Battery packs and devices containing them

Abstract

A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack frame including a module section in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted and an electrical section in which electrical components are mounted; an inlet for supplying cooling water to the module section; an outlet through which the cooling water supplied to the module section is discharged; and a water port for spraying water into the interior of the module section, the inlet, the outlet, and the water port being positioned spaced apart from each other on one side of the battery pack frame.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Cross-reference to related applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0181513 dated December 22, 2022 and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0166391 dated November 27, 2023, and all contents disclosed in the documents of said Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a device including the same, and more particularly to a battery pack and a device including the same that prevent fire and explosion when thermal runaway occurs in some battery modules. [Background technology]

[0003] Secondary batteries, which are easy to apply to various products and have electrical properties such as high energy density, are widely used not only in portable devices but also in electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles that are driven by electrical sources, power storage devices, etc. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source that is environmentally friendly and improves energy efficiency because they do not produce any by-products due to energy use, in addition to their primary advantage of dramatically reducing the use of fossil fuels.

[0004] Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Of these, lithium secondary batteries are attracting attention due to their advantages of being free to charge and discharge as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in a metal can, and pouch-type secondary batteries, in which an electrode assembly is housed in an aluminum laminated sheet pouch, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Recently, as the need for large-capacity secondary battery structures, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, has increased, there has been an increasing demand for battery packs with medium to large modular structures that assemble battery modules in which multiple secondary batteries are connected in series or parallel. Such battery modules improve capacity and output by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel to each other to form a battery cell stack. In addition, multiple battery modules can be installed together with various control and protection systems, such as a Battery Management System (BMS) and a cooling system, to form a battery pack.

[0007] A battery pack is composed of multiple battery modules, and if some of the battery modules experience overvoltage, overcurrent, or overheating, the safety and operating efficiency of the battery pack may become a problem.Recently, battery pack capacities have been gradually increasing to improve driving distance, and as the internal energy of the pack also increases, it is necessary to design a structure that satisfies stricter safety standards and ensures the safety of the vehicle and driver.

[0008] In particular, there is an increasing need to develop a battery pack that can completely prevent fire or explosion when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack in order to protect users and minimize damage to vehicles. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack and a device including the same that prevent fire and explosion when thermal runaway occurs in some battery modules.

[0010] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery pack frame including a module section in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted and an electrical section in which electrical components are mounted; an inlet for supplying cooling water to the module section; an outlet for discharging the cooling water supplied to the module section; and a water port for spraying water into the module section, wherein the inlet, the outlet, and the water port are located spaced apart from each other on one side of the battery pack frame.

[0012] The inlet may be connected to an inlet pipe that supplies the cooling water, the water port may be connected to a water pipe branched from the inlet pipe, and the outlet may be connected to a first outlet pipe that discharges the cooling water to the outside.

[0013] A first valve is positioned between the inlet pipe and the water pipe, and the first valve allows the cooling water to flow into one of the inlet pipe and the water pipe.

[0014] The cooling system may further include a first valve driving unit that drives and stops the first valve, wherein the first valve driving unit stops the first valve to allow the cooling water to flow into the inlet pipe, and the first valve driving unit drives the first valve to allow the cooling water to flow into the water pipe.

[0015] The water pipe may have a filter portion formed between the water port and the first valve.

[0016] The filter separates the water from the remaining substances in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe, and the water separated by the filter flows into the water port.

[0017] The filter section may be a membrane filter formed from a porous film.

[0018] The filter unit may be connected to a second outlet pipe branched off from the water pipe, and a second valve may be disposed between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.

[0019] The second valve is capable of discharging the migrated material from one of the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.

[0020] The device may further include a second valve driving unit that drives and stops the second valve, and the second valve driving unit stops the second valve to discharge the material discharged from the outlet to the outside through the first outlet pipe, and the second valve driving unit drives the second valve to discharge the material that has moved to the second outlet pipe to the outside through the first outlet pipe.

