Container module

Abstract

The invention relates to a container module. The container module comprises a housing that creates the internal space; a battery pack housed within the housing; a tube placed inside the housing with a flow path; and a drain box placed below the tube and creating the internal space.

Description

Container module

[0001] The present invention relates to a container module.

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182380, filed on December 14, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium batteries, nickel-hydrogen batteries, nickel-zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are receiving attention for their advantages of being able to charge and discharge freely, having a very low self-discharge rate, and having a high energy density, as they have almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries.

[0004] Recently, with the rise of issues such as power shortages and eco-friendly energy, energy storage systems (ESS) for storing generated power are attracting increasing attention. For example, smart grid systems have been proposed as a solution to regulate power supply and demand. The amount of power consumed by consumers is not always constant and can fluctuate frequently. A prime example is the sharp increase in power usage during summer afternoons due to the use of air conditioning, followed by a sharp decrease at night. While power consumption can fluctuate and fluctuate frequently, it is realistically difficult to match this demand, even with some degree of power production adjustment, to supply power. Therefore, this imbalance between power supply and consumption can lead to power oversupply or undersupply. Smart grid systems can flexibly store and regulate power to address these issues. A smart grid system stores power in times or areas of surplus and supplies it to times or areas of power shortage. One of the key components for building these smart grid systems is the energy storage system for power storage. Furthermore, with the recent commercialization of electric vehicles, energy storage systems can also be utilized in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such energy storage systems may include multiple battery containers. The number and arrangement of battery containers may vary depending on various environments and requirements. To address these requirements, there is a growing need to configure battery containers as a combination of small modules to improve energy density and to enable expansion into various configurations.

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems and other problems.

[0007] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module capable of removing humidity inside.

[0008] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with improved electrical safety.

[0009] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with a simplified structure.

[0010] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a miniaturized container module.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing an internal space; a battery pack accommodated inside the case; a pipe positioned inside the case and having a flow path therein; and a drain case positioned below the pipe and providing an internal space.

[0012] Additionally, the pipe can be extended in the vertical direction.

[0013] In addition, the drain case has an open upper surface, and the internal space of the drain case can face the pipe.

[0014] Additionally, the lower end of the pipe can be accommodated in the drain case.

[0015] Additionally, the pipe may include a pin protruding from the outer surface and extending in an up-down direction.

[0016] In addition, the pins may be provided in plurality, and the plurality of pins may be arranged along the circumference of the pipe.

[0017] Additionally, a drain tube communicating with the drain case may be further included.

[0018] Additionally, the drain tube may have one end connected to the drain case and another end positioned lower than the one end.

[0019] In addition, the case further includes: a bottom panel having a drain hole; and a drain part installed in the drain hole, wherein the drain part can be positioned below the drain case.

[0020] Additionally, the container module may further include a drain tube communicating with the drain case and extending toward the drain hole.

[0021] Additionally, the container module may further include a branch tube communicating with the pipe and the battery pack.

[0022] Additionally, the pipe has a flat surface extending in an up-down direction, and the branch tube can be connected to the flat surface.

[0023] In addition, the port may further include a port for communicating the pipe and the branch tube, and the port may include a guard protruding from the outer surface and positioned between the pipe and the branch tube.

[0024] A container system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container module of the present invention.

[0025] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container module of the present invention.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, moisture inside the container module can be removed.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the electrical safety of the container module can be improved.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the structure of the container module can be simplified.

[0029] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the container module can be miniaturized.

[0030] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the front panel of the container module of Figure 1 opened.

[0033] Figure 3 is an enlarged view of part A of Figure 2.

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of the drainage system of the container module of Figure 1.

[0035] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0036] Fig. 6 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 5.

[0037] Figure 7 is an enlarged view of part D of Figure 5.

[0038] Fig. 8 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' of Fig. 2.

[0039] Fig. 9 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 8.

[0040] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing the drainage shape in the cross-sectional configuration of Fig. 9.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' of Fig. 1.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line H-H' of Fig. 11.

[0043] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing the drainage shape in the cross-sectional configuration of Fig. 12.

[0044] Fig. 14 is a drawing schematically showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line I-I' of Fig. 5.

[0045] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 4.

[0046] FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0048] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0049] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the front panel (110) of the container module of FIG. 1 opened. FIG. 3 is an enlarged drawing of part A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing schematically showing the drainage system of the container module of FIG. 1.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a battery pack (400), a pipe (500), and a drain case (600).

[0051] The case (100) can provide a space inside. The case (100) can form the exterior of the container module. The case (100) can include a frame (160) and a plurality of panels coupled to the frame (160). The case (100) can include a front panel (110), a rear panel, a side panel (120), a top panel (130), and a bottom panel (140). The case (100) can have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0052] The battery pack (400) may be positioned, installed, fastened, combined, or fixed within the case (100). The battery pack (400) may include a plurality of battery cells. In this case, the battery cells may refer to secondary batteries. The battery pack (400) may be provided in multiple numbers. The battery pack (400) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0053] The pipe (500) may be positioned inside the case (100). The pipe (500) may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The pipe (500) may have a flow path therein. Cooling fluid may flow through the pipe (500). For example, coolant may flow through the pipe (500). The pipe (500) may include a metal material. In addition, the pipe (500) may include a material with high thermal conductivity. For example, the pipe (500) may be composed of aluminum. In addition, the pipe (500) may be manufactured by an extrusion method.

