Power storage panel

Abstract

We provide a power storage panel with a configuration that can improve safety. [Solution] The power storage panel 10 comprises a power storage device 200 equipped with power storage elements, a housing 100 that houses the power storage device, an inert liquid 300 arranged in a first space S1 within the housing where the power storage device is housed, and an ignition unit 400 arranged above the inert liquid that ignites the gas discharged from the power storage elements and coming out of the inert liquid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage battery tray.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a power storage device including a housing, a partition wall disposed within the housing to form first and second storage portions, a power storage body stored in the first storage portion, a coolant stored in the first storage portion for cooling the power storage body, and pressure release means for releasing the internal pressure of the first storage portion to the second storage portion when a power storage body abnormality state occurs in which gas is generated from the power storage body.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the power storage device disclosed in Patent Document 1, when gas is generated from the power storage body, the coolant containing gas is discharged from the first storage portion to the second storage portion through the pressure release means. In this case, there is a risk that a large amount of gas accumulates in the second storage portion or a large amount of gas leaks from the second storage portion, but a configuration that can suppress the accumulation and leakage of a large amount of gas and improve safety is desired.

[0005] The present invention has been made by the inventors of the present application newly focusing on the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a storage battery tray that can improve safety.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power storage panel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a power storage device equipped with power storage elements, a housing for housing the power storage device, an inert liquid disposed in a first space within the housing in which the power storage device is housed, and an ignition unit disposed above the inert liquid for igniting the gas discharged from the power storage elements and coming out of the inert liquid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The energy storage panel according to the present invention can improve safety. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power storage panel according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the housing of the power storage panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage device included in the energy storage panel according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage elements in the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ignition unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a process in which an ignition unit according to an embodiment ignites a gas emitted from an inert liquid. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power storage panel according to a modified example 1 of the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a power storage panel according to a modified example 2 of the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] (1) A power storage panel according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a power storage device equipped with a power storage element, a housing for housing the power storage device, an inert liquid disposed in a first space within the housing in which the power storage device is housed, and an ignition unit disposed above the inert liquid for igniting the gas discharged from the power storage element and coming out of the inert liquid.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, an inert liquid is placed in a first space within the enclosure in which an energy storage device is housed, and an ignition unit is placed above the inert liquid to ignite the gas discharged from the energy storage element and released from the inert liquid. In other words, in the energy storage panel, the energy storage device and the inert liquid are placed in the first space of the enclosure, and the energy storage device is cooled by the inert liquid. In this configuration, when gas is discharged from the energy storage element of the energy storage device, the gas accumulates above the inert liquid. Therefore, the ignition unit ignites the gas released from the inert liquid. This processes the gas released from the inert liquid and prevents excess gas from filling the enclosure or leaking out of the enclosure. Thus, the energy storage panel can improve safety.

[0011] (2) In the power storage panel described in (1) above, a second space may be provided above the inert liquid inside the housing, and the ignition unit may ignite the gas in the second space.

[0012] According to the power storage panel described in (2) above, the ignition unit ignites the gas in the second space above the inert liquid inside the enclosure. This allows the gas released from the inert liquid to be processed in the second space, thereby preventing excess gas from filling the enclosure or leaking out.

[0013] (3) In the power storage panel described in (1) or (2) above, the ignition unit may ignite the gas at predetermined time intervals.

[0014] According to the power storage panel described in (3) above, the ignition part ignites the gas at predetermined time intervals, thereby treating the gas each time and suppressing the excessive gas from filling the inside of the housing or flowing out of the housing.

[0015] (4) In the power storage panel according to any one of (1) to (3) above, the ignition part may determine whether to ignite the gas by using the voltage value of the power storage element or the power storage device.

[0016] According to the power storage panel described in (4) above, when gas is discharged from the power storage element, the voltage value of the power storage element (power storage device) decreases. Therefore, the ignition part can more accurately determine whether to ignite the gas by using the voltage value of the power storage element or the power storage device.

