Secondary battery module, and secondary battery including the same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery module in which metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte undergo oxidation-reduction to charge and discharge, and to a secondary battery including the same. A secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers stacked in one direction in which an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs, and a pair of busbars arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers, respectively, to connect the plurality of layers in parallel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery module and a secondary battery including the same, and more particularly to a secondary battery module in which metal ions dissolved in an electrolyte undergo oxidation-reduction to charge and discharge, and to a secondary battery including the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Unlike existing secondary batteries, a redox battery is an electrochemical energy storage device that stores electrical energy in the chemical energy of an electrolyte through a system where the active material in the electrolyte undergoes oxidation-reduction during charging and discharging. Conventional redox flow batteries operate by continuously circulating the electrolyte in a tank through a stack using a pump, and then performing electrochemical reactions within the stack. These redox flow batteries have spatial constraints and design difficulties due to the tank and pump. The inventors of this invention developed a redox secondary battery that eliminates the tank and pump. However, to increase the energy storage capacity, multiple stacks must be used, which necessitates efficient electrical connections between multiple stacks. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0003] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a secondary battery in which multiple modules (stacks) are efficiently electrically connected.

[0004] The problems addressed by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and any other problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers stacked in one direction where oxidation-reduction reactions occur, and a pair of busbars arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers, respectively, to connect the plurality of layers in parallel.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules arranged densely in one direction, each of the plurality of secondary battery modules includes a plurality of layers stacked in one direction where an oxidation-reduction reaction occurs, and a pair of busbars arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers to connect the plurality of layers in parallel, and either of the pair of busbars of two adjacent secondary battery modules among the plurality of secondary battery modules is electrically connected to each other.

[0007] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description and drawings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The secondary battery module of the present invention, and the secondary battery containing it, have one or more of the following effects:

[0009] Firstly, the busbar, which connects multiple layers in parallel, has the advantage of having multiple slits, allowing it to be easily connected to multiple metal current collectors.

[0010] Secondly, there is the advantage of easily connecting the two secondary battery modules electrically and physically by linking the busbars of the two secondary battery modules together.

[0011] Thirdly, by having a portion of the busbar protrude, it is possible to easily connect and disconnect two busbars, and it also has the advantage of allowing heat dissipation from the busbar smoothly.

[0012] Fourth, although the portion to which an external power source or an external electrical load is connected and the portion to which the metal current collector of the bus bar is connected correspond horizontally, they are separated from each other, the electric current flow is smooth, and there is also an advantage that no power deviation occurs between the plurality of layers.

[0013] Fifth, by appropriately designing the portion to which the metal current collector in the bus bar is connected and the portion connected in series between the bus bars, there is also an advantage of high energy efficiency and low heat dissipation.

[0014] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a plan view of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is an exploded view of a part of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] It is a front view of a bus bar according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is an exploded view of the layers of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] It is a cross-sectional view of the layers of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] It is a plan view of a secondary battery according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing the flow of current in the bus bar of a secondary battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] The advantages, features, and methods for achieving them of the present invention will become clear by referring to the embodiments described in detail hereinafter together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below and can be embodied in various different forms. However, these embodiments are provided to make the disclosure of the present invention complete and to fully inform those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is only defined by the scope of the claims. The same reference numerals throughout the specification refer to the same components.

[0017] Although the first, second, etc. are used to indicate various components, it is of course understood that these components are not limited by these terms. These terms are merely used to distinguish one component from another, and of course, the first component may be the second component unless otherwise stated.

[0018] Throughout the specification, unless otherwise stated, each component may be singular or plural.

[0019] Hereinafter, when it is stated that any configuration is arranged "above (or below)" a component or "on (or under)" a component, it means that not only is any configuration arranged in contact with the upper surface (or lower surface) of the above-mentioned component, but other configurations may also be interposed between the above-mentioned component and any configuration arranged "above (or below)" the above-mentioned component.