[0021] The material discharged from the outlet may be the cooling water flowing into the inlet, and the material transferred to the second outlet pipe may be the remaining material separated by the filter unit in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe.

[0022] The battery module may further include a valve control unit that controls the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit, a BMS (Battery Management System) that measures voltages and temperatures of battery cells included in the plurality of battery modules, and a control unit that controls the valve control unit and the BMS.

[0023] When the voltage of the battery cell measured by the BMS is 0.5V or less and the temperature of the battery cell is 70 degrees Celsius or more, the control unit acquires thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information, and the valve control unit can control the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit to drive the first valve and the second valve.

[0024] When the voltage of the battery cell measured by the BMS exceeds 0.5V and the temperature of the battery cell is less than 70 degrees Celsius, the control unit acquires thermal runaway abnormality release information, and the valve control unit can control the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit to stop the first valve and the second valve.

[0025] The water supply system may include at least one jetting unit connected to the water port and positioned adjacent to the module unit, the jetting unit being capable of jetting water flowing into the water port toward the module unit.

[0026] The device may further include a partition wall positioned between the module unit and the electrical component unit, and the at least one injection unit may be spaced apart from each other on the partition wall.

[0027] The injection unit may be disposed adjacent to a battery module that is positioned closest to the water port among the plurality of battery modules.

[0028] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery pack including a water port that sprays water inside a module part and a device including the same. When thermal runaway occurs in some battery modules, the water sprayed through the water port blocks oxygen inside the battery pack, thereby preventing the battery pack from catching fire or exploding.

[0030] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from this specification and the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a diagram showing the top surface of the battery pack in FIG. 1 with an upper pack frame removed. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a battery pack system that controls the battery pack of FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a flowchart for checking and suppressing thermal runaway in the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is a flowchart for checking and suppressing thermal runaway in the battery pack of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present invention with an upper pack frame removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] The present invention may, however, be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0033] In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not necessary for the explanation will be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used throughout the specification to refer to the same or similar components.

[0034] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown in the drawings. In the drawings, thicknesses are exaggerated to clearly show various layers and regions. In the drawings, thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0035] Furthermore, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "comprise" a certain element, this does not mean that it may further include other elements, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

[0036] Also, throughout the specification, "in a plane" means when the subject part is viewed from above, and "in cross section" means when the subject part is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

[0037] A battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0038] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a view showing the top surface of the battery pack in Fig. 1 with an upper pack frame removed.

[0039] 1 and 2, a battery pack 1000 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes battery pack frames 1100, 1200 including a module section 1170 on which a plurality of battery modules 1600 are mounted and an electrical section 1190 on which electrical components are mounted; an inlet 1300 for supplying cooling water to the module section 1170; an outlet 1400 through which the cooling water supplied to the module section 1170 is discharged; and a water port 1500 for spraying water inside the module section 1170.

[0040] The battery pack frames 1100 and 1200 include a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 1600 are mounted, and an upper pack frame 1200 located above the battery modules 1600. The lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 are joined to each other by a method such as welding, thereby sealing the interior of the battery pack 1000. However, the present embodiment is not limited by the shape of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200, and any shape that can mount a plurality of battery modules 1600 is included in the present embodiment.

[0041] The lower pack frame 1100 may include a bottom 1110 that contacts the lower surfaces of the plurality of battery modules 1600 and a side frame 1130 that accommodates the plurality of battery modules 1600. Here, the bottom 1110 and the side frame 1130 may be integrated with each other or may be fixed by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0042] In the lower pack frame 1100, at least one partition wall 1150 may be formed in the side frame 1130. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the partition wall 1150 may be formed in the lower pack frame 1100 at a position that separates the module unit 1170 and the electrical component unit 1190. However, without being limited thereto, the partition wall 1150 may be omitted or may be disposed between adjacent pairs of battery modules among the plurality of battery modules 1600 mounted in the module unit 1170. Here, the partition wall 1150 may be integrated with the bottom 1110 and / or the side frame 1130, or may be fixed to each other by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0043] Additionally, the battery pack frames 1100, 1200 may be made of a heat insulating material. For example, the battery pack frames 1100, 1200 may be made of an aluminum extrusion structure. As another example, the battery pack frames 1100, 1200 may be made of a dissimilar metal bonding material such as clad metal, or may be a structure containing a heat insulating material such as aerogel or EPP (Expanded Polypropylenes) foam. However, the battery pack frames 1100, 1200 are not limited thereto, and any heat insulating material having a predetermined rigidity may be used.