[0054] The drain case (600) can provide space inside. The drain case (600) can be located below the pipe (500). In addition, the drain case (600) can include a material with higher insulation properties than the pipe (500).

[0055] According to this configuration of the present invention, the humidity inside the container module can be reduced. If the humidity inside the container module is high, the moisture may condense on the surface of the pipe (500). The condensed moisture may move downward by gravity. The moisture may then be captured or contained in the drain case (600). Therefore, the container module can be prevented from being electrically damaged by moisture or condensation.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, a cooling unit (200) may be installed on the front panel (110). For example, the cooling unit (200) may be a heat exchanger such as a chiller or cooler. The cooling unit (200) may control the temperature of a cooling fluid flowing inside the case (100). The cooling unit (200) may supply or circulate a cooling liquid or cooling gas into the interior of the case (100) through a pipe.

[0057] According to this configuration of the present invention, the container module can remove moisture using a pipe (500) and a drain case (600) without having an HVAC capable of directly removing moisture. The container module can be equipped with a chiller with fewer functions than an HVAC, instead of an HVAC. This can improve the economic efficiency of the container module and simplify its structure.

[0058] Fig. 5 is an enlarged view of part B of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a schematic view showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 5. Fig. 7 is an enlarged view of part D of Fig. 5. Referring to Figs. 5 to 7, the pipe (500) may include a supply pipe (510) and a discharge pipe (520). The supply pipe (510) may form a supply passage (511) therein. The discharge pipe (520) may form a discharge passage (521) therein. Cooling fluid may be supplied to the battery pack (400) through the supply pipe (510). The discharged cooling fluid that cools the battery pack (400) may be recovered through the discharge pipe (520).

[0059] The pipe (500) may include a pin (530). The pin (530) may protrude from the outer surface of the pipe (500). The pin (530) may extend in a vertical direction, a Z-axis direction, or a longitudinal direction of the pipe (500). The pin (530) may be provided in multiple numbers. A plurality of pins (530) may be arranged along the circumferential direction of the pipe (500).

[0060] Moisture inside the case (100) may condense on the surface of the fin (530) or pipe (500). The condensed moisture may move downward or in the -Z-axis direction by gravity.

[0061] According to this configuration of the present invention, the surface area of ​​the pipe (500) can be increased. As a result, moisture can be easily condensed.

[0062] Fig. 8 is a schematic drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line F-F' of Fig. 2. Fig. 9 is a schematic drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line E-E' of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a drainage shape in the cross-sectional configuration of Fig. 9.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, the drain case (600) may have an open upper surface. The internal space of the drain case (600) may face the pipe (500). In addition, the internal space of the drain case (600) may face the lower end of the pipe (500). In addition, the opening of the drain case (600) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the pipe (500).

[0064] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture that has moved downward along the surface of the pipe (500) can be captured or accommodated in the drain case (600).

[0065] Referring to FIGS. 8 to 10, at least a portion of the pipe (500) may be accommodated in the drain case (600). Additionally, the lower end of the pipe (500) may be positioned lower than the upper end of the drain case (600).

[0066] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture that has moved downward along the surface of the pipe (500) can be more stably captured or accommodated in the drain case (600).

[0067] Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line G-G' of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 10 and 11, the container module may include a drain tube (700) that is connected to a drain case (600). The drain tube (700) may include a material having higher insulation properties than the pipe (500). The drain case (600) may include a drain hole (601). The drain tube (700) may be connected to the drain hole (601).

[0068] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture captured or accommodated in the drain case (600) can be discharged through the drain tube (700).

[0069] Referring to FIG. 11, a drain tube (700) may extend along the frame (160) and the bottom panel (140). The drain tube (700) may have one end connected to the drain case (600) and the other end positioned lower than the first end. One end of the drain tube (700) may be positioned higher than the other end by h2.

[0070] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture captured or accommodated in the drain case (600) can move through the drain tube (700) by gravity. Therefore, the container module may not be equipped with a separate power device to discharge moisture.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 11, the drain tube (700) may extend toward the drain hole (141). The drain hole (141) may be provided in the bottom panel (140). The drain case (600) may be positioned h1 higher than the bottom panel (140).

[0072] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture captured or accommodated in the drain case (600) can move through the drain tube (700) by gravity. Therefore, the container module may not be equipped with a separate power device to discharge moisture.

[0073] Fig. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along the line H-H' of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a diagram illustrating a drainage configuration in the cross-sectional configuration of Fig. 12. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the case (100) may include a bottom panel (140). And, the bottom panel (140) may include a drain portion (142). The drain portion (142) may be installed in the drain hole (141). The drain portion (142) may be located below the drain case (600). The drain portion (142) may include a holder (143) and a filter (144). The filter (144) may be installed and fixed to the holder (143). The filter (144) may discharge moisture inside the case (100) to the outside. Additionally, the filter (144) can block external foreign substances from penetrating into the interior of the case (100). The drain tube (700) can be positioned h3 higher than the top of the filter (144).

