected to the fire extinguishing tube (120) within the plurality of battery modules (100), and an extension pipe (221) including a connection part connected to the distribution pipe (222) and a bent part arranged between the connection part.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an energy storage system.

Background Art

[0002] An energy storage system is a system that can store surplus power or store electricity generated by utilizing renewable energy. By utilizing an energy storage system, it is possible to store idle power during a time period when electricity demand is low and then supply power during a time period when electricity demand is high, thereby smoothly controlling the power supply and demand.

[0003] The space or facility where an energy storage system is installed and operated must be equipped with equipment for suppressing battery fires caused by fires due to electric shock, short circuits, external surges, etc. The demand for a fire extinguishing system that can effectively suppress a large number of battery fires for an energy storage system and quickly suppress a high-pressure fire when it occurs is gradually increasing.

[0004] The above information disclosed in the technology that is the background of such an invention is for improving the understanding of the background of the present invention, and thus may also include information that does not constitute the prior art.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage system that can effectively suppress and extinguish a fire.

[0006] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above problems, 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 Problems

[0007] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing tank for containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a pipe section connecting the plurality of battery modules and the fire extinguishing tank, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing tube arranged to extend into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, and the pipe section may include a distribution pipe connected to the fire extinguishing tube within the plurality of battery modules, and an extension pipe including a connecting portion connected to the distribution pipe and a bent portion arranged between the connecting portion.

[0008] In this embodiment, the bent portion may protrude in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules.

[0009] In this embodiment, the bent portion may be positioned between the plurality of battery modules that are arranged adjacent to each other.

[0010] In this embodiment, the distance between the center of the bent portion and the center of the connecting portion may be 1.5% to 15% of the extension pipe length.

[0011] In this embodiment, the folded portion may include a first layer and a second layer containing a material different from the first layer.

[0012] In this embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0013] In this embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0014] In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube may be positioned at a height of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery cell.

[0015] In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube may include at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0016] In this embodiment, the extension pipe and the distribution pipe may be detachably connected, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing tube may be detachably connected.

[0017] Another aspect of the present invention relates to an energy storage system comprising a plurality of battery modules, a fire extinguishing tank for containing a fire extinguishing agent, and a pipe section connecting the plurality of battery modules and the fire extinguishing tank, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules comprises a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing tube arranged to extend into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, and the pipe section may include a first layer and a second layer comprising a material different from the first layer.

[0018] In this embodiment, the first layer may include at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0019] In this embodiment, the second layer may include at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0020] In this embodiment, the pipe section may include a distribution pipe connected to each of the plurality of fire extinguishing tubes, and an extension pipe including a connecting portion connected to the distribution pipe and a bent portion disposed between the connecting portions.

[0021] In this embodiment, the bent portion may protrude in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules.

[0022] In this embodiment, the bent portion may be disposed between a plurality of adjacent battery modules.

[0023] In this embodiment, the distance between the center of the bent portion and the center of the connection portion may be 1.5% to 15% of the length of the extension pipe.

[0024] In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube may be disposed at a position of 30% or more and 90% or less of the height of the battery cell.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube may contain at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0026] In this embodiment, the extension pipe and the distribution pipe may be detachably connected, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing tube may be detachably connected.

Advantages of the Invention

[0027] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing effect can be enhanced by configuring the energy storage system to directly inject the fire extinguishing agent into the interior of the battery module when a cooling fire occurs.

[0028] In addition, by configuring a fire extinguishing pipe structure that is excellent in heat resistance and easy to assemble during manufacturing, the productivity of the energy storage system can be improved and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

[0029] However, the effects obtained by the present invention are not limited to the above-described effects, and other technical effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention to be described later. Therefore, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the matters described in such drawings. [Figure 1] [[ID=十四]]Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the battery module of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the battery module of Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the battery cell of the present invention. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of the battery module of Figure 3. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing an example of the pipe part of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0031] It should be noted that in the translation of "図1は、本発明の一実施形態に係るエネルギー貯蔵システムの一例を概略的に示す斜視図である。", there was an incorrect "十四" in the numbered line in the translation. It has been corrected to "Figure 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention."Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, terms or words used herein and in the claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of a term in order to best describe the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that the embodiments described herein and the configurations shown in the drawings represent only some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of filing.

