Battery pack and energy storage system comprising the same

Abstract

The purpose is to provide a battery pack that can reduce material costs, simplifies the structure, and increases energy density. A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention comprises: a plurality of pillars; a plurality of steel bars assembled in multiple stages along the height direction of the pillars, connecting the pillars facing each other; a plurality of trays seated on the steel bars to form each stage; and a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on the trays of each stage.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an energy storage system including the same, and in particular to a battery pack and an energy storage system including the same in which the battery modules are intensively configured to improve space utilization. Background Technology

[0002] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product groups, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) driven by electric power sources. These secondary batteries are recognized as an energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy use.

[0003] Known secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. Multiple battery cells are connected in series or parallel to form a battery module, and multiple such battery modules are combined to form a battery pack.

[0004] Energy Storage Systems (ESS), which have recently been attracting attention, are devices that can maximize power usage efficiency by storing generated electricity in battery cells and supplying it to consumers when needed. In an ESS, multiple battery modules form a single battery rack, and dozens to hundreds of battery racks come together to form a system. It is also used in conjunction with UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply), which ensures stable power supply in response to sudden power interruptions or abnormalities, and photovoltaic power generation systems, which are devices that convert sunlight into electrical energy.

[0005] A battery rack is generally equipped with a metal rack case to protect multiple battery modules from external impact or to store them. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery module, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional rack case, and FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 2.

[0006] Referring to FIG. 1, the battery module (10) may have a module housing (20) and a plurality of battery cells (not shown) stacked in one direction and provided inside the module housing (20).

[0007] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the rack case (30) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery modules (10) illustrated in FIG. 1 arranged in an up-and-down direction. A plurality of battery modules (10) may be mounted inside the rack case (30) spaced apart from each other in the up-and-down direction. The rack case (30) may have a storage space having an open structure that allows the plurality of battery modules (10) to communicate in the up-and-down direction.

[0008] For example, the rack case (30) can form the storage space by means of a frame (40) as shown in detail in FIGS. 2 and 3. In addition, a support bracket (50) is coupled to the frame (40), and when mounting a plurality of battery modules (10) in the rack case (30), the battery modules (10) are supported by the support bracket (50) of the rack case (30) so that the battery modules (10) are mounted in each compartment. A module housing (20) is required for each battery module (10) stored in each compartment, and the rack case (30) must include the frame (40) and the support bracket (50). Furthermore, a spacing distance between the upper and lower support brackets (50) is required in the rack case (30).

[0009] In this way, to construct a conventional battery rack, multiple parts are required, which increases material costs, and the assembly process of mounting battery modules (10) in compartments of the rack case (30) is cumbersome. Furthermore, the rack case (30) is structurally complex, and there is a problem that energy density is wasted in each compartment of the rack case (30) by the amount of space occupied by components other than battery cells.

[0010] Therefore, it is necessary to achieve a new compact structure of the battery module (10) to prevent an increase in material costs, simplify the assembly process, and improve space utilization to increase energy density. The problem to be solved

[0011] The present invention was conceived in consideration of the aforementioned problems, and the objective of the present invention is to provide a battery pack that can reduce material costs, has a simplified structure, and has increased energy density.

[0012] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide an energy storage device in which the assembly process is simplified and energy density is increased by including such a battery pack.

[0013] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below. means of solving the problem

[0014] A battery pack according to one aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problem comprises: a plurality of pillars; a plurality of steel bars assembled in multiple stages along the height direction of the pillars, connecting the pillars facing each other; a plurality of trays seated on the steel bars to form each stage; and a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on the trays of each stage.

[0015] Here, a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on the trays of each stage are connected to form a single battery module, and may further include an electrical connection member connecting the battery modules of each stage.

[0016] At this time, the battery module is not surrounded by a separate module case, and the battery pack may further include a pack case to protect internal structures.

[0017] The above pack case may include a box-shaped enclosure with an open top surface.

[0018] Preferably, the tray is supported in a horizontal plane by the steel bar.

[0019] The battery pack further includes a base plate constituting the lowest part, and the plurality of pillars can be assembled to the base plate.

[0020] The above columns are assembled at least four corners of the base plate, and the steel bars connect the columns facing each other in the width direction of the battery pack and can be arranged along the length direction of the battery pack.

[0021] The above column has holes drilled at regular intervals along the height direction of the column, and the steel bar can be assembled by inserting it into the holes between columns facing each other.

[0022] The above tray includes a trademark surface and a side wall extending downward from the trademark surface, and may have an indentation formed in the side wall that is fitted from above to below the steel bar.

