Battery rack and energy storage system including the same

Abstract

A battery rack capable of effectively controlling thermal events and a power storage system including the same are provided. A battery rack according to one aspect of the present invention comprises a battery module, a rack frame for housing the battery module, a fire extinguishing agent supply module disposed on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module, and a support module that supports the fire extinguishing agent supply module and is coupled to one side of the rack frame so that the fire extinguishing agent supply module faces the battery module.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery rack and a power storage system including the same, and more specifically, to a battery rack capable of effectively controlling thermal events and a power storage system including the same. 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) powered by electric sources. These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new 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] Currently, widely used types of secondary batteries include lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, and nickel-zinc batteries. The operating voltage of these unit secondary battery cells, or unit battery cells, is approximately 2.5V to 4.5V. Therefore, if a higher output voltage is required, multiple battery cells are connected in series to form a battery pack. Additionally, depending on the charge / discharge capacity required for the battery pack, multiple battery cells are connected in parallel to form a battery pack. Accordingly, the number of battery cells included in the battery pack can be set in various ways depending on the required output voltage or charge / discharge capacity.

[0004] Meanwhile, when configuring a battery pack by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, it is common practice to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then configure the battery pack or battery rack by adding other components using this at least one battery module. Furthermore, a power storage system is configured as an energy source by providing at least one such battery rack.

[0005] In the case of such battery racks, if abnormalities such as short circuits occur in some battery cells of multiple battery modules, causing a continuous rise in temperature and subsequently exceeding the critical temperature, a thermal event may occur. If such a thermal event occurs in some battery cells, safety issues may arise.

[0006] To solve this problem, conventionally, a water supply system was configured adjacent to the battery rack to control thermal events generated in the battery modules.

[0007] However, since these conventional water spraying systems spray fire extinguishing agents over a wide area of ​​the battery rack, there is a problem in that it is difficult to control the aforementioned thermal event quickly and effectively. The problem to be solved

[0008] The present invention has been devised to solve the aforementioned problems and aims to provide a battery rack capable of effectively controlling thermal events and a power storage system including the same.

[0009] However, the technical 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

[0010] A battery rack according to one aspect of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose comprises a battery module, a rack frame for accommodating the battery module, a fire extinguishing agent supply module disposed on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module, and a support module that supports the fire extinguishing agent supply module and is coupled to one side of the rack frame so that the fire extinguishing agent supply module faces the battery module.

[0011] Preferably, the fire extinguishing agent supply module is coupled to a nozzle part connected to the battery module and to the support module, and The support module may include a fire extinguishing pipe connected to the nozzle portion and supplying a fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle portion, and the support module may include a pipe support portion that supports the fire extinguishing pipe and a frame coupling portion that extends from one side of the pipe support portion to face one side of the rack frame and is configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame.

[0012] Preferably, the frame connecting portion may be configured to make surface contact with one side of the rack frame.

[0013] Preferably, the frame connecting portion may be formed to extend in the vertical direction, and configured so that the upper and lower ends are connected to one side of the rack frame.

[0014] Preferably, the pipe support may be configured to surround at least a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe.

[0015] Preferably, the rack frame includes a rigidity reinforcing member provided on one side of the rack frame to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame, and the fire extinguishing pipe may include a fixing member configured to protrude from the side of the fire extinguishing pipe facing the battery module and to fix the fire extinguishing pipe to the rigidity reinforcing member.

[0016] Preferably, the frame joint may include a recessed portion that is partially recessed to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcing portion.

[0017] Preferably, the nozzle portion facing the rigidity reinforcement portion may be configured to penetrate the rigidity reinforcement portion and be connected to the battery module.

[0018] Preferably, the battery module is provided in multiple numbers, the nozzle part is provided in multiple numbers, and each nozzle part can be configured to correspond to each battery module.

