Battery charging and discharging system including insulation pad and temperature control method of battery charging and discharging using the same

KR103005762B1Active Publication Date: 2026-08-14LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020210012099
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2021-01-28
Publication Date
2026-08-14
Estimated Expiration
2041-01-28

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery charging and discharging system including an insulating pad and a temperature control method for a secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same, and has the advantage of being able to minimize the temperature difference between multiple battery cells arranged in a tray during the charging and discharging process of multiple battery cells.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery charging and discharging system including an insulating pad and a method for controlling the temperature of a secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same. Background Technology

[0003] Recently, with the technological development and increasing demand for mobile devices, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing.

[0004] Depending on the type of external device, secondary batteries may be used in the form of a single battery cell or in the form of a battery module in which multiple unit cells are electrically connected. For example, while small devices such as mobile phones can operate for a certain period of time with the output and capacity of a single battery cell, medium or large devices such as laptop computers, portable DVDs, small PCs, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles require the use of battery modules containing multiple battery cells due to output and capacity issues.

[0005] Meanwhile, secondary batteries are manufactured through a process of assembling battery cells and activating the batteries. At this time, the battery activation process is typically carried out by a charging and discharging device equipped with positive and negative contact pins applying the necessary current to the battery cells to be charged or discharged.

[0006] A conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system comprises a tray in which a plurality of battery cells are stored, a charging and discharging unit having a structure capable of electrically contacting first and second electrode leads protruding from the battery cells stored in the tray, and a cooling unit configured to dissipate heat generated from the battery cells during the process of the battery cells being repeatedly charged and discharged to activate them.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a tray of a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system, and FIG. 2 is a drawing schematically showing the airflow path of cooled air to a battery cell housed in the tray of a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system.

[0008] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, a plurality of battery cells are stored in a tray of a secondary battery charging and discharging system. Although not illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the cooling section of the tray (10) of the secondary battery charging and discharging system includes a blower fan that supplies cooled air toward the tray (10) in which a plurality of battery cells (1) are stored. However, there was a temperature variation among the plurality of battery cells (1) depending on the position of the battery cells (1) stored in the tray (10). In particular, among the plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (10), the battery cell (1) placed at the outermost edge had the lowest temperature because the surface area in contact with the cooled air was large.

[0009] Meanwhile, if temperature variations exist among multiple battery cells during the charging and discharging process, variations in battery capacity may also occur. Consequently, if defects must be identified based on measured capacity values ​​during the charging and discharging process, a problem may arise where the ability to identify defective cells is reduced.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology for a secondary battery charging and discharging system capable of improving temperature variations between battery cells when charging and discharging multiple battery cells during the secondary battery activation process. Prior art literature

[0012] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1816843 The problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems by providing a secondary battery charging and discharging system including an insulating pad capable of improving the temperature variation of multiple battery cells during a secondary battery activation process, and a temperature control method for the secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same. means of solving the problem

[0015] The present invention provides a secondary battery charging and discharging system. In one example, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention comprises: a tray for housing a plurality of battery cells; an insulating pad disposed inside the tray, positioned between the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and the tray; a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to first and second electrode leads formed on the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray; and a cooling unit for cooling the plurality of battery cells housed in the tray. In a specific example, the insulating pad is characterized by having a structure disposed to be in contact with one surface of the outermost battery cell.

[0016] At this time, the insulation pad may include one or more selected from the group consisting of nitrile butadiene rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, HBR (High cis BR), styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymers (EPDM), and silicone rubber.

[0017] In addition, the above-mentioned insulation pad may have an average thickness in the range of 1 to 20 mm and may be structured to contact at least 80% of the surface area of ​​one side of the battery cell.

[0018] In another example, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention additionally has a heat dissipation pad placed between a plurality of battery cells. In a specific example, the heat dissipation pad may be structured to be placed between 3 to 10 battery cells.