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a power storage panel according to an embodiment (including a modified example thereof) of the present invention will be described. Each of the embodiments described below shows a comprehensive or specific example. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, arrangement positions and connection forms of the components, manufacturing processes, order of manufacturing processes, control processes, order of control processes, etc. shown in the following embodiments are examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. In each figure, the dimensions and the like are not strictly illustrated. In each figure, the same or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0018] In the following description and drawings, the width direction of the casing of the power storage panel, the opposing direction of the two side walls of the casing, the arrangement direction of the plurality of power storage devices on the shelf board of the casing, the short side direction of the power storage device, the arrangement direction of the terminals of a pair (positive electrode and negative electrode) in one power storage element, or the opposing direction of the short side surfaces of the container of the power storage element is defined as the X-axis direction. The depth direction of the casing of the power storage panel, the opposing direction of the front wall and the rear wall of the casing, the longitudinal direction of the power storage device, the arrangement direction of the plurality of power storage elements included in the power storage device, or the opposing direction of the long side surfaces of the container of the power storage element is defined as the Y-axis direction. The height direction of the casing of the power storage panel, the direction in which the bottom wall of the casing faces, the arrangement direction of the plurality of shelf boards provided in the casing, the arrangement direction of the main body and the lid portion of the container of the power storage element, the arrangement direction of the first space and the second space in the casing, the arrangement direction of the inert liquid and the ignition part, or the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis direction. These X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction are directions that intersect (orthogonal in this embodiment) with each other.

[0019] In the following description, the X-axis plus direction indicates the arrow direction of the X-axis, and the X-axis minus direction indicates the direction opposite to the X-axis plus direction. When simply referring to the X-axis direction, it indicates both directions of the X-axis plus direction and the X-axis minus direction or either one of the directions. Unless otherwise specified, the central part and the end part of a member in the X-axis direction are the parts located in the central part and the end part when the member is divided into three parts in the X-axis direction. The same applies to the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction. Expressions indicating relative directions or postures such as parallel and orthogonal include cases where they are not strictly in that direction or posture. That two directions are parallel (or orthogonal) means not only that the two directions are completely parallel (or orthogonal), but also that they are substantially parallel (or orthogonal), that is, for example, including a difference of about several percent. In the following description, when expressing "insulation", it means "electrical insulation". The volume resistivity of a material having insulation properties is preferably 1×10 6 Ωm or more, more preferably 1×10 7 Ωm or more, and even more preferably 1×10 10 Ωm or more.

[0020] (Embodiment) [Description of the power storage panel 10] The configuration of the power storage panel 10 in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power storage panel 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, the internal configuration of the housing 100 of the power storage panel 10 is shown by dashed lines. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the housing 100 of the power storage panel 10 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the power storage panel 10 shown in Figure 1 when it is cut by a plane passing through line II-II and parallel to the XZ plane.

[0021] The power storage panel 10 is equipment that charges and discharges electricity and supplies power to an external power load. The power storage panel 10 is a stationary battery used for commercial or household purposes, and is used for power storage or power supply purposes. The power storage panel 10 is a stationary electrical panel (power storage device panel, power storage element panel, battery panel) that stores various types of power, such as power from the commercial power grid, power generated by generators, wind power generation or solar power generation, and regenerative power from railway systems, and supplies power stably to external equipment. The power storage panel 10 can also be installed on large mobile vehicles such as ships or railway vehicles for electric railways, and can be used as a battery for driving or starting the engine of such large mobile vehicles. Examples of railway vehicles for electric railways include electric trains, monorails, linear motor cars, and hybrid trains equipped with both diesel engines and electric motors.

[0022] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the power storage panel 10 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The power storage panel 10 comprises a housing 100, power storage devices 200, an inert liquid 300, and an ignition unit 400. In this embodiment, within the housing 100, a plurality (six) of power storage devices 200 are arranged in the X-axis direction and in multiple stages in the Z-axis direction. The number of power storage devices 200 arranged in the X-axis direction and the number of stages in the Z-axis direction are not particularly limited. In addition to these components, the power storage panel 10 also includes wires or busbars for connecting the plurality of power storage devices 200, but these are not shown in the illustration and detailed explanation is omitted. The plurality of power storage devices 200 may all be connected in series, a combination of series and parallel connections, or all be connected in parallel. The power storage panel 10 may also include a power converter, copper bars, circuit breakers, and other electrical equipment (electrical components).

