Energy storage system and control method of energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a plurality of batteries; at least one power conversion system (PCS) interlocked with the batteries; and a control device for monitoring whether a fire occurs in the batteries. Here, the control device may determine at least one second battery within a predefined distance range from a first battery in which a fire has occurred, and control the at least one PCS to discharge power stored in the second battery.

Description

Energy storage system and control method of energy storage system

[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0121055, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 12, 2023, and Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0118889, filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office on September 3, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to an energy storage system and a control method for an energy storage system, and more particularly, to an energy storage system and a control method for an energy storage system capable of preventing the spread of fire when a fire occurs in a battery system.

[0003] Secondary batteries are batteries that can be reused by charging even after discharge, and can be used as an energy source for small devices such as mobile phones, tablet PCs, and vacuum cleaners, and are also used as an energy source for medium and large devices such as automobiles and ESS (Energy Storage Systems) for smart grids.

[0004] Secondary batteries are applied to systems in the form of assemblies, such as battery modules, in which multiple battery cells are connected in series and parallel, or battery racks, in which battery modules are connected in series and parallel, depending on the system requirements. For medium- to large-sized devices, such as ESS for smart grids, high-capacity battery systems, in which multiple battery racks are connected in parallel, can be applied to meet the device's capacity requirements.

[0005] If a fire breaks out within a high-capacity battery system, it can spread from the ignited battery to surrounding batteries, potentially escalating into a major fire. To prevent fire from spreading within a battery system, space is typically created between batteries, or fire extinguishing systems are installed within the battery system.

[0006] However, if this general fire spread prevention design is applied to a battery system, the energy density of the energy storage system will decrease and the system design cost will increase.

[0007] Therefore, appropriate fire spread prevention technology is needed to solve these problems.

[0008] The purpose of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide an energy storage system capable of preventing the spread of fire when a fire occurs within a battery system.

[0009] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a control device for controlling such an energy storage system.

[0010] Another object of the present invention to solve the above problems is to provide a control method for such an energy storage system.

[0011] An energy storage system according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object may include: a plurality of batteries; one or more power conversion systems (PCS) interlocked with the batteries; and a control device for monitoring whether a fire occurs in the batteries.

[0012] Here, the control device can determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery where the fire occurred, and control the one or more PCSs to discharge power stored in the second batteries.

[0013] The above control device can control the charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except for the second battery to be blocked, and control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0014] The control device can select one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among the batteries other than the first battery and the second battery, and control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery.

[0015] The control device can control the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and control the DC / DC converter linked to the second battery to a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0016] The control device can control the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and control the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0017] The control device can control the PCS linked to the second battery to a discharge mode and control the PCS linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0018] The control device may define a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries, and control the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority. Here, the control device may define the discharge priority based on one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from the first battery.

[0019] The control device can monitor the temperature of the first battery and control the discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature.

[0020]

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-described other object, a control device is a control device of an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) linked to the batteries, the control device including at least one processor; and a memory storing at least one command executed through the at least one processor.

[0022] The at least one command may include: a command for monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the batteries; a command for determining, if a fire has occurred, a first battery among the batteries in which a fire has occurred; a command for determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and a command for controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged.

[0023] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the charge / discharge paths of the remaining batteries except for the second battery to be blocked; and a command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0024] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for selecting one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among the batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery; and a command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0025] The command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the second battery to a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0026] The command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0027] The command for controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include a command for controlling the PCS linked to the second battery to a discharge mode and controlling the PCS linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0028] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and a command for controlling the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority. Here, the command for defining the discharge priority may include a command for defining the discharge priority based on one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from the first battery.

[0029] The command for controlling the second batteries to discharge sequentially may include a command for monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and a command for controlling the discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature.

[0030]

[0031] According to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above another object, a control method is provided, which is a control method for an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and a power conversion system (PCS) interlocked with the batteries, the control method including: a step of monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the batteries; a step of determining, when a fire has occurred, a first battery among the batteries in which a fire has occurred; a step of determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and a step of controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged.

