Energy storage system

Abstract

To provide a power storage system that can cool a heat-generating component and be waterproof and moisture-proof.SOLUTION: A power storage system includes a power converter housed in a first housing, a storage battery whose charging and discharging are controlled by a power converter, a first housing and a second housing that houses the storage battery, and a partition plate that divides the inside of the second housing into upper and lower parts and forms two spaces, and the partition plate has a first opening that connects the two spaces, and the storage battery is arranged below the partition plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a power storage system. [Background technology]

[0002] There are known power storage systems that are connected to a power grid and can supply power stored in a storage battery to a load via a power converter during a power outage or other event. There are also known power storage systems that are connected to a solar power generation system and store power generated in excess of the power supplied to the load (e.g., surplus power). The power converters included in such power storage systems are known to have a structure for cooling the heat generated by the semiconductor switching elements, reactors, etc. used in them.

[0003] Patent Document 1 below discloses a power conversion device capable of reducing the thermal impact of heat-generating components on other components of a power conversion circuit, and a power storage system including the power conversion device and a storage battery module. The heat-generating components are specifically switching elements and reactors, which generate more heat than other components constituting the power conversion circuit and are therefore preferably cooled. This power storage system houses the power conversion device in an upper region of a housing having a front surface, a top surface, a bottom surface, left and right side surfaces, and a rear surface, and houses the storage battery module in a lower region. The power conversion device includes a power conversion unit and a cooling device that cools the heat-generating components of the power conversion unit. The power storage system includes a main case, a front cover disposed on the front side of the main case, and a rear case disposed on the rear side of the main case. The main case is box-shaped with an open front side and houses the power conversion circuit of the power conversion unit. The rear case is also box-shaped with an open front side and houses multiple heat-generating components (reactors).

[0004] The cooling device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a cooling unit for reactors and a cooling unit for switching elements, separately. The cooling unit for reactors includes an air passage member that houses multiple reactors and an intake fan located at one of the left and right ends of the air passage member. The fan draws air through slit-shaped air vents formed in the side of the rear case, causing the air to flow through the air passage member, thereby cooling the reactors. The cooling unit for switching elements includes a heat-dissipating component (i.e., a fin portion), an air passage member, and a fan. The fan draws air through slit-shaped air vents formed in the side of the rear case, causing the air to flow through the air passage member, thereby cooling the heat-dissipating component on which the switching elements are mounted, thereby cooling the switching elements. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-165549 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the power conversion device and energy storage system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the cooling device is housed in a rear case, and airflow is limited to the rear, resulting in insufficient cooling capacity. Specifically, heat from heat-generating components is transferred to the storage battery, potentially causing the storage battery module to become too hot and potentially be damaged. Furthermore, energy storage systems are often installed outdoors. For example, if the energy storage system is exposed to direct sunlight, solar heat can increase the surface temperature of the energy storage system, and the heat can enter the energy storage system. In the energy storage system disclosed in Patent Document 1, the main case located in the upper region has an open front side and is positioned directly opposite the front of the housing. Furthermore, the storage battery module located in the lower region is also positioned directly opposite the front of the housing. Therefore, if the front of the housing becomes too hot due to sunlight, the heat is transferred into the housing, and the heat-generating components of the storage battery module and the power conversion circuit (i.e., the switching elements and reactors) are not sufficiently cooled.

[0007] Furthermore, for a power storage system that may be installed outdoors, measures against water and moisture, i.e., waterproofing and moisture-proofing, are important. To achieve this, it is conceivable to improve the waterproofing and moisture-proofing of the entire power storage system, but this increases costs and makes repairs more difficult.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an electricity storage system that can cool heat-generating components while also being waterproof and moisture-proof. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A power storage system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a power converter housed in a first housing, a storage battery whose charging and discharging is controlled by the power converter, a second housing that houses the first housing and the storage battery, and a partition plate that divides the interior of the second housing into upper and lower spaces, forming two spaces, the partition plate having a first opening connecting the two spaces, and the storage battery being disposed below the partition plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an electricity storage system that can cool heat-generating components while also being waterproof and moisture-proof. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of a power storage system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the front. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the power storage system shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the rear. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing the state in which the right side panel of the power storage system shown in FIG. 1 is removed. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a rear view showing the state in which the hood and rear panel of the electricity storage system shown in FIG. 1 have been removed. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-sectional view (that is, a VV cross-section in FIG. 1) showing the airflow caused by the fan inside the power storage system shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view (ie, cross-section taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 1) showing the airflow caused by the fan inside the power storage system shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a portion that can be attached and detached after the installation of the electricity storage system shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the partition plate as seen from the rear. [Figure 9] 9 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the IX-IX cross section of the partition plate shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the first housing as seen from below and behind. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view showing the connection between the opening of the partition plate and the opening of the first housing. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a drainage path on the back surface of the power storage system shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing a drainage path in the front surface of the power storage system shown in FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 14 is a front view showing the process of placing the first housing on the second housing. [Figure 15] 15 is a cross-sectional view of the power storage system of FIG. 1, seen from the left side, showing the positional relationship between the first housing and the partition plate in the state shown in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the power storage system of FIG. 1 seen from the left side, showing a state in which the first housing has been completely placed in the second housing. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a front view showing a state in which the first housing has been completely placed in the second housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described. At least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any combination.

[0013] (1) A power storage system according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a power converter housed in a first housing, a storage battery whose charging and discharging is controlled by the power converter, a second housing housing the first housing and the storage battery, and a partition plate that divides the interior of the second housing into two spaces, with the partition plate having a first opening connecting the two spaces, and the storage battery being disposed below the partition plate. This prevents heat generated by heat-generating components of the power converter (e.g., a power conditioner) from being transferred to the storage battery. Furthermore, it prevents rainwater or the like that has infiltrated the second housing from the outside from flowing into the space below the partition plate (where, for example, a switch and a battery management system may be disposed). In other words, it is possible to achieve both cooling of the heat-generating components and waterproofing and moisture-proofing. Waterproofing of the power converter can be achieved, for example, by sealing the first housing; it is not necessary to increase the waterproofing of the entire second housing.

[0014] (2) In the above (1), the partition plate can have a flat portion that supports the first housing, and the first opening can be located closer to the first housing than the flat portion. This prevents rainwater or the like that has entered the second housing from the outside and accumulated on the partition plate from flowing into the space below the partition plate through the first opening, thereby achieving high waterproofing.

[0015] (3) In the above (2), the edge defining the first opening may be continuously connected to the flat portion, which further prevents rainwater or the like that has entered the second housing from the outside and accumulated on the partition plate from flowing into the space below the partition plate through the first opening.

[0016] (4) In the above (3), the first opening may be spaced 5 mm or more from the flat portion. This more reliably prevents rainwater or the like that has entered the second housing from the outside and accumulated on the partition plate from flowing into the space below the partition plate through the first opening, even when the power storage system is installed tilted from the vertical.

