Battery Pack with Fire Extinguishing Water Storage Tank

Abstract

The battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery module having an upper end with a water inlet through which extinguishing liquid can be supplied and a lower end with at least one drain port through which the extinguishing liquid can be discharged; a fire extinguishing tank unit that holds extinguishing liquid and is arranged on the upper part of the battery module and configured to supply the extinguishing liquid to the battery module through the water inlet port; and a module supporter unit that is arranged below the battery module and supports the battery module so that the battery module can be positioned at a certain height from the ground, and the module supporter unit may include a contaminated water storage container that collects the extinguishing liquid that drops from the battery module through the drain port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to be able to suppress a fire by injecting fire extinguishing water when a thermal event occurs and to prevent the outflow of contaminated fire extinguishing water to the outside after suppressing the fire.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0189424 filed on December 28, 2021, and all of the content disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application is incorporated into this application.

Background Art

[0003] Currently, commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention because they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, so they can be charged and discharged freely, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a 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. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are arranged with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material in which the electrode assembly is enclosed together with an electrolytic solution, for example, a battery case.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is built in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet according to the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Such secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and the degree of their use is increasing rapidly. Furthermore, recently, there has been an increasing trend to use residential battery packs for power storage.

[0007] Various battery packs, including residential battery packs, contain a plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) in order to increase the capacity and / or output. In particular, in order to increase the energy density of the battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are often arranged in a very narrow space in a densely packed state.

[0008] In such a configuration of a battery pack, one of the typically important issues is safety. In particular, when a thermal event occurs in any one of the plurality of battery cells contained in the battery pack, it is necessary to prevent the thermal event from being easily propagated to other battery cells. For example, there is a risk that high-temperature vent gas will be ejected from a battery cell that has experienced thermal runaway, and such vent gas may affect other battery cells and amplify thermal propagation. If the thermal propagation between these battery cells cannot be properly suppressed, there is a concern that major problems such as ignition and explosion of the battery pack may occur. Furthermore, ignition and explosion occurring in a battery pack may cause serious damage to the lives and property of people around. In particular, in the case of a residential battery pack, if a fire or explosion occurs, it may endanger the safety of the people living in the house, and there is a risk that the fire may spread or transfer to neighboring houses, causing even greater damage.

[0009] As part of efforts to solve such problems, recently, work has been underway to apply a so-called water injection type fire extinguishing system that injects cooling water into a battery pack to suppress fires.

[0010] On the other hand, in the water injection type fire extinguishing system, there is a risk that new problems such as environmental pollution may arise when the cooling water mixes with harmful substances during the fire extinguishing process and becomes contaminated water, and such contaminated water is discharged outside the battery pack. For example, in the case of a residential battery pack, there is a risk that the cooling water used to suppress the fire in the battery pack mixes with harmful substances inside the battery pack, and after being discharged outside the battery pack, it may directly enter the sewer of the house. Therefore, a solution is also needed to prevent the contaminated water flowing out of the battery pack from flowing into, for example, the domestic water supply of the house.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0011] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a battery pack to which a fire extinguishing tank is applied so that a thermal event occurring inside the battery pack can be quickly controlled.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack configured to be able to temporarily store the contaminated fire extinguishing liquid itself after water injection so that the fire extinguishing liquid injected for extinguishing the battery pack when a thermal event occurs does not flow out of the battery pack and contaminate the surrounding environment.

[0013] However, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the above-described problems at all, and other problems not mentioned should be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] According to the present invention, there is provided a battery pack including: a battery module having a water injection hole at an upper end for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid and at least one drain port at a lower end for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid; a fire extinguishing tank unit holding the fire extinguishing liquid, disposed above the battery module, and configured to supply the fire extinguishing liquid to the battery module through the water injection hole; and a module supporter unit disposed below the battery module and supporting the battery module so that the battery module can be positioned at a certain height from the ground, wherein the module supporter unit includes a contaminated water storage container for storing the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the battery module through the drain port.

[0015] The battery module includes a first battery sub-module and a second battery sub-module each having the water injection hole, and the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module may be configured to separately supply the fire extinguishing liquid from the fire extinguishing tank unit through their respective water injection holes.

[0016] The battery module may include a module connect bottom cover integrally covering the lower portions of the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module.

[0017] The drain port may include a first drain port provided on the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module, a second drain port provided on the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module, and a third drain port provided on the bottom surface of the module connect bottom cover.

[0018] The third drain port may include a third_1 drain port disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module on the bottom surface of the module connect bottom cover, and a third_2 drain port disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module.

[0019] The module connection bottom cover may include a blocking wall at the bottom surface of the module connection bottom cover to limit the movement path of the fire extinguishing liquid so that the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the first drain port does not move to the third_2 drain port, and the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the second drain port does not move to the third_1 drain port.

