Fire monitoring device and method

Abstract

A fire monitoring device according to one embodiment of the present invention is a device for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device provided with a plurality of battery modules, and includes a fire level determination unit configured to receive a smoke detection signal from a smoke sensor provided inside the energy storage device and determine a fire level according to the number of the smoke sensors that detect the smoke, and a control unit configured to control the operation of at least one of an air conditioning unit, a fire extinguishing unit, a water injection unit, and a ventilation unit for the energy storage device as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0008139 filed on January 19, 2022, and all the contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the said application are incorporated into this application.

[0002] The present invention relates to a fire monitoring device and method, and more particularly, to a fire monitoring device and method capable of monitoring the occurrence of a fire in a battery and taking related measures when a fire occurs.

Background Art

[0003] In recent years, the demand for portable electronic products such as notebook computers, video cameras, and mobile phones has been growing rapidly. As the commercialization of robots, electric vehicles, etc. has been in full swing, research on high-performance secondary batteries that can be repeatedly charged and discharged has been actively conducted.

[0004] Currently, commercially available batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, lithium secondary batteries, etc. Among them, lithium secondary batteries have attracted attention because they can be freely charged and discharged with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, have a very low self-discharge rate, and have a high energy density.

[0005] On the other hand, such batteries have the drawback of being vulnerable to external surges and high temperatures. Therefore, an energy storage device (ESS, energy storage system) that aggregates batteries for storage has a problem that the risk of fire always exists.

[0006] Generally, a fire in an energy storage device may start with ignition at the individual battery cell level and then progress at the battery rack level. In this case, there is concern that a fire occurring at the battery cell level may spread or transfer to the entire energy storage device. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the occurrence of a fire and promptly take measures to address it at the initial stage of the fire occurrence. Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a fire monitoring device and method capable of monitoring a fire inside an energy storage device and suppressing the fire at an early stage.

[0008] 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 shown in the claims. Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] A fire monitoring device according to an aspect of the present invention can be a device for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device provided with a plurality of battery modules.

[0010] The fire monitoring device includes a fire level determination unit configured to receive at least one smoke detection signal from a plurality of smoke sensors provided inside the energy storage device and determine the level of a fire according to the number of the smoke sensors that have detected smoke, and a control unit configured to control the operation of at least one of an air conditioning unit, a fire extinguishing unit, a water injection unit, and a ventilation unit for the energy storage device as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level.

[0011] When the smoke is detected only in any one of the plurality of smoke sensors, the fire level determination unit may be determined to determine the fire level as the first level.

[0012] When the smoke is detected in a plurality of the plurality of smoke sensors, the fire level determination unit may be configured to determine the fire level as the second level.

[0013] When the fire level is determined as the first level or the second level, the control unit may be configured to interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit provided inside the energy storage device.

[0014] When the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit may be configured to drive the fire extinguishing unit provided inside the energy storage device to inject the fire extinguishing agent contained inside the fire extinguishing unit into the energy storage device.

[0015] The water injection unit is configured to be connected to each battery module provided in the energy storage device via a pipeline provided with a valve that can be damaged according to the temperature of the corresponding battery module. When the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit may be configured to drive the water injection unit to allow the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit to flow into the pipeline.

[0016] The fire extinguishing liquid may be configured to flow into the pipeline by the water injection unit and flow into the inside of the battery module in which the valve of the corresponding pipeline is damaged among the plurality of battery modules.

[0017] The control unit determines the level of the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit, and if the determined level is equal to or lower than a preset threshold level, the control unit may be configured to drive the ventilation unit to ventilate the energy storage device using outside air.

[0018] The control unit determines the level of the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit, and if the determined level is equal to or lower than a preset threshold level, it is determined that a battery fire has occurred in the energy storage device. If the determined level exceeds the threshold level, it may be configured to determine that an electrical fire has occurred in the energy storage device.

[0019] The control unit receives the concentration of the gas measured by a gas sensor provided in the energy storage device, and if the measured concentration of the gas is equal to or higher than a preset threshold concentration, it may be configured to interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit provided inside the energy storage device and drive the ventilation unit to ventilate the energy storage device using outside air.

[0020] A fire detection system according to another aspect of the present invention may include a fire monitoring device and an energy storage device according to one aspect of the present invention.

[0021] A fire monitoring method according to still another aspect of the present invention may be a method for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device provided with a plurality of battery modules.

[0022] The fire monitoring method may include a smoke detection signal receiving step of receiving a smoke detection signal from a plurality of smoke sensors provided inside the energy storage device, a fire level determining step of determining a fire level according to the number of the smoke sensors that detected the smoke when the smoke is detected, and a fire control step of controlling the operation of at least one of an air conditioning unit, a fire extinguishing unit, a water injection unit, and a ventilation unit for the energy storage device as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level.

