Improved safety of the battery pack

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack configured to ensure safety even when a thermal event occurs. The battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery module having one or more battery cells, a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module, and a fire tank including a rupture member that holds a fire extinguishing agent, is connected to at least one of the battery module and the control module, and is configured to rupture under a predetermined condition to allow the fire extinguishing agent to flow out when ruptured.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly to a battery pack configured to ensure safety even when a thermal event occurs.

[0002] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0187845, filed on December 24, 2021, and the entire contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of that application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003] 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 almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, free charging and discharging, very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Such lithium secondary batteries typically use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as the positive and negative electrode active materials, respectively, and include an electrode assembly in which a separator is sandwiched between positive and negative electrode plates coated with the positive and negative electrode active materials, and an exterior case, i.e., a battery case, that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte.

[0005] Generally, lithium secondary batteries are classified into can-type 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 a pouch made of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the exterior material.

[0006] Such secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices but also in medium- to large-sized devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS), and their usage is rapidly increasing. Furthermore, residential energy storage systems have recently been widely used to store and supply electricity for use in buildings such as homes and buildings. The core component of such residential energy storage systems is the battery pack.

[0007] Various battery packs, including those used in residential ESSs, include multiple battery cells (secondary batteries) to increase capacity and / or output. In particular, to increase the energy density of the battery pack, the multiple battery cells are often arranged densely in a very small space.

[0008] One of the most important issues in the construction of such a battery pack is safety. In particular, if a thermal event occurs in one of the battery cells included in the battery pack, the propagation of the thermal event to other battery cells must be suppressed. Furthermore, a battery cell that experiences thermal runaway may emit vent gas, which may cause thermal runaway in other battery cells and lead to thermal propagation.

[0009] In addition, a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack may be grouped into two or more battery modules, and in this case, it is necessary to suppress the propagation of a thermal runaway event occurring within a specific battery module to other battery modules.

[0010] If heat transfer between battery cells or battery modules is not properly suppressed, a thermal event can spread to multiple battery cells or multiple battery modules included in a battery pack, causing larger problems such as a fire or explosion of the entire battery pack. Furthermore, a fire or explosion in a battery pack can cause significant damage to surrounding lives and property. In particular, in the case of a residential battery pack, a fire or explosion can endanger the safety of the residents and spread to a fire in the home, causing significant damage. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above problems, and aims to provide a battery pack or the like having an improved structure that can appropriately control thermal events that occur inside.

[0012] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description of the invention. [Means for solving the problem]

[0013] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack includes a battery module having one or more battery cells, a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module, and a fire tank having a rupture member that holds a fire extinguishing agent, is connected to at least one of the battery module and the control module, and is configured to rupture under predetermined conditions so that the fire extinguishing agent can flow out upon rupture.

[0014] Preferably, the fire tank may be provided between the battery module and the control module.

[0015] In one aspect of the present invention, the rupturing member may be configured to be detachable from the fire extinguishing tank.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the fire tank may include tank fastening portions at an upper end and a lower end, each of which is configured to be connectable to the control module and the battery module.

[0017] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the battery module may include a partition that contacts the fire tank or the control module and seals the vent path.

[0018] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the fire extinguishing tank may be configured to be located above the battery module, and the fire extinguishing agent may be configured to freely fall toward the battery module.

[0019] Preferably, the fire extinguishing agent may include at least one of antifreeze, salt water, and insulating oil.

[0020] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the battery module may include two or more battery modules.

[0021] Preferably, the fire extinguishing tank may be configured so that the fire extinguishing agent can be separately dispensed into each of two or more battery modules.

[0022] Here, the rupture member may be embodied as a glass ball.

[0023] In still another aspect of the present invention, the battery module may have an opening formed therein to communicate with the interior space.

[0024] Here, the rupture member may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening of the battery module.

[0025] Preferably, the fire tank may be formed with a vent path through which the discharged vent gas moves when the vent gas is discharged from the opening.

[0026] In yet another aspect of the present invention, the fire tank may include a plurality of fire tank units configured to respectively correspond to the battery modules.

[0027] Preferably, each of the fire extinguishing tank units may be configured to have an independent storage space.

[0028] In order to achieve the above object, an energy storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery pack according to the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved safety can be provided.

[0030] In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, such a thermal event can be quickly controlled.

[0031] Furthermore, if vent gas or the like is generated in some of the battery cells included in the battery pack due to thermal runaway or the like, the temperature of the battery cell can be quickly reduced by injecting a fire extinguishing agent.

[0032] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent a thermal runaway condition or the like from being propagated to other battery cells or other battery modules due to heat or vent gas, or from causing a fire.

[0033] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, even if a fire breaks out inside the battery pack, the fire can be immediately extinguished by injecting a fire extinguishing agent, for example, a liquid fire extinguishing agent.

[0034] Therefore, this aspect can prevent or reduce human and material damage caused by the spread of fire.

[0035] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, the fire suppression performance of the fire extinguishing agent can be stably ensured even when used under various external environments such as temperature, humidity, etc. For example, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing agent is resistant to freezing even when exposed to sub-zero temperatures for a long period of time, allowing the battery pack to be installed and used outdoors.

[0036] Therefore, this aspect of the present invention is more advantageously applicable to battery packs used outdoors, particularly battery packs for residential use.

[0037] Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a battery pack including a plurality of battery modules, if a thermal event occurs in a specific battery module, a fire extinguishing agent can be injected into only that battery module.