[0019] Preferably, the battery module is provided in multiple numbers, the rack frame is provided in at least one, the fire extinguishing agent supply module and the support module are provided in at least one corresponding to the rack frame, and the battery rack may further include a pipe connection member configured to adjust the position of the fire extinguishing agent supply module in correspondence with the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

[0020] Preferably, the pipe connecting member includes a fire extinguishing pipe connecting member configured to connect different fire extinguishing agent supply modules disposed on one side of each rack frame, and the fire extinguishing pipe connecting member may be configured to have an adjustable degree of bending corresponding to the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

[0021] Preferably, the pipe connecting member further comprises a supply pipe connecting member configured to connect a supply pipe that supplies a fire extinguishing agent to the fire extinguishing agent supply module from the outside and the fire extinguishing agent supply module, and a discharge pipe connecting member configured to connect a discharge pipe that receives a fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply module and discharges it to the outside and the fire extinguishing agent supply module, and at least one of the supply pipe connecting member and the discharge pipe connecting member may be configured to have a bending degree adjustable in correspondence with the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame.

[0022] In addition, a power storage system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention as described above. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since a fire extinguishing agent can be directly discharged into the battery module, thermal events in the battery module can be rapidly suppressed.

[0024] In addition, the connection between the battery module and the fire extinguisher supply module can be easily established, enabling more stable spraying of the fire extinguisher.

[0025] In addition, even when strong vibrations are applied to the entire battery rack due to natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons, stable control of thermal events can be achieved by ensuring that the fire extinguisher supply module withstands such vibrations well.

[0026] In addition, various other additional effects may be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. These various effects of the present invention are described in detail in each embodiment, or the description of effects that are easily understood by those skilled in the art is omitted. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0027] 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. FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery rack according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a drawing showing the battery rack of Figure 1 from the rear. Figure 3 is a drawing showing a battery module equipped in the battery rack of Figure 1. FIGS. 4 to 6 are drawings for explaining the coupling relationship between the fire extinguisher supply module and the support module provided in the battery rack of FIG. 1. Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 1. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the coupling relationship between the rigidity reinforcement and the fire extinguishing agent supply module provided in the battery rack of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the coupling relationship between the fire extinguisher supply module and the pipe connection member provided in the battery rack of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery rack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery rack according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a power storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0028] 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, and 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.

[0029] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery rack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the battery rack (10) of FIG. 1 from the rear, FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a battery module (100) provided in the battery rack (10) of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4 to 6 are drawings for explaining the coupling relationship between a fire extinguisher supply module (300) and a support module (400) provided in the battery rack (10) of FIG. 1.

[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0032] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a battery rack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery module (100), a rack frame (200), a fire extinguishing agent supply module (300), and a support module (400).

[0033] The battery module (100) may include a cell assembly (110) and a module case (120).

[0034] The cell assembly (110) may include at least one battery cell. Here, the battery cell may refer to a secondary battery. Such a battery cell may be provided as a pouch-type battery cell, a cylindrical battery cell, or a prismatic battery cell. As an example, the battery cell may be a pouch-type battery cell.

[0035] The above module case (120) can accommodate a cell assembly (110) internally. To this end, the module case (120) may be provided with an internal receiving space for accommodating the cell assembly (110) internally.

[0036] The above rack frame (200) can accommodate a battery module (100) inside. To this end, the rack frame (200) may include an internal receiving space for accommodating the battery module (100) inside.

[0037] These rack frames (200) may include a main frame (210).

[0038] The main frame (210) may be formed by extending in the vertical direction. This main frame (210) may be configured in a column shape. This main frame (210) A receiving space capable of accommodating a battery module (100) can be formed within the rack frame (200). Although not illustrated in detail, the rack frame (200) may further include a horizontal plate (not shown) connected to the main frame (210) and positioned horizontally. At this time, the battery module (100) can be placed on this horizontal plate and accommodated within the rack frame (200).

[0039] The above fire extinguisher supply module (300) may be placed on one side of the rack frame (200) (e.g., the rear side of the rack frame (200)). And, the fire extinguisher supply module (300) may be connected to the battery module (100).

[0040] Specifically, this fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can be connected to the module case (120) of the battery module (100) (see FIG. 7). The fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can receive a fire extinguishing agent from an external fire extinguishing agent supply tank (not shown) and spray it onto the cell assembly (110) inside the module case (120). As an example, the fire extinguishing agent may be a liquid, more specifically water, but is not limited thereto.