[0023] The fire monitoring method may further include a ventilation control step of receiving the concentration of the gas measured by the gas sensor provided in the energy storage device in parallel with the smoke detection signal receiving step, and controlling the operations of the air conditioning unit and the ventilation unit based on the result of comparing the measured gas concentration with a preset threshold concentration.

Advantages of the Invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is an advantage that the level of fire occurrence can be determined based on the smoke occurring inside the energy storage device, and appropriate fire suppression measures can be taken according to the determined level of fire occurrence. Therefore, even if a fire breaks out inside the energy storage device, it is possible to suppress the fire at an early stage.

[0025] Also, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is also possible to take fire suppression measures based on the concentration of the gas contained inside the energy storage device. Therefore, it is possible to prevent accidents such as explosions of the energy storage device.

[0026] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

[0027] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and are for the purpose of further understanding the technical idea of the present invention together with the content of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be construed as limited only to the matters described in the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] 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 inventors themselves interpret them in accordance with the meaning and concept corresponding to the technical idea of the present invention in accordance with the principle that they can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain the invention in the best way.

[0030] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, there may be various equivalents and modifications that can replace them at the time of this application.

[0031] Also, when explaining the present invention, if it is recognized that a specific explanation of the known technology related to the present invention may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed explanation thereof will be omitted.

[0032] Expressions including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to distinguish any one of various components from other components, and the components are not limited by these expressions.

[0033] Throughout the specification, when a certain part "includes" a certain component, this means that, unless otherwise specified, it does not exclude other components, but may further include other components.

[0034] Incidentally, throughout the specification, when a certain part is "connected (coupled)" to another part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly connected (coupled)", but also the case where it is "indirectly connected (coupled)" with other elements interposed therebetween.

[0035] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing a fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a fire monitoring system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] A fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be a device for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device 200 provided with a plurality of battery modules.

[0038] First, referring to FIG. 2, the fire monitoring system can include a fire monitoring device 100, an energy storage device 200, and a water injection unit 300. It should be noted that in the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, the water injection unit 300 is shown outside the fire monitoring device 100 and the energy storage device 200, but the water injection unit 300 may be provided inside the energy storage device 200.

[0039] The energy storage device 200 can include a plurality of battery racks R1 to R5, a smoke sensor 210, a gas sensor 220, an air conditioning unit 230, a fire extinguishing unit 240, and a ventilation unit 250.

[0040] The plurality of battery racks R1 to R5 can be cell assemblies provided in the energy storage device 200.

[0041] For example, the battery rack can be formed in a frame structure on which battery modules can be placed. Each battery rack can include a plurality of battery modules. And each battery module can include a plurality of battery cells.

[0042] Here, a battery cell refers to one independent cell that has a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal and is physically separable. For example, a lithium-ion battery or a lithium polymer battery can be regarded as a battery cell. In the non-limiting embodiment of FIG. 2, an embodiment is shown in which five battery racks R1 to R5 are provided in the energy storage device 200, but it should be noted that the number of battery racks that can be included in the energy storage device 200 is not limited.

[0043] The smoke sensor 210 is a sensor capable of detecting smoke generated inside the energy storage device 200. Preferably, a plurality of smoke sensors 210 can be provided inside the energy storage device 200.

[0044] The gas sensor 220 is a sensor capable of detecting gas generated inside the energy storage device 200. For example, the gas sensor 220 can detect H2.

[0045] The air conditioning unit 230 can be provided inside the energy storage device 200. And the air conditioning unit 230 can be configured to circulate the internal air of the energy storage device 200. That is, the air conditioning unit 230 can lower the temperature of the internal air by performing heat exchange between the internal air and the external air of the energy storage device 200 and circulate the cooled internal air. For example, HVAC (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning) can be applied to the air conditioning unit 230.

[0046] The fire extinguishing unit 240 can be provided inside the energy storage device 200. And when the fire extinguishing unit 240 is driven, the fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing unit 240 can be sprayed inside the energy storage device 200. For example, NOVEC (trademark) 1230 can be applied to the fire extinguishing unit 240.

[0047] The ventilation unit 250 can be provided in the energy storage device 200. When the ventilation unit 250 is driven, outside air can flow into the energy storage device 200. That is, the ventilation unit 250 can be configured to ventilate the energy storage device 200. For example, an active ventilation system (AVS) can be applied to the ventilation unit 250.

