Battery modules, energy storage devices

Abstract

The multiple battery cells that make up the battery module are cooled efficiently. [Solution] The battery module comprises a plurality of cell units arranged in a first direction. Each of the plurality of cell units comprises a battery cell having a housing, a cell case formed of an insulating material and housing the battery cell, and a spacer provided inside the cell case and sandwiched between a first side surface of the housing facing one side in the first direction and a first inner surface of the cell case facing the other side in the first direction, and between a second side surface of the housing facing the other side in the first direction and a second inner surface of the cell case facing one side in the first direction. The cell case has an inlet opening that allows cooling air to be introduced from the outside of the cell case into the inside of the cell case, and an outlet opening that allows cooling air to be discharged from the inside of the cell case to the outside of the cell case.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a battery module and a power storage device. [Background Art]

[0002] Some power storage devices that supply electric power include a battery module having a plurality of battery cells. In such a power storage device, the battery cells may be cooled to suppress temperature rise of the battery cells. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which cooling air is supplied from a supply flow path provided on a side of a battery module (battery cell array) having a plurality of battery cells arranged with predetermined gaps therebetween in an arrangement direction, to the battery module. In this configuration, the supply flow path extends in the arrangement direction of the plurality of battery cells, and has a plurality of supply holes that supply cooling air to the gaps between the battery cells. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2022-78644 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, in casings that form the outer surfaces of a plurality of battery cells, variation may occur in the thickness of the battery cells (casings) in the arrangement direction due to shape errors and the like. For example, when a casing is formed by welding metal plates, variation may occur in the thickness of the battery cells (casings) in the arrangement direction. When a plurality of battery cells with varying thicknesses are arranged such that the gaps between adjacent battery cells are uniform, the gaps between the battery cells may be displaced in the arrangement direction relative to the plurality of supply holes pre-formed in the supply flow path. As a result, cooling air supplied from each of the plurality of supply holes cannot smoothly flow into the gaps between the battery cells, which may reduce the cooling efficiency of the battery cells.

[0005] This disclosure was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery module and an energy storage device that can efficiently cool multiple battery cells constituting the battery module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, the battery module according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of cell units arranged in a first direction. Each of the plurality of cell units comprises a battery cell, a cell case, and a spacer. The battery cell has a housing. The cell case is formed of an insulating material and houses the battery cell. The spacer is provided inside the cell case. The spacer is sandwiched between a first side surface of the housing facing one side of the first direction and a first inner surface of the cell case facing the other side of the first direction, and between a second side surface of the housing facing the other side of the first direction and a second inner surface of the cell case facing one side of the first direction. The cell case has an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening penetrates a case side plate of the cell case facing at least one side of a second direction intersecting the first direction in the horizontal plane. The introduction opening communicates with at least one of the first gap formed between the first side surface of the housing and the first inner surface, and the second gap formed between the second side surface of the housing and the second inner surface. The introduction opening allows cooling air to be introduced from the outside of the cell case into the inside of the cell case. The discharge opening penetrates the cell case. The discharge opening communicates with at least one of the first gap and the second gap. The discharge opening allows the cooling air to be discharged from the inside of the cell case to the outside of the cell case.

[0007] The energy storage device according to this disclosure comprises the battery module as described above, a rack, and a cooling air supply member. The rack has a module support portion that supports the battery module. The cooling air supply member is provided on at least one side of the battery module in the second direction. The cooling air supply member has a cooling air passage and a plurality of cooling air supply ports. The cooling air passage extends along the first direction through which cooling air flows. The plurality of cooling air supply ports are formed to face the inlet openings of each of the plurality of cell units and supply the cooling air from the cooling air passage to the inlet openings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the battery module and energy storage device of this disclosure, multiple battery cells constituting the battery module can be efficiently cooled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This document shows an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This figure shows a battery module supported by a module support portion of a rack of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the module support portion of a rack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a plan cross-sectional view showing a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a side cross-sectional view of a cell unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a cell unit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, the battery module and energy storage device according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 8. (Overall configuration of the energy storage system) As shown in Figure 1, the energy storage device 1 of this embodiment is installed in, for example, ships, floating structures, vehicles, aircraft, various land structures, etc., to store electricity. The energy storage device 1 comprises a rack 2, multiple sets of battery modules 3, and a cooling air supply member 7.