[0020] Also, when a certain component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "joined" to another component, it should be understood that the above-mentioned components may be directly connected or joined to each other, or other components may be "interposed" between the components, or each component may be "connected", "coupled", or "joined" through another component.

[0021] In this specification, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms such as “composed of” or “including” in this application should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the multiple components or stages described in the specification, but rather as meaning that some of the components or stages may not be included, or that further components or stages may be included.

[0022] Throughout the specification, "A and / or B" means A, B, or A and B unless otherwise specified, and "C to D" means C or above and D or below unless otherwise specified.

[0023] In the following, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in order to explain the secondary battery module and the secondary battery including it using embodiments of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a plan view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 3 is a partially exploded view of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] A secondary battery module 200 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of layers 100 that undergo an oxidation-reduction reaction and are stacked in one direction, a pair of busbars 230 arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers 100 to connect the plurality of layers in parallel, a pair of end plates 210 arranged at both ends of the stacking direction of the plurality of layers 100, and a band 220 that surrounds and fastens the pair of end plates 210 and the plurality of layers 100.

[0026] The secondary battery module 200 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is long in the height direction (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100).

[0027] In layer 100, redox pairs dissolved in the electrolyte undergo oxidation-reduction reactions to store or release electrical energy. Layer 100 is a low-height rectangular parallelepiped. Multiple layers 100 are stacked in the height direction. Preferably, the multiple layers 100 stacked in the height direction are tall rectangular parallelepipeds.

[0028] A pair of end plates 210 are positioned at both ends of the stacking direction (height direction) of the multiple stacked layers 100. Each of the pair of end plates 210 is a low, roughly rectangular parallelepiped. Bands 220 are positioned on both opposing sides and one of the bases of the end plates 210. The two corners of the end plates 210 where the bands 220 meet are rounded. The sides of the end plates 210 where a pair of busbars 230 are positioned are flattened. The end plates 210 may be made of a high-strength inorganic compound material, and are preferably concrete mixed with cement, sand, admixtures, glass fibers, and charging materials.

[0029] A pair of insulating plates 250 may be placed between the multiple laminated layers 100 and the pair of end plates 210. Each of the pair of insulating plates 250 is preferably made of a material that is strong, has excellent heat and chemical resistance, and is non-conductive; in this embodiment, it is acrylic resin.

[0030] Multiple layers 100 are bound together with a pair of end plates 210 by a band 220. The band 220 encloses and binds the pair of end plates 210 and the multiple layers 100. The band 220 is formed in an annular shape and is positioned to enclose both sides of the pair of end plates 210 and the multiple layers 100. The band 220 is positioned on the sides of the multiple layers 100 where the pair of busbars 230 are not located. The band 220 physically connects the multiple layers 100 and the pair of end plates 210. The band 220 is made of PP (polypropylene) or PET (polyethylen terephthalate) material, which has low elasticity, is non-conductive, and has excellent heat and chemical resistance.

[0031] The band 220 may be provided in multiple units. The multiple bands 220 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and they surround and fasten a pair of end plates 210 and multiple layers 100 in the same direction.

[0032] A pair of busbars 230 connect multiple layers 100 in parallel. One of the busbars 230 electrically connects some of the multiple metal current collectors 140, where electrons are transferred by oxidation-reduction reactions, and the other electrically connects some of the other metal current collectors 140. Referring to Figure 3, one of the busbars 230 electrically connects some of the multiple first metal current collectors 140a, and the other electrically connects some of the multiple second metal current collectors 140b. The pair of busbars 230 are joined to the multiple protrusions 142 that protrude from the sides of the multiple layers 100 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 by being inserted into the multiple protrusions 142.

[0033] A pair of busbars 230 are positioned on opposite sides of the multiple layers 100. A pair of busbars 230 are positioned on opposite sides of the multiple layers 100 where the bands 220 are not located. A pair of busbars 230 are positioned on opposite sides of the multiple layers 100 where the multiple metal current collectors 140 protrude. A pair of busbars 230 are positioned on opposite sides of the pair of end plates 210. Each of the pair of busbars 230 may have an insulator attached to or coated on the surface that contacts the side of the multiple layers 100. The insulator attached to or coated on each of the pair of busbars 230 insulates each of the pair of busbars 230 from the multiple layers 100. In addition, the first or second liquid electrode leaking in the multiple layers 100 may flow downward on the insulator.

