Energy storage apparatus and container therefor

Abstract

An energy storage apparatus (10) and a container (20) therefor. The container (20) comprises a box body (21) and battery cells (30). The battery cells (30) are accommodated in the box body (21). The dimension of the container (20) in the length direction and the dimension thereof in the width direction are respectively consistent with the dimensions of a standard container, and the dimension h of the container (20) in the height direction is smaller than the dimension H of one standard container in the height direction of the container (20).

Description

Energy storage device and its container

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent application No. 202322858858.9, entitled “Energy Storage Device and Container Thereof,” filed on October 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of energy storage technology, and in particular to an energy storage device and an energy storage system. Background Art

[0004] With the rapid development of science and technology, electricity has become an indispensable energy source for people's production and daily life. To ensure the smooth supply of electricity and the normal operation of production and life, energy storage devices are needed. Energy storage devices are devices that cyclically store and release electrical energy. By charging or discharging the energy storage device, electrical energy is stored in the energy storage device or supplied to electrical devices. Energy storage devices are widely used in industrial power supply, household power supply, temporary power supply, mobile power supply, wind power generation, solar power generation, and energy storage power stations.

[0005] In the development of energy storage devices, in addition to improving their performance, reducing their operating costs is also an important issue that cannot be ignored. Therefore, reducing the operating costs of energy storage devices is a technical issue that requires continuous improvement in energy storage technology.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application provides an energy storage device and a container thereof, which can reduce the use cost of the energy storage device.

[0008] First, the container provided according to the embodiment of the present application includes a box body and a battery cell, the battery cell is accommodated in the box body, the dimensions of the container along the length direction and the dimensions along the width direction are respectively consistent with those of a standard container, and the dimension h of the container along the height direction is smaller than the dimension H of a standard container along the height direction.

[0009] The container provided in the embodiment of the present application sets the height dimension h of the container to be smaller than the height dimension of a standard container in the height direction. Therefore, the height of the container does not exceed the height of the corresponding standard container for sea or land transportation in the height direction during transportation, which is beneficial to improving the convenience of container transportation and reducing the transportation cost of the container and the energy storage device using the container.

[0010] In some embodiments, |2h-H| ≤ 5mm, or |3h-H| ≤ 5mm. This can, on the one hand, reduce the use of box structural components and increase the weight of battery cells per unit volume; on the other hand, it helps fully utilize the available space along the height direction Z during transportation, reduces space waste during container transportation, and thus helps reduce transportation costs.

[0011] In some embodiments, the weight of the container is less than or equal to 45 tons. In the process of lifting the container, it is convenient to lift the relevant lifting equipment and facilitate the transshipment of the container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the weight of the container is M, the total weight of the battery cells within the container is M1, and M1 / M ≥ 60%. This, on the one hand, can increase the weight ratio of the battery cells per unit volume of the container, thereby increasing the amount of electricity per unit volume of the container; on the other hand, during container transportation, more battery cells that contribute to energy storage and are difficult to produce and cannot be completed at the destination are transported, while other structures can be completed closer to the destination and do not need to be transported or transportation is reduced. After the container is assembled into an energy storage device, this helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device.

[0013] In some embodiments, M1 / M≥80%. This further helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the volume of the container is V, the total volume of the battery cells within the container is v, and v / V ≥ 30%. This, on the one hand, can increase the volume ratio of battery cells per unit volume of the container, thereby increasing the amount of electricity per unit volume of the container; on the other hand, during container transportation, more battery cells that contribute to energy storage and are difficult to produce and cannot be completed at the destination are transported, while other functional components of the energy storage device, such as control components, can be produced closer to the destination and do not need to be transported or transportation is reduced. After the container is assembled into an energy storage device, this helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device.

[0015] In some embodiments, v / V≥50%. This further helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the top of the container has multiple lifting parts that are configured to cooperate with a sling to lift the container. The sling and the lifting parts cooperate to lift the container, thereby facilitating stacking of the containers in a vertical direction or facilitating lifting operations during transportation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the lifting portion includes a load-bearing portion, a receiving slot, and an opening. The receiving slot is located inside the load-bearing portion, and the opening connects the receiving slot with the outside of the receiving slot. The opening is located at the top of the load-bearing portion. The lifting portion has a simple structure and is convenient for lifting the container.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bottom of the container body has a limit pin, which is used to cooperate with the container body of an adjacent container to limit the position. A simple structure is used to achieve the purpose of limiting the relative movement of two adjacent containers.

[0019] In some embodiments, the box contains a plurality of batteries arranged in rows and columns, and each battery includes a plurality of battery cells.

[0020] In a second aspect, the energy storage device provided according to an embodiment of the present application includes the container provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0021] The energy storage device provided in the embodiment of the present application has the same technical effects as the container provided in any of the above embodiments, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0022] In some embodiments, the energy storage device comprises m containers, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The m containers are stacked in the height direction with |h1+…+hm-nH| ≤ 5n (mm), where h1,…, and hm are the dimensions of the m containers in the height direction, and n is a positive integer. This facilitates ensuring that the height of the m containers, after stacking, is equivalent to the dimensions of n standard containers in the height direction Z of the container 20, while meeting relevant tolerance requirements. This further reduces the transportation cost of the energy storage device compared to non-standard containers of other size ranges.

[0023] In some embodiments, n≤8. In this way, relevant load requirements can be met during transportation.

[0024] In some embodiments, m≤12. This is beneficial to improving the structural stability of the energy storage device and reducing the carrying capacity of the bottom container, thereby reducing the carrying capacity of the container.

[0025] In some embodiments, m≤8. This is beneficial for further improving the structural stability of the energy storage device and further reducing the demand for the carrying capacity of the container.

[0026] In some embodiments, two adjacent containers in the height direction are clipped or connected by fixing members, which helps to reduce the risk of the adjacent containers moving relative to each other after being stacked, thereby helping to improve the structural stability of the energy storage device.

[0027] In some embodiments, the container includes a first container and a second container, with the first container positioned above the second container. A limit pin is provided on the bottom of the first container, and a limit hole is provided on the top of the second container, with the limit pin engaging with the limit hole. In this manner, a simple structure is employed to limit relative movement between adjacent containers.

[0028] In some embodiments, a first stopper is provided at the bottom of the first container, the first stopper having a stopper slot, and a second stopper is provided at the top of the second container, the second stopper having a stopper hole. The ends of a stopper pin engage with the stopper slot and the stopper hole, respectively. In this manner, a simple structure is employed to achieve the purpose of limiting relative movement between adjacent containers.

[0029] In some embodiments, the energy storage device also includes an electrical compartment and electrical components. The electrical components are housed within the compartment and are electrically connected to the battery cells in the multiple containers of the energy storage