[0011] (Rack configuration) Figure 2 shows a battery module supported by a module support portion of a rack of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the module support portion of the rack according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Rack 2 is equipped with multiple module support sections 21 that support multiple sets of battery modules 3. Multiple module support sections 21 are arranged in the vertical direction Dv and the rack width direction Dw. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, rack 2 is equipped with multiple support members 22 arranged at predetermined intervals in each of the vertical direction Dv and the rack width direction Dw. Each support member 22 extends in the rack depth direction Da, which intersects the vertical direction Dv and the rack width direction Dw. Adjacent support members 22 in the vertical direction Dv are connected by support columns 24.

[0012] As shown in Figure 2, the module support section 21 supports the battery module 3 from below by a pair of adjacent support members 22 in the rack width direction Dw. For example, each support member 22 has a support plate 23 that protrudes in the rack width direction Dw. The space between adjacent support plates 23 in the rack width direction Dw is closed by a plate material 25. The battery module 3 is placed on the support plates 23 of a pair of adjacent support members 22 in the rack width direction Dw. Each module support section 21 houses multiple battery modules 3, described later, arranged in the rack depth direction Da.

[0013] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a cell unit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 is a plan sectional view showing a part of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 is a side sectional view of a cell unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. (Configuration of Battery Module) As shown in Figures 2 and 4, each of the plurality of sets of battery modules 3 includes a plurality of cell units 4 and a frame 5.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, the plurality of cell units 4 are stacked and arranged in the first direction D1. Here, the battery module 3 including the plurality of cell units 4 is supported by the module supporting portion 21 in a state where the first direction D1 is aligned along the rack depth direction Da. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, each cell unit 4 includes a battery cell 41, a cell case 42, and a spacer 43.

[0015] (Battery Cell) The battery cell 41 has, for example, a metal casing 41c. The casing 41c is formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape flattened in the first direction D1. The casing 41c has a first casing side surface 41f facing one side D1a in the first direction D1, and a second casing side surface 41g facing the other side D1b in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 5, a pair of terminals 41t and a safety valve 41s are provided on the upper surface of the casing 41c.

[0016] The casing 41c is formed by welding metal plates. For this reason, as shown in Figure 6, among the battery cells 41 of the plurality of cell units 4, the thickness dimension t of the casing 41c in the first direction D1 has variations due to manufacturing errors of, for example, about -2 mm to 2 mm.

[0017] (Cell Case) Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of a cell unit of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the cell case 42 is capable of housing a battery cell 41. The cell case 42 of this disclosure is hollow and box-shaped, and is capable of housing a battery cell 41 inside. As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the cell case 42 of this disclosure comprises a pair of case divisions 45A and 45B. The pair of case divisions 45A and 45B are configured to be separable in a first direction D1. Each of the case divisions 45A and 45B integrally has a plate-like portion 451, a pair of side wall portions 452, a bottom wall portion 453, and an upper wall portion 454.

[0018] The plate-like portion 451 is formed in a rectangular shape that extends in a direction intersecting the first direction D1. The pair of side wall portions 452 extend in the first direction D1 from both ends of the plate-like portion 451 in the second direction D2 which intersects the first direction D1 in the horizontal plane. The bottom wall portion 453 extends in the first direction D1 from the lower edge of the plate-like portion 451. The upper wall portion 454 extends in the first direction D1 from the upper edge of the plate-like portion 451. As shown in Figure 5, the upper wall portion 454 has a relief recess 454s through which a pair of terminals 41t of the battery cell 41 are inserted, and a notch 454t that forms an opening for pressure release from the safety valve 41s.

[0019] The pair of case divisions 45A and 45B are arranged facing each other in the first direction D1. As shown in Figures 5, 7, and 8, the pair of case divisions 45A and 45B form a hollow box-shaped cell case 42 by butting the pair of side walls 452, bottom wall 453, and top wall 454 together. Here, the pair of case divisions 45A and 45B are not joined together, but are simply butted against each other.

[0020] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cell case 42 has a first inner surface 42f and a second inner surface 42g inside it. The first inner surface 42f is the surface of the plate-shaped portion 451 of the case division 45B, which is located on one side D1a of the first direction D1, facing the other side D1b of the first direction D1. The second inner surface 42g is the surface of the plate-shaped portion 451 of the case division 45A, which is located on the other side D1b of the first direction D1, facing the one side D1a of the first direction D1. The first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g are formed separately in the first direction D1. Each of the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g extends along a surface that intersects (is perpendicular to) the first direction D1.