[0044] Although not specifically shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery modules 1600 mounted in the module unit 1170 of the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a module frame that houses the battery cell stack. Here, the battery cells are preferably pouch-type battery cells. For example, the battery cells may be manufactured by housing an electrode assembly in a pouch case made of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and an inner layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. A plurality of such battery cells may be configured, and the plurality of battery cells are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form the battery cell stack. Here, the number of battery cells constituting the battery cell stack may be adjusted as needed.

[0045] The module frame may have a U-shaped frame covered with an upper cover. Specifically, the upper cover may be joined to the U-shaped frame by welding or the like while corresponding corners are in contact with each other, thereby forming a structure that covers the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the battery cell stack. As another example, the module frame may be replaced with a monoframe made of a metal plate having integrated upper, lower, and both side surfaces. As another example, the module frame may be replaced with a structure in which two L-shaped frames are joined together. As another example, the module frame may be replaced with a frame having a four-plate structure in which an upper plate, a lower plate, a left plate, and a right plate are joined together. However, the present embodiment is not limited thereto, and any frame shape that can protect the internal components of the battery module 1600 may be applied.

[0046] Furthermore, a battery module 1600 according to another embodiment of the present invention may have a structure in which the module frame is omitted. That is, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment omits the module frame from among the components of the battery module 1600, thereby reducing the weight of the battery pack 1000 and further increasing the space utilization rate within the battery pack 1000.

[0047] In the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, although not specifically shown in Figures 1 and 2, the electrical component unit 1190 may be equipped with other electrical components and at least a part of a control system 2000 such as a BMS 2200 (Figure 3).

[0048] 1 and 2, in a battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the inlet 1300, the outlet 1400, and the water port 1500 may be spaced apart from one another on one side of the battery pack frames 1100 and 1200. For example, as shown in Fig. 2, the inlet 1300, the outlet 1400, and the water port 1500 may be spaced apart from one another on one side of the lower pack frame 1100. However, the positions of the inlet 1300, the outlet 1400, and the water port 1500 are not limited to those shown in Figs. 1 and 2, and any positions that allow for appropriate supply and / or discharge of cooling water or water are included in this embodiment.

[0049] 2, the inlet 1300 may be connected to an inlet pipe 1310 that supplies cooling water, the water port 1500 may be connected to a water pipe 1510 branched from the inlet pipe 1310, and the outlet 1400 may be connected to a first outlet pipe 1410 that discharges the cooling water to the outside. For example, the inlet 1300 and the inlet pipe 1310, the water port 1500 and the water pipe 1510, and the outlet 1400 and the first outlet pipe 1410 may each be fixed by a separate fastening method such as welding or adhesive.

[0050] Here, the inlet 1300 supplies cooling water to the module unit 1170, and the outlet 1400 discharges the cooling water supplied to the module unit 1170. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the cooling water supplied to the inlet 1300 may move to cooling channels 1350 connected to heat sinks (not shown) that cool the plurality of battery modules 1600 mounted in the module unit 1170. The cooling water flowing into the cooling channels 1350 may pass through the heat sinks (not shown) and then move to the discharge channels 1450, which may be discharged to the outside through the outlet 1400. Although not shown in FIG. 2, the heat sinks may be disposed inside the plurality of battery modules 1600 or on the bottom surfaces of the plurality of battery modules 1600.

