Battery pack including fire extinguishing unit, battery rack including same, and power storage system

Abstract

To provide a battery pack for reducing a risk of secondary ignition or explosion.SOLUTION: According to the present invention a battery pack includes: at least one battery module; a first extinguishing unit including a first fire detection sensor, a first extinguishing tank storing a fire- extinguishing agent inside, a first piping configured to connect the first extinguishing tank and the battery module so as to supply the fire-extinguishing agent from the first extinguishing tank to the battery module, and a first valve to be opened so as to supply the fire-extinguishing agent from the first extinguishing tank to the battery module; and a second extinguishing unit including a second fire detection sensor, a second piping, the one end of which is connected to the first piping, a fire-extinguishing agent supply part connected to the other end of the second piping so as to supply the fire-extinguishing agent to the first piping through the second piping, and a second valve to be opened so as to supply the fire-extinguishing agent from the fire-extinguishing supply part to the first piping through the second piping in the case that the temperature of the battery module becomes a prescribed temperature or more or that smoke occurs.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack including a fire extinguishing unit, a battery rack including the same, and a power storage system, and more particularly to a battery pack that reduces the risk of secondary fire or explosion.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0011324, filed on January 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings. [Background technology]

[0003] Currently, secondary batteries such as nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries are commercially available. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages over nickel-based secondary batteries, such as almost no memory effect, freedom of charging and discharging, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively, and includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate coated with the positive electrode active material and a negative electrode plate coated with the negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material, such as a battery pouch exterior material, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium-sized and large devices such as automobiles and power storage devices. When used in medium-sized and large devices, a large number of secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, pouch-type secondary batteries are often used in such medium-sized and large devices because of their advantage of being easily stacked.

[0006] Meanwhile, in recent years, along with the increasing need for large-capacity structures, including use as an energy storage source, there has been an increasing demand for battery packs including a large number of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and / or parallel, a battery module housing such secondary batteries, and a battery management system (BMS).

[0007] Such a battery pack generally includes an external housing made of a metal material to protect a plurality of secondary batteries from external impact or to house and store them. Meanwhile, in recent years, the demand for high-capacity battery packs has been increasing.

[0008] However, conventional battery packs or battery racks include multiple battery modules, and if thermal runaway occurs in one of the secondary batteries of the multiple battery modules, causing a fire or explosion, the heat or flame may be transferred to an adjacent secondary battery, causing a secondary explosion. Therefore, efforts are being made to prevent secondary fires or explosions.

[0009] Therefore, in the case of a battery pack or a battery rack, a rapid and complete fire extinguishing technology is required to be able to take immediate action when a thermal runaway occurs in some of the secondary batteries.In addition, in the case of a fire in a battery module, an alternative method for extinguishing the fire is required in case the battery management system that controls the implementation of fire extinguishing to suppress the fire does not work or malfunctions. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that reduces the risk of secondary fire or explosion.

[0011] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood from the following description and will become more apparent from the embodiments of the present invention. Also, the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof as set forth in the claims. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: At least one battery module; a first fire extinguishing unit including a first fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module reaches a predetermined temperature or above or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; a first fire extinguishing tank storing a fire extinguishing agent therein; a first pipe connecting the first fire extinguishing tank and the at least one battery module so as to supply the fire extinguishing agent from the first fire extinguishing tank to the at least one battery module; and a first valve provided on the first pipe and opened to supply the fire extinguishing agent from the first fire extinguishing tank to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module reaches a predetermined temperature or above or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; The second extinguishing unit includes a second fire detection sensor configured to detect when the temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module, a second pipe having one end connected to the first pipe, an extinguishing agent supply unit connected to the other end of the second pipe so that an extinguishing agent is supplied to the first pipe through the second pipe, and a second valve that opens to supply extinguishing agent from the extinguishing agent supply unit to the first pipe through the second pipe when the temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated.

[0013] The extinguishing agent supply unit may include a second fire tank storing an extinguishing agent therein, and / or a fire hydrant that can supply water from the outside and is connected to the second piping.

[0014] Further, the first extinguishing unit further includes a first control unit configured to control opening and closing of the first valve in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The second extinguishing unit further includes a second control unit configured to control opening and closing of the second valve in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor, The first control unit transmits a fire signal to the second control unit when a fire signal is transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The second control unit may be configured to open the second valve when the second fire detection sensor detects that the battery module maintains a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a fire signal from the first control unit.

[0015] And the first pipe is, A common pipe connected to a discharge port from which the extinguishing agent of the first fire tank is discharged; When at least two battery modules are provided, a distribution pipe having a distributed structure so as to be connected to the at least two battery modules from the common pipe, the first valve is located in a portion of the common pipe so as to open and close the common pipe; The first valve may be an active valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control unit.

[0016] Further, the first fire extinguishing unit further includes a distribution valve located in a portion of the distribution pipe to open and close the distribution pipe; The distribution valve may be a passive valve configured such that, when the temperature of the battery module rises above a predetermined temperature, a portion of the internal structure is deformed to open the outlet.

[0017] In addition, the distribution valve is A glass bulb configured to seal the outlet and configured to open the outlet by being broken at least in part when exposed to an internal gas having a predetermined temperature or higher of the battery module; and a dispersion portion configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet.

[0018] The battery module includes at least one cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries, and a module housing having an internal space capable of accommodating the at least one cell assembly, A gas passage is provided inside the module housing so that gas generated in the cell assembly can be discharged to the outside. A glass bulb of the dispensing valve may be located in a portion of the gas passageway.