[0021] The case segments 45A and 45B that constitute such a cell case 42 are made of a synthetic resin which is an insulating material. The case segments 45A and 45B of this disclosure are, for example, made of polycarbonate resin. The case segments 45A and 45B may also be made of, for example, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) resin. The case segments 45A and 45B are formed, for example, by injection molding.

[0022] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cell case 42 has a predetermined dimension T in the first direction D1. This dimension T can be formed with a manufacturing tolerance smaller than the thickness dimension t of the battery cell 41 by injection molding of the case divisions 45A and 45B. The variation in dimension T among the multiple cell units 4 used in the battery module 3 is approximately -0.5 to 0.5 mm.

[0023] (Spacer) The spacer 43 is provided inside the cell case 42. The spacer 43 is provided on one side D1a and the other side D1b of the first direction D1 relative to the battery cell 41. The spacer 43 is sandwiched between the first side surface 41f of the housing 41c of the battery cell 41 and the first inner surface 42f of the cell case 42, and between the second side surface 41g of the housing 41c and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42. Such spacers 43 can be made of materials such as (rigid) urethane sponge or glass cloth tape.

[0024] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, with respect to the battery cell 41, spacers 43 are provided at both ends of the plate-shaped portion 451 in the second direction D2, on one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1. Each spacer 43 extends in the third direction D3 (up and down direction Dv). The spacers 43 are attached to the plate-shaped portion 451 that forms the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42, for example, by double-sided adhesive tape.

[0025] As shown in Figure 5, the plate-shaped portion 451 has spacer attachment portions 455 formed at predetermined positions to indicate where the spacer 43 should be attached. As shown in Figures 5 to 7, the spacer attachment portions 455 are formed by protrusions from the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42. The spacer attachment portions 455 are formed on both sides of the plate-shaped portion 451 forming the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g in the second direction D2. By providing such spacer attachment portions 455, the worker can easily visually confirm the attachment position of the spacer 43 when assembling the battery module 3.

[0026] The thickness of each spacer 43 in the first direction D1 is determined by pre-measuring the actual thickness of the battery cell 41, which has variations in thickness dimension t, and the gap dimension between the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42.

[0027] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, on one side D1a in the first direction D1 relative to the battery cell 41, the spacer 43 is sandwiched between the first side surface 41f and the first inner surface 42f of the housing, thereby forming a first gap 101 between the first side surface 41f and the first inner surface 42f of the housing inside the cell case 42. Also, on the other side D1b in the first direction D1 relative to the battery cell 41, the spacer 43 is sandwiched between the second side surface 41g and the second inner surface 42g of the housing, thereby forming a second gap 102 between the second side surface 41g and the second inner surface 42g of the housing inside the cell case 42.

[0028] (Inlet and outlet openings for the cell unit) As shown in Figures 7 and 8, each cell unit 4 has an inlet opening 47A, 47B and an outlet opening 48A, 48B.

[0029] The introduction openings 47A and 47B are formed in the cell case 42 on each of the case side plates 42s on both sides in the second direction D2. The introduction openings 47A and 47B are formed in the lower part of the cell case 42. The introduction openings 47A and 47B of this disclosure are formed in a pair of case side plates 42s provided on both sides in the second direction D2 of the cell case 42. Each case side plate 42s is formed by the side wall portions 452 of case divisions 45A and 45B facing each other in the first direction D1.

[0030] The entry opening 47A is formed at the lower end of the side wall portion 452 of the case segment 45B on one side D1a in the first direction D1. The entry opening 47A communicates with the first gap 101 formed between the first side surface 41f and the first inner surface 42f of the housing. The entry opening 47B is formed at the lower end of the side wall portion 452 of the case segment 45A on the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The entry opening 47B communicates with the second gap 102 formed between the second side surface 41g and the second inner surface 42g of the housing.

[0031] The inlet openings 47A and 47B allow cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply member 7 (described later) to be introduced into the cell case 42. As shown in Figures 2, 5, and 7, the spacer 43 is positioned offset vertically by Dv relative to the inlet openings 47A and 47B. In this disclosure, the spacer 43 is positioned offset vertically by Dv above the inlet openings 47A and 47B. This ensures that the spacer 43 does not obstruct the flow of cooling air introduced into the cell case 42 from the inlet openings 47A and 47B.

