Container Module

Abstract

A container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case that defines an internal space; a first battery array provided inside the case and including a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction; a second battery array provided inside the case and including a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction, and spaced apart from the first battery array in the left-right direction; a cooling unit that supplies cooling air to the inside of the case; and a duct provided inside the case that connects the first battery array and the second battery array to the cooling unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a container module.

[0002] (Cross-Reference to Related Application) This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0190483 filed on December 22, 2023, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated herein by reference.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include, for example, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are widely used due to their advantages that they hardly exhibit the memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, can be charged and discharged freely, have a very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

[0004] In recent years, as issues such as energy conservation and environmental considerations have become increasingly important, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing produced electricity have attracted even more attention. For example, smart grid systems have been proposed as one measure to adjust the supply and demand of electricity. The amount of electricity used by consumers is not always constant and can fluctuate frequently. For example, in the afternoon during the summer, electricity usage increases sharply due to the operation of air conditioning systems, and decreases at night. Thus, in terms of electricity consumption, the amount of electricity consumed is not constant and can fluctuate frequently, but in terms of electricity supply, although the amount of electricity produced can be adjusted to some extent, it is difficult to match the fluctuating amount of electricity consumption. As a result, an imbalance between electricity supply and consumption can lead to an oversupply or shortage of electricity, but smart grid systems can flexibly store and adjust electricity to address these problems. Smart grid systems can be said to be based on the concept of storing electricity when there is a surplus or in a region, and supplying the stored electricity when there is a shortage or in a region. One of the essential components for building such a smart grid system is an energy storage system for storing electricity. Furthermore, with the recent full-scale commercialization of electric vehicles, energy storage systems are also being used in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such energy storage systems may include multiple battery containers. The number and configuration of battery containers can vary depending on diverse environments and required conditions. To meet these requirements, it is necessary to improve energy density and create a configuration that can be expanded to various forms by combining small modules to form the battery containers. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] In addition to the problems described above, this invention aims to solve the following other problems.

[0007] Another objective of this invention is to provide a container module with improved cooling performance.

[0008] Another objective of this invention is to provide a container module in which differences in cooling depending on the location within the container are reduced.

[0009] The present invention further aims to provide a container module with improved ease of assembly.

[0010] The present invention also aims to provide a container module with a simplified structure.

[0011] The present invention has another objective: to provide a miniaturized container module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A container module according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above objective may include: a case defining an internal space; a first battery array provided inside the case and including a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction; a second battery array provided inside the case and including a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction, and spaced apart from the first battery array in the left-right direction; a cooling unit for supplying cooling air to the inside of the case; and a duct provided inside the case and connecting the first battery array and the second battery array to the cooling unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the case includes a front panel facing the first battery array and the second battery array, and the cooling unit may be provided on the front panel.

[0014] Furthermore, the duct may include an outlet located at a position higher than at least one of the first battery array or the second battery array.

[0015] Furthermore, the duct may include a front portion that communicates with the cooling unit and guides the cooling air upward, and a rear portion that extends from the front portion in the front-rear direction and guides the cooling air in the front-rear direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the duct may include an outlet that extends along the space between the first battery array and the second battery array.

[0017] The container module may further include a flow guide provided inside the duct for distributing the cooling air in the front-rear direction.

[0018] Furthermore, the flow guide may include a first portion located inside the duct and a second portion connected to the first portion and extending outside the duct.

[0019] Furthermore, the second portion may be located between the first battery array and the second battery array and may extend downward.

[0020] Furthermore, the case may include a side panel, and the container module may further include a side cover provided between the side panel and the second battery array, covering one side of the second battery array.

[0021] Furthermore, the case includes a rear panel, and the container module may further include a rear cover provided between the rear panel and the second battery array, covering the rear side of the second battery array.

[0022] Furthermore, the rear cover may extend between the first battery array and the second battery array, and to cover the rear side of the first battery array.