[0032] The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include the step of controlling the charge / discharge paths of the remaining batteries excluding the second battery to be blocked; and the step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0033] The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include the step of selecting one or more third batteries capable of being charged among the batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery; and the step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery.

[0034] The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include the step of controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the second battery to a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0035] The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include the step of controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0036] The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include the step of controlling the PCS linked to the second battery to a discharge mode and controlling the PCS linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0037] The step of controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include the step of defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and the step of controlling the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority. Here, the step of defining the discharge priority may include the step of defining the discharge priority based on one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from the first battery.

[0038] The step of controlling the second batteries to discharge sequentially may include the step of monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and the step of controlling the discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature.

[0039] According to the above-described embodiment of the present invention, by forcibly discharging batteries located around a battery where a fire has occurred, the spread of the fire can be prevented, and even if the fire spreads to surrounding batteries, damage caused by the fire can be minimized.

[0040] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0041] Figure 2a is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2b is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 is an operation flowchart of a control method of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a method for determining a second battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figures 5 to 8 are reference diagrams for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 9 is an operational flowchart of a control method of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figures 10 to 13 are reference diagrams for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a control device of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] 100, 100': Battery

[0050] 200, 200': Power conversion device

[0051] 300, 300': Control unit

[0052] The present invention is susceptible to various modifications and embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but rather to encompass all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Throughout the description of each drawing, similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components.

[0053] Terms such as "first," "second," "A," and "B" may be used to describe various components, but these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component could be referred to as the "second component," and similarly, the second component could also be referred to as the "first component." The term "and / or" includes any combination of multiple related items listed or any one of multiple related items listed.

[0054] When a component is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected or connected to that other component, but that there may be other components intervening. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that there are no other components intervening.

[0055] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0057]

[0058] Some terms used in this specification are defined as follows:

[0059] SOC (State of Charge) is the current charged state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%], and SOH (State of Health) is the current remaining state of the battery expressed as a percentage [%].

[0060] A battery rack is a single-structure system that can be monitored and controlled through a BMS by connecting module units set by the battery manufacturer in series or parallel. It can be configured to include multiple battery modules and one BPU or protection device.

[0061] A battery bank can refer to a large-scale battery rack system composed of multiple racks connected in parallel. A battery bank-level BMS can monitor and control the rack BMS (RBMS) at the battery rack level.

[0062] BSC (Battery System Controller) is a device that performs top-level control of a battery system, including a battery bank unit battery system, and is also used as a control device in a battery system with multiple bank level structures.

[0063] Nominal Capacity (Nominal Capa.) may refer to the set capacity [Ah] of the battery set by the battery manufacturer during development.

[0064]

[0065] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0066]

[0067] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a typical energy storage system.

[0068] In an energy storage system (ESS), the smallest unit of a battery that stores power is typically a battery cell. A series / parallel combination of battery cells forms a battery module, and multiple battery modules can form a battery rack. In other words, a battery rack, consisting of a series / parallel combination of battery modules, can serve as the smallest unit of a battery system. Depending on the device or system in which the battery is used, a battery module may also be referred to as a battery pack.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 1, a single battery rack (10) may include multiple battery modules. The battery rack can be monitored and controlled via a Rack Battery Management System (RBMS). The RBMS monitors the current, voltage, and temperature of each battery rack it manages, and based on the monitoring results, calculates the battery's SOC and controls charging and discharging.

[0070] Each battery section, which includes a plurality of batteries and peripheral circuits, devices, etc., is equipped with a battery system controller (BSC) (20) to monitor and control control targets such as voltage, current, temperature, circuit breakers, etc. The BSC is the top-level control device of a battery system including a bank-level battery system including a plurality of battery racks, and is also used as a control device in a battery system having a multiple bank-level structure.