[0032] As shown in Figures 2, 7, and 8, the discharge openings 48A and 48B are formed in the cell case 42 above the inlet openings 47A and 47B. The discharge openings 48A and 48B in this disclosure are formed in the upper part of the cell case 42 on one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The discharge openings 48A and 48B are capable of discharging cooling air from the inside of the cell case 42 to the outside of the cell case 42.

[0033] The discharge opening 48A is formed in the shape of a slit extending in the second direction D2 at the boundary between the upper wall portion 454 and the plate-like portion 451 of the case division 45B on one side D1a in the first direction D1. As shown in Figure 7, the discharge opening 48A communicates with the first gap 101 formed between the first side surface 41f and the first inner surface 42f of the housing. The discharge opening 48B is formed in the shape of a slit extending in the second direction D2 at the boundary between the upper wall portion 454 and the plate-like portion 451 of the case division 45A on the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The discharge opening 48B communicates with the second gap 102 formed between the second side surface 41g and the second inner surface 42g of the housing.

[0034] (frame) As shown in Figures 2, 4, and 6, the frame 5 has a plurality of frame members 51 and a retaining member 52.

[0035] Multiple frame members 51 support multiple cell units 4 arranged (stacked) in a first direction D1. The multiple frame members 51 are positioned at the four corners of the cell unit 4 when viewed from the first direction D1. In this disclosure, the frame members 51 are, for example, structural steel having an L-shaped cross-section. The corners of the battery module 3 are covered from the outside by these frame members 51. The multiple frame members 51 are connected to each other by connecting members (not shown).

[0036] The retaining members 52 are provided for each of the multiple cell units 4, on one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1. The retaining members 52 are, for example, plate-shaped and extend along a plane intersecting the first direction D1, and are connected to the multiple frame members 51 via screws (not shown) or the like. The retaining members 52 clamp the multiple cell units 4 from one side D1a and the other side D1b in the first direction D1, thereby fixing the multiple cell units 4 to the frame 5 in a predetermined position in the first direction D1.

[0037] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, among the multiple frame members 51, the frame member 51A that supports the two lower corners of the multiple cell units 4 has multiple communication openings 55 formed therein. The multiple communication openings 55 are formed in the portion 51s of the frame member 51A that runs along the case side plates 42s of the multiple cell units 4. The multiple communication openings 55 are formed in positions that are opposite (communicate) with each of the introduction openings 47A and 47B of the multiple cell units 4 in the second direction D2.

[0038] (Cooling air supply component) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the cooling air supply member 7 is provided on at least one side in the second direction D2 with respect to the battery modules 3 supported by each module support portion 21 of the rack 2. The cooling air supply member 7 of this disclosure is provided on both sides in the second direction D2 with respect to the battery modules 3. The cooling air supply member 7 of this disclosure also serves as a support member 22 of the rack 2. Note that the cooling air supply member 7 may be provided independently of the support member 22.

[0039] The cooling air supply member 7 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the first direction D1 (rack depth direction Da). Cooling air is supplied to the cooling air supply member 7 by a fan or other air blowing means provided outside the rack 2. As a result, the inside of the cooling air supply member 7 is a cooling air passage 71 that extends along the first direction D1 and through which the cooling air flows.

[0040] The cooling air supply member 7 has a plurality of cooling air supply ports 72. The plurality of cooling air supply ports 72 are formed to face (communicate with) the respective inlet openings 47A and 47B of the plurality of cell units 4 and the communication opening 55 of the frame 5 in the second direction D2. The plurality of cooling air supply ports 72 supply cooling air from the cooling air passage 71 through the communication opening 55 to the inlet openings 47A and 47B. Here, the cooling air supply member 7 of the present disclosure is provided a predetermined distance away in the second direction D2 from a lower frame member 51 in which a plurality of cell units 4 and a communication opening 55 are formed.