[0034] Each of the pair of busbars 230 is a roughly rectangular plate that is long in the height direction (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100). The busbars 230 completely cover the entire side of the multiple layers 100 (the side on which the busbars 230 are placed). The height of the busbars 230 is greater than the height of the multiple layers 100. The longest width of the busbars 230 is greater than the width of the side of the multiple layers 100 (the side on which the busbars 230 are placed). The area of ​​the busbars 230 is greater than the area of ​​the side of the multiple layers 100 (the side on which the busbars 230 are placed). The upper and lower ends of the busbars 230 are in contact with the pair of end plates 210. The upper end of the busbars 230 is lower than the upper end of the end plate 210 that is placed on the upper end of the multiple layers 100, and the lower end is higher than the lower end of the end plate 210 that is placed on the lower end of the multiple layers 100.

[0035] When multiple secondary battery modules 200 are arranged closely together in the lateral direction, one of the pairs of busbars 230 of a secondary battery module 200 is electrically connected to one of the pairs of busbars 230 of an adjacent secondary battery module 200, thereby connecting two secondary battery modules 200 in series.

[0036] Figure 4 is a front view relating to a busbar according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] The busbar 230 has multiple busbar slits 231 into which a portion of the multiple metal current collectors 140 is inserted. The multiple busbar slits 231 are arranged in the stacking direction (height direction) of the multiple layers 100. The busbar slits 231 are formed in the lateral direction (direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100) at one end of the busbar 230. Preferably, the width of the busbar slits 231 is the same as the thickness of the metal current collector 140, or greater than the thickness of the metal current collector 140. Preferably, the length of the busbar slits 231 is as short as possible. The protrusions 142 of the metal current collector 140 are inserted into the busbar slits 231. The protrusions 142 inserted into the busbar slits 231 are folded with the portion inserted into the busbar slits 231 as a reference (folding line) and make surface contact with the busbar 230. The protrusions are joined to the busbar 230 by spot welding. Referring to Figure 2, the busbars 230 and protrusions 142 are sequentially stacked on the sides of multiple layers 100, with the horizontal direction as the reference.

[0038] The busbar 230 has a busbar wing portion 232 formed on one end that protrudes beyond the side surface of the multiple layers 100. That is, the busbar 230 has multiple busbar slits 231 formed on one of its two ends, and the busbar wing portion 232 formed on the other end. The busbar wing portion 232 protrudes beyond the side surface of the multiple layers 100 and acts as a heat dissipation pin through which heat generated in the busbar 230 and / or the multiple layers 100 is exchanged with the air.

[0039] The busbar 230 has multiple busbar fastening holes 233 formed in the busbar wing portion 232 for bolt fastening. The multiple busbar fastening holes 233 are arranged in the stacking direction (height direction) of the multiple layers 100. The multiple busbar fastening holes 233 are arranged to be spaced laterally apart from the multiple busbar slits 231.

[0040] The bus bar 230 has a bus bar wing portion 232 whose height is approximately the same as the portion where the multiple bus bar slits 231 are formed. The bus bar 230 has a bus bar wing portion 232 formed in the portion where the multiple bus bar slits 231 are formed and in the portion corresponding to the portion in the lateral direction. The bus bar 230 has a bus bar wing portion 232 whose height is even lower than the height of the multiple layers 100. The multiple bus bar slits 231 are arranged to be spaced laterally apart from the multiple bus bar fastening holes 233.