[0051] A first valve V1 may be disposed between the inlet pipe 1310 and the water pipe 1510. Here, the first valve V1 may allow the coolant to flow into one of the inlet pipe 1310 and the water pipe 1510. For example, when the first valve V1 is not operated, the coolant flowing into the inlet pipe 1310 may move to the inlet 1300. Conversely, when the first valve V1 is operated, the coolant flowing into the inlet pipe 1310 may flow into the water pipe 1510 and then move to the water port 1500.

[0052] Furthermore, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include a first valve driver 2400 (FIG. 3) that drives and stops the first valve V1. Here, the first valve driver 2400 (FIG. 3) may cause the coolant to flow into the inlet pipe 1310 by stopping the first valve V1. Here, stopping the first valve V1 means that the first valve V1 is not operating or driven. Also, the first valve driver 2400 (FIG. 3) may cause the coolant to flow into the water pipe 1510 by driving the first valve V1.

[0053] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the first valve V1 is located between the inlet pipe 1310 and the water pipe 1510, and the flow of the cooling water flowing into the inlet pipe 1310 can be easily changed depending on the conditions inside the battery pack 1000.

[0054] 1 and 2, the water pipe 1510 may have a filter unit F formed between the water port 1500 and the first valve V1. Here, the filter unit F can separate substances contained in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe 1510. More specifically, the filter unit F separates the water from the remaining substances in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe 1510, and only the water separated by the filter unit F flows into the water port 1500.

[0055] For example, the coolant may contain water and other substances. In particular, the coolant typically contains an antifreeze to prevent freezing even at low temperatures, and is typically a mixture of water and ethylene glycol in a 1:1 ratio. In other cases, the coolant may be a mixture of mostly water and some organic solvents.

[0056] For example, the remaining material may include ethylene glycol and / or diethylene glycol, etc. Also, the remaining material may include coolant additives such as phosphates, silicates, etc. However, the remaining material is not limited thereto, and any material necessary for cooling the battery module 1600 is included in this embodiment.

[0057] For example, the filter unit F may be a membrane filter formed of a porous membrane. Here, like a pervaporation method, the filter unit F may be a membrane filter that can separate the cooling water into water and remaining substances through partial evaporation through a porous membrane. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and any filter that can separate the cooling water into water and remaining substances is included in the present embodiment.

[0058] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, when thermal runaway occurs inside the battery pack 1000, the oxygen inside the module part 1170 can be blocked through the water supplied to the water port 1500, thereby preventing additional fires and / or explosions that may occur inside the battery pack 1000.

[0059] Alternatively, if the remaining materials in the cooling water, excluding water, are sprayed into the module unit 1170 and the battery pack 1000 or the battery module 100 is flooded, the remaining materials in the cooling water may induce high-voltage dielectric breakdown in the components included in the battery pack 1000. In addition, the high-voltage dielectric breakdown induced in the components included in the battery pack 1000 may cause a fire inside the battery pack 1000, which may result in a fire inside the battery pack 1000.

[0060] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, only the water contained in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe 1510 flows into the inside of the battery pack 1000 through the filter part F included in the water pipe 1510, thereby preventing dielectric breakdown induced by the remaining substances contained in the cooling water.

[0061] 1 and 2, the filter unit F may be connected to a second outlet pipe 1550 branched off from and connected to the water pipe 1510. A second valve V2 may be disposed between the first outlet pipe 1410 and the second outlet pipe 1550. The second valve V2 may discharge substances that have migrated from one of the first outlet pipe 1410 and the second outlet pipe 1550. For example, when the second valve V2 is not operated, substances that have been discharged to the outlet 1400 are discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe 1410. Conversely, when the second valve V2 is operated, substances that have migrated to the second outlet pipe 1550 are discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe 1410. Here, the material discharged from the outlet 1400 is the cooling water flowing into the inlet 1300, and the material moving to the second outlet pipe 1550 may be the remaining material separated by the filter section F in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe 1510.