[0017] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the power storage system may further include a sealing member, the first housing may have a second opening on its bottom surface, and a first edge portion defining the first opening may be connected to a second edge portion of the second opening via the sealing member when the first housing is housed in the second housing. This improves the sealing performance of the connection portion between the first opening and the second opening, and improves the waterproof and moisture-proof properties of the space below the partition plate.

[0018] (6) In the above (5), the sealing member may be pressurized by the first housing when the first housing is housed in the second housing, thereby further improving the sealing of the connection between the first opening and the second opening and further improving the waterproof and moisture-proof properties of the space below the partition plate.

[0019] (7) In the above (5) or (6), the partition plate may have guide portions on both the left and right ends, the sealing member may be fixed to the first edge portion, and the guide portions may movably support the first housing inside the second housing while keeping the bottom surface of the first housing spaced apart from the sealing member. This makes it easy to align the first housing when placing it inside the second housing, and prevents damage to the sealing member.

[0020] (8) In the above (5) or (6), the partition plate may have guide portions at both left and right ends, the sealing member may be fixed to the second edge portion, and the guide portions may support the first housing inside the second housing so that the sealing member is movably spaced apart from the first edge portion. This makes it easy to align the first housing when placing it inside the second housing, and prevents damage to the sealing member.

[0021] (9) In the above (7) or (8), the guide portion may include a mechanism for moving the first housing toward the partition plate when the first housing is positioned at a predetermined position inside the second housing after being moved. This allows the first housing to be moved without contacting the sealing member when placing the first housing inside the second housing, and further eliminates the need for alignment, making the work easier.

[0022] (10) In any one of (5) to (9) above, the first opening may form an air flow path between the two spaces when the power converter and the storage battery are connected by wiring passing through the first opening. This allows heat generated in the space below the partition plate to be transferred into the first housing and dissipated from the surface of the first housing. For example, if a switch, a battery management system, etc. are placed in the space below the partition plate, heat generated by these devices can be dissipated from the surface of the first housing.

[0023] (11) In the above (10), the power storage system may further include a substrate to which wiring is connected. The substrate may be housed in the first housing, be larger than the second opening, and be disposed facing the second opening at a predetermined distance from the second opening. This allows wiring to be connected to the substrate (e.g., a connector disposed on the substrate), making it easier to attach and detach the first housing to and from the second housing. Furthermore, the heat generated in the space below the partition plate can be transferred to the inside of the first housing, maintaining the cooling function.

[0024] (12) In any one of (1) to (11) above, the partition plate may have a water stop portion that blocks water and a water drain portion that drains water to the outside of the second housing. The water stop portion may be located on the periphery of the partition plate, and the water drain portion may be located on a portion of the periphery of the partition plate other than the portion where the water stop portion is located. This allows water to be drained from the partition plate and prevents water from accumulating on the partition plate. Therefore, even if water enters the space above the partition plate inside the second housing or water droplets form due to condensation, the effects of water and moisture can be reduced by quickly draining the water.

[0025] (13) In any one of (1) to (12) above, the second housing may include a front panel, and the power storage system may further include a first flow path formed at an upper end of the front panel to direct water from the partition plate along the upper end of the front panel, and a second flow path formed at each of the left and right ends of the front panel to direct water that has flowed through the first flow path along each of the left and right ends of the front panel and discharge it to the outside of the second housing. This allows water from the partition plate to be efficiently discharged from the front of the power storage system. For example, even if the power storage system is installed tilted forward, water retention on the partition plate can be suppressed.

[0026] (14) In any one of (1) to (12) above, the second housing may include a front panel and a shielding plate, and the shielding plate may be disposed between the front panel and the storage battery. This allows an air layer between the shielding plate and the front panel to have a heat-shielding effect when the front panel of the power storage system is exposed to solar radiation. Furthermore, air heated by solar radiation flows into the first housing through the first opening by natural convection and is dissipated through the wall surface of the first housing. Therefore, even when the front panel of the power storage system is exposed to solar radiation, the storage battery can be prevented from becoming too hot.

[0027] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] In the following embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and have the same names and functions. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

[0028] (Overall composition) Referring to Fig. 1, a power storage system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first housing 102, a partition plate 106, a storage battery module 200, and a second housing 104 that houses them. In Fig. 1, in order to show the relative positional relationship of each part inside the second housing 104, the rough shape of each part is shown by dashed lines, and details are not shown. Details of each part will be described later as appropriate and shown in other drawings. The same applies to Fig. 2 and subsequent figures.

[0029] The second housing 104 includes a lower front panel 110, an upper front panel 112, a rear panel 114, a left side panel 116, a right side panel 118, and a bottom panel 120, and is formed into a substantially rectangular parallelepiped. Furthermore, the second housing 104 includes a hood 122 at the upper rear surface thereof. Orthogonal axes are shown in the lower left of FIG. 1 (the same applies to FIG. 2 and subsequent figures). The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis represent axes perpendicular to the lower front panel 110, the left side panel 116, and the bottom panel 120, respectively. The positive direction of the X-axis is the direction from the rear surface to the front surface of the power storage system 100, the positive direction of the Y-axis is the direction from the left side surface to the right side surface of the power storage system 100, and the positive direction of the Z-axis is the direction vertically upward from the bottom surface of the power storage system 100.

[0030] The partition plate 106 divides the interior of the second housing 104 into two regions. The first housing 102 is disposed in the region above the partition plate 106, and one or more storage battery modules 200 are disposed in the region below the partition plate 106. The storage battery module 200 includes a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged (hereinafter referred to as "charge and discharge"). The first housing 102 houses a power converter (for example, a power conditioner) that controls the charging and discharging of the storage battery module 200.

[0031] As will be described later, an opening (not shown in FIG. 1) is formed in the partition plate 106 so that the power converter housed in the first housing 102 can be connected to the storage battery module 200 via electrical wiring. An opening (not shown in FIG. 1) is also formed in the bottom surface of the first housing 102 at a position corresponding to the opening in the partition plate 106.

[0032] Since the power storage system 100 may be installed outdoors, in order to prevent the intrusion of rainwater, dust, etc., the first housing 102 is formed as a sealed type that does not have either an air intake or an exhaust port for exchanging the internal air with the external air. This makes it possible to suppress the intrusion of water, dust, etc. from the outside, and to prevent deterioration and damage to the circuit boards and electrical components inside the first housing 102. To achieve a sealed type, a sealing member (for example, packing, etc.) can be used to fill in gaps.

[0033] The term "sealed type" includes, but is not limited to, a completely sealed structure, and also includes a structure in which a certain degree of air movement is possible between the inside and outside of the housing due to gaps, through-holes, etc. As described above, an opening is formed in the bottom surface of first housing 102, and as will be described later, a board is disposed so as to cover the opening. A connector is mounted on the board to which wiring for connecting the power converter included in first housing 102 and storage battery module 200 is connected.