[0041] Figure 5 is an exploded view of the layers of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the layers of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Layer 100 comprises a hollow frame 110 forming a first liquid electrode where a first half-reaction occurs, a second liquid electrode where a second half-reaction occurs, a first electrode housing 111a which is a space for storing the first liquid electrode, and a second electrode housing 111b which is a space for storing the second liquid electrode; a separation membrane 120 coupled to the frame 110 and positioned between the first electrode housing 111a and the second electrode housing 111b; a first carbon current collector 130a which contacts the first electrode housing 111a side of the frame 110 and is electrically connected to the first liquid electrode; and the frame 110 The device includes: a second carbon current collector 130b that contacts the second electrode housing 111b and is electrically connected to the second liquid electrode; a first metal current collector 140a that contacts the first carbon current collector 130a and is electrically connected to the first carbon current collector 130a; a second metal current collector 140b that contacts the second carbon current collector 130b and is electrically connected to the second carbon current collector 130b; a first solid electrode 150a that is disposed in the first electrode housing 111a and is impregnated with the first liquid electrode; and a second solid electrode 150b that is disposed in the second electrode housing 111b and is impregnated with the second liquid electrode.

[0043] The first liquid electrode is an electrolyte in which an anode redox pair is dissolved. The anode redox pair may be embodied in a material containing at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co), and in this embodiment, V2 + / V3 + This is a redox pair. The first liquid electrode may be an acidic aqueous solution that conducts current via ionization, and preferably contains sulfuric acid. In this embodiment, the first liquid electrode may be prepared by dissolving VOSO4 (vanadylsulfate) or V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide) in an aqueous H2SO4 solution.

[0044] The first liquid electrode undergoes the first half-reaction. The first half-reaction is as follows, with → indicating the discharge reaction direction and ← indicating the charge reaction direction.

[0045] V 2+ ←→V 3+ +e -

[0046] During discharge, divalent vanadium ions are oxidized to trivalent vanadium ions, and during charging, trivalent vanadium ions are reduced to divalent vanadium ions.

[0047] The first liquid electrode is provided surrounded by a frame 110, a first carbon current collector 130a, and a separation membrane 120. The first liquid electrode is impregnated into the first solid electrode 150a and housed in the first electrode housing 111a.

[0048] The first liquid electrode is electrically connected to the first carbon current collector 130a. During discharge, electrons move to the first carbon current collector 130a, and during charging, electrons from the first carbon current collector 130a move to the first liquid electrode. The first liquid electrode is in contact with the separation membrane 120, and hydrogen cations (protons) are moved through the separation membrane 120.

[0049] The second liquid electrode is an electrolyte in which a cathode redox pair is dissolved. The cathode redox pair may be embodied with a material containing at least one of vanadium (V), zinc (Zn), bromine (Br), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), cerium (Ce), and cobalt (Co). In this embodiment, it is the V4 + / V5 + redox pair. The second liquid electrode may be an acidic aqueous solution that is a solution that conducts current through ionization, and preferably contains sulfuric acid. The second liquid electrode in this embodiment may be manufactured by dissolving VOSO4 (vanadyl sulfate) or V2O5 (vanadium pentoxide) in an H2SO4 aqueous solution.

[0050] The second liquid electrode undergoes a second half-reaction. The second half-reaction is as follows, where → indicates the discharge reaction direction and ← indicates the charge reaction direction.

[0051] V 5+ +e - ←→V 4+

[0052] During discharge, pentavalent vanadium ions are reduced to tetravalent vanadium ions, and during charging, tetravalent vanadium ions are oxidized to pentavalent vanadium ions.

[0053] The second liquid electrode is surrounded by a frame 110, a second carbon current collector 130b, and a separator 120 and provided. The second liquid electrode is impregnated into a second solid electrode 150b and housed in a second electrode housing portion 111b.

[0054] The second liquid electrode is electrically connected to the second carbon current collector 130b. During charging, electrons move to the second carbon current collector 130b, and during discharge, the electrons of the second carbon current collector 130b move to the second liquid electrode. The second liquid electrode contacts the separator 120, and hydrogen cations (protons) are moved through the separator 120.