[0020] The first drain port and the second drain port may include a mesh filter.

[0021] The module supporter unit includes a stand bracket having one or more through holes communicating with the drain port, a shelf portion provided so that the battery module can be placed on the top surface, and a leg portion supporting the shelf portion away from the ground, and the contaminated water storage container is disposed below the shelf portion and can store the fire extinguishing liquid falling through the through holes, and may be detachably provided on the stand bracket.

[0022] The shelf portion may have a grating structure.

[0023] The shelf portion is provided with a module connection port protruding upward from the through hole, and the module connection port can be coupled to the drain port of the battery module by interference fit.

[0024] The fire extinguishing tank unit may be configured such that fire extinguishing liquid is selectively supplied to at least one of the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module in which a thermal event occurs in response to high-temperature gas or flame ejected through the water injection hole.

[0025] The fire extinguishing tank unit may include a tank body provided to be able to store the fire extinguishing liquid, and a plurality of discharge members having one side coupled to communicate with the inside of the tank body and the other side protruding below the tank body.

[0026] The discharge member is arranged such that at least a part of it is inserted into the water injection hole of each of the first battery sub-modules and the water injection hole of the second battery sub-module, and can be configured to be damaged by high temperature or impact to discharge the fire extinguishing liquid in the tank body.

[0027] The discharge member may include a glass valve, plastic, or a vinyl material.

[0028] Each of the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module may include a middle case provided in a hollow structure so as to have an internal space capable of accommodating battery cells, a top plate provided with the water injection hole and coupled to the upper end of the middle case, and a bottom plate provided with the drain port and coupled to the lower end of the middle case.

[0029] The battery pack is disposed above the fire extinguishing tank unit and may include a control module that controls charging and discharging of the battery cells included in the battery module.

[0030] According to another aspect of the present invention, an energy storage system including the above-described battery pack may be provided.

Effects of the Invention

[0031] According to the present invention, it becomes possible to provide a battery pack with improved safety.

[0032] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, such a thermal event can be quickly controlled.

[0033] Also, according to the present invention, when a thermal event occurs, the contaminated fire extinguishing liquid injected can be stored in a contaminated water storage container, preventing the contaminated water from flowing into a sewer or the like.

[0034] Furthermore, when vent gas or the like is generated in some of the plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack, by injecting a fire extinguishing liquid, the temperature of the battery cell can be quickly lowered.

[0035] Therefore, according to such an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the propagation of a thermal runaway situation or a fire to other battery cells due to heat or vent gas.

[0036] Also, according to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the transfer of vent gas from a battery sub-module in which a thermal event has occurred to a battery sub-module in which no thermal event has occurred, and only the glass valve (of the fire extinguishing tank) corresponding to the side where the thermal event has occurred is broken and the fire extinguishing liquid is supplied only to the battery sub-module in which the thermal event has occurred.

[0037] Therefore, according to such an aspect of the present invention, it becomes possible to perform concentrated and effective fire suppression on the battery sub-module in which a thermal event has occurred among the plurality of battery modules.

[0038] Furthermore, according to such an aspect of the present invention, since the battery sub-module in which no event has occurred can continue to be used, it is efficient.

[0039] In addition to these, various other further effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention are described in the columns of each embodiment, or the description is omitted for effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0041] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims are not to be construed as being limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings. The inventor himself interprets them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that he can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0042] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. At the time of this application, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them.

[0043] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the battery pack of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the main part of the battery module of FIG. 2.

[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 2, a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module 100, a fire extinguishing tank unit 200, a control module 300, and a module supporter unit 400.

[0045] The battery module 100 may include battery cells. Here, the battery cell may mean a secondary battery. The secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. The secondary battery may be externally manufactured in the shape of a pouch-type secondary battery, a cylindrical secondary battery, or a prismatic battery.

[0046] Further, the battery module 100 may include a battery cell and a module case for housing the battery cell. In particular, the module case may be provided with an empty space (free space) inside so that a plurality of battery cells can be housed in the empty space. Here, the module case may include water injection holes G1 and G2 provided in a shape in which at least a part of the upper end portion thereof is open. Further, the module case may be configured such that the fire extinguishing liquid can flow from the water injection holes G1 and G2 to the internal space where the battery cells are located.

[0047] In particular, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first battery sub-module M1 and a second battery sub-module M2.

[0048] The first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 each house a battery cell inside and can each function as an energy storage device.