[0032] Furthermore, as used herein, “comprise, include” and / or “comprising, including” identify the presence of the shapes, figures, steps, actions, members, elements, and / or groups thereof mentioned, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other shapes, figures, actions, members, elements, and / or groups.

[0033] Furthermore, to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the accompanying drawings may be shown with exaggerated dimensions of some components rather than at actual scale. Also, the same reference numerals may be assigned to identical components in different embodiments.

[0034] Furthermore, while terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to describe various components, it goes without saying that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one component from another, and it goes without saying that, unless otherwise stated, the first component may be the second component.

[0035] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0036] The placement of any component "above (or below)" or "above (or below)" a component may mean not only that any component is placed in contact with the top (or bottom) surface of the component, but also that other components may be interposed between the component and any component placed above (or below) it.

[0037] Furthermore, when it is stated that one component is “connected,” “bonded,” or “connected” to another component, it should be understood that the components may be directly connected to each other, or that other components may be “interposed” between them, or that each component may be “connected,” “bonded,” or “connected” through other components. Also, when it is said that one part is electrically coupled to another part, this includes not only direct connections but also connections with other elements in between.

[0038] Wherever the specification states "A and / or B," it means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified. That is, "and / or" includes all or any combination of the listed items. Where the specification states "C to D," it means C or greater and D or less, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] The terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components will be given the same reference numerals.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of an energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the battery module 100 in Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of the battery module 100 in Figure 2.

[0042] An Energy Storage System (ESS) is a system that can produce and store electricity, supply power, and control power supply and demand to ensure smooth operation. Because Energy Storage System 1 includes multiple battery modules 100, each containing multiple battery cells 10 (see Figures 3-5), it is prone to fire and vulnerable to fire. The following describes Energy Storage System 1 of the present invention, which has increased fire extinguishing capabilities.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, an energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of battery modules 100, a fire extinguishing tank (not shown) for containing fire extinguishing agents, and a pipe section 200 connecting the plurality of battery modules 100 and the fire extinguishing tank.

[0044] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the multiple battery modules 100 can include multiple cell units 110, each containing multiple battery cells 10 arranged in a first direction DR1 such that the wide surfaces of the battery cells 10 face each other. In this case, the multiple cell units 110 may be arranged in a second direction DR2 different from the first direction DR1.

[0045] Multiple battery cells 10 can be secured by housings 130, 135, and 170. The housings 130, 135, and 170 may include a pair of end plates 170 facing the wide surfaces of the battery cells 10, a side plate 130 connecting the pair of end plates 170, a bottom plate, and a top plate 135. The side plates 130 can support the sides of the battery cells 10, the bottom plate can support the bottom surface of the battery cells 10, and the top plate 135 can support the top surface of the battery cells 10. Furthermore, the pair of end plates 170, the side plates 130, the bottom plate, and the top plate 135 can be connected by members such as bolts.

[0046] Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the battery cell 10 of the present invention.

[0047] Referring to Figure 4, the battery cell 10 can consist of a battery case 15 and an electrode assembly and electrolyte housed within the battery case 15. The electrode assembly and electrolyte react electrochemically to generate energy. One side of the battery cell 10 may be provided with terminals 11 and 12 and a vent 13, which is a gas discharge passage for gases generated inside. The terminals 11 and 12 of the battery cell 10 may be an anode terminal 11 and a cathode terminal 12 having opposite polarities, and the terminals 11 and 12 of adjacent battery cells 10 can be electrically connected in series or parallel by connecting tabs. On the other hand, it goes without saying that the structure is not limited to this, and various connection structures can be adopted as needed. The case 15 forms the overall appearance of the battery cell 10 and can be made of a conductive metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or nickel-plated steel. Furthermore, the case 15 can provide space for housing the electrode assembly.

[0048] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of the battery module shown in Figure 3.

[0049] As an embodiment, referring to Figure 5, the battery module 100 may include a cooling plate 190 having a flow path 510 formed therein, which is arranged to correspond to the arrangement of a plurality of battery cells 10, and a fire extinguishing tube 120 positioned between a plurality of cell units 110.