[0023] Further, the container module may further include an inner cover provided between the first battery array and the second battery array, covering an inner side of the second battery array and provided with a supply hole.

[0024] Note that a container system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the container module of the present invention.

[0025] An energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes the container module of the present invention.

Effects of the Invention

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module is improved.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the difference in cooling depending on location inside the container is reduced.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of the container module is improved.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the structure of the container module is simplified.

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the container module can be reduced in size.

[0031] The drawings attached to the present specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and are intended to allow a full understanding of the technical idea of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention, and the present invention should not be construed as being limited only to the matters shown in the drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0032] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2]This is a diagram showing multiple columns in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This figure shows the configuration in Figure 2 with an additional cover attached. [Figure 4] This figure shows the configuration in Figure 3 with additional brackets attached. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing the bracket shown in Figure 3. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing the bracket shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the N-N' line. [Figure 8] This figure shows the configuration in Figure 4 with a battery pack attached. [Figure 9] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line J-J' in Figure 8. [Figure 10] This figure shows the configuration of Figure 8 with the cooling unit and duct connected. [Figure 11] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line A-A' in Figure 1. [Figure 12] This is an enlarged view of section B in Figure 11. [Figure 13] This is an enlarged view of section C in Figure 11. [Figure 14] This is a magnified view of section D in Figure 11. [Figure 15] This is a magnified view of section E in Figure 11. [Figure 16] This is an enlarged view of section F in Figure 11. [Figure 17] This is an enlarged view of section G in Figure 11. [Figure 18] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1. [Figure 19] This is an enlarged view of Figure 18. [Figure 20] This is a view of the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1, from a different direction. [Figure 21] This figure shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line I-I' in Figure 18. [Figure 22] This figure schematically shows a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1. [Figure 23] This is an enlarged view of section J in Figure 22. [Figure 24] This is a magnified view of section K in Figure 22. [Figure 25] This is an enlarged view of section M in Figure 22. [Figure 26] This figure shows a container according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to that, terms and words used in this specification and in the claims should not be interpreted in a manner limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but rather in a manner corresponding to the technical idea of ​​the present invention, in accordance with the principle that inventors can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe their invention.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments and configurations shown in the drawings described herein are merely preferred forms of the present invention and do not represent the entirety of the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be a variety of equivalents and modifications that can be substituted therein at the time of this application.

[0035] Figure 1 shows a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 1, the case 100 may define the internal space. The case 100 may also form the external shape of the container module. The case 100 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 100 may include a front panel 110, a rear panel 130, a top panel 150, a bottom panel 140, and side panels 120. The side panels 120 may be provided in pairs.

[0036] A cooling unit 500 may be provided on the front panel 110. For example, the cooling unit 500 may be a heat exchanger such as an HVAC system, chiller, or cooler. The cooling unit 500 can regulate the temperature of the cooling fluid flowing inside the case 100. For example, the cooling unit 500 may supply or circulate cooling air inside the case 100.

[0037] Figure 2 shows multiple columns in Figure 1. Referring to Figure 2, the container module may include a front side column 210, an intermediate side column 220, and a rear side column 230. The front side column 210, intermediate side column 220, and rear side column 230 may be arranged sequentially along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. The front side column 210, intermediate side column 220, and rear side column 230 may each be arranged in pairs.

[0038] Furthermore, the container module may include a front center column 240 and a rear center column 250. The front center column 240 and the rear center column 250 may be positioned sequentially along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction.

[0039] Furthermore, the container module may include reinforcing beams 260. The reinforcing beams 260 may extend along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The reinforcing beams 260 may connect a pair of front side columns 210.

[0040] Figure 3 shows the configuration of Figure 2 with additional covers attached. Referring to Figure 3, the container module may include an inner cover 630, side covers 610, and a rear cover 620. The side covers 610 may be provided in pairs. The side covers 610 may be attached to or in contact with at least one of the front side columns 210, the middle side columns 220, or the rear side columns 230.