[0049] For example, even if one of the first and second battery sub-modules M1 and M2 becomes inoperable, the other remaining one can still operate, enabling efficient operation. Also, when the battery module 100 is configured as described above, there is an advantage that the inoperable battery sub-module can be replaced or only a part of it can be removed and repaired. Moreover, since the battery cells are separately housed in the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2, for example, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cells housed in the first battery sub-module M1, the propagation of thermal energy to the battery cells housed in the second battery sub-module M2 can be suppressed. Furthermore, although it will be described in detail later, by supplying the fire extinguishing liquid to the first battery sub-module M1 and not to the second battery sub-module M2 under the above-described situation, there is an advantage that the second battery sub-module M2 where no thermal event has occurred can continue to be used.

[0050] On the other hand, although the battery module 100 of this embodiment includes two battery sub-modules M1 and M2, different from this embodiment, the battery module 100 can also be configured to include three or four or more battery sub-modules.

[0051] The first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 each include a module case. As shown in FIG. 3, the module case may include a middle case 111, a top plate 112, and a bottom plate 113.

[0052] The middle case 111 may be provided with a hollow structure so as to have an internal space capable of accommodating battery cells. For example, the middle case 111 includes a case body 111a having a shape with one side surface open, and a lid plate 111b that covers the opening of the case body 111a but can be removed from the case body by releasing the bolted or snap - fitted portion to the case body. Such a middle case 111 has the merit that the lid plate 111b can be removed from the case body 111a, and for example, it is easy to accommodate battery cells and other electrical components.

[0053] The top plate 112 is a component coupled to the open portion at the upper end of the middle case 111 and forms the upper end portions of the respective battery sub - modules. The top plate 112 includes water injection holes G1, G2. The water injection holes G1, G2 are components provided for supplying the fire - extinguishing liquid of the fire - extinguishing tank unit 200 into the inside of the module case when a thermal event occurs. In this embodiment, two water injection holes G1, G2 are provided in the top plate 112, but the water injection holes G1, G2 may be one, or three or more may be provided.

[0054] Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the water injection holes G1, G2 are respectively provided in the first battery sub - module M1 and the second battery sub - module M2. Therefore, the fire - extinguishing liquid can be separately supplied from the fire - extinguishing tank unit 200 to the first battery sub - module M1 and the second battery sub - module M2 through the respective water injection holes G1, G2. Although it will be described in detail later, according to the above configuration, for example, when a thermal event occurs only in the first battery sub - module M1 among the first and second battery sub - modules M2, the fire in the first battery sub - module M1 can be suppressed intensively and effectively. Also, there is a merit that the second battery sub - module M2 in which no event has occurred can continue to be used.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3, the top plate 112 may include a seal member 140 connected along its periphery. The seal member 140 can be made of, for example, silicon or a material with excellent heat resistance. The seal member 140 can be configured to protrude upward from the surface of the top plate 112. When the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 is placed on the upper part of the top plate 112, the seal member 140 can come into contact with the lower surface of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, enabling the upper part of the top plate 112 to be sealed. For example, even when vent gas is generated in a battery cell and the vent gas flows out to the upper part of the top plate 112 through the water injection holes G1 and G2, since the periphery of the top plate 112 is sealed as described above, it can be prevented from leaking outside the periphery of the top plate 112.

[0056] In particular, the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 each include the seal member 140 on their respective top plates 112. Therefore, the vent gas rising onto the top plate 112 through the water injection hole G1 of the first battery sub-module M1 can be blocked by the seal member 140 connected along the periphery, making it possible to block the movement to the water injection hole G2 of the second battery sub-module M2.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3, the bottom plate 113 is a component coupled to the lower end of the middle case 111 and forms the bottom surface of each battery sub-module. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the bottom plate 113 includes a drain port 130. Here, the drain port 130 provided in the bottom plate 113 is a part of the plurality of drain ports 130 provided in the battery module 100.

[0058] A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a plurality of drain ports 130. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the drain port 130 includes a first drain port 131 provided on the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module M1 and a second drain port 132 provided on the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module M2.

[0059] Also, one or more of the first drain port 131 and the second drain port 132 may be provided, and preferably, may be covered by a mesh filter. The mesh filter can serve to suppress the outflow of flames and particles (such as electrode plates or fragments of active materials detached during the ignition of the battery cell) to the outside. Further, the mesh filter may have a slight watertightness and be configured such that the outflow of the fire extinguishing liquid to the outside is delayed and the fire extinguishing liquid can stay inside the module case for a certain period of time.

[0060] As described above, by providing the drain port 130, when the fire extinguishing liquid is injected into the first and second battery sub-modules M2, after the fire extinguishing liquid is used to suppress the fire, it can escape to the lower part of the module case through the first drain port 131 or the second drain port 132. Moreover, when vent gas is generated in the battery cell, the vent gas can be discharged in the direction of the lower part of the battery module 100 through the first drain port 131 or the second drain port 132. Therefore, when a thermal event occurs, the pressure inside the battery module 100 can be prevented from rising rapidly. Thus, according to the above-described implementation configuration, it is possible to suppress the collapse or explosion of the battery module 100 due to the increase in pressure when a thermal event occurs.