[0023] [1.1 Description of the enclosure 100 and the inert liquid 300] First, the configuration of the housing 100 and the inert liquid 300 housed within the housing 100 will be described in detail. The housing 100 is a rectangular parallelepiped (box-shaped) housing (shelf, rack). The housing 100 houses the energy storage device 200, the inert liquid 300, and the ignition unit 400 inside. The housing 100 is made of metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet. The housing 100 may be made of materials other than metal (such as resin), but it is preferable that it be made of a material with high strength, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. The housing 100 comprises side walls 110 and 120, a front wall 130, a rear wall 140, a bottom wall 150, and a shelf 160.

[0024] The side walls 110 and 120, the front wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the bottom wall 150 are flat, rectangular wall sections that cover five surfaces of the housing 100 other than the top surface. Specifically, the side wall 110 is the wall of the housing 100 in the positive X-axis direction, the side wall 120 is the wall of the housing 100 in the negative X-axis direction, the front wall 130 is the wall of the housing 100 in the negative Y-axis direction, the rear wall 140 is the wall of the housing 100 in the positive Y-axis direction, and the bottom wall 150 is the wall of the housing 100 in the negative Z-axis direction.

[0025] In this configuration, the housing 100 has an internal space formed by the side walls 110 and 120, the front wall 130, the rear wall 140, and the bottom wall 150, which is divided into a first space S1 and a second space S2. The first space S1 and the second space S2 are two spaces aligned in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction).

[0026] The first space S1 is located below the second space S2 within the housing 100 (in the negative Z-axis direction) and occupies most of the internal space of the housing 100. The first space S1 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space within the internal space of the housing 100 other than the second space S2. The first space S1 is the space within the housing 100 that houses the energy storage device 200 and the inert liquid 300. In other words, the inert liquid 300 is housed in the first space S1, and multiple energy storage devices 200 are housed within the inert liquid 300. To put it another way, the space within the internal space of the housing 100 where the inert liquid 300 is located is the first space S1, and the energy storage device 200 is housed within the first space S1 where the inert liquid 300 is located. In this embodiment, the entire energy storage device 200 has a liquid immersion cooling configuration in which it is immersed in the inert liquid 300.

[0027] The inert liquid 300 is placed in the first space S1 within the housing 100 where the energy storage device 200 is housed, and is a cooling medium (cooling liquid) that immerses the energy storage device 200 (the energy storage element 220 described later) to cool it. The inert liquid 300 is a chemically inert, insulating liquid. As the inert liquid 300, any known oil (insulating oil) such as mineral oil or chemically synthesized oil (fluorine-based or silicone-based) can be used as appropriate. It is preferable to use a liquid as the inert liquid 300 that has a flash point of 250°C or higher and does not fall under the category of hazardous materials under the Fire Service Act. For cooling the inert liquid 300 itself, a single-phase cooling method can be adopted in which the inert liquid 300 is removed and heat is exchanged elsewhere, but a two-phase cooling method that utilizes the endothermic reaction in the phase change from liquid to gas may also be adopted.

[0028] The second space S2 is a space located above the first space S1 (in the positive Z-axis direction) within the housing 100. The second space S2 is a rectangular parallelepiped-shaped space that is flattened in the Z-axis direction and located at the end of the internal space of the housing 100 in the positive Z-axis direction. Since the inert liquid 300 is located in the first space S1, the second space S2 is a space located above the inert liquid 300 within the housing 100. In other words, the second space S2 is the space within the internal space of the housing 100 where the inert liquid 300 is not located. The ignition unit 400 is located in the second space S2. In this embodiment, the entire ignition unit 400 is located in the second space S2. As a result, the entire ignition unit 400 is located above the inert liquid 300 (in the positive Z-axis direction) so that the entire ignition unit 400 does not come into contact with the inert liquid 300.

