Container Module

Abstract

A container module according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a rectangular base frame, corner columns extending in a vertical direction and connected to corner portions of the base frame, brackets coupled to the corner columns and extending in a front-rear direction, and a battery pack mounted on the brackets.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a container module.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119309 filed on September 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182298 filed on December 14, 2023, and the contents disclosed in the specifications and drawings of said applications are incorporated herein in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of being able to be freely charged and discharged since they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, an extremely low self-discharge rate, and a high energy density.

[0004] In recent years, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing generated electricity have been gaining attention as issues such as power shortages and environmentally friendly energy become more prominent. For example, smart grid systems have been proposed as a solution for regulating power supply and demand. The amount of electricity consumed by consumers is not constant but fluctuates from time to time. A typical example is a sudden increase in power consumption due to the use of air conditioners in the afternoon during summer, followed by a sudden decrease in power consumption at night. As a result, power consumption on the power consumer side is not constant but fluctuates frequently. Even if the power supplier adjusts its power production to some extent, it is practically difficult to match the power consumption. Therefore, an imbalance between power supply and consumption can lead to an oversupply or shortage of power. Smart grid systems can flexibly store and adjust power to address this issue. A smart grid system can be described as a concept that stores power in areas where surplus power is generated and supplies the stored power to areas where power shortages occur. One of the key components for building such a smart grid system is an energy storage system for storing electricity. In addition, with the recent full-scale commercialization of electric vehicles, power storage devices are also being used in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such an energy storage system may include multiple battery containers. The number and arrangement of the battery containers may vary depending on various environments and requirements. To meet these requirements, there is an increasing need to configure battery containers as a combination of small modules to improve energy density and to configure them in a variety of scalable forms. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a container module that is easier to assemble.

[0008] A further object of the present invention is to provide a container module having a simplified structure.

[0009] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a compact container module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problems, a container module according to one aspect of the present invention includes a rectangular base frame, corner columns extending in the vertical direction and connected to corner portions of the base frame, brackets connected to the corner columns and extending in the front-to-rear direction, and a battery pack placed on the brackets.

[0011] The container module may further include a rectangular top frame positioned on the base frame, and the corner columns may be connected to corner portions of the top frame.

[0012] Additionally, the corner columns may be exposed to the outside.

[0013] The container module may further include a fastening member for fastening the corner column and the bracket together.

[0014] The base frame may include horizontal beams connected to the corner portions, and the container modules may further include side columns connected to the horizontal beams in a vertical direction.

[0015] The bracket may also be coupled to the side column.

[0016] The container module may further include side panels extending in the vertical direction and covering the side columns, and the side columns may support the side panels.

[0017] The container module may further include a center column extending in a vertical direction and positioned at a center portion of the base frame in a horizontal direction, and the battery pack may be positioned between the corner column and the center column.

[0018] In addition, the battery pack may be a first battery pack, the container module may further include a second battery pack arranged in a left-right direction with respect to the first battery pack, and the center column may be located between the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0019] The container module may further include a main pipe extending in a vertical direction, positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and having a flow path.

[0020] The main pipe may also be in communication with the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0021] The container module may further include a front panel configured to be openable and closable, and a cooling unit provided in the front panel, and the main pipe may be in communication with the cooling unit.

[0022] The container module may further include a top panel coupled to the top frame, and a vent provided in the top panel.

[0023] Additionally, the vent may be configured to provide communication between the inside and outside of the top panel when a thermal event occurs.

[0024] A container system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a container module according to an aspect of the present invention.

[0025] The container system may also include a plurality of container modules.

[0026] Furthermore, the plurality of container modules may be coupled in the left-right direction.

[0027] The container system may further include a control module coupled to one side of the container module.

[0028] An energy storage system according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes a container module according to an aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, the energy density of the container module can be improved.

[0030] According to one aspect of the present invention, the structure of the container module can be simplified.

[0031] According to one aspect of the present invention, the container module can be made smaller.