[0038] Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to perform concentrated and effective control on a battery module in which an event has occurred among a plurality of battery modules, and further, according to this aspect of the present invention, it is possible to continuously supply power above a certain level because the battery modules in which no event has occurred can be continuously used.

[0039] In addition, various additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. Such various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that can be easily understood by a person skilled in the art will be omitted.

[0040] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and, together with the detailed description of the invention, serve to further understand the technical concept of the present invention, so the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the matters described in the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0041] [Figure 1]1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly relating to the configuration of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration in which a fire extinguishing tank is removed from a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration in which a fire tank is assembled to the battery pack configuration of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a control module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a fire extinguishing tank according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from above; [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a fire extinguishing tank according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from below; [Figure 8] 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional front view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a cross-sectional view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a state before a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a thermal event occurs in only some of the battery modules in the battery pack of FIG. 12. FIG. [Figure 15] 13 is a diagram for explaining a state in which a thermal event has occurred in another battery module in the battery pack of FIG. 12. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms and words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be construed as having meanings and concepts corresponding to the technical ideas of the present invention, in accordance with the principle that the inventor himself can appropriately define the concepts of terms in order to best explain the invention.

[0043] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent the entire technical idea of ​​the present invention, and that there may be various equivalents and modifications that can be substituted for them at the time of this application.

[0044] Although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in this specification, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object of interest, the position of the observer, etc.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an assembled perspective view related to the configuration of FIG.

[0046] 1 and 2, a battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery module 100, a control module 200, and a fire tank 300.

[0047] The battery module 100 may include one or more battery cells. Here, each battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. Furthermore, the battery cells included in the battery module 100 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries and prismatic batteries, may also be used in the battery module 100 of the present invention.

[0048] The battery module 100 may also include a module case for accommodating the battery cells. In particular, the module case may have an internal space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the module case may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and configured to stand in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the ground.

[0049] The control module 200 may control the overall operation of the battery pack. In particular, the control module 200 may be electrically connected to the battery module 100. The control module 200 may be configured to manage the battery module 100. In particular, the control module 200 may be configured to control the charging or discharging operation of the battery module 100. The control module 200 may also be configured to measure, calculate, receive, or control various electrical, physical, and chemical characteristics of the battery module 100, the battery cells included therein, or the surrounding environment. For example, the control module 200 may measure, calculate, or control the voltage, current, temperature, SOC (State of Charge), SOH (State of Health), and internal resistance of the battery cells or the battery module 100.

[0050] The control module 200 may be supplied with operating power from the battery module 100 in order to manage the battery module 100. In addition, the control module 200 may exchange various data with the battery module 100 or other external devices through a wired or wireless communication network.

[0051] The control module 200 may include various electrical components such as a BMS (Battery Management System), a relay, a current sensor, etc. The control module 200 may also include a control housing for accommodating such electrical components.

[0052] The control module 200 may also include a pack terminal. Such a pack terminal may be configured to connect the battery pack to an external charging device or discharging device. For example, the pack terminal may include a socket, plug, connector, etc. for connecting to a utility power source or a load. In this case, the control module 200 may include a power supply path for exchanging charging power and discharging power with the battery module 100. Such a power supply path may function as a path for exchanging charging and discharging power between the pack terminal and the battery module 100.

[0053] The fire tank 300 may contain a fire extinguishing agent. Here, various materials capable of suppressing or suppressing a fire or lowering a temperature may be used as the fire extinguishing agent. The fire tank 300 may also include a tank housing for containing the fire extinguishing agent in its internal space.

[0054] The fire tank 300 may be coupled to at least one of the battery module 100 and the control module 200. For example, the fire tank 300 may be coupled to the battery module 100. Also, the fire tank 300 may be coupled to the control module 200.

[0055] In particular, the fire tank 300 may be configured to be detachable. For example, the tank housing of the fire tank 300 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the module case of the battery module 100. Furthermore, the tank housing of the fire tank 300 may be configured to be attachable to and detachable from the control housing of the control module 200.

[0056] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the fire extinguishing tank 300 is attached to the battery pack including the battery module 100 and the control module 200, thereby significantly improving safety. In particular, if an abnormality occurs in the battery pack, for example, if a thermal runaway condition occurs inside the battery module 100 or if a fire breaks out in the battery module 100 or the control module 200, the fire can be suppressed or extinguished by the fire extinguishing agent. In addition, the temperature of the battery module 100 or the control module 200 can be lowered to prevent the thermal runaway condition or overheating condition. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an abnormality such as a fire or overheating condition in the battery pack from increasing the risk of fire or other damage to other parts outside the battery pack.

[0057] The fire tank 300 may be provided between the battery module 100 and the control module 200. In particular, the battery module 100 may be located below the control module 200. In this case, the fire tank 300 may be located above the battery module 100 and below the control module 200.

[0058] According to this embodiment of the present invention, in a battery pack including a battery module 100 and a control module 200, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be disposed adjacent to both the battery module 100 and the control module 200. Therefore, if a thermal event occurs in the battery module 100 or the control module 200, a quick and effective response can be made.

[0059] Here, the control module 200 may be configured to be detachable from at least one side of the battery module 100. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.

[0060] Fig. 3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration in which the fire tank 300 is removed from the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a view schematically illustrating a configuration in which the fire tank 300 is assembled to the battery pack configuration of Fig. 3. Fig. 5 is a bottom perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of the control module 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] 3, unlike the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the fire tank 300 does not need to be interposed between the control module 200 and the battery module 100. Furthermore, the control module 200 may be directly installed on top of the battery module 100 without the fire tank 300 located below. Furthermore, the control module 200 may be configured to be detachable after being installed on top of the battery module 100.