[0041] The support module (400) can support the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300). As an example, the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) may be bolted to the support module (400), but is not limited to this method of connection.

[0042] This support module (400) may be coupled to one side of the rack frame (200) so that the fire extinguisher supply module (300) faces the battery module (100). Specifically, the support module (400) may be coupled to the main frame (210) described above. As an example, the support module (400) may be bolted to the rack frame (200), but is not limited to this method of coupling.

[0043] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since a fire extinguishing agent can be directly discharged into the battery module (100), the thermal event can be quickly suppressed when a thermal event occurs in the battery module (100).

[0044] In addition, since the support module (400) is coupled to one side of the rack frame (200) so that the fire extinguisher supply module (300) faces the battery module (100), the connection between the battery module (100) and the fire extinguisher supply module (300) can be easily made, allowing for more stable fire extinguisher spraying.

[0045] In addition, by directly connecting the support module (400) that supports the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) to the rack frame (200), the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can withstand strong vibrations even when strong vibrations are applied to the entire battery rack (10) due to natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons. Therefore, more stable control of thermal events may be possible.

[0046] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of part A of FIG. 1. At this time, the illustration of the pipe connecting member (500) described later in FIG. 7 is omitted.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4 through 7, the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) may include a nozzle part (310) and a fire extinguishing pipe (320).

[0048] The above nozzle part (310) can be connected to the battery module (100). At this time, The nozzle part (310) can be connected to the module case (120) of the battery module (100). Specifically, a nozzle insertion hole (122) can be formed in the module case (120) of the battery module (100) as shown in FIG. 3. This nozzle insertion hole (122) can be provided in the module case (120) with a predetermined area so that the nozzle part (310) can be inserted into the module case (120).

[0049] At least a portion of the nozzle part (310) can be inserted into the module case (120) through the nozzle insertion hole (122). This nozzle part (310) can receive a fire extinguishing agent from the aforementioned fire extinguishing agent supply tank and spray it onto the cell assembly (110) inside the module case (120).

[0050] Additionally, the nozzle part (310) may include a nozzle body (312) and a nozzle head (314) as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7.

[0051] The nozzle body (312) may be formed in a roughly cylindrical shape. Additionally, a fire extinguishing agent discharge path may be provided within the nozzle body (312) in a hollow form.

[0052] The nozzle head (314) is connected to the nozzle body (312) and can be inserted into the module case (120) through the nozzle insertion hole (122) of the module case (120).

[0053] Additionally, the nozzle head (314) may be configured, for example, as a glass bulb. The nozzle head (314) configured as such a glass bulb may normally block the fire extinguisher discharge path within the nozzle body (312), but may be configured to break upon the occurrence of a thermal event, such as a thermal runaway phenomenon of the cell assembly (110), to discharge the fire extinguisher into the module case (120). For example, the glass bulb may contain a certain liquid (e.g., water) inside. This glass bulb is configured to prevent a thermal runaway of the cell assembly (110). When the temperature inside the module case (120) rises above a predetermined temperature due to the phenomenon, it can be configured to be damaged by the volume expansion of the predetermined liquid.

[0054] Alternatively, the nozzle head (314) may include a separate opening / closing valve. The opening / closing valve of the nozzle head (314) may be provided in the nozzle head (314) together with a temperature sensing sensor that detects the temperature inside the module case (120). Accordingly, the opening / closing valve may be configured to keep the fire extinguishing agent discharge path within the nozzle body (312) closed under normal conditions, and to open the fire extinguishing agent discharge path when a thermal runaway phenomenon occurs in the cell assembly (110), thereby allowing the nozzle head (314) to discharge the fire extinguishing agent into the module case (120). For example, the opening / closing valve may open the fire extinguishing agent discharge path when the temperature sensing sensor detects that the temperature inside the module case (120) has risen above a predetermined temperature due to the thermal runaway phenomenon in the cell assembly (110).