[0029] The shelf plate 160 is a flat, rectangular wall that partitions the internal space (first space S1) of the housing 100. Multiple shelf plates 160 are arranged in the Z-axis direction within the first space S1, partitioning the first space S1 in the Z-axis direction. The shelf plate 160 has an opening (not shown) through which the inert liquid 300 can pass. The shape of the shelf plate 160 is not particularly limited and may be a narrow plate-shaped or rod-shaped member such as a beam. Each energy storage device 200 is placed inside the housing 100 within the space partitioned by the multiple shelf plates 160, supported by each shelf plate 160, etc. On each shelf plate 160, multiple energy storage devices 200 are arranged in the X-axis direction. In this way, the multiple energy storage devices 200 are arranged adjacent to each other in the X-axis and Z-axis directions. Although Figures 1 and 2 do not show the shelf 160 and the energy storage device 200 in the space below the housing 100, the shelf 160 and the energy storage device 200 may be placed in the space below the housing 100, or the energy storage device 200 may be placed on the bottom wall 150.

[0030] Electrical equipment such as circuit boards for controlling each energy storage device 200 may be placed inside the housing 100 (first space S1 or second space S2). The electrical equipment may be placed in the upper part of the housing 100 (upper part of the first space S1 or second space S2), and the wiring connected to the electrical equipment may be routed out through an opening in the upper part of the housing 100.

[0031] [1.2 Description of the Energy Storage Device 200] Next, the configuration of the energy storage device 200 will be described in detail. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage device 200 provided in the energy storage panel 10 according to this embodiment. In Figure 3, the internal configuration of the outer casing 210 of the energy storage device 200 is shown by dashed lines, with a transparent view of the outer casing 210. Since all of the multiple energy storage devices 200 provided in the energy storage panel 10 have the same configuration, Figure 3 shows one energy storage device 200. Figure 4 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the energy storage element 220 provided in the energy storage device 200 according to this embodiment. Since all of the multiple energy storage elements 220 provided in the energy storage device 200 have the same configuration, Figure 4 shows one energy storage element 220.

[0032] The energy storage device 200 is a battery module (battery pack) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Figure 3, the energy storage device 200 comprises an outer casing 210 and a plurality of energy storage elements 220. In this embodiment, the plurality of energy storage elements 220 are arranged in line in the Y-axis direction, but the direction of arrangement and the number of energy storage elements 220 are not particularly limited, and only one energy storage element 220 may be arranged. In addition to these components, the energy storage device 200 also comprises busbars for connecting the terminals of the plurality of energy storage elements 220, a gas exhaust path and exhaust port (exhaust pipe) for exhausting gas discharged from the energy storage elements 220, and a pair of external terminals (positive and negative electrodes) (or cables equivalent to external terminals) for connecting to the outside, but these are not shown in the illustration and their detailed explanation is omitted. The energy storage device 200 may also include spacers placed between the energy storage elements 220, restraining members (end plates, side plates, etc.) that constrain the energy storage elements 220, a busbar frame for positioning the busbars, and electrical equipment such as a circuit board for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging states of the energy storage elements 220, but these are not shown or described.

[0033] The outer casing 210 is a box-shaped (rectangular parallelepiped) container (module case) that is elongated in the Y-axis direction and forms the outer shell of the energy storage device 200. The outer casing 210 houses a plurality of energy storage elements 220 and fixes the plurality of energy storage elements 220 in predetermined positions, protecting them from impacts and the like. The outer casing 210 is made of an insulating material such as resin to prevent the energy storage elements 220 from coming into contact with external metal members, etc. The outer casing 210 may be made of a conductive material such as metal, as long as the insulating properties of the energy storage elements 220 are maintained.