[0062] To this end, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be provided with configurations for electrically and mechanically coupling to each other.

[0063] For example, the battery module 100 may have a module connector for electrical connection at its upper portion, as indicated by E1 in FIG. 4. The control module 200 may have a control connector at its lower portion, as indicated by E2 in FIG. 5. In this case, the control connector E2 may be configured to be directly connectable to the module connector E1. In particular, the module connector E1 and the control connector E2 may be electrically connected to each other, and charge / discharge power and electrical signals (data) may be transmitted. In particular, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may each have a power connector for exchanging charge / discharge power and a communication connector for exchanging electrical signals, separately.

[0064] Furthermore, the battery module 100 may have a module fastening portion formed on its upper portion, as indicated by C1 in FIG. 4. The control module 200 may have a control fastening portion formed on its lower portion, as indicated by C2 in FIG. 5. Here, the control fastening portion C2 and the module fastening portion C1 may be configured to be fastened to each other. For example, the module fastening portion C1 and the control fastening portion C2 may be configured to be fastened to each other by bolt fastening. By fastening or releasing the module fastening portion C1 and the control fastening portion C2, the control fastening portion C2 may be directly attached to or separated from the module fastening portion C1.

[0065] In this manner, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be configured to be directly connectable to each other mechanically and electrically. In particular, the control module 200 may be connected to the battery module 100 in a plug-in manner, in which the control module 200 is mounted on the battery module 100 and electrically connected to the battery module 100. However, in the case of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention, a fire extinguishing tank 300 may be interposed in the space between the battery module 100 and the control module 200, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4.

[0066] In particular, even if the battery pack is manufactured so as to be usable in the form shown in FIG. 3, the battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention may be embodied such that the fire extinguishing tank 300 is inserted between the battery module 100 and the control module 200.

[0067] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to maximize the use of existing battery pack structures and production lines while ensuring safety through the fire tank 300. In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, in a battery pack configuration in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are directly mounted, the fire tank 300 is configured to be interposed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200, thereby ensuring safety against thermal events.

[0068] The fire tank 300 may be configured to be mechanically coupled to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. To this end, the fire tank 300 may include a tank fastening portion, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0069] 6 and 7 are perspective views schematically illustrating the top and bottom views of a fire tank 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Also, FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a partial configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 8 can be said to show a cross-sectional configuration taken along A1-A1' in FIG. 1.

[0070] First, referring to FIG. 6, the fire tank 300 may have an upper tank fastening portion, as indicated by C32, for connecting to the control module 200 at its upper end. The upper tank fastening portion C32 is a fastening portion provided on the tank housing of the fire tank 300 and may be configured to be connectable to the control module 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, if the control fastening portion C2 is provided at the lower end of the control module 200, the upper tank fastening portion C32 formed at the upper end of the fire tank 300 may be configured to be connectable to the control fastening portion C2. More specifically, the upper tank fastening portion C32 may be configured to be connectable to the control fastening portion C2 by bolts. For example, as indicated by A2 in FIG. 8, the upper tank fastening portion C32 and the control fastening portion C2 may be connected to each other by bolts. The control module 200 and the fire tank 300 may be fixed to each other by bolting the control fastening portion C2 to the upper tank fastening portion C32.

[0071] In particular, as described in the above-described embodiments, the control module 200 may be provided so as to be directly mountable on the battery module 100. In this case, the control fastening part C2 may be configured to be originally coupled to the module fastening part C1 of the battery module 100. However, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the upper tank fastening part C32 provided on the fire tank 300 may be configured so as to be coupled to the control fastening part C2. To this end, the upper tank fastening part C32 may have the same shape and horizontal position as the module fastening part C1. That is, the upper tank fastening part C32 may be configured to be compatible with the control fastening part C2 so as to replace the module fastening part C1.

[0072] In addition, the fire tank 300 may have a tank fastening portion at its lower end for coupling to the battery module 100. For example, referring to Fig. 7, the lower tank fastening portion may be provided at the edge of the lower end of the fire tank 300, as indicated by C31, and configured to be coupled to the battery module 100. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, if a module fastening portion C1 is formed at the upper end of the battery module 100, the lower tank fastening portion C31 of the fire tank 300 may be configured to be coupled to the module fastening portion C1.

[0073] More specifically, the lower tank fastening portion C31 may be configured to be bolted to the module fastening portion C1. For example, as shown in the portion A2' in FIG. 8, the lower tank fastening portion C31 and the module fastening portion C1 may be bolted to each other. The battery module 100 and the fire tank 300 may be fixed to each other by bolting the module fastening portion C1 and the lower tank fastening portion C31.

[0074] Furthermore, as described in the above embodiment, the battery module 100 may be configured to be directly connectable to the control module 200. In this case, the module fastening part C1 may be configured to be originally connected to the control fastening part C2 of the control module 200. However, in the battery pack according to the present invention, the lower tank fastening part C31 provided on the fire tank 300 may have the same shape and horizontal position as the control fastening part C2 so that it can be connected to the module fastening part C1. That is, the lower tank fastening part C31 may be configured to be compatible with the module fastening part C1 so as to replace the control fastening part C2.

[0075] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to easily implement a configuration in which the fire tank 300 is assembled in the space between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 in a battery pack in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are directly coupled. In particular, in this case, the fire tank 300 can be used interchangeably with conventional battery modules 100 and control modules 200 without changing their configurations.