[0055] As mentioned above, the first and second liquid electrodes have the same composition. The first and second liquid electrodes are electrolytes with the same composition but containing vanadium ions. When manufacturing secondary batteries, 3.5-valent vanadium ions (V) are used. 3.5+ When the electrolyte in which the ) is dissolved is injected into the first electrode housing section 111a and the second electrode housing section 111b, the liquid electrode that flows into the first electrode housing section 111a becomes the first liquid electrode, and the liquid electrode that flows into the second electrode housing section 111b becomes the second liquid electrode.

[0056] The frame 110 is formed as a hollow hexahedron. Preferably, the frame 110 is a low-height rectangular parallelepiped with open top and bottom surfaces. Depending on the embodiment, the frame 110 may be formed as a polyhedron of various shapes. The frame 110 forms a first electrode housing portion 111a and a second electrode housing portion 111b.

[0057] The frame 110 has a hollow space which is divided into a first electrode housing section 111a and a second electrode housing section 111b by a separation membrane 120. The separation membrane 120 is attached to the center of the frame 110 in the height direction (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100). The frame 110 supports the separation membrane 120.

[0058] Frame 110 has a first carbon current collector 130a positioned on one side in the height direction and a second carbon current collector 130b positioned on the other side. The hollow of frame 110 is closed by the first carbon current collector 130a and the second carbon current collector 130b. Frame 110 forms a first electrode housing section 111a between the first carbon current collector 130a and the separation membrane 120, and a second electrode housing section 111b between the second carbon current collector 130b and the separation membrane 120. Frame 110 houses a first liquid electrode and a second liquid electrode. Frame 110 has a first solid electrode 150a and a second solid electrode 150b positioned inside.

[0059] The separation membrane 120 is positioned inside the frame 110 to separate the first liquid electrode and the second liquid electrode, allowing hydrogen cations (protons) to move between the first and second liquid electrodes. The separation membrane 120 is positioned inside the frame 110 to separate the first electrode housing section 111a and the second electrode housing section 111b. The separation membrane 120 is positioned between the first carbon current collector 130a and the second carbon current collector 130b. The edges of the separation membrane 120 are bonded to the frame 110. During discharge, hydrogen cations move from the first liquid electrode to the second liquid electrode via the separation membrane 120, and during charging, they move from the second liquid electrode to the first liquid electrode via the separation membrane 120.

[0060] The separation membrane 120 may contain perfluorinated ionomers, partially fluorinated polymers, and non-fluorinated hydrocarbons. The separation membrane 120 may be formed from or contain Nafion®, Flemion®, NEOSEPTA-F®, or Gore Select®.

[0061] The first carbon current collector 130a is positioned on one side of the frame 110 and, together with the frame 110 and the separator membrane 120, forms the first electrode housing 111a. The first carbon current collector 130a is electrically connected to the first liquid electrode, and electrons move during charging and discharging.

[0062] The first carbon current collector 130a is made of a material such as graphite, carbon, or carbon plastic, and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The first carbon current collector 130a is placed between the first liquid electrode and the first metal current collector 140a to allow electrons to move between them, but prevents the first metal current collector 140a from being oxidized by the liquid electrode.

[0063] When multiple layers 100 are stacked, the two first carbon current collectors 130a of two adjacent layers 100 are arranged to be adjacent to each other. A single first metal current collector 140a is placed between the two adjacent first carbon current collectors 130a.

[0064] The second carbon current collector 130b is positioned on one side of the frame 110 and, together with the frame 110 and the separator membrane 120, forms the second electrode housing 111b. The second carbon current collector 130b is electrically connected to the second liquid electrode, and electrons move during charging and discharging.

[0065] The second carbon current collector 130b is made of a material such as graphite, carbon, or carbon plastic, and has high electrical conductivity and high acid resistance. The second carbon current collector 130b is placed between the second liquid electrode and the second metal current collector 140b to allow electrons to move between them, but prevents the second metal current collector 140b from being oxidized by the liquid electrode.