[0019] Additionally, the dispensing valve may further include a gas guide for directing gas generated in the cell assembly to contact the glass bulb.

[0020] In order to achieve the above object, a battery rack according to another aspect of the present invention includes the above-mentioned battery pack and a rack case that houses the battery pack.

[0021] Furthermore, in order to achieve the above object, a power storage system according to yet another aspect of the present invention includes at least two of the above-mentioned battery racks. Effect of the Invention

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack of the present invention further includes a second fire extinguishing unit in addition to the first fire extinguishing unit, so that even if the first fire extinguishing unit is unable to extinguish the fire in the battery module due to a malfunction or failure of the first fire extinguishing unit, the second fire extinguishing unit can be used to perform additional fire extinguishing. Thus, the battery module of the present invention can maximize safety by performing double fire extinguishing.

[0023] In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, the first fire extinguishing unit of the present invention further includes a first control unit configured to control the opening and closing of the first valve in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, and the second fire extinguishing unit further includes a second control unit configured to control the opening and closing of the second valve in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor.Therefore, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module, even if the first valve cannot be opened or closed due to a malfunction or failure of the first control unit, the second control unit can open the second valve, thereby enabling stable fire extinguishing to be performed.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, the distributing valve of the present invention includes a glass bulb configured to seal the outlet and to open the outlet by breaking at least a portion thereof when exposed to internal gas of the battery module having a predetermined temperature or higher, and a dispersion unit configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet, so that the distributing valve can be opened with a fast response speed in response to the high internal temperature of the battery module where thermal runaway or fire has occurred. Furthermore, the dispersion unit can uniformly spray the supplied extinguishing agent, effectively improving the extinguishing ability.

[0025] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the distribution valve includes a gas guide having a structure in which the dispersion part extends from the top part in the direction in which the distribution part is located and expands in at least two directions among the left, right, top, and bottom, so that the high-temperature gas flowing on both sides of the glass bulb can be guided to flow in the direction in which the glass bulb is located without passing by, thereby improving the reliability of the operation of the distribution valve and effectively reducing the operation time of the distribution valve.

[0026] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0027] [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 is a rear perspective view illustrating a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a rear perspective view illustrating a battery module which is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a cell assembly of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 5] 1 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a second fire extinguishing tank which is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a front view showing a fire hydrant that is a part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a perspective view showing a schematic partial configuration of a first fire extinguishing unit of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a distribution valve which is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a plan view illustrating a schematic internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view illustrating a distribution valve that is a part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a front view showing a schematic diagram of a power storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0028] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best describe the invention.

[0029] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiment described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0030] Fig. 1 is a front perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a battery module which is a part of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a cell assembly which is a component of the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Fig. 1, the +X-axis direction is rear, the -X-axis direction is front, the +Y-axis direction is left, the -Y-axis direction is right, the +Z-axis direction is up, and the -Z-axis direction is down.

[0031] 1 to 5, a battery pack 400 of the present invention includes at least one battery module 200, a first fire extinguishing unit 301 and a second fire extinguishing unit 302.

[0032] First, when a plurality of battery modules 200 are provided, they may be arranged in one direction. In this case, the battery module 200 may include at least one cell assembly (100 in FIG. 4). The cell assembly 100 may have a plurality of secondary batteries 110 arranged in one direction.

[0033] Also, the secondary battery 110 may be a pouch-type secondary battery 110. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, when viewed from the F direction (front) of Fig. 1, the cell assembly 100 may be configured in a form in which a plurality of pouch-type secondary batteries 110 are stacked in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, one cell assembly 100 may be provided with 21 pouch-type secondary batteries 110.

[0034] On the other hand, in this specification, unless otherwise specified, the directions of up, down, front, back, left and right are based on the view from the F direction.

[0035] In particular, such a pouch-type secondary battery 110 may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch 116 .

[0036] Furthermore, the positive electrode lead 111 and the negative electrode lead 112 may be formed at the left and right ends in opposite directions with respect to the center of the secondary battery 110. That is, the positive electrode lead 111 may be provided at one end (right end) with respect to the center of the secondary battery 110. Also, the negative electrode lead 112 may be provided at the other end (left end) with respect to the center of the secondary battery 110.

[0037] However, the battery module 200 according to the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned pouch-type secondary battery 110, and various secondary batteries 110 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used.

[0038] And, the battery module 200 may be equipped with a cooling fan 370 for injecting outside air into the interior.

[0039] Meanwhile, referring further to Fig. 3, the battery module 200 may further include a bus bar assembly 270. Specifically, the bus bar assembly 270 may include at least one bus bar 272 configured to electrically connect the multiple secondary batteries 110 to each other, and at least two bus bar frames 276 configured to mount the at least one bus bar 272 on an outer side. The at least two bus bar frames 276 may be provided on both the left and right sides of the cell assembly 100, respectively.

[0040] Meanwhile, the module housing 210 may have an internal space formed therein to accommodate the cell assembly 100. Specifically, when viewed from the F direction in FIG. 1, the module housing 210 may include an upper cover 220, a base plate 240, a front cover 260, and a rear cover 250.

[0041] Specifically, the base plate 240 may have an area larger than the size of the lower surfaces of the at least two cell assemblies 100 so as to mount the at least two cell assemblies 100 thereon. The base plate 240 may be in the form of a plate extending in the horizontal direction.

[0042] Moreover, the upper cover 220 may include an upper wall 224 and a side wall 226 extending downward from the upper wall 224. The upper wall 224 may be in the form of a plate extending horizontally so as to cover the upper portion of the cell assembly 100. The side wall 226 may be in the form of a plate extending downward from both ends of the upper wall 224 in the left-right direction so as to cover both sides of the cell assembly 100 in the left-right direction.