[0076] In addition, in the case of a battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention, the battery module 100, the fire extinguishing tank 300, and the control module 200 are configured to be stacked sequentially upward, and according to the above embodiment, this stacked state can be stably maintained.

[0077] Meanwhile, for stable connection and ease of assembly, the fire tank 300 may be provided with various types of fasteners for mechanically connecting to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. For example, the fire tank 300 may be mechanically connected to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200 by various methods such as hook connection, insertion connection, rivet connection, etc.

[0078] 8, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a connection member 330. Here, the connection member 330 is a component that electrically connects the battery module 100 and the control module 200. In particular, the connection member 330 may be configured to be interposed between a module connector E1 provided on the battery module 100 and a control connector E2 provided on the control module 200 to connect them. Furthermore, the connection member 330 may be coupled at both ends to the module connector E1 and the control connector E2 to transmit charging / discharging power and / or electrical signals.

[0079] As a specific example, the connection member 330 may be configured in the form of a long cable extending in one direction to allow power or electrical signals to travel. The connection member 330 may have tank connectors on both ends of the cable. For example, the connection member 330 may have a tank connector at its bottom end, as shown by E31 in FIGS. 7 and 8. The bottom tank connector E31 may be connected to the module connector E1 of the battery module 100. The connection member 330 may also have a tank connector at its top end, as shown by E32 in FIGS. 6 and 8. The top tank connector E32 may be connected to the control connector E2 of the control module 200.

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 2, 6, and 8, the fire tank 300 may include an inner tank 310 and an outer tank 320. The inner tank 310 may have an internal space and directly accommodate a fire extinguishing agent in the internal space. In particular, the inner tank 310 may be configured in a sealed form to accommodate the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the inner tank 310 may be configured to have an airtightness performance of IP rating 55 or higher to prevent leakage of the fire extinguishing agent in a steady state. The outer tank 320 may be configured to be larger than the inner tank 310 and accommodate the inner tank 310 in its internal space. As a result, the fire tank 300 may be said to have at least a partial double-walled structure.

[0081] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0082] 12 , in one aspect of the present invention, the fire tank 300 may include a plurality of fire tank units T configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of battery modules 100. More specifically, the inner tank 310 may include a plurality of fire tank units T configured to respectively correspond to the plurality of battery modules 100.

[0083] 12, the fire tank 300 may include a plurality of fire tank units T therein, and the plurality of fire tank units T may be configured to correspond to a plurality of battery modules 100, respectively. That is, a first fire tank unit T1 may be configured to correspond to an upper portion of a first module M1, and a second fire tank unit T2 may be configured to correspond to an upper portion of a second module M2.

[0084] Preferably, each of the fire extinguishing tank units T may be configured to have an independent storage space. For example, referring to FIG. 12 , the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 and the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 may be configured to have independent storage spaces. That is, the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 may be sealed and stored in the external tank 320. The second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 may be sealed and stored in the external tank 320. Each of the fire extinguishing tank units T may contain a certain amount of extinguishing agent. The amount of extinguishing agent may be sufficient to suppress or prevent the spread of a thermal event in each battery module 100.

[0085] According to this structure, since each space containing the extinguishing agent is divided, even if a thermal event occurs at a predetermined time interval in a plurality of battery modules 100, the thermal event can be controlled for all of the battery modules 100. That is, according to the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs first in a specific battery module 100 and extinguishing agent is discharged, extinguishing agent remains for the other battery modules 100. The effects of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0086] Figure 13 is a diagram for explaining the state before a thermal event occurs in the battery pack of Figure 12, Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining the state in which a thermal event has occurred in only some of the battery modules in the battery pack of Figure 12, and Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining the state in which a thermal event has also occurred in other battery modules in the battery pack of Figure 12.

[0087] Figure 13 shows the battery module 100 when no thermal event has occurred. If a thermal event such as vent gas or a fire occurs first in the first module M1 as shown in Figure 14, the first glass bulb G1 will break, allowing the fire extinguishing agent in the first fire tank unit T1 to be injected into the first module M1. This allows the thermal event in the first module M1 to be quickly controlled.

[0088] 15, at a certain point after the suppression of the first module M1, a thermal event such as vent gas or a fire may also occur in the second module M2. This may cause the second glass bulb G2 to break. In this case, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, because the first fire extinguishing tank unit T1 and the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 are configured to have independent storage spaces, the extinguishing agent necessary to suppress the thermal event in the second module M2 remains in the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2. This allows the extinguishing agent in the second fire extinguishing tank unit T2 to be injected into the second module M2. As a result, the thermal event in the second module M2 can also be effectively controlled.

[0089] In another aspect of the present invention, the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be configured to be at least partially separated from each other. In particular, with reference to the embodiment of Fig. 8, the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 may be configured to be at least partially separated from each other in the left-right direction. For example, a space may be formed between the side wall of the inner tank 310 and the side wall of the outer tank 320, as shown in the portion indicated by A5.

[0090] In this case, the extinguishing agent inside the fire tank 300 can be more safely maintained. In particular, even if an impact is applied from the side of the fire tank 300, the impact transmission can be mitigated by the dual structure of the outer tank 320 and the inner tank 310 and the space formed between them. Therefore, the fire tank 300, especially the inner tank 310, is prevented from being damaged by impact or vibration, and abnormal leakage of the extinguishing agent can be prevented.

