Container module

Abstract

A container module is disclosed. A container module according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a base frame having a square shape; a corner column extending in a vertical direction and connected to a corner portion of the base frame; a bracket coupled to the corner column and extending in a forward-rearward direction; and a battery pack installed on the bracket.

Description

Container module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0119309, filed September 7, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0182298, filed December 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are 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 with improved assembly properties.

[0008] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with a simplified structure.

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

[0010] In order to achieve the above purpose, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame having a square shape; a corner column extending in a vertical direction and connected to a corner portion of the base frame; a bracket coupled to the corner column and extending in a front-back direction; and a battery pack installed on the bracket.

[0011] In addition, the container module further includes a top frame having a square shape and positioned above the base frame, and the corner column can be connected to a corner portion of the top frame.

[0012] Additionally, the corner column may be exposed to the outside.

[0013] Additionally, the container module may further include a fastening member that fastens the corner column and the bracket.

[0014] Additionally, the base frame may include a horizontal beam connected to the corner portion, and the container module may further include a side column connected in a vertical direction and connected to the horizontal beam.

[0015] Additionally, the bracket can be coupled to the side column.

[0016] In addition, the container module further includes a side panel extending in the vertical direction and covering the side column, and the side column can support the side panel.

[0017] In addition, the container module further includes a center column extending in the vertical direction and positioned at the center portion of the left-right width of the base frame, and the battery pack may be positioned between the corner column and the center column.

[0018] In addition, the battery pack is a first battery pack, the container module further includes a second battery pack arranged in a left-right direction with the first battery pack, and the center column can be positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0019] Additionally, the container module may further include a main pipe extending in the vertical direction and positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, and having a flow path.

[0020] Additionally, the main pipe may be connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

[0021] In addition, the container module further includes a front panel configured to be openable; and a cooling unit provided on the front panel, and the main pipe can be connected to the cooling unit.

[0022] In addition, the container module may further include a top panel coupled to the top frame; and a venting portion provided on the top panel.

[0023] Additionally, the venting portion may be configured to connect the inside and outside of the top panel when a thermal event occurs.

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

[0025] Additionally, the container system may be equipped with multiple container modules.

[0026] Additionally, the plurality of container modules can be combined in the left and right directions.

[0027] Additionally, the container system may further include a control module coupled to one side of the container module.

[0028] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a container module of the present invention.

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

[0030] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the structure of the container module can be simplified.

[0031] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the container module can be miniaturized.

[0032] 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.

[0033] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the frame and columns of Figure 1 separated.

[0035] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the combination of the frame and columns of Figure 2.

[0036] Figure 4 is a drawing showing brackets installed in the columns of Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 5 is a drawing showing panels installed in the frame and columns of Figure 4.

[0038] Figure 6 is a drawing showing the front panel of the container module of Figure 1 open.

[0039] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 6.

[0040] Figure 8 is an enlarged view of part L of Figure 7.

[0041] Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line M-M' of Fig. 8.

[0042] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line N-N' of Fig. 8.

[0043] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 6.

[0044] Figure 12 is an enlarged view of part P of Figure 11.

[0045] Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line Q-Q' of Fig. 12.

[0046] Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line R-R' of Fig. 12.

[0047] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 6.

[0048] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of part D of Figure 6.

[0049] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 6.

[0050] Figures 18 and 19 are enlarged views of a portion of the main pipe of the container module of the present invention.

[0051] Figure 20 is a drawing of the container module of Figure 6 viewed from another direction.

[0052] Figure 21 is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 20.

[0053] Figure 22 is an enlarged view of part G of Figure 20.

[0054] Figure 23 is a drawing showing a battery pack mounted on the container module of Figure 6.

[0055] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of part H of Figure 23.

[0056] Figure 25 is an enlarged view of part I of Figure 23.

[0057] Figure 26 is a drawing of the container module of Figure 23 viewed from another direction.

[0058] Figure 27 is an enlarged view of part J of Figure 26.