[0071] In addition, the power conversion system (PCS) (40) installed in each battery section is a device that performs actual charging / discharging based on the charging / discharging command from the EMS (30), and may be configured to include a DC / AC inverter and a controller. Meanwhile, the output of each battery rack (10) may be connected to a power generation device (e.g., a solar power generation device) and the PCS (40) via a DC bus, and the PCS (40) may be connected to the grid. In addition, the EMS (Energy Management System) (30) or PMS (Power Management System) manages the ESS system as a whole.

[0072] The battery rack (10) may include a BPU, or a BPU may be arranged at the input / output terminal of the battery rack (10). The BPU (Battery Protection Unit) is a device for protecting the battery from abnormal current and fault current in the battery rack unit. The BPU may include a main contactor (MC), a fuse, a circuit breaker (CB), or a disconnect switch (DS). The BPU can control the battery system in the rack unit by turning the main contactor on / off according to the control of the RBMS. The BPU can also protect the battery from short-circuit current by using a fuse in the event of a short-circuit. In this way, the existing battery system can be controlled through protection devices such as the BPU and switch gear.

[0073] For battery racks equipped with a BPU, individual control considering the individual characteristics of each battery rack, such as battery capacity, SOH, and SOC, is impossible. To overcome this limitation, a bidirectional DC / DC converter can be installed for each battery rack. In this case, the BSC (20) can determine an output reference for each DC / DC converter by considering the status of each battery rack and transmit it to each DC / DC converter.

[0074] Meanwhile, the battery racks illustrated in Fig. 1 are connected in parallel to a DC link, and the DC link is connected to the DC side of the PCS (40). Unlike Fig. 1, each of the battery racks has a separate PCS (DC / AC inverter), and the AC side of each PCS is connected to the AC link, enabling interconnection with the grid.

[0075]

[0076] Figure 2a is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 2A, the energy storage system may include a battery system including a plurality of batteries (100), a power conversion device (PCS) (200) interlocked with the battery system, and a control device (300) that controls at least one of the battery system and the PCS.

[0078] In the present invention, the battery (100) may mean a battery rack, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to such an object.

[0079] Multiple batteries (100) can be connected in parallel with each other on a DC link.

[0080] The battery system may include at least one of a battery having a BPU (hereinafter, a BPU-applied battery) disposed at an input / output terminal and a battery having a bidirectional DC / DC converter disposed at an input / output terminal (hereinafter, a DC / DC-applied battery). For example, all batteries included in the battery system may be BPU-applied batteries or DC / DC-applied batteries. In another example, at least some of the batteries included in the battery system may be BPU-applied batteries, and the rest may be DC / DC-applied batteries.

[0081] PCS (200) may include a DC / AC inverter, and the DC side terminal may be connected to a DC link and the AC side terminal may be connected to an AC link.

[0082] A switching device (SW) may be placed between the DC side terminal of the PCS (200) and the DC link. Here, the switching device may be a circuit protection switch located inside the distribution terminal box.

[0083] The control device (300) can monitor and control the status of the battery system and the PCS (200) in conjunction with the battery system and the PCS (200). Here, the control device (300) can correspond to an EMS or a BSC, or can be implemented as included in an EMS or a BSC.

[0084] The control device (300) can monitor whether a fire occurs within the battery system.

[0085] When a fire is detected within the battery system, the control device (300) can perform control measures to prevent the spread of the fire.

[0086]

[0087] FIG. 2b is a block diagram of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 2b, the energy storage system may include a battery system including a plurality of batteries (100') and a control device (300') that controls the battery system.

[0089] The battery system may include PCSs (200') arranged at the input / output terminals of each of a plurality of batteries (100').

[0090] The PCS (200') may include a DC / AC inverter, and the DC side terminal may be connected to the input / output terminal of the battery (100'), and the AC side terminal may be connected to the AC link.

[0091] Multiple PCS (200') can be connected in parallel to each other on an AC link.

[0092] A switching device (SW) can be placed between the DC side terminal of the PCS (200') and the AC link.