[0091] In this embodiment of the fire extinguishing tank 300, the connecting member 330 may be located in the space between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320. For example, in the embodiment of Fig. 8, a space may be formed between the right side wall of the inner tank 310 and the right side wall of the outer tank 320. The connecting member 330 may be located in this separated space. A similar space may also be formed between the left side wall of the inner tank 310 and the left side wall of the outer tank 320, and the connecting member 330 may be located in this separated space.

[0092] According to this embodiment, the connecting member 330 does not come into direct contact with the extinguishing agent inside the fire tank 300. Therefore, corrosion of the connecting member 330 due to the extinguishing agent or leakage of current can be prevented.

[0093] 1 and 2, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be located above the battery module 100. The fire extinguishing agent discharged from the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to freely fall toward the battery module 100.

[0094] That is, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can rapidly inject the fire extinguishing agent without requiring a separate power source to move the fire extinguishing agent toward the battery module 100. For example, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 2, the fire extinguishing agent is injected toward the battery module 100 as indicated by arrow A3, and this injection process can occur naturally in a free-fall manner. Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention enables efficient thermal control of battery cells whose temperatures have risen due to thermal runaway or the like.

[0095] The extinguishing agent may include a liquid substance. That is, the fire tank 300 may store a liquid substance as an extinguishing agent in the inner space of the inner tank 310. For example, the extinguishing agent may be water, a mixture of water and one or more additives, or a liquid containing the same.

[0096] The liquid fire extinguishing agent can be easily injected into the battery module 100 located below by free fall. In addition, the liquid fire extinguishing agent lowers the temperature of the battery module 100, which is advantageous for extinguishing a fire. In addition, in this configuration, the fire extinguishing agent can quickly and smoothly flow into the interior of the battery module 100, particularly to the lower part of the module. In addition, the liquid fire extinguishing agent can suppress the inflow of oxygen into the interior of the battery module, particularly to the battery cell where an incident has occurred.

[0097] Furthermore, the fire extinguishing agent may include at least one of antifreeze, salt water, and insulating oil. That is, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may contain antifreeze, salt water, and / or insulating oil as the fire extinguishing agent, or may further contain other substances in addition to these liquid substances.

[0098] This embodiment may be more advantageous for outdoor installation of the battery pack. In particular, battery packs used in residential ESSs, industrial ESSs, and the like may be used outdoors. In this case, when antifreeze, salt water, insulating oil, or the like is used as the fire extinguishing agent, it remains in a liquid state without freezing even at low temperatures. This prevents the problem of the fire extinguishing agent not being dispensed due to freezing when it should be dispensed into the battery module 100. In addition, this prevents volumetric changes due to external temperatures, thereby preventing problems such as freezing and cracking of the fire extinguishing tank 300. Furthermore, insulating oil can maintain insulation resistance even when dispensed into the battery module 100. Therefore, this embodiment of the present invention may be more advantageously applied to residential battery packs and residential energy storage systems (ESSs).

[0099] The fire extinguishing tank 300 may include a rupturable member 340. The rupturable member 340 may be ruptured under a predetermined condition, and may be configured to allow the extinguishing agent to flow out when ruptured.

[0100] To this end, the rupture member 340 may be configured to communicate with the interior space of the fire tank 300. In particular, when the fire tank 300 includes an inner tank 310 and an outer tank 320, the rupture member 340 may be configured to communicate with the interior space of the inner tank 310. For example, the inner tank 310 may be formed in a generally sealed form, but may have an input hole formed therein. The rupture member 340 may then be inserted into the input hole to close the input hole. When the rupture member 340 ruptures, the input hole is opened, allowing the extinguishing agent stored in the inner tank 310 to be discharged to the outside.

[0101] The rupturable member 340 may be located at the bottom of the fire tank 300. In this case, if the rupturable member 340 ruptures, the fire extinguishing agent may be more smoothly injected toward the battery module 100. In particular, the fire extinguishing agent may be injected into the battery module 100 in a free-fall manner.

[0102] At least one rupture member 340 may be provided in one fire tank 300. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0103] Furthermore, the rupture member 340 may be configured to break under certain conditions such as temperature, pressure, etc. For example, the rupture member 340 may be configured to rupture under conditions of a certain temperature or above and / or a certain pressure or above.

[0104] In particular, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be rupturable by vent gas. That is, when an event such as thermal runaway occurs in the battery module 100, vent gas may be generated and discharged from the battery module 100. In this case, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be ruptured by the heat or pressure of the vent gas.

[0105] The rupture member 340 may be embodied as a glass ball. For example, an input hole may be formed in the fire tank 300, and the glass ball may be inserted and fastened into the input hole. The glass ball may be broken when it comes into contact with the vent gas, thereby allowing the extinguishing agent inside the fire tank 300 to be sprayed outward, particularly toward the battery module 100.

[0106] According to this embodiment, the fire tank 300 can be easily configured, and the fire extinguishing agent can be more smoothly injected into the battery module 100. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the rupture member 340 can be more easily configured to rupture due to the vent gas generated from the battery module 100.

[0107] Alternatively, the rupture member 340 may be implemented in various materials or shapes that can rupture in response to changes in conditions such as heat or pressure. For example, the rupture member 340 may be implemented in the form of a vinyl material or an injection molding. More specifically, the rupture member 340 may include a vinyl material or a plastic material. For example, when the temperature rises due to vent gas generated from the battery module 100 and exceeds a certain temperature, vinyl or plastic with a low melting point melts and ruptures, thereby discharging the fire extinguishing agent from the fire tank 300.