[0059] Figure 28 is an enlarged view of part K of Figure 26.

[0060] Figure 29 is an enlarged view of a portion of the main pipe of the container module of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 30 is a drawing showing a container system of the present invention.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the frame and columns of FIG. 1 separated. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing the combination of the frame and columns of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing brackets installed on the columns of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a drawing showing panels installed on the frame and columns of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the front panel (110) of the container module of FIG. 1 opened. Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base frame, a corner column, a bracket, and a battery pack.

[0065] The base frame (160) may have a square shape. The base frame (160) may include four horizontal beams (161) and four corner portions (162). The corner portions (162) may connect, fasten, fix, or join the two horizontal beams (161).

[0066] The corner columns (210, 220) may include a front corner column (210) and a rear corner column (220). The front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The lower ends of the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to a corner portion of the base frame (160). Alternatively, the lower ends of the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to a corner portion (162). The front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may form the exterior of the container module. The front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may each be provided as a pair.

[0067] The bracket (300) can be joined, fastened, fixed, attached or connected to the rear corner column (220). The bracket (300) can extend in the forward / backward direction or in the X-axis direction. A plurality of brackets (300) can be provided.

[0068] The battery pack (400) may be positioned, installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed on the bracket. 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 units. The battery pack (400) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0069] According to this configuration of the present invention, the container module may not have a rack frame for housing the battery pack. Conventional battery containers have a rack frame for housing multiple battery packs, and a structure in which brackets are installed on the rack frame is adopted. In contrast, the present invention has a bracket (300) directly installed on the rear corner column (220) forming the exterior of the container module, so that a rack frame for installing the bracket (300) may not be required. This simplifies the structure of the container module and increases its energy density.

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a top frame. The top frame (170) may have a square shape. The top frame (170) may include four horizontal beams (171) and four corner portions (172). The corner portions (172) may connect, fasten, fix, or join two horizontal beams (171).

[0071] The upper ends of the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may be connected, fastened, fixed or joined to the corner portion of the top frame (170). Alternatively, the upper ends of the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) may be connected, fastened, fixed or joined to the corner portion (172).

[0072] The bracket (300) can be joined, fastened, fixed, attached or connected to the rear corner column (220). The bracket (300) can extend in the forward / backward direction or in the X-axis direction. A plurality of brackets (300) can be provided.

[0073] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bracket (300) can be stably installed on the rear corner column (220).

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220) of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be exposed to the outside.

[0075] According to this configuration of the present invention, the productivity of the container module can be improved and the energy density can be increased by directly installing the bracket (300) on the rear corner column (220) forming the exterior of the container module.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a side column (230).

[0077] The side column (230) may extend in the vertical direction or in the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the side column (230) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the base frame (160). Alternatively, the lower end of the side column (230) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the horizontal beam (161). The side column (230) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple side columns (230) may be positioned between the front corner column (210) and the rear corner column (220).

[0078] The top of the side column (230) may be connected, fastened, fixed or joined to the top frame (170). Alternatively, the top of the side column (230) may be connected, fastened, fixed or joined to the horizontal beam (171).

[0079] According to this configuration of the present invention, the side column (230) can stably support and connect the base frame (160) and the top frame (170). As a result, the rigidity of the container module can be improved.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a side panel (120). The side panel (120) may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The side panel (120) may form the exterior of the container module. In addition, the side panel (120) may be exposed to the outside.

[0081] The side panel (120) can cover the side column (230). And the side column (230) can support the side panel (120). Alternatively, the side column (230) can be in contact with the inner surface of the side panel (120).

[0082] According to this configuration of the present invention, the side column (230) can support the side panel (120) and be coupled with the bracket (300). As a result, the structure of the container module can be simplified and the energy density can be improved.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front panel (110), a pair of side panels (120), a top panel (130), a bottom panel (140), and a rear panel (150). The front panel (110), a pair of side panels (120), a top panel (130), a bottom panel (140), a rear panel (150), a front corner column (210), a rear corner column (220), a top frame (170), and a base frame (160) may be collectively referred to as a case (100).