[0066] When multiple layers 100 are stacked, the two second carbon current collectors 130b of two adjacent layers 100 are arranged to be adjacent to each other. A second metal current collector 140b is placed between the two adjacent second carbon current collectors 130b.

[0067] The first metal current collector 140a is made of a metal with high electrical conductivity, such as copper or aluminum. The first metal current collector 140a may be made of a flexible thin film or a rigid plate. The first metal current collector 140a is made of a rectangular plate, but a portion of it has a projection 142 that protrudes from the side surface of the layer 100, and the projection 142 of the first metal current collector 140a is joined to the busbar 230 by spot welding and electrically connected to the busbar 230.

[0068] The first metal current collector 140a is electrically connected to the first carbon current collector 130a by surface contact. Electrons move through the first metal current collector 140a due to the oxidation-reduction reaction of the first liquid electrode, causing an electric current to flow.

[0069] The first metal current collector 140a is positioned between two adjacent first carbon current collectors 130a, or between the first carbon current collectors 130a and the end plate 210 (or insulating plate 250). When multiple layers 100 are stacked, any two adjacent layers 100 include one first metal current collector 140a.

[0070] The second metal current collector 140b is made of a highly electrically conductive metal, such as copper or aluminum. The second metal current collector 140b may be made of a flexible thin film or a rigid plate. The second metal current collector 140b is made of a rectangular plate, but a portion of it has a projection 142 that protrudes from the side surface of the layer 100, and the projection 142 of the second metal current collector 140b is joined to the busbar 230 by spot welding and electrically connected to the busbar 230.

[0071] The second metal current collector 140b is electrically connected to the second carbon current collector 130b by surface contact. Electrons move through the second metal current collector 140b due to the oxidation-reduction reaction of the second liquid electrode, causing an electric current to flow.

[0072] The second metal current collector 140b is positioned between two adjacent second carbon current collectors 130b, or between a second carbon current collector 130b and an end plate 210 (or insulating plate 250). When multiple layers 100 are stacked, any two adjacent layers 100 include one second metal current collector 140b.

[0073] The first metal current collector 140a and the second metal current collector 140b described above are made of the same material and have the same shape, and are commonly referred to as metal current collectors 140. Of the multiple metal current collectors 140, the one that comes into contact with the first carbon current collector 130a becomes the first metal current collector 140a, and the one that comes into contact with the second carbon current collector 130b becomes the second metal current collector 140b. The first metal current collector 140a and the second metal current collector 140b, which have the same shape, are arranged so that their respective protrusions 142 protrude from the opposing sides of the multiple layers 100.

[0074] The protruding portion 142 of the metal current collector 140 is formed in an "L" shape, with the narrower portion being inserted into the busbar slit 231. The protruding portion 142 is folded using the narrower portion (the portion inserted into the busbar slit 231) as a reference (folding line), and the wider portion makes surface contact with the busbar 230.

[0075] When multiple layers 100 are stacked, any two adjacent layers 100 include one metal current collector 140. When multiple layers 100 are stacked, the multiple metal current collectors 140 are arranged one by one between two adjacent first carbon current collectors 130a, and one by one between two adjacent second carbon current collectors 130b.

[0076] The first solid electrode 150a is impregnated with the first liquid electrode and placed in the first electrode housing 111a. The first solid electrode 150a is surrounded by the frame 110, the first carbon current collector 130a, and the separation membrane 120. The first solid electrode 150a comprises a carbon-based material such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The first solid electrode 150a may be formed in the shape of a porous rectangular parallelepiped. The first solid electrode 150a may have a thickness greater than the height of the first electrode housing 111a, in which case it may be crimped and housed in the first electrode housing 111a. The first solid electrode 150a is in close contact with the first carbon current collector 130a and the separation membrane 120.