[0048] The water injection unit 300 can be configured to store the fire extinguishing liquid. And the water injection unit 300 can be configured to be connected to each battery module provided in the energy storage device 200 via a pipeline PL provided with a valve that can be damaged according to the temperature of the corresponding battery module. For example, the pipeline PL can be connected to a plurality of battery modules included in each battery rack respectively.

[0049] And a valve can be provided at the end of the pipeline PL connected to the battery module. The valve can be damaged if the temperature of the corresponding battery module rises above a certain temperature. That is, when the water injection unit 300 is driven and the fire extinguishing liquid flows into the pipeline PL, the fire extinguishing liquid can be ejected into the corresponding battery module through the pipeline PL in which the valve is damaged. In other words, the fire extinguishing liquid flows into the pipeline PL by the water injection unit 300 and can flow into the interior of the battery module in which the valve of the corresponding pipeline PL is damaged among the plurality of battery modules. For example, if the fire extinguishing liquid is for suppressing a fire that has occurred in the battery module, it can be applied without limitation. In one embodiment, the fire extinguishing liquid can be water.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, the fire monitoring device 100 can include a fire level determination unit 110 and a control unit 120.

[0051] The fire level determination unit 110 can be configured to receive a smoke detection signal from a smoke sensor 210 provided inside the energy storage device 200.

[0052] Specifically, the fire level determination unit 110 can be connected via a smoke sensor 210 provided inside the energy storage device 200 and wired and / or wireless communication.

[0053] Hereinafter, it will be described assuming that a plurality of smoke sensors 210 are provided inside the energy storage device 200. The fire level determination unit 110 is connected to each of the plurality of smoke sensors 210 and can receive a smoke detection signal from each smoke sensor 210.

[0054] The fire level determination unit 110 can be configured to determine the level of a fire according to the number of smoke sensors 210 that have detected smoke.

[0055] Specifically, when smoke is detected in only any one of the plurality of smoke sensors 210, the fire level determination unit 110 can be configured to determine the level of the fire as the first level. Conversely, when smoke is detected in a plurality of the plurality of smoke sensors 210, the fire level determination unit 110 can be configured to determine the level of the fire as the second level.

[0056] For example, the fire level determination unit 110 can receive a smoke detection signal from a smoke sensor 210 that has detected smoke generated inside the energy storage device 200. Since the fire level determination unit 110 is connected to each of the plurality of smoke sensors 210, it can determine the number of smoke detection signals received from each smoke sensor 210. Therefore, the fire level determination unit 110 can determine the level of the fire as the first level or the second level according to the number of received smoke detection signals.

[0057] The control unit 120 can be configured to control the operation of at least one of the air conditioning unit 230, the fire extinguishing unit 240, the water injection unit 300, and the ventilation unit 250 with respect to the energy storage device 200 as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level.

[0058] Specifically, the control unit 120 can perform fire suppression measures corresponding to the determined fire level. That is, the fire suppression measures taken when the fire level is the first level and the fire suppression measures taken when the fire level is the second level may be partially different.

[0059] Such fire suppression measures that vary according to the fire level may be due to the number of smoke sensors 210 that detected smoke. When the fire extinguishing agent is ejected or the fire extinguishing liquid flows into the battery module, the battery module provided in the battery module and / or the energy storage device 200 may become unusable. Therefore, it is preferable that the fire suppression measures be taken after accurately determining whether a fire has actually occurred in the energy storage device 200.

[0060] For example, generally, the energy storage device 200 is sealed from the outside, and the internal air circulation is promoted by the air conditioning unit 230 inside. In this case, if smoke is detected only by one smoke sensor 210, it is more likely that it is a sensing error of the smoke sensor 210 that detected the smoke than the possibility of smoke generated by the fire. Conversely, if smoke is detected by a plurality of smoke sensors 210, the possibility of smoke generated by the fire is more likely than the sensing error of the plurality of smoke sensors 210. Therefore, the control unit 120 may be configured to perform fire suppression measures according to the fire level determined based on the number of smoke sensors 210 that detected smoke.

[0061] Therefore, the fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can monitor the occurrence of a fire with respect to the energy storage device 200 in consideration of the possibility of sensing errors of the smoke sensor 210, and can take appropriate fire suppression measures corresponding to the monitoring results. For example, in the case of a sensing error of the smoke sensor 210, there is an advantage that only minimal measures are taken and the energy storage device 200 can be protected. Conversely, when a fire occurs, there is an advantage that fire suppression measures can be taken early and the fire can be quickly suppressed.