[0084] The case (100) can provide space inside. The case (100) can have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (100) can form the exterior of the container module.

[0085] The front panel (110) may be configured to be openable. The front panel (110) may be configured as a pair of panels. The pair of front panels (110) may include a configuration such as a hinge. The pair of front panels (110) may be rotated to open and close the case (100).

[0086] The front column (270) can support a pair of front panels (110). The front column (270) can extend vertically. In addition, the upper and lower portions of the front column (270) can be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the top frame (170) and the base frame (160), respectively. When the pair of front panels (110) are closed, the front column (270) can be in contact with or support the pair of front panels (110).

[0087] The front panel (110) may be equipped with a cooling unit (111). For example, the cooling unit (111) may be a heat exchanger such as an HVAC, a chiller, a cooler, etc. The cooling unit (111) may control the temperature of a cooling fluid flowing inside the case (100). The cooling unit (111) may supply or circulate a cooling liquid or cooling gas into the interior of the case (100) through a pipe.

[0088] The rear column (280) can support the rear panel (150). Alternatively, the rear panel (150) can cover the rear column (280). The rear column (280) can extend in the vertical direction. In addition, the upper and lower portions of the rear column (280) can be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the top frame (170) and the base frame (160), respectively. In addition, the upper and lower portions of the rear column (280) can be fixed, fastened, or coupled to the horizontal beams (161, 171), respectively.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, the container module of the present invention may include a venting portion (131). The top panel (130) may include the venting portion (131). The venting portion (131) may allow communication between the outside and the inside of the case (100) when a thermal event occurs. When a thermal event occurs, venting gas may be discharged from the battery pack (400), and the pressure inside the case (100) may increase. At this time, the venting portion (131) may discharge the venting gas to the outside of the case (100). As a result, the pressure inside the case (100) may be reduced.

[0090] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a base bar (260). The base bar (260) may extend in the front-back direction or the X-axis direction. The base bar (260) may be connected, coupled, fastened, or fixed to a pair of horizontal beams (161) facing each other at the front and rear sides. The base bar (260) may be located at a central portion inside the case (100).

[0091] The top bar (250) may extend in the forward / backward direction or in the X-axis direction. The top bar (250) may be connected, coupled, fastened, or fixed to a pair of horizontal beams (171) facing each other on the front and rear sides. The top bar (250) may be located at the central portion inside the case (100). The base bar (260) and the top bar (250) may face each other.

[0092] The center column (240) may extend in the vertical direction or in the Z-axis direction. The lower end of the center column (240) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the base bar (260). The center column (240) may be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple center columns (240) may be positioned between the front column (270) and the rear column (280). The upper end of the center column (240) may be connected, fastened, fixed, or coupled to the top bar (250).

[0093] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 6, a plurality of brackets (300) may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the right side of a plurality of side columns (230) arranged along a left side panel (120). In addition, a plurality of brackets (300) may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the left side of a plurality of side columns (230) arranged along a right side panel (120). In addition, a plurality of brackets (300) may be coupled, fastened, or fixed to the left and right sides of a center column (240) arranged along a central portion. The plurality of columns (220, 230, 240, 280) and the plurality of brackets (300) may define a space in which a battery pack (400) is to be mounted. The plurality of brackets (300) may support or fix the battery pack (400).

[0094] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is an enlarged drawing of part L of Fig. 7. Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line M-M' of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line N-N' of Fig. 8.

[0095] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a fastening member (S) that fastens a rear corner column (220) and a bracket (300).

[0096] The bracket (300) may include a horizontal portion (310), a vertical portion (320), and a support (350).