[0108] In one aspect of the present invention, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be detachable from the fire tank 300. For example, the rupture member 340 may be detachable from an insertion hole provided in the fire tank 300.

[0109] This structure allows the rupture member 340 to be replaced with one having a different rupture temperature, so that the rupture member 340 can rupture at a desired temperature. For example, by replacing glass spheres that rupture at 70°C with glass spheres that rupture at 100°C, the temperature at which the fire extinguishing agent is released from the fire tank 300 can be easily adjusted. Alternatively, by replacing the glass spheres with vinyl or plastic injection moldings with a low melting or softening point, the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be configured to release the fire extinguishing agent at a lower temperature.

[0110] In addition, with this structure, it is possible to configure a battery pack in which fire extinguishing agent is injected at various temperatures by simply replacing the rupturable member 340 without manufacturing the fire extinguishing tank 300 separately.

[0111] Furthermore, according to the structure of the present invention, even after the rupturable member 340 ruptures, it is possible to easily replace it with a new rupturable member 340, so that the fire extinguishing tank 300 can be recycled.

[0112] The battery module 100 may have an opening formed therein to communicate with the interior space thereof. For example, as shown by O1 in FIG. 2, the battery module 100 may have an opening formed at its upper end. The opening O1 may communicate with the interior space of the module case in which the battery cells are located.

[0113] Here, the rupture member 340 may be configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening O1 of the battery module 100. For example, as shown in the portions A4 and A4' in FIG. 8 , the rupture member 340 may be inserted into the internal space of the battery module 100 from the opening O1.

[0114] According to this embodiment of the present invention, a fire extinguishing agent can flow into the internal space of the battery module 100. This makes it possible to more effectively respond to thermal events that occur inside the battery module 100, such as thermal runaway, gas emissions, and fires. Furthermore, battery cells that are directly subject to thermal events may be located in the internal space of the battery module 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent can be directly injected onto the battery cells. This is more advantageous in suppressing and preventing fires and the like.

[0115] Furthermore, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the rupture member 340, such as a glass ball, can react more quickly to vent gas. That is, when vent gas is generated in the internal space of the battery module 100, the vent gas can be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening O1. In other words, the opening O1 can serve as an outlet for vent gas in the battery module 100. Furthermore, when the opening O1 is located on the upper side of the battery module 100, a large amount of vent gas can be discharged toward the opening O1 located on the upper side.

[0116] In this case, if a glass bead is located in the area where the vent gas is discharged, the glass bead can quickly burst when the vent gas is generated. This allows for quicker injection of fire extinguishing agent in the event of a thermal event. In addition, in this case, the fire extinguishing agent is injected directly into the vent gas, lowering the temperature of the vent gas and suppressing the emission of external ignition sources such as flames and sparks contained in the vent gas.

[0117] Meanwhile, the opening O1 formed in the battery module 100 does not necessarily have to be provided for the purpose of discharging vent gas or the like. For example, the opening O1 provided at the upper end of the battery module 100 shown in FIG. 2 and the like may be provided for the purpose of transporting the battery module 100. That is, the opening O1 may be configured to provide a space into which a worker or a carrying device can insert their fingers or a gripping tool to grip the battery module 100 when transporting it. Alternatively, the opening O1 may be configured to allow the control module 200 or the fire tank 300 to be inserted.

[0118] A vent path configured to allow vent gas to move may be formed in the fire tank 300. That is, when vent gas is discharged from the opening O1 of the battery module 100, a vent path may be formed inside and / or outside the fire tank 300 so that the vent gas is discharged to a specific location. Such a vent path may be formed in the fire tank 300 alone or together with other components. This will be described with further reference to FIGS. 9 and 10 in addition to FIG. 8.

[0119] 9 is an enlarged front view of a cross section of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 9 can be considered an enlarged view of part A4 in FIG. 8. Also, FIG. 10 is a top view of a cross section of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 10 is a cross section taken along line A6-A6' in FIG. 1.

[0120] First, referring to FIG. 9 , when the fire tank 300 is installed on the battery module 100, the fire tank 300 and the battery module 100 may be configured to be partially separated from each other. This separated space may communicate with the opening O1 of the battery module 100 and function as a vent path. For example, as shown by A7 in FIG. 9 , a space may be formed between the upper end of the battery module 100 and the lower end of the fire tank 300. Vent gas discharged from the opening O1 may be discharged to the outside through the separated space A7 between the battery module 100 and the fire tank 300, as shown by arrow A8. That is, in this embodiment, the separated space A7 between the battery module 100 and the fire tank 300 may serve as a vent path. The vent path formed between the battery module 100 and the fire tank 300 may be connected to the outside of the battery pack, allowing vent gas inside the battery pack to be discharged to the outside.

[0121] In addition, the vent path may be formed inside the fire tank 300. In particular, when the fire tank 300 includes an inner tank 310 and an outer tank 320, a space may be formed between the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320. For example, as shown in the portion A5 in FIG. 8, the inner tank 310 and the outer tank 320 are separated from each other, and the space may function as a vent path.

[0122] The separated space A5 between the internal tank 310 and the external tank 320 may communicate with the opening O1 of the battery module 100. In addition, a vent path formed between the internal tank 310 and the external tank 320 may be connected to the outside of the battery pack, allowing vent gas inside the battery pack to be discharged to the outside.

[0123] In addition, vent paths may be formed both between the fire tank 300 and the battery module 100, as in the portion indicated by A8 in Fig. 9, and between the outer tank 320 and the inner tank 310, as in the portion indicated by A5 in Fig. 8. These vent paths may communicate with each other and lead to the opening O1 and the external space.