[0019] In another example, the cooling unit of the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention comprises: a blower fan located on the upper part of a tray; and n perforated plates (n includes an integer of 2 or more) located on the airflow path of the blower fan and forming a stacked structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention may include a sensor unit for measuring the internal temperature, and may further include a control unit that receives the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system measured by the sensor unit and controls the operation of the cooling unit.

[0021] Meanwhile, a plurality of battery cells stored in a tray of the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention may have a structure arranged vertically. Furthermore, the tray may have a structure with an open side, and the cooling unit may further include a sub-blower fan that blows cooling air from the side of the tray toward the battery cells.

[0023] The present invention provides a method for controlling the temperature of a secondary battery charging and discharging system using the secondary battery charging and discharging system described above. In one example, the method for controlling the temperature of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention includes the step of charging and discharging a battery cell stored in a tray.

[0024] At this time, the step of charging and discharging the battery cell may include a process of measuring the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system; and a process of controlling whether to operate the cooling unit according to the measured internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system. Effects of the invention

[0026] According to the secondary battery charging and discharging system including the insulation pad of the present invention and the temperature control method of the secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same, the temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells arranged in a tray can be minimized. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0028] Figure 1 is a drawing showing a tray of a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the airflow path of cooled air to a battery cell housed in a tray of a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing a tray of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a graph showing the temperature measured according to the position of the battery cell stored in the tray when using the secondary battery charging / discharging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional secondary battery charging / discharging system. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the temperature distribution when using a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a tray of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a temperature control method for a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0029] The present invention will be described in detail below. Prior to this, terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concepts of terms to best describe their invention, they must be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0031] In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "on" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately above" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Conversely, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is described as being "under" another part, this includes not only cases where it is "immediately below" the other part, but also cases where there is another part in between. Additionally, in this application, being placed "on" may include cases where it is placed on the lower part as well as on the upper part.

[0033] The present invention relates to a secondary battery charging and discharging system including an insulating pad and a method for controlling the temperature of a secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same.

[0034] In conventional secondary battery charging and discharging systems, the cooling unit was used to dissipate the overall heat from the battery cells stored in the tray. Consequently, temperature variations existed among the multiple battery cells stored in the tray depending on their position. In particular, the battery cells placed at the outermost edge of the tray had the lowest temperature because they had a larger surface area in contact with the air blown from the cooling unit. However, when defects must be identified based on measured capacity values ​​during the charging and discharging process, a problem may arise where the selectivity for identifying defective cells is reduced.

[0035] Accordingly, the present invention provides a secondary battery charging and discharging system including an insulating pad and a method for controlling the temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same. In particular, in the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention, the insulating pad is positioned to be in contact with one surface of the outermost battery cell among a plurality of battery cells stored in a tray. The insulating pad prevents the transfer of heat from one surface of the outermost battery cell, thereby preventing the temperature of the outermost battery cell from rapidly dropping when the cooling unit of the secondary battery charging and discharging system is operated. Therefore, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention can minimize the temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells arranged in the tray.

[0037] Hereinafter, a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention and a temperature control method for a secondary battery charging and discharging system using the same will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0039] <제1 실시 형태>

[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are schematic diagrams showing a tray of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, a secondary battery charging and discharging system (100) according to the present invention comprises: a tray (110) for storing a plurality of battery cells (1); an insulating pad (120) disposed inside the tray (110) and positioned between the outermost battery cell (1) among the plurality of battery cells (1) and the tray (110); a charging and discharging unit (130) electrically connected to first and second electrode leads (not shown) formed on the plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110); and a cooling unit (140) for cooling the plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110).

[0042] At this time, the insulation pad (120) may be structured to be positioned in contact with one side of the outermost battery cell (1).