[0043] The side walls 226 may be coupled to a portion of the base plate 240. For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the upper cover 220 may include a plate-shaped upper wall 224 extending in the front, rear, left and right directions. The upper cover 220 may include two side walls 226 extending downward from both left and right ends of the upper wall 224. Furthermore, the lower ends of each of the two side walls 226 may be configured to be coupled to both left and right ends of the base plate 240. In this case, the coupling method may be a male-female coupling method or a welding coupling method.

[0044] Furthermore, the front cover 260 may be configured to cover the front of the multiple secondary batteries 110. For example, the front cover 260 may be a plate that is larger than the front surface of the multiple secondary batteries 110. The plate may be in a form that stands upright in the vertical direction.

[0045] In addition, the rear cover 250 may be configured to cover the rear of the cell assembly 100. For example, the rear cover 250 may be in the form of a plate that is larger than the rear surfaces of the multiple secondary batteries 110.

[0046] The module housing 210 may include a gas passage 211 located inside the module housing 210 and configured to discharge gas generated in the cell assembly 100 to the outside. That is, the module housing 210 may include the gas passage 211 through which the gas generated in the cell assembly 100 can flow. Here, the gas passage 211 may be a space extending long in the front-rear direction so as to communicate with the outside. The gas passage 211 may be provided on one or both sides in the left-right direction of the cell assembly 100.

[0047] Furthermore, the gas passage 211 may be a space between the upper or lower part of the cell assembly 100 and the module housing 210. That is, gas generated in the cell assembly 100 housed inside the battery module 200 moves to both sides in the left and right direction of the cell assembly 100 through the gas passage 211 located at the upper or lower part of the cell assembly 100, and can be further discharged through a plurality of gas exhaust ports 212 formed at the end of the gas passage 211 and perforated to communicate with the outside of the battery module 200.

[0048] In addition, the rear covers 250 located at the rear of each of the at least two battery modules 200 may be provided with an inlet 264 configured to inject a fire extinguishing agent. The inlet 264 may be located to communicate with the gas passage 211. That is, the inlet 264 may be configured to communicate with the gas passages 211 located on both sides in the left and right direction around the cell assembly 100.

[0049] 5 in addition to FIGS. 1-3, the first fire extinguishing unit 301 may include a first fire detection sensor 311, a first fire extinguishing tank 321, a first pipe 330, and a first valve 343.

[0050] In addition, the first fire detection sensor 311 may be configured to detect when the temperature of the at least one battery module 200 exceeds a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module 200 .

[0051] Specifically, the first fire detection sensor 311 may include a temperature detection sensor and a smoke detection sensor (not shown). The temperature detection sensor may be a linear temperature detection sensor 360.

[0052] For example, the linear temperature sensor 360 may be configured to emit a fire or overheat signal by melting and shorting the two wires when the temperature of the heat-sensing material coated on the two wires becomes equal to or higher than a reference temperature. For example, the heat-sensing material may be a thermoplastic resin that melts at 70°C to 100°C. For example, the thermoplastic resin may be a polyester resin or an acrylic resin. The linear temperature sensor 360 may further include an insulating coating configured to surround the heat-sensing material. The coating may include polyvinyl chloride.

[0053] Also, the linear temperature sensor 360 may have a structure extending linearly along at least two battery modules 200 arranged in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the battery pack 400 may include eight battery modules 200 arranged in a vertical direction. The linear temperature sensor 360 may be configured such that one end is connected to the first controller 351, the linear temperature sensor 360 extends along the eight battery modules 200 arranged in a vertical direction, and the other end is connected to a resistor 365 at the vertical end. In this case, a bracket (not shown) and a fixing buckle (not shown) may be used to partially fix the position of the linear temperature sensor 360.

[0054] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the first fire detection sensor 311 includes the linear temperature detection sensor 360 along at least two battery modules 200, so that the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 400 can be reduced.

[0055] That is, in the conventional case where multiple temperature sensors are applied, multiple temperature sensors and separate signal wires for connecting the multiple temperature sensors are required, which increases material costs and installation time, thereby causing an increase in manufacturing costs. On the other hand, the battery pack 400 of the present invention can detect the temperatures of multiple battery modules 200 using only one linear temperature detection sensor 360, does not require separate signal wires, is light, flexible, and easy to install, so that the manufacturing cost of the battery pack 400 can be significantly reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, the linear temperature sensor 360 can easily set multiple points in one battery module 200 for more accurate temperature sensing. As a result, the present invention can significantly reduce the failure rate of detecting a fire in the battery module 200.

[0057] The smoke detection sensor may be located at the top of at least two battery modules 200 stacked vertically. That is, if a fire occurs in the battery module 200, generated gas moves upward, so it is preferable to locate the smoke detection sensor at the top of at least two battery modules 200.

[0058] Furthermore, the smoke detection sensor may be configured to transmit a signal to the first control unit 351 of the first fire extinguishing unit 301 when smoke is detected. Here, generally known technology may be applied to the smoke detection sensor.

[0059] The first fire tank 321 may also contain an extinguishing agent (not shown) therein. For example, the extinguishing agent may be a concentrated solution of an inorganic salt such as potassium carbonate, a chemical foam, an air foam, carbon dioxide, or water. The first fire tank 321 may also have compressed gas therein to spray or move the extinguishing agent along the first piping 330 at an appropriate pressure.