[0023] The above columns are included in n rows and m columns along the width and length directions of the battery pack, the steel bars are assembled between the columns in the same column, and a bar-type top frame with a rectangular cross-section can be fastened to the top of the columns parallel to the steel bars.

[0024] The above column may have a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the height direction, and the above steel bar may have a circular cross-section.

[0025] Preferably, a heatsink is further included between the tray and the cell module assembly for each stage.

[0026] The battery pack may further include a cooling pipe assembly that supplies refrigerant to each of the heat sinks and recovers refrigerant from each of the heat sinks.

[0027] The cooling pipe assembly may be located at the longitudinal front of the battery pack.

[0028] The cooling pipe assembly may include a refrigerant injection port for injecting refrigerant from the outside of the battery pack, a refrigerant injection pipe connected to the refrigerant injection port, an injection side connector for connecting the refrigerant injection pipe and each of the heat sinks, a refrigerant discharge port for discharging the refrigerant to the outside of the battery pack, a refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the refrigerant discharge port, and a discharge side connector for connecting the refrigerant discharge pipe and each of the heat sinks.

[0029] The above refrigerant injection port and the above refrigerant discharge port are located at the upper center of the longitudinal front section of the battery pack, and a Battery Management System (BMS) may be further included between the refrigerant injection pipe and the refrigerant discharge pipe.

[0030] The above tray and heat sink are extended along the longitudinal shear of the battery pack beyond the cell module assembly, and the injection side connector and the discharge side connector may be located in the extended portion of the heat sink.

[0031] The cell module assemblies can be connected using electrical connection members.

[0032] The battery pack may further include a top cover that covers the uppermost cell module assembly over the top frame.

[0033] For example, a first electrical connection member extending from the lowest cell module assembly at the longitudinal rear end of the battery pack may be connected to the first terminal portion of the top cover, and a second electrical connection member extending from the uppermost cell module assembly at the longitudinal front end of the battery pack may be connected to the second terminal portion of the top cover by extending from the lower part of the top cover.

[0034] A battery pack according to another aspect of the present invention comprises a multi-stage tray supported by a steel bar in a vertical direction, and a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on each stage of the tray are connected to form a battery module, thereby including the battery module in multiple stages internally.

[0035] Here, the number of units of the battery module may be 4 to 6.

[0036] In addition, the present invention provides an energy storage system characterized by including at least one battery pack according to the present invention. Effects of the invention

[0037] According to the present invention, multiple battery modules are integrated to form a single pack unit, and since the case is implemented only at the pack unit, the structure of the battery pack is simplified, energy density is increased, and material costs are reduced.

[0038] According to the present invention, trays and steel bars are arranged in multiple stages inside a battery pack, so that a cell module assembly of each stage becomes a single battery module, and four to six such battery modules are combined to form a battery pack. Since the battery modules are intensively arranged in such a battery pack, space utilization is improved.

[0039] According to the present invention, it is easy to manufacture a battery pack including a desired number of battery modules, and the battery capacity can be freely expanded. The width and length area of ​​the battery pack, i.e., the footprint, can be standardized, and the height can be freely expanded by increasing the number of battery modules.

[0040] According to the present invention, since battery modules can be integrated into multiple layers within a battery pack, it is easy to design an energy storage system by arranging or stacking such battery packs. The assembly process can be minimized compared to the conventional method of designing by integrating battery racks.

[0041] According to the present invention, the internal structure of a battery pack can be stably supported by columns, trays, and a pack case. Therefore, the movement of internal structures, such as cell module assemblies, within the battery pack can be minimized, thereby reducing the impact of transportation (vibration). As such, since the battery pack of the present invention is easy to transport and the assembly process at the installation site is simple, an energy storage system can be achieved more conveniently and at a lower cost than a transportable rack system, which necessarily requires means to prevent component deformation and damage caused by transportation (vibration). Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings. Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional battery pack. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional rack case. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 is a perspective view showing the pack case separated from the battery pack of Figure 4. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the assembled state of the main internal structure of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of Fig. 6. FIGS. 8 to 14 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another internal structure combined with Fig. 6. Fig. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom surface of the top cover of Fig. 15. Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the front side of Fig. 6. Fig. 18 is an enlarged view of the rear side of Fig. 6. FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention. Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view showing a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the pack case separated from the battery pack of FIG. 4.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, a battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pack case (300) for protecting an internal structure (200). The battery pack (100) may further include a top cover (400).

[0046] The pack case (300) may include a box-shaped enclosure with an open top surface. The pack case (300) covers the front and rear, left and right sides and bottom of the internal structure (200), and the top cover (400) may cover the top surface of the internal structure (200).