[0043] For example, the insulation pad (120) is positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the first battery cell (1) and the outer surface of the last battery cell (1) among the plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110). According to this configuration, the insulation pad (120) blocks the flow path of cooled air supplied from the cooling unit (140), thereby preventing the movement of heat emitted from the outermost battery cell (1). Accordingly, when the cooling unit (140) of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (100) is operated, the temperature of the outermost battery cell (1) can be prevented from rapidly dropping, and the temperature difference between the plurality of battery cells (1) can be minimized.

[0044] In one example, the insulation pad (120) is intended to prevent heat transfer and may be made of a material with low thermal conductivity. The insulation pad (120) may be rubber with low thermal conductivity, and may also be made of glass fiber or foamed plastic material. In a specific example, the insulation pad (120) may be one or more selected from the group consisting of nitrile butadiene rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, HBR (High cis BR), styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymers (EPDM), and silicone rubber. For example, the insulation pad (120) may be nitrile butadiene rubber.

[0045] In one example, the average thickness of the insulation pad (120) is in the range of 1 to 20 mm. In a specific example, the average thickness of the insulation pad (120) may be in the range of 1 to 20 mm, 1 to 10 mm, 2 to 10 mm, or 2 to 5 mm. If the thickness of the insulation pad (120) is less than 1 mm, the thickness is too thin and may result in poor durability and reduced insulation effect. Additionally, if the thickness of the insulation pad (120) exceeds 20 mm, it may prevent the temperature of the outermost battery cell (1) from dropping rapidly, but the thickness of the insulation pad (120) may be too thick and reduce space efficiency.

[0046] In addition, the insulation pad (120) may be structured to be in contact with at least 80% of the surface area of ​​one side of the battery cell (1). For example, the insulation pad (120) may be structured to be in contact with the entire surface area of ​​one side of the battery cell (1). This is to effectively prevent heat transfer. If the insulation pad (120) is in contact with less than 80% of the surface area of ​​one side of the outermost battery cell (1), the surface area in contact with the air blown from the cooling unit (140) is large, so the outermost battery cell (1) may have a lower temperature compared to the battery cell (1) placed in other areas. Therefore, the insulation pad (120) and the battery cell (1) may have a contact area as described above.

[0047] In one example, the tray (110) of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (100) according to the present invention is a roughly square box-shaped member with an open top, and a plurality of battery cells (1) are arranged and mounted in a matrix shape inside.

[0048] In addition, the tray (110) may have a structure in which both sides are perforated so that the first and second electrode leads of the stored battery cell (1) can protrude. In a specific example, the tray (110) has both sides perforated so that the first and second electrode leads of the battery cell (1) stored in the tray (110) can be connected to the outside. For example, the first and second electrode leads of the battery cell (1) stored in the tray (110) can be electrically connected to the charging / discharging unit (130) to be described later.

[0049] In one example, the charging / discharging unit (130) is located on both sides of the tray (110) and is electrically connected to the first and second electrode leads of a plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110). The charging / discharging unit (130) can activate the battery cell (1) through charging and discharging that is electrically connected to the electrode assembly of the battery cell (1). At this time, the charging / discharging unit (130) is electrically connected to the electrode leads of the battery cell (1) through a charging / discharging line. The charging / discharging unit (130) can supply charging power to the battery cell (1) or receive discharging power from the battery cell (1). Here, supplying charging power to the battery cell (1) is not necessarily limited to supplying sufficient power to fully charge the battery cell (1). Supplying charging power to the battery cell (1) can be used to supply power sufficient to measure the voltage of the first electrode lead, the second electrode lead, etc., for the performance evaluation of the secondary battery. The meaning of receiving discharge power from the battery cell (1) can also be used in the same way, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0050] Meanwhile, the charging / discharging unit (130) is coupled to supply power to a plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110) and can charge / discharge the battery cells (1) at a set charging / discharging time, voltage, number of times, etc.