[0055] The above fire extinguishing pipe (320) is coupled to the support module (400) and connected to the nozzle part (310) to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle part (310).

[0056] Specifically, the fire extinguishing pipe (320) is connected to the nozzle body (312) to supply a fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle head (314). At this time, the fire extinguishing pipe (320) may be connected to the fire extinguishing agent discharge path within the nozzle body (312). In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, a hole may be formed in the fire extinguishing pipe (320) configured to communicate with the fire extinguishing agent discharge path within the nozzle body (312).

[0057] Additionally, the fire extinguishing pipe (320) can be connected to an external fire extinguishing agent supply tank to receive the fire extinguishing agent. For example, the fire extinguishing pipe (320) may be an extruded pipe formed by extrusion as a single unit, but is not limited thereto.

[0058] Additionally, the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) may further include a leak prevention member (D). The leak prevention member (D) may be provided on the outer surface of the nozzle body (312) described above. As an example, the leak prevention member (D) may be silicon foam, but is not limited thereto and may be applied if it is a material with good cushioning and compressibility. For example, the leak prevention part (320) may be composed of a material such as rubber or sponge.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7, this leak-prevention member (D) can be in close contact with the outer surface of the module case (120) when the nozzle part (310) is connected to the battery module (100). Accordingly, when the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the nozzle part (310), the impact applied to the nozzle part (310) and the battery module (100) can be mitigated. In addition, when the fire extinguishing agent is discharged from the nozzle part (310), it can prevent the fire extinguishing agent from leaking out of the battery module (100) through the gap between the nozzle part (310) and the battery module (100).

[0060] Additionally, as illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 and FIGS. 4 through 7, the support module (400) may include a pipe support (410) and a frame joining part (420).

[0061] The above pipe support (410) can support a fire extinguishing pipe (320). This pipe support (410) can be formed in a plate shape.

[0062] The above-mentioned frame connecting portion (420) may be configured to extend from one side of the pipe support portion (410) to face one side of the rack frame (200) and to be connected to one side of the rack frame (200). Specifically, the frame connecting portion (420) can be connected to the aforementioned main frame (210). At this time, the case support portion (420) can be formed in a plate shape. For example, the case support portion (420) can be connected to the main frame (210) located to the right of the battery module (100) when viewed from the left and right directions of the rack frame (200).

[0063] That is, the plate-shaped frame connecting part (420) can be connected to one side of the rack frame (200) such that the part where the nozzle part (310) is connected from the fire extinguishing pipe (320) faces the battery module (100).

[0064] Accordingly, not only is the connection between the battery module (100) and the nozzle part (310) easily formed, but vibrations applied to the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can also be minimized, thereby enabling more stable control of thermal events.

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4 through 7, the aforementioned frame coupling part (420) may be configured to make surface contact with one side of the rack frame (200).

[0066] That is, the frame joint (420) is, Since it is formed in a plate shape and configured to have a predetermined area, the frame connecting part (420) can be connected in close contact with one side of the rack frame (200). As an example, while the frame connecting part (420) is in close contact with one side of the rack frame (200), at least a portion of it can be bolted to one side of the rack frame (200).

[0067] With the above embodiment configuration, the connection between the rack frame (200) and the support module (400) can be made more stably.

[0068] In particular, the frame connecting portion (420) may be formed by extending in the vertical direction, and configured so that the upper and lower ends are connected to one side of the rack frame (200).

[0069] As described above, since the frame connecting part (420) is in surface contact with one side of the rack frame (200), it can be stably fixed to the rack frame (200) even if only the upper and lower parts are fixed to one side of the rack frame (200).

[0070] Accordingly, the time required to fasten the support module (400) to the rack frame (200) is minimized, thereby reducing working time and manufacturing costs.

[0071] Referring again to FIGS. 4 through 7, the pipe support (410) may be configured to wrap around at least a portion of the fire extinguishing pipe (320).

[0072] For example, the pipe support (410) may be configured to cover the entire outer surface excluding the side facing the battery module (100) of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) (the side equipped with the nozzle part (310)), or it may be configured to cover only a part of the outer surface excluding the side facing the battery module (100) of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) (the side equipped with the nozzle part (310)).