[0032] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, are intended to facilitate a further understanding of the technical concept of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be analyzed limitedly by the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0033] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the frame and column of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the frame and column in FIG. 2 are coupled together. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a bracket attached to the column of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing how a panel is attached to the frame and column of FIG. 4. [Figure 6] 2 is a view showing the container module of FIG. 1 with the front panel opened. FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line AA' in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of part L in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line MM' in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line NN' in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line BB' in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part P in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along QQ′ in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along the line RR' in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along CC' in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 6. [Figure 17] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. 6. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a main pipe of the container module of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a main pipe of the container module of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 7 is a view of the container module of FIG. 6 viewed from another direction. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part F in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of part G in FIG. 20. [Figure 23]FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state in which a battery pack is mounted in the container module of FIG. 6. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of part H in FIG. 23. [Figure 25] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view of part I in FIG. 23. [Figure 26] FIG. 24 is a view of the container module of FIG. 23 viewed from another direction. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of part J in FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 27 is an enlarged view of part K in FIG. 26. [Figure 29] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of a main pipe of the container module of the present invention. [Figure 30] 1 illustrates a container system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims are not interpreted as being limited to their general or dictionary meanings, but are interpreted as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventors themselves can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0035] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0036] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an exploded view of a frame and a column of Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a state in which the frame and column of Fig. 2 are coupled together, Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a bracket is attached to the column of Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a state in which a panel is attached to the frame and column of Fig. 4, and Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which the front panel 110 of the container module of Fig. 1 is opened. Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame, corner columns, brackets, and a battery pack.

[0037] The base frame 160 may have a rectangular shape. The base frame 160 may include four horizontal beams 161 and four corners 162. The corners 162 may connect, fasten, fix, or join two horizontal beams 161 together.

[0038] The corner columns may include a front corner column 210 and a rear corner column 220. The front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may extend in the vertical direction, i.e., the Z-axis direction. The lower ends of the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to corner portions of the base frame 160. Alternatively, the lower ends of the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to corner portions 162. The front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may form the exterior of the container module. The front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may each be provided in pairs.

[0039] The bracket 300 may be coupled, fastened, fixed, attached, or connected to the rear corner column 220. The bracket 300 may extend in the front-to-rear direction, i.e., the X-axis direction. A plurality of brackets 300 may be provided.

[0040] The battery pack 400 may be positioned, installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed on a bracket. The battery pack 400 may include a plurality of battery cells. In this case, the battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. A plurality of battery packs 400 may be provided. The battery pack 400 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0041] According to this embodiment, the container module does not need to include a rack frame for storing the battery packs. A typical battery container has a rack frame for storing multiple battery packs, and a bracket is attached to the rack frame. However, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bracket 300 is directly attached to the rear corner column 220 that forms the exterior of the container module, eliminating the need for a rack frame for attaching the bracket 300. This simplifies the structure of the container module and increases the energy density.

[0042] 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a top frame 170. The top frame 170 may have a rectangular shape. The top frame 170 may include four horizontal beams 171 and four corner portions 172. The corner portions 172 may connect, fasten, fix, or join two horizontal beams 171.

[0043] The upper ends of the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to the corner portion of the top frame 170. Alternatively, the upper ends of the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to the corner portion 172.

[0044] The bracket 300 may be coupled, fastened, fixed, attached, or connected to the rear corner column 220. The bracket 300 may extend in the front-to-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A plurality of brackets 300 may be provided.

[0045] According to this embodiment, the bracket 300 can be stably attached to the rear corner column 220.

[0046] 1 to 6, the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220 of the container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be exposed to the outside.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the brackets 300 are directly attached to the rear corner columns 220 that form the exterior of the container module, thereby improving productivity of the container module and increasing energy density.

[0048] 1-6, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a side column 230.

[0049] The side column 230 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the side column 230 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the base frame 160. Alternatively, the lower end of the side column 230 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the horizontal beam 161. A plurality of side columns 230 may be provided. The plurality of side columns 230 may be located between the front corner column 210 and the rear corner column 220.

[0050] The upper ends of the side columns 230 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the top frame 170. Alternatively, the upper ends of the side columns 230 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the horizontal beams 171.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the side columns 230 can stably support and connect the base frame 160 and the top frame 170. This can improve the rigidity of the container module.

[0052] 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a side panel 120. The side panel 120 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The side panel 120 may form the exterior of the container module. The side panel 120 may also be exposed to the outside.

[0053] The side panel 120 may cover the side column 230. The side column 230 may also support the side panel 120. Alternatively, the side column 230 may contact the inner surface of the side panel 120.