[0047] The pack case (300) may be made of a material having a certain level of rigidity to protect the internal structure (200). Preferably, the pack case (300) may be made of a metal material with excellent thermal conductivity for easy heat dissipation. For example, the pack case (300) may be made of aluminum or steel. In addition, to achieve electrical insulation, an insulating coating layer may be further formed on the inner surface of the pack case (300).

[0048] The pack case (300) may further include a component for connection with other structures. For example, as illustrated, a bracket (310) having a fastening hole may be provided at the front of the pack case (300). This component may be used to connect multiple battery packs (100) to each other, or to connect to a device or equipment on which the battery pack (100) is to be mounted, such as a vehicle chassis or an energy storage system frame. Of course, the shape of this component may be modified and may be omitted.

[0049] The battery pack (100) has a predetermined size in the width direction (X-axis direction, left-right direction), length direction (Y-axis direction, front-back direction), and height direction (Z-axis direction, vertical direction), and has an approximate rectangular structure. The exterior of the battery pack (100) can ensure that there is no wasted space when multiple battery packs (100) are arranged in a dense manner. In addition, since the structure of the pack case (300) is simple, there is no difficulty in manufacturing the pack case (300).

[0050] Meanwhile, in FIG. 4, a refrigerant injection port (171) and a refrigerant discharge port (174) are shown outside the pack case (300). The refrigerant injection port (171) and the refrigerant discharge port (174) are exposed outside the pack case (300) because they need to be in communication with the outside to supply refrigerant from the outside to the inside of the battery pack (100) and to discharge it back to the outside of the battery pack (100). A cooling pipe assembly (170) is connected to the refrigerant injection port (171) and the refrigerant discharge port (174). The structure of such cooling-related components is also shown in FIG. 15 to FIG. 17, and will be explained in more detail with reference to these figures.

[0051] Additionally, the battery pack (100) may further include a BMS (180) and a fuse assembly (210) as illustrated in FIG. 5. The cooling pipe assembly (170), the BMS (180), and the fuse assembly (210) may be intensively configured at the front end of the battery pack (100) and may be positioned so as not to unnecessarily occupy space in the internal space of the battery pack (100) and thus reduce the energy density of the battery pack (100). By grouping the cooling pipe assembly (170), the BMS (180), and the fuse assembly (210) at the front end of the battery pack (100), the internal space of the pack case (300) can be mainly allocated to the cell module assembly. Thus, the energy density of the battery pack (100) can be increased.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main internal structure of a battery pack in an assembled state according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 6.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the internal structure (200) of the battery pack (100) is described as follows: the battery pack (100) includes a plurality of columns (110) and a plurality of steel bars (120). The steel bars (120) are connected between columns (110) that face each other. Additionally, the steel bars (120) are assembled in multiple stages along the height direction of the columns (110).

[0054] A tray (130) is placed on a single steel bar (120). Several trays (130) are also included to form each tier. Preferably, the trays (130) are supported horizontally by the steel bar (120).

[0055] A plurality of cell module assemblies (140) are placed on the tray (130) of each tier. The pillars (110) and steel bars (120) can serve as the main framework for placing the cell module assemblies (140). The pillars (110), steel bars (120), and trays (130) are designed so as not to occupy a large volume compared to the cell module assemblies (140), thereby increasing the energy density of the battery pack (100).

[0056] The cell module assembly (140) is a collection of multiple battery cells. Within the cell module assembly (140), multiple battery cells may be arranged in one direction. As for the battery cells constituting the cell module assembly (140), for example, pouch-type battery cells may be applied. Pouch-type battery cells have a shape suitable for maximizing energy density when stacked. However, this does not limit the type of battery cell applied to the present invention, and as long as it corresponds to a rechargeable secondary battery, various types of battery cells such as prismatic cells and cylindrical cells may be applied without limitation.

[0057] Additionally, a plurality of battery cells constituting the cell module assembly (140) may be configured in a stacked manner in parallel. If pouch-type battery cells are used, the cell module assembly (140) may be configured by arranging the battery cells along the X-axis direction while standing upright with the electrode leads drawn out facing the Y-axis direction. For example, a single cell module assembly (140) may include five or more battery cells. The plurality of battery cells may be electrically connected to each other in a series, parallel, or mixed series and parallel configuration, and electrical connection may be achieved by connecting the electrode leads of the battery cells via a busbar or the like.

[0058] Cell module assemblies (140) can be arranged in rows and columns on a tray (130). In the illustrated example, a column consisting of cell module assemblies (140) having a length direction in the Y-axis direction arranged in 5 rows in the X-axis direction is repeated in the Y-axis direction, resulting in an arrangement of 5 rows and 2 columns. Depending on the number of cell module assemblies (140) arranged, the size of the tray (130), the number and arrangement of columns (110), and the corresponding number of steel bars (120) may vary so as to support an appropriate load.