[0041] The rear cover 620 may be coupled to or in contact with the rear center column 250. The rear cover 620 may be connected to or coupled with a pair of side covers 610. The pair of side covers 610 and the rear cover 620 may form an internal space.

[0042] The inner cover 630 may be coupled to or in contact with at least one of the front center column 240 or the rear center column 250. The inner cover 630 may partition the space formed by the pair of side covers 610 and the rear cover 620.

[0043] Figure 4 shows the configuration of Figure 3 with additional brackets 300. Referring to Figure 4, the brackets 300 may extend along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. Multiple brackets 300 may be provided. Multiple brackets 300 may be arranged along the up-and-down direction or the Z-axis direction. Also, multiple brackets 300 may be arranged along the left-to-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0044] The bracket 300 may be coupled to or in contact with at least one of the side cover 610, the front side column 210, the intermediate side column 220, or the rear side column 230.

[0045] Furthermore, the bracket 300 may be coupled to or in contact with at least one of the inner cover 630, the front center column 240, or the rear center column 250.

[0046] Figures 5 and 6 show the bracket 300 of Figure 4. Figure 7 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the N-N' line of Figure 4. Referring to Figures 5 to 7, the bracket 300 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a horizontal section 310, a vertical section 320, and a support section 350.

[0047] The horizontal section 310 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The horizontal section 310 and the stopper 312 may be formed integrally. The horizontal section 310 may include a first fixing section 311 at the front. The first fixing section 311 may be formed by bending or folding a portion of the horizontal section 310 downwards. The first fixing section 311 and the stopper 312 may be formed integrally. The first fixing section 311 may include a through hole formed in the front-rear direction.

[0048] The vertical section 320 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The vertical section 320 may extend upward from the horizontal section 310. The vertical section 320 may be formed by bending or folding a portion of the horizontal section 310 upward. The vertical section 320 and the horizontal section 310 may be formed at an angle of approximately 90°. The vertical section 320 and the horizontal section 310 may be formed integrally. The vertical section 320 may also extend upward by forming a step.

[0049] The vertical section 320 may include a first section 325 and a second section 326. The first section 325 may extend from the horizontal section 310. The second section 326 may extend from the first section 325. The first section 325 and the second section 326 may each be formed to be elongated along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The first section 325 and the second section 326 may be formed to have a step. The second section 326 may be formed to have a step inward from the first section 325 or in the direction in which the horizontal section 310 is formed. The second section 326 may be formed by bending or folding a part of the first section 325 upward. The first section 325 and the second section 326 may be formed integrally.

[0050] The second portion 326 may include protrusions and indentations. The second portion 326 may include recesses 323 and protrusions 321. The second portion 326 may include a plurality of recesses 323 and protrusions 321. The recesses 323 and protrusions 321 may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The protrusions 321 may include hooks 322. The hooks 322 may be formed on the outside of the second portion 326. A hook 322 may be provided for each protrusion 321. The first portion 325 may include a plurality of first fastening holes 320a. The first fastening holes 320a may be located below the hooks 322. The first fastening holes 320a may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the hooks 322. The recesses 323 may include second fixing portions 324. The second fixing portions 324 may be formed on the inside of the second portion 326. A second fixing portion 324 may be provided for each recess 323. The second fixing portion 324 may be formed by bending or folding a part of the recess 323 inward. The second fixing portion 324 and the recess 323 may be formed at an angle of approximately 90°. The second fixing portion 324 and the recess 323 may be formed integrally.