[0054] According to this embodiment, the side column 230 supports the side panel 120 and is also coupled to the bracket 300. This simplifies the structure of the container module and improves energy density.

[0055] 1 to 6, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel 110, a pair of side panels 120, a top panel 130, a bottom panel 140, and a rear panel 150. The front panel 110, the pair of side panels 120, the top panel 130, the bottom panel 140, the rear panel 150, the front corner columns 210, the rear corner columns 220, the top frame 170, and the base frame 160 may be collectively referred to as a case 100.

[0056] The case 100 may provide a space inside. The case 100 may be rectangular parallelepiped-shaped. The case 100 may form the exterior of a container module.

[0057] The front panel 110 may be configured to be openable and closable. The front panel 110 may be configured as a pair of panels. The pair of front panels 110 may include a hinge-like structure. The pair of front panels 110 may rotate to open and close the case 100.

[0058] The front column 270 may support the pair of front panels 110. The front column 270 may extend in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the front column 270 may be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the top frame 170 and the base frame 160, respectively. When the pair of front panels 110 are closed, the front column 270 may contact the pair of front panels 110 or support the pair of front panels 110.

[0059] The front panel 110 may include a cooling unit 111. For example, the cooling unit 111 may be a heat exchanger such as an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) unit, a chiller, or an air conditioner. The cooling unit 111 may adjust the temperature of a cooling fluid flowing inside the case 100. The cooling unit 111 may supply or circulate a cooling liquid or a cooling gas inside the case 100 through piping.

[0060] The rear column 280 may support the rear panel 150. Alternatively, the rear panel 150 may cover the rear column 280. The rear column 280 may extend in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the rear column 280 may be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the top frame 170 and the base frame 160, respectively. Furthermore, the upper and lower ends of the rear column 280 may be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the horizontal beam 161 and the horizontal beam 171, respectively.

[0061] 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a vent portion 131. The top panel 130 may include the vent portion 131. The vent portion 131 may communicate the outside and the inside of the case 100 when a thermal event occurs. When a thermal event occurs, vent gas is discharged from the battery pack 400, and the internal pressure of the case 100 may increase. At this time, the vent portion 131 can discharge the vent gas to the outside of the case 100. This allows the internal pressure of the case 100 to decrease.

[0062] 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base bar 260. The base bar 260 may extend in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The front and rear ends of the base bar 260 may be connected, coupled, fastened, or fixed to a pair of horizontal beams 161 facing each other. The base bar 260 may be located in a central portion inside the case 100.

[0063] The top bar 250 may extend in the front-to-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The top bar 250 may be connected, joined, fastened, or fixed to a pair of horizontal beams 171, the front and rear ends of which face each other. The top bar 250 may be located in a central portion inside the case 100. The base bar 260 and the top bar 250 may face each other.

[0064] The center column 240 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the center column 240 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to the base bar 260. A plurality of center columns 240 may be provided. The plurality of center columns 240 may be located between the front column 270 and the rear column 280. The upper end of the center column 240 may be connected, fastened, fixed, or joined to the top bar 250.

[0065] 1 to 6, a plurality of brackets 300 may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the right sides of a plurality of side columns 230 arranged along the left side panel 120. In addition, a plurality of brackets 300 may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the left sides of a plurality of side columns 230 arranged along the right side panel 120. In addition, a plurality of brackets 300 may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the left and right sides of a center column 240 arranged along the central portion. The plurality of columns (rear corner column 220, side column 230, center column 240, rear column 280) and the plurality of brackets 300 may define a space in which a battery pack 400 is mounted. The plurality of brackets 300 may support or fix the battery pack 400.

[0066] 7 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along A-A' in FIG. 6, FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of portion L in FIG. 7, FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along M-M' in FIG. 8, and FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along N-N' in FIG. 8.

[0067] 7 to 10, the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fastening member S that fastens the rear corner column 220 and the bracket 300 together.

[0068] The bracket 300 may include a horizontal portion 310 , a vertical portion 320 , and a support portion 350 .

[0069] The horizontal portion 310 may extend long in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The horizontal portion 310 may include a stopper 312 at its rear end. The stopper 312 may be formed by bending a portion of the horizontal portion 310 upward. The horizontal portion 310 and the stopper 312 may be formed integrally. The horizontal portion 310 may include a first fixing portion at its front end. The first fixing portion may be formed by bending a portion of the horizontal portion 310 downward. The first fixing portion and the stopper 312 may be formed integrally. The first fixing portion may include a through-hole formed in the front-rear direction.