[0061] A battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a module connect bottom cover 120 as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 3, the battery module 100 may include three components: a first battery sub-module M1, a second battery sub-module M2, and a module connect bottom cover 120. The three components may be assembled to form a shape as shown in FIG. 2. For example, the battery module 100 may be configured such that the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 are closely attached to each other with their side surfaces facing each other, and the module connect bottom cover 120 is coupled to the lower portions thereof so that the first and second battery sub-modules M2 can be fixed together at once. Here, the module connect bottom cover 120 may be provided in a shape that integrally covers the lower portion of the first battery sub-module M1 and the lower portion of the second battery sub-module M2.

[0063] According to such a module connect bottom cover 120, the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 can be stably supported without separating from each other, and can be easily placed on the upper portion of the module supporter unit 400.

[0064] Further, the module connect bottom cover 120 includes a drain port 130. In other words, the drain port 130 of the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 4 further includes a third drain port 133 provided on the bottom surface 120B of the module connect bottom cover 120.

[0065] In particular, the third drain port 133 may include a third_1 drain port 133a disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module M1 and a third_2 drain port 133b disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module M2 on the bottom surface 120B of the module connect bottom cover 120.

[0066] According to the configuration of the third drain port 133 as described above, the fire extinguishing liquid that has fallen from the first drain port 131 provided on the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module M1 can be smoothly discharged under the module connection bottom cover 120 through the third_1 drain port 133a, and the fire extinguishing liquid that has fallen from the second drain port 132 provided on the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module M2 can be smoothly discharged under the module connection bottom cover 120 through the third_2 drain port 133b.

[0067] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the module connection bottom cover 120 according to this embodiment may include a partition wall 122 that restricts the movement path of the fire extinguishing liquid on the bottom surface of the module connection bottom cover 120 so that the fire extinguishing liquid that has fallen from the first drain port 131 flows to the third_1 drain port 133a without moving to the third_2 drain port 133b, and the fire extinguishing liquid that has fallen from the second drain port 132 flows to the third_2 drain port 133b without moving to the third_1 drain port 133a.

[0068] More specifically, a buffer space for storing a certain amount of fire extinguishing liquid may be provided between the bottom surfaces of the first and second battery sub-modules M1 and M2 and the bottom surface 120B of the module connection bottom cover 120. In FIG. 5, the buffer space may include a first buffer space indicated by T1 and a second buffer space indicated by T2 with the partition wall 122 interposed therebetween. The first drain port 131 and the third_1 drain port 133a may be located on the upper side and the lower side of the first buffer space, and the second drain port 132 and the third_2 drain port 133b may be located on the upper side and the lower side of the second buffer space.

[0069] In such an implementation configuration, for example, when the fire extinguishing liquid is injected into the water injection hole G1 of the first battery sub-module M1, the fire extinguishing liquid can fall onto the module connect bottom cover 120 through the first drain port 131 of the first battery sub-module M1 as shown by the arrow in FIG. 5. At this time, in the buffer space, the movement of the fire extinguishing liquid is restricted by the partition wall 122, and the fire extinguishing liquid that has fallen from the first drain port 131 (shown as FW in FIG. 5) accumulates in the first buffer space and escapes under the module connect bottom cover 120 through the third_1 drain port 133a. That is, the fire extinguishing liquid that has been injected into the first battery sub-module M1 where a thermal event has occurred and has become contaminated can immediately escape under the module connect bottom cover 120 through the third_1 drain port 133a as shown by P1 in FIG. 5 and can be prevented from contaminating the second battery sub-module M2 side. In this way, the fire extinguishing liquid discharged under the module connect bottom cover 120 can finally fall into the contaminated water storage container 420 of the module supporter unit 400.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 1, the module supporter unit 400 is a component that is disposed below the battery module 100 and supports the battery module 100 so that the battery module 100 can be positioned at a certain height from the ground.

[0071] In particular, the module supporter unit 400 serves to support the battery module 100 away from the ground and can be configured to accommodate the fire extinguishing liquid that falls from the battery module 100.

[0072] Specifically, referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the module supporter unit 400 according to this embodiment may include a stand bracket 410 that includes one or more through holes 412 communicating with the drain port 130 of the battery module 100, a shelf portion 411 provided so that the battery module 100 can be placed on the top surface, and a leg portion 415 that supports the shelf portion 411 away from the ground.