[0051] The support portion 350 may include a horizontal support portion 351. The horizontal support portion 351 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The horizontal support portion 351 may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 310. For example, the horizontal support portion 351 may be welded to the lower surface of the horizontal portion 310. The length of the horizontal support portion 351 in the front-rear direction may be shorter than the length of the horizontal portion 310 in the front-rear direction. Also, the width of the horizontal support portion 351 in the left-right direction or the length in the Y-axis direction may be shorter than the width of the horizontal portion 310 in the left-right direction or the length in the Y-axis direction. For example, the width of the horizontal support portion 351 in the left-right direction may be half or less of the width of the horizontal portion 310 in the left-right direction.

[0052] The support portion 350 may include a vertical support portion 353. The vertical support portion 353 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The vertical support portion 353 and the horizontal support portion 351 may be formed at an angle of approximately 90°. The horizontal support portion 351 and the vertical support portion 353 may be formed integrally. The vertical support portion 353 may include a plurality of second fastening holes 353a. The second fastening holes 353a may be provided below the hook 322. The second fastening holes 353a may be provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the hook 322. The vertical support portion 353 may be formed by bending or folding a portion of the horizontal support portion 351 downwards. The horizontal support portion 351 and the vertical support portion 353 may be formed integrally.

[0053] The connecting portion 352 can connect the horizontal support portion 351 and the vertical support portion 353. The connecting portion 352 may extend along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The connecting portion 352 may be formed to be inclined. The connecting portion 352 may be referred to as a truss part 352. The connecting portion 352 may be formed by bending or folding a part of the horizontal support portion 351 diagonally downward. Alternatively, the connecting portion 352 may be formed by bending or folding a part of the vertical support portion 353 diagonally inward. The horizontal support portion 351, the connecting portion 352, and the vertical support portion 353 may be formed integrally.

[0054] A locking hole 201 may be provided in the column 200. A locking hole 601 may also be provided in the side cover 610. The hook 322 of the bracket 300 can engage with the locking holes 201 and 601. The first fastening member S1 can fasten, connect, or fix the first part 325 to the column 200 and the side cover 610 through the first fastening hole 320a of the first part 325. The second fastening member S2 can fasten, connect, or fix the vertical support part 353 to the column 200 and the side cover 610 through the second fastening hole 353a of the vertical support part 353.

[0055] The second portion 326 is formed to have an inward step relative to the first portion 325, so that the hook 322 of the bracket 300 engages with the column 200 and the side cover 610, allowing the first portion 325 to be brought into close contact with the side cover 610. The hook 322 engaging with the column 200 and the side cover 610 roughly aligns the position of the bracket 300, allowing the bracket 300 to be fixed using fastening members S1 and S2. The step of the second portion 326 and the hook 322 improve the ease of assembly of the bracket 300. The vertical portion 320 and the horizontal support portion 351 can be located substantially on the same plane.

[0056] The brackets 300 can be coupled in pairs to the column 200 and the side cover 610. The pair of brackets 300 can be arranged in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis. The pair of brackets 300 can be positioned at substantially the same height.

[0057] Figure 8 shows the configuration of Figure 4 with an additional battery pack 400 added. Figure 9 shows the cross-sectional configuration of Figure 8 along the line J-J'. Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the container module may include multiple battery packs 400. The battery packs 400 may be positioned, installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed above the bracket 300. The battery packs 400 may include multiple battery cells 410, where the battery cells 410 may represent secondary batteries. Multiple battery packs 400 may be provided. The battery packs 400 may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0058] The battery pack 400 may also include a base plate 420 and a plurality of battery cells 410. The plurality of battery cells 410 may be positioned, installed, fixed, or coupled to the base plate 420. The plurality of battery cells 410 may be arranged so that their top surfaces are exposed. This allows the plurality of battery cells 410 to be directly exposed to the cooling air CA, thereby increasing the cooling efficiency of the battery pack 400.

[0059] A pair of brackets 300 can be fastened and coupled to a single battery pack 400. Alternatively, a pair of brackets 300 can mount a single battery pack 400. The horizontal portion 310 of the left bracket 300 of the pair of brackets 300 may extend to the right or in the +Y axis direction. Also, the horizontal portion 310 of the right bracket 300 of the pair of brackets 300 may extend to the left or in the -Y axis direction. The battery pack 400 may be installed by being placed on the horizontal portion 310 of the pair of brackets 300 and pushed backward and moved.