[0062] On the other hand, the control unit 120 provided in the fire monitoring device 100 may selectively include a processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), other chip sets, logic circuits, registers, communication modems, data processing devices, etc., known in the art, in order to activate various control logics performed in the present invention. Further, when the control logic is realized by software, the control unit 120 may be realized by a set of program modules. At this time, the program modules are stored in the memory and can be activated by the control unit 120. The memory may exist inside or outside the control unit 120 and may be connected to the control unit 120 by various well-known means.

[0063] In addition, the fire monitoring device 100 may further include a storage unit 130. The storage unit 130 can store data, programs necessary for each component of the fire monitoring device 100 to operate and function, or data generated during the process of performing operations and functions. The storage unit 130 is not particularly limited in type as long as it is a known information storage means capable of recording, erasing, updating, and reading data. For example, the information storage means may include a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, a read-only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a register, and the like. Further, the storage unit 130 can store program codes defining processes that can be activated by the control unit 120.

[0064] Hereinafter, the fire suppression measures according to the determined fire level will be described in detail.

[0065] When the fire level is determined to be the first level or the second level, the control unit 120 may be configured to interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 230 provided inside the energy storage device 200.

[0066] Specifically, the control unit 120 may be connected to the air conditioning unit 230 provided in the energy storage device 200. And the control unit 120 can control the operation of the air conditioning unit 230.

[0067] Generally, under normal circumstances where there is no fire in the energy storage device 200, the air conditioning unit 230 can be constantly driven to circulate the air inside the energy storage device 200.

[0068] However, if the fire level is determined to be the first level or the second level, that is, if smoke is detected in one or more smoke sensors 210, if the air conditioning unit 230 continues to operate, the smoke or fire is likely to spread or transfer inside the energy storage device 200.

[0069] When the fire level is the first level, although there is a possibility of sensing error in the smoke sensor 210, it is not possible to rule out the case where smoke is actually detected in only one smoke sensor 210. If smoke is actually detected in one smoke sensor 210, if the air conditioning unit 230 continues to be driven, there is a risk that the smoke and / or fire will spread or transfer to the energy storage device 200. Therefore, the control unit 120 can be configured to interrupt the driving of the air conditioning unit 230 even when the fire level is the first level.

[0070] Also, when the fire level is the second level, since the possibility of smoke generation inside the energy storage device 200 is very high, the control unit 120 can be configured to interrupt the driving of the air conditioning unit 230.

[0071] Therefore, if the fire level is determined to be the first level or the second level, the control unit 120 can interrupt the air circulation inside the energy storage device 200 by interrupting the operation of the air conditioning unit 230.

[0072] Also, when the fire level is determined to be the second level, the control unit 120 can be configured to drive the fire extinguishing unit 240 provided inside the energy storage device 200. Here, if the fire extinguishing unit 240 is driven by the control unit 120, the fire extinguishing agent contained inside the fire extinguishing unit 240 can be sprayed inside the energy storage device 200.

[0073] Specifically, the control unit 120 can be connected to a fire extinguishing unit 240 provided inside the energy storage device 200. And the driving of the fire extinguishing unit 240 can be controlled by the control unit 120.

[0074] For example, when the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit 120 can first interrupt the driving of the air conditioning unit 230 in order to prevent smoke and / or fire from circulating inside the energy storage device 200. And the control unit 120 can inject a fire extinguishing agent into the energy storage device 200 by driving the fire extinguishing unit 240.

[0075] The fires that can occur in the energy storage device 200 can be roughly classified into an electrical fire and a battery fire.

[0076] An electrical fire means a fire that can occur due to electrical causes such as an overcurrent flowing through the energy storage device 200.

[0077] A battery fire means a fire that can occur due to problems inside the battery cell, for example, contact between the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material by lithium plating (internal short circuit) and venting of the battery cell due to swelling.

[0078] To suppress an electrical fire, injection of a fire extinguishing agent is required, and to suppress a battery fire, water injection into the battery module is required. However, just by the detected smoke, it is not possible to accurately distinguish between an electrical fire and a battery fire.

[0079] Therefore, when the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit 120 can first drive the fire extinguishing unit 240 to inject a fire extinguishing agent into the energy storage device 200 in order to suppress an electrical fire.

[0080] When the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit 120 may be configured to drive the water injection unit 300 to cause the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit 300 to flow into the pipeline PL.

[0081] Specifically, the control unit 120 may be connected to the water injection unit 300 and control the driving of the water injection unit 300.

[0082] When the fire level is determined as the second level, the control unit 120 may drive the fire extinguishing unit 240 to inject the fire extinguishing agent into the energy storage device 200 and drive the water injection unit 300 to cause the fire extinguishing liquid to flow into the pipeline PL.