[0034] The power storage system 100 includes two legs 124 arranged below the bottom panel 120. The power storage system 100 is usually fixed with the legs 124 on a horizontal surface (including an approximately horizontal surface, for example, a surface parallel to the XY plane). As a result, the front lower panel 110, the rear panel 114, the left side panel 116, and the right side panel 118 are arranged vertically (including approximately vertically, for example, in the Z-axis direction), and the partition panel 106 is arranged horizontally (including approximately horizontally, for example, in the XY plane). The front lower panel 110, the front upper panel 112, the rear panel 114, the partition panel 106, the left side panel 116, the right side panel 118, and the bottom panel 120 are formed from a conductive material having a predetermined strength, such as metal (iron (steel), stainless steel, etc.), and their surfaces are coated with an insulating material.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the power storage system 100 includes a blower 130 disposed on the rear panel 114 and an opening 132 formed in the rear panel 114. The blower 130 is, for example, a fan, and includes a rotor and a drive device (e.g., a motor) for rotating the rotor. The rotor is rotated around a rotation axis to blow air in the direction of the rotation axis. An opening (not shown) is also formed in the rear panel 114 at a position corresponding to the blower 130, and the air flow generated by the blower 130 passes through the opening. The blower 130 exhausts air from inside the second housing 104 to the outside of the second housing 104. The opening 132 functions as an air intake port. That is, when the blower 130 exhausts air from inside the second housing 104, air from outside the second housing 104 flows into the second housing 104 through the opening 132. Although three blowers 130 are shown in FIG. 2, the number of blowers 130 is not limited to this. At least one blower 130 may be located on the back panel 114 .

[0036] Hood 122 is a non-sealing type having an opening, and is disposed on rear panel 114 so as to cover blower 130 and opening 132. For example, hood 122 has an opening below it. Hood 122 can prevent people and the like from directly touching blower 130 and opening 132, and can reduce the intrusion of rainwater, dust, and the like into second housing 104 through blower 130 and opening 132. As will be described later, drainage sections are disposed at the lower end of opening 132 and at the lower end of an opening formed at a position corresponding to blower 130, but these are not shown in FIG. 2 (see FIG. 10). An air filter for preventing dust and the like from intruding into second housing 104 may be disposed in opening 132.

[0037] (Cooling function) 3 showing a side view of the power storage system 100 with the right side panel 118 removed, and FIG. 4 showing a rear view of the power storage system 100 with the rear panel 114 removed, a first heat-generating component 210, a second heat-generating component 212, and a heat-dissipating component 214 are arranged on the rear surface of the first housing 102. The first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 are, for example, reactors, which are connected to a circuit board housed in the first housing 102 and are used for power conversion to realize the charging and discharging operations of the storage battery module 200.

[0038] The heat dissipation component 214 is, for example, a heat sink. The heat dissipation component 214 is formed of a material with high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, iron, or copper. A switching element for power conversion (specifically, a case of a semiconductor switching element) housed in the first housing 102 is fixed to the heat dissipation component 214. During power conversion, a large current (for example, several tens of amperes) flows through the switching element, causing the switching element to generate heat. The heat from the switching element is transferred to the heat dissipation component 214, which then dissipates the heat to its surroundings (i.e., by thermal conduction to the surrounding air and infrared radiation, etc.), causing the temperature of the air near the heat dissipation component 214 to rise. In other words, the switching element housed in the first housing 102 is cooled by the heat dissipation component 214.

[0039] The size and position of the heat dissipation component 214 on the first housing 102 are not limited to those shown in Figures 3 and 4, and are arbitrary. It is sufficient that the size and position of the heat dissipation component 214 on the first housing 102 are determined in accordance with the arrangement of the switching elements and reactors (i.e., heat-generating components) arranged inside the first housing 102 to achieve the power conversion function.

[0040] The first housing 102 is fixed onto the partition plate 106 via spacers 134 and 136 (see FIG. 4). That is, the bottom surface of the first housing 102 is spaced apart from the partition plate 106, and a space is formed between the bottom surface of the first housing 102 and the partition plate 106. Furthermore, each of the five surfaces of the first housing 102 excluding the bottom surface is spaced apart from the corresponding inner wall of the second housing 104, and a space is also formed between the first housing 102 and the inner wall of the second housing 104.

[0041] When the rear panel 114 is attached to the power storage system 100, the air blower 130 arranged on the rear panel 114 creates an air flow in the space between the rear surface of the first housing 102 and the rear panel 114, as shown by the solid arrows in Fig. 5. As a result, the heated air present around the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214 is discharged to the outside of the second housing 104, and relatively low-temperature air flows in through the opening 132. This air flow cools the first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the heat-dissipating component 214.

[0042] In addition, airflows are formed by the air blown by blower 130 through the space between the bottom surface of first housing 102 and partition plate 106, and through the spaces between the front surface, top surface, left side surface, and right side surface of first housing 102 and the inner wall of second housing 104. For example, with reference to FIG. 5, as shown by the dashed arrows, air taken in through opening 132 flows along the right side surface, front surface, and left side surface of first housing 102 and is exhausted from blower 130. With reference to FIG. 6, as shown by the dashed arrows, air taken in through opening 132 (see FIG. 5) also flows along the bottom surface, front surface, and top surface of first housing 102 and is exhausted from blower 130. In this way, the presence of the partition plate 106 forms a cooling flow path along the entire periphery (i.e., all outer surfaces) of the first housing 102, which can promote cooling of the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212, as well as heat dissipation from the outer surface of the first housing 102 and the heat dissipation component 214. Furthermore, the presence of the partition plate 106 can suppress heat transfer to the space below the partition plate 106 in which the storage battery module 200 and the like are arranged.

[0043] If a fan is also provided inside first housing 102, the air inside first housing 102 can be agitated, and heat from the heat-generating components inside first housing 102 can be quickly transferred to the wall surfaces of first housing 102. Therefore, by promoting heat dissipation from the outer surface of first housing 102 as described above, the inside of first housing 102 can be cooled even more efficiently, and the heat-generating components inside first housing 102 can be prevented from becoming too hot.

[0044] 3 and 4 again, the space below the power storage system 100 (the region below the partition plate 106) is divided into two spaces, left and right, by a partition wall 128. A storage battery module 200 is disposed in the space to the left of the partition wall 128. A shielding plate 126 is disposed between the storage battery module 200 and the lower-front panel 110. By providing the shielding plate 126, even if the power storage system 100 is exposed to solar radiation and the temperature of the lower-front panel 110 rises, the heat is blocked by the shielding plate 126 and is not directly transferred to the storage battery module 200. Therefore, the temperature rise of the storage battery module 200 can be suppressed more effectively than when the shielding plate 126 is not provided.

