Battery module and control method for the battery module

Abstract

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a plurality of secondary batteries built into the housing, a fluid provided inside the housing so that the plurality of secondary batteries are immersed, and a pressurizing unit provided to apply pressure to the fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] [Cross - reference to Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2023 - 0030734 filed on March 8, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10 - 2024 - 0015062 filed on January 31, 2024, and all the contents disclosed in the literature of the Korean patent applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a battery module and a method for controlling the battery module.

Background Art

[0003] Research and development on power production based on environmentally friendly energy sources are being promoted to solve the problems of environmental pollution and energy sources due to the depletion of oil resources. In particular, research on secondary batteries is actively underway, and research has been conducted on various aspects such as materials, structures, processes, and stability of secondary batteries.

[0004] A plurality of secondary batteries may be installed and managed in units of modules or packs and will undergo repeated charging and discharging processes. The voltage applied to secondary batteries has increased to improve energy density, and development is underway to reduce gas generation through electrolyte additives and surface modification of the positive electrode material. Also, it is necessary to structurally suppress gas generation to improve the swelling phenomenon of secondary batteries and to ensure the stability of modules or packs.

[0005] According to the conventional technology, when a swelling phenomenon due to gas generation occurs in a plurality of secondary batteries, it is difficult to structurally control, and this may cause stability problems.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The problem that this invention aims to solve is to provide a battery module and a control method for the battery module that can suppress the swelling phenomenon and improve structural stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a housing, a plurality of secondary batteries built into the housing, a fluid provided inside the housing to immerse the plurality of secondary batteries, and a pressurizing unit provided to pressurize the fluid.

[0008] The pressurizing section may be installed in the housing so as to be movable relative to the fluid.

[0009] The fluid may include an incompressible fluid.

[0010] The battery module may further include a pressure sensor provided to sense changes in the pressure of the fluid.

[0011] The pressure sensor may be installed in the housing such that one end is in contact with the fluid in order to sense changes in the fluid's pressure.

[0012] The pressurizing section may be provided to pressurize the fluid based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor.

[0013] The pressurizing section may be provided to pressurize the fluid with a pressurizing pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of pressure increase of the fluid detected by the pressure sensor.

[0014] The fluid may be a flame-retardant fluid.

[0015] Furthermore, the fluid may be silicone oil.

[0016] The battery module may further include a fluid inlet portion provided on one side of the housing; and a fluid discharge portion provided on the other side of the housing.

[0017] A method for controlling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of sensing the pressure of a fluid filled to immerse a plurality of secondary batteries built in a housing using a pressure sensor and a step of pressurizing the fluid using a pressurizing unit based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor.

[0018] The pressurizing step may include a process in which the pressure sensor senses an increase in the pressure of the fluid.

[0019] The pressurizing step may include a process in which a control unit obtains a pressure value sensed using the pressure sensor; and a process of controlling the pressurizing unit to pressurize the fluid with a pressurizing pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of increase in the pressure of the fluid based on the pressure value obtained by the control unit.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the swelling phenomenon can be effectively suppressed.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the structural stability can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a flowchart for controlling a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which the volume of a part of a plurality of secondary batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention has increased. [Figure 4] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state of pressurizing a fluid using a pressurizing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] It is a longitudinal sectional view showing the structure of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0023] Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those having ordinary knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention pertains can easily implement it. However, the present invention can be embodied in various different forms and is not limited or restricted by the following embodiments.

[0024] To clearly explain the present invention, detailed descriptions of parts unrelated to the explanation or related known technologies that may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the present invention are omitted. When adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing in this specification, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar components throughout the specification.

[0025] Also, the terms and words used in this specification and the claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. In accordance with the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms in order to explain his invention in the best way, they must be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical idea of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a view showing the structure of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The battery module 1 can include a housing 10. The housing 10 can form the outer shell of the battery module 1. A housing space for accommodating a plurality of secondary batteries 20 therein may be formed in the housing 10.

[0028] The battery module 1 can include a plurality of secondary batteries 20. The plurality of secondary batteries 20 may be built into the housing 10.