[0073] Further, the module supporter unit 400 may include a contaminated water storage container 420 disposed below the shelf portion 411 and capable of storing the fire extinguishing liquid that falls through the through hole 412. The contaminated water storage container 420 may preferably be detachably provided on the stand bracket 410. In this case, it becomes easy to store the contaminated fire extinguishing liquid in the contaminated water storage container 420 and perform waste treatment at a safe location.

[0074] The shelf portion 411 is a component that can support the lower part of the battery module 100 stably while being drainable, and can be provided, for example, in a lattice structure (a structure in which a plurality of slit-shaped through holes 412 are arranged in parallel). The leg portion 415 may have any structure as long as it can support the shelf portion 411 away from the ground. And the stand bracket 410 can be made of a highly rigid metal material that can sufficiently withstand the load of the battery module 100.

[0075] The contaminated water storage container 420 is provided in a generally box shape with an open upper part, and can be disposed below the shelf portion 411 so as to receive the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the battery module 100. Further, the contaminated water storage container 420 is provided with locking fittings 421 on both side surfaces, and the stand bracket 410 may be provided with locking claws (not shown) that can engage with and disengage from the locking fittings 421 on the inside. With such a configuration, the contaminated water storage container 420 can be suspended inside the stand bracket 410 so that the contaminated water storage container 420 is located below the shelf portion 411.

[0076] FIG. 8 is a partially cutaway perspective view of the battery pack of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of region A of FIG. 8.

[0077] Next, with reference mainly to FIGS. 8 and 9, a drainage structure of the fire extinguishing liquid injected into the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0078] As shown by FW in FIG. 8, the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 can hold fire extinguishing liquid inside. The fire extinguishing liquid can be poured into the inside of the battery module 100 when a thermal event such as vent gas or a flame occurs in the battery module 100.

[0079] For example, assuming a thermal event occurs in the first battery sub-module M1, the fire extinguishing liquid is discharged from the fire extinguishing tank unit 200. At this time, the fire extinguishing liquid can be poured into the inside of the module case of the first battery sub-module M1 through the water injection hole G1 provided at the upper end of the first battery sub-module M1. In this case, it is possible to prevent the propagation of the thermal runaway situation of the battery cells or the occurrence of a fire due to heat or vent gas.

[0080] The fire extinguishing liquid poured into the first battery sub-module M1 falls along a path as shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, reaches the bottom plate 113 of the module case, passes through the first drain port 131, and falls again below the first battery sub-module M1.

[0081] After that, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 9, the fire extinguishing liquid accumulates on the bottom surface 120B of the module connect bottom cover 120 and is discharged to the lower part of the battery module 100 through the first of the third drain ports 133 of the module connect bottom cover 120, i.e., the third_1 drain port 133a. Then, the fire extinguishing liquid discharged to the lower part of the battery module 100 passes through the through hole 412 of the shelf part 411, falls into the contaminated water storage container 420, and is finally stored in the contaminated water storage container 420. Therefore, since the contaminated fire extinguishing liquid does not flow out randomly outside the battery pack, it is possible to prevent the surrounding environment from being contaminated.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 6, showing a modified example of the module supporter unit 400, and FIG. 11 is a diagram corresponding to FIG. 9, showing a cutaway view of a part of the module supporter unit 400 and the battery module 100 in FIG. 10.

[0083] Next, with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11, a modified example of the module supporter unit 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be briefly described.

[0084] The same member numbers as those in the above-described embodiment indicate the same members, and duplicate descriptions of the same members are omitted. Hereinafter, the differences from the above-described embodiment will be mainly described.

[0085] The module supporter unit 400 according to the embodiment configuration of FIG. 10 can be said to be characterized in that when compared with the embodiment configuration of FIG. 6, it includes a module connection port 413 in the shelf portion 411 and the lattice (graiting) structure is omitted.

[0086] The module connection port 413 may be provided in a shape protruding upward from a through hole 412 penetrating the shelf portion 411 vertically. Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the module connection port 413 may be provided so as to be coupled to the third drain port 133 of the module connect bottom cover 120 by interference fit. That is, the module connection port 413 may be coupled to the corresponding third_1 drain port 133a or third_2 drain port 133b vertically at that position by interference fit.

[0087] In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, the module connection port 413 may be provided with a head portion having a structure that is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom (the diameter at the bottom is larger than that at the top) so that it is easy to insert into the third drain port 133, but conversely, it is difficult to remove. For the head portion of such a module connection port 413, a material having elasticity such as a rubber material can be preferably used.