[0041] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, a positioning member 75 is provided on the module support portion 21 of the rack 2. The positioning member 75 is provided on the module support portion 21 on one side of the first direction D1 relative to the battery module 3. The positioning member 75 is provided on the module support portion 21 on the front side in the direction in which the battery module 3 is pushed when the battery module 3 is housed in the module support portion 21. The positioning member 75 of this disclosure positions the positions of the multiple cell units 4 provided on the battery module 3 in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply member 7 when the battery module 3 abuts against the module support portion 21 from the other side D1b to the one side D1a in the first direction D1. This prevents the introduction openings 47A, 47B and the communication opening 55 from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7. If, due to design conditions, it is necessary to narrow the width of each of the inlet openings 47A and 47B of multiple cell units 4 (for example, width 2 to 15 mm), the cooling air supply port 72 may be made narrower (for example, width 1 to 10 mm) to supply cooling air as a jet in order to supply cooling air into the cell unit 4 at an airflow rate and velocity suitable for cooling. Even in such cases, since the variation in dimension T between multiple cell units 4 is kept to about -0.5 to 0.5 mm, it becomes easy to arrange the inlet openings 47A and 47B of each cell unit 4 so that their positions in the first direction D1 (rack depth direction Da) are relative to the communication opening 55.

[0042] In this energy storage device 1, a fan (not shown) blows cooling air into the cell case 42 of each cell unit 4 through the cooling air passage 71 of the cooling air supply member 7 to the battery modules 3 arranged on each module support section 21. The cooling air blown into the cooling air passage 71 is then blown into the cell case 42 through the communication opening 55 and the introduction openings 47A and 47B. The cooling air blown into the cell case 42 cools the battery cells 41. The cooling air, whose temperature has risen after cooling the battery cells 41, is discharged upward from the discharge openings 48A and 48B.

[0043] (Effects and Benefits) In the battery module 3 of the above embodiment, the battery cells 41 are housed in a cell case 42 having inlet openings 47A and 47B. Therefore, even if there is variation in the thickness of the battery cells 41 in the first direction D1, when multiple cell units 4 are arranged in the first direction D1, their positions are determined by the positioning member 75 and the thickness of the cell case 42 in the first direction D1, which has less manufacturing error. As a result, when the cell units 4 are stacked in the first direction D1, the variation in the spacing of the inlet openings 47A and 47B in the first direction D1 is reduced. This prevents the inlet openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7, which is located on at least one side D1a of the second direction D2 relative to the battery module 3. Therefore, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply port 72 flows smoothly into the cell case 42 through the inlet openings 47A and 47B, and the battery cells 41 housed in the cell case 42 can be efficiently cooled. As a result, the multiple battery cells 41 that make up the battery module 3 can be cooled efficiently.

[0044] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the spacer 43 is provided at a position offset vertically by Dv relative to the introduction openings 47A and 47B. This arrangement ensures a first gap 101 and a second gap 102 through which cooling air flows, supporting the battery cells 41 with varying thickness dimensions t within the cell case 42. It also prevents the cooling air flowing into the cell case 42 through the introduction openings 47A and 47B from interfering with the spacer 43, thereby efficiently cooling the battery cells 41 housed within the cell case 42.

[0045] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, spacer attachment portions 455 are provided on each of the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42. Therefore, a spacer 43 with a thickness corresponding to the dimensions of the battery cell 41 in the first direction D1 can be easily attached to the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g at an appropriate position. In addition, since the spacer 43 is attached to both sides of the second direction D2 on each of the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, cooling air flows into the first gap 101 and the second gap 102 formed between the spacer 43 on both sides of the second direction D2, thereby efficiently cooling the battery cell 41.

[0046] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the spacer attachment portion 455 is formed by protruding from the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, respectively. Therefore, the position for attaching the spacer 43 can be easily recognized, and the spacer 43 can be attached accurately and efficiently. In addition, because the spacer attachment portion 455 is raised, the spacer 43 can be thinner.

[0047] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the inlet openings 47A and 47B are formed at the lower part of the case side plate 42s, and the discharge openings 48A and 48B are formed above the inlet openings 47A and 47B. Therefore, the cooling air that flows into the cell case 42 from the lower inlet openings 47A and 47B and whose temperature rises due to the cooling of the battery cell 41 can be efficiently discharged from the discharge openings 48A and 48B.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the discharge openings 48A and 48B are formed in the shape of slits extending in the second direction D2, the cooling air that flows into the cell case 42 from the inlet openings 47A and 47B flows so as to expand in the second direction D2 toward the slit-shaped discharge openings 48A and 48B. As a result, the cooling air spreads along the first side surface 41f and the second side surface 41g of the housing of the battery cell 41, allowing the battery cell 41 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0049] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the cell case 42 is separable, the battery cells 41 can be easily replaced as needed.