[0077] The second solid electrode 150b is impregnated with the second liquid electrode and placed in the second electrode housing 111b. The second solid electrode 150b is surrounded by the frame 110, the second carbon current collector 130b, and the separation membrane 120. The second solid electrode 150b comprises a carbon-based material such as carbon or graphite felt, carbon cloth, carbon black, graphite powder, or graphene. The second solid electrode 150b may be formed in a porous rectangular parallelepiped shape. The second solid electrode 150b may have a thickness greater than the height of the second electrode housing 111b, in which case it may be crimped and housed in the second electrode housing 111b. The second solid electrode 150b is in close contact with the second carbon current collector 130b and the separation membrane 120.

[0078] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention, and Figure 8 is a plan view of a secondary battery according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] A secondary battery 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of secondary battery modules 200 arranged densely in one direction, and a plurality of busbar connecting means 240 that connect two adjacent secondary battery modules 200 in series.

[0080] The secondary battery 1000 has two or more secondary battery modules 200 arranged densely in the lateral direction (a direction perpendicular to the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100), and in this embodiment, three secondary battery modules 200 are arranged. In this embodiment, the multiple secondary battery modules 200 consist of a first secondary battery module 200a, a second secondary battery module 200b, and a third secondary battery module 200c.

[0081] Two adjacent secondary battery modules 200 are connected in series. The busbars 230 of the two adjacent secondary battery modules 200 are electrically connected to each other. In this embodiment, the busbar 230a of the first secondary battery module 200a and the busbar 230b of the second secondary battery module 200b are electrically connected to each other. The busbars 230 of each of the two adjacent secondary battery modules 200 are connected to each other, with a portion of them protruding beyond the sides of the multiple layers 100. In this embodiment, the busbar 230a of the first secondary battery module 200a and the busbar 230b of the second secondary battery module 200b are connected to each other, with a portion of them protruding beyond the sides of the multiple layers 100.

[0082] Multiple busbar connecting means 240 are arranged on the busbar wing portion 232 of the busbar 230. The multiple busbar connecting means 240 are arranged on the busbar wing portion 232 which protrudes from the sides of the multiple layers 100, allowing for easy attachment and detachment to the busbar 230. This facilitates assembly and maintenance.

[0083] Multiple busbar connecting means 240 electrically (and physically) connect the busbar wing portions 232 of the busbars 230 of two adjacent secondary battery modules 200, thereby connecting the two adjacent secondary battery modules 200 in series. In this embodiment, the multiple busbar connecting means 240 connect the busbar wing portion 232 of the busbar 230a of the first secondary battery module 200a and the busbar wing portion 232 of the busbar 230b of the second secondary battery module 200b, thereby connecting the first secondary battery module 200a and the second secondary battery module 200b in series.

[0084] The multiple busbar connecting means 240 may be various means such as welding, wires, bolts, and clips that electrically (and physically) connect two busbars 230, and in this embodiment, they consist of bolts and nuts, which are means for bolting the two busbars 230 together. The multiple busbar connecting means 240 penetrate the busbar fastening holes 233 of the busbars 230 in the direction in which the multiple secondary battery modules 200 are arranged.

[0085] Figure 9 shows the current flow in the busbar of a secondary battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0086] During charging of the secondary battery module 200, the current flowing in from the external power source flows to the busbar 230 via the multiple busbar connecting means 240 of the secondary battery 1000. Since the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 are arranged laterally in correspondence with the multiple busbar connecting means 240, the current flows laterally toward the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 in the multiple busbar connecting means 240.

[0087] Because deviations in the current flowing into the multiple layers 100 via the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 can occur, the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 and the multiple busbar connecting means 240 are separated laterally to form a path in which the current is balanced vertically (the stacking direction of the multiple layers 100). As a result, the current flowing through the busbars 230 in the multiple busbar connecting means 240 is balanced vertically and flows through the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140.

[0088] As described above, the protrusions 142 of the multiple metal current collectors 140 are arranged laterally to correspond with the multiple busbar connecting means 240 and spaced apart from each other (i.e., the multiple busbar slits 231 are arranged laterally to correspond with the busbar wing portions 232 in which the multiple busbar fastening holes 233 are formed and spaced apart from each other), so that current flows through the busbar 230 using almost its entire surface area. This reduces resistance, increases energy efficiency, and reduces heat generation.