[0073] For example, the pipe support (410) may be configured to wrap around the right side and the upper side of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) when viewed from the left-right, front-back, and up-down directions of the rack frame (200).

[0074] Accordingly, the pipe support (410) can support the fire extinguishing pipe (320) more stably, and the rigidity of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can be further reinforced while the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200).

[0075] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating the connection between the rigidity reinforcement (230) and the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) provided in the battery rack of FIG. 1.

[0076] Referring again to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4 through 8, the rack frame (200) may further include a rigidity reinforcing member (230).

[0077] The rigidity reinforcing member (230) may be provided on one side of the rack frame (200) to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame (200). Specifically, this rigidity reinforcing member (230) can reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame (200) in the left and right directions by connecting a pair of main frames (210) configured in the left and right directions of the battery rack (10). For example, when viewed from the left and right directions of the rack frame (200), both ends of the rigidity reinforcing member (230) may be connected to the main frames (210). As an example, both ends of the rigidity reinforcing member (230) may be bolted to the main frames (210), but are not limited thereto.

[0078] Additionally, the fire extinguishing pipe (320) may include a fixing member (322), as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6 and FIG. 8.

[0079] The above fixing member (322) may be configured to protrude from the side facing the battery module (100) of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) and to fix the fire extinguishing pipe (320) to the rigidity reinforcing member (230). As an example, the above fixing member (322) may be formed by injection molding into the fire extinguishing pipe (320) during the manufacture of the fire extinguishing pipe (320), or it may be formed as a separate member and coupled to the fire extinguishing pipe (320).

[0080] When the support module (400) is coupled to one side of the rack frame (200), this fixing member (322) can be inserted into a first hole (H1) formed in the rigidity reinforcing member (230) facing the fire pipe (320). Although not illustrated, the fixing member (322) inserted into the first hole (H1) can be configured to be fixed to the rigidity reinforcing member (230) by a nut inserted into the fixing member (322) in the direction of the other side of the rigidity reinforcing member (230).

[0081] According to this embodiment of the present invention, since the side of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) facing the battery module (100) can be fixed to the rack frame (200), the rigidity of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can be further reinforced while the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200). Accordingly, vibrations applied to the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can be minimized, thereby enabling more stable control of thermal events.

[0082] Additionally, the frame joint (420) may include a recessed portion (422) that is partially recessed to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcing portion (230).

[0083] By means of such an indentation (422), when the frame coupling part (420) is coupled to the rack frame (200), interference between the rigidity reinforcing part (230) and the frame coupling part (420) can be prevented. At this time, the upper end and the lower end of the recess (422) in the frame joint (420) can be bolted to one side of the rack frame (200). .

[0084] Additionally, when the frame connecting part (420) is connected to the rack frame (200), one end of the rigidity reinforcing part (230) can be fitted into the recessed part (422). With this configuration, not only can the cost be reduced by reducing the frame connecting part (420), but the connection of the support module (400) to the rack frame (200) can also be made more stably.

[0085] Additionally, the nozzle portion (310) facing the rigidity reinforcement portion (230) can be configured to pass through the rigidity reinforcement portion (230) and be connected to the battery module (100).

[0086] Specifically, the nozzle part (310) facing the rigidity reinforcement part (230) can be inserted into a second hole (H2) formed in the rigidity reinforcement part (230) facing the side of the rigidity reinforcement part (230) facing the fire pipe (320) when the support module (400) is coupled to one side of the rack frame (200). Accordingly, the nozzle part (310) facing the rigidity reinforcement part (230) can be easily connected to the battery module (100) provided at a position facing the rigidity reinforcement part (230).

[0087] According to this embodiment, when a rigidity reinforcement member (230) is provided on the rack frame (200), not only can interference between the rigidity reinforcement member (230) and the nozzle member (310) be prevented, but a portion of the nozzle member (310) can also be inserted into the rigidity reinforcement member (230) so that the rack frame (200) can support the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) more stably.

