Secondary battery aging apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to a secondary battery aging apparatus for aging secondary batteries included in a plurality of cell trays, the apparatus comprising: a multi-stage battery rack having a plurality of accommodation portions in which a cell tray is accommodated; and a heat pump for transferring heat to each cell tray accommodated in the battery rack, wherein the heat pump transfers high-temperature heat to some parts of the plurality of accommodation portions, and transfers low-temperature heat to some of the other parts thereof.

Description

Secondary battery aging device

[0001] The present invention relates to a secondary battery aging device that ages a secondary battery included in a cell tray, and the secondary battery aging device of the present invention is characterized in that it efficiently ages a secondary battery included in a cell tray by using a heat pump that generates high temperature and low temperature heat, respectively.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to Republic of Korea Patent Application No. 10-2023-0104013, dated August 9, 2023, and all contents of the document in said Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003]

[0004] In general, secondary batteries are classified into cylindrical and prismatic batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a cylindrical or prismatic metal can, and pouch-type batteries in which the electrode assembly is built into a pouch-type case made of aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of the battery case. The electrode assembly built into the battery case is a power plant capable of charging and discharging, which is composed of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator structure interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode. It is classified into a jelly-roll type in which a separator is interposed between long sheet-shaped positive and negative electrodes coated with an active material and wound, and a stack type in which a plurality of positive and negative electrodes of a predetermined size are sequentially stacked while being interposed between separators.

[0005] Secondary batteries generally undergo an activation process after electrolyte injection. In the activation process, an SEI film is formed through initial charging, and then metal foreign substances are quickly dissolved through high-temperature aging to prevent low-voltage failures.

[0006] Since the above high-temperature aging is generally performed at a temperature of 60°C or higher, the work must be performed in a space where the temperature is maintained constant.

[0007] Typically, multiple secondary batteries are transported to a battery rack while stored in cell trays, and the secondary batteries are aged within the battery rack while stored in the cell trays.

[0008] Meanwhile, secondary batteries aged at high temperatures can be aged again at room temperature after cooling, but this has the disadvantage of low process efficiency due to the long cooling time in a natural state.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a battery rack having a structure that can efficiently age secondary batteries at high temperatures, low temperatures, and room temperatures.

[0010] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2015-0026994

[0011]

[0012] The purpose of the present invention is to provide an aging device capable of aging a secondary battery by minimizing heat loss.

[0013] In addition, the present invention aims to provide an aging device capable of improving process efficiency by simultaneously aging a plurality of secondary batteries at high temperature, low temperature, and room temperature.

[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be understood through the following description and will be more clearly understood through the embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, it will be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention can be realized by the means and combinations thereof set forth in the claims.

[0015] According to the present invention, a secondary battery aging device for aging a secondary battery included in a cell tray is provided.

[0016] The secondary battery aging device comprises a multi-stage battery rack comprising a plurality of storage compartments in which cell trays are stored; and a heat pump that transfers heat to each cell tray stored in the battery rack; wherein the heat pump transfers high-temperature heat to some of the plurality of storage compartments and low-temperature heat to other parts.

[0017] The above storage unit may include a storage body designed to have one side opened so that a cell tray can be inserted; and an opening door coupled to the storage body so that the opening can be opened and closed.

[0018] The above storage unit may further include a support rib coupled to the inner surface of the storage body at a position spaced apart from the floor by a predetermined distance to support the lower portion of the cell tray stored in the storage body.

[0019] The above storage unit may further include a duct, each end of which is connected to the rear end of the storage body; and a ventilation fan provided within the duct and rotating to induce air circulation in the internal space of the storage body.

[0020] The storage unit may include a heat exchange coil provided on at least one of the ceiling and the floor of the storage unit to radiate heat to the internal space of the storage unit.

[0021] A fluid that dissipates heat into the interior of the storage body can flow within the heat exchange coil.

[0022] The heat pump comprises a circulation pipe; a refrigerant circulating in one direction within the circulation pipe; and a state conversion unit connected to the circulation pipe to compress or expand the refrigerant; and the refrigerant, which undergoes a phase change by the compression and expansion, can exchange heat with the fluid.