[0088] Thus, according to the implementation configuration shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the contaminated fire extinguishing liquid can reach the contaminated water storage container 420 of the module supporter unit 400 from the inside of the battery module 100 without leaking at all. Further, by coupling the module connection port 413 to the third drain port 133 of the module connect bottom cover 120 by interference fit, the shelf portion 411 of the module supporter unit 400 and the battery module 100 can be mechanically connected to each other. Therefore, the battery module 100 can be placed more stably on the module supporter unit 400.

[0089] On the other hand, the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 according to the present invention may be configured such that the fire extinguishing liquid is selectively supplied to at least one of the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 in which a thermal event occurs in response to high-temperature gas or flame ejected through the water injection holes G1 and G2.

[0090] FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically showing the lower part of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a partially cutaway view schematically showing a configuration in which the fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced into the first and second battery sub-modules M2 by the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 may include a tank main body 210, a plurality of discharge members 220, and a tank case that protects the tank main body 210 from the outside and more stably couples the tank main body 210 to the upper part of the battery module 100. Hereinafter, the tank main body 210 and the discharge member 220, which can be said to be the main components of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, will be described in detail.

[0092] The tank body 210 is provided with a storage space capable of containing a fire extinguishing liquid, and in particular, it can be provided in the shape of a box having airtightness above a certain level so that the fire extinguishing liquid in a liquid state, that is, the fire extinguishing liquid is not poured into the battery module 100 side. For example, the tank body 210 can be provided so as to have a confidentiality performance of IP class 55 or higher. Further, the tank body 210 may be provided with a fire extinguishing liquid inlet so that the fire extinguishing liquid can be replenished. Here, the fire extinguishing liquid inlet can be arranged on the top surface portion and / or side surface portion of the tank body 210.

[0093] The plurality of discharge members 220 are means for injecting the fire extinguishing liquid in the tank body 210 toward the battery module 100. One side thereof is coupled so as to communicate with the inside of the tank body 210, and the other side can be provided so as to protrude below the tank body 210.

[0094] For example, like the portion indicated by K2 in FIG. 12, it may include a connection port at the lower part of the tank body 210. The connection port may be provided with a thread on the outer peripheral edge. The discharge member 220 can be provided so as to be screwed and unscrewed to such a connection port.

[0095] Further, the discharge member 220 is provided with a discharge port 221. For example, usually, the discharge port 221 is closed, and when it is damaged by heat or pressure, the discharge port 221 can be provided so as to be opened. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the glass valve 222 can be configured to be damaged by high temperature or impact. For example, when the glass valve 222 comes into contact with the vent gas discharged from the battery module 100, it can be damaged by the heat and pressure of the vent gas. Then, the discharge port 221 of the discharge member 220 is opened, and the fire extinguishing liquid inside the tank body 210 can flow out to the outside of the tank body 210. As an alternative to the glass valve 222, a plastic or vinyl material that can be melted by high temperature can also be applied.

[0096] When the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 is disposed on top of the battery module 100, the discharge member 220 may be configured to be insertable into at least one of the water injection holes G1 and G2 of the battery module 100. That is, the discharge member 220 may be configured such that at least a part of the discharge member is inserted into the water injection hole G1 of the first battery sub-module M1 and the water injection hole G2 of the second battery sub-module M2 one by one.

[0097] More specifically, referring to FIG. 13, when the first battery sub-module M1 and the second battery sub-module M2 are arranged in the front-rear direction (+ / -Y direction), the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 located above them may also include a first discharge member B1 and a first discharge member B2. Here, the first discharge member B1 may be disposed on top of the first battery sub-module M1 so as to correspond to the first battery sub-module M1, and the first discharge member B2 may be disposed on top of the second battery sub-module M2 so as to correspond to the second battery sub-module M2.

[0098] In such an implementation configuration, when a thermal event occurs in the first battery sub-module M1, the first discharge member B1 may be damaged by vent gas or the like. Then, it is possible for the fire extinguishing liquid inside the tank body 210 to be discharged from the first discharge member B1. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow C1 in FIG. 13, the fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced only into the first battery sub-module M1 through the first discharge member B1, and not into the second battery sub-module M2.

[0099] Conversely, when a thermal event occurs in the second battery sub-module M2, the first discharge member B2 may be damaged by vent gas or the like. Then, the fire extinguishing liquid inside the tank body 210 can be discharged from the first discharge member B2. Therefore, as indicated by the arrow C2 in FIG. 13, the fire extinguishing liquid is only introduced into the second battery module 100 through the first discharge member B2, and the fire extinguishing liquid cannot be introduced into the first battery sub-module M1.

[0100] According to such an implementation configuration of the present invention, since the fire extinguishing liquid can be introduced for each battery sub-module, it becomes possible to more effectively perform cooling with the fire extinguishing liquid, suppression of fires, prevention of heat propagation, and the like.