[0088] Referring again to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4 through 8, the battery module (100) may be provided in multiple units. These multiple battery modules (100) may be provided stacked in an up-and-down direction so as to be electrically connected to each other. As an example, the multiple battery modules (100) may be arranged in two rows in a stacked state in an up-and-down direction within a rack frame (200).

[0089] Additionally, the nozzle section (310) may be provided in multiple numbers. These nozzle sections (310) are connected to the fire extinguishing pipe (320) and may be provided in multiple numbers along the vertical direction of the fire extinguishing pipe (320).

[0090] And, the nozzle section (310) can be configured to correspond to each battery module (100). That is, each of the multiple nozzle sections (310) can be connected to each battery module (100).

[0091] According to this embodiment, even when a thermal event occurs in a plurality of battery modules (100), the thermal event can be controlled more quickly.

[0092] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining the connection relationship between the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) and the pipe connection member (500) provided in the battery rack (10) of FIG. 1.

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1, FIGS. 2, FIGS. 4 through 9, the battery module (100) may be provided in multiple numbers. Additionally, the rack frame (200) may be provided in at least one or more numbers. Additionally, at least one fire extinguisher supply module (300) and a support module (400) may be provided corresponding to the rack frame (200). For example, if the rack frame (200) is composed of multiple units, the fire extinguisher supply module (300) and the support module (400) may be composed of multiple units corresponding thereto. Meanwhile, multiple rack frames (200) may be configured to be stacked in the vertical direction.

[0094] Additionally, the battery rack (10) may further include a pipe connecting member (500). As an example, the pipe connecting member (500) may be composed of a flexible pipe.

[0095] These pipe connecting members (500) can be configured to allow the position of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) to be adjusted in correspondence with the height of the rack frame (200) when the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200).

[0096] For example, if the number of battery modules (100) for configuring the battery rack (10) is changed, the size of the rack frame (200) can also be changed accordingly.

[0097] Specifically, the pipe connecting member (500) may be configured to connect different fire extinguishing agent supply modules (300) disposed on one side of each rack frame (200). Additionally, the pipe connecting member (500) may be configured to connect the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) with a supply pipe (I) that supplies a fire extinguishing agent from the outside (e.g., a fire extinguishing agent supply tank) to the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300). Furthermore, the pipe connecting member (500) may be configured to connect the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) with a discharge pipe (O) that receives the fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) and discharges it to the outside.

[0098] For example, when a plurality of rack frames (200) are provided, the supply pipe (I) may be provided at the top of the stacked plurality of rack frames (200). And, the discharge pipe (O) may be provided at the bottom of the stacked plurality of rack frames (200).

[0099] These pipe connecting members (500) are made of a flexible material and configured so that the degree of bending can be adjusted, thereby allowing the position of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) to be adjusted in correspondence with the height of the changed rack frame (200).

[0100] According to this embodiment of the present invention, The position of the fire extinguisher supply module (300) can be easily adjusted to correspond to the number of battery modules (100) mounted within the rack frame (200) without changing the configuration of the fire extinguisher supply module (300). Accordingly, the overall configuration of the battery rack (10) can be configured more compactly.

[0101] More specifically, the pipe connecting member (500) may include a fire extinguishing pipe connecting member (510).

[0102] The above fire extinguishing pipe connecting member (510) may be configured to connect different fire extinguishing agent supply modules (300) disposed on one side of each rack frame (200). At this time, a plurality of rack frames (200) may be configured to be stacked in the vertical direction.

[0103] Specifically, the fire pipe connecting member (510) can connect different fire pipes (320) disposed on one side of each rack frame (200). At this time, the connection between the fire pipe connecting member (510) and each fire pipe (320) can be made by a first connector (C1). This first connector (C1) may be a joint for connecting pipes.

[0104] The above fire pipe connecting member (510) can be configured so that its degree of bending is adjustable in correspondence with the height of the rack frame (200) when the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200).

[0105] Accordingly, in a structure where the rack frame (200) is stacked in the vertical direction, the position of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) can be easily adjusted to correspond to the number of battery modules (100) mounted within the rack frame (200) without changing the configuration of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300). Thus, the overall configuration of the battery rack (10) can be configured more compactly.