[0023] The above state conversion unit may be composed of a compression unit that compresses the refrigerant introduced through the circulation pipe; and an expansion unit that expands the refrigerant introduced through the circulation pipe.

[0024] The above circulation pipe may include a phase transition section in which a phase transition of the refrigerant occurs, and the phase transition section may include a condensation section that condenses the refrigerant brought into a high temperature and high pressure state by the compression unit between the compression unit and the expansion unit, and a vaporization section that vaporizes the refrigerant brought into a low temperature and low pressure state by the expansion unit between the compression unit and the expansion unit.

[0025] The above-mentioned storage unit includes a fluid pipe that is connected at both ends to communicate with the heat exchange coil, the fluid pipe includes a heat transfer unit positioned adjacent to the phase transfer unit of the circulation pipe, and the fluid in the fluid pipe can exchange heat with the refrigerant in the heat transfer unit.

[0026] The above refrigerant is condensed in the condenser and releases heat to the fluid, and can be vaporized by absorbing heat from the fluid in the vaporizer.

[0027] The above fluid pipe may be composed of a main pipe including a heat transfer unit; and a plurality of sub pipes branching from the main pipe and connected to heat exchange coils.

[0028] The above battery rack can be divided into a high-temperature aging section comprising a storage section that receives high-temperature heat from the heat pump; and a low-temperature aging section comprising a storage section that receives low-temperature heat from the heat pump.

[0029] The storage unit of the high-temperature aging unit can provide a high-temperature environment to the cell trays stored inside, and the storage unit of the low-temperature aging unit can provide a low-temperature environment to the cell trays stored inside.

[0030] The above high-temperature aging section may be located above the above low-temperature aging section.

[0031] The above battery rack may further include a room temperature aging section that provides a room temperature environment of 20°C to 25°C to the stored cell trays.

[0032] The above one heat pump can be connected to a pair of storage units each included in the high-temperature aging unit and the low-temperature aging unit.

[0033] The above one heat pump can be connected to the entire storage unit included in the high temperature aging section and the low temperature aging section.

[0034] The above high-temperature aging section can be maintained at 30°C to 80°C, and the above low-temperature aging section can be maintained at 10°C to 26°C.

[0035] According to the secondary battery aging device of the present invention, a secondary battery can be efficiently aged.

[0036] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery rack included in a secondary battery aging device of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 2 shows a front view and a side cross-section of a battery rack according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Fig. 3 illustrates a storage section of one of the battery racks of Fig. 2.

[0039] FIG. 4 illustrates one of the storage units included in a secondary battery aging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a heat exchange coil included in the storage unit.

[0040] Figure 5 shows a fluid pipe structure combined with a heat exchange coil.

[0041] Figure 6 shows a storage unit with a duct and ventilation fan applied.

[0042] Figure 7 briefly illustrates the connection between the heat pump and the storage unit.

[0043] Figure 8 illustrates a storage unit that provides a low-temperature environment inside the storage body and a heat pump connected thereto.

[0044] Figure 9 illustrates a storage unit that provides a high-temperature environment inside the storage body and a heat pump connected thereto.

[0045] Fig. 10 shows a portion of the heat exchange coil covered by the storage body in the battery rack including the storage unit of Fig. 2, with a hidden line.

[0046] Fig. 11 illustrates a storage unit included in a secondary battery aging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 12 illustrates a storage unit included in a secondary battery aging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 13 illustrates a storage unit included in a secondary battery aging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] 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 concept of a term to best explain his or her invention, they should be construed as meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0050] Therefore, 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.

[0051] In addition, when describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0052] Since the embodiments of the present invention are provided to more fully explain the present invention to those skilled in the art, the shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically illustrated for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the sizes and proportions of each component do not fully reflect the actual sizes or proportions.