[0101] On the other hand, the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a control module 300 disposed on the upper part of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0102] The control module 300 can control the overall operation of the battery pack. In particular, the control module 300 may be electrically connected to the battery module 100 and may be configured to control the charging operation or discharging operation of the battery module 100. Further, the control module 300 may be configured to measure, calculate, receive, or control various electrical, physical, chemical properties, etc. with respect to the battery module 100, the battery cells included therein, or its surrounding environment. For example, the control module 300 can measure, calculate, or control the voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), soundness, degradation state (SOH), internal resistance, etc. of the battery cells or the battery module 100.

[0103] The control module 300 can be supplied with an operating power source from the battery module 100 for the management of the battery module 100. Further, the control module 300 can exchange various data with the battery module 100 or other external devices via a wired or wireless communication network.

[0104] The control module 300 may include various electrical components such as a battery management system (BMS), a relay, a current sensor, etc. Further, the control module 300 may include a control housing for accommodating such electrical components.

[0105] Also, the control module 300 may include pack terminals. Such pack terminals may be configured to be connected to a battery pack and an external charging device or discharging device. For example, the pack terminals may include a socket, a plug, a connector, etc. for connection to a commercial power source or a load. Further, the control module 300 may include a power path for transmitting and receiving charging power and discharging power to and from the battery module 100. Such a power path may function as a path for transmitting and receiving charging and discharging power between the pack terminals and the battery module 100.

[0106] For this purpose, the battery module 100 may be provided with a module connector E1 for electrical connection at the upper part as shown by the part indicated by E1 in FIG. 2, and the control module 300 may be provided with a control connector E2 for electrical connection at the lower part as shown by the part indicated by E2 in FIG. 14. And the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 may include a connection member. Here, the connection member is a component for electrically connecting the battery module 100 and the control module 300. The connection member may be configured to be interposed between the module connector E1 provided on the battery module 100 and the control connector provided on the control module 300 to connect them.

[0107] As a specific example, the connection member can be incorporated into the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 in the shape of a cable extending in a long shape in one direction so that power or an electrical signal can move. The connection member can include a cable and tank connectors provided at both ends of the cable. For example, in FIG. 2, the connection member includes a first tank connector E32 disposed at the upper end of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, and the first tank connector E32 can be configured to be connectable to the control connector E2 in a plug-in manner. Further, the connection member includes a second tank connector (not shown) disposed at the lower end of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, and the second tank connector can be configured to be connectable to the module connector E1 in a plug-in manner.

[0108] According to the above-described implementation configuration, the control module 300 can be electrically connected to the battery module 100 only by being placed on the upper part of the fire extinguishing tank unit 200.

[0109] Also, it becomes easier to remove the fire extinguishing tank unit 200 between the battery module 100 and the control module 300. Therefore, when it is necessary to replace or maintain the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, the operation can be easily performed. Further, it is also possible to remove the fire extinguishing tank unit 200, place the control module 300 on the upper part of the battery module 100, and electrically connect them directly for use.

[0110] On the other hand, the energy storage system according to the present invention includes one or more of the battery packs according to the present invention described above. Further, the energy storage system according to the present invention can further include normal components included in the energy storage system in addition to such battery packs. In particular, the energy storage system according to the present invention can be a residential (building) energy storage system used for storing energy in a house, a building, or the like.

[0111] As described above, the present invention has been explained with reference to limited embodiments and drawings. However, the technical idea of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it goes without saying that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can make various modifications and variations within the equivalent scope of the technical idea of the present invention and the scope of the claims to be described below.

[0112] On the other hand, in this specification, directional terms such as up, down, front, and back are used, but these terms are merely used for ease of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object and the position of the observer, which is self-evident to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0113] 100 Battery Module 111 Middle Case 111a Case Body 111b Cover Plate 112 Top Plate 113 Bottom Plate 120 Module Connect Bottom Cover 120B Bottom Surface 122 Partition Wall 130 Drainage Port 131 First Drainage Port 132 Second Drainage Port 133 Third Drainage Port 133a Drainage Port 133b Drainage Port 140 Sealing Member 200 Fire Extinguishing Tank Unit 210 Tank Body 220 Discharge Member 221 Discharge Port 222 Glass Valve 300 Control Module 400 Module Supporter Unit 410 Stand Bracket 411 Shelf Portion 412 Through Hole 413 Module connection port 415 Leg part 420 Contaminated water storage container 421 Locking fitting B1 First discharge member B2 First discharge member C1 Arrow C2 Arrow E1 Module connector E2 Control connector E32 First tank connector G1 Water injection hole G2 Water injection hole M1 First battery sub-module M2 Second battery sub-module