[0045] A switch 202, a battery management system 204, electrical wiring, and the like are arranged in the space 108 to the right of the partition wall 128. Wiring from the storage battery module 200 and electrical wiring for connecting to an external power source (e.g., a solar power generation system) and an external load (e.g., an electrical device) are connected to the switch 202 via, for example, an opening provided in the rear panel 114 for passing electrical wiring. The switch 202 switches the connection between the storage battery module 200 and the external power source and the external load depending on the charging and discharging operation of the storage battery module 200. The battery management system 204 has functions such as preventing overcharging and overdischarging of the storage battery module 200, calculating the remaining battery capacity of the storage battery module 200, and balancing the cell voltages that constitute the storage battery module 200.

[0046] As a result, the power storage system 100 stores power (i.e., DC power) supplied from an external power source via electrical wiring in the storage battery module 200. When the storage battery module 200 is discharging, the power storage system 100 supplies power (i.e., AC power) converted by the power converter housed in the first housing 102 to an external load via electrical wiring. When AC power is supplied to the power storage system 100 from an external power source, the power converter converts the input AC power into DC power and stores it in the storage battery module 200. The switch 202 and the battery management system 204, together with the switching elements and reactors of the power converter, are the main heat sources when the power storage system 100 is operating. Cooling of the switch 202 and the battery management system 204 will be described later.

[0047] (Unit composition) After the power storage system 100 is installed at a site (for example, a home), repair or maintenance may become necessary. To facilitate repair or maintenance work, the power storage system 100 is configured so that each constituent unit can be easily attached and detached. A mechanism for removing each unit after the power storage system 100 is installed will be described with reference to FIG. 7 .

[0048] To remove the power converter from the power storage system 100, the front upper panel 112 is removed, and then the first housing 102 that houses the power converter is removed. The front upper panel 112 is fixed to the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 by screws, for example, and the front upper panel 112 can be removed by removing the screws. The first housing 102 has a first fixing portion 440, and the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 each have a second fixing portion 442. The first housing 102 is fixed to the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 by the first fixing portion 440 and the second fixing portion 442 by screws, and the first housing 102 can be removed by removing the screws and disconnecting the connected wiring.

[0049] To remove any of the storage battery module 200, the switch 202, and the battery management system 204 from the power storage system 100, the front lower panel 110 is removed. The front lower panel 110 is fixed to the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 by, for example, screws, and can be removed by unscrewing the screws. A seal member fixing portion 150 is formed on the front portion of the right side panel 118 (i.e., on the side of the front lower panel 110) so as to be perpendicular to the right side panel 118. A seal member fixing portion 150 is also formed on the left side panel 116. The seal member fixing portion 150 is used to position a seal member between the left side panel 116 and the front lower panel 110, as will be described later. The seal member fixing portion 150 can be formed integrally with each of the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 by, for example, bending.

[0050] The switch 202 and the battery management system 204 are fixed to the space 108 with screws, and can be removed by removing the screws and disconnecting the connected wiring. After removing the shielding plate 126, the storage battery module 200 can be removed. The shielding plate 126 is fixed to the partition plate 106 and the bulkhead 128 with screws, for example, and can be removed by removing the screws. The storage battery module 200 is fixed to the bottom panel 120 or the like with screws, and can be removed by removing the screws and disconnecting the connected wiring.

[0051] With this configuration, the first housing 102, the storage battery module 200, the switch 202, and the battery management system 204 can each be easily removed individually from the power storage system 100 as repairs or other such needs arise. Therefore, a defective unit can be easily replaced with a new unit at the installation site of the power storage system 100. Furthermore, when a removed unit is repaired at a repair shop, only that unit needs to be transported, which is more efficient and less expensive than transporting the entire power storage system 100.

[0052] (Waterproof and moisture-proof) As described above, the power storage system 100 is configured such that each unit can be easily attached and detached, and therefore rainwater easily enters through joints of the second housing 104, etc. Condensation may also occur inside the power storage system 100. For this reason, the power storage system 100 does not provide high waterproofing to the entire second housing 104, but rather assumes that water may enter the inside of the second housing 104 and quickly discharges water from inside the second housing 104 to suppress the effects of water and moisture (i.e., waterproof and moisture-proof functions). In other words, the power storage system 100 is configured to be able to achieve waterproof and moisture-proof functions together with the above-mentioned cooling function.

[0053] 8 and 9, the partition plate 106 for realizing the cooling function as described above includes a flat base portion 300 and a water stop portion 312 and a water drain portion 314 formed on its peripheral edge to achieve waterproof and moisture-proof functions. The partition plate 106 is formed of a member having a predetermined strength, such as metal (iron (steel), stainless steel, etc.). The water stop portion 312 is for blocking water that accumulates in the partition plate 106 and is formed perpendicular to the surface of the base portion 300. The water drain portion 314 is for draining water that accumulates in the partition plate 106 and is formed to be flush with the surface of the base portion 300. As will be described later, when the partition plate 106 is disposed in the power storage system 100, the water drain portion 314 is located on the back surface of the power storage system 100, specifically, at the lower ends of two openings formed in the back panel 114 (see FIG. 12).

[0054] A first opening 302 is formed in the base portion 300. An opening edge 304, which is a peripheral portion that defines the first opening 302, is formed parallel to the base portion 300. The opening edge 304 is seamlessly (i.e., continuously) connected to the base portion 300 by a tapered portion 306. The height H of the opening edge 304 in the base portion 300 is preferably formed to be approximately 5 mm or more, and more preferably approximately 10 mm or more. If H=10 (mm), even if the power storage system 100 is placed at an angle of approximately 2° from the vertical (i.e., the base portion 300 of the partition plate 106 is tilted from the horizontal), rainwater or the like that has entered the second housing 104 can be prevented from entering the space below the partition plate 106 through the first opening 302, as will be described later.

[0055] 9, an elastic first seal member 320 having a predetermined thickness t is disposed (for example, fixed with an adhesive member) on opening edge 304 of partition plate 106 along the entire periphery of opening edge 304. As will be described later, first seal member 320 is intended to tightly seal first opening 302 (specifically opening edge 304) with an opening formed in the bottom surface of first housing 102. In order to ensure waterproofing and moisture resistance, first seal member 320 is preferably an elastic member having a closed-cell structure with no through holes.

[0056] The open end 304 and the tapered portion 306 can be integrally formed from a single metal plate by pressing (e.g., drawing). The water-stopping portion 312 on the periphery of the base portion 300 can be formed by bending. When formed by bending, gaps formed at each corner of the partition plate 106 are sealed with a sealing material to enhance the waterproof effect.

[0057] The partition plate 106 includes a support portion 308 and an inclined portion 310 at each of both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof. As will be described later, the support portion 308 and the inclined portion 310 are intended to support the first housing 102 and facilitate the work when placing the first housing 102 in the second housing 104 and when removing it from the second housing 104. Two notches 316 are formed in the watertight portion 312 on the front surface of the partition plate 106. The notches 316 are also intended to facilitate the work when placing the first housing 102 in the second housing 104 and when removing it from the second housing 104.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 10 , the first housing 102 includes a front surface 410, a top surface 412, a back surface 414, a left side surface 416, a right side surface 418, and a bottom surface 420, and is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. Spacers 134 and 136 are disposed on the bottom surface 420, and a second opening 422 is formed therein. The peripheral edge of the second opening 422 is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends slightly from the bottom surface 420 into the first housing 102. Wheels 400 are formed on each of the left side surface 416 and the right side surface 418. As will be described later, the wheels 400 facilitate the operation of placing the first housing 102 in the second housing 104 and removing it from the second housing 104. Furthermore, two first fixing portions 440 are formed above each of the left side surface 416 and the right side surface 418. A through-hole is formed in each of the first fixing portions 440. The first fixing portion 440 is for fixing the first housing 102 inside the second housing 104, as will be described later.