[0053]

[0054] The present invention relates to a secondary battery aging device that ages a secondary battery included in a cell tray (T), and the secondary battery aging device of the present invention is characterized in that it efficiently ages a secondary battery included in a cell tray (T) by using a heat pump (200) that generates high temperature and low temperature heat, respectively.

[0055] FIG. 1 relates to a secondary battery aging device of the present invention, FIGS. 2 to 10 relate to a secondary battery aging device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 11 relates to a secondary battery aging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 12 relates to a secondary battery aging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 13 relates to a secondary battery aging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the secondary battery aging device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Note that the directions of front, back, left, right, and up, down, and left, used to designate relative positions in the following description are intended to aid understanding of the invention, and unless otherwise specified, the directions depicted in the drawings will be used as a reference.

[0057]

[0058] The secondary battery aging device of the present invention includes a battery rack (100) composed of a plurality of storage portions (110) in which cell trays (T) are stored.

[0059] The above cell tray (T) is used as a tool for transporting a plurality of secondary batteries, and the secondary batteries contained in the cell tray (T) can undergo aging while stored inside the cell tray (T).

[0060] The above aging can be carried out at high or low temperatures, or at room temperature.

[0061] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a battery rack (100) included in a secondary battery aging device of the present invention.

[0062] The above battery rack (100) is configured in a multi-stage manner with a plurality of storage compartments (110) stacked as shown in FIG. 1.

[0063] The secondary battery aging device includes at least one battery rack (100).

[0064] Each cell tray (T) can be stored in each storage compartment (110) by a stacker crane (S).

[0065] A guide rail (G) may be provided between each of the above battery racks (100), and the stacker crane (S) may be slidably coupled on the guide rail (G) to move along the guide rail (G) and transport the cell tray (T) to the desired area.

[0066] The above stacker crane (S) may include a carriage (C) that supports the lower part of the cell tray (T) and moves up and down, and operates the carriage (C) to transport the cell tray (T) to a storage unit (110) located at each stage of the battery rack (100).

[0067]

[0068]

[0069] (First embodiment)

[0070] FIG. 2 shows a front view and a side cross-section of a battery rack (100) according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a storage section (110) of one of the battery racks (100) of FIG. 2.

[0071] The above storage unit (110) includes a storage body (111) designed to have one side opened so that a cell tray (T) can be inserted, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0072] Referring to the above drawing 2, each stage of the battery rack (100) is composed of a storage body (111) lined up in a row. The cell tray (T) is inserted through the opening (Op) of the storage body (111) and aged within the storage body (111).

[0073] Since multiple secondary batteries are stored in the above cell tray (T), it is desirable that all stored secondary batteries receive uniform heat evenly while aging is in progress through external heat.

[0074] However, in the case of a cell tray (T) that is positioned so as to be in contact with the bottom of the storage body (111), a phenomenon may occur in which less heat is transferred to the lower portion.

[0075] To solve the above problem, the secondary battery aging device of the present invention may further include a support rib (112).

[0076] The above support rib (112) serves to support the lower part of the cell tray (T) inserted into the storage body (111) so that the cell tray (T) is spaced apart from the bottom of the storage body (111).

[0077] The above support ribs (112) are respectively joined to both sides inside the storage body (111) at a position spaced apart from the bottom of the storage body (111) by a predetermined distance, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to support the lower portion of the cell tray (T).

[0078] Accordingly, the cell tray (T) is supported on the above-mentioned support rib (112) and can be inserted by sliding into the interior of the storage body (111), and the inserted cell tray (T) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the bottom of the storage body (111).

[0079]

[0080] The above storage unit (110) further includes an opening / closing door (113) coupled to the storage body (111) so that the opening (Op) can be opened / closed.

[0081] The above opening door (113) serves to isolate the internal space of the storage body (111) into which the cell tray (T) is inserted from the outside.

[0082] The above opening (113) is manufactured with a width that can at least completely block the opening (Op), and is connected to the storage body (111) so as to be raised and lowered toward the opening (Op).