[0029] The battery module 1 may contain a fluid 30. For example, the housing 10 of the battery module 1 may contain a fluid. The fluid 30 may be contained inside the housing 10 so that multiple secondary batteries 20 are immersed in it.

[0030] Various types of fluids 30 may be used. The fluid 30 provided inside the housing 10 may be a liquid or a gas.

[0031] The fluid 30 may include an incompressible fluid. If the fluid 30 is an incompressible fluid, pressure (e.g., pressurized pressure) can be transmitted more effectively.

[0032] The fluid 30 may be a flame-retardant fluid. If the fluid 30 is a flame-retardant fluid, the risk of ignition may be reduced and chemical stability may be improved.

[0033] Such flame-retardant fluids are fluids composed of non-combustible materials, and a variety of types may be used. For example, ionic liquids may be used as flame-retardant fluids. Ionic liquids form ionic bonds between cations and anions, making them less likely to volatilize at high temperatures and giving them excellent heat resistance. Ionic liquids may be composed of organic cations and inorganic or organic anions.

[0034] Such organic cations can have diverse structures. For example, organic cations can have structures such as pyridinium, imidazolium, pyrrolidinium, ammonium, phosphonium, and sulfonium, with N, P, and S as the central elements.

[0035] Furthermore, the anions in an ionic liquid may consist of a variety of types. For example, the anions may include hexafluorophosphate (PF6). - ), triflate(CF3SO3 - ), tetrafluoroborate (BF4 -Fluorine-based anions such as ) may be used.

[0036] Furthermore, silicone oil may be used as the flame-retardant fluid. Silicone oil is stable against oxidation, so it can prevent the surface of multiple secondary batteries 20 from oxidizing, and it has the advantageous effect of not igniting even under high-temperature conditions due to its excellent heat resistance.

[0037] On the other hand, the fluid 30 may be a Freon® refrigerant, which has high thermal stability, or a non-toxic and stable hydrocarbon refrigerant.

[0038] The battery module 1 may include a pressurizing unit 40. The pressurizing unit 40 may be provided to pressurize the fluid 30. The pressurizing unit 40 may be provided so as to be movable relative to the fluid 30. For example, the pressurizing unit 40 may be installed in the housing 10 so as to be able to pressurize the fluid 30.

[0039] The pressurizing unit 40 is installed in the housing 10 and moves relative to the fluid 30, allowing for pressurization or depressurization of the fluid 30.

[0040] For example, the pressurizing unit 40 is installed on the upper side of the housing 10 and moves vertically to pressurize or depressurize the fluid 30. Specifically, when the pressurizing unit 40 moves downward, the containment space in the housing 10 where the fluid 30 is housed decreases, so the fluid 30 can be pressurized. Also, when the pressurizing unit 40 moves upward, the containment space in the housing 10 where the fluid 30 is housed expands again, so the pressurization of the fluid 30 can be depressurized.

[0041] The pressurizing unit 40 can move inward towards the battery module 1 (or housing 10) to pressurize the fluid 30. The pressurizing unit 40 can also move outward towards the battery module 1 (or housing 10) to release the pressurization on the fluid 30 or reduce the degree of pressurization.

[0042] The degree of pressurization applied to the fluid 30 may vary depending on the extent to which the pressurizing unit 40 is inserted into the battery module 1 (or housing 10). For example, the greater the extent to which the pressurizing unit 40 is inserted into the battery module 1 (or housing 10), the stronger the pressurization may be.

[0043] The pressurizing unit 40 has no particular limitations on the method or form of its relative movement, as long as it is capable of compressing a certain volume into the battery module 1. For example, the pressurizing unit 40, including a piston, can be provided to be movable relative to the fluid 30, but is not limited to this.

[0044] Such a pressurizing section 40 can have a variety of shapes. For example, the pressurizing section 40 can have a cylindrical rod shape. When the pressurizing section 40 has a cylindrical rod shape, all parts that come into contact with the housing 10 are formed as curved surfaces, so damage to the housing 10 during vertical movement of the pressurizing section 40 can be minimized.

[0045] The battery module 1 may include a pressure sensor 50. The pressure sensor 50 may be configured to sense the pressure of the fluid 30 (e.g., pressure value, pressure change). For example, one end of the pressure sensor 50 may be in contact with the fluid 30 for pressure sensing. The pressure sensor 50 may also be installed in the housing 10.