[0083] For example, if the fire that occurs in the energy storage device 200 is an electrical fire, the temperature of the battery module included in the battery rack may not rise. Therefore, although the fire extinguishing liquid flows into the pipeline PL, the valve provided in the pipeline PL is not damaged, so the fire extinguishing liquid may not flow into the battery module. In contrast, the electrical fire can be suppressed by the injected fire extinguishing agent.

[0084] Taking another example, if the fire that occurs in the energy storage device 200 is a battery fire, the temperature of the battery module where the fire occurs may rise rapidly. In this case, the valve corresponding to the battery module is damaged, and the fire extinguishing liquid can flow into the battery module through the pipeline PL. Therefore, the battery fire can be suppressed by the fire extinguishing liquid.

[0085] In this way, when the determined fire level is the second level, the control unit 120 can control the operations of the fire extinguishing unit 240 and the water injection unit 300 to suppress both the electrical fire and the battery fire. Therefore, it becomes possible to effectively suppress fires that may occur due to different causes.

[0086] The control unit 120 may be configured to determine the level of the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit 300.

[0087] Specifically, after driving the water injection unit 300 to allow the fire extinguishing liquid to flow into the pipeline PL, the control unit 120 may determine the level of the fire extinguishing liquid stored in the water injection unit 300.

[0088] For example, the water injection unit 300 may include a water level sensor for measuring the level of the fire extinguishing liquid. The water level sensor is communicably connected to the control unit 120 and may transmit information regarding the water level measured at preset intervals to the control unit 120. Then, the control unit 120 may determine the level of the fire extinguishing liquid based on the information regarding the water level received from the water level sensor.

[0089] If the determined water level is equal to or lower than a preset threshold water level, the control unit 120 may be configured to drive the ventilation unit 250 to ventilate the energy storage device 200 using outside air.

[0090] Specifically, when the level of the fire extinguishing liquid is equal to or lower than the threshold water level, it may be the case where the fire extinguishing liquid contained in the water injection unit 300 has flowed into at least one battery module. As described above, even if the fire extinguishing liquid has flowed into the pipeline PL, the fire extinguishing liquid cannot flow into the interior of the battery module unless the valve is damaged. Therefore, the fact that the level of the fire extinguishing liquid has dropped below the threshold water level means that at least one of the plurality of valves provided in the pipeline PL has been damaged, and may indicate that the fire extinguishing liquid has flowed into one or more battery modules.

[0091] When the fire extinguishing liquid directly flows into the inside of the battery module and suppresses the battery fire, the inside of the energy storage device 200 may contain a large amount of fire extinguishing agent (sprayed by driving the fire extinguishing unit 240), water vapor, H2, etc. Therefore, the control unit 120 can prevent the energy storage device 200 from exploding by driving the ventilation unit 250 to ventilate the energy storage device 200.

[0092] The fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that it can take appropriate fire suppression measures for each case in consideration of various conditions in a situation where an electrical fire, a battery fire, and an explosion may occur. Therefore, even if a fire occurs in the energy storage device 200, not only can it be suppressed early, but it is also possible to prevent a larger accident from being caused.

[0093] On the other hand, the control unit 120 may be configured to determine that a battery fire has occurred in the energy storage device 200 if the determined water level is below a preset threshold water level. Conversely, the control unit 120 may be configured to determine that an electrical fire has occurred in the energy storage device 200 when the determined water level exceeds the threshold water level.

[0094] Specifically, when the determined fire level is the second level, it may be the case where a fire has occurred inside the energy storage device 200. However, it is never easy to distinguish whether the cause of the fire is an electrical fire or a battery fire only based on the smoke detection signal of the smoke sensor 210.

[0095] As described above, in the case of a battery fire, since the temperature of the battery module rises rapidly, the corresponding valve may be damaged and the fire extinguishing liquid flowing into the pipeline may flow into the inside of the battery module. Therefore, in the case of a battery fire, the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid contained in the water injection unit 300 becomes lower than the threshold water level.

[0096] On the other hand, in the case of an electrical fire, since the valve is not damaged, although the smoke is detected, the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid does not drop below the threshold water level.

[0097] That is, after driving the fire extinguishing unit 240 and the water injection unit 300, the control unit 120 can specifically distinguish and diagnose the cause of the fire as an electrical fire or a battery fire based on the result of comparing the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid with a preset threshold water level.

[0098] Therefore, the fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can not only suppress the fire occurring in the energy storage device 200 at an early stage, but also specifically analyze the cause of the fire. In addition, the fire monitoring device 100 has an advantage that it can provide information necessary for analyzing the cause of the fire by notifying the user or the outside of the specific cause of the fire.