[0083] That is, the opening (113) rises above the opening (Op) of the storage body (111) so that the opening (Op) is opened before the cell tray (T) is inserted. Conversely, the opening (113) can descend toward the opening (Op) so that the opening (Op) can be closed after the cell tray (T) is inserted.

[0084] The above opening / closing door (113) can be moved in a sliding manner as shown in the above drawing 3, or can be moved in a folding manner.

[0085]

[0086] The storage unit (110) included in the secondary battery aging device of the present invention includes a heat exchange coil (114) that emits heat.

[0087] FIG. 4 illustrates one of the storage units (110) included in the secondary battery aging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention and a heat exchange coil (114) included in the storage unit (110).

[0088] The storage unit (110) included in the secondary battery aging device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes the heat exchange coil (114) at the bottom of the storage body (111). More specifically, the heat exchange coil (114) is located between the support rib (112) and the bottom of the storage body (111), as illustrated in FIG. 4.

[0089] The above heat exchange coil (114) has a hollow interior, and fluid (f1) flows into the hollow interior.

[0090] The fluid (f1) moves inside the heat exchange coil (114) and emits heat into the interior of the storage body (111). That is, the heat exchange coil (114) acts as a medium that allows the heat of the fluid (f1) to be transferred into the interior of the storage body (111).

[0091] The heat transferred from the fluid (f1) by the above heat exchange coil (114) is evenly dissipated into the interior of the storage body (111).

[0092] The above heat exchange coil (114) can cool the cell tray (T) stored in the storage body (111) when the heat transferred is at a low temperature lower than room temperature. Conversely, when the heat transferred is at a high temperature higher than room temperature, the heat exchange coil (114) can heat the cell tray (T) stored in the storage body (111).

[0093] The heat exchange coil (114) may be formed in a zigzag shape as shown in Fig. 4. However, the heat exchange coil (114) is not limited to the shape shown, and any shape that can effectively uniformly dissipate heat inside the storage body (111) may be applied.

[0094] The above storage unit (110) includes a fluid pipe (115) that is coupled to communicate with the heat exchange coil (114).

[0095] Figure 5 shows a structure of a fluid pipe (115) combined with a heat exchange coil (114).

[0096] As shown in Fig. 5, the fluid pipe (115) is connected at both ends to a heat exchange coil (114). Accordingly, the fluid (f1) moves through the fluid pipe (115) and transports thermal energy, and dissipates the heat transported from the heat exchange coil (114).

[0097] The above fluid pipe (115) may include a heat transfer part (Pt), and the fluid (f1) may absorb external heat in the heat transfer part (Pt) or release heat to the outside to exchange heat. That is, the fluid (f1) circulating through the fluid pipe (115) and the heat exchange coil (114) moves through the heat transfer part (Pt) and the heat exchange coil (114) and exchanges heat.

[0098]

[0099] In the battery rack (100) of the present invention, when the opening door (113) provided in the opening (Op) is closed, air circulation is prevented, so unevenly heated air may stagnate in one location. In other words, the stagnation of air may prevent the plurality of secondary batteries stored in the cell tray (T) from receiving uniform heat transfer.

[0100] Accordingly, the storage unit (110) of the present invention may further include a ventilation fan (117) that induces air circulation so that the heat emitted by the heat exchange coil (114) can be evenly transferred to all areas inside the storage body (111).

[0101] Specifically, the storage unit (110) further includes a duct (116) coupled to the storage body (111) and a ventilation fan (117) provided within the duct (116).

[0102] Figure 6 shows a storage unit (110) with a duct (116) and a ventilation fan (117) applied.

[0103] According to the above drawing 6, both ends of the duct (116) are respectively connected to the rear end of the storage body (111), and a ventilation fan (117) is provided inside the duct (116) so as to be rotatable.

[0104] The above ventilation fan (117) rotates so that wind is generated along the extension direction of the duct (116).

[0105] One side of the duct (116) sucks in the air inside the storage body (111) by the ventilation fan (117), and the other side discharges the sucked air back into the storage body (111).

[0106] The above duct (116) and ventilation fan (117) induce air flow inside the storage body (111) in the same manner as above.