[0046] The pressurizing unit 40 may be configured to pressurize the fluid 30 based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor 50. For example, the battery module 1 may be electrically connected to an external control unit (not shown), and the pressurizing unit 40 and the pressure sensor 50 may also be electrically connected to the control unit. The control unit can determine the degree of pressurization based on the pressure value obtained from the pressure sensor 50 and can transmit the determined degree of pressurization to the pressurizing unit 40. The pressurizing unit 40 can then pressurize the fluid 30 at the determined degree of pressurization.

[0047] Various types of pressure sensors 50 can be used. For example, an electronic sensor that converts the sensed pressure into an electrical signal and obtains a switching output may be used as the pressure sensor 50. Alternatively, a mechanical sensor that converts pressure into displacement and obtains a switching output may be used as the pressure sensor 50.

[0048] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing how to control a battery module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] The control flow shown in Figure 2 will be explained with reference to Figure 3, which shows a configuration in which the volume of some of the multiple secondary batteries in one embodiment of the present invention has been increased, and Figure 4, which shows a configuration in which the fluid is pressurized using the pressurizing unit in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] The details of the embodiments described above may be applied identically or similarly to these embodiments.

[0051] According to S100, the control method for the battery module 1 may include a step of sensing the pressure of the fluid 30 that fills the housing 10 so as to immerse the multiple secondary batteries 20 built into the housing 10, using a pressure sensor 50.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, a volume increase region T may occur in some of the secondary batteries 20. The volume increase region T may be formed by the generation of gas from some of the secondary batteries 20 during the charging and discharging process.

[0053] When a volume-increasing region T is formed, pressure equivalent to the degree of volume increase in the volume-increasing region T may be transmitted to the fluid 30. If the fluid 30 is formed as an incompressible liquid, the pressure transmission may be more effective.

[0054] The pressure sensor 50 can sense the increased pressure of the fluid 30 due to the volume increase region T. The pressure sensor 50 can sense the pressure of the fluid 30 (e.g., increase or decrease in pressure) in real time.

[0055] As described above, although the embodiment in which the volume-increasing region T is formed was explained, a definition for a specific region is not necessarily required. The above explanation may be applied generally to the region or part to which the pressure of the fluid 30 is transmitted due to the occurrence of a swelling phenomenon caused by the generation of gas.

[0056] According to S200, the control method for the battery module 1 may include a step of pressurizing the fluid 30 using the pressurizing unit 40 based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor 50.

[0057] The pressurization step may include a process in which the pressure sensor 50 senses an increase in the pressure of the fluid 30. In other words, the sensing result of the pressure sensor 50 may include the sensing of an increase in the pressure of the fluid 30.

[0058] The pressurization step may include a process in which the control unit acquires the pressure value sensed using the pressure sensor 50.

[0059] The pressurization step may include a process of controlling the pressurizing unit 40 to pressurize the fluid 30 with a pressurizing pressure (or degree of pressurization) that is equal to or exceeds the degree of pressure increase of the fluid 30, based on the pressure value obtained by the control unit.

[0060] Referring to Figure 4, the control unit controls the pressurizing unit 40 to pressurize the fluid 30 to a pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of pressure increase of the fluid 30 sensed by the pressure sensor 50.

[0061] The pressurizing unit 40 can move relative to the fluid 30 to pressurize or depressurize the fluid 30. For example, as shown in Figure 4, the pressurizing unit 40 can pressurize the fluid 30 by moving in the vertical direction. However, there are no special restrictions on the direction of movement of the pressurizing unit 40, as long as it can pressurize by moving relative to the fluid 30.

[0062] For example, a pressurizing unit 40 located on the upper side of the housing 10 can move downward to pressurize the fluid 30 and move upward to release the pressurization of the fluid 30. This vertical movement of the pressurizing unit 40 may be performed by an operator or a robotic arm.

[0063] The pressurizing unit 40 can move inward towards the battery module 1 (or housing 10) with a pressurizing pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of pressure increase of the fluid 30 sensed by the pressure sensor 50, thereby pressurizing the fluid 30.