[0093] The control device (300') can monitor and control the status of batteries and PCS (200') in conjunction with the battery system. Here, the control device (300') can correspond to an EMS or BSC, or can be implemented as included in an EMS or BSC.

[0094] The control device (300') can monitor whether a fire occurs within the battery system.

[0095] When a fire is detected within the battery system, the control device (300') can perform control measures to prevent the spread of the fire.

[0096]

[0097] Figure 3 is an operation flowchart of a control method of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0098] A control method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be performed by a control device located within an energy storage system.

[0099] The control device can monitor whether a fire has occurred within the battery system (S310).

[0100] Here, the control device can detect whether a fire has occurred by interworking with the BMS of each battery, or can detect whether a fire has occurred by interworking with one or more of the temperature sensors and smoke detection sensors arranged inside the battery system.

[0101] When a fire is detected (Y in S310), the control device can determine which battery among the batteries included in the battery system has caught fire (hereinafter, referred to as the first battery) (S320). For example, the control device (300) can determine a battery exceeding a predefined threshold temperature as the battery that caught fire.

[0102] Thereafter, the control device may determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery (S330). Here, the second battery may refer to a battery that is likely to be additionally ignited by the first battery.

[0103] The distance range for determining the second battery can be predefined based on the temperature distribution according to the distance from the ignition battery.

[0104] FIG. 4 is a reference diagram for explaining a method for determining a second battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0105] FIG. 4 shows a graph of temperature change according to the distance from a ignition battery (N) when a fire breaks out in a specific battery (N) among multiple batteries arranged in a row. Referring to FIG. 4, at the initial point in time (t0) of a fire, heat diffusion to surrounding batteries is minimal, but after a certain period of time (t1), heat may spread to batteries located far from the ignition battery. At the point in time (t2) when the ignition battery (N) reaches a saturation temperature, heat may spread to all batteries. Here, during the period (t0 to t2) until the ignition battery (N) reaches the saturation temperature, if the temperature of a specific battery exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature (e.g., ignition temperature), the battery may catch fire due to the spread heat. Therefore, a battery at risk of fire (the second battery) may be determined as a battery that exhibits a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold temperature during the period from the ignition point to the ignition battery reaching its maximum temperature. In the case of Fig. 4, with the ignition battery (N) as the center, the N-2 battery or the N+2 battery can be determined as the second battery.

[0106] Meanwhile, unlike FIG. 4, even when multiple batteries are arranged in a matrix form (e.g., 8 rows and 8 columns), the second battery can be determined based on the temperature distribution according to the distance with the ignition battery (N) as the center point.

[0107] Referring again to FIG. 3, the control device may control one or more of the battery system and the power conversion device to cause the power stored in the second battery to be discharged (S340).

[0108] In the first embodiment, the control device can control power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the AC link. Here, the control device can control at least one of the battery system and the power conversion device to block the charge / discharge paths of the batteries other than the second battery, and cause the power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the AC link via the PCS.

[0109] In a second embodiment, the control device can select one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among the batteries other than the first and second batteries, and control the power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery. For example, the control device that is linked to a battery system including DC / DC applicable batteries can block the connection path between the PCS and the battery system, and control one or more of the DC / DC converter linked to the second battery or the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to discharge the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0110] The control device can control the discharge of the second battery to be stopped when the SOC of the second battery decreases below a predetermined SOC.

[0111]

[0112] Figures 5 to 8 are reference diagrams for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] Specifically, FIGS. 5 to 8 are drawings for explaining a control method according to the first embodiment, FIGS. 5 to 7 are drawings for explaining a control method that can be performed in the energy storage system of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining a control method that can be performed in the energy storage system of FIG. 2b.

[0114] Fig. 5 shows a control method of an energy storage system composed of BPU applied batteries.

[0115] If a fire is detected, the control unit can switch the PCS to a stop mode and turn off the BPUs of all batteries, thereby blocking the charging and discharging paths of the batteries. Here, the BPU's off state may mean that a switching device (e.g., a main contactor or a circuit breaker) included in the BPU is open, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery and the DC link. In addition, the BPU's on state may mean that a switching device included in the BPU is closed, thereby electrically connecting the battery and the DC link.