[0060] For example, the capacity of the first fire extinguishing tank 321 may be 59 L, the compressed gas may be nitrogen at 8 bar, and the extinguishing agent may be water at 40 L. Here, when water is used as the extinguishing agent, it has a fire extinguishing and cooling effect as well as a heat blocking effect when sprayed inside the battery module 200, and is therefore effective in preventing thermal propagation, particularly when high-temperature gas and flames occur due to thermal runaway. This makes it possible to effectively prevent the propagation of fire and thermal runaway between multiple battery modules 200.

[0061] Furthermore, the first pipe 330 may be connected to supply extinguishing agent from the first fire tank 321 to each of the at least two battery modules 200. For example, the first pipe 330 may include a material that is not corroded by water. For example, the first pipe 330 may include stainless steel. One end of the first pipe 330 may be configured to be connected to the outlet 321a of the first fire tank 321. The other end of the first pipe 330 may have a form extending to the inside of each of the at least two battery modules 200.

[0062] For example, the first piping 330 may include a common piping 333 connected to the outlet 321a of the first fire tank 321 from which the extinguishing agent is discharged, and distribution piping 336 having a distributed structure so as to be connected from the common piping 333 to each of at least two battery modules 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first piping 330 may include one common piping 333 connected to the outlet 321a of the first fire tank 321, and eight distribution pipings 336 branched from the common piping 333. The eight distribution pipings 336 may be configured to be connected to eight battery modules 200.

[0063] Furthermore, the first valve 343 may be configured to supply extinguishing agent from the first fire tank 321 to the inside of the battery module 200 when the internal gas (air) of the battery module 200 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher. That is, the first valve 343 may include a passive valve (not shown) configured to open an outlet so that extinguishing agent is injected into the inside of the battery module 200 at a predetermined temperature or higher. For example, the passive valve may be configured to deform a part of its configuration to open the outlet when the internal temperature of the battery module 200 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. Furthermore, the passive valve may be configured to deform a part of its internal configuration by the heat of the internal gas with an increased temperature to open the outlet. Here, the "predetermined temperature" may be, for example, 100°C or higher.

[0064] Meanwhile, the second extinguishing unit 302 may include a second fire detection sensor 313 , a fire extinguishing agent supply 325 , and a second valve 348 .

[0065] First, the second fire detection sensor 313 may be configured to detect when the temperature of at least one battery module 200 exceeds a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated in at least one battery module 200 .

[0066] Specifically, the second fire detection sensor 313 may include a temperature detection sensor and a smoke detection sensor. The temperature detection sensor may be a linear temperature detection sensor 360. The linear temperature detection sensor 360 may have the same configuration as the linear temperature detection sensor 360 of the first fire extinguishing unit 301. The linear temperature detection sensor 360 may be provided to contact the battery module 200. Otherwise, the linear temperature detection sensor 360 has the same configuration as the linear temperature sensor of the first fire extinguishing unit 301, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0067] And, the smoke detection sensor may be configured to detect smoke discharged from at least two battery modules 200. In addition, the smoke detection sensor may have the same configuration as the smoke detection sensor of the first fire extinguishing unit 301.

[0068] In addition, the extinguishant supply unit 325 may be configured to supply the extinguishant to the first pipe 330 through the second pipe 338. The extinguishant supply unit 325 may be connected to the other end of the second pipe 338.

[0069] FIG. 6 is a perspective view that shows a schematic configuration of a second fire extinguishing tank that is a part of the battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] 5 and 6, the second pipe 338 may be configured to have one end connected to the first pipe 330. For example, the second pipe 338 may include a material that is not corroded by water. For example, the second pipe 338 may include stainless steel. The second pipe 338 may be configured to have one end connected to the inlet 325a1 of the second fire extinguishing tank 325a. The other end of the second pipe 338 may be connected to the first pipe 330 extending to the interior of each of the at least two battery modules 200.

[0071] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery pack 400 of the present invention further includes the second fire extinguishing unit 302 in addition to the first fire extinguishing unit 301, so that even if the first fire extinguishing unit 301 is unable to extinguish the fire in the battery module 200 due to a malfunction or erroneous operation of the first fire extinguishing unit 301, additional fire extinguishing can be performed using the separate second fire extinguishing unit 302. As a result, the battery module 200 of the present invention can maximize safety by performing double fire extinguishing.

[0072] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 6 together with FIG. 5, the extinguishing agent supply unit 325 may include a second extinguishing tank 325a. Specifically, the second extinguishing tank 325a may contain an extinguishing agent (not shown) therein. For example, the extinguishing agent may be a concentrated solution of an inorganic salt such as potassium carbonate, chemical foam, air foam, carbon dioxide, or water. Also, the second extinguishing tank 325a may spray the extinguishing agent at an appropriate pressure.

[0073] For example, the capacity of the second fire extinguishing tank 325a may be 1000 liters. The second fire extinguishing tank 325a may be disposed higher than the battery module 200. That is, the second fire extinguishing tank 325a may use potential energy to send the extinguishing agent stored therein to the battery module 200. The extinguishing agent may be water. Here, when water is used as the extinguishing agent, it has a fire extinguishing and cooling effect as well as a heat blocking effect when sprayed inside the battery module 200, and is therefore particularly effective in preventing heat propagation when high-temperature gas and flames occur due to thermal runaway. This makes it possible to effectively prevent fires and thermal runaway from propagating between the multiple battery modules 200.