[0060] The first battery array 401 may include a plurality of battery packs 400 that are provided inside the case 100 and stacked in the vertical or Z-axis direction.

[0061] The second battery array 402 is located inside the case 100 and may include a plurality of battery packs 400 stacked in the vertical or Z-axis direction. The second battery array 402 may be spaced apart from the first battery array 401 in the left-right direction. The second battery array 402 may be located to the right of the first battery array 401.

[0062] The first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402 are collectively referred to as battery arrays 401 and 402.

[0063] The battery pack 400 can be quite heavy. This can also increase the weight placed on the bracket 300. The bracket 300 is provided with a support section 350, which helps maintain rigidity even under heavy loads and allows it to stably support the battery pack 400.

[0064] Figure 10 shows the configuration of Figure 8 with an additional cooling unit 500 and a duct 700 added. Referring to Figures 1, 8 and 10, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case 100, a first battery array 401, a second battery array 402, a cooling unit 500, and a duct 700.

[0065] The cooling unit 500 can supply cooling air CA to the inside of the case 100. The duct 700 may be provided inside the case 100. The duct 700 may extend along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The duct 700 may have a flow path inside. The duct 700 may communicate with the cooling unit 500. The duct 700 may also communicate between the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402. The duct 700 may connect the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402 with the cooling unit 500.

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module is improved. Cooling air CA supplied by the cooling unit 500 can be supplied to the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402 along the duct 700. After exchanging heat with the multiple battery cells 410, the cooling air CA can be recovered to the cooling unit 500. The cooling air CA can be circulated in a closed system.

[0067] Referring to Figures 1, 8, and 10, the front panel 110 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may face the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402. The cooling unit 500 may be provided on the front panel 110.

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module is improved. The first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402 are arranged symmetrically, and the cooling unit 500 supplies cooling air CA between the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402, thereby uniformly cooling the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402.

[0069] Figure 11 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line A-A' in Figure 1. Figure 12 is an enlarged view of portion B in Figure 11. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the corner column 160 may consist of four sections. The corner column 160 may extend along the vertical or Z-axis direction. The corner column 160 may be provided at the corner where the side panel 120 and the rear panel 130 come into contact. The corner column 160 may also be provided at the corner where the side panel 120 and the front panel 110 come into contact. The corner column 160 may form the outer shape of the container module.

[0070] The rear side columns 230 may be provided in pairs. The rear side columns 230 may be provided inside the case 100. The rear side columns 230 may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The rear side columns 230 may support the corner columns 160. The rear side columns 230 may also be in contact with the corner columns 160. The rear side columns 230 may also be coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the corner columns 160. For example, the rear side columns 230 may be welded to the inner surface of the corner columns 160.

[0071] The side cover 610 may have a rectangular shape. Alternatively, the side cover 610 may be plate-shaped. Furthermore, the side cover 610 may be made of a metallic material. The rear end or rear portion of the side cover 610 may contact or connect to the rear side column 230.

[0072] Furthermore, the rear cover 620 may be rectangular in shape. Also, the rear cover 620 may be plate-shaped. And, the rear cover 620 may include a metallic material. The left end or left side portion of the rear cover 620 may contact or connect to at least one of the rear side column 230 or the side cover 610.

[0073] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of section C in Figure 11. Referring to Figure 13, the side cover 610 may contact or connect to the intermediate side column 220. Alternatively, the intermediate side column 220 may be located between the side cover 610 and the side panel 120.

[0074] The side panel 120 may include grooves formed on its inner surface. The grooves may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The intermediate side column 220 may be housed in or provided in the grooves.