[0059] 11 , when the first housing 102 and the partition plate 106 are housed in the second housing 104, the periphery of the second opening 422 is in tight contact with the periphery of the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106 via the first seal member 320. Within the first housing 102, a substrate 220 larger than the second opening 422 is disposed near the second opening 422 so as to cover the second opening 422. The substrate 220 is fixed to the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 by a spacer 224. That is, a gap is formed between the substrate 220 and the bottom surface 420. As a result, air whose temperature has risen due to heat generation in the space 108 (specifically, heat generation by the switch 202 and the battery management system 204) moves by natural convection from the space 108 into the first housing 102, as indicated by the dashed arrows. The air that has moved into the first housing 102 is agitated by a fan or the like inside the first housing 102, and heat is transferred to the wall surfaces of the first housing 102 and dissipated by the outer surface of the first housing 102. Therefore, the space 108 can be cooled, and the switch 202 and battery management system 204 arranged in the space 108 can be efficiently cooled.

[0060] A connector 222 is disposed on the board 220, to which wiring (not shown) from the power converter housed in the first housing 102 is connected. The board 220 is also disposed with a connector 222 having terminals on the first opening 302 side. Wiring from the switch 202, the battery management system 204, and the storage battery module 200, which are disposed in the space 108, is connected to the terminals of the connector 222. The size of the first opening 302 (i.e., the size of the second opening 422) is preferably large enough to accommodate the wiring connected to the connector 222. This allows air to flow from the space 108 to the inside of the first housing 102, thereby maintaining the cooling function of the space 108. The second seal member 322 disposed between the front lower panel 110 and the partition plate 106 is intended to allow drainage from the front surface of the second housing 104, as will be described later.

[0061] As described above, an elastic member having a closed-cell structure is used for first seal member 320, and the peripheral edge of first opening 302 and the peripheral edge of second opening 422 are tightly sealed via first seal member 320, thereby reliably preventing water that has infiltrated into second housing 104 and accumulated on partition plate 106 from entering space 108. The same applies to condensation water that occurs inside second housing 104. Therefore, the waterproofing of space 108 can be improved. Furthermore, by using an elastic member having a closed-cell structure for first seal member 320, it is possible to prevent humidity, i.e., moisture in the air, from entering the inside of first housing 102.

[0062] As will be described later, first seal member 320 disposed on the periphery of first opening 302 is compressed and deformed by the weight of first housing 102 via bottom surface 420 of first housing 102. In order to improve waterproofness and moisture resistance, it is preferable to increase the rigidity of the periphery of first opening 302 and the periphery of second opening 422 so that the amount of deformation of these edges does not exceed the compression allowance (i.e., the maximum amount of elastic deformation) of first seal member 320, even when the entire weight of first housing 102 is placed on the periphery of first opening 302. To increase the rigidity of the periphery of first opening 302, it is sufficient to place a rigid member or a rigid structure on the periphery of first opening 302 to prevent deformation.

[0063] The method of applying pressure to the first seal member 320 is not limited to the above-described method of applying pressure by the weight of the first housing 102. Pressure may also be applied near the first seal member 320 by, for example, fastening with screws. Furthermore, a method of applying pressure using a fastening structure that secures the first housing 102 by utilizing the rigidity of the first housing 102 may also be employed. As described above, it is preferable to increase the rigidity of the peripheral edges of the first opening 302 and the second opening 422 so that the first opening 302 and the second opening 422 do not become distorted by pressure and create gaps. Specifically, when the peripheral edges of the first opening 302 and the second opening 422 are made of a casting, high rigidity can be achieved by increasing the thickness of the casting. Furthermore, when the peripheral edges of the first opening 302 and the second opening 422 are made of a metal sheet, high rigidity can be achieved by adding a drawn or bent structure to the peripheral edges.

[0064] Water that accumulates on the partition plate 106 is drained from the back surface of the power storage system 100. With reference to FIG. 12, when the partition plate 106 is placed in the second housing 104, one of the two water draining portions 314 of the partition plate 106 is positioned at the lower end of the opening 132. The other water draining portion 314 is positioned at the lower end of an opening (not shown) formed in a position corresponding to the blower 130. As described above, an opening is formed in the back panel 114 to allow the air blown by the blower 130 to pass through. In FIG. 12, the hood 122 is shown by a dashed line for convenience.

[0065] Both of the two water drainage portions 314 protrude slightly from the rear panel 114. Therefore, water that has entered the second housing 104 and water that has condensed inside the second housing 104 flows along the wall surface of the second housing 104, reaches the base portion 300 of the partition plate 106, and then flows along the water stop portion 312 and is discharged from the water drainage portion 314, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 12 . For example, if the power storage system 100 is installed tilted backward, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 is quickly discharged from the water drainage portion 314. For example, if the power storage system 100 is installed tilted backward to the right, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 is quickly discharged from the water drainage portion 314 located on the side of the right side panel 118, i.e., at the lower end of the opening 132. For example, if the energy storage system 100 is installed tilted to the rear left, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 is quickly drained from the drain section 314 located on the side of the left side panel 116, i.e., at the lower end of the blower 130.

[0066] The electricity storage system 100 is configured so that water accumulated on the partition plate 106 can also be drained from the front surface. Referring to Fig. 13, a second seal member 322 is disposed (fixed, for example, with an adhesive) in a portion below the notch 316 of the water blocking portion 312 on the front surface of the partition plate 106. A third seal member 324 is disposed (fixed, for example, with an adhesive) in a seal member fixing portion 150 formed on the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118. In Fig. 13, the front lower panel 110 and the front upper panel 112 are not shown, and units unrelated to drainage are also not shown.

[0067] Each longitudinal end of the second seal member 322 is disposed to form an L-shape with one longitudinal end of each of the third seal members 324. Therefore, when the lower front panel 110 is attached to the second housing 104, a U-shaped groove (i.e., a water flow path) is formed by the second seal member 322, the partition plate 106, and the lower front panel 110. Similarly, a U-shaped groove is formed by the third seal member 324, the seal member fixing portion 150, and the lower front panel 110. Therefore, for example, if the power storage system 100 is installed tilted forward, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 flows over the second seal member 322 and then flows along the left and right third seal members 324, as shown by the dashed arrows in FIG. 13, and is quickly discharged to the outside of the power storage system 100. For example, when the power storage system 100 is installed tilted to the front right, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 flows over the second seal member 322 toward the right (i.e., toward the right side panel 118) and then flows along the third seal member 324 on the right side, and is quickly discharged to the outside of the power storage system 100. For example, when the power storage system 100 is installed tilted to the front left, water that has accumulated on the partition plate 106 flows over the second seal member 322 toward the left (i.e., toward the left side panel 116) and then flows along the third seal member 324 on the left side, and is quickly discharged to the outside of the power storage system 100.