Claims

1. A battery module having a water injection hole at the upper end for supplying a fire extinguishing liquid and at least one drain port at the lower end for discharging the fire extinguishing liquid; A fire extinguishing tank unit that holds the fire extinguishing liquid, is disposed above the battery module, and is configured to supply the fire extinguishing liquid to the battery module through the water injection hole; A module supporter unit that is disposed below the battery module and supports the battery module so that the battery module can be positioned at a certain height from the ground; including The module supporter unit includes a contaminated water storage container for storing the fire extinguishing liquid that falls from the battery module through the drain port. The battery module includes a first battery sub-module and a second battery sub-module each having the water injection hole; The first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module are configured such that the fire extinguishing liquid can be separately supplied from the fire extinguishing tank unit through their respective water injection holes; The battery module includes a module connect bottom cover that integrally covers the lower portions of the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module; The drain port includes a first drain port provided on the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module; a second drain port provided on the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module; and a third drain port provided on the bottom surface of the module connect bottom cover, A battery pack.

2. The third drain port is on the bottom surface of the module connect bottom cover, A third_1 drain opening disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the first battery sub-module and a third_2 drain opening disposed at a position corresponding to the bottom surface of the second battery sub-module, The module connect bottom cover, The battery pack according to claim 1, further comprising a partition wall on the bottom surface of the module connect bottom cover to limit the movement path of the fire extinguishing liquid so that the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the first drain opening does not move to the third_2 drain opening and the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the second drain opening does not move to the third_1 drain opening.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first drain opening and the second drain opening include mesh filters.

4. A battery module having a water injection hole at an upper end through which a fire extinguishing liquid can be supplied and at least one drain opening at a lower end through which the fire extinguishing liquid can be discharged, A fire extinguishing tank unit configured to hold a fire extinguishing liquid, disposed above the battery module, and configured to supply the fire extinguishing liquid to the battery module through the water injection hole, A module supporter unit disposed below the battery module and supporting the battery module so that the battery module can be positioned at a certain height from the ground, Including, The module supporter unit includes a contaminated water storage container for storing the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the battery module through the drain opening, The module supporter unit, The module supporter unit includes one or more through holes communicating with the drain opening, a shelf portion provided so that the battery module can be placed on the top surface, and a stand bracket including a leg portion for supporting the shelf portion away from the ground, The contaminated water storage container is disposed below the shelf portion and can store the fire extinguishing liquid falling through the through hole, and is detachably provided on the stand bracket. The battery pack.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the shelf portion has a grid-like (grating) structure.

6. The shelf portion is provided with a module connection port protruding upward from the through hole, The battery pack according to claim 4, wherein the module connection port is coupled to the drain port of the battery module by interference fit.

7. The fire extinguishing tank unit is configured to selectively supply a fire extinguishing liquid to at least one of the first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module in which a thermal event has occurred in response to high-temperature gas or flame ejected through the water injection hole, according to claim 1 of the battery pack.

8. The fire extinguishing tank unit includes a tank body provided to be able to store the fire extinguishing liquid, and a plurality of discharge members having one side coupled to communicate with the inside of the tank body and the other side protruding to the lower part of the tank body. The discharge member is arranged such that at least a part thereof is inserted into each of the water injection holes of the first battery sub-module and the water injection holes of the second battery sub-module, and is configured to be damaged by high temperature or impact and discharge the fire extinguishing liquid in the tank body, according to claim 1 of the battery pack.

9. The battery pack according to claim 8, wherein the discharge member includes a glass valve, plastic, or vinyl material.

10. A battery module having a water injection hole capable of supplying a fire extinguishing liquid at an upper end portion and at least one drain port capable of discharging the fire extinguishing liquid at a lower end portion, A fire extinguishing tank unit that holds a fire extinguishing liquid, is disposed above the battery module, and is configured to supply the fire extinguishing liquid to the battery module through the water injection hole. A module supporter unit that is disposed below the battery module and supports the battery module so that the battery module can be positioned at a certain height from the ground. including The module supporter unit includes a contaminated water storage container that stores the fire extinguishing liquid falling from the battery module through the drain outlet. The battery module includes a first battery sub-module and a second battery sub-module each having the water injection hole. The first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module are configured such that fire extinguishing liquid can be separately supplied from the fire extinguishing tank unit through their respective water injection holes. The first battery sub-module and the second battery sub-module each include a middle case provided with a hollow structure so as to have an internal space capable of accommodating battery cells. a top plate having the water injection hole and coupled to the upper end of the middle case. a bottom plate having the drain outlet and coupled to the lower end of the middle case. A battery pack including

11. The battery pack according to claim 1, including a control module that is disposed above the fire extinguishing tank unit and controls charging and discharging of the battery cells included in the battery module.

12. An energy storage system including the battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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