[0050] In the energy storage device 1 of the above embodiment, the battery module 3 has battery cells 41 housed in a cell case 42 having inlet openings 47A and 47B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inlet openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply ports 72 of the cooling air supply members 7, which are arranged on both sides in the second direction D2 relative to the battery module 3. Consequently, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply ports 72 flows smoothly into the cell case 42 through the inlet openings 47A and 47B, and the battery cells 41 housed in the cell case 42 can be efficiently cooled. As a result, the multiple battery cells 41 constituting the battery module 3 can be efficiently cooled.

[0051] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the frame member 51 supporting the multiple cell units 4 has a communication opening 55 at a position opposite to each of the introduction openings 47A and 47B of the multiple cell units 4. Therefore, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply port 72 is sent into the cell case 42 through the communication opening 55 and the introduction openings 47A and 47B. This makes it possible to smoothly send the cooling air into the cell case 42 while providing the frame member 51.

[0052] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since a positioning member 75 is provided, the multiple cell units 4 can be positioned in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply member 7 by pressing the multiple cell units 4 against the positioning member 75. This prevents the introduction openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7, and allows the multiple cell units 4 to be easily installed on the module support 21.

[0053] (Other embodiments) Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments and may include design changes and the like that do not depart from the gist of this disclosure. In the above embodiment, the cell case 42 is made separable by forming it from a pair of case divisions 45A and 45B, but the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, a part of the cell case 42 may be made openable and closable so that the battery cell 41 can be inserted into and removed from the cell case 42 as needed. Alternatively, an opening may be formed in a part of the cell case 42 for inserting and removing the battery cell 41.

[0054] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the spacer attachment portion 455 is made to protrude from the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, but it is not limited to this. The spacer attachment portion 455 may be made by drawing lines on the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, for example, so that the worker can easily recognize the position where the spacer 43 is attached.

[0055] Furthermore, while the above embodiment illustrates the positions of the inlet openings 47A and 47B and the discharge openings 48A and 48B, it is not limited to these positions. The positions and number of the inlet openings 47A and 47B and the discharge openings 48A and 48B can be changed as appropriate.

[0056] Furthermore, although the above embodiment houses one battery cell 41 in the cell case 42, it is not limited to this. Multiple battery cells 41 may be housed in the cell case 42.

[0057] <Note> The battery module 3 and energy storage device 1 described in the embodiment can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0058] (1) The battery module 3 according to the first embodiment comprises a plurality of cell units 4 arranged in a first direction D1, each of the plurality of cell units 4 comprising a battery cell 41 having a housing 41c, a cell case 42 formed of an insulating material and housing the battery cell 41, and a spacer 43 provided within the cell case 42 and sandwiched between a first side surface 41f of the housing 41c facing one side D1a of the first direction D1 and a first inner surface 42f of the cell case 42 facing the other side D1b of the first direction D1, and between a second side surface 41g of the housing 41c facing the other side D1b of the first direction D1 and a second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42 facing one side D1a of the first direction D1, The cell case 42 has an introduction opening 47A, 47B that penetrates the case side plate 42s facing at least one side D1a of the second direction D2 intersecting the first direction D1 in the horizontal plane of the cell case 42, and communicates with at least one of the first gap 101 formed between the first side surface 41f and the first inner surface 42f of the housing, and the second gap 102 formed between the second side surface 41g and the second inner surface 42g of the housing, allowing cooling air to be introduced into the cell case 42 from the outside of the cell case 42, and an exhaust opening 48A, 48B that penetrates the cell case 42, communicates with at least one of the first gap 101 and the second gap 102, and allows the cooling air to be discharged from the inside of the cell case 42 to the outside of the cell case 42.

[0059] In this battery module 3, the battery cells 41 are housed in a cell case 42 having inlet openings 47A and 47B. Therefore, even if there is variation in the thickness of the battery cells 41 in the first direction D1, when multiple cell units 4 are arranged in the first direction D1, the variation in the spacing of the inlet openings 47A and 47B in the first direction D1 is reduced by the thickness of the cell case 42 in the first direction D1. This prevents the inlet openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7, which is located on at least one side D1a of the second direction D2 relative to the battery module 3. Consequently, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply port 72 flows smoothly into the cell case 42 through the inlet openings 47A and 47B, and the battery cells 41 housed in the cell case 42 can be efficiently cooled. As a result, the multiple battery cells 41 constituting the battery module 3 can be efficiently cooled.