[0106] Additionally, the pipe connecting member (500) may further include a supply pipe connecting member (520) and a discharge pipe connecting member (530). At this time, the rack frame (200) may be composed of one or multiple members.

[0107] The supply pipe connecting member (520) can be configured to connect the supply pipe (I) and the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300).

[0108] Specifically, the supply pipe connecting member (520) can connect the supply pipe (I) and the fire extinguishing pipe (320). At this time, the connection between the supply pipe connecting member (520) and the fire extinguishing pipe (320) can be made by a second connector (C2). This second connector (C2) may be a joint for connecting pipes.

[0109] The above discharge pipe connecting member (530) can be configured to connect the discharge pipe (O) and the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300).

[0110] Specifically, the discharge pipe connecting member (530) can connect the discharge pipe (O) and the fire extinguishing pipe (320). At this time, the connection between the discharge pipe connecting member (530) and the fire extinguishing pipe (320) can be made by a third connector (C3). This third connector (C3) may be a joint for connecting pipes.

[0111] At least one of the above supply pipe connecting member (520) and discharge pipe connecting member (530) can be configured so that the degree of curvature is adjustable in correspondence with the height of the rack frame (200) when the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200).

[0112] Accordingly, the position of the fire extinguisher supply module (300) can be easily adjusted to correspond to the number of battery modules (100) mounted within the rack frame (200) without changing the configuration of the fire extinguisher supply module (300). Thus, the overall configuration of the battery rack (10) can be configured more compactly.

[0113] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a battery rack (12) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0114] Since the battery rack (12) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery rack (10) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery rack (12), the pipe support (410) may be configured to cover the entire outer surface except for the side facing the battery module (100) of the fire extinguishing pipe (320) (the side equipped with the nozzle part (310)).

[0116] Accordingly, the battery rack (12) according to the present embodiment can not only further reinforce the rigidity of the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) while the support module (400) is coupled to the rack frame (200), but also minimize the external exposure of the fire extinguishing pipe (320).

[0117] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a battery rack (14) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0118] Since the battery rack (14) according to the present embodiment is similar to the battery rack (10) of the preceding embodiment, redundant descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or similar to the preceding embodiment will be omitted, and the following will focus on the differences from the preceding embodiment.

[0119] Referring to FIG. 11, in the battery rack (14), the frame joint (420) of the support module (400) may further include a pair of flange portions (424).

[0120] Specifically, referring again to FIG. 1, FIG. 4 through 6 and FIG. 8 together with FIG. 11, The above flange portion (424) may be configured in a shape that is bent outward toward the rack frame (200) at the upper end and the lower end of the recess (422) in the frame joint portion (420). This pair of flange portions (424) may be configured to face each other in the vertical direction.

[0121] At this time, the flange portion (424) may be configured to make surface contact with one end of the rigidity reinforcement portion (230) when the frame joint portion (420) is joined to the rack frame (200). As an example, the flange portion (424) may be bolted to one end of the rigidity reinforcement portion (230).

[0122] With this configuration, in the battery rack (14) according to the present embodiment, the connection of the support module (400) to the rack frame (200) can be made more robust.

[0123] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, since a fire extinguishing agent can be directly discharged into the battery module (100), a thermal event of the battery module (100) can be quickly suppressed.

[0124] In addition, the connection between the battery module (100) and the fire extinguisher supply module (300) can be easily made so that more stable fire extinguisher spraying is possible.

[0125] In addition, even when strong vibrations are applied to the entire battery rack (10, 12, 14) due to natural disasters such as earthquakes or typhoons, stable control of thermal events may be possible by ensuring that the fire extinguishing agent supply module (300) withstands such vibrations well.

[0126] FIG. 12 is a drawing showing a power storage system (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0127] Referring to FIG. 12, the power storage system (1) may include at least one battery rack (10) and a rack container (50).

[0128] In one embodiment, the battery rack (10) may be provided with two or more multiple racks.

[0129] Additionally, the rack container (50) may include a receiving space for accommodating at least one battery rack (10).

