Energy storage device

Abstract

To realize an energy storage device that can be miniaturized. [Solution] An energy storage device (1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a battery pack (2) having a battery module and a protruding portion (2b) that protrudes upward, a housing (3) in which a plurality of battery packs (2) are housed in a stacked state such that the protruding portions (2b) of the battery packs (2) are arranged alternately in the front-to-back direction, a temperature control space disposed in the surplus space formed by the protruding portion (2b) of the uppermost battery pack (2) in the horizontal direction inside the housing (3), and a temperature control device (4) disposed in the temperature control space for cooling a refrigerant for cooling the battery module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage device.

Background Art

[0002] Power storage devices are installed, for example, in houses and factories. As disclosed in Patent Document 1, for example, a power storage device has a configuration in which electrical devices such as a storage battery and a control device are housed in a housing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a general power storage device, an excess space is formed inside the housing of the power storage device. By improving the utilization efficiency of the inside of the housing of the power storage device, miniaturization of the power storage device is desired.

[0005] The present disclosure realizes a power storage device capable of reducing the size of the power storage device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A power storage device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a battery pack having a battery module and a protruding portion protruding upward, a housing in which a plurality of the battery packs are stacked and housed such that the protruding portions of the battery packs are arranged alternately in the front-rear direction, a temperature control space arranged in an excess space formed by the protruding portion of the battery pack at the uppermost stage in the horizontal direction inside the housing, a temperature control device arranged in the temperature control space and configured to cool a refrigerant for cooling the battery module, and is provided with.

[0007] In the above-described energy storage device, the temperature control space is located in the surplus space formed behind the protruding portion of the uppermost battery pack inside the housing. A first communication port, which communicates with the temperature-controlled space and into which air flows, is located at the rear of the housing. A second communication port, which communicates with the temperature-controlled space and from which the air flows out of the temperature-controlled space, is located on at least one side of the housing, either on the left or right side. It is preferable that the temperature control device is positioned in the air flow path between the first communication port and the second communication port.

[0008] In the above-described energy storage device, the temperature-controlled space is separated from the space in which the battery pack is arranged by a partitioning member inside the housing. Preferably, the partition member includes a wall portion that guides the air that flows into the temperature-controlled space from the first communication port and passes through the temperature-controlled device to the second communication port.

[0009] In the above-described energy storage device, the first and second communication ports are located on the upper part of the housing. The temperature-controlled space is preferably in contact with the roof of the enclosure.

[0010] In the above-described energy storage device, it is preferable that the second communication port located on the right side of the housing and the second communication port located on the left side of the housing are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the left-right direction of the energy storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to realize an energy storage device that can be miniaturized. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the energy storage device of the embodiment, viewed from the X-axis + side. [Figure 2]It is a perspective view of the energy storage device according to the embodiment as viewed from the X-axis - side. [Figure 3] It is a view of the internal structure of the energy storage device according to the embodiment as viewed from the Y-axis + side. [Figure 4] It is a diagram for explaining the gas flow in the first space in the energy storage device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a diagram for explaining the second space and the third space in the energy storage device according to the embodiment.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, specific embodiments to which the present disclosure is applied will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Also, for clarity of explanation, the following description and drawings are simplified as appropriate.

[0014] First, the configuration of the energy storage device according to the present embodiment will be described. Here, in the following description, for clarity of explanation, a three-dimensional (XYZ) coordinate system will be used. At this time, for example, the X-axis + side is the front side of the energy storage device, the X-axis - side is the rear side of the energy storage device, the Y-axis + side is the left side of the energy storage device, the Y-axis - side is the right side of the energy storage device, the Z-axis + side is the upper side of the energy storage device, and the Z-axis - side is the lower side of the energy storage device.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the energy storage device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the X-axis + side. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the energy storage device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the X-axis - side. FIG. 3 is a view of the internal structure of the energy storage device according to the present embodiment as viewed from the Y-axis + side.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the gas flow in the first space in the energy storage device according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the second space and the third space in the energy storage device according to the present embodiment.