[0124] In this embodiment, vent gas discharged from the interior of the battery module 100 toward the opening O1 may break a rupture member 340, such as a glass bulb, located at the opening O1, allowing the fire-extinguishing agent to flow into the interior of the battery module 100. The vent gas may then be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the space between the fire tank 300 and the battery module 100 and the vent path formed between the external tank 320 and the internal tank 310, as indicated by arrows A9 and A9' in FIG. 10 . More specifically, referring to the embodiment of FIG. 10 , the vent gas moves left and right (X-axis direction) in the interior space of the fire tank 300 and then rearward (+Y-axis direction) to be discharged to the outside of the battery pack. In this case, the outlet of the vent path may be located at the rear of the battery pack.

[0125] According to this embodiment, a vent gas discharge configuration is provided by the fire extinguishing tank 300 installed in the battery module 100, allowing the vent gas inside the battery module 100 to be smoothly discharged to the outside, thereby preventing explosions due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery module 100.

[0126] Also, according to this embodiment, the direction of the vent gas discharged from the battery module 100 can be effectively controlled by the fire tank 300. In particular, in this embodiment, the vent gas can be guided to flow toward the rupture member 340. Therefore, when vent gas is generated, the rupture member 340 can be quickly ruptured. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vent gas can move toward the rear of the battery pack as shown in FIG. 10. Therefore, direct exposure of the vent gas to the user or other components located at the front of the battery pack can be prevented.

[0127] Two or more battery modules 100 may be included in a battery pack. In this case, the fire extinguishing tank 300 may be configured to separately supply fire extinguishing agents to each of the two or more battery modules 100. This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 11.

[0128] 11 is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a portion of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, taken along line A10-A10' in FIG.

[0129] 11 , a battery pack may include two or more battery modules 100. A fire tank 300 may be configured to be able to be assembled to two or more battery modules 100. In this case, the fire tank 300 may include at least two rupture members 340, which may be spaced apart in the stacking direction of the battery modules 100. The rupture members 340 may be inserted into the openings O1 of different battery modules 100, respectively. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 11 , a first glass bead G1 may be inserted into the opening O1 of a first module M1, and a second glass bead G2 may be inserted into the opening O1 of a second module M2.

[0130] In this configuration, the first glass sphere G1 and the second glass sphere G2 can each allow a fire extinguishing agent to be dispensed into a different battery module 100 (M1, M2). For example, if vent gas or a fire is generated from the first module M1, the first glass sphere G1 can be broken, allowing the fire extinguishing agent from the fire tank 300 to be dispensed into the first module M1, as indicated by arrow D1. In another example, if vent gas or a fire is generated from the second module M2, the second glass sphere G2 can be broken, allowing the fire extinguishing agent from the fire tank 300 to be dispensed into the second module M2, as indicated by arrow D2.

[0131] According to this embodiment of the present invention, in a battery pack including multiple battery modules 100, it is possible to directly inject a fire extinguishing agent into each battery module 100. In particular, according to this embodiment, a fire extinguishing agent can be injected only into the battery module 100 in which an event has occurred. Therefore, the other battery modules 100 to which the fire extinguishing agent has not been injected can continue to operate. For example, if a thermal event occurs in the first module M1, the first glass bulb G1 may be damaged, and fire extinguishing agent may be injected only into the first module M1. In this case, because the second glass bulb G2 is not damaged, fire extinguishing agent is not injected into the second module M2, allowing the second module M2 to continue to be used. This prevents the entire battery pack from being wasted even if a problem occurs in one of the battery modules 100.

[0132] 11 shows one rupture member 340 inserted into one battery module 100, but two or more rupture members 340 may be inserted into one battery module 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the fire tank 300 may have two or more rupture members 340 in each of the front-rear and left-right directions. In this case, two rupture members 340 arranged in the left-right direction may be inserted into one battery module 100.

[0133] In an embodiment in which a battery pack includes multiple battery modules 100, vent paths may be configured to be separate between each battery module 100. For example, as shown by W1 in Fig. 11, a central protrusion may be formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2. This central protrusion may be configured to bulge upward from the upper end of the battery module 100 and may contact the lower end of the fire tank 300.

[0134] In this case, the protrusion may prevent vent gas from flowing toward other battery modules 100. For example, when vent gas is ejected from the opening O1 in the first module M1, the vent gas may flow in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) along the vent path formed between the top of the first module M1 and the bottom of the fire tank 300, as shown in FIG. 10 . However, the central protrusion W1 formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2 prevents the vent gas from moving toward the second module M2. That is, the central protrusion W1 formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2 may function as a partition wall that blocks the movement of vent gas between them. In particular, the central protrusion W1 may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane to ensure sealing performance.

[0135] Such a central protrusion W1 may be formed to extend horizontally in a direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the stacking direction of the battery modules 100. For example, in FIG. 10, the protrusion may be formed as a partition wall, positioned between the first module M1 and the second module M2, and extending horizontally (X-axis direction), as shown by the portion W2.

[0136] According to this embodiment of the present invention, the vent direction of the vent gas can be more reliably controlled. Furthermore, in this case, the vent gas discharged from some battery modules 100 can be prevented from flowing into other battery modules 100, thereby preventing problems such as thermal runaway propagation between modules. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent a problem in which the rupture member 340 is damaged by the vent gas discharged from other battery modules 100, causing a fire extinguishing agent to be injected into the interior of a normal battery module 100.