[0068] As described above, no matter which way the power storage system 100 is installed and tilted, water inside the second housing 104 can be quickly drained, preventing water from accumulating on the partition plate 106, and improving the waterproof and moisture-proof properties inside the second housing 104.

[0069] The first opening 302 and the second opening 422 may have any shape, as long as the periphery of the first opening 302 and the periphery of the second opening 422 are in close contact with each other via the first seal member 320. Considering ease of alignment, the shape of the second opening 422 is preferably the same as the shape of the first opening 302 (i.e., the shape of the inside of the opening edge 304). The first opening 302 and the second opening 422 preferably have sufficient size to accommodate wiring connecting the power converter housed in the first housing 102 to the storage battery module 200, etc. This creates an air flow path between the two spaces separated by the partition plate 106, allowing heat generated in the space 108 to be introduced into the first housing 102 and efficiently dissipated from the outer surface of the first housing 102, as described above. This allows the switch 202 and the battery management system 204, which are located in the space 108, to be cooled.

[0070] (Workability) In addition to the configuration for improving the waterproof and moisture-proof properties (i.e., drainage properties) described above, partition plate 106 also has a mechanism for improving the ease of installation when first housing 102 is installed inside second housing 104. The installation work when first housing 102 is installed inside second housing 104 will be described with reference to Figs. 14 to 17.

[0071] 14 and 15 , when the first housing 102 is placed in the second housing 104, the wheels 400 arranged below both sides of the first housing 102 are placed on the support portions 308 of the partition plate 106. The worker supports the bottom surface 420 near the front surface 410 of the first housing 102 so that the spacers 134 and 136 of the first housing 102 are positioned in the cutouts 316 of the partition plate 106, and moves the first housing 102 toward the inside of the second housing 104. At this time, the cutouts 316 of the partition plate 106 and the support portions 308 limit the left-right swing of the first housing 102, so the worker can easily perform the work without having to consider the alignment of the first housing 102.

[0072] As shown by the dashed arrow in Fig. 15, the wheels 400 of the first housing 102 allow the first housing 102 to be quickly inserted into the second housing 104. In Fig. 15, the first housing 102, spacer 134, and wheels 400 are shown by dashed lines. At this time, the first housing 102 (specifically, the bottom surface 420) moves without coming into contact with the first seal member 320. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the first seal member 320 from being damaged by the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 during the arrangement work of the first housing 102.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 16, when the wheel 400 moves on the support portion 308 and reaches the inclined portion 310, the wheel 400 moves downward (i.e., vertically) as indicated by the dashed arrow. This causes the first housing 102 to also move downward. The movement of the first housing 102 stops when the spacer 134 reaches the base portion 300 of the partition plate 106. At this time, the first seal member 320 is pressed by the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 (see the solid arrow in FIG. 16), and its thickness becomes smaller than the initial thickness t (see FIG. 15) (i.e., a compressed state). The elastically deformed first seal member 320 tightly contacts the bottom surface 420 and the opening edge 304. That is, the second opening 422 of the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 and the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106 tightly contact each other via the first seal member 320.

[0074] 17, the first fixing portion 440 of the first housing 102 is fixed to the second fixing portion 442 of the second housing 104 using a screw, thereby completing the installation on the second housing 104. Thereafter, wiring is connected via the connector 222 arranged on the circuit board 220, and then the front lower panel 110 and the front upper panel 112 are attached. By placing the first fixing portion 440 on the second fixing portion 442 and fixing it with a screw, the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 applies even more pressure to the first seal member 320 of the partition plate 106. Therefore, the second opening 422 of the bottom surface 420 and the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106 can be more firmly attached to each other. This further prevents water from entering the space 108.

[0075] To remove first housing 102 arranged in second housing 104, the worker simply removes the screws that secure first fixing portion 440 to second fixing portion 442, and then applies a force forward (i.e., in the positive direction of the X-axis) to first housing 102. Because wheels 400 are provided on each of the two side surfaces of first housing 102, first housing 102 can be removed without applying a force in a direction to lift first housing 102, making it easier to remove first housing 102 from second housing 104.

[0076] (effect) As described above, in the energy storage system 100, the power converter (e.g., a power conditioner) is housed in the first housing 102, and the second housing 104 is partitioned into upper and lower sections by the partition plate 106. In the second housing 104, the first housing 102 is housed in the space above the partition plate 106, and the storage battery module 200, the switch 202, and the battery management system 204 are housed in the space below the partition plate 106. The space above and the space below the partition plate 106 are connected by the first opening 302 formed in the partition plate 106. This prevents heat generated by the heat-generating components of the power converter from being transmitted to the storage battery module 200. In addition, rainwater and condensation water that enters the second housing 104 from outside can be prevented from flowing into the space below the partition plate 106 (e.g., the space 108 where the switch 202 and the battery management system 204 are disposed). That is, it is possible to cool heat-generating components while also providing waterproof and moisture-proofing properties.

[0077] As described above, the partition plate 106 includes the base portion 300 that supports the first housing 102, and the first opening 302 (i.e., the opening edge 304) is located closer to the first housing 102 than the base portion 300. This prevents rainwater and condensation water that has entered the second housing 104 from the outside and into the space 108 below the partition plate 106 through the first opening 302, thereby achieving high waterproofing. The first housing 102 is fixed to the left side panel 116 and the right side panel 118 by the first fixing portion 440 and the second fixing portion 442 with screws (see FIGS. 7 and 17). If these fixing portions have high rigidity, the first housing 102 may be suspended by the fixing portions. In this case, the first housing 102 does not need to be supported by the base portion 300 of the partition plate 106.

[0078] As described above, opening end 304, which is an edge that defines first opening 302, is continuously connected to base portion 300 via tapered portion 306. This further prevents rainwater and condensation water that has entered second housing 104 from the outside from flowing into space 108 below partition plate 106 through first opening 302.

[0079] It is preferable that first opening 302 (i.e., opening edge 304) is spaced 5 mm or more from base portion 300. It is more preferable that first opening 302 is spaced 10 mm or more from base portion 300. As a result, even when power storage system 100 is installed tilted from the vertical, as long as the tilt is at a predetermined angle (e.g., 2°) or less, rainwater and condensation water that has entered second housing 104 from outside second housing 104 can be more reliably prevented from flowing into space 108 below partition plate 106 through first opening 302.