[0107] The above ventilation fan (117) mixes the air at the top and bottom of the storage body (111) to prevent the heat generated from the heat exchange coil (114) from stagnating in one place.

[0108]

[0109] The secondary battery aging device of the present invention includes a heat pump (200) that transfers heat to each cell tray (T) stored in the battery rack (100) along with the battery rack (100).

[0110] The cell trays (T) stored in each storage section (110) of the battery rack (100) can be heated or cooled by a heat pump (200) connected to the battery rack (100).

[0111] The above heat pump (200) is characterized by transferring high temperature heat to some of the plurality of storage units (110) and simultaneously transferring low temperature heat to other parts.

[0112] The above heat pump (200) transfers high and low temperatures to the outside by utilizing the phase change energy of the refrigerant (f2) that changes according to the compression and expansion of the refrigerant (f2). More specifically, the heat pump (200) exchanges heat between the refrigerant (f2) that undergoes a phase change through compression and expansion and the fluid (f1) circulating through the fluid pipe (115).

[0113] The secondary battery aging device of the present invention transfers high-temperature heat to a heat exchange coil (114) included in one of the storage units (110) by the heat pump (200), and simultaneously transfers low-temperature heat to a heat exchange coil (114) included in another storage unit (110).

[0114] Specifically, the heat pump (200) includes a circulation pipe, a refrigerant (f2) circulating in one direction within the circulation pipe, and a state conversion unit (220) connected to the circulation pipe to compress or expand the refrigerant (f2).

[0115] The secondary battery aging device of the present invention can have one heat pump (200) connected to two storage units (110) to transfer heat to the storage units (110).

[0116] Figure 7 simply shows the connection relationship between the heat pump (200) and the storage unit (110).

[0117] The above heat pump (200) includes a circulation pipe through which a refrigerant (f2) flows, as shown in FIG. 7, and two state conversion units (220) that operate in different ways are positioned on the circulation pipe.

[0118] The above state conversion unit (220) is composed of a compression unit (221) that compresses the refrigerant (f2) introduced through the circulation pipe and an expansion unit (222) that expands the refrigerant (f2) introduced through the circulation pipe.

[0119] The above circulation pipe includes a phase transition section (210a) where a phase transition of the refrigerant (f2) occurs.

[0120] The above-mentioned phase change unit (210a) includes a condensing unit (210a1) that condenses the refrigerant (f2) that has been brought to a high temperature and high pressure state by one of the state change units (220) between the two state change units (220), and a vaporizing unit (210a2) that vaporizes the refrigerant (f2) that has been brought to a low temperature and low pressure state by the other state change unit (220).

[0121] The above refrigerant (f2) is condensed in the condenser (210a1) and emits heat to the fluid (f1), and absorbs heat from the fluid (f1) in the vaporizer (210a2) and vaporizes.

[0122] The fluid pipe (115) included in the above-described storage section (110) is arranged so that the heat transfer section (Pt) is adjacent to the phase transfer section (210a) of the circulation pipe, as illustrated in FIG. 7. Accordingly, the refrigerant (f2) that undergoes a state change in the phase transfer section (210a) can exchange heat with the fluid (f1) flowing through the heat transfer section (Pt).

[0123]

[0124] Figure 8 shows a storage unit (110) that provides a low-temperature environment inside a storage body (111) and a heat pump (200) connected thereto.

[0125] The storage unit (110) of the above drawing 8 is arranged so that the heat transfer unit (Pt) of the fluid pipe (115) is adjacent to the condensing unit (210a1) of the heat pump (200).

[0126] It is preferable that the refrigerant (f2) moving through the above-mentioned circulation pipe moves only in one direction. Specifically, the refrigerant (f2) circulates while sequentially moving through the compression unit (221), the condenser (210a1), the expansion unit (222), and the vaporization unit (210a2).

[0127] In the case of the above drawing 8, the refrigerant (f2) moving through the circulation pipe circulates from the compression unit (221) toward the condenser (210a1).