[0070] The vertical portion 320 may extend longitudinally along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The vertical portion 320 may extend upward from the horizontal portion 310. The vertical portion 320 may be formed by bending a portion of the horizontal portion 310 upward. The vertical portion 320 and the horizontal portion 310 may be formed to form an angle of approximately 90°. The vertical portion 320 and the horizontal portion 310 may be formed integrally. Furthermore, the vertical portion 320 may extend upward forming a step.

[0071] The vertical portion 320 may include a first part 325 and a second part 326. The first part 325 may extend from the horizontal portion 310. The second part 326 may extend from the first part 325. The first part 325 and the second part 326 may each be formed long in the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The first part 325 and the second part 326 may be formed with a step. The second part 326 may be formed with a step inward from the first part 325 or in the direction in which the horizontal portion 310 is formed. The second part 326 may be formed by bending a portion of the first part 325 upward. The first part 325 and the second part 326 may be formed integrally.

[0072] The support portion 350 may extend longitudinally along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The support portion 350 may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 310. For example, the support portion 350 may be coupled to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 310 by welding. The support portion 350 may support a load acting on the bracket 300.

[0073] The fastening member S can fasten or connect the first part 325 and the rear corner column 220. The fastening member S can also fasten or connect the support portion 350 and the rear corner column 220.

[0074] The rear corner column 220 may have a notched locking hole 221 (locking notch). The hook 322 of the bracket 300 can be inserted into the locking hole 221 and locked.

[0075] According to this embodiment, the bracket 300 is directly attached to the rear corner column 220 that forms the exterior of the container module, thereby simplifying the structure of the container module and increasing the energy density.

[0076] 7 to 10, a bracket 300 of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention can be coupled to a side column 230.

[0077] The fastening member S can fasten or connect the first part 325 and the side column 230. The fastening member S can also fasten or connect the support portion 350 and the side column 230.

[0078] The side column 230 may have a notched locking hole 231 (locking notch portion). The hook 322 of the bracket 300 can be inserted into the locking hole 231 and locked.

[0079] According to this embodiment, the brackets 300 are directly attached to the side columns 230, which simplifies the structure of the container module and increases the energy density.

[0080] 11 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along B-B' in FIG. 6, FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of part P in FIG. 11, FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along Q-Q' in FIG. 12, and FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along R-R' in FIG. 12.

[0081] 11 to 14, in a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack 400 (see FIG. 23) may be positioned between the rear corner column 220 and the center column 240. The battery pack 400 may also be positioned between the rear corner column 220 and the rear column 280.

[0082] The fastening member S can fasten or connect the first part 325 and the center column 240. The fastening member S can also fasten or connect the support portion 350 and the center column 240.

[0083] The center column 240 may have a notched locking hole 241 (locking notch portion). The hook 322 of the bracket 300 can be inserted into the locking hole 241 and locked.

[0084] The fastening member S can fasten or connect the first part 325 and the rear column 280. The fastening member S can also fasten or connect the support portion 350 and the rear column 280.

[0085] The rear column 280 may have a notched locking hole 281 (locking notch portion). The hook 322 of the bracket 300 can be inserted into the locking hole 281 and locked.

[0086] According to this embodiment, the bracket 300 can be directly attached to the center column 240 and the rear column 280. In addition, the rear column 280 can support the rear panel 150 and the battery pack at the same time. This simplifies the structure of the container module and increases the energy density.

[0087] 15 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional configuration along CC' in FIG. 6, FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part D in FIG. 6, and FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of part E in FIG. 6.

[0088] 15 to 17 , a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit 600 and a sensor unit 700. The control unit 600 may be electrically and physically connected to the plurality of battery packs 400. A pair of control units 600 may be configured. The control units 600 may be located on the left and right sides, respectively. The control units 600 may control charging / discharging and on / off of the plurality of battery packs 400. The sensor unit 700 may sense the charging / discharging state, temperature, pressure, etc. of the plurality of battery packs 400. The sensor unit 700 may also sense the temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. inside the case 100. The sensor unit 700 may transmit the acquired information to the control unit 600. The control unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be located at an upper portion inside the case 100. The control unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be located above the plurality of brackets 300.