[0097] The horizontal portion (310) may be extended in a longitudinal direction or along the Y-axis direction. The horizontal portion (310) may have a stopper (312) at the rear end. The stopper (312) may be formed by bending or bending a portion of the horizontal portion (310) upward. The horizontal portion (310) and the stopper (312) may be formed integrally. The horizontal portion (310) may include a first fixing portion (310) at the front. The first fixing portion (310) may be formed by bending or bending a portion of the horizontal portion (310) downward. The first fixing portion (310) and the stopper (312) may be formed integrally. The first fixing portion (310) may include a through hole formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0098] The vertical portion (320) may be elongated along the forward-backward direction or the Y-axis direction. The vertical portion (320) may extend upward from the horizontal portion (310). The vertical portion (320) may be formed by a portion of the horizontal portion (310) being bent or curved upward. The vertical portion (320) and the horizontal portion (310) may be formed to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The vertical portion (320) and the horizontal portion (310) may be formed integrally. In addition, the vertical portion (320) may extend upward while forming a step.

[0099] The vertical portion (320) may include a first part (325) and a second part (326). The first part (325) may extend from the horizontal portion (310). The second part (326) may extend from the first part (325). The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed to be long along the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction, respectively. The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed to be stepped. The second part (326) may be formed to be stepped inward from the first part (325) or in the direction in which the horizontal portion (310) is formed. The second part (326) may be formed by bending or bending a portion of the first part (325) upward. The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed integrally.

[0100] The support (350) may be extended in the forward / reverse direction or along the Y-axis. The support (350) may be joined, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion (310). For example, the support (350) may be joined to the lower surface of the horizontal portion (310) by welding. The support (350) may support the load applied to the bracket (300).

[0101] The fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the first part (325) and the rear corner column (220). In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the support (350) and the rear corner column (220).

[0102] The rear corner column (220) may be provided with a hook hole (221). The hook (322) of the bracket (300) may be caught in the hook hole (221).

[0103] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bracket (300) is directly installed on the rear corner column (220) forming the exterior of the container module, thereby simplifying the structure of the container module and increasing the energy density.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 10, a bracket (300) of a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention can be coupled to a side column (230).

[0105] The fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the first part (325) and the side column (230). In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the support (350) and the side column (230).

[0106] The side column (230) may be provided with a hook hole (231). The hook (322) of the bracket (300) may be hooked to the hook hole (231).

[0107] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bracket (300) is directly installed on the side column (230), thereby simplifying the structure of the container module and increasing the energy density.

[0108] Fig. 11 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Fig. 6. Fig. 12 is an enlarged drawing of part P of Fig. 11. Fig. 13 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line Q-Q' of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line R-R' of Fig. 12.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, in a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention, a battery pack (400, see FIG. 23) may be positioned between a rear corner column (220) and a center column (240). In addition, the battery pack (400) may be positioned between a rear corner column (220) and a rear column (280).

[0110] The fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the first part (325) and the center column (240). In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the support (350) and the center column (240).

[0111] The center column (240) may be provided with a hook hole (241). The hook (322) of the bracket (300) may be hooked into the hook hole (241).

[0112] The fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the first part (325) and the rear column (280). In addition, the fastening member (S) can fasten or combine the support (350) and the rear column (280).

[0113] The rear column (280) may be provided with a hook hole (281). The hook (322) of the bracket (300) may be caught in the hook hole (281).

[0114] According to this configuration of the present invention, the bracket (300) can be directly installed on the center column (240) and the rear column (280). In addition, the rear column (280) can support the rear panel (150) and the battery pack at the same time. This simplifies the structure of the container module and increases its energy density.

[0115] Fig. 15 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line C-C' of Fig. 6. Fig. 16 is an enlarged drawing of part D of Fig. 6. Fig. 17 is an enlarged drawing of part E of Fig. 6.

[0116] Referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a control unit (600) and a sensor unit (700). The control unit (600) may be electrically and physically connected to a plurality of battery packs (400). The control units (600) may be configured as a pair. The control units (600) may be positioned on the left and right sides, respectively. The control unit (600) may control charging and discharging and on-off of the plurality of battery packs (400). The sensor unit (700) may detect charging and discharging status, temperature, pressure, etc. of the plurality of battery packs (400). In addition, the sensor unit (700) may detect temperature, pressure, humidity, etc. inside the case (100). The sensor unit (700) may transmit the acquired information to the control unit (600). The control unit (600) and the sensor unit (700) may be located at the upper part of the interior of the case (100). The control unit (600) and the sensor unit (700) may be located above the plurality of brackets (300).