[0128] By the compression unit (221), the refrigerant (f2) is maintained in a high temperature and high pressure state and moves to the condensation unit (210a1), and is condensed by transferring high temperature heat energy to the fluid (f1) of the heat transfer unit (Pt) adjacent to the condensation unit (210a1).

[0129] The fluid (f1) that has received high-temperature heat energy from the above heat transfer unit (Pt) then passes through the fluid pipe (115) and releases high-temperature heat into the inside of the storage body (111) from the heat exchange coil (114).

[0130]

[0131] Figure 9 shows a storage unit (110) that provides a high-temperature environment inside a storage body (111) and a heat pump (200) connected thereto.

[0132] The storage unit (110) of the above drawing 9 is arranged so that the heat transfer unit (Pt) of the fluid pipe (115) is adjacent to the vaporization unit (210a2) of the heat pump (200).

[0133] In the case of Fig. 9, the refrigerant (f2) moving through the circulation pipe circulates from the expansion unit (222) toward the vaporization unit (210a2).

[0134] By the expansion unit (222), the refrigerant (f2) is maintained in a low temperature and low pressure state and moves to the vaporization unit (210a2), absorbs heat energy from the fluid (f1) of the heat transfer unit (Pt) adjacent to the vaporization unit (210a2), and vaporizes. The fluid (f1) that has absorbed the heat energy moves again through the fluid pipe (115) in a state cooled to a low temperature and releases low temperature heat into the interior of the storage body (111) from the heat exchange coil (114).

[0135]

[0136] The heat pump (200) of the present invention heats the secondary battery by transferring high-temperature heat energy to the inside of one of the storage units (110) each time the refrigerant (f2) circulates through the circulation pipe as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and cools the secondary battery by transferring low-temperature heat energy to the inside of another storage unit (110).

[0137]

[0138] The battery rack (100) of the present invention can be divided into a high-temperature aging section (100a) and a low-temperature aging section (100b).

[0139] Specifically, the battery rack (100) is divided into a high-temperature aging section (100a) composed of a storage section (110) that receives high-temperature heat from the heat pump (200) and a low-temperature aging section (100b) composed of a storage section (110) that receives low-temperature heat from the heat pump (200).

[0140] That is, the storage unit (110) of the high-temperature aging unit (100a) provides a high-temperature environment to the cell tray (T) stored inside, and the storage unit (110) of the low-temperature aging unit (100b) provides a low-temperature environment to the cell tray (T) stored inside.

[0141] Preferably, the high-temperature aging section (100a) is maintained at 30°C to 80°C, and the low-temperature aging section (100b) is maintained at 10°C to 26°C.

[0142]

[0143] Fig. 10 shows a portion of the heat exchange coil (114) covered by the storage body (111) in the battery rack (100) including the storage unit (110) of Fig. 2, indicated by a hidden line.

[0144] All fluid pipes (115) of the storage section (110) included in the above high-temperature aging section (100a) are arranged adjacent to the condensing section (210a1) of the heat pump (200).

[0145] Additionally, all of the fluid pipes (115) of the storage section (110) included in the above low-temperature aging section (100b) are arranged adjacent to the vaporization section (210a2) of the heat pump (200).

[0146] Since heated air has a lower density than cooled air, for efficient arrangement, the high-temperature aging section (100a) is positioned above the low-temperature aging section (100b) as shown in Fig. 10.

[0147]

[0148] The battery rack (100) included in the secondary battery aging device of the present invention may further include a room temperature aging unit (100c) that provides a room temperature environment of 20°C to 25°C to the stored cell tray (T).

[0149] The above room temperature aging unit (100c) does not transmit any external heat to the cell tray (T), and allows the secondary battery stored in the cell tray (T) to age in a natural state.

[0150] Therefore, the storage unit (110) included in the above-mentioned room temperature aging unit (100c) is not equipped with a heat exchange coil (114) as shown in FIG. 10.

[0151] The above-mentioned room temperature aging section (100c) may be located between the high temperature aging section (100a) and the low temperature aging section (100b), or may be located below the low temperature aging section (100b) as illustrated.