[0059] Here, multiple cell module assemblies (140) placed on the tray (130) of each stage can be connected to form a single battery module (150). That is, cell module assemblies (140) placed horizontally on one stage can be modularized to form a single unit. And, battery modules (150) of each stage can be connected to form a single pack unit. That is, by connecting from the lowest battery module (150) to the highest battery module (150), a connection between all cell module assemblies (140) included in the battery pack (100) can be achieved. The connection between cell module assemblies (140) and the connection between battery modules (150) can be made by suitable electrical connection members such as cables or busbars.

[0060] As such, the battery pack (100) of the present invention comprises a multi-stage tray (130) supported by a steel bar (120) in a vertical direction, and a plurality of cell module assemblies (140) seated on each stage of the tray (130) are connected to form a battery module (150), thereby including the battery module (150) in multiple stages within the battery pack (100). Here, for example, the number of stages of the battery module (150) may be 4 to 6, and the illustration shows the case where the number of stages is 5.

[0061] In this way, the battery pack (100) is configured to accommodate battery modules (150) arranged vertically inside the pack case (300). At this time, unlike conventional methods, the battery modules (150) are not surrounded by a separate module case, but are covered only by the pack case (300) as seen in FIG. 4. Thus, the present invention integrates multiple battery modules (150) into a single pack unit, omits the module case, and finally implements the case covering the overall structure only at the pack unit level, thereby simplifying the structure of the battery pack (100), increasing energy density, and reducing material costs.

[0062] According to the present invention, the tray (130) and the steel bar (120) are arranged in multiple stages inside the battery pack (100), so that the cell module assembly (140) of each stage becomes one battery module (150), and four to six such battery modules (150) are combined to form the battery pack (100). Since the battery pack (100) is composed of battery modules (150) in a concentrated manner without a separate module case, the space utilization is improved.

[0063] Referring further to FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 to examine the internal structure (200) of the battery pack (100) in more detail, the battery pack (100) may include a base plate (105) that constitutes the bottom of the internal structure (200). Multiple pillars (110) may be assembled to this base plate (105). The base plate (105) may serve as a foundation for standing the pillars (110) vertically and may provide a foundation for stacking multiple cell module assemblies (140) at the bottom.

[0064] The columns (110) are assembled at at least four corners of the base plate (105). Steel bars (120) connect the columns (110) facing each other in the width direction of the battery pack (100) and can be arranged along the length direction of the battery pack (100).

[0065] Depending on the size of the base plate (105) or the arrangement and number of cell module assemblies (140) to be mounted on the base plate (105), the number and assembly positions of the pillars (110) may be changed. For example, the pillars (110) may be included in n rows and m columns along the width and length directions of the battery pack (100), and steel bars (120) may be assembled between the pillars (110) in the same column. In the illustrated example, the pillars (110) are included in 3 columns, so 3 steel bars (120) are required in the horizontal plane.

[0066] A bar-type top frame (165) with a rectangular cross section can be attached to the top of the column (110) parallel to the steel bar (120). The top frame (165) is connected to the top of the column (110) on the top cell module assembly (140) by means such as bolting, so that the stacked structure of the cell module assembly (140) can be connected to the column (110) with its left and right sides facing each other, and connected to the top frame (165) with its top surface facing each other. With this configuration, the stacked structure of the cell module assembly (140) can be safely maintained without shaking.

[0067] The columns (110) have holes (115) drilled at regular intervals along the height direction of the columns (110), and the steel bars (120) can be assembled by inserting them into the holes (115) between the columns (110) facing each other.

[0068] In the illustrated example, four holes (115) are drilled at regular intervals. If a steel bar (120) is inserted into each hole (115), the steel bar (120) can be arranged in a total of four stages.

[0069] The steel bar (120) has a length longer than the gap between the opposing columns (110), and the ends of the steel bar (120) that extend through the holes (115) have an extension surface parallel to the outer surface of the column (110) or extend further in the X-axis direction than the outer surface of the column (110) so that it can be firmly and stably supported between the columns (110).

[0070] The tray (130) includes a top surface (132) and a side wall (134) extending downward from the top surface (132), and may have an indentation groove (136) formed in the side wall (134) that is fitted from above to below the steel bar (120). By including the top surface (132) and the side wall (134), the structure is advantageous for reducing manufacturing and material costs because, compared to the case where the whole is composed of a single cuboid plate, the weight is reduced, and an indentation groove (136) can be machined in the thin side wall (134) without creating a long groove shaped to be fastened to the steel bar (120).