[0034] The energy storage element 220 is a secondary battery (single cell) capable of charging and discharging electricity, and more specifically, a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In this embodiment, the energy storage element 220 has a flattened rectangular parallelepiped shape (square), but the shape of the energy storage element 220 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and may be a polygonal prism shape, cylindrical shape, oblong cylindrical shape, elliptical prism shape, etc. The energy storage element 220 may be a secondary battery other than a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery, or it may be a capacitor. The energy storage element 220 may be a primary battery. The energy storage element 220 may be a battery using a solid electrolyte. The energy storage element 220 may be a pouch-type energy storage element.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the energy storage element 220 comprises a container 221 and a pair of terminals 222 (positive and negative electrodes). Inside the container 221 are electrodes, a pair of current collectors (positive and negative electrodes), and an electrolyte (non-aqueous electrolyte), but these are not shown in the illustration. There are no particular restrictions on the type of electrolyte as long as it does not impair the performance of the energy storage element 220, and various types can be selected. Gaskets and the like are placed between the container 221, the terminals 222, and the current collectors to improve insulation and airtightness, but these are also not shown in the illustration.

[0036] The container 221 is a rectangular (square) container, and the container lid 221b closes the opening of the container body 221a in the positive Z-axis direction. The material of the container 221 (container body 221a and container lid 221b) is not particularly limited, but it is preferably a weldable metal such as stainless steel, aluminum, aluminum alloy, iron, or plated steel sheet.

[0037] Between a pair of terminals 222 on the container lid 221b of the container 221, a gas discharge valve 221c is positioned to release gas from inside the container 221 and relieve pressure if the pressure inside the container 221 rises excessively. If the energy storage element 220 is a non-aqueous electrolyte energy storage element, the energy storage element 220 generates flammable gas. In other words, if an abnormality such as an internal short circuit occurs in the energy storage element 220 due to factors such as the application of external stress to the energy storage element 220 or the inclusion of foreign matter inside the energy storage element 220, the energy storage element 220 may generate flammable gas. For this reason, the gas (vent gas) discharged from the gas discharge valve 221c of the energy storage element 220 contains flammable gas.

[0038] Terminal 222 is an electrode terminal (positive electrode terminal and negative electrode terminal) electrically connected to the positive electrode plate and negative electrode plate of the electrode body via a current collector, and is formed of a metal (conductive) material such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, copper, or copper alloy. The electrode body is an energy storage element (power generation element) formed by laminating a positive electrode plate, a negative electrode plate, and a separator. The positive electrode plate has a positive electrode active material layer formed on a current collector foil made of a metal such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The negative electrode plate has a negative electrode active material layer formed on a current collector foil made of a metal such as copper or a copper alloy. As for the active material used in the positive electrode active material layer and the negative electrode active material layer, any known material can be used as long as it is capable of intercalating and releasing charge transport ions. The current collector is a conductive member (positive electrode current collector and negative electrode current collector) electrically connected to terminal 222 and the electrode body. The positive electrode current collector is made of aluminum or an aluminum alloy, similar to the current collector foil of the positive electrode plate, while the negative electrode current collector is made of copper or a copper alloy, similar to the current collector foil of the negative electrode plate.

[0039] [1.3 Explanation of the ignition unit 400] Next, the configuration (including the functional configuration) of the ignition unit 400 will be described in detail. As described above, the ignition unit 400 is positioned above the inert liquid 300 (in the positive Z-axis direction). In this embodiment, the ignition unit 400 is positioned at the negative X-axis end and the center in the Y-axis direction of the second space S2 and is attached to the inner surface of the side wall 120 of the housing 100, but the position of the ignition unit 400 is not particularly limited. The ignition unit 400 ignites the gas discharged from the energy storage element 220 and coming out of the inert liquid 300. In other words, the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas in the second space S2. The ignition unit 400 may ignite the gas with a spark plug, ignite the gas with an arc discharge, or ignite the gas by other known methods. In Figures 1 and 2, the ignition unit 400 is simply shown as a rectangular parallelepiped, but the ignition unit 400 only needs to have a shape that is appropriate for the ignition method.

[0040] Specifically, in the first space S1, if the pressure inside the container 221 of the energy storage element 220 rises excessively, flammable gas is discharged from the gas discharge valve 221c of the energy storage element 220 into the inert liquid 300. Since the flammable gas has a lower specific gravity than the inert liquid 300, it rises within the inert liquid 300 and exits from the first space S1 to the second space S2. However, since the flammable gas has a higher specific gravity than air, it accumulates in the second space S2. This flammable gas accumulated in the second space S2 is ignited by the ignition unit 400 within the second space S2 and burns.