[0089] 18 and 19 are enlarged views of a portion of a main pipe 500 of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 20 is a view of the container module of FIG. 6 viewed from another direction, FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of portion F of FIG. 20, and FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of portion G of FIG. 20. Referring to FIGS. 18 to 22, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main pipe 500. The main pipe 500 may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The main pipe 500 may be fastened, fixed, or coupled to the inside of the case 100. The main pipe 500 may be located between the center column 240 and the front column 270. The main pipe 500 may also be located behind the front column 270. The main pipe 500 may also be located forward of the center portion of the interior space of the case 100. The main pipe 500 may also be located between battery packs 400 arranged in the left-right direction.

[0090] The main pipe 500 may have a flow path formed therein. The main pipe 500 may have a pair of flow paths. Each of the pair of flow paths may be a flow path to which a cooling fluid is supplied and a flow path to which the cooling fluid is discharged. The main pipe 500 may also be in communication with the first pipe 510. The first pipe 510 may be provided in pair. The first pipe 510 may connect the main pipe 500 and the cooling unit 111.

[0091] The main pipe 500 may be in communication with the second pipes 520. The second pipes 520 may be provided in a pair. The second pipes 520 may connect the main pipe 500 and the battery pack 400. The second pipes 520 may be provided in a plurality of pairs. Each of the plurality of pairs of second pipes 520 may be in communication with the battery pack 400. The plurality of pairs of second pipes 520 may be in communication with the left and right sides of the main pipe 500, respectively.

[0092] Figure 23 is a diagram showing the state in which a battery pack 400 is mounted in the container module of Figure 6, Figure 24 is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 23, Figure 25 is an enlarged view of part I of Figure 23, Figure 26 is a view of the container module of Figure 23 viewed from another direction, Figure 27 is an enlarged view of part J of Figure 26, Figure 28 is an enlarged view of part K of Figure 26, and Figure 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of the main pipe 500 of the container module of the present invention.

[0093] 23 to 29, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery array. A plurality of battery packs 400 may be arranged in a vertical or Z-axis direction to form a battery array. The container module may also include two battery arrays. The two battery arrays may be arranged in a horizontal or Y-axis direction. The term "battery array" may be used to collectively refer to the plurality of battery packs 400. The plurality of battery packs 400 forming the battery array may be spaced apart from each other.

[0094] The left battery array may be located between the columns (front corner column 210, side column 230, rear corner column 220) arranged along the left side panel 120 and the columns (front column 270, center column 240, rear column 280) arranged in the center. The right battery array may be located between the columns (front corner column 210, side column 230, rear corner column 220) arranged along the right side panel 120 and the columns (front column 270, center column 240, rear column 280) arranged in the center.

[0095] Each battery pack 400 may be attached, coupled, fastened, or fixed to a pair of brackets 300. The control unit 600 and the sensor unit 700 may be located on the battery array. Columns (rear corner columns 220, side columns 230, center column 240, rear column 280) or brackets 300 may support the battery packs 400 or battery arrays. The main pipe 500 may be located between the pair of battery arrays.

[0096] According to this embodiment, the container module does not include a rack frame, which can improve the space utilization inside the case 100. This can improve the energy capacity and energy density of the container module.

[0097] A pair of second pipes 520 may be in communication with the battery pack 400. Cooling fluid may be supplied to the battery pack 400 through the second pipes 520, and the cooling fluid that has passed through the battery pack 400 may be discharged through the second pipes 520.

[0098] The main pipe 500 may be located between the front column 270 and the center column 240 .

[0099] According to this embodiment, the container module can be configured in a compact size, which allows a plurality of battery arrays to be mounted inside the case 100.

[0100] 23 to 29, the center column 240 of the container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be located between the left battery array and the right battery array, or may be located between the first battery pack 400 included in the left battery array and the second battery pack 400 included in the right battery array.

[0101] The main pipe 500 may be located between the left battery array and the right battery array, or the main pipe 500 may be located between the first battery pack 400 included in the left battery array and the second battery pack 400 included in the right battery array.

[0102] Fig. 30 is a diagram showing a container system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figs. 1 and 20, the container system may include multiple container modules 10. The multiple container modules 10 may be physically or electrically connected. The container module 10 may have connection holes 121 in the side panels 120. Cables that electrically connect the multiple container modules 10 may pass through the connection holes 121.