[0074] Therefore, according to such a configuration of the present invention, since the extinguishing agent supply unit 325 is provided with the second extinguishing tank 325a storing extinguishing agent therein, a larger volume of extinguishing agent can be supplied to the battery module 200 than the first extinguishing tank 321, thereby preventing a fire from being put out due to a lack of extinguishing agent.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a front view showing a schematic view of a fire hydrant that is a part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0076] 5 and 7, the extinguishing agent supply unit 325 according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a fire hydrant 325b configured to supply tap water from the outside. The outlet of the fire hydrant 325b may be configured to be connected to the other end of the second pipe 338.

[0077] Similar to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the extinguishing agent supply unit 325 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a fire hydrant 325b instead of a fire tank, which is less expensive to maintain and more economical than a second fire tank.

[0078] 1 to 5, the first fire extinguishing unit 301 may include a first control unit 351. The first control unit 351 may be configured to control the opening and closing of the first valve 343 in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor 311.

[0079] Specifically, the first controller 351 may be configured to open the first valve 343 when the first fire detection sensor 311 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature. For example, the first controller 351 may be configured to transmit a signal to control the first valve 343. For example, the first fire detection sensor 311 may be connected to the first controller 351 via a wire capable of transmitting and receiving an electric signal to and from the first controller 351.

[0080] 1 to 5, the second fire extinguishing unit 302 may include a second control unit 355. The second control unit 355 may be configured to control the opening and closing of the second valve 348 in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor 313.

[0081] Specifically, the second controller 355 may be configured to open the second valve 348 when a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature is detected by the second fire sensor 313. For example, the second controller 355 may be configured to transmit a signal to control the second valve 348. For example, the second fire sensor 313 may be connected to the second controller 355 via a wire capable of transmitting and receiving an electric signal to and from the second controller 355.

[0082] For example, the first control unit 351 may be configured to transmit a fire signal to the second control unit 355 when the first fire detection sensor 311 detects a temperature above a predetermined temperature or detects smoke in the battery module 200 and transmits a fire signal from the first fire detection sensor 311.

[0083] Furthermore, the second controller 355 may be configured to open the second valve 348 when the second fire sensor 313 detects that the battery module 200 maintains a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature even after a predetermined time has elapsed since receiving the fire signal from the first controller 351. For example, the predetermined time may be 10 minutes. Furthermore, the predetermined temperature may be 200° C. or higher.

[0084] Furthermore, the second control unit 355 may include a switch 355a configured to allow a user to directly and manually open the second valve 348. That is, when the switch 355a is turned on, the second control unit 355 may open the second valve 348 to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the battery module 200 in which a fire has occurred.

[0085] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the first fire extinguishing unit 301 further includes a first control unit 351 configured to control the opening and closing of the first valve 343 in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor 311, and the second fire extinguishing unit 302 further includes a second control unit 355 configured to control the opening and closing of the second valve 348 in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor 313. Therefore, when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 200, even if the first control unit 351 is unable to open or close the first valve 343 due to a malfunction or failure, the second control unit 355 can open the second valve 348, thereby enabling reliable fire extinguishing to be performed.

[0086] Meanwhile, still referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the first piping 330 may include a common piping 333 and a distribution piping 336 .

[0087] Specifically, the common pipe 333 may be connected to the outlet 321a from which the extinguishing agent of the first fire tank 321 is discharged. Also, the distribution pipes 336 may have a distributed structure so as to be connected to each of the at least two battery modules 200 from the common pipe 333. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first pipe 330 may include one common pipe 333 connected to the outlet 321a of the first fire tank 321, and eight distribution pipes 336 branched from the common pipe 333. And, the eight distribution pipes 336 may be configured to be connected to the eight battery modules 200.

[0088] Specifically, the first valve 343 may be located in a portion of the common pipe 333 so as to open and close the common pipe 333. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the first valve 343 may be configured to connect the common pipe 333 and the first fire extinguishing tank 321. That is, the first valve 343 may be provided at the beginning end of the common pipe 333.

[0089] Furthermore, the first valve 343 may be an active valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control unit 351. More specifically, the active valve may be, for example, a control valve, a motorized valve, a solenoid valve, or a pneumatic valve.

[0090] Furthermore, the active valve 343 may be configured to supply extinguishing agent from the first fire tank 321 to the battery module 200 whose internal temperature has risen to or above a predetermined temperature. When the internal temperature of the battery module 200 is equal to or above a predetermined temperature, the active valve 343 may be configured to be detected by the first controller 351 and actively opened by the first controller 351. In this case, the first controller 351 may be located on the uppermost battery module 200 among the plurality of battery modules 200.

[0091] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery pack 400 of the present invention can configure an unmanned system capable of extinguishing a fire when a fire or thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 400 by configuring the first valve 343 as an active valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control unit 351. This ensures a faster fire extinguishing ability and reduces maintenance costs.

[0092] 8 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a portion of a first fire extinguishing unit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which a common pipe 333, a distribution pipe 336, and a distribution valve 310 provided at an end of the distribution pipe 336 are shown.

[0093] 8 together with FIG. 3, the first extinguishing unit 301 may further include a distribution valve 310 located in a portion of the distribution pipe 336 to open and close the distribution pipe 336. The distribution valve 310 may have a glass bulb 312 as an internal component located in a portion of the gas passage 211 inside the module housing 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the distribution valve 310 may be disposed so as to protrude toward the battery module 200. At least a portion of the distribution valve 310 may be inserted into the module housing 210 from the rear of the battery module 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the glass bulb 312 and the dispersion portion 317 of the distribution valve 310 may be inserted from the input port 264 so as to be located at the rear end of the gas passage 211.