[0099] The control unit 120 may be configured to receive the concentration of the gas measured by the gas sensor 220 provided in the energy storage device 200.

[0100] Specifically, the control unit 120 may be communicably connected to the gas sensor 220 provided in the energy storage device 200. And the control unit 120 can receive information regarding the concentration of the gas measured by the gas sensor 220.

[0101] For example, the gas measured by the gas sensor 220 may be a combustible gas or an explosive gas. More specifically, the gas measured by the gas sensor 220 may be H2. That is, the gas sensor 220 may be configured to measure the concentration of H2.

[0102] If the measured concentration of the gas is equal to or higher than a preset threshold concentration, the control unit 120 may be configured to interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 230 provided inside the energy storage device 200.

[0103] For example, if the concentration of the gas is equal to or higher than the threshold concentration, there is a risk of explosion of the energy storage device 200. Therefore, the control unit 120 may interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 230 for circulating the internal air of the energy storage device 200.

[0104] Then, the control unit 120 may be configured to drive the ventilation unit 250 to ventilate the energy storage device 200 using outside air. That is, the control unit 120 may drive the ventilation unit 250 to discharge the gas contained in the sealed interior of the energy storage device 200 to the outside. Therefore, as the concentration of the gas contained in the interior of the energy storage device 200 gradually decreases, the risk of explosion of the energy storage device 200 decreases.

[0105] The fire monitoring device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can take fire suppression measures in consideration of not only the smoke generated inside the energy storage device 200 but also the concentration of the gas contained inside the energy storage device 200.

[0106] FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a fire monitoring method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] Preferably, each step of the fire monitoring method may be performed by the fire monitoring device 100. Hereinafter, for ease of explanation, the content overlapping with the above-described content will be omitted or briefly explained.

[0108] The fire monitoring method may be a method for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device 200 provided with a plurality of battery modules.

[0109] Referring to FIG. 3, the fire monitoring method may include a smoke detection signal reception step (S100), a fire level determination step (S200), and a fire control step (S300).

[0110] The smoke detection signal reception step (S100) is a step of receiving a smoke detection signal from a smoke sensor 210 provided inside the energy storage device 200, and can be performed by the fire level determination unit 110.

[0111] For example, the fire level determination unit 110 is connected to a plurality of smoke sensors 210 and can receive smoke detection signals from the respective smoke sensors 210.

[0112] The fire level determination step (S200) is a step of determining the level of a fire according to the number of smoke sensors 210 that have detected smoke when smoke is detected, and can be performed by the fire level determination unit 110.

[0113] For example, if the fire level determination unit 110 receives a smoke detection signal from one smoke sensor 210, it can determine the level of the fire as the first level. As another example, if the fire level determination unit 110 receives smoke detection signals from a plurality of smoke sensors 210, it can determine the level of the fire as the second level. If, hypothetically, the fire level determination unit 110 fails to receive a smoke detection signal, the level of the fire can be determined as the zero level or NULL.

[0114] The fire control step (S300) is a step of controlling at least one of the air conditioning unit 230, the fire extinguishing unit 240, the water injection unit 300, and the ventilation unit 250 with respect to the energy storage device 200 as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level, and can be performed by the control unit 120.

[0115] The fire control step (S300) will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0116] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the fire monitoring method of FIG. 3 more specifically.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 4, the fire control step (S300) may include steps (S310) to (S370).

[0118] In step (S310), it can be determined whether the level of the fire determined in the fire level determination step (S200) is the first level or the second level. If the determined fire level is the first level or the second level, step (S320) is performed, and if not, the smoke detection signal reception step (S100) can be performed.

[0119] In step (S320), the control unit 120 can interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 230 provided in the energy storage device 200. Therefore, the circulation of the internal air of the energy storage device 200 can be interrupted.

[0120] In step (S330), it can be determined whether the level of the fire determined in the fire level determination step (S200) is the second level. If the determined fire level is the second level, step (S330) is performed, and if not, the smoke detection signal reception step (S100) can be performed.

[0121] In step (S340), the control unit 120 can drive the fire extinguishing unit 240. Specifically, the control unit 120 can drive the fire extinguishing unit 240 to suppress an electrical fire that may occur at the second fire level. In this case, the fire extinguishing agent stored in the fire extinguishing unit 240 can be injected into the energy storage device 200.

[0122] In step (S350), the control unit 120 can drive the water injection unit 300. Specifically, the control unit 120 can drive the water injection unit 300 to suppress a battery fire that may occur at the second fire level. In this case, the fire extinguishing liquid stored in the water injection unit 300 can flow into the pipeline PL.