[0137] In addition, the plurality of battery modules 100 may also have partitions formed on their outer sides. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a protrusion (forward protrusion) may be formed on the edge of the front upper end of the first module M1 located at the front side, as a partition structure that contacts the fire tank 300 and seals the vent path, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, as shown in FIG. 11, a protrusion (rear protrusion) may be formed on the edge of the rear upper end of the second module M2 located at the rear side, as a partition structure that contacts the fire tank 300 and seals the vent path, as shown in FIG. 11. In addition, the forward protrusion W3 and the rear protrusion W3' may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane to ensure sealing performance.

[0138] This embodiment of the present invention can ensure that the vent path formed between the battery module 100 and the fire tank 300 is tightly sealed, allowing the vent gas to be discharged only in the intended direction. For example, this partition configuration can prevent the vent gas from moving in the direction indicated by arrows A9 and A9' in FIG. 10 and from moving in other directions, such as toward the front of the battery pack.

[0139] The fire tank 300 may further include a cover portion configured to protrude toward the battery module 100 at an edge portion coupled to the battery module 100. For example, referring to the embodiment drawings of FIGS. 7 and 11, as shown by A11, a cover portion extending downward below the upper end of the battery module 100 may be formed at at least a part of the lower end of the edge portion of the fire tank 300. When the fire tank 300 is installed in the battery module 100, the cover portion may be configured to surround the outside of the battery module 100.

[0140] According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the connection between the fire tank 300 and the battery module 100. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when a fire extinguishing agent is sprayed from the fire tank 300, it is possible to easily inject the fire extinguishing agent into the battery module 100 while preventing the fire extinguishing agent from leaking out of the battery pack.

[0141] Furthermore, this embodiment can prevent vent gas from leaking in unintended directions. For example, the cover portion can be formed on three edges, namely, the front, left, and right edges, of the lower edge of the fire tank 300. In this case, the vent gas that has flowed between the fire tank 300 and the battery module 100 can be guided to flow out toward the rear of the battery pack, preventing it from leaking toward the front, left, or right.

[0142] Furthermore, the fire tank 300 may further include sealing members at edges that are coupled to the battery module 100 and / or the control module 200. For example, the fire tank 300 may include upper and lower sealing members each having a ring shape. The upper sealing member may be provided at an upper edge of the fire tank 300, and the lower sealing member may be provided at a lower edge of the fire tank 300. These sealing members may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane.

[0143] According to this embodiment, it is possible to ensure sealing performance at the upper and / or lower ends of the fire tank 300 at the joints with other components (battery module, control module), thereby preventing leakage of vent gas from the joints and penetration of foreign matter such as water, moisture, and dust.

[0144] The battery pack according to the present invention may be configured so that the fire tank 300, the battery module 100, the control module 200, etc. can be coupled and fixed to a wall of a building such as a house or a building. For example, the fire tank 300 may be configured to have a fixing hole formed in the rear surface thereof so that the fire tank 300 can be fixed to a wall through the fixing hole. Alternatively, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a fixing unit configured to be coupled to a wall or the like. The fixing unit may be fastened to components such as the fire tank 300 or the battery module 100 to fix the battery pack to the wall.

[0145] An energy storage system according to the present invention includes one or more battery packs according to the present invention. The energy storage system according to the present invention may further include, in addition to the battery pack, other components typically included in an energy storage system. In particular, the energy storage system according to the present invention may be a residential (building) energy storage system used to store energy in homes, buildings, etc.

[0146] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations can be made by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0147] 100 Battery Module 200 Control Module 300 Fire Tank 310 Inner Tank 320 External Tank 330 Connecting member 340 Bursting Member C1 Module fastening part C2 Control joint C31, C32 tank joint E1 Module Connector E2 control connector E31, E32 tank connector M1 First Module M2 Second Module T Fire Tank Unit T1 First Fire Tank Unit T2 Second fire tank unit

Claims

1. a battery module comprising one or more battery cells; a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module; a fire tank containing a fire extinguishing agent and coupled to at least one of the battery module and the control module, the fire tank including a rupture member configured to rupture when a certain temperature and / or pressure is reached, thereby allowing the fire extinguishing agent to flow out when ruptured; In a battery pack including the fire extinguishing tank is provided between the battery module and the control module; an opening is formed in the battery module so as to communicate with the internal space; The battery pack, wherein the rupture member is configured to be at least partially inserted into an opening in the battery module.

2. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the rupture member is configured to be detachable from the fire extinguishing tank.

3. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fire tank comprises tank fastening parts at an upper end and a lower end, the tank fastening parts being connectable to the control module and the battery module, respectively.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the battery module includes a partition that contacts the fire tank or the control module and seals a vent path.

5. 2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire-extinguishing tank is located above the battery module, and the fire-extinguishing agent is configured to freely fall toward the battery module.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fire extinguishing agent includes at least one of antifreeze, salt water, and insulating oil.

7. The battery module includes two or more; The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the fire extinguishing tank is configured so that the fire extinguishing agent can be separately supplied to each of two or more battery modules.

8. The battery pack according to claim 1 , wherein the rupture member is embodied as a glass ball.

9. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the fire tank has a vent path formed therein so that the discharged vent gas moves when the vent gas is discharged through the opening.

10. 8. The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the fire tank includes a plurality of fire tank units configured to respectively correspond to the battery modules.

11. The battery pack according to claim 10, wherein each of the fire extinguishing tank units is configured to have an independent storage space.

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

Images