[0094] Also, the distribution valve 310 may be a passive valve. For example, the passive valve may be configured such that, when the internal temperature of the battery module 200 is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, a part of the structure is deformed to open the outlet. Furthermore, the passive valve may be configured such that a part of the internal structure is deformed by the heat of the internal gas whose temperature has increased to open the outlet. Here, the "predetermined temperature" may be, for example, 100°C or higher.

[0095] Specifically, the distribution valve 310 may be inserted inside the module housing 210. At this time, the extinguishing agent supplied to the rear end of the gas passage 211 moves to the front of the gas passage 211, and a part of the extinguishing agent moves through the cell assembly 100.

[0096] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the distributing valve 310 of the present invention is configured as a passive valve in which a part of the internal structure is deformed to open the outlet when the temperature of the battery module 200 rises above a predetermined temperature, so that it is possible to exert a rapid fire extinguishing ability against thermal runaway or fire of the battery module 200 in response to temperature changes without separate valve control by the first control unit 351. That is, even if the battery management system malfunctions, the fire extinguishing valve stably extinguishes thermal runaway or fire without control of the BMS, so that the safety of the battery pack 400 can be effectively improved.

[0097] FIG. 9 is a perspective view that shows a schematic configuration of a distribution valve that is a part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] 9 in conjunction with FIGS. 3 and 8, the distribution valve 310 may include a glass bulb 312 configured to normally seal the outlet 315a and configured to open the outlet 315a by being at least partially broken when exposed to internal gas of the battery module 200 at or above a predetermined temperature.

[0099] In addition, a predetermined liquid (not shown) may be stored inside the glass bulb 312. For example, the liquid may have a property of increasing in volume as the temperature increases. The glass bulb 312 may be configured to seal a passage (outlet) of the dispensing valve 310 through which the fluid flows.

[0100] Also, the glass bulb 312 may be configured to break due to volume expansion of a predetermined liquid at a predetermined temperature, for example, 70°C to 100°C or higher. For example, the liquid may be water. That is, when the distribution valve 310 is located inside the battery module 200, when the internal temperature of the battery module 200 rises to a predetermined temperature or higher, at least a part of the glass bulb 312 blocking the passage through which the extinguishing agent of the distribution valve 310 flows is broken, so that the outlet 315a of the distribution valve 310 is opened. Furthermore, the distribution valve 310 may further include a dispersion unit 317 configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet 315a in all directions. The dispersion unit 317 may be configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet 315a.

[0101] More specifically, the dispensing valve 310 may include a top portion 315 and a coupling portion 316 .

[0102] The top portion 315 may be tubular in which a valve outlet 315a is formed and the outlet 315a is sealed by one end of the glass bulb 312. In this case, the tubular shape may be such that the tube diameter gradually narrows in the direction in which the glass bulb 312 is located.

[0103] The connecting part 316 may extend from the top part 315 to the side of the glass bulb 312 so as to cover the glass bulb 312, and may have a shape in which both arms 316a extend in one direction from the top part 315 and then gather again in the center so as to fix the other end of the glass bulb 312. In this case, the other end of the glass bulb 312 may be located at the part where both arms of the connecting part 316 gather.

[0104] Further, the dispersion part 317 may include a dispersion protrusion 317a. The dispersion protrusion 317a may have a shape extending horizontally from an end of the main body of the dispersion part 317 at regular intervals so that the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet 315a is dispersed and moved.

[0105] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the distribution valve 310 of the present invention includes the glass bulb 312 configured to seal the outlet 315a and to open the outlet 315a by breaking at least a part of it when exposed to the internal gas of the battery module 200 having a predetermined temperature or higher, and the dispersion part 317 configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet 315a, so that the distribution valve 310 can be opened with a fast response speed in response to the high internal temperature of the battery module 200 where thermal runaway or fire has occurred. Furthermore, the dispersion part 317 uniformly sprays the supplied extinguishing agent, effectively improving the fire extinguishing ability.

[0106] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a schematic internal configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] 2, 8, and further referring to FIG. 10, the distribution valve 310 can be configured such that the glass bulb 312 is positioned in a portion of the gas passage 211 formed between the cell assembly 100 and the sidewall 226 of the module housing 210.

[0108] For example, a dispensing valve 310 may be inserted into the inlet 264 and positioned in a portion of the gas passage 211 such that the glass bulb 312 is exposed to gases generated in the cell assembly 100 .

[0109] That is, since the input port 264 communicates with the gas passage 211 , the glass bulb 312 of the distribution valve 310 can be inserted into the input port 264 so as to be exposed to the gas generated in the cell assembly 100 .

[0110] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, at least a portion of the distribution valve 310 is located in a portion of the gas passage 211 such that the glass bulb 312 is exposed to the gas generated in the cell assembly 100. In the event of thermal runaway or fire occurring in the cell assembly 100, heat is effectively transferred from the high-temperature air or gas moving along the gas passage 211, and the glass bulb 312 of the distribution valve 310 breaks quickly, enabling rapid extinguishing of the fire.

[0111] Meanwhile, the module housing 210 may include a guide block 382 therein. The guide block 382 may have an inclined surface 382a that guides the gas G generated in the cell assembly 100 to flow toward the exposed portion of the glass bulb 312. For example, the guide block 382 may have a triangular cross section. For example, as shown in FIG 10, the high-temperature gas G flowing from the front to the rear of the gas passage 211 may be guided to flow along the inclined surface 382a of the guide block 382 toward the direction where the glass bulb 312 of the dispensing valve 310 is located.

[0112] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the battery module 200 includes the guide block 382 having the inclined surface 382a that guides the gas G generated in the cell assembly 100 to flow toward the exposed portion of the glass bulb 312, thereby effectively reducing the interference of the connection part 316 with the contact between the glass bulb 312 of the distribution valve 310 and the generated high-temperature gas G. This allows the distribution valve 310 to operate reliably and effectively reduces the operating time.