[0071] The column (110) may have a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the height direction. Such a column (110) is advantageous because it does not occupy a large portion of the internal space of the pack case (300) and can also make the area of ​​the part in contact with the cell module assembly (140) relatively large.

[0072] The steel bar (120) may have a circular cross-section. The hole (115) and the recess (136) may be provided to have a shape corresponding to the shape of the steel bar (120). If the steel bar (120) has a circular cross-section, no special alignment process is required when inserting the steel bar (120) into the hole (115), and the assembly is improved by allowing easy penetration and fastening between opposing holes (115). In addition, since the part of the steel bar (120) that supports the tray (130) is circular, even if a heavy cell module assembly (140) is placed on the tray (130), the resulting load is not concentrated in a narrow area, thereby maintaining structural rigidity.

[0073] Multiple trays (130) form each tier. In the illustrated example, the number of tiers formed by the trays (130) is four. The bottom base plate (105) also forms one tier. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of tiers on which the cell module assembly (140) can be mounted is five.

[0074] Multiple cell module assemblies (140) are mounted on each tier. The cell module assemblies (140) may be included in a single tier in rows of 0 and columns along the width and length directions of the battery pack (100). In the illustrated example, the cell module assemblies (140) are arranged in rows of 5 and columns, so 10 are included in a single tier, and since the total number of tiers is 5, the total number of cell module assemblies (140) inside the battery pack (100) reaches 50. Since each cell module assembly (140) in a tier becomes one battery module (150), in the illustrated example, the number of battery modules (150) is 5.

[0075] According to the present invention, it is easy to manufacture a battery pack (100) including a desired number of battery modules (150), and the battery capacity can be freely expanded. The width and length area of ​​the battery pack (100), i.e., the footprint, can be standardized. By increasing the number of battery modules (150), the size and capacity of the battery pack (100) can be freely expanded in the height direction.

[0076] The pillar (110) can restrict the forward, backward, left, and right movement of a battery module (150) configured by connecting a single cell module assembly (140). The tray (130) supported by the steel bar (120) can restrict the up and down movement of the battery module (150). Therefore, even if movement of the battery pack (100) occurs, the movement of the battery module (150) inside the pack case (300) can be prevented by the pillar (110) and the tray (130). Since the battery module (150) is quite heavy, even slight movement has a significant impact on surrounding parts. According to the present invention, movement of the battery module (150) is prevented, thereby ensuring the performance of the battery pack (100) and allowing the battery pack (100) to be used safely for a long time.

[0077] Preferably, a heat sink (160) is further included between the tray (130) and the cell module assembly (140) for each stage. Here, the heat sink (160) refers to an object that absorbs and emits heat from another object through direct or indirect thermal contact. Such a heat sink (160) can be considered to be provided for each battery module (150). The heat sink (160) is in thermal contact with the battery module (150) and can be configured to cool the battery module (150). To this end, the heat sink (160) can be made of a metal material with high thermal conductivity and heat resistance. For example, the heat sink (160) can be made of an aluminum alloy material that is lightweight and has excellent thermal conductivity.

[0078] The heat sink (160) can release heat to the surrounding atmosphere (air) or to a refrigerant passing through the heat sink (160). For example, the refrigerant may be water or oil. In this embodiment, a configuration is provided that further includes a cooling pipe assembly (170) connected to the heat sink (160) to enable the use of such a refrigerant. In order to circulate the refrigerant by connecting it to the cooling pipe assembly (170), the heat sink (160) may be provided with an injection port (163) and an exhaust port (166), and a flow path may be provided inside the heat sink (160). The cooling pipe assembly (170) will be described in more detail in the description with reference to FIG. 15, etc., but as shown in FIG. 6, an injection-side connector (173) for connecting to the injection port (163) and an exhaust-side connector (176) for connecting to the exhaust port (166) may be included.

[0079] The battery modules (150) in the battery pack (100) are configured to be mounted with a vertical spacing between them, approximately the thickness of the tray (130) and the heat sink (160). The thickness of the tray (130) and the heat sink (160) can be designed to be minimized. Through this, there is no wasted space in the vertical direction inside the battery pack (100), and multiple battery modules (150) can be mounted in a concentrated manner.

[0080] Here, since the pillar (110) and the tray (130) may also be included in the path of heat transfer during the process of dispersing heat generated from the battery module (150), they may be made of a material with excellent thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer.

[0081] FIGS. 8 to 14 are drawings for explaining a method of manufacturing a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. From the following description with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14, not only the method of manufacturing the battery pack (100) but also the detailed configuration of the battery pack (100) will be better understood.

[0082] Referring to FIG. 8, a column (110) is assembled to a base plate (105) (step S1). The assembly between the base plate (105) and the column (110) can be done by various methods such as fitting, bolting, bonding, welding, etc.