[0062] The battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may also include a second valve driver 2500 (FIG. 3) that drives and stops the second valve V2. Here, the second valve driver 2500 (FIG. 3) stops the second valve V2, thereby allowing the coolant discharged from the outlet 1400 to be discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe 1410. Here, stopping the second valve V2 means that the second valve V2 is not operating or driven. Also, the second valve driver 2500 (FIG. 3) drives the second valve V2, allowing the remaining materials separated by the filter unit F that have traveled through the outlet pipe 1550 to be discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe 1410.

[0063] Therefore, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, the second valve V2 is located between the filter unit F and the first outlet pipe 1410, so that the type of material discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe 1410 can be easily changed depending on the conditions inside the battery pack 1000.

[0064] 2 and 3, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment may include at least one spray unit 1155 connected to the water port 1500 and positioned adjacent to the module unit 1170. More specifically, the spray unit 1155 can spray water flowing into the water port 1500 toward the module unit 1170. Here, the spray unit 1155 can adjust the spray speed and / or amount of water depending on the shape and number of battery modules 1600 installed inside the module unit 1170.

[0065] For example, the spraying unit 1155 may be made of an insulating and / or flame-retardant material. As another example, the spraying unit 1155 may be made of a material such as aluminum depending on the design. However, the spraying unit 1155 is not limited to this, and any material that can spray water toward the module unit 1170 without causing damage when thermal runaway occurs in the battery pack 1000 is included in this embodiment.

[0066] In addition, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, at least one injection portion 1155 may be disposed spaced apart from one another in the partition wall 1150. For example, the injection portion 1155 may be disposed at a 2 / 3 point of the partition wall 1150.

[0067] As another example, in the case of a battery pack 1000 in which the partition wall 1150 is omitted, the spray unit 1155 may be disposed adjacent to the battery module that is positioned closest to the water port 1500 among the plurality of battery modules 1600. Here, the number and positions of the spray units 1155 are not limited to those shown in FIG. 2, and may be adjusted depending on the shape and number of the battery modules 1600.

[0068] As a result, in the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment, only the water in the cooling water is directly sprayed into the module unit 1170 through the spray unit 1155, thereby preventing dielectric breakdown due to remaining substances contained in the cooling water and effectively blocking oxygen within the module unit 1170 when thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack 1000. Additionally, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can effectively prevent additional fires and / or explosions that may occur within the battery pack 1000.

[0069] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a battery pack system that controls the battery pack of Fig. 1. Figs. 4 and 5 are flowcharts for checking and suppressing thermal runaway in the battery pack of Fig. 1.

[0070] Referring to FIG. 3, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can be controlled by a battery pack system 2000 including a control unit 2100, a BMS (Battery Management System) 2200, a valve control unit 2300, a first valve driving unit 2400, and a second valve driving unit 2500.

[0071] More specifically, the control unit 2100 can control a battery management system (BMS) 2200 and a valve control unit 2300. The control unit 2100 can include one or more electronic components capable of processing input data according to predetermined logic, such as a central processing unit (CPU), a random-access memory (RAM), a graphic processing unit (GPU), one or more microprocessors, and other components. For example, the control unit 2100 can load a thermal runaway confirmation process and a thermal runaway prevention process performed by the battery pack system 2000 onto the RAM and perform various processes, such as controlling the battery management system (BMS) 2200 and the valve control unit 2300 according to the loaded programs.

[0072] The BMS (Battery Management System) 2200 can measure the voltage and temperature of battery cells included in the plurality of battery modules 1600. More specifically, the BMS 2200 can estimate the state of the battery cells installed inside the battery module 1600 and manage the battery pack 1000 using the estimated state information. As an example, the BMS 2200 can measure and manage the voltage and temperature of the battery cells as the state of the battery cells. In this embodiment, the BMS 2200 can provide state information related to the measured voltage and temperature of the battery cells to the control unit 2100.