[0123] In step (S360), it can be determined whether the water level of the water injection unit 300 (the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid contained in the water injection unit 300) is below the threshold water level. If the water level of the water injection unit 300 is below the threshold water level, step (S370) is performed; otherwise, step (S350) can be performed.

[0124] Here, the water level of the water injection unit 300 being below the threshold water level means that at least one of the plurality of valves provided in the pipeline PL is damaged. And because the fire extinguishing liquid has flowed into the inside of the battery module through the damaged valve, it means that the water level of the water injection unit 300 has dropped below the threshold water level.

[0125] On the other hand, if, after a predetermined time has passed since step (S350) was performed, the water level of the water injection unit 300 has not dropped below the threshold water level, it means that none of the plurality of valves provided in the pipeline PL is damaged. In this case, the smoke detected by the plurality of smoke sensors 210 is smoke caused by an electrical fire, and the electrical fire may have been suppressed by the activation of the fire extinguishing unit 240 in step (S340). Therefore, because the valve was not damaged, it is possible for the water level of the water injection unit 300 not to drop below the threshold water level. Although not shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, if the water level of the water injection unit 300 does not drop below the threshold water level until a predetermined time has passed since step (S350) was first performed, the control unit 120 can perform the start step again.

[0126] In step (S370), the control unit 120 can drive the ventilation unit 250. Specifically, when the fire extinguishing liquid flows into the battery module and the fire of the battery is suppressed, the control unit 120 can drive the ventilation unit 250 to process the fire extinguishing agent, water vapor, H2, etc. contained in the energy storage device 200. In this case, outside air can flow into the energy storage device 200, and the energy storage device 200 can be ventilated. Therefore, the gas contained inside the energy storage device 200 can escape, reducing the possibility of explosion of the energy storage device 200.

[0127] The fire monitoring method according to an embodiment of the present invention can take fire suppression measures while appropriately controlling the air conditioning unit 230, the fire extinguishing unit 240, the water injection unit 300, and the ventilation unit 250 based on the number of sensors that detected smoke. Therefore, the fire monitoring method can distinguish the case where the smoke sensor 210 malfunctions, and even if a fire occurs, it has the advantage of being able to take appropriate fire suppression measures corresponding to the type of fire (electrical fire or battery fire).

[0128] FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically showing a fire monitoring method according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0129] Referring to FIG. 5, the fire monitoring method may further include a ventilation control step (S400).

[0130] The ventilation control step (S400) is a step that can be performed in parallel with the smoke detection signal reception step (S100).

[0131] The ventilation control step (S400) receives the concentration of the gas measured by the gas sensor 220 provided in the energy storage device 200, and based on the result of comparing the measured gas concentration with a preset threshold concentration, controls the operations of the air conditioning unit 230 and the ventilation unit 250, and can be performed by the control unit 120.

[0132] Specifically, in step (S410), the control unit 120 can receive information regarding the gas concentration from the gas sensor 220 provided in the energy storage device 200.

[0133] In step (S420), it can be determined whether the gas concentration is equal to or higher than a preset threshold concentration. If the gas concentration is equal to or higher than the preset threshold concentration, step (S430) is performed; otherwise, step (S410) can be performed.

[0134] In step (S430), the control unit 120 can interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit 230 provided in the energy storage device 200. Accordingly, the internal air circulation of the energy storage device 200 can be interrupted.

[0135] In step (S440), the control unit 120 can drive the ventilation unit 250. Specifically, when the gas with a concentration equal to or higher than the threshold concentration is contained inside the energy storage device 200, the control unit 120 can drive the ventilation unit 250 to prevent the explosion of the energy storage device 200.

[0136] For example, the gas whose concentration is measured by the gas sensor 220 can be a flammable gas or an explosive gas. More specifically, the gas can be H2.

[0137] When H2 is distributed inside the sealed energy storage device 200 at a concentration equal to or higher than the threshold concentration, an explosion can occur if H2 comes into contact with a spark or the like. Therefore, if the gas concentration is equal to or higher than the threshold concentration, the control unit 120 can drive the ventilation unit 250 to discharge the gas outside the energy storage device 200, thereby significantly reducing the possibility of explosion of the energy storage device 200.

[0138] The embodiments of the present invention described above are not realized only by the device and method, but may also be realized via a program that realizes functions corresponding to the configurations of the embodiments of the present invention or a recording medium on which the program is recorded. Such realization can be easily achieved by those skilled in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0139] As described above, the present invention has been described with reference to the 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 those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains within the equivalent scope of the technical idea and claims of the present invention.