[0041] The functional configuration of the ignition unit 400 and the process by which the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 will be described in detail below. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the ignition unit 400 according to this embodiment. Figure 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the process by which the ignition unit 400 according to this embodiment ignites the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the ignition unit 400 includes an acquisition unit 410, a determination unit 420, an ignition execution unit 430, and a storage unit 440. In other words, the ignition unit 400 includes a circuit board or the like on which electronic components having the functions of these processing units are mounted.

[0043] The memory unit 440 is a memory that stores various data when the ignition unit 400 performs processing. In this embodiment, the memory unit 440 stores various data for the ignition unit 400 to ignite the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300. The memory unit 440 stores ignition data 441.

[0044] The acquisition unit 410 acquires various information about each energy storage device 200 or energy storage element 220 from each energy storage device 200. In this embodiment, the acquisition unit 410 acquires the voltage value of the energy storage device 200 or energy storage element 220. The acquisition unit 410 may also acquire the charge state, discharge state, current, temperature, etc. of the energy storage device 200 or energy storage element 220. The acquisition unit 410 writes the acquired information to the ignition data 441 stored in the storage unit 440 for storage.

[0045] The determination unit 420 makes various decisions when the ignition unit 400 performs its processing. In this embodiment, the determination unit 420 determines whether or not the ignition unit 400 will ignite the gas coming out of the inert liquid 300. Specifically, the determination unit 420 uses the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 or energy storage device 200 acquired by the acquisition unit 410 to determine whether or not to ignite the gas. The determination unit 420 reads and acquires the voltage value from the ignition data 441 stored in the storage unit 440, and uses the voltage value to determine whether or not to ignite the gas.

[0046] The ignition execution unit 430 performs ignition of the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 when the determination unit 420 determines that the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 should be ignited. In this embodiment, the ignition execution unit 430 performs ignition of the gas at predetermined time intervals.

[0047] Next, the process by which the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 will be explained in detail. As shown in Figure 6, first, the acquisition unit 410 acquires the voltage value of the energy storage device 200 or the energy storage element 220 from the energy storage device 200 (step S101). Next, the determination unit 420 uses the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 or the energy storage device 200 acquired by the acquisition unit 410 to determine whether or not to ignite the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300.

[0048] Specifically, the determination unit 420 determines whether the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 or energy storage device 200 acquired by the acquisition unit 410 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (step S102). The determination unit 420 may acquire the predetermined value by input from the user, by reading the predetermined value that is pre-stored in the ignition data 441 of the storage unit 440, or by calculating the predetermined value using a predetermined mathematical formula or the like. If the determination unit 420 determines that the voltage value is greater than the predetermined value (NO in step S102), the acquisition unit 410 acquires the voltage value of the energy storage device 200 or energy storage element 220 again (step S101).

[0049] If the determination unit 420 determines that the voltage value is below a predetermined value (YES in step S102), it determines to ignite the gas coming from the inert liquid 300, and the ignition execution unit 430 performs ignition of the gas (step S103). In this embodiment, the ignition execution unit 430 ignites the gas at predetermined time intervals. Specifically, the ignition execution unit 430 acquires the time interval and intermittently ignites the gas based on the acquired time interval. The ignition execution unit 430 may acquire the time interval by input from the user, by reading the time interval that is pre-stored in the ignition data 441 of the storage unit 440, or by calculating the time interval using a predetermined mathematical formula or the like.

[0050] As described above, the process of the ignition unit 400 igniting the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 is completed. In this embodiment, the ignition unit 400 is equipped with a circuit board on which electronic components having the functions of the processing unit are mounted, but the electronic components having the functions of the processing unit may be located at a different position from the ignition unit 400. In other words, the electronic components having the functions of the processing unit may be mounted on a circuit board that controls the energy storage device 200 provided in the energy storage panel 10, or on a control device outside the energy storage panel 10, and these may instruct the ignition unit 400 to ignite.