[0116] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0117] Thereafter, the control unit can turn on the BPU of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) and switch the PCS to discharge mode. Accordingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0118] Fig. 6 shows a control method of an energy storage system composed of DC / DC application batteries.

[0119] When a fire is detected, the control unit can switch the PCS to a stop mode and switch the DC / DC converters of all batteries to a stop mode to block the charge / discharge path of the batteries.

[0120] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0121] Thereafter, the control unit can switch the DC / DC converter of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) to discharge mode and switch the PCS to discharge mode. Accordingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0122] Fig. 7 shows a control method of an energy storage system including a BPU applied battery and a DC / DC applied battery.

[0123] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to a stop mode, switch the BPU of the BPU-applied batteries to an off state, and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied batteries to a stop mode to block the charge / discharge path of the batteries.

[0124] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0125] Thereafter, the control device can turn on the BPU of the BPU-applied batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5) among the second batteries, switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied battery (battery #6) among the second batteries to discharge mode, and switch the PCS to discharge mode. Accordingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0126]

[0127] Fig. 8 shows a control method of an energy storage system composed of PCS application batteries.

[0128] When a fire is detected, the control unit can switch all PCS (DC / AC inverters) to stop mode to block the charge / discharge path of the batteries.

[0129] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0130] Thereafter, the control unit can switch the PCS of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) to discharge mode. Accordingly, the power stored in the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) can be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6).

[0131]

[0132] Figure 9 is an operational flowchart of a control method for an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, Figure 9 illustrates a control method according to the second embodiment.

[0133] The control device can monitor whether a fire has occurred within the battery system (S910).

[0134] When a fire is detected (Y of S910), the control device can determine the battery in which the fire occurred (hereinafter, the first battery) among the batteries included in the battery system (S920).

[0135] The control device can determine one or more second batteries within a predefined distance range from the first battery (S930).

[0136] The control device can select one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among the batteries excluding the first and second batteries (S940). Here, the control device can determine a battery with a SOC lower than a predetermined level of charge among the batteries excluding the first and second batteries as the third battery.

[0137]

[0138] The control device can control one or more of the battery system and the power conversion device to cause the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the third battery side (S950).

[0139] For example, a control device interlocked with a battery system including DC / DC applied batteries can block a connection path between the PCS and the battery system and control at least one of a DC / DC converter interlocked with a second battery or a DC / DC converter interlocked with a third battery to discharge power stored in the second battery to the third battery. Accordingly, the third battery can be charged using the stored power of the second battery.

[0140] The control device can define discharge priorities for a plurality of second batteries and control the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priorities.

[0141] Discharge priorities may be defined based on one or more of the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and distance from the primary battery of each battery. Here, a battery with a closer distance to the primary battery, a higher SOC, or a higher SOH may be defined as having a higher priority.

[0142] For example, in FIG. 10, among the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6), battery #3 and battery #5, which are closest to the first battery (battery #4), may be defined as having the highest discharge priority, and battery #2 and battery #6, which are farthest, may be defined as having the lowest discharge priority. Here, if the SOC of battery #3 is higher than that of battery #5, and the SOC of battery #2 is higher than that of battery #6, the discharge priority may be defined in the order of battery #3, battery #5, battery #2, and battery #6.

[0143] The control device may monitor the temperature of the first battery during the sequential discharge of a plurality of second batteries according to the discharge priority, and may control the sequential discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature. For example, if the temperature of the first battery is confirmed to fall below the preset temperature after the discharge of battery #3 is completed according to the discharge priority, the control device may terminate the control measures to prevent the spread of fire without discharging the remaining second batteries (batteries #5, #2, and #6).

[0144]

[0145] Figures 10 to 13 are reference diagrams for explaining a control method of an energy storage system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0146] Specifically, FIGS. 10 to 13 are drawings for explaining a control method according to the second embodiment, FIGS. 10 to 12 are drawings for explaining a control method that can be performed in the energy storage system of FIG. 2a, and FIG. 13 is a drawing for explaining a control method that can be performed in the energy storage system of FIG. 2b.