[0051] In one example, the secondary battery charging / discharging system (100) according to the present invention includes a cooling unit (140) that cools a plurality of battery cells (1) stored in a tray (110). In a specific example, in the secondary battery charging / discharging system (100), if the temperature of the battery cell (1) exceeds, for example, 40°C while the battery cell (1) is being charged / discharged, the efficiency or performance of the battery cell (1) is reduced, and not only is the durability reduced, but the risk of heat (e.g., partial damage, explosion, etc.) may also increase. Accordingly, it is desirable to release the heat generated during the charging / discharging process of the battery cell (1) to lower the temperature of the battery cell (1) to the cooling unit (140) according to the present invention. Furthermore, during the process of releasing heat during the charging / discharging process of the battery cell (1), it is desirable that heat is released uniformly or equally among the same plurality of battery cells and that the temperature difference is minimized. This is because if the temperature difference between battery cells is large, it may affect the efficiency, stability, and durability of the battery cell (1).

[0052] In one example, a plurality of battery cells (1) stored in a tray (110) are arranged in a vertical structure, and a cooling unit (140) blows downward airflow through a blower fan (141) located on the upper part of the tray (110).

[0053] Furthermore, the secondary battery charging / discharging system (100) according to the present invention may include a sub-blower fan (142). In a specific example, the sub-blower fan (142) may blow cooling air from the side of the tray (110) toward the battery cell (1). The sub-blower fan (142) may be installed facing each other on both sides of the tray (110) to guide air in a direction parallel to the plurality of battery cells (1).

[0054] Meanwhile, the plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110) may mean 2 to 30, 5 to 20, or 10 to 16 arranged battery cells (1).

[0055] In one example, a plurality of battery cells (1) stored in the tray (110) may be pouch-type battery cells. In a specific example, the battery cell (1) is a pouch-type unit cell, in which an electrode assembly having a positive / separator / negative structure is embedded in a laminate sheet outer material in a state connected to electrode leads formed outside the outer material. The electrode leads are drawn out to the outside of the sheet and may extend in the same direction or opposite directions.

[0056] In the drawings of the present invention, leads are not shown for the convenience of drawing, but a pair of leads may be drawn out in opposite directions or in the same direction.

[0058] <실험예>

[0059] When the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system were applied, the temperature according to the position of the battery cell stored in the tray was measured. Meanwhile, in the experimental example of the present invention, a 3 mm thick rubber insulating pad was placed in contact with one surface of the battery cell, and then the secondary battery charging and discharging system was operated. The results are shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0060] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the temperature measured according to the position of the battery cell stored in the tray when using the secondary battery charging / discharging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the conventional secondary battery charging / discharging system, and FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the temperature distribution when using the secondary battery charging / discharging system according to the first embodiment of the present invention and the conventional secondary battery charging / discharging system.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, in the case of a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system, the measured temperature of the battery cell located at the outermost edge of the tray was 37°C, and the temperature of the battery cell located in the central area was approximately 40°C. In other words, the temperature of the battery cell varied depending on the location in the tray, and a large temperature deviation was observed. On the other hand, according to the battery charging and discharging system of the present invention, the temperature difference among the 20 battery cells stored in the tray was small. In particular, the measured temperature of the battery cell located at the outermost edge of the tray was approximately 38.5°C, and the temperature deviation from that of the battery cell located in the central area was not large.

[0063] It is determined that this includes an insulating pad on one side of the outermost battery cell, and since the insulating pad blocks the movement of heat, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the outermost battery cell from rapidly dropping when the cooling unit of the secondary battery charging / discharging system is operated.

[0064] Accordingly, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention can minimize the temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells arranged in the tray.

[0066] <제2 실시 형태>

[0067] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a tray of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 8, the secondary battery charging and discharging system (200) according to the present invention may additionally have a heat dissipation pad (250) disposed between a plurality of battery cells (2) inside a tray (210). In a specific example, the heat dissipation pad (250) may be structured to be placed between 3 to 10 battery cells (2). For example, the heat dissipation pad (250) may be placed between 4 battery cells (2).