[0064] The pressurizing unit 40 can move outward from the battery module 1 (or housing 10) to release the pressure on the fluid 30 or reduce the degree of pressure.

[0065] When the pressurizing section 40 pressurizes the fluid 30, the pressurized pressure can be transmitted to some of the multiple secondary batteries 20 (e.g., the volume increase region T) via the fluid 30. When the pressurized pressure is transmitted to some of the multiple secondary batteries 20 (e.g., the volume increase region T), further gas generation can be suppressed.

[0066] As described above, the pressurization of the pressurized section 40 can effectively suppress the swelling phenomenon of some of the multiple secondary batteries 20. In other words, it is possible to suppress the volume change of the multiple secondary batteries 20. This can improve the structural stability of the multiple secondary batteries 20 or the battery module 1.

[0067] Specifically, when the pressurizing section 40 pressurizes the fluid 30 inside the housing 10, the pressure of the fluid 30 can be the same as or similar to the pressure resistance of the secondary battery 20. In this case, volume changes in the secondary battery 20 are suppressed, and the overall structural stability of the secondary battery 20 and the battery module 1 can be increased.

[0068] Figure 5 shows the structure of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. The details of the embodiments described above can be applied identically or similarly to this embodiment.

[0069] The battery module 1a may further include a fluid inlet 60a. The fluid inlet 60a may be provided on one side of the housing 10a. The fluid 30a may flow into the interior of the housing 10a through the fluid inlet 60a.

[0070] The battery module 1a may include a fluid discharge section 70a. The fluid discharge section 70a may be provided on another side of the housing 10a. The fluid 30a can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10a through the fluid discharge section 70a.

[0071] When the battery module 1a is equipped with a fluid inlet 60a and a fluid outlet 70a, the fluid 30a can be circulated, and the circulation of the fluid 30a can effectively cool multiple secondary batteries 20a.

[0072] Furthermore, if the pressurizing or cooling effect due to the modification of the fluid 30a is inefficient, the fluid 30a can be newly supplied to the battery module 1a via the fluid inlet 60a and the fluid outlet 70a.

[0073] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various implementations are possible by persons with ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, within the equivalent scope of the technical concept of the present invention and the claims described below. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1, 1a: Battery module 10, 10a: Housing 20, 20a: Multiple rechargeable batteries 30, 30a: Fluid 40, 40a: Pressurized section 50, 50a: Pressure sensor 60a: Fluid inlet 70a: Fluid outlet T: Volume increasing region

Claims

1. Housing and Multiple secondary batteries built into the aforementioned housing, A fluid is provided inside the housing so as to immerse the plurality of secondary batteries, A pressure sensor is provided to detect changes in the pressure of the fluid, The system includes a pressurizing unit provided to apply pressure to the fluid based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor, The pressurizing section is A battery module is provided to pressurize the fluid with a pressurizing pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of pressure increase of the fluid detected by the pressure sensor.

2. The pressurizing section is The battery module according to claim 1, which is installed in the housing so as to be movable relative to the fluid.

3. The aforementioned fluid is The battery module according to claim 1, comprising an incompressible fluid.

4. The aforementioned pressure sensor is The battery module according to claim 1, which is installed in the housing such that one end is in contact with the fluid in order to sense a change in the fluid's pressure.

5. The aforementioned fluid is The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is flame-retardant.

6. The aforementioned fluid is The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the oil is silicone oil.

7. A fluid inlet is provided on one side of the housing, The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid discharge section provided on another side of the housing.

8. The process involves sensing the pressure of the fluid filling the housing, which contains multiple rechargeable batteries, using a single pressure sensor, and The step includes pressurizing the fluid using a pressurizing unit based on the sensing result of the pressure sensor, The aforementioned pressurizing step is, The process by which the control unit acquires the pressure value sensed using the pressure sensor, A method for controlling a battery module, comprising the steps of: the control unit controlling the pressurizing unit to pressurize the fluid with a pressurizing pressure equal to or exceeding the degree of pressure increase of the fluid, based on the pressure value obtained by the control unit.

9. The battery module control method according to claim 8, wherein the pressure increase of the fluid includes a pressure increase of the fluid due to a volume increase region formed by the generation of gas from some of the secondary batteries among the plurality of secondary batteries.

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