[0083] As previously mentioned, the column (110) has a rectangular cross-section, and it is preferable that the long axis in the cross-section be positioned toward the battery cell assembly (140) in order to maximize the portion in contact with the battery cell assembly (140). In addition, in this embodiment, an example was given in which the battery cell assembly (140) is arranged in multiple rows and columns, and the column (110) is also arranged in three columns. The column (110) located in the middle column can be made larger than the number of columns (110) located in other columns to provide a more robust support base.

[0084] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the first heat sink (160) is placed on the base plate (105) (step S2). Since the heat sink (160) can be assembled downward from the top of the column (110), the shape of the heat sink (160) in the illustrated example must be manufactured in a structure through which the column (110) in the center can pass. Of course, it is also possible to divide the heat sink (160) into two parts and arrange them in one section, avoiding the central column (110).

[0085] Next, referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of cell module assemblies (140) are placed on a heat sink (160) (step S3). At this step, these cell module assemblies (140) can be electrically connected to form a battery module (150).

[0086] FIG. 11 is a top-down view of the assembled state of FIG. 10 to schematically show the electrical connection relationships. Cell module assemblies (140) placed in a single stage can be connected by suitable electrical connection means. The direction of current flow between the cell module assemblies (140) may be, for example, as indicated by the arrows in the drawing. One side (144) of one cell module assembly (140) can be connected to the cell module assembly in the upper stage, and one side (146) of another cell module assembly (140) can be connected to a terminal portion so as to be connected to an external terminal.

[0087] Next, referring to FIG. 12, a steel bar (120) is assembled on a column (110), and a tray (130) is placed on it to be supported (step S4).

[0088] Figures 13 and 14 are drawings illustrating the assembly relationship between the steel bar and the tray in enlarged detail.

[0089] As previously mentioned, the tray (130) includes a trademark surface (132), a side wall (134), and an indentation (136). The tray (130) can be assembled by moving it from above to below the steel bar (120) so that the steel bar (120) is fitted into the indentation (136).

[0090] Next, a heat sink (160) is placed on the tray (130) as in step S2 described with reference to FIG. 9. Then, a plurality of cell module assemblies (140) are placed on it as in step S3 described with reference to FIG. 10. At this step, these cell module assemblies (140) can also be electrically connected. By connecting one side (144) of the lower cell module assembly (140) and one side of the newly placed cell module assembly (140) on the tray (130), the lower battery module (150) and the second battery module (150) can be connected. One side of another cell module assembly (140) of the second stage can be connected to the cell module assembly of the upper stage.

[0091] Then, repeat the sequence of steps S4, S2, and S3 as many times as needed.

[0092] After that, the assembly of other structures such as cooling-related parts or BMS (180) is completed, and the battery pack (100) can be manufactured by assembling the pack case (300).

[0093] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of another internal structure coupled to FIG. 6, and FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing the bottom surface of the top cover of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is an enlarged front view of FIG. 6, and FIG. 18 is an enlarged rear view of FIG. 6.

[0094] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18, the battery pack (100) may further include a cooling pipe assembly (170) that supplies a refrigerant to each of the heat sinks (160) and recovers the refrigerant from each of the heat sinks (160).

[0095] As mentioned earlier, the cooling pipe assembly (170) can be positioned at the front of the battery pack (100) to increase space utilization.

[0096] The cooling pipe assembly (170) may include a refrigerant injection port (171) for injecting refrigerant from outside the battery pack (100), a refrigerant injection pipe (172) connected to the refrigerant injection port (171), and an injection side connector (173) for connecting the refrigerant injection pipe (172) to each injection port (163) of the heat sink (160). Additionally, the cooling pipe assembly (170) may include a refrigerant discharge port (174) for discharging the refrigerant to the outside of the battery pack (100), a refrigerant discharge pipe (175) connected to the refrigerant discharge port (174), and an exhaust side connector (176) for connecting the refrigerant discharge pipe (175) to each exhaust port (166) of the heat sink (160).

[0097] The refrigerant injection port (171) and the refrigerant discharge port (174) may be located at the upper center of the longitudinal front section of the battery pack (100). As seen in FIG. 4, the refrigerant injection port (171) and the refrigerant discharge port (174) may be exposed to the outside of the pack case (300). The refrigerant injection port (171) and the refrigerant injection pipe (172), etc., inject the refrigerant into the heat sink (160) at approximately the center of the battery pack (100). The refrigerant injection pipe (172) can be branched from one refrigerant injection port (171) to both sides and connected to each heat sink (160). Since heat tends to accumulate in the center of the battery pack (100) and become high temperature, it is advantageous to concentrate the refrigerant with a low temperature in this way at the center of the battery pack (100) to achieve cooling. Refrigerant from each heat sink (160) flows into a refrigerant discharge pipe (175) through a discharge side connector (176) from discharge ports (166) on both sides of the heat sink (160), and the refrigerant discharge pipes (175) on both sides are integrated and connected to a single refrigerant discharge port (174) so ​​that the refrigerant can be smoothly discharged outside the battery pack (100).