[0147] Fig. 10 shows a control method of an energy storage system composed of DC / DC application batteries.

[0148] If a fire is detected, the control unit can switch the PCS to a stop mode and open a switching device (SW) located between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control unit can switch the DC / DC converters of all batteries to a stop mode, thereby disconnecting the charging and discharging paths of the batteries.

[0149] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0150] Additionally, the control device can determine a rechargeable battery (e.g., battery #7, 8) among the remaining batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery as the third battery.

[0151] Thereafter, the control device can switch the DC / DC converter of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) to a discharge mode and switch the DC / DC converter of each of the third batteries (batteries #7, 8) to a charge mode. Accordingly, the stored power of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) can be discharged and the third batteries (batteries #7, 8) can be charged.

[0152] If, among the second batteries, battery #3 and battery #5 are defined as the first priority for discharge, and battery #2 and battery #6 are defined as the second priority for discharge, the control device can switch the DC / DC converters of battery #3 and battery #5 to discharge mode so that the batteries with the first priority for discharge are discharged preferentially. When battery #3 and battery #5 are discharged to the set SOC, the control device can switch the DC / DC converters of battery #3 and battery #5 to stop mode, and switch the DC / DC converters of battery #2 and battery #6 to discharge mode so that the batteries with the second priority for discharge are discharged.

[0153] Fig. 11 shows a control method of an energy storage system including a BPU application battery and a DC / DC application battery.

[0154] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to a stop mode and open a switching device (SW) located between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control device can turn off the BPU of the BPU-applied batteries and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied batteries to a stop mode, thereby cutting off the charge / discharge path of the batteries.

[0155] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0156] Additionally, the control device can determine a rechargeable battery (e.g., battery #7, 8) among the remaining batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery as the third battery.

[0157] Thereafter, the control device can turn on the BPU of the BPU-applied batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5) among the second batteries, switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied battery (battery #6) among the second batteries to a discharge mode, and switch the DC / DC converter of the third battery (battery #7, 8) to a charge mode. Accordingly, the stored power of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) can be discharged, and the third batteries (batteries #7, 8) can be charged.

[0158] Fig. 12 shows an example different from Fig. 11 as a control method of an energy storage system including a BPU application battery and a DC / DC application battery.

[0159] When a fire is detected, the control device can switch the PCS to a stop mode and open a switching device (SW) located between the DC side terminal of the PCS and the DC link, thereby cutting off the electrical connection between the PCS and the battery system. In addition, the control device can turn off the BPU of the BPU-applied batteries and switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied batteries to a stop mode, thereby cutting off the charge / discharge path of the batteries.

[0160] If battery #7 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #5, 6, 8) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #7 as second batteries.

[0161] Additionally, the control device can determine a rechargeable battery (e.g., battery #1, 2, 3) among the remaining batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery as the third battery.

[0162] Thereafter, the control device can turn on the BPU of the BPU-applied battery (battery #5) among the second batteries, switch the DC / DC converter of the DC / DC-applied batteries (batteries #6, 8) among the second batteries to a discharge mode, and turn on the BPU of the third batteries (batteries #1, 2, 3). Accordingly, the stored power of the second batteries (batteries #5, 6, 8) can be discharged, and the third batteries (batteries #1, 2, 3) can be charged.

[0163] Fig. 13 shows a control method of an energy storage system composed of PCS application batteries.

[0164] When a fire is detected, the control unit can switch all PCS (DC / AC inverters) to stop mode and open the switching device (SW) placed between the grid and the AC link, thereby disconnecting the electrical connection between the battery system and the grid.

[0165] If battery #4 is determined to be the ignition battery (first battery), the control device can determine batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, 6) within a predefined distance range (e.g., N-2 to N+2) from battery #4 as second batteries.