[0050] The cooling plate 190 can be positioned so that one side is adjacent to the battery cell 10 in order to dissipate heat from inside the battery module 100, and specifically so that it is in contact with the bottom surface of the battery cell 10. In addition, cooling fluid can be supplied to the flow path 510 which is formed to correspond to the arrangement of the battery cell 10.

[0051] Furthermore, a fire extinguishing tube 120 can be positioned between a pair of cell units 110 arranged adjacent to each other within the battery module 100, along the first direction DR1. That is, the fire extinguishing tube 120 can extend in the first direction DR1, passing through at least one side of all the cell units 110 within the battery module 100. The fire extinguishing tube 120 positioned between multiple cell units 110 is connected to a flow path 510 formed in the cooling plate 190, allowing a cooling fluid to flow and perform a cooling function between the multiple cell units 110. The fire extinguishing tube 120 is also a pipe through which a fire extinguishing agent flows, and can be a component that moves and sprays the fire extinguishing agent in the event of thermal runaway in the battery cell 10.

[0052] In this embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube 120 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI). In another example, the fire extinguishing tube 120 may include a material with a melting point of 260°C or lower.

[0053] High heat generated by an event such as a fire or explosion in a battery cell 10 inside the energy storage system 1 could melt a fire extinguishing tube 120 near that battery cell 10.

[0054] In this manner, when the fire extinguishing tube 120 melts during a thermal runaway of any of the battery cells 10, the cooling fluid and fire extinguishing agent inside the fire extinguishing tube 120 are sprayed toward the battery cell 10, thereby suppressing the thermal runaway.

[0055] In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be positioned at a height h of 30% to 90% of the battery cell 10.

[0056] By positioning the fire extinguishing tube 120 at a point between 30% and 90% of the height h of the battery cell 10, the fire extinguishing tube 120 immediately melts near a specific battery cell 10 that has experienced thermal runaway, immersing the battery cell 10 in the fire extinguishing agent to lower its temperature, thereby extinguishing the fire and blocking heat transfer to surrounding battery cells 10.

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view showing a part of an energy storage system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of the pipe section 200 of the present invention.

[0058] As one embodiment, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the pipe section 200 of the energy storage system 1 may include a distribution pipe 222 connected to a fire extinguishing tube 120 in a plurality of battery modules 100, and an extension pipe 221 including a connecting section connected to the distribution pipe 222 and a bent section positioned between the connecting sections.

[0059] The distribution pipe 222 can be connected to extend multiple extension pipes 221, including both ends which can be coupled and connected to extension pipes 221 or end caps.

[0060] Furthermore, the distribution pipe 222 may include a region between its ends that can be connected to and coupled with the fire extinguishing tube 120 of each battery module 100.

[0061] In other words, the extension pipe 221 and the distribution pipe 222 can form a single pipe section 200 corresponding to the arrangement of the battery modules 100, and the fire extinguishing agent supplied to the pipe section 200 moves along the extension pipe 221 and branches off via the distribution pipe 222 to the fire extinguishing tube 120 in the battery module 100, allowing the fire extinguishing agent to be sprayed onto the battery cell 10 where the fire has occurred.

[0062] In this configuration, the extension pipe 221 and the distribution pipe 222 are detachably connected, and the distribution pipe 222 and the fire extinguishing tube 120 are detachably connected, which simplifies the product assembly process and improves the efficiency of parts maintenance.

[0063] On the other hand, the bent portion formed in the extension pipe 221 may include a shape that protrudes away from the multiple battery modules 100. Therefore, when a flame is generated in the battery module 100 due to thermal runaway of the battery cell 10, the problem of the pipe portion 200 being damaged by the flame and the fire extinguishing agent not reaching the fire extinguishing tube 120 can be mitigated.

[0064] Furthermore, the bent portion may be positioned in a corresponding area between a pair of adjacent battery modules 100. When a flame occurs within a battery module 100, the flame is more likely to erupt into the space between the battery modules 100 than into the area enclosed by the housings 130, 135, and 170. Therefore, the pipe portion 200 positioned in the area between a pair of adjacent battery modules 100 is the most vulnerable to flames. Accordingly, by positioning the bent portion in this area, a distance from the battery modules 100 can be ensured, protecting the pipe portion 200 from flames in the event of thermal runaway of the battery cells 10.