[0080] As described above, the power storage system 100 further includes the first seal member 320, the first housing 102 has the second opening 422 formed in the bottom surface 420, and the opening edge 304 defining the first opening 302 is connected to the periphery of the second opening 422 via the first seal member 320 when the first housing 102 is housed in the second housing 104. This improves the airtightness of the connection between the first opening 302 and the second opening 422, and improves the waterproof and moisture-proof properties of the space 108 below the partition plate 106.

[0081] As described above, first sealing member 320 is pressurized by first housing 102 when first housing 102 is housed in second housing 104. This further improves the airtightness of the connection between first opening 302 and second opening 422, and further improves the waterproof and moisture-proof properties of space 108 below partition plate 106.

[0082] As described above, when the first seal member 320 is pressurized by the weight of the first housing 102 via the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102, it is preferable that the deformation amount of the peripheral edge of the first opening 302 and the peripheral edge of the second opening 422 does not exceed the compression allowance of the first seal member 320. For example, when the weight of the first housing 102 is 40 kgf (≈392 N) and the compression allowance of the first seal member 320 is 8 mm (=8×10 -3 m), the rigidity in the direction perpendicular to the surface of each of the peripheral edge of the first opening 302 and the peripheral edge of the second opening 422 is set to 5 kgf / mm (≈4.90×10 4 N / m) or more. This allows the amount of change in the peripheral edge of the first opening 302 and the peripheral edge of the second opening 422 to be equal to or less than the compression allowance of the first seal member 320. In addition, the rigidity is set to 10 kgf / mm (≈9.80×10 4 N / m) or more, and 20 kgf / mm (≒ 1.96 × 10 5 It is more preferable that the compressive strength be equal to or greater than the compressive strength (N / m). By increasing the rigidity of the peripheral edge of first opening 302 and the peripheral edge of second opening 422, first sealing member 320 can be compressed efficiently, thereby improving the waterproof and moisture-proof effect. Furthermore, the amount of deformation of first housing 102 and partition plate 106 over a long period of time can be reduced, stabilizing the waterproof and moisture-proof performance.

[0083] As described above, the partition plate 106 has support portions 308 at both left and right ends, and the first seal member 320 is fixed to the open end 304 of the partition plate 106. The support portions 308 support the first housing 102 (specifically, the wheels 400) inside the second housing 104 so that the first housing 102 can slide while the bottom surface 420 of the first housing 102 remains separated from the first seal member 320. This makes it easy to align the first housing 102 when placing it inside the second housing 104, and makes it possible to avoid damage to the first seal member 320.

[0084] In the above, the case where first seal member 320 is fixed to opening edge 304 of partition plate 106 has been described, but this is not limiting. First seal member 320 may be disposed (for example, adhesively fixed) on the periphery of second opening 422 formed in bottom surface 420 of first housing 102. This makes it possible to avoid damage to first seal member 320 when first housing 102 is disposed inside second housing 104.

[0085] As described above, the support portions 308 formed on both sides of the partition plate 106 have the inclined portions 310 that move the first housing 102 closer to the partition plate 106 when the first housing 102 approaches a predetermined position within the second housing 104 after movement (i.e., a range in which the second opening 422 of the first housing 102 can connect with the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106). That is, the wheels 400 of the first housing 102 move (i.e., descend) along the inclined portions 310, causing the first housing 102 to descend and connect the second opening 422 of the first housing 102 with the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106. This allows the first housing 102 to be moved without coming into contact with the seal member 320 when the first housing 102 is placed inside the second housing 104, eliminating the need for alignment and facilitating the placement of the first housing 102.

[0086] In the above description, the case where the inclined portion 310 is formed on the support portion 308 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. A horizontal surface that is stepped down a predetermined distance from the surface (i.e., the horizontal surface) of the support portion 308 may be formed. This also allows the wheel 400 to be lowered from the surface of the support portion 308, and allows the second opening 422 of the first housing 102 and the first opening 302 of the partition plate 106 to be connected.

[0087] The power storage system 100 further includes wiring that passes through the first opening 302 and connects the power converter housed in the first housing 102 to the storage battery module 200. When the wiring is arranged, the first opening 302 forms an air flow path between two spaces formed above and below the partition plate 106. This allows heat generated in the space 108 below the partition plate 106 to be transferred into the first housing 102 and dissipated from the outer surface of the first housing 102. For example, if the switch 202, the battery management system 204, etc. are arranged in the space below the partition plate 106, the heat generated therefrom can be dissipated from the outer surface of the first housing 102.

[0088] As described above, the power storage system 100 further includes the substrate 220 to which wiring is connected. The substrate 220 is housed within the first housing 102, is larger than the second opening 422, faces the second opening 422, and is disposed a predetermined distance away from the second opening 422. The second opening 422 is connected to the first opening 302 when the first housing 102 is housed in the second housing 104. This allows wiring to be connected to the substrate 220 (e.g., connector 222), facilitating the work of attaching and detaching the first housing 102 to and from the second housing 104. In addition, the heat generated in the space 108 below the partition plate 106 can be transferred to the inside of the first housing 102, maintaining the cooling function.

[0089] As described above, partition plate 106 includes water stopping portion 312 that blocks water and water draining portion 314 that drains water to the outside of second housing 104. Water stopping portion 312 is formed on the peripheral edge of partition plate 106, and water draining portion 314 is arranged on the peripheral edge of partition plate 106 other than the portion where water stopping portion 312 is formed. This allows water to be drained from the partition plate and prevents water from accumulating on the partition plate. Therefore, even if water seeps into the space above the partition plate inside the second housing or water droplets form due to condensation, the effects of water and moisture can be reduced by quickly draining the water.

[0090] As described above, second housing 104 includes lower front panel 110 and a first flow path (specifically, a U-shaped groove formed by second seal member 322) formed at the upper end of lower front panel 110 that causes water from partition plate 106 to flow along the upper end of lower front panel 110. Second housing 104 also includes second flow paths (specifically, a U-shaped groove formed by third seal member 324) formed at both left and right ends of lower front panel 110 that cause water that has flowed through the first flow path to flow along both left and right ends of lower front panel 110 and be discharged to the outside of second housing 104. This allows water from partition plate 106 to be efficiently discharged from the front surface of power storage system 100. For example, even if power storage system 100 is installed tilted forward, water can be prevented from accumulating on the partition plate.

[0091] As described above, the second housing 104 includes the lower front panel 110 and the shielding plate 126, and the shielding plate 126 is disposed between the lower front panel 110 and the storage battery module 200. As a result, when the lower front panel 110 of the power storage system 100 is exposed to solar radiation, the air layer between the shielding plate 126 and the lower front panel 110 has a heat-shielding effect. Furthermore, air heated by solar radiation passes through the first opening 302 by natural convection and enters the first housing 102, and the heat is dissipated through the wall surface of the first housing 102. Therefore, even when the lower front panel 110 of the power storage system 100 is exposed to solar radiation, the storage battery module 200 can be prevented from becoming too hot.