[0098] Inside the pack case (300), a BMS (180) may be further included between the refrigerant injection pipe (172) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (175). The BMS (180) may be configured to measure the current and temperature of the battery cells within the battery pack (100) and to control the charging and discharging of the battery cells. By placing the BMS (180) between the refrigerant injection pipe (172) and the refrigerant discharge pipe (175), the space utilization inside the battery pack (100) can be maximized.

[0099] The tray (130) and the heat sink (160) extend toward the front of the battery pack (100) beyond the cell module assembly (140), and an injection port (163) and an exhaust port (166) may be located in the extended portion of the heat sink (160). By assembling a cooling pipe assembly (170) at the injection port (163) and exhaust port (166) at these locations, a compact structure can be achieved without occupying a large internal space of the battery pack (100). Additionally, by integrating a BMS (180) in the empty space between the refrigerant injection pipe (172) and the refrigerant exhaust pipe (175), the energy density of the battery pack (100) can also be improved. Other electrical components, such as a fuse assembly (210), may also be placed at the front of the battery pack (100) adjacent to the BMS (180).

[0100] Additionally, cell module assemblies (140) can be connected to each other using electrical connection members (190, 195). The electrical connection members (190, 195) may be cables or flexible busbars.

[0101] For example, a first electrical connection member (190) extending from the lowest cell module assembly (140) at the rear end of the battery pack (100) may be connected to the first terminal portion (410) of the top cover (400), and a second electrical connection member (195) extending from the uppermost cell module assembly (140) at the longitudinal front end of the battery pack (100) may be connected to the second terminal portion (415) of the top cover (400) by extending from the bottom of the top cover (400).

[0102] Additionally, the fuse assembly (210) may be connected, for example, to a second electrical connection member (195). The fuse assembly (210) is a component composed of a relay and a resistor, and can stably supply or cut off battery power to a device or facility where the battery pack (100) is used, and can protect the power system of the corresponding device or facility when a fault current occurs. According to the present invention, space can be saved by efficiently placing the fuse assembly (210) in the spare space at the front of the battery pack (100) while providing the fuse assembly (210).

[0103] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining an energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0104] Referring to FIG. 19, the energy storage system (500) may include at least one battery pack (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] The battery pack (100) may be provided in at least one or more multiple units. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the description is limited to the battery pack (100) being provided in multiple units.

[0106] When including multiple battery packs (100), the energy storage system (500) may further include a frame (510). A bracket (310) as described with reference to FIG. 4 may be used to connect the battery packs (100) to the frame (510).

[0107] The frame (510) is for accommodating a plurality of battery packs (100) and may have a accommodating space for accommodating a plurality of battery packs (100).

[0108] Multiple battery packs (100) can be electrically connected to each other via a rack busbar (not shown). The energy storage system (500) according to the present invention can be implemented in various forms, such as a smart grid system or an electric charging station.

[0109] According to the present invention, battery modules (150) are already integrated into multiple layers within a battery pack (100). Therefore, it is easy to design an energy storage system (500) by arranging or stacking these battery packs (100). The assembly process can be minimized compared to designing by integrating battery racks.

[0110] The energy storage system (500) according to the present invention can be shipped and transported in a completed state by assembling the battery pack (100) onto the frame (510) and then installed at the installation site. Alternatively, the frame (510) and battery pack (100) can be transported and then assembled at the installation site.

[0111] ESS projects are shifting toward minimizing on-site work. Consequently, there is an increasing number of projects requiring battery packs to be mounted in rack cases before shipment. However, transportable rack systems face the difficult challenge of preventing component deformation and damage caused by transportation (vibration).

[0112] According to the present invention, the internal structure of the battery pack (100) can be stably supported by a column (110), a tray (130), and a pack case (300). Therefore, the movement of internal structures such as a cell module assembly (140) within the battery pack (100) is minimized, thereby reducing the impact on transportation (vibration). When the transportation of the battery pack (100) is completed and the energy storage system (500) needs to be installed at the installation site, the installation work can be carried out simply and quickly. Since the battery module (150) is concentrated inside the battery pack (100), the energy storage system (700) can be efficiently constructed in a short period of time. As such, the battery pack (100) of the present invention is easy to transport and the assembly process at the installation site is simple, so the energy storage system (500) can be achieved at a low cost and is convenient enough that there is no need to switch to a transportable rack system.