[0089] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the claims. These modifications should not be understood individually from the technical concept or prospects of the present invention.

Claims

1. A redox reaction occurs, and multiple layers are stacked in one direction. A pair of busbars are arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers, connecting the plurality of layers in parallel, including, Secondary battery module.

2. The aforementioned plurality of layers include a plurality of metal current collectors through which electrons are transferred by oxidation-reduction reactions. The pair of busbars are such that one of them electrically connects a portion of the plurality of metal current collectors, and the other one electrically connects another portion of the plurality of metal current collectors. The secondary battery module according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned plurality of layers include a plurality of metal current collectors through which electrons are transferred by oxidation-reduction reactions. Each of the pair of busbars has a plurality of busbar slits into which a portion of the plurality of metal current collectors is inserted. The secondary battery module according to claim 1.

4. The plurality of bus bar slits are arranged in the stacking direction of the plurality of layers. The secondary battery module according to claim 3.

5. Each of the plurality of metal current collectors has a protruding portion that protrudes from the side surface of the plurality of layers. The aforementioned protrusion is inserted into the bus bar slit. The secondary battery module according to claim 3.

6. The aforementioned protrusion is joined to the busbar. The secondary battery module according to claim 5.

7. The protruding portion is folded with respect to the portion inserted into the busbar slit, so as to make surface contact with the busbar. The secondary battery module according to claim 5.

8. Each of the pair of busbars has a busbar wing portion that protrudes from any of the sides of the plurality of layers. Each of the pair of busbars has the plurality of busbar slits formed at one of its two ends, and the busbar wing portion formed at the other end. The secondary battery module according to claim 3.

9. Each of the pair of busbars has multiple busbar fastening holes formed in the busbar wing portion for bolt fastening. The secondary battery module according to claim 8.

10. Each of the pair of busbars has a portion where the plurality of busbar slits are formed and a portion where the busbar wing is formed in the lateral direction. The secondary battery module according to claim 8.

11. Each of the pair of busbars has a busbar wing portion whose height is lower than the height of the multiple layers. The secondary battery module according to claim 8.

12. The plurality of layers include a pair of end plates, each positioned at both ends in the stacking direction of the layers, Each of the pair of busbars has an upper and lower end that contacts the pair of end plates. The secondary battery module according to claim 1.

13. Each of the pair of end plates is formed with the two sides on which the pair of busbars are arranged to be flattened. The secondary battery module according to claim 12.

14. The busbar has an upper end lower than the upper end of the end plate located at the upper end of the plurality of layers, and a lower end higher than the lower end of the end plate located at the lower end of the plurality of layers. The secondary battery module according to claim 12.

15. The present invention further includes a band that surrounds and binds the aforementioned multiple layers, The band is arranged on both sides of the plurality of layers where the pair of busbars are not located. The secondary battery module according to claim 1.

16. Each of the pair of busbars has an insulator attached to or coated on the surface that contacts the side surfaces of the plurality of layers. The secondary battery module according to claim 1.

17. It includes multiple secondary battery modules arranged densely in one direction, Each of the aforementioned multiple secondary battery modules is A redox reaction occurs, and multiple layers are stacked in one direction. A pair of busbars are arranged on opposite sides of the plurality of layers, connecting the plurality of layers in parallel, Includes, Of the plurality of secondary battery modules, the busbars of two adjacent secondary battery modules are electrically connected to each other. Secondary battery.

18. The system further includes a plurality of busbar coupling means for connecting the two adjacent secondary battery modules in series. The secondary battery according to claim 17.

19. Each of the pair of busbars has a busbar wing portion formed at one end that protrudes beyond the side surface of the plurality of layers. The busbar connecting means connects the busbar wing portion. The secondary battery according to claim 18.

20. Each of the pair of busbars has a plurality of busbar fastening holes through which the plurality of busbar connecting means pass. The secondary battery according to claim 18.

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