[0060] (2) The battery module 3 according to the second embodiment is the battery module 3 of (1), wherein the spacer 43 is provided at a position offset in the vertical direction Dv with respect to the introduction openings 47A and 47B.

[0061] With this configuration, the cooling air that flows into the cell case 42 through the inlet openings 47A and 47B is prevented from interfering with the spacer 43, and the battery cells 41 housed in the cell case 42 can be cooled efficiently.

[0062] (3) The battery module 3 according to the third embodiment is the battery module 3 of (1) or (2), wherein the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g of the cell case 42 each have spacer attachment portions 455 formed on both sides in the second direction D2 to which the spacer 43 is attached.

[0063] With this configuration, spacers 43 with a thickness corresponding to the dimensions of the battery cell 41 in the first direction D1 can be easily attached to the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g in appropriate positions. Furthermore, since the spacers 43 are attached to both sides of the second direction D2 on each of the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, cooling air flows into the first gap 101 and the second gap 102 formed between the spacers 43 on both sides of the second direction D2, thereby efficiently cooling the battery cell 41.

[0064] (4) The battery module 3 according to the fourth embodiment is the battery module 3 of (3), wherein the spacer attachment portion 455 is formed by protruding from the first inner surface 42f and the second inner surface 42g, respectively.

[0065] With this configuration, the position where the spacer 43 is to be attached can be easily recognized, and the spacer 43 can be attached accurately and efficiently. In addition, because the spacer attachment portion 455 is raised, the spacer 43 can be thinner.

[0066] (5) The battery module 3 according to the fifth embodiment is any one of the battery modules 3 of (1) to (4), wherein the introduction openings 47A and 47B are formed at the lower part of the case side plate 42s, and the discharge openings 48A and 48B are formed above the introduction openings 47A and 47B.

[0067] With this configuration, the cooling air that flows into the cell case 42 from the lower inlet openings 47A and 47B and whose temperature rises due to the cooling of the battery cell 41 can be efficiently discharged from the discharge openings 48A and 48B.

[0068] (6) The battery module 3 according to the sixth embodiment is the battery module 3 of (5), wherein the discharge openings 48A and 48B are provided above the first gap 101 and the second gap 102, respectively, and are formed in the shape of slits extending in the second direction D2.

[0069] With this configuration, the cooling air that flows into the cell case 42 from the inlet openings 47A and 47B flows in a second direction D2 toward the slit-shaped discharge openings 48A and 48B. As a result, the cooling air spreads along the first side surface 41f and the second side surface 41g of the housing of the battery cell 41, allowing the battery cell 41 to be cooled more efficiently.

[0070] (7) The battery module 3 according to the seventh embodiment is any one of the battery modules 3 from (1) to (6), wherein the cell case 42 is provided to be separable or openable.

[0071] With this configuration, the cell case 42 is separable or can be opened and closed, allowing for easy replacement of the battery cell 41 as needed.

[0072] (8) The energy storage device 1 according to the eighth embodiment comprises any one of the battery modules 3 from (1) to (7), a rack 2 having a module support portion 21 for supporting the battery module 3, and a cooling air supply member 7 having a cooling air passage 71 provided on at least one side D1a of the second direction D2 with respect to the battery module 3 and extending along the first direction D1 through which cooling air flows, and a plurality of cooling air supply ports 72 formed to face the introduction openings 47A, 47B of each of the plurality of cell units 4 and supplying the cooling air from the cooling air passage 71 to the introduction openings 47A, 47B.

[0073] This energy storage device 1 has a battery module 3 which contains battery cells 41 housed in a cell case 42 having inlet openings 47A and 47B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inlet openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7 which is located on at least one side D1a in the second direction D2 relative to the battery module 3. As a result, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply port 72 flows smoothly into the cell case 42 through the inlet openings 47A and 47B, and the battery cells 41 housed in the cell case 42 can be efficiently cooled. Consequently, the multiple battery cells 41 constituting the battery module 3 can be efficiently cooled.

[0074] (9) The energy storage device 1 according to the ninth embodiment is the energy storage device 1 according to (8), further comprising a frame member 51 extending in the first direction D1 and supporting a plurality of the cell units 4, wherein the frame member 51 has a communication opening 55 that communicates with the introduction openings 47A, 47B of each of the plurality of cell units 4, at a position facing the introduction openings 47A, 47B.