[0068] In a conventional secondary battery charging and discharging system, among the multiple battery cells (2) stored in the tray (210), the battery cell (2) placed at the outermost edge has a low temperature because the surface area in contact with the air blown from the cooling unit is large, and the battery cell (2) placed in the middle has a high temperature. Accordingly, in the present invention, an insulating pad (220) is placed to contact one side of the outermost battery cell (2) among the multiple battery cells (2), and a heat dissipation pad (250) is placed in the middle part of the multiple battery cells (2), thereby minimizing the temperature difference between the multiple battery cells (1).

[0069] Specifically, the insulation pad (220) blocks the flow path of cooled air supplied from the cooling section, thereby preventing the movement of heat emitted from the outermost battery cell (2), and thus preventing the temperature of the outermost battery cell (2) from rapidly dropping. Furthermore, by transferring heat to adjacent battery cells (2) through the heat dissipation pad (250), the temperature of the battery cells can be properly maintained, and the temperature of the battery cell (2) placed in the middle section can be prevented from rising.

[0070] The above-mentioned heat dissipation pad (250) may be any material or physical property capable of promoting thermal conductivity between battery cells (2). For example, it may include a Thermal Interface Material (TIM) such as thermal grease.

[0072] <제3 실시 형태>

[0073] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 9, in the secondary battery charging and discharging system (300) according to the present invention, a cooling unit (340) can cool a plurality of battery cells (3) by guiding air in a direction parallel to the plurality of battery cells (3) stored in a tray (310). In a specific example, the cooling unit (340) is configured to include a blower fan (341) located on the upper part of the tray (310), and n perforated plates (343) that are located on the airflow path of the blower fan (341) and form a stacked structure. Here, n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0074] The blower fan (341) is a generally widely used propeller-type blower fan (341) and is located on the upper part of the tray (310). It is installed on the upper part of n perforated plates (343), which will be described later, to blow air downward. The air blown downward as described above can be introduced into the interior of the tray (310) through the air flow paths perforated in the perforated plates (343). In addition, the blower fan (341) includes multiple units and is evenly distributed and arranged on the upper part of the tray (310). The cooling unit (340) may include a structure in which 2 to 5 perforated plates (343) are stacked, or a structure in which 3 to 5 perforated plates (343) are stacked. For example, 3 perforated plates (343) may be stacked.

[0075] Meanwhile, the n perforated plates (343) serve to introduce air blown by the blower fan (341) into the interior of the tray (310). For example, the cooling unit (340) includes three perforated plates (343), so that the air blown by the blower fan (341) passes through the holes formed in the three perforated plates (343), thereby allowing the flow velocity to become gradually uniform.

[0076] The perforated plate (343) has a structure in which a plurality of holes are formed as described above, and the holes are formed in the central area of ​​the perforated plate (343). In particular, due to this structure, less cooled air is supplied to the direction in which the battery cells (3) stored at the outermost edge of the tray (310) are located compared to the conventional method, thereby balancing the temperature difference of the battery cells (3) stored in the tray (310). Accordingly, uniform distribution of the flow rate is possible, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between the multiple battery cells (3).

[0077] In another example, the perforated plate (343) has a structure in which a plurality of holes are formed as described above, and the diameter of the holes formed in the center area of ​​the perforated plate (343) may be larger than the diameter of the holes formed in the edge area of ​​the perforated plate (343). In a specific example, the diameter of the holes formed in the perforated plate (343) is formed to gradually decrease from the center area to the edge area. The above structure is intended to supply air from the blower fan (341) to the tray (310) in which a plurality of battery cells (3) are stored, while reducing the amount of air supplied to the edge area of ​​the tray (310).

[0078] In another example, the perforated plate (343) may have a structure in which a plurality of parallel slits are formed. Air supplied from the blower fan (341) can be introduced into the tray (310) through the plurality of slits formed in the perforated plate (343). In a specific example, the slits are formed in a direction parallel to the storage direction of the battery cells (3) stored in the tray (310), and in particular, the slits may be formed in the central area of ​​the perforated plate (343).