[0117] FIGS. 18 and 19 are enlarged views of a portion of the main pipe (500) of the container module of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a view of the container module of FIG. 6 viewed from another direction. FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of portion F of FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of portion G of FIG. 20. Referring to FIGS. 18 to 22, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a main pipe (500). The main pipe (500) may extend in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The main pipe (500) may be fastened, fixed, or coupled to the interior of the case (100). The main pipe (500) may be located between the center column (240) and the front column (270). Additionally, the main pipe (500) may be located behind the front column (270). Additionally, the main pipe (500) may be located at the front of the central portion of the internal space of the case (100). Additionally, the main pipe (500) may be located between the battery packs (400) arranged in the left-right direction.

[0118] The main pipe (500) may have a flow path formed therein. The main pipe (500) may have a pair of flow paths. Each pair of flow paths may be a flow path through which cooling fluid is supplied and a flow path through which cooling fluid is discharged, respectively. In addition, the main pipe (500) may be connected to a first pipe (510). The first pipes (510) may be provided in pairs. The first pipes (510) may connect the main pipe (500) and the cooling unit (111).

[0119] The main pipe (500) may be connected to a second pipe (520). The second pipes (520) may be provided in pairs. The second pipes (520) may connect the main pipe (500) and the battery pack (400). The second pipes (520) may be provided in multiple pairs. Each of the multiple pairs of the second pipes (520) may be connected to the battery pack (400). The multiple pairs of the second pipes (520) may be connected to the left and right sides of the main pipe (500), respectively.

[0120] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a battery pack (400) mounted on the container module of Fig. 6. Fig. 24 is an enlarged drawing of part H of Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is an enlarged drawing of part I of Fig. 23. Fig. 26 is a drawing of the container module of Fig. 23 viewed from another direction. Fig. 27 is an enlarged drawing of part J of Fig. 26. Fig. 28 is an enlarged drawing of part K of Fig. 26. Fig. 29 is an enlarged drawing of a part of the main pipe (500) of the container module of the present invention.

[0121] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 29, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery array. A plurality of battery packs (400) may be arranged in a vertical direction or in the Z-axis direction to form a battery array. In addition, the container module may include two battery arrays. The two battery arrays may be arranged in the left-right direction or in the Y-axis direction. The battery array may be used as a general term for the plurality of battery packs (400). The plurality of battery packs (400) forming the battery array may be spaced apart from each other.

[0122] The left battery array may be positioned between the columns (210, 230, 220) arranged along the left side panel (120) and the columns (270, 240, 270) arranged in the central portion. The right battery array may be positioned between the columns (210, 230, 220) arranged along the right side panel (120) and the columns (270, 240, 270) arranged in the central portion.

[0123] Each battery pack (400) may be mounted, coupled, fastened, or fixed to a pair of brackets (300). The control unit (600) and the sensor unit (700) may be positioned above the battery array. The columns (220, 230, 240, 280) or the brackets (300) may support the battery pack (400) or the battery array. The main pipe (500) may be positioned between the pair of battery arrays.

[0124] According to this configuration of the present invention, since the container module does not have a rack frame, the space utilization within the case (100) can be increased. As a result, the energy capacity and energy density of the container module can be improved.

[0125] A pair of second pipes (520) may be connected to the battery pack (400). Cooling fluid may be supplied to the battery pack (400) through the second pipes (520), and cooling fluid passing through the battery pack (400) may be discharged through the second pipes (520).

[0126] The main pipe (500) can be located between the front column (270) and the center column (240).

[0127] According to this configuration of the present invention, the container module can be configured in a compact size. As a result, multiple battery arrays can be mounted inside the case (100).