[0017] [[ID=三十二]] The energy storage device 1 includes, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, a battery pack 2, a housing 3, and a temperature control device 4. The battery pack 2 is, for example, a storage battery having a configuration substantially equivalent to a general in-vehicle battery pack.

[0018] The battery pack 2 is formed by housing a battery module inside a housing 2a, and for example, it may be a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, or a all-solid-state battery. The battery pack 2 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, substantially rectangular when viewed from the Z-axis direction and has a flat plate shape substantially parallel to the XY plane.

[0019] At this time, the end portion on the +X-axis side or the -X-axis side of the housing 2a has, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a protruding portion 2b for housing electrical devices such as a relay circuit, a fuse, and a current sensor. Such battery packs 2 are stacked in the Z-axis direction with the protruding portions 2b of each battery pack 2 arranged alternately in the X-axis direction, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0020] The housing 3 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, in a box shape and includes a frame 5, a partitioning member 6, a roof portion 7, a floor portion 8, and side wall portions 9. The frame 5 is formed by combining, for example, hollow square bars and includes column units 5a and beam members 5b.

[0021] The column units 5a are arranged substantially parallel to the XZ plane and spaced apart in the Y-axis direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 4. In the present embodiment, for example, three column units 5a are arranged spaced apart in the X-axis direction. The beam members 5b extend in the Y-axis direction and connect the column units 5a adjacent in the X-axis direction.

[0022] The partitioning member 6 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a plate member bent into a substantially L shape when viewed from the Y-axis direction. The partitioning member 6 includes a support portion 6a and a wall portion 6b. The support portion 6a supports the temperature control device 4. The support portion 6a is arranged substantially parallel to the XY plane. The wall portion 6b protrudes from the end portion on the +X-axis side of the support portion 6a in the +Z-axis direction and is arranged substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the partition member 6 is positioned to span the column unit 5a on the Y-axis+ side of the frame 5 and the central column unit 5a, and further span the column unit 5a on the Y-axis- side of the frame 5 and the central column unit 5a.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the partition member 6 is positioned at the Z-axis positive end of the frame 5 and at the X-axis negative end of the frame 5. In other words, when viewed from the Y-axis direction, the partition member 6 is positioned to cover the Z-axis positive corner of the frame 5 and the X-axis negative corner of the frame 5.

[0025] The partition member 6 is fixed to the frame 5. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, the X-axis-side end of the support portion 6a of the partition member 6 should reach the X-axis-side end of the frame 5, and the Z-axis-side end of the wall portion 6b of the partition member 6 should reach the Z-axis-side end of the frame 5.

[0026] As a result, the interior of the housing 3 comprises a first space S1, a second space S2, and a third space S3, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The first space S1 is a space within the housing 3 surrounded by partition members 6. The temperature control device 4 is located in the first space S1.

[0027] The second space S2 is, for example, the space inside the housing 3 between the Y-axis-side column unit 5a and the central column unit 5a, excluding the first space S1, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The battery packs 2 are housed in the second space S2 in a stacked state. The battery packs 2 are fixed to the frame 5.

[0028] In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 3, the protruding portion 2b of the battery pack 2 closest to the Z-axis+ is positioned on the X-axis+ side and is positioned so as to overlap with the first space S1 when viewed from the X-axis direction. In other words, within the housing 3, the first space S1 is located in the surplus space formed by the protruding portion 2b of the battery pack 2 closest to the Z-axis+ in the X-axis direction.

[0029] The third space S3 is, for example, the space inside the housing 3 between the Y-axis + side column unit 5a and the central column unit 5a, excluding the first space S1, as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The third space S3 houses control devices 10, such as power control units that control each battery pack 2. The control devices 10 are fixed to the frame 5.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the roof section 7 covers the open portion on the Z-axis+ side of the frame 5. At this time, it is preferable that the roof section 7 is in contact with the first space S1 of the housing 3. The floor section 8 covers the open portion on the Z-axis- side of the frame 5. The side wall section 9 covers the open portion on the X-axis+ side of the frame 5, the open portion on the X-axis- side of the frame 5, the open portion on the Y-axis+ side of the frame 5, and the open portion on the Y-axis- side of the frame 5.