[0113] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a distribution valve which is a part of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] 11, a dispensing valve 310A according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a gas guide 318 compared to the dispensing valve 310 shown in FIG.

[0115] That is, the distribution valve 310A shown in Fig. 11 has the same configuration as the distribution valve 310 shown in Fig. 9 except for the gas guide 318. Therefore, detailed explanations of the top part 315, the connection part 316, and the dispersion part 317 will be omitted below.

[0116] Also, the gas guide 318 may be configured to allow a larger amount of high-temperature gas G to come into contact with the glass bulb 312. The gas guide 318 may have a shape extending from the top portion 315 in a direction in which the dispersion portion 317 is located. The gas guide 318 may have a structure expanding in at least two directions among left and right and up and down. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the gas guide 318 may extend from each of the left and right sides of the top portion 315 in a direction in which the dispersion protrusions 317a are located. The gas guide 318 may have a structure expanding from the top portion 315 in left and right and up and down directions.

[0117] Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the dispersion part 317 of the distribution valve 310A extends from the top part 315 in the direction where the dispersion part 317 is located, and includes the gas guide 318 having a structure that spreads in at least two directions among the left, right, and top and bottom, so that the high-temperature gas G flowing on both sides of the glass bulb 312 can be guided to flow in the direction where the glass bulb 312 is located without passing by. This can increase the reliability of the operation of the distribution valve 310A, and effectively reduce the operation time of the distribution valve 310A.

[0118] FIG. 12 is a front view that shows a schematic diagram of a power storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0119] 12 together with FIG 1, a battery rack 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least one battery module 200 and a battery pack 400 including a pack BMS 350. The pack BMS 350 may be located on top of the battery module 200 located at the top T among the multiple battery modules 200.

[0120] Additionally, the battery rack 500 may further include other components, such as a battery management system (BMS), inside or outside the rack case 510.

[0121] In addition, the rack case 510 may be configured to accommodate the plurality of battery modules 200 of the battery pack 400 in a vertically stacked form. Inside the rack case 510, the lower surfaces of the battery modules 200 may be mounted in a form parallel to a horizontal plane.

[0122] Here, the horizontal direction refers to a direction parallel to the ground when the battery module 200 is placed on the ground, and can also be said to be at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the up-down direction.

[0123] Furthermore, the rack case 510 is configured so that at least one side is openable, and the battery modules 200 may be accommodated in the internal space through the open side. However, the rack case 510 may be configured so that the open side can be closed.

[0124] Meanwhile, a power storage system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least two or more battery racks 500. The two or more battery racks 500 may be arranged in one direction. For example, as shown in Fig. 12, the power storage system 600 may be configured such that three battery racks 500 are arranged in one direction. Also, the power storage system 600 may include a separate central control unit (not shown) capable of controlling charging and discharging of the three battery racks 500.

[0125] In this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0126] As described above, the present invention has been described using limited embodiments and drawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs within the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims.

[0127] Furthermore, the present invention preferably includes the following examples. [1] At least one battery module; a first fire extinguishing unit including: a first fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module reaches a predetermined temperature or above or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; a first fire extinguishing tank storing a fire extinguishing agent therein; a first pipe connecting the first fire extinguishing tank and the at least one battery module so as to supply the fire extinguishing agent from the first fire extinguishing tank to the at least one battery module; and a first valve provided on the first pipe and opened to supply the fire extinguishing agent from the first fire extinguishing tank to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module reaches a predetermined temperature or above or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; a second fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; a second pipe having one end connected to the first pipe; an extinguishant supply unit connected to the other end of the second pipe so that an extinguishant is supplied to the first pipe through the second pipe; and a second extinguishing unit including a second valve that opens to supply the extinguishant from the extinguishant supply unit to the first pipe through the second pipe when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated. [2] The battery pack described in [1], wherein the extinguishing agent supply unit includes a second fire tank storing an extinguishing agent therein, and / or a fire hydrant capable of supplying water from the outside and connected to the second piping. [3] The first extinguishing unit further includes a first control unit configured to control opening and closing of the first valve in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The second extinguishing unit further includes a second control unit configured to control opening and closing of the second valve in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor, The first control unit transmits a fire signal to the second control unit when a fire signal is transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The battery pack according to [1] or [2], wherein the second control unit is configured to open the second valve when the second fire detection sensor detects that the battery module maintains a predetermined temperature or higher even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a fire signal from the first control unit. [4] The first piping is A common pipe connected to a discharge port from which the extinguishing agent of the first fire tank is discharged; When the battery module is at least two, a distribution pipe is provided so as to be connected from the common pipe to each of the at least two battery modules, the first valve is located in a portion of the common pipe so as to open and close the common pipe; The battery pack according to [3], wherein the first valve is an active valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control unit. [5] The first extinguishing unit further includes a distribution valve located in a portion of the distribution pipe to open and close the distribution pipe, The battery pack according to [4], wherein the distribution valve is a passive valve configured such that, when the temperature of the battery module rises above a predetermined temperature, a part of the internal structure is deformed to open the outlet. [6] The distribution valve is a glass bulb configured to seal the outlet and configured to open the outlet by being broken at least in part when exposed to an internal gas having a predetermined temperature or higher of the battery module; and a dispersion portion configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet. [7] The battery module includes at least one cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries, and a module housing having an internal space capable of accommodating the at least one cell assembly; a gas passage configured to exhaust gas generated in the cell assembly to the outside is provided inside the module housing; The battery pack according to [6], wherein a glass bulb of the distribution valve is located in a portion of the gas passage. [8] The battery pack according to [7], wherein the distribution valve further comprises a gas guide that guides gas generated in the cell assembly to contact the glass bulb. [9] A battery rack comprising: a battery pack according to any one of [1] to [8]; and a rack case for accommodating the battery pack.