[0075] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of section D in Figure 11. Referring to Figure 14, the side cover 610 may contact or connect to the front side column 210. Alternatively, the front side column 210 may be located between the side cover 610 and the side panel 120.

[0076] The side panel 120 may include a groove formed on its inner surface. The groove may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The front side column 210 may be housed in or provided within the groove.

[0077] Referring to Figures 11 to 14, the side cover 610 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided between the side panel 120 and the first battery array 401 and can cover the left side of the first battery array 401. The side cover 610 is also provided between the side panel 120 and the second battery array 402 and can cover the right side of the second battery array 402.

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. The side cover 610 can block heat exchange between the cooling air CA and the side panel 120. The side cover 610 can also guide the cooling air CA flowing into the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402 to exchange heat with the battery cells 410 and flow forward.

[0079] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of portion E of Figure 11. Referring to Figure 15, the rear cover 620 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may contact or be coupled to the rear center column 250. Alternatively, the rear center column 250 may be provided between the rear cover 620 and the rear panel 130. The rear center column 250 may contact, fix to, or be coupled to the rear panel 130. The rear cover 620 may cover the rear side of the second battery array 402. The rear cover 620 may also cover the rear side of the first battery array 401.

[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. The rear cover 620 can block heat exchange with the rear panel 130 of the cooling air CA. The rear cover 620 can also guide the cooling air CA that flows into the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402 to flow forward after exchanging heat with the battery cells 410.

[0081] Referring to Figure 15, the rear cover 620 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention can cover the space between the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402. The rear cover 620 can also cover the rear side of the first battery array 401.

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. The rear cover 620 can block heat exchange with the rear panel 130 of the cooling air CA. The rear cover 620 can also guide the cooling air CA that has flowed between the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402 to be supplied to the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402.

[0083] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of portion F in Figure 11. Referring to Figures 15 and 16, the inner cover 630 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be provided between the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402. The inner cover 630 may be provided in pairs.

[0084] The inner cover 630 may be rectangular in shape. Alternatively, the inner cover 630 may be plate-shaped. Furthermore, the inner cover 630 may contain a metallic material. Each inner cover 630 may contact or connect to at least one of the front center column 240 or the rear center column 250. The front center column 240 may be located between a pair of inner covers 630. The rear center column 250 may also be located between a pair of inner covers 630.

[0085] The inner cover 630 may be provided with supply holes 631. Multiple supply holes 631 may be formed.

[0086] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. Cooling air CA that flows between the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402 is supplied to the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402 through the supply holes 631 of the inner cover 630. The inner cover 630 can guide the flow of the cooling air CA.

[0087] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of section G in Figure 11. Figure 18 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1. Figure 19 is an enlarged view of Figure 18. Figure 20 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1 viewed from another direction. Figure 21 shows the cross-sectional configuration along the line I-I' in Figure 18.

[0088] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, the duct 700 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a front section 710 and a rear section 720. The front section 710 may communicate with the cooling section 500. The front section 710 may guide the cooling air CA supplied from the cooling section 500 upward or along the Z-axis. The front section 710 may guide the cooling air CA to flow higher than the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402. The front section 710 may extend along the longitudinal direction or along the X-axis.

[0089] The rear section 720 may extend from the front section 710. The rear section 720 may extend from the front section 710 along the longitudinal direction or the -X axis direction. The rear section 720 may guide the cooling air CA in the longitudinal direction or the -X axis direction.

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. The cooling air CA can flow along the duct 700 above the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402. This allows the cooling air CA to be supplied up to the top battery pack 400 of the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402.

[0091] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, the duct 700 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outlet 721 located at a position higher than at least one of the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402.

[0092] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module is improved. By positioning the outlet 721 of the duct 700 higher than the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402, the cooling air CA can be supplied up to the top battery pack 400 of the first battery array 401 or the second battery array 402.