[0075] With this configuration, the cooling air supplied from the cooling air supply port 72 is sent into the cell case 42 through the communication opening 55 and the introduction openings 47A and 47B. This allows the cooling air to be smoothly sent into the cell case 42 while the frame member 51 is in place.

[0076] (10) The energy storage device 1 according to the tenth embodiment is the energy storage device 1 of (8) or (9), further comprising a positioning member 75 provided on the module support portion 21 on either side D1a of the first direction D1 with respect to the plurality of cell units 4, for positioning the plurality of cell units 4 in the first direction D1 with respect to the cooling air supply member 7.

[0077] With this configuration, since a positioning member 75 is provided, the positions of the multiple cell units 4 in the first direction D1 can be positioned relative to the cooling air supply member 7 by pressing the multiple cell units 4 against the positioning member 75. This prevents the introduction openings 47A and 47B from shifting in the first direction D1 relative to the cooling air supply port 72 of the cooling air supply member 7, and allows the multiple cell units 4 to be easily installed on the module support part 21. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0078] 1…Energy storage device 2... Rack 3…Battery module 4…Cell Unit 5...frame 7…Cooling air supply component 21... Module support section 22...Support material 23...Support plate 24…Support pillar 25...Plate material 41…Battery cell 41c...casing 41f... First side of the cabinet 41g... Second side of the casing 41s… Safety valve 41t... Terminal 42... Cell case 42f…First inner surface 42g…Second inner surface 42s...Case side panel 43…Spacer 45A, 45B...Case split 47A, 47B... Inlet opening 48A, 48B…Discharge opening 51, 51A... Frame members 51s...part 52…Retaining member 55…Communication opening 71…Cooling air flow path 72…Cooling air supply port 75…Positioning member 101...First gap 102...Second gap 451...Plate-like part 452... Side wall section 453...Bottom wall 454...Top wall part 454s…recess recess 454t... Notch 455...Spacer attachment area

Claims

1. It comprises multiple cell units arranged in the first direction, Each of the plurality of cell units is A battery cell having a housing, A cell case formed from an insulating material and housing the battery cell, The cell case is provided with spacers that are sandwiched between a first side surface of the housing facing one side of the first direction and a first inner surface of the cell case facing the other side of the first direction, and between a second side surface of the housing facing the other side of the first direction and a second inner surface of the cell case facing one side of the first direction. The aforementioned cell case is An introduction opening is provided in the cell case that penetrates a case side plate facing at least one side of a second direction intersecting the first direction in the horizontal plane, communicates with at least one of a first gap formed between the first side surface of the housing and the first inner surface, and a second gap formed between the second side surface of the housing and the second inner surface, and allows cooling air to be introduced from the outside of the cell case into the inside of the cell case, The cell case has a discharge opening that penetrates the cell case, communicates with at least one of the first gap and the second gap, and is capable of discharging the cooling air from the inside of the cell case to the outside of the cell case. Battery module.

2. The spacer is provided at a position offset vertically from the introduction opening. The battery module according to claim 1.

3. Each of the first inner surface and the second inner surface of the cell case has spacer attachment portions formed on both sides in the second direction to which the spacer is attached. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The spacer attachment portion is formed by protruding from the first inner surface and the second inner surface, respectively. The battery module according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned entry opening is formed in the lower part of the case side plate, The discharge opening is formed above the inlet opening. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The discharge opening is provided above the first gap and the second gap, and is formed in the shape of a slit extending in the second direction. The battery module according to claim 5.

7. The cell case is provided in a manner that allows it to be divided or opened and closed. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, A rack having a module support portion that supports the aforementioned battery module, The cooling air supply member comprises a cooling air channel provided on at least one side of the battery module in the second direction and extending along the first direction through which cooling air flows, and a plurality of cooling air supply ports formed to face each of the inlet openings of the plurality of cell units and supplying the cooling air from the cooling air channel to the inlet openings. Energy storage device.

9. The system further comprises a frame member extending in the first direction and supporting a plurality of the cell units, The frame member has a communication opening that communicates with the introduction opening at a position opposite to the introduction opening of each of the plurality of cell units. The energy storage device according to claim 8.

10. The module support portion further includes a positioning member provided on one side of the first direction relative to the plurality of cell units, for positioning the positions of the plurality of cell units in the first direction relative to the cooling air supply member. The energy storage device according to claim 8.

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