[0031] The side wall portion 9 on the X-axis+ side may be configured as an openable and closable door, for example, as shown in Figure 1. The side wall portion 9 on the X-axis- side has a first communication opening 9a formed therein, as shown in Figure 2, for connecting the X-axis-side portion of the first space S1 with the outside. The first communication opening 9a is located, for example, between the Y-axis-side column unit 5a and the central column unit 5a of the X-axis-side side wall portion 9, and is positioned on the Z-axis+ side relative to the support portion 6a of the partition member 6.

[0032] As shown in Figure 1, a second communication opening 9b is formed in the Y-axis positive side wall portion 9 to connect the Y-axis positive portion of the first space S1 with the outside. The second communication opening 9b is, for example, located in the X-axis negative portion of the Y-axis positive side wall portion 9, and is spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the Z-axis positive portion of the Y-axis positive side wall portion 9.

[0033] As shown in Figure 2, a third communication opening 9c is formed in the Y-axis side wall portion 9 to connect the Y-axis side portion of the first space S1 with the outside. The third communication opening 9c is, for example, located in the X-axis side portion of the Y-axis side wall portion 9, and is spaced apart in the X-axis direction from the Z-axis side portion of the Y-axis side wall portion 9.

[0034] At this time, although the detailed functions will be described later, as shown in Figure 4, it is preferable that the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c are positioned in approximately different locations when viewed from the Y-axis direction, that is, they are positioned so as not to overlap. Furthermore, it is preferable that louvers 11 be fitted into these first communication port 9a, second communication port 9b, and third communication port 9c.

[0035] The temperature control device 4 cools the refrigerant circulating through the electrical equipment 12, including the battery pack 2 and the control device 10, in order to cool the electrical equipment 12. The temperature control device 4 can cool the refrigerant by, for example, bringing air (i.e., outside air) taken in by the fan 4a into contact with the refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates. Therefore, the first space S1 of the housing 3 functions as a temperature-controlled space.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the temperature control device 4 is fixed to the X-axis side portion of the support portion 6a of the partition member 6. In this case, as shown in Figure 4, the temperature control device 4 is preferably positioned so as to overlap with the first communication opening 9a of the housing 3 when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0037] Next, the airflow taken in by the fan 4a of the temperature control device 4 in the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Here, the airflow is indicated by arrows in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the fan 4a of the temperature control device 4 takes in air through the first communication port 9a of the housing 3 into the first space S1 of the housing 3.

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the air taken into the first space S1 is drawn in on the X-axis + side by the fan 4a, comes into contact with the refrigerant circuit in the temperature control device 4 to cool the refrigerant, and then comes into contact with the wall portion 6b of the partition member 6.

[0039] Then, as shown in Figure 4, the air that comes into contact with the wall portion 6b of the partition member 6 splits into two branches, the Y-axis + side and the Y-axis - side, and is discharged from the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c of the housing 3. In other words, the wall portion 6b of the partition member 6 functions as an air guide that directs the air to the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c.

[0040] Therefore, air can be effectively discharged from the first space S1 of the housing 3. In addition, since air is not discharged from the X-axis+ side of the housing 3, if the X-axis+ side of the housing 3 is facing the front of the energy storage device 1, the generation of noise in front of the energy storage device 1 can be suppressed.

[0041] At this time, the temperature control device 4 is positioned in the first air flow path R1 between the first communication port 9a and the second communication port 9b, and in the second air flow path R2 between the first communication port 9a and the third communication port 9c, as shown in Figure 4.

[0042] Here, as shown in Figure 4, when the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the Y-axis direction, when the energy storage devices 1 are lined up in the Y-axis direction, the third communication port 9c of the energy storage device 1 on the Y-axis+ side and the second communication port 9b of the energy storage device 1 on the Y-axis- side will be positioned offset in the X-axis direction. Therefore, air can be discharged well from each communication port. In addition, contact between the air discharged from adjacent energy storage devices 1 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the generation of noise.