[0166] Additionally, the control device can determine a rechargeable battery (e.g., battery #7, 8) among the remaining batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery as the third battery.

[0167] Thereafter, the control device can switch the PCS of each of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) to a discharge mode and switch the PCS of each of the third batteries (batteries #7 and 8) to a charge mode. Accordingly, the stored power of the second batteries (batteries #2, 3, 5, and 6) can be discharged and the third batteries (batteries #7 and 8) can be charged.

[0168]

[0169] Figure 14 is a block diagram of a control device of an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0170] The control device (300) may be located within an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) that are linked to the batteries. Here, the control device (300) may correspond to an EMS or a BSC, or may be implemented as included in an EMS or a BSC.

[0171] The control device (300) may include at least one processor (310), a memory (320) that stores at least one command executed through the processor, and a transmission / reception device (330) that is connected to a network and performs communication.

[0172] The at least one command may include: a command for monitoring whether a fire has occurred in the batteries; a command for determining, if a fire has occurred, a first battery among the batteries in which a fire has occurred; a command for determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and a command for controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged.

[0173] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the charge / discharge paths of the remaining batteries except for the second battery to be blocked; and a command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery to the AC link side through the PCS.

[0174] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for selecting one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among the batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery; and a command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0175] The command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the second battery to a discharge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

[0176] The command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery may include a command for controlling the PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries to a stop mode and controlling the DC / DC converter linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0177] The command for controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged may include a command for controlling the PCS linked to the second battery to a discharge mode and controlling the PCS linked to the third battery to a charge mode, thereby discharging the power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

[0178] The command for controlling the discharge of the power stored in the second battery may include a command for defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of second batteries; and a command for controlling the plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority. Here, the command for defining the discharge priority may include a command for defining the discharge priority based on one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from the first battery.

[0179] The command for controlling the second batteries to discharge sequentially may include a command for monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and a command for controlling the discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature.

[0180] The control device (300) may further include an input interface device (340), an output interface device (350), a storage device (360), etc. Each component included in the control device (300) may be connected by a bus (370) and communicate with each other.

[0181] Here, the processor (310) may refer to a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or a dedicated processor on which methods according to embodiments of the present invention are performed. The memory (or storage device) may be composed of at least one of a volatile storage medium and a non-volatile storage medium. For example, the memory may be composed of at least one of a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM).

[0182] The operations of the method according to an embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as a computer-readable program or code on a computer-readable recording medium. A computer-readable recording medium includes any type of recording device that stores data readable by a computer system. Furthermore, a computer-readable recording medium can be distributed across network-connected computer systems, allowing the computer-readable program or code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0183] While some aspects of the present invention have been described in the context of a device, they may also represent a description of a corresponding method, wherein a block or device corresponds to a method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method may also be described as a corresponding block or item or a feature of a corresponding device. Some or all of the method steps may be performed by (or using) a hardware device, such as, for example, a microprocessor, a programmable computer, or an electronic circuit. In some embodiments, one or more of the most significant method steps may be performed by such a device.

[0184] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims below.

Claims

1. Multiple batteries; One or more power conversion systems (PCS) interlocked with the batteries; and Including a control device that monitors whether a fire occurs in the above batteries, The above control device, An energy storage system that determines one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from a first battery where a fire has occurred, and controls one or more PCSs to discharge power stored in the second batteries.

2. In claim 1, The above control device, An energy storage system that controls the charge / discharge paths of batteries other than the second battery to be blocked, and controls the power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

3. In claim 1, The above control device, An energy storage system that selects one or more third batteries that are rechargeable among batteries other than the first and second batteries, and controls power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery.

4. In claim 3, The above control device, An energy storage system that controls a PCS connected to the DC link of the above batteries in a stop mode and controls a DC / DC converter linked to the second battery in a discharge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

5. In claim 3, The above control device, An energy storage system that controls a PCS connected to the DC link of the above batteries in a stop mode and controls a DC / DC converter linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

6. In claim 3, The above control device, An energy storage system that controls a PCS linked to the second battery in a discharge mode and controls a PCS linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

7. In claim 1, The above control device, An energy storage system that defines a discharge priority for each of a plurality of secondary batteries and controls the plurality of secondary batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the discharge priority.