[0079] In another example, the perforated plate (343) has a structure in which a plurality of parallel slits are formed. Air supplied from the blower fan (341) can flow into the tray (310) through the plurality of slits formed in the perforated plate (343). In a specific example, the slits are formed in a direction parallel to the storage direction of the battery cells (3) stored in the tray (310). Meanwhile, the structure is such that the width of the slits formed in the center area of ​​the perforated plate (343) is greater than the width of the slits formed in the edge area of ​​the perforated plate. For example, the holes formed in the perforated plate (343) may be formed with a width that gradually decreases from the center area to the edge area. The above structure is intended to supply air from the blower fan (341) to the tray (310) in which a plurality of battery cells (3) are stored, while reducing the amount of air supplied to the edge area of ​​the tray (310).

[0080] Meanwhile, the holes formed in the n perforated plates (343) may be formed with different sizes and shapes for each layer. In a specific example, the perforated plate (343) located at the top may have multiple holes formed therein, with the holes formed in the central area of ​​the perforated plate (343), and the perforated plate (343) located at the bottom may have multiple holes formed therein, with the holes formed in the entire area of ​​the perforated plate (343). Meanwhile, the size of the holes in the perforated plates (343) may gradually decrease from the top to the bottom.

[0081] In particular, due to this structure, less air is supplied to the direction in which the battery cell (3) stored at the outermost edge of the tray (310) is located compared to the conventional method, thereby balancing the temperature difference of the battery cell (3) stored in the tray (310). Accordingly, uniform distribution of the flow rate is possible, thereby minimizing the temperature difference between multiple battery cells (3).

[0083] <제4 실시 형태>

[0084] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 10, the secondary battery charging and discharging system (400) according to the present invention further includes a sensor unit (460) for measuring the internal temperature of the system (400) and a control unit (470) for receiving the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system (400) measured by the sensor unit (460) and controlling the operation of a cooling unit (440).

[0085] In a specific example, the sensor unit (460) is equipped with a temperature sensor that detects the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400). In the present invention, the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) may refer to the temperature of the internal space of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400), or the temperature of the battery cell (4). For example, the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) may refer to the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) during the charging / discharging process. As previously explained, if the temperature of the battery cell (4) becomes too high while the battery cell (4) is being charged / discharged, the efficiency or performance of the battery cell (4) may be reduced, and its durability may be reduced. To prevent this, the temperature sensor can monitor the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) in real time and transmit it to the control unit (470), and the control unit (470) can control whether the cooling unit (440) is operated.

[0086] Meanwhile, when a plurality of battery cells (4) are stored in the tray (410), the temperature sensor may also include a plurality of sensors. Furthermore, the sensor unit (460) may be a non-contact temperature sensor capable of detecting the surface temperature of the battery cell (4).

[0087] The control unit (470) controls the cooling unit (440) to operate when the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) is higher than the reference temperature. In addition, the control unit (470) controls the cooling unit (440) to stop operating when the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) measured by the sensor unit (460) is lower than the reference temperature. As previously explained, the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400) may refer to the temperature of the battery cell (4) stored in the tray (410).

[0088] For example, the control unit (470) can set the reference temperature to 40°C, and if the temperature of the battery cell (4) is higher than 40°C, the cooling unit (440) is driven, and if it is lower than 40°C, the cooling unit (440) is stopped. Accordingly, since the cooling unit (440) is driven according to the temperature of the battery cell (4) of the secondary battery charging / discharging system (400), the temperature can be maintained more efficiently.

[0090] <제5 실시 형태>

[0091] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a temperature control method for a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 11, the temperature control method for a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention includes the step of charging and discharging a battery cell stored in a storage unit, and in the step of charging and discharging the battery cell, the process of measuring the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system; and the process of controlling whether to operate a cooling unit according to the measured internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system.

[0092] As previously explained, the sensor unit includes a process for measuring the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system. Then, the operation of the cooling unit is controlled based on the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system measured by the sensor unit. That is, if the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system is higher than the reference temperature, the cooling unit is activated, and if the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system is lower than the reference temperature, the operation of the cooling unit is stopped.