[0113] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this specification, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that they may vary depending on the location of the object or the position of the observer.

[0114] Although the present invention has been described above by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0115] 100: Battery pack 105: Base plate 110: Pillar 115: Hole 120: Steel bar 130: Tray 136: Indentation 140: Cell module assembly 150: Battery module 160: Heatsink 165: Top frame 170: Cooling pipe assembly 171: Refrigerant filling port 172: Refrigerant filling pipe 173: Injection side connector 174: Refrigerant discharge port 175: Refrigerant discharge port 176: Discharge side connector 180: BMS 190, 195: Electrical connection member 200: Internal structure 300: Pack case 310: Bracket 400: Top cover 410: Terminal 1 415: Terminal 2 500: Energy storage system 510: Frame

Claims

Claim 1 A battery pack comprising: a plurality of columns; a plurality of steel bars assembled in multiple stages along the height direction of the columns, connecting the columns facing each other among the columns; a plurality of trays seated on the steel bars to form each stage; a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on the trays of each stage; and a heat sink disposed between the trays and the cell module assemblies for each stage; wherein the trays include a top surface and a side wall extending downward from the top surface, and the side wall has an indentation groove formed therein into which the steel bars are fitted. Claim 2 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of cell module assemblies seated on a tray of each stage connected to form a single battery module, and further includes an electrical connection member connecting the battery modules of each stage. Claim 3 A battery pack according to paragraph 2, wherein the battery module is not surrounded by a separate module case, and the battery pack further includes a pack case for protecting internal structures. Claim 4 A battery pack according to paragraph 3, wherein the pack case comprises a box-shaped enclosure with an open top surface. Claim 5 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the tray is supported in a horizontal plane by the steel bar. Claim 6 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the battery pack further comprises a base plate constituting the lowest part, and the plurality of pillars are assembled to the base plate. Claim 7 A battery pack according to claim 6, wherein the columns are assembled at least four corners of the base plate, and the steel bars connect the columns facing each other in the width direction of the battery pack and are arranged along the length direction of the battery pack. Claim 8 A battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the pillars have holes drilled at regular intervals along the height direction of the pillars, and the steel bars are assembled by being inserted into the holes between the pillars facing each other. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the columns are included in n rows and m columns along the width and length directions of the battery pack, the steel bars are assembled between the columns in the same column, and a bar-type top frame with a rectangular cross-section is fastened to the top of the columns parallel to the steel bars. Claim 11 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the column has a rectangular cross-section perpendicular to the height direction, and the steel bar has a circular cross-section. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A battery pack according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery pack further comprises a cooling pipe assembly that supplies a refrigerant to each of the heat sinks and recovers the refrigerant from each of the heat sinks. Claim 14 A battery pack according to claim 13, wherein the cooling pipe assembly is located at the longitudinal shear of the battery pack. Claim 15 A battery pack according to claim 14, wherein the cooling pipe assembly comprises a refrigerant injection port for injecting refrigerant from the outside of the battery pack, a refrigerant injection pipe connected to the refrigerant injection port and an injection side connector for connecting the refrigerant injection pipe and each of the heat sinks, a refrigerant discharge port for discharging the refrigerant to the outside of the battery pack, a refrigerant discharge pipe connected to the refrigerant discharge port and an discharge side connector for connecting the refrigerant discharge pipe and each of the heat sinks. Claim 16 A battery pack according to claim 15, wherein the refrigerant injection port and the refrigerant discharge port are located at the upper center of the longitudinal front shear of the battery pack, and a Battery Management System (BMS) is further included between the refrigerant injection pipe and the refrigerant discharge pipe. Claim 17 A battery pack according to claim 16, wherein the tray and heat sink are extended in the longitudinal direction of the battery pack beyond the cell module assembly, and the injection side connector and the discharge side connector are located in the extended portion of the heat sink. Claim 18 A battery pack characterized by connecting the cell module assemblies with an electrical connection member in claim 1. Claim 19 A battery pack according to claim 10, wherein the battery pack further comprises a top cover covering an uppermost cell module assembly over the top frame. Claim 20 A battery pack according to claim 19, characterized in that a first electrical connection member extending from the lowest cell module assembly at the longitudinal rear end of the battery pack is connected to a first terminal portion of the top cover, and a second electrical connection member extending from the uppermost cell module assembly at the longitudinal front end of the battery pack extends from the lower part of the top cover and is connected to a second terminal portion of the top cover. Claim 21 delete Claim 22 delete Claim 23 delete Claim 24 An energy storage system characterized by including at least one battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 8, 10, 11, and 13 to 20.

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