[0074] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture discharged through the drain portion (142) can be discharged through the exterior of the case (100) by gravity. Therefore, the container module may not be equipped with a separate power device for discharging moisture.

[0075] Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional configuration taken along line I-I' of Fig. 5. Fig. 15 is an enlarged diagram of part B of Fig. 4. Referring to Figs. 5, 6, 14, and 15, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a branch tube (800) that is connected to a pipe (500). The branch tube (800) may connect the pipe (500) and the battery pack (400). The branch tube (800) may include a material having higher insulation properties than the pipe (500).

[0076] According to this configuration of the present invention, moisture condensation inside the case (100) can occur intensively in the pipe (500). Among the components through which the cooling fluid flows, the pipe (500) can be composed of a material with the lowest insulation properties. As a result, moisture can condense on the surface of the pipe (500) and be captured in the drain case (600).

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 14, and 15, the pipe (500) may have a flat surface (501). The flat surface (501) may extend in a vertical direction, a Z-axis direction, or a longitudinal direction of the pipe (500). The fin (530) may not be formed on the flat surface (501). In addition, the branch tube (800) may be connected, connected, or coupled to the flat surface (501).

[0078] According to this configuration of the present invention, processing for connecting the pipe (500) and the branch tube (800) can be facilitated. The pipe (500) can be manufactured by an extrusion method. Therefore, if a pin (530) is formed at the portion of the pipe (500) where the branch tube (800) is connected, processing for connecting the branch tube (800) can be difficult. Since the pipe (500) has a flat surface (501), the connection between the pipe (500) and the branch tube (800) can be facilitated.

[0079] Referring to FIGS. 5, 6, 14, and 15, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a port (900). The port (900) may communicate the branch tube (800) with the pipe (500). The port (900) may include a coupling portion (920) and a guard (910). The coupling portions (920) may be provided on each of the two sides of the guard (910). Alternatively, the guard (910) may be positioned between the coupling portions (920). A portion of the coupling portion (920) may be inserted into the pipe (500). Additionally, another portion of the coupling portion (920) may be inserted into the branch tube (800). In addition, the guard (910) may be positioned between the branch tube (800) and the pipe (500). The guard (910) may be formed to be larger than the diameter of the joint (920). The guard (910) may extend along the perimeter of the joint (920).

[0080] According to this configuration of the present invention, the safety of the container module can be improved. Moisture condensed on the surface of the pipe (500) can move downward. At this time, the guard (910) can block the moisture from flowing into the branch tube (800). The condensed moisture is prevented from flowing into the branch tube (800) by the guard (910) and can move downward along the circumference of the joint (920).

[0081] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 22, the container system may include a plurality of container modules (10). The plurality of container modules (10) may be physically or electrically connected.

[0082] The case (100) may be configured to be stackable or combined with the case (100) of another container module (10). In addition, the container system may additionally include a control module. The control module may be fastened, combined, connected, stacked, or fixed to the side panel (120) of the container module (10).

[0083] The control module can be electrically connected to a plurality of container modules (10) included in the container system. The control module can control charging and discharging of the plurality of container modules (10). In addition, the control module can obtain status information of the plurality of container modules (10).

[0084] Additionally, the container system may be configured to additionally include a firefighting module for controlling thermal events.

[0085] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a container module (10) according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of container systems. And the container system may include a plurality of container modules (10). Such an energy storage system may form a link group by combining a certain number of container modules (10) and control modules (20).

[0086] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0087] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A case providing internal space; A battery pack accommodated inside the case; A pipe positioned inside the case and having a euro; and, A container module positioned below the above pipe and including a drain case providing an internal space.

2. In paragraph 1, The above pipe is a container module extending in the vertical direction.

3. In paragraph 1, The above drain case, The upper surface is open, The internal space of the above drain case is a container module facing the above pipe.

4. In paragraph 1, The bottom of the above pipe is, A container module accommodated in the above drain case.

5. In paragraph 1, The above pipe, A container module comprising fins protruding from an outer surface and extending in an up-down direction.

6. In paragraph 5, The above pins are provided in multiples, The above multiple pins are, Container modules arranged along the perimeter of the above pipe.

7. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a drain tube communicating with the drain case.

8. In paragraph 7, The above drain tube, A container module having one end connected to the above drain case and another end positioned lower than the above one end.

9. In paragraph 1, The above case is: A bottom panel having a drain hole; and, Further comprising a drain part installed in the above drain hole, The above drain part, A container module positioned below the above drain case.

10. In paragraph 9, A container module further comprising a drain tube communicating with the drain case and extending toward the drain hole.

11. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a branch tube communicating with the pipe and the battery pack.

12. In paragraph 11, The above pipe, It has a flat surface extending in the up-down direction, The above branch tube, A container module connected to the above flat surface.

13. In paragraph 11, Further comprising a port connecting the above pipe and the above branch tube, The above port is, A container module comprising a guard protruding from an outer surface and positioned between the pipe and the branch tube.

14. A container system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. An energy storage system comprising a container according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

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