[0128] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 29, a center column (240) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be positioned between a left battery array and a right battery array. Alternatively, the center column (240) may be positioned between a first battery pack (400) included in the left battery array and a second battery pack (400) included in the right battery array.

[0129] The main pipe (500) may be located between the left battery array and the right battery array. Alternatively, the main pipe (500) may be located between the first battery pack (400) included in the left battery array and the second battery pack (400) included in the right battery array.

[0130] FIG. 30 is a drawing illustrating a container system of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 20, the container system may include a plurality of container modules (10). The plurality of container modules (10) may be physically or electrically connected. The container module (10) may have a connection hole (121) in a side panel (120). A cable electrically connecting the plurality of container modules (10) may pass through the connection hole (121).

[0131] The case (100) may be configured to be stackable or combined with the case (100) of another container module (10). The case (100) may have corner portions (162, 172) on the side panel (120). The corner portions (162, 172) may be provided on the left side panel (120) and the right side panel (120) of the case (100), respectively. In addition, the corner portions (162, 172) may be provided on the upper and lower sides of the side panel (120), respectively. In addition, the corner portions (162, 172) may be provided at each corner of the side panel (120). The case (100) may be connected, combined, fastened, stacked, or fixed with the case (100) of another container module along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0132] The container system may include a control module (20). The control module (20) may be fastened, coupled, connected, laminated or fixed to a side panel (120) or corner portion (162, 172) of the container module (10).

[0133] The control module (20) can be electrically connected to a plurality of container modules (10) included in the container system. The control module (20) can control charging and discharging of the plurality of container modules (10). In addition, the control module (20) can obtain status information of the plurality of container modules (10).

[0134] Additionally, the container system may be configured to additionally include a firefighting module for controlling thermal events.

[0135] 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).

[0136] 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.

[0137] 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. Base frame having a square shape; A corner column extending in the vertical direction and connected to a corner portion of the base frame; A bracket coupled to the above corner column and extending in the front-back direction; and A container module including a battery pack installed on the above bracket.

2. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a top frame having a square shape and positioned above the base frame, The above corner column is a container module connected to the corner portion of the above top frame.

3. In paragraph 1, The above corner column is, Container modules exposed to the outside.

4. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a fastening member for fastening the corner column and the bracket.

5. In paragraph 1, The above base frame, including a horizontal beam connected to the above corner portion, The above container module, A container module further comprising side columns connected in a vertical direction and connected to the horizontal beam.

6. In paragraph 5, The above brackets are, A container module coupled to the above side column.

7. In paragraph 5, Further comprising a side panel extending in the vertical direction and covering the side column, The above side column, A container module supporting the above side panel.

8. In paragraph 1, Further comprising a center column extending in the vertical direction and positioned at the center portion of the left-right width of the base frame, The above battery pack, A container module positioned between the corner column and the center column.

9. In paragraph 8, The above battery pack is a first battery pack, The above container module, Further comprising a second battery pack arranged in the left and right direction with the first battery pack, The above center column is, A container module positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

10. In paragraph 9, A container module further comprising a main pipe extending in a vertical direction and positioned between the first battery pack and the second battery pack, the main pipe having a flow path.

11. In paragraph 10, The above main pipe, A container module connected to the first battery pack and the second battery pack.

12. In paragraph 10, A front panel configured to be opened; and, Further comprising a cooling unit provided on the front panel, The above main pipe, A container module communicating with the above cooling unit.

13. In paragraph 2, A top panel coupled to the top frame; and A container module further comprising a venting portion provided on the top panel.

14. In paragraph 13, The above venting part, A container module configured to connect the inside and outside of the top panel when a thermal event occurs.

15. A container system comprising a plurality of container modules according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

16. In paragraph 15, The above multiple container modules, A container system that is joined in a left-right direction.

17. In paragraph 15, A container system further comprising a control module coupled to one side of one of the plurality of container modules.

18. An energy storage system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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