[0093] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, the duct 700 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an outlet 721 that extends along the length between the first battery array 401 and the second battery array 402. The outlet 721 may extend along the length in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0094] According to this configuration of the present invention, differences in cooling due to the position of the battery cells 410 are reduced. In addition, the flow of cooling air CA is distributed uniformly. By forming the outlet 721 to be long, cooling air CA is appropriately supplied to the battery cells 410 located at the front and the battery cells 410 located at the rear.

[0095] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a flow guide 800. At least a portion of the flow guide 800 may be provided inside the duct 700. The portion of the flow guide 800 located inside the duct 700 may extend along the rearward or +X axis direction. The flow guide 800 may distribute the cooling air CA in the front-rear direction.

[0096] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling difference due to the position of the battery cell 410 is reduced. The cooling air CA supplied from the cooling unit 500 may have momentum to move backward. As a result, the cooling air CA may flow in greater volume backward than forward. The flow guide 800 is provided in the duct 700 to ensure that the flow of the cooling air CA is distributed uniformly.

[0097] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a first portion 810 and a second portion 820. The first portion 810 may be located inside the duct 700. The first portion 810 may extend along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. The second portion 820 may extend from the second portion 820. The second portion 820 may extend outside the duct 700. The second portion 820 may pass through the outlet 721 of the duct 700.

[0098] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling difference due to the position of the battery cell 410 is reduced. The cooling air CA supplied from the cooling unit 500 may have momentum to move backward. As a result, the cooling air CA may flow in greater volume backward than forward. The flow guide 800 can guide the cooling air CA so that it is distributed uniformly forward and backward.

[0099] Referring to Figures 17 to 21, the second portion 820 of the flow guide 800 of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may extend along the vertical or Z-axis direction. The second portion 820 may be located between a pair of inner covers 630. The second portion 820 may also be in contact with the pair of inner covers 630.

[0100] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling difference due to the position of the battery cell 410 is reduced. The cooling air CA supplied from the cooling unit 500 may have momentum to move backward. The flow guide 800, by including the second portion 820, can guide the momentum of the cooling air CA downward.

[0101] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the cross-sectional configuration along the line H-H' in Figure 1. Figure 23 is an enlarged view of section J in Figure 22.

[0102] Referring to Figures 22 and 23, the inner cover 630 may include a plurality of supply holes 631. The plurality of supply holes 631 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the front-to-back direction or the X-axis direction. Alternatively, the plurality of supply holes 631 may be arranged at predetermined intervals along the up-and-down direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0103] The inner cover 630 may include a portion in which the diameter of the feed hole 631 decreases as it extends downward or in the -Z-axis direction. The J portion indicates that the diameter of the feed hole 631 decreases as it extends downward or in the -Z-axis direction. The three feed holes 631 may be configured to have the same length L in the front-to-back direction. The heights of the three feed holes 631 may be configured to have different heights, such as h1, h2, and h3. Height h3 may be configured to be greater than height h2, and height h2 may be configured to be greater than height h1.

[0104] The cooling air CA may have momentum to move downward by the flow guide 800. This may increase the amount of cooling air CA supplied to the lower supply port 631. The inner part 630, by including a J-section, makes it possible to uniformly distribute the flow rate of cooling air CA supplied to the battery pack 400.

[0105] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of section K in Figure 22. Referring to Figures 22 and 24, the inner cover 630 may include a section in which the diameter of the feed holes 631 decreases as it moves in the direction or the -X axis. Section K shows that the diameter of the feed holes 631 decreases as it moves backward or in the -X axis. The two feed holes 631 may be configured to have the same length L in the front-to-back direction. And the height h5 may be configured to be greater than the height h4.

[0106] The flow of the cooling air CA can sometimes result in uneven distribution of the flow rate. The inner cover 630, including section K, enables uniform distribution of the flow rate of the cooling air CA supplied to the battery pack 400.