[0130] As described above, although the present invention has been explained 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.

[0131] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back have been used in this invention, 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 position of the object or the position of the observer. Explanation of the symbols

[0132] 1 : Power storage system 10, 12, 14: Battery rack 100 : Battery module 200 : Rack frame 300: Digestive aid supply module 310: Nozzle part 320 : Firefighting pipe 400 : Support module 410 : Pipe support 420 : Frame joint 422 : Indentation 500: Pipe connecting member 510: Fire pipe connecting member 520: Supply pipe connecting member 530: Discharge pipe connecting member I: Supply pipe O : Discharge pipe

Claims

Claim 1 The battery module; a rack frame accommodating the battery module; a fire extinguisher supply module disposed on one side of the rack frame and connected to the battery module; and a support module that supports the fire extinguisher supply module and is coupled to one side of the rack frame so that the fire extinguisher supply module faces the battery module, wherein the fire extinguisher supply module comprises: a nozzle portion connected to the battery module; and a portion coupled to the support module. A battery rack comprising a fire extinguishing pipe connected to the nozzle portion and supplying a fire extinguishing agent to the nozzle portion, wherein the support module comprises: a pipe support portion supporting the fire extinguishing pipe; and a frame coupling portion extending from one side of the pipe support portion to face one side of the rack frame and configured to be coupled to one side of the rack frame, wherein the pipe support portion is configured to surround the remaining outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe, excluding the outer surface of the fire extinguishing pipe connected to the nozzle portion and facing the battery module. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A battery rack according to claim 1, characterized in that the frame connecting portion is configured to make surface contact with one side of the rack frame. Claim 4 A battery rack according to claim 3, characterized in that the frame connecting portion is formed by extending in the vertical direction, and is configured such that the upper and lower ends are connected to one side of the rack frame. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A battery rack according to claim 1, wherein the rack frame includes a rigidity reinforcing member provided on one side of the rack frame to reinforce the rigidity of the rack frame, and the fire extinguishing pipe includes a fixing member configured to protrude from the side of the fire extinguishing pipe facing the battery module and to fix the fire extinguishing pipe to the rigidity reinforcing member. Claim 7 A battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that the frame joint part includes a recessed part that is partially recessed to correspond to the height of the rigidity reinforcing part. Claim 8 A battery rack according to claim 6, characterized in that the nozzle portion facing the rigidity reinforcement portion is configured to penetrate the rigidity reinforcement portion and be connected to the battery module. Claim 9 A battery rack according to claim 1, characterized in that the battery modules are provided in a plurality, the nozzle portions are provided in a plurality, and each nozzle portion is configured to correspond to each battery module. Claim 10 A battery rack according to claim 1, wherein the battery module is provided in a plurality of units, the rack frame is provided in at least one or more units, the fire extinguishing agent supply module and the support module are provided in at least one or more units corresponding to the rack frame, and the battery rack further comprises a pipe connecting member configured to adjust the position of the fire extinguishing agent supply module in correspondence with the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame. Claim 11 A battery rack according to claim 10, wherein the pipe connecting member comprises a fire extinguishing pipe connecting member configured to connect different fire extinguishing agent supply modules disposed on one side of each rack frame, and wherein the fire extinguishing pipe connecting member is configured such that the degree of bending is adjustable in correspondence with the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame. Claim 12 In claim 10, the pipe connecting member further comprises: a supply pipe connecting member configured to connect a supply pipe that supplies a fire extinguishing agent to the fire extinguishing agent supply module from the outside and the fire extinguishing agent supply module; and a discharge pipe connecting member configured to connect a discharge pipe that receives a fire extinguishing agent from the fire extinguishing agent supply module and discharges it to the outside and the fire extinguishing agent supply module, wherein at least one of the supply pipe connecting member and the discharge pipe connecting member is configured such that the degree of curvature is adjustable in correspondence with the height of the rack frame when the support module is coupled to the rack frame. Claim 13 A power storage system characterized by including at least one battery rack according to any one of claims 1, 3, 4, 6 through 12.

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