[0065] The bent portion formed in the extension pipe 221, by creating a curvature, efficiently absorbs assembly tolerances caused by sagging of the battery module 100, thereby facilitating product production and serving to protect the pipe portion 200 from flames of the battery module 100. However, if the curvature is too small, these effects may only be slight. Conversely, if the curvature is too large, when the fire extinguishing agent is sprayed, the movement of the fire extinguishing agent is not smooth, causing the agent to solidify in the bent portion or slowing down the spraying speed. Furthermore, the larger the curvature of the bent portion of the extension pipe 221, the more material is needed to manufacture the extension pipe 221, which can increase manufacturing costs.

[0066] As a specific example, the extension pipe 221 may include a bent shape such that the distance r between the center of the bend and the center of the connection is set to a range of 1.5% to 15% of the extension pipe length.

[0067] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the bent portion of the extension pipe 221 may include a first layer 211 and a second layer 212 made of a different material from the first layer 211.

[0068] Specifically, the first layer 211 may include, but is not limited to, at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

[0069] Furthermore, the second layer 212 may contain, but is not limited to, at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone ketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

[0070] As described above, the first layer 211 and the second layer 212 contain materials that are flexible and elastic, and can efficiently accommodate tolerances that arise during assembly.

[0071] Furthermore, since the pipe section 200 is composed of a double structure of a first layer 211 and a second layer 212, it can have a higher heat resistance effect compared to a single structure, and despite being made of a flexible and elastic material, the pipe section 200 can form and maintain the desired shape of piping.

[0072] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below.

Claims

1. Multiple battery modules, A fire extinguishing tank that contains fire extinguishing agents, It includes a pipe section connecting the plurality of battery modules and the fire extinguishing tank, The aforementioned multiple battery modules are Each includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing tube that extends into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, The aforementioned pipe section is An energy storage system comprising a distribution pipe connected to the fire extinguishing tube within a plurality of battery modules, and an extension pipe including a connecting portion connected to the distribution pipe and a bent portion disposed between the connecting portion.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion protrudes in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the bent portion is positioned between the plurality of adjacently arranged battery modules.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the distance between the center of the bent portion and the center of the connecting portion is 1.5% to 15% of the extension pipe length.

5. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the folded portion includes a first layer and a second layer containing a material different from the first layer.

6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanized product (TPV), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

7. The energy storage system according to claim 5, wherein the second layer comprises at least one of polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

8. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing tube is positioned at a height of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery cell.

9. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the fire extinguishing tube comprises at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

10. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein the extension pipe and the distribution pipe are detachably connected, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing tube are detachably connected.

11. Multiple battery modules, A fire extinguishing tank that contains fire extinguishing agents, The system includes a pipe section connecting the multiple battery modules and the fire extinguishing tank, The aforementioned multiple battery modules are Each includes a plurality of battery cells and a fire extinguishing tube that extends into the interior of each of the plurality of battery modules along the arrangement of the plurality of battery cells, The aforementioned pipe section is An energy storage system comprising a first layer and a second layer containing a material different from the first layer.

12. The energy storage system according to claim 11, wherein the first layer comprises at least one of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic polyester elastomer (TPEE), thermoplastic vulcanized product (TPV), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

13. The energy storage system according to claim 11, wherein the second layer comprises at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

14. The energy storage system according to claim 11, wherein the pipe section includes a distribution pipe connected to each of the plurality of fire extinguishing tubes, and an extension pipe including a connecting portion connected to the distribution pipe and a bent portion disposed between the connecting portion.

15. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein the bent portion protrudes in a direction away from the plurality of battery modules.

16. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein the bent portion is positioned between the plurality of adjacently arranged battery modules.

17. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein the distance between the center of the bent portion and the center of the connecting portion is 1.5% to 15% of the extension pipe length.

18. The energy storage system according to claim 11, wherein the fire extinguishing tube is positioned at a height of 30% to 90% of the height of the battery cell.

19. The energy storage system according to claim 11, wherein the fire extinguishing tube comprises at least one of the following: polyamide (PA), polycarbonate (PC), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), or polyimide (PI).

20. The energy storage system according to claim 14, wherein the extension pipe and the distribution pipe are detachably connected, and the distribution pipe and the fire extinguishing tube are detachably connected.

Images