[0107] Figure 25 is an enlarged view of section M in Figure 22. Referring to Figures 22 and 25, the inner cover 630 may include a section in which the diameter of the feed holes 631 increases and then decreases as it moves downward or in the -Z-axis direction. Section M shows how the diameter of the feed holes 631 increases and then decreases as it moves downward or in the -Z-axis direction. The three feed holes 631 may be formed to have the same length L in the front-to-back direction. The heights of the three feed holes 631 may be formed to have different heights, such as h6, h7, and h8. Height h6 may be formed to be greater than height h7, and height h6 may be formed to be greater than height h8.

[0108] The flow of the cooling air CA can sometimes result in uneven distribution of the flow rate. The inner cover 630, including the M portion, can uniformly distribute the flow rate of the cooling air CA supplied to the battery pack 400.

[0109] Figure 26 shows a container according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Figure 26, the container system may include a plurality of container modules 10. The plurality of container modules 10 may be physically or electrically connected.

[0110] Case 100 may be configured to be stacked on or coupled to the cases 100 of other container modules 10. The container system may also further include a control module. The control module may be fastened, coupled, connected, stacked, or fixed to the side panels 120 of the container module 10.

[0111] The control module can be electrically connected to multiple container modules 10 included in the container system. The control module can control the charging and discharging of the multiple container modules 10. The control module can also acquire status information of the multiple container modules 10.

[0112] In addition, the container system may be configured to further include a fire suppression module for controlling thermal events.

[0113] The energy storage system ESS according to the present invention may include a container module 10 according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of container systems. And a container system may include a plurality of container modules 10. Such an energy storage system can form a link group by combining a certain number of container modules 10 and a control module 20.

[0114] In this specification, terms indicating direction such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used. However, such terms indicate relative positions and directions and are used only for the convenience of explanation. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that these can change depending on the position of the object in question, the observer's position, etc.

[0115] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific preferred embodiments described above, and it goes without saying that anyone with ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs can modify it in various ways without departing from the gist of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications are included within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. Cases that define the internal space, A first battery array, which includes a plurality of battery packs stacked vertically inside the case, A second battery array is provided inside the case and includes a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction, and is separated from the first battery array in the left-right direction, A cooling unit that supplies cooling air to the inside of the case, A container module comprising a duct provided inside the case, which connects the first battery array and the second battery array to the cooling section.

2. The case includes a front panel facing the first battery array and the second battery array, The container module according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit is provided on the front panel.

3. The container module according to claim 1, wherein the duct includes an outlet located at a position higher than at least one of the first battery array or the second battery array.

4. The aforementioned duct is, A front section that communicates with the aforementioned cooling section and guides the cooling air upward, The container module according to claim 1, further comprising: a rear portion extending in the front-rear direction from the front portion and guiding the cooling air in the front-rear direction.

5. The aforementioned duct is, The container module according to claim 1, comprising an outlet that extends along the distance between the first battery array and the second battery array.

6. The container module according to claim 1, further comprising a flow guide provided inside the duct for distributing the cooling air in the front-rear direction.

7. The aforementioned flow guide is The first part located inside the duct, The container module according to claim 6, comprising: a second portion connected to the first portion and extending outside the duct.

8. The container module according to claim 7, wherein the second portion is located between the first battery array and the second battery array and extends downward.

9. The aforementioned case includes side panels, The aforementioned container module is The container module according to claim 1, further comprising a side cover provided between the side panel and the second battery array, and covering one side of the second battery array.

10. The aforementioned case includes a rear panel, The container module according to claim 1, further comprising a rear cover provided between the rear panel and the second battery array and covering the rear side of the second battery array.

11. The aforementioned rear cover is, The container module according to claim 10, extending between the first battery array and the second battery array, and covering the rear side of the first battery array.

12. The container module according to claim 1, further comprising an inner cover provided between the first battery array and the second battery array, covering the inside of the second battery array and having supply holes.

13. A container system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An energy storage system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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