[10] [9] . A power storage system comprising at least two battery racks according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0128] 200: Battery module 100: Cell assembly 110: Secondary battery 210: Module housing 211: Gas passage 212: Gas exhaust port 264: Inlet 301: First fire extinguishing unit 302: Second fire extinguishing unit 311: First fire sensor 313: Second fire sensor 343: First valve 348: Second valve 310: Distribution valve 321: First fire tank 321a: Discharge port 325: Fire extinguishing agent supply section 325a: Second fire tank 325b: Fire hydrant 330: First pipe 333: Common piping 336: Distribution piping 338: Second piping 312: Glass bulb 317:Dispersion section 315: Top section 316:Connection part 317:Dispersion section 382: Guide block 318: Gas Guide 351: First control section 355: Second control section 400: Battery pack 500: Battery rack 510: Rack case 600: Power storage system

Claims

1. At least one battery module; a first extinguishing unit configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature or smoke is generated; and a second extinguishing unit configured to supply extinguishing agent to the first extinguishing unit in response to the at least one battery module maintaining a temperature above a predetermined temperature for a predetermined period of time when the temperature of the at least one battery module reaches or exceeds a predetermined temperature or generates smoke.

2. the first extinguishing unit includes a first pipe that supplies the extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the second extinguishing unit comprises a second pipe connected to the first pipe for supplying an extinguishing agent to the first pipe.

3. 3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the second extinguishing unit comprises a second valve that is opened to supply the extinguishing agent to the first pipe through the second pipe when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated.

4. 3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the first extinguishing unit comprises a first valve provided in the first piping and opened to supply the extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated.

5. The first extinguishing unit includes a first extinguishing tank storing an extinguishing agent therein, the first extinguishing tank being connected to the first piping to supply the extinguishing agent to the first piping; 3. The battery pack of claim 2, wherein the second extinguishing unit comprises an extinguishing agent supply connected to the second piping such that an extinguishing agent is supplied to the first piping through the second piping.

6. the first extinguishing unit includes a first fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; 6. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the second extinguishing unit comprises a second fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module.

7. At least one battery module; a first extinguishing unit configured to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature or smoke is generated; a second extinguishing unit configured to supply an extinguishing agent to the first extinguishing unit when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or exceeds a predetermined temperature or smoke is generated; the first extinguishing unit includes a first pipe that supplies the extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module; The second extinguishing unit includes a second pipe connected to the first pipe and supplying an extinguishing agent to the first pipe, the first extinguishing unit comprises: a first fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; and a first valve provided in the first piping and opened to supply the extinguishing agent to the at least one battery module when a temperature of the at least one battery module becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or when smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; the second extinguishing unit includes a second valve that is opened to supply the extinguishing agent to the first pipe through the second pipe when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or smoke is generated, and a second fire detection sensor configured to detect when a temperature of the at least one battery module is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature or smoke is generated from the at least one battery module; The first extinguishing unit further includes a first control unit configured to control opening and closing of the first valve in response to a signal transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The second extinguishing unit further includes a second control unit configured to control opening and closing of the second valve in response to a signal transmitted from the second fire detection sensor, The first control unit transmits a fire signal to the second control unit when a fire signal is transmitted from the first fire detection sensor, The second control unit is configured to open the second valve when the second fire detection sensor detects that the battery module maintains a predetermined temperature or higher even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving a fire signal from the first control unit.

8. The first extinguishing unit includes a first extinguishing tank storing an extinguishing agent therein, the first extinguishing tank being connected to the first piping to supply the extinguishing agent to the first piping; The first piping is A common pipe connected to a discharge port from which the extinguishing agent of the first fire tank is discharged; When the battery module is at least two, a distribution pipe is provided so as to be connected from the common pipe to each of the at least two battery modules, the first valve is located in a portion of the common pipe to open and close the common pipe; The battery pack according to claim 7 , wherein the first valve is an active valve whose opening and closing is controlled by the first control unit.

9. The first fire extinguishing unit further includes a distribution valve located in a portion of the distribution pipe to open and close the distribution pipe, 9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the distribution valve is a passive valve configured such that, when a temperature of the battery module rises to or above a predetermined temperature, a part of an internal structure is deformed to open an outlet.

10. The distribution valve is a glass bulb configured to seal the outlet and configured to open the outlet by being broken at least in part when exposed to an internal gas having a predetermined temperature or higher of the battery module; 10. The battery pack of claim 9, further comprising: a dispersion portion configured to disperse the extinguishing agent discharged from the outlet.

11. The battery module includes at least one cell assembly including a plurality of secondary batteries, and a module housing having an internal space capable of accommodating the at least one cell assembly; a gas passage configured to exhaust gas generated in the cell assembly to the outside is provided inside the module housing; The battery pack according to claim 10 , wherein the glass bulb of the distribution valve is located in a portion of the gas passage.

12. The battery pack according to claim 11 , wherein the distribution valve further comprises a gas guide that guides gas generated in the cell assembly to contact the glass bulb.

13. A battery rack comprising: the battery pack according to claim 1 ; and a rack case that houses the battery pack.

14. A power storage system comprising at least two battery racks according to claim 13.

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