[0051] [2. Explanation of Effects] As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, in the power storage panel 10, an inert liquid 300 is arranged in the first space S1 within the housing 100 in which the power storage device 200 is housed. An ignition unit 400 is arranged above the inert liquid 300 to ignite the gas discharged from the power storage element 220 and released from the inert liquid 300. In other words, in the power storage panel 10, the power storage device 200 and the inert liquid 300 are arranged in the first space S1 of the housing 100, and the power storage device 200 is cooled by liquid immersion cooling using the inert liquid 300. In this configuration, when gas (flammable gas) is discharged from the power storage element 220 of the power storage device 200, the gas accumulates above the inert liquid 300 because its specific gravity is lower than that of the inert liquid 300 but higher than that of air. For this reason, the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas released from the inert liquid 300. This allows for the processing of gases released from the inert liquid 300, preventing excess gas from filling the enclosure 100 or leaking out of the enclosure 100. During ignition, the surface temperature of the inert liquid 300 temporarily rises, but the thermal impact on the energy storage device 200 is small. Therefore, the energy storage panel 10 improves safety.

[0052] The ignition unit 400 ignites the gas in the second space S2 above the inert liquid 300 inside the housing 100. This process the gas released from the inert liquid 300 within the second space S2, thereby preventing excess gas from filling the housing 100 or leaking out of the housing 100.

[0053] The ignition unit 400 ignites the gas at predetermined time intervals, thereby processing the gas each time and preventing excess gas from filling the housing 100 or leaking out of the housing 100.

[0054] When the gas discharge valve 221c of the energy storage element 220 opens and gas is discharged from the energy storage element 220, the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 (energy storage device 200) decreases. Therefore, the ignition unit 400 can more accurately determine whether or not to ignite the gas by using the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 or the energy storage device 200.

[0055] [3 Explanation of variations] Although an embodiment of the present invention, the power storage panel 10, has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects, and the scope of the present invention includes all modifications in the sense and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0056] (Variation 1) In the above embodiment, gas is released from the entire surface of the inert liquid 300 (the upper surface of the first space S1), and the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power storage panel 11 according to modification 1 of this embodiment. Figure 7 corresponds to Figure 1.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, the power storage panel 11 in this modified example includes a guide member 170 in addition to the configuration of the power storage panel 10 in the above embodiment. The other configurations of this modified example are the same as in the above embodiment, so their description will be omitted.

[0058] The guide member 170 is a member that guides the gas emanating from the inert liquid 300 and leads it to the ignition unit 400. In this modified example, the guide member 170 is a flat, rectangular member positioned on the liquid surface of the inert liquid 300 (the interface between the first space S1 and the second space S2). An opening 171 is formed at the end of the guide member 170 in the negative X-axis direction and in the center in the Y-axis direction, and the portion of the outer edge of the guide member 170 where the opening 171 is not formed is in contact with the inner surface of the housing 100. The opening 171 is formed in the guide member 170 at a position opposite the ignition unit 400 in the Z-axis direction and is a through-hole (notch, recess) that penetrates the guide member 170 in the Z-axis direction. With this configuration, the gas in the inert liquid 300 (first space S1) emanates from the inert liquid 300 (first space S1) through the opening 171 toward the ignition unit 400 and is ignited by the ignition unit 400. The guide member 170 may be positioned at a distance from the surface of the inert liquid 300.

[0059] In this modified example, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be achieved. In particular, in this modified example, the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 is guided toward the ignition unit 400 by the guide member 170, so that the gas can be efficiently ignited and processed in the ignition unit 400. In this modified example, the shape, size, number, etc., of the openings 171 are not particularly limited.