8. In claim 7, The above control device, An energy storage system that defines the discharge priority based on one or more of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from a first battery.

9. In claim 7, The above control device, An energy storage system that monitors the temperature of a first battery and controls discharging of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery falls below a preset temperature.

10. A control device for an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) linked to the batteries, at least one processor; and A memory storing at least one instruction executed through at least one processor; At least one of the above commands, A command to monitor whether the above batteries have caught fire; When a fire is detected, a command to determine which of the batteries is the first one in which a fire has occurred; A command to determine one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command for controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged.

11. In claim 10, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A command to control the charging and discharging paths of the remaining batteries except for the second battery; and A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command for controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

12. In claim 10, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A command to select at least one third battery capable of being charged among the batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery; and A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command for controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery.

13. In claim 12, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command to control a PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries in a stop mode and to control a DC / DC converter linked to the second battery in a discharge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

14. In claim 12, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command to control a PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries in a stop mode and to control a DC / DC converter linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

15. In claim 12, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command to control a PCS linked to the second battery in a discharge mode and to control a PCS linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

16. In claim 10, A command for controlling the discharge of power stored in the second battery is: A command defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of secondary batteries; and A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command for controlling a plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the above discharge priority.

17. In claim 16, The command defining the above discharge priority is: A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command defining the discharge priority based on at least one of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from a first battery.

18. In claim 16, The command to control the above second batteries to discharge sequentially is: A command to monitor the temperature of the first battery; and A control device of an energy storage system, comprising a command for controlling discharging of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery drops below a preset temperature.

19. A control method for an energy storage system including a plurality of batteries and one or more power conversion systems (PCS) linked to the batteries, A step of monitoring whether a fire occurs in the above batteries; When a fire is detected, a step of determining, among the batteries, the first battery in which a fire has occurred; determining one or more second batteries within a predetermined distance range from the first battery; and A control method for an energy storage system, comprising a step of controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged.

20. In claim 19, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A step of controlling so that the charge / discharge paths of the remaining batteries except for the second battery are blocked; and A control method of an energy storage system, comprising a step of controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged to the AC link side through the PCS.

21. In claim 19, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A step of selecting at least one third battery capable of being charged among the batteries excluding the first battery and the second battery; and A control method for an energy storage system, comprising a step of controlling power stored in the second battery to be discharged toward the third battery.

22. In claim 21, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A control method of an energy storage system, comprising the steps of controlling a PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries in a stop mode and controlling a DC / DC converter linked to the second battery in a discharge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

23. In claim 21, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A control method of an energy storage system, comprising the steps of controlling a PCS connected to the DC link of the batteries in a stop mode and controlling a DC / DC converter linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery to the third battery.

24. In claim 21, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A control method of an energy storage system, comprising the step of controlling a PCS linked to the second battery in a discharge mode and controlling a PCS linked to the third battery in a charge mode, thereby discharging power stored in the second battery toward the third battery.

25. In claim 19, The step of controlling the power stored in the second battery to be discharged is: A step of defining a discharge priority for each of the plurality of secondary batteries; and A control method for an energy storage system, comprising a step of controlling a plurality of second batteries to be discharged sequentially according to the above discharge priority.

26. In claim 25, The step of defining the above discharge priority is: A control method of an energy storage system, comprising a step of defining the discharge priority based on at least one of a state of charge (SOC), a state of health (SOH), and a distance from a first battery.

27. In claim 25, The step of controlling the above second batteries to discharge sequentially is: A step of monitoring the temperature of the first battery; and A control method for an energy storage system, comprising a step of controlling the discharge of the second batteries to be stopped when the temperature of the first battery becomes lower than a preset temperature.

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