[0103] The case 100 may be configured to be stackable or connectable with cases 100 of other container modules 10. The case 100 may have corner portions 162, 172 on the side panels 120. The corner portions 162, 172 may be provided on the left and right side panels 120 of the case 100, respectively. The corner portions 162, 172 may be provided on the top and bottom of the side panels 120, respectively. The corner portions 162, 172 may be provided at each corner of the side panels 120. The case 100 may be connected, connected, fastened, stacked, or fixed to cases 100 of other container modules along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0104] The container system may include a control module 20. The control module 20 may be fastened, bonded, connected, laminated or secured to the side panel 120 or corner portion 162, 172 of the container module 10.

[0105] The control module 20 can be electrically connected to the multiple container modules 10 included in the container system. The control module 20 can control charging and discharging of the multiple container modules 10. The control module 20 can also acquire status information of the multiple container modules 10.

[0106] Additionally, the container system may further include a fire suppression module for controlling thermal events.

[0107] An energy storage system (ESS) according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a container module 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of container systems. Also, the container system may include a plurality of container modules 10. Such an energy storage system may be configured as a link group by combining a certain number of container modules 10 and a control module 20.

[0108] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and rear are used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used for the convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object in question, the position of the observer, etc.

[0109] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various changes and modifications can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0110] 10 Container Module 20 Control Module 100 cases 110 Front Panel 111 Cooling section 120 Side Panel 121 Connection hole 130 Top Panel 131 Vent 140 bottom panel 150 Rear Panel 160 base frame 161 Horizontal beam 162 Corner section 170 Top Frame 171 Horizontal beam 172 Corner section 210 front corner column 220 rear corner column 221 Locking hole 230 Side Column 231 Locking hole 240 Center Column 241 Locking hole 250 Top Bar 260 Base Bar 270 front column 280 rear column 281 Locking hole 300 bracket 310 Horizontal section 312 Stopper 320 Vertical section 322 Hook 325 Part 1 326 Part 2 350 Support part 400 battery pack 500 Main Pipe 510 First Pipe 520 Second Pipe 600 control section 700 Sensor unit

Claims

1. A rectangular base frame, a corner column extending in the vertical direction and connected to a corner portion of the base frame; a bracket coupled to the corner column and extending in the front-to-rear direction; a battery pack mounted on the bracket.

2. Further comprising a rectangular top frame positioned on the base frame, The container module according to claim 1 , wherein the corner columns are connected to corner portions of the top frame.

3. The container module according to claim 1 , wherein the corner columns are exposed to the exterior.

4. The container module according to claim 1 , further comprising a fastening member fastening the corner column and the bracket together.

5. the base frame includes a horizontal beam connected to the corner portion; The container module according to claim 1 , further comprising side columns connected in a vertical direction to the horizontal beam.

6. The container module of claim 5 , wherein the bracket is coupled to the side column.

7. Further included is a side panel extending in the vertical direction and covering the side column, The container module of claim 5 , wherein the side columns support the side panels.

8. a center column extending in the vertical direction and positioned at the center of the width of the base frame in the left-right direction; The battery pack The container module according to claim 1 , located between the corner column and the center column.

9. the battery pack is a first battery pack; The container module comprises: The battery pack further includes a second battery pack arranged in a left-right direction with respect to the first battery pack, The center column is The container module of claim 8 , located between the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

10. The container module according to claim 9 , further comprising a main pipe extending in a vertical direction, positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and having a flow path.

11. The container module according to claim 10 , wherein the main pipe is in communication with the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

12. A front panel configured to be openable and closable; a cooling unit provided on the front panel, The container module according to claim 10, wherein the main pipe is in communication with the cooling section.

13. a top panel coupled to the top frame; The container module according to claim 2 , further comprising a vent portion provided in the top panel.

14. 14. The container module of claim 13, wherein the vent is configured to provide communication between the inside and outside of the top panel when a thermal event occurs.

15. A container system comprising a plurality of container modules according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. The container system according to claim 15 , wherein the plurality of container modules are joined in the left-right direction.

17. The container system of claim 15, further comprising a control module coupled to one side of one of the plurality of container modules.

18. 15. An energy storage system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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