[0092] The mechanism for moving first housing 102 within second housing 104 is not limited to wheels 400. Any mechanism may be used as long as it is supported by support parts 308 and allows first housing 102 to easily move along support parts 308. For example, the mechanism may have protrusions on the side surfaces of first housing 102 (e.g., positions corresponding to wheels 400), and the protrusions are supported by support parts 308. To facilitate movement, a resin with a low coefficient of friction (e.g., polyacetal, polyamide, polytetrafluoroethylene, etc.) may be placed on the surface of support parts 308 or on the parts where the protrusions come into contact with support parts 308.

[0093] The shape of the partition plate 106 is not limited to that shown in Fig. 8. When the partition plate 106 is placed in the second housing 104, it is sufficient that the first opening 302 is located at a higher position than the base portion 300, and that a water stop portion 312 and at least one water drain portion 314 are formed around the periphery of the base portion 300. It is sufficient that at least one water drain portion 314 is formed on either the front, rear, left, or right side. The water drain portion 314 may be located on both the left and right sides or the front side of the partition plate 106, for example.

[0094] As described above, the air flowing in through the opening 132 flows through the cooling channel formed around the entire periphery of the first housing 102. The first heat-generating component 210, the second heat-generating component 212, and the heat-dissipating component 214 are disposed on the back surface of the first housing 102. Therefore, it is preferable that the air flowing in through the opening 132 flows more through the cooling channel formed on the back surface of the first housing 102 (hereinafter referred to as the first cooling channel) than through the other cooling channels. That is, it is preferable that the pressure loss in the first cooling channel is smaller than the pressure loss in the other cooling channels. To achieve this, for example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the first cooling channel may be increased. For example, the position of the first housing 102 within the second housing 104 may be determined so that the distance between the back surface of the first housing 102 and the rear panel 114 is larger than any other distance between the first housing 102 and the second housing 104. This further suppresses the temperature rise inside the first housing 102 due to the heat-generating components.

[0095] In the above, the case where the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 are arranged outside the first housing 102 has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, at least one of a heat-generating component and a heat-dissipating component may be arranged on the back surface of the first housing 102. Furthermore, the first housing 102 may house the first heat-generating component 210 and the second heat-generating component 212 inside. Even in such a case, the fan 130 can improve the efficiency of heat dissipation from each surface of the first housing 102, thereby promoting cooling inside the first housing 102. Therefore, the temperature rise of the heat-generating components inside the first housing 102 is suppressed, and deterioration and damage to the heat-generating components can be avoided.

[0096] In the above description, the heat-generating components are reactors and switching elements, but the present invention is not limited to this. They may be any elements that are disposed inside and on the outer surface of the first housing 102, generate heat during operation of the power storage system 100, and would be damaged if not cooled. Such elements are heat-generating components that need to be cooled.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described above by explaining the embodiments, the above-described embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims in the appended claims, taking into consideration the detailed description of the invention, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wordings described therein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 100 Energy Storage System 102 First cabinet 104 Second cabinet 106 Partition 108 Space 110 Lower front panel 112 Front upper panel 114 Rear Panel 116 Left side panel 118 Right side panel 120 bottom panel 122 Food 124 Legs 126 Shielding Plate 128 Bulkhead 130 Blower 132 Aperture 134, 136, 224 spacers 150 sealing member fixing portion 200 Battery Module 202 Switch 204 Battery Management System 210 First heating element 212 Second heat generating component 214 Heat dissipation parts 220 board 222 Connector 300 base 302 First Opening 304 Open end 306 Tapered section 308 Support part 310 Inclined section 312 Water stop section 314 Water drain 316 Notch 320 First sealing member 322 Second sealing member 324 Third seal member 400 wheels 410 Front 412 Top 414 Back 416 left side 418 Right side 420 bottom 422 Second Opening 440 1st fixed part 442 Second fixed part H Height t thickness

Claims

1. a power converter housed in a first housing; a storage battery whose charging and discharging is controlled by the power converter; a second housing that houses the first housing and the storage battery; a partition plate that divides the interior of the second housing into upper and lower spaces to form two spaces; a heat dissipation component disposed on an outer surface of the first housing, or a fan provided in the second housing at a position above the partition plate, the partition plate has a first opening connecting the two spaces, the first housing is disposed above the partition plate, and air flow paths are formed between the first housing and an inner wall of the second housing and between a bottom surface of the first housing and the partition plate; The storage battery is disposed below the partition plate.

2. the partition plate has a flat portion that supports the first housing, The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the first opening is located closer to the first housing than the flat portion.

3. The power storage system according to claim 2 , wherein an edge portion defining the first opening is continuously connected to the flat portion.

4. The power storage system according to claim 3 , wherein the first opening is spaced from the flat portion by 5 mm or more.

5. further comprising a sealing member; the first housing has a second opening on a bottom surface, 5. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein a first edge portion defining the first opening is connected to a second edge portion of the second opening via the sealing member when the first housing is housed in the second housing.

6. The power storage system according to claim 5 , wherein the sealing member is pressurized by the first housing in a state where the first housing is housed in the second housing.

7. The partition plate has guide portions at both left and right ends, the seal member is fixed to the first edge portion; 6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, wherein when the first housing is placed in the second housing or removed from the second housing, the guide portion movably supports the first housing inside the second housing while keeping a bottom surface of the first housing separated from the sealing member.

8. The partition plate has guide portions at both left and right ends, the sealing member is fixed to the second edge portion; 6. The power storage system according to claim 5, wherein when the first housing is placed in the second housing or removed from the second housing, the guide portion movably supports the first housing inside the second housing while the seal member remains spaced apart from the first edge portion.

9. 8. The power storage system according to claim 7, wherein the guide portion includes a mechanism that moves the first housing closer to the partition plate when the first housing is positioned at a predetermined position within the second housing after the movement.

10. 6. The power storage system according to claim 5, wherein the first opening forms an air flow path between the two spaces when the power converter and the storage battery are connected by wiring passing through the first opening.

11. Further comprising a substrate to which the wiring is connected; The substrate is housed in the first housing, larger than the second opening, The power storage system according to claim 10 , wherein the second opening is opposed to the first opening and is spaced a predetermined distance from the second opening.

12. the partition plate has a water stopping portion that blocks water and a water draining portion that drains water to the outside of the second housing, The water stopping portion is disposed on the peripheral edge of the partition plate, The power storage system according to claim 1 , wherein the water draining portion is arranged on a peripheral edge of the partition plate other than a portion where the water stopping portion is arranged.

13. the second housing includes a front panel; a first flow path formed in an upper end portion of the front panel, for allowing water from the partition plate to flow along the upper end portion of the front panel; 5. The power storage system according to claim 1, further comprising: a second flow path formed at each of both left and right end portions of the front panel, the second flow path causing water that has flowed through the first flow path to flow along each of the both left and right end portions of the front panel and discharge the water to the outside of the second housing.

14. The second housing includes: The front panel and The power storage system according to claim 1 , further comprising: a heat shield plate disposed between the front panel and the storage battery.

Images