[0073] 2 to 4, in the thermal runaway confirmation process of the battery pack 1000 of this embodiment, the BMS 2200 can measure the voltage and temperature of a battery cell (S110). At this time, it can be determined whether the measured battery cell voltage is 0.5 V or less (S120). Here, the measured battery cell voltage may refer to the highest voltage among the voltages measured among the plurality of battery cells (not shown) included in the plurality of battery modules 1600. If the measured battery cell voltage is 0.5 V or less, it can be determined whether the temperature of the battery cell is 70° C. or more (S130). If the temperature of the battery cell is 70° C. or more, the control unit 2100 can acquire thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information indicating that a thermal runaway abnormality has occurred within the battery pack 1000 based on the information provided by the BMS 2200. Thereafter, the control unit 2100 can send a notification to a vehicle equipped with the battery pack 1000 based on the thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information (S150).

[0074] Alternatively, if the measured battery cell voltage exceeds 0.5V or the battery cell temperature is below 70 degrees Celsius, the BMS2200 can continuously measure and manage the battery cell voltage and temperature.

[0075] 2 and 3, the valve control unit 2300 can control the first valve driving unit 2400 and the second valve driving unit 2500. More specifically, the valve control unit 2300 can control the first valve driving unit 2400 to drive or stop the first valve V1, and the valve control unit 2300 can control the second valve driving unit 2500 to drive or stop the second valve V2.

[0076] 2, 3, and 5, in the thermal runaway prevention process of battery pack 1000 of this embodiment, if control unit 2100 does not acquire thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information, coolant is introduced into inlet 1300 and the introduced refrigerant is discharged to outlet 1400 (S210). Thereafter, if a thermal runaway abnormality occurs in battery pack 1000, control unit 2100 can acquire thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information (S220) based on the thermal runaway abnormality confirmation process. At this time, valve control unit 2300 can control first valve driving unit 2400 to drive first valve V1, allowing the coolant to move to filter unit F through water pipe 1510 (S230). Here, the coolant that has moved to filter unit F is separated into water and remaining substances, and the water separated by filter unit F can move to water port 1500 (S240). In addition, valve control unit 2300 controls second valve driving unit 2500 to move the remaining material separated by filter unit F to outlet pipes 1410 and 1550 (S250). Thereafter, control unit 2100 can again check for the presence or absence of a thermal runaway abnormality (S260). At this time, if control unit 2100 does not check for a thermal runaway abnormality, in other words, if control unit 2100 obtains information indicating that the thermal runaway abnormality has been resolved, valve control unit 2300 can stop first valve V1 and second valve V2 through first valve driving unit 2400 and second valve driving unit 2500 (S270).

[0077] As a result, when thermal runaway occurs within the battery pack 1000 based on the thermal runaway abnormality confirmation process and the thermal runaway prevention process, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can block oxygen within the module part 1170 through the water supplied to the water port 1500, thereby preventing additional fires and / or explosions that may occur within the battery pack 1000.

[0078] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the top surface of a battery pack according to a comparative example of the present invention with an upper pack frame removed.

[0079] Referring to Figure 6, the battery pack according to the comparative example differs from the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment (Figures 1-5) in that it does not include the first valve V1, the second valve V2, the filter part F, and the water port 1500, but includes all other components identically.

[0080] 6, the battery pack according to the comparative example does not include any additional components for completely preventing the battery pack from catching fire and / or exploding when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs inside the battery pack. As a result, if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs inside the battery pack according to the comparative example, the battery pack can only delay the phenomenon by several minutes to several tens of minutes, and cannot prevent further ignition and / or explosion, making it difficult to minimize damage to human life or vehicles without external intervention.

[0081] In contrast, referring to Figures 1 to 5, the battery pack 1000 according to this embodiment can use the refrigerant flowing into and out of the module part 1170 to directly inject water into the module part 1170 through the water port 1500, which has the advantage of completely preventing additional fires and / or explosions even if a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs inside the battery pack 1000.