[0140] Also, the present invention described above can be variously substituted, modified, and changed by those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. Therefore, it is not limited by the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and all or part of each embodiment can be selectively combined and configured for various modifications.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0141] 100 Fire monitoring device 110 Fire level determination unit 120 Control unit 130 Storage unit 200 Energy storage device 210 Smoke sensor 220 Gas sensor 230 Air conditioning unit 240 Fire extinguishing unit 250 Ventilation unit 300 Water injection unit

Claims

1. An energy storage device provided with a plurality of battery modules, in a device for monitoring a fire in the energy storage device including an air conditioning unit, a fire extinguishing unit, a water injection unit, and a ventilation unit, a fire level determination unit configured to receive at least one smoke detection signal from a plurality of smoke sensors provided inside the energy storage device and determine a fire level according to the number of the smoke sensors that detected smoke; a control unit configured to control the operation of at least one of the air conditioning unit, the fire extinguishing unit, the water injection unit, and the ventilation unit with respect to the energy storage device as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level; comprising, the fire level determination unit, when the fire level determination unit fails to receive the smoke detection signal, determines the fire level as a level 0; when the smoke is detected only in any one of the plurality of smoke sensors, determines the fire level as a level 1; when the smoke is detected in a plurality of the plurality of smoke sensors, is configured to determine the fire level as a level 2, the control unit, A fire monitoring device configured to interrupt the operation of the air conditioning unit provided inside the energy storage device when the fire level is determined as the level 1 or the level 2.

2. The control unit, when the fire level is determined as the level 2, is configured to drive the fire extinguishing unit provided inside the energy storage device and inject the fire extinguishing agent contained inside the fire extinguishing unit into the energy storage device. The fire monitoring device according to claim 1.

3. The water injection unit, is configured to be connected to each battery module provided in the energy storage device via a pipeline provided with a valve that can be damaged according to the temperature of the corresponding battery module, The control unit, when the fire level is determined as the level 2, is configured to drive the water injection unit and cause the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit to flow into the pipeline. The fire monitoring device according to claim 1.

4. The fire extinguishing liquid, The fire monitoring device according to claim 3, configured to flow into the pipeline by the water injection unit and flow into the interior of the battery module in which the valve of the corresponding pipeline is damaged among the plurality of battery modules.

5. The control unit determines the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit, and if the determined water level is equal to or lower than a preset threshold water level, is configured to drive the ventilation unit to ventilate the energy storage device using outside air. The fire monitoring device according to claim 3.

6. The control unit determines the water level of the fire extinguishing liquid provided in the water injection unit, and if the determined water level is equal to or lower than a preset threshold water level, determines that a battery fire has occurred in the energy storage device, and is configured to determine that an electrical fire has occurred in the energy storage device when the determined water level exceeds the threshold water level. The fire monitoring device according to claim 3.

7. The control unit receives the concentration of the gas measured by the gas sensor provided in the energy storage device, and if the measured concentration of the gas is equal to or higher than a preset threshold concentration, interrupts the operation of the air conditioning unit provided inside the energy storage device and drives the ventilation unit to ventilate the energy storage device using outside air. The fire monitoring device according to claim 1.

8. A fire monitoring system including the fire monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and an energy storage device.

9. In a method for monitoring a fire in an energy storage device provided with a plurality of battery modules and including an air conditioning unit, a fire extinguishing unit, a water injection unit, and a ventilation unit, a smoke detection signal receiving step of receiving at least one smoke detection signal from a plurality of smoke sensors provided inside the energy storage device; a fire level determination step of determining the level of the fire according to the number of the smoke sensors that detected the smoke when the smoke is detected; a fire control step of controlling the operation of at least one of the air conditioning unit, the fire extinguishing unit, the water injection unit, and the ventilation unit for the energy storage device as a fire suppression measure corresponding to the determined fire level; including The fire level determination step is When the smoke detection signal cannot be received, determine the fire level as the 0th level, When the smoke is detected in only one of the plurality of smoke sensors, determine the fire level as the 1st level, When the smoke is detected in a plurality of the plurality of smoke sensors, determine the fire level as the 2nd level, The fire control step is, A fire monitoring method for interrupting the operation of the air conditioning unit provided inside the energy storage device when the fire level is determined as the 1st level or the 2nd level.

10. In parallel with the smoke detection signal reception step, receive the concentration of the gas measured from the gas sensor provided in the energy storage device, and based on the result of comparing the measured gas concentration with a preset threshold concentration, The fire monitoring method according to claim 9, further comprising a ventilation control step of controlling the operations of the air conditioning unit and the ventilation unit.

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