[0043] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, in the housing 3, the first space S1, which functions as a temperature-controlled space, is located on the Z-axis+ side of the housing 3. Therefore, when snow accumulates on the housing 3, the snow can be melted by air heated by heat exchange in the temperature control device 4. Moreover, if the first space S1 of the housing 3 is in contact with the roof 7, the heated air can directly heat the roof 7 and melt the snow.

[0044] Thus, in this embodiment, the first space S1 is located within the surplus space formed by the protruding portion 2b of the battery pack 2 that is closest to the Z-axis + side in the X-axis direction within the housing 3. Therefore, the energy storage device 1 in this embodiment can effectively utilize the surplus space inside the housing 3 and achieve miniaturization of the energy storage device 1.

[0045] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, if the partition member 6 is configured to guide air to the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c by the wall portion 6b, air can be effectively discharged from the first space S1 of the housing 3. Furthermore, if air is not discharged from the X-axis + side of the housing 3, and the X-axis + side of the housing 3 is the front of the energy storage device 1, the generation of noise in front of the energy storage device 1 can be suppressed.

[0046] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, when the second communication port 9b and the third communication port 9c are arranged so as not to overlap when viewed from the Y-axis direction, when the energy storage devices 1 are lined up in the Y-axis direction, the third communication port 9c of the energy storage device 1 on the Y-axis+ side and the second communication port 9b of the energy storage device 1 on the Y-axis- side will be positioned offset in the X-axis direction. Therefore, air can be discharged well from each communication port. In addition, contact between the air discharged from adjacent energy storage devices 1 can be suppressed, thereby suppressing the generation of noise.

[0047] In the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment, the first space S1, which functions as a temperature-controlled space, is located on the Z-axis+ side of the housing 3. Therefore, when snow accumulates on the housing 3, the snow can be melted by the air heated by cooling the refrigerant in the temperature control device 4. Furthermore, if the first space S1 of the housing 3 is in contact with the roof 7, the heated air can directly heat the roof 7 and melt the snow.

[0048] The configuration of the housing 3 of the energy storage device 1 in the above embodiment is illustrative, and it is sufficient that the temperature control space is located in the surplus space formed by the protruding portion 2b of the battery pack 2.

[0049] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and may be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0050] 1. Energy storage device 2 Battery pack, 2a Housing, 2b Protruding part 3 cabinets 4. Temperature control device, 4a. Fan 5 Frame, 5a Column unit, 5b Beam member 6 partition members, 6a support part, 6b wall part 7. Roof section 8 Floor 9 Side wall section, 9a First communication opening, 9b Second communication opening, 9c Third communication opening 10 Control device 11 Galari 12 Electrical equipment R1 First distribution channel R2 Second Distribution Channel S1 First Space S2 The Second Space S3 The Third Space

Claims

1. A battery pack having a battery module and a protruding portion that extends upward, A housing in which multiple battery packs are housed in a stacked state such that the protruding portions of the battery packs are arranged alternately in the front-to-back direction, A temperature control space is located in the surplus space formed by the protrusion of the uppermost battery pack in the horizontal direction inside the aforementioned housing, A temperature control device is placed in the temperature-controlled space and cools the refrigerant used to cool the battery module, A power storage device equipped with the following features.

2. The temperature-controlled space is located in the surplus space formed behind the protruding portion of the uppermost battery pack inside the housing. A first communication port, which communicates with the temperature-controlled space and into which air flows, is located at the rear of the housing. A second communication port, which communicates with the temperature-controlled space and from which the air flows out of the temperature-controlled space, is located on at least one side of the housing, either on the left or right side. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature control device is arranged in the air circulation path between the first communication port and the second communication port.

3. The temperature-controlled space is separated from the space where the battery pack is arranged by a partitioning member inside the housing. The energy storage device according to claim 2, wherein the partition member includes a wall portion that guides the air that flows into the temperature-controlled space from the first communication port and passes through the temperature-controlled device to the second communication port.

4. The first and second communication ports are located on the upper part of the housing. The energy storage device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the temperature-controlled space is in contact with the roof of the housing.

5. The energy storage device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, when viewed from the left-right direction of the energy storage device, the second communication port located on the right side of the housing and the second communication port located on the left side of the housing are arranged so as not to overlap.

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