[0152]

[0153] (Second embodiment)

[0154] The above heat exchange coil (114) may be provided on the ceiling of the storage body (111).

[0155] Fig. 11 illustrates a storage unit (110) included in a secondary battery aging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in which a heat exchange coil (114) is provided on the ceiling of the storage body (111).

[0156]

[0157] (Embodiment 3)

[0158] A secondary battery aging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention applies the structure of the storage unit (110) of the secondary battery aging device of the first and second embodiments, and a heat exchange coil (114) is provided on the ceiling and the floor of the storage body (111), respectively.

[0159] FIG. 12 illustrates a storage unit (110) included in a secondary battery aging device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The storage unit (110) including a double-installed heat exchange coil (114) as described above can provide a high-temperature environment or a low-temperature environment to the secondary battery in a stable manner within a shorter period of time.

[0160]

[0161] (Embodiment 4)

[0162] The secondary battery aging device of the present invention can transfer high-temperature and low-temperature heat to more storage units (110) using a single heat pump (200). For example, a single heat pump (200) can be connected to all storage units (110) included in the high-temperature aging unit (100a) and the low-temperature aging unit (100b).

[0163] Figure 13 is a simplified diagram of a secondary battery aging device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0164] The fluid pipe (115) included in the secondary battery aging device according to the fourth embodiment may be composed of a main pipe (115a) including a heat transfer part (Pt) and a plurality of sub-pipes (115b) branched from the main pipe (115a) and connected to a heat exchange coil (114).

[0165] Fluid (f1) heated in the heat transfer section (Pt) and containing high-temperature heat energy moves through the main pipe (115a) positioned adjacent to the condensation section (210a1). Thereafter, the high-temperature fluid (f1) flowing through the main pipe (115a) is branched by the sub-pipe (115b) and moves to the heat exchange coil (114) of each receiving section (110) included in the high-temperature aging section (100a).

[0166] In addition, the fluid (f1) cooled in the heat transfer section (Pt) and containing low-temperature thermal energy moves through the main pipe (115a) positioned adjacent to the vaporization section (210a2). Thereafter, the low-temperature fluid (f1) flowing through the main pipe (115a) is branched by the sub-pipe (115b) and moves to the heat exchange coil (114) of each receiving section (110) included in the low-temperature aging section (100b).

[0167] That is, the secondary battery aging device according to the fourth embodiment can provide multiple aging environments more efficiently by using one heat pump (200).

[0168]

[0169]

[0170] The present invention has been described in more detail through drawings and examples. However, the configurations described in the drawings or examples described in this specification are merely embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention. Therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modified examples may exist as of the time of this application.

[0171]

[0172] [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 100: Battery Rack

[0174] 100a: High temperature aging section

[0175] 100b: Low-temperature aging section

[0176] 100c: Room temperature aging

[0177] 110: Storage compartment

[0178] 111: Storage body

[0179] 112: Support rib

[0180] 113: Opening door

[0181] 114: Heat exchange coil

[0182] 115: Fluid pipe

[0183] 115a: Main Hall

[0184] 115b: Sub-tube

[0185] 116: Duct

[0186] 117: Ventilation fan

[0187] 200: Heat pump

[0188] 210: Circulation pipe

[0189] 210a: Phase transition

[0190] 210a1: Condenser

[0191] 210a2: Carburetor

[0192] 220: State Conversion Unit

[0193] 221: Compression Unit

[0194] 222: Expansion Unit

[0195] Op: Opening

[0196] Pt: heat transfer section

[0197] T: Cell tray

[0198] G: Guide rail

[0199] S: Stacker crane

[0200] C: Carriage

[0201] f1: fluid

[0202] f2: refrigerant

Claims

1. A secondary battery aging device for aging secondary batteries contained in a plurality of cell trays. A multi-tiered battery rack comprising a plurality of compartments in which cell trays are stored; and A heat pump that transfers heat to each cell tray stored in the battery rack; A secondary battery aging device characterized in that the heat pump transfers high-temperature heat to some of the plurality of storage compartments and low-temperature heat to other parts.