[0082] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery pack described above. Such devices may be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and may be applied to various devices that can use battery modules and battery packs including the same, which also fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0083] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims also fall within the scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1000: Battery pack 1100: Lower pack frame 1200: Upper pack frame 1300: Inlet 1310: Inlet pipe 1400:Outlet 1410: First outlet pipe 1450: Discharge flow path 1500: Waterport 1510: Water pipe 1550: Second outlet pipe 1600: Battery module 2000: Battery pack system 2100: Control unit 2200:BMS 2300: Valve control unit 2400: First valve drive unit 2500: Second valve drive unit V1: First valve V2: Second valve F: Filter section

Claims

1. a battery pack frame including a module section in which a plurality of battery modules are mounted and an electrical section in which electrical components are mounted; an inlet for supplying cooling water to the module; an outlet through which the cooling water supplied to the module section is discharged; and a water port for spraying water into the interior of the module; The inlet, the outlet, and the water port are spaced apart from one another on one side of the battery pack frame.

2. The inlet is connected to an inlet pipe that supplies the cooling water, The water port is connected to a water pipe branched from the inlet pipe, The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the outlet is connected to a first outlet pipe that discharges the cooling water to the outside.

3. a first valve located between the inlet pipe and the water pipe; The battery pack according to claim 2 , wherein the first valve allows the coolant to flow into one of the inlet pipe and the water pipe.

4. a first valve driving unit that drives and stops the first valve; the first valve driving unit stops the first valve to allow the cooling water to flow into the inlet pipe; The battery pack of claim 3 , wherein the first valve driving unit drives the first valve to allow the coolant to flow into the water pipe.

5. The battery pack according to claim 4 , wherein the water pipe has a filter portion formed between the water port and the first valve.

6. The filter unit separates water from remaining substances in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe, The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein the water separated by the filter unit flows into the water port.

7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the filter portion is a membrane filter formed of a porous film.

8. The filter unit is connected to a second outlet pipe that is branched and connected to the water pipe, The battery pack according to claim 5 , wherein a second valve is located between the first outlet pipe and the second outlet pipe.

9. When the second valve does not operate, the substance discharged to the outlet is discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe, The battery pack of claim 8 , wherein when the second valve is operated, the substance that has moved to the second outlet pipe is discharged to the outside through the first outlet pipe.

10. a second valve driving unit that drives and stops the second valve; the second valve driving unit stops the second valve to discharge the material discharged from the outlet to the outside through the first outlet pipe; The battery pack of claim 9 , wherein the second valve driving unit drives the second valve to discharge the material that has moved to the second outlet pipe to the outside through the first outlet pipe.

11. the substance discharged from the outlet is the cooling water flowing into the inlet, The battery pack of claim 10 , wherein the substances transferred to the second outlet pipe are the remaining substances separated by the filter unit in the cooling water flowing into the water pipe.

12. a valve control unit that controls the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit; a battery management system (BMS) that measures the voltage and temperature of battery cells included in the plurality of battery modules; and The battery pack according to claim 10 , further comprising a control unit that controls the valve control unit and the BMS.

13. When the voltage of the battery cell measured by the BMS is 0.5 V or less and the temperature of the battery cell is 70 degrees Celsius or more, The control unit acquires thermal runaway abnormality confirmation information, The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the valve control unit controls the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit to drive the first valve and the second valve.

14. When the voltage of the battery cell measured by the BMS exceeds 0.5V or the temperature of the battery cell is less than 70 degrees Celsius, The control unit acquires thermal runaway abnormality release information, The battery pack according to claim 12 , wherein the valve control unit controls the first valve driving unit and the second valve driving unit to stop the first valve and the second valve.

15. at least one jetting portion connected to the water port and positioned adjacent to the module portion; The battery pack of claim 1 , wherein the spray unit sprays water flowing into the water port toward the module unit.

16. The electronic device further includes a partition wall located between the module section and the electrical equipment section, The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the jet is located on the partition wall.

17. The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein the injection unit is located adjacent to a battery module that is located closest to the water port among the plurality of battery modules.

18. A device comprising the battery pack of any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. The power supply further includes a partition wall located between the module section and the electrical section, The battery pack according to claim 15 , wherein a plurality of the injection portions are positioned on the partition wall so as to be spaced apart from one another.

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