[0060] (Modification 2) In the above modified example 1, the guide member 170 only had an opening 171, but the guide member 170 may also have a portion that guides toward the ignition unit 400. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the power storage panel 12 according to modified example 2 of this embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 7.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the power storage panel 12 in this modified example has the same configuration as the power storage panel 11 in Modification Example 1, plus the guide member 170 has a cylindrical portion 172. The other configurations of this modified example are the same as in Modification Example 1, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0062] The cylindrical portion 172 is a rectangular cylindrical (chimney-shaped) part that protrudes in the positive Z-axis direction from the rectangular opening 171 of the guide member 170. The cylindrical portion 172 extends in the positive Z-axis direction to the ignition portion 400 and covers the periphery of the end of the ignition portion 400 in the negative Z-axis direction. As a result, the cylindrical portion 172 guides the gas coming out of the inert liquid 300 and leads it to the ignition portion 400.

[0063] In this modified example, the same effects as in Modified Example 1 can be achieved. In particular, in this modified example, since the guide member 170 is equipped with a cylindrical portion 172, the gas emitted from the inert liquid 300 can be guided more reliably to the ignition portion 400. In this modified example, the shape, size, number, etc., of the cylindrical portion 172 are not particularly limited.

[0064] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the ignition unit 400 is positioned in the second space S2 to ignite the gas in the second space S2, but it is not limited to this. The ignition unit 400 may be positioned in the second space S2 but may ignite the gas coming out of the second space S2. The ignition unit 400 may be positioned outside the second space S2 (e.g., above the second space S2). In this case, the second space S2 does not need to be provided above the inert liquid 300 (first space S1).

[0065] In the above embodiment, the ignition unit 400 ignites the gas at predetermined time intervals, but the ignition unit 400 may ignite the gas at any timing.

[0066] In the above embodiment, the ignition unit 400 determines whether or not to ignite the gas using the voltage value of the energy storage element 220 or the energy storage device 200, but it is not limited to this. The ignition unit 400 may also determine whether or not to ignite the gas by detecting the gas concentration in the inert liquid 300 (first space S1), detecting the gas concentration in the second space S2, or by other means determining whether or not the gas discharge valve 221c of the energy storage element 220 has opened.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the housing 100 of the power storage panel 10 is provided with multiple shelves 160, but it is not limited to this. The housing 100 may have only one shelf 160, or it may not have any shelves 160 at all, with the power storage device 200 placed on the bottom wall 150. In this case, the bottom wall 150 on which the power storage device 200 is placed can be said to be a shelf of the housing 100. In other words, the housing 100 is provided with at least a shelf on which the power storage device 200 is placed.

[0068] In the above embodiment, the inert liquid 300 may be a liquid with a flash point lower than 250°C.

[0069] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that all energy storage devices 200 provided in the energy storage panel 10 have the above configuration, but it is not necessary for any of the energy storage devices 200 to have the above configuration. In the above embodiment, it is assumed that all energy storage elements 220 provided in the energy storage device 200 have the above configuration, but it is not necessary for any of the energy storage elements 220 to have the above configuration.

[0070] Embodiments constructed by arbitrarily combining the above embodiments and modifications are also included within the scope of the present invention. [Industrial applicability]

[0071] This invention can be applied to a power storage panel or the like equipped with a power storage device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 10, 11, 12 Storage panel 100 cabinets 160 shelf board 170 Guide member 171 Opening 172 Cylindrical part 200 Energy storage devices 220 Energy Storage Elements 221 Container 221c Gas discharge valve 222 terminals 300 Inert liquid 400 Ignition part 410 Acquisition Department 420 Judgment Department 430 Ignition Unit 440 Storage section 441 Ignition Data S1 first space S2 Second space

Claims

1. A power storage device equipped with a power storage element, A housing for the aforementioned energy storage device, An inert liquid is placed in the first space within the housing where the energy storage device is housed, An ignition unit is positioned above the inert liquid and ignites the gas discharged from the energy storage element and coming out of the inert liquid, A power storage panel equipped with the following features.

2. A second space is provided above the inert liquid inside the housing, The ignition unit ignites the gas in the second space. The power storage panel according to claim 1.

3. The ignition unit ignites the gas at predetermined time intervals. The power storage panel according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The ignition unit determines whether or not to ignite the gas using the voltage value of the energy storage element or the energy storage device. The power storage panel according to claim 1 or 2.

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