[0093] Here, the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system refers to the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system or the temperature of the battery cell stored in the storage unit.

[0094] For example, the reference temperature can be set to 40°C, and during the charging and discharging process, the cooling unit is driven when the temperature of the battery cell is higher than 40°C, and the cooling unit is stopped when the temperature of the battery cell is lower than 40°C. Accordingly, since the cooling unit is driven according to the temperature of the battery cell during the charging and discharging process, the temperature can be maintained more efficiently.

[0095] In the temperature control method of a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention, the tray includes an insulating pad that contacts one surface of the outermost battery cell, thereby preventing heat transfer from one surface of the outermost battery cell and preventing the temperature of the outermost battery cell from rapidly dropping when the cooling unit of the secondary battery charging and discharging system is operated. Accordingly, the secondary battery charging and discharging system according to the present invention can minimize the temperature difference between a plurality of battery cells arranged in the tray.

[0097] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application. Explanation of the symbols

[0099] 1, 2, 3, 4: Battery cells 100, 300, 400: Secondary battery charging and discharging system 10, 110, 210, 310, 410: Tray 120, 220: Insulation pad 130, 330: Charge / Discharge section 140, 340, 440: Cooling section 141, 341: Blower fan 142: Sub fan 250: Thermal pad 343: Perforated board 460: Sensor section 470: Control unit

Claims

Claim 1 A secondary battery charging and discharging system comprising: a tray for storing a plurality of battery cells; an insulating pad disposed inside the tray, positioned between the outermost battery cell among the plurality of battery cells and the tray; a charging and discharging unit electrically connected to first and second electrode leads formed on the plurality of battery cells stored in the tray; and a cooling unit supplying downward airflow to cool the plurality of battery cells stored in the tray; wherein the plurality of battery cells stored in the tray are arranged vertically, the insulating pad is positioned to be in contact with the outer surface of the outermost battery cell, a heat dissipation pad is additionally disposed between the plurality of battery cells to transfer heat to adjacent battery cells, and the heat dissipation pad is positioned between 3 to 10 battery cells. Claim 2 A secondary battery charging and discharging system according to claim 1, wherein the insulating pad comprises one or more selected from the group consisting of nitrile butadiene rubber, natural rubber, fluororubber, HBR (High cis BR), styrene butadiene rubber, chloroprene rubber, ethylene propylene terpolymers (EPDM), and silicone rubber. Claim 3 In claim 1, the insulation pad is a secondary battery charging and discharging system having an average thickness in the range of 1 to 20 mm. Claim 4 In claim 1, the insulation pad is structured to be in contact with at least 80% of the surface area of ​​one side of the battery cell, in a secondary battery charging and discharging system. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 A secondary battery charging and discharging system according to claim 1, wherein the cooling unit comprises: a blower fan located on the upper part of the tray; and n perforated plates (n is an integer greater than or equal to 2) located on the airflow path of the blower fan and forming a stacked structure. Claim 7 A secondary battery charging and discharging system according to claim 1, comprising a sensor unit for measuring the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging and discharging system. Claim 8 In claim 7, a secondary battery charging / discharging system further comprising a control unit that receives the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system measured by a sensor unit and controls the operation of a cooling unit. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 A secondary battery charging and discharging system according to claim 1, wherein the tray has a structure with an open side, and the cooling unit further includes a sub-blower fan that blows cooling air from the side of the tray to the battery cell side. Claim 11 A method for controlling the temperature of a secondary battery charging and discharging system using a secondary battery charging and discharging system according to claim 1. Claim 12 A temperature control method for a secondary battery charging / discharging system according to claim 11, comprising the step of charging / discharging a battery cell stored in a tray, wherein, in the step of charging / discharging the battery cell, the internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system is measured; and the process of controlling whether to operate a cooling unit according to the measured internal temperature of the secondary battery charging / discharging system.

Citation Information

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