2. In paragraph 1, The above storage unit is, A storage body designed with one side open to allow cell trays to be inserted; and A secondary battery aging device including an opening / closing door coupled to the storage body so that the opening can be opened / closed.

3. In paragraph 2, The above storage unit is, A secondary battery aging device further comprising a support rib coupled to the inner surface of the storage body at a position spaced apart from the floor to support the lower portion of the cell tray stored in the storage body.

4. In paragraph 2, The above storage unit is, A duct, each end of which is connected to the rear end of the storage body; and A secondary battery aging device further comprising a ventilation fan installed in the duct and rotating to induce air circulation in the internal space of the storage body.

5. In paragraph 2, The above storage unit is, A secondary battery aging device including a heat exchange coil provided on at least one of the ceiling and the floor of the storage body to radiate heat to the internal space of the storage body.

6. In paragraph 5, A secondary battery aging device in which a fluid that emits heat flows into the interior of the storage body within the heat exchange coil.

7. In paragraph 6, The above heat pump, circulatory system; Refrigerant circulating in one direction within the above circulation pipe; and A state conversion unit connected to the above circulation pipe and configured to compress or expand the refrigerant; A secondary battery aging device that exchanges heat with the fluid by the refrigerant that undergoes a phase change through the above compression and expansion.

8. In paragraph 7, The above state conversion unit, A compression unit that compresses the refrigerant flowing in through the circulation pipe; and A secondary battery aging device comprising an expansion unit that expands the refrigerant flowing in through the above-mentioned circulation pipe.

9. In paragraph 8, The above circulation pipe includes a phase transition section where a phase transition of the refrigerant occurs, The above phase transition part is, A secondary battery aging device comprising a condenser for condensing refrigerant brought into a high temperature and high pressure state by the compression unit between the compression unit and the expansion unit, and a vaporizer for vaporizing refrigerant brought into a low temperature and low pressure state by the expansion unit between the compression unit and the expansion unit.

10. In paragraph 9, The above storage unit includes a fluid pipe that is connected at both ends to communicate with the heat exchange coil, The fluid pipe includes a heat transfer section located adjacent to the phase transfer section of the circulation pipe, A secondary battery aging device in which the fluid of the above fluid pipe exchanges heat with the refrigerant in the above heat transfer unit.

11. In paragraph 10, A secondary battery aging device in which the above refrigerant is condensed in a condenser and emits heat as a fluid, and absorbs heat from the fluid in a vaporizer and vaporizes.

12. In paragraph 10, The above fluid pipe is a main pipe including a heat transfer section; and A secondary battery aging device comprising a plurality of sub-pipes branched from the main pipe and connected to a heat exchange coil.

13. In paragraph 1, The above battery rack, A high-temperature aging section comprising a receiving section that receives high-temperature heat from the heat pump; and A secondary battery aging device, which is divided into a low-temperature aging section comprising a receiving section that receives low-temperature heat from the above heat pump.

14. In paragraph 13, The storage section of the above high temperature aging section provides a high temperature environment to the cell trays stored inside, The storage unit of the above low-temperature aging unit is a secondary battery aging device that provides a low-temperature environment to the cell trays stored inside.

15. In paragraph 13, A secondary battery aging device in which the high-temperature aging section is located above the low-temperature aging section.

16. In paragraph 13, The above battery rack is a secondary battery aging device further including a room temperature aging unit that provides a room temperature environment of 20°C to 25°C to the stored cell tray.

17. In paragraph 13, A secondary battery aging device in which the above one heat pump is connected to a pair of storage units each included in the high-temperature aging unit and the low-temperature aging unit.

18. In paragraph 13, The above one heat pump is a secondary battery aging device connected to the entire storage unit included in the high-temperature aging unit and the low-temperature aging unit.

19. In paragraph 13, A secondary battery aging device wherein the high-temperature aging section maintains a temperature of 30°C to 80°C, and the low-temperature aging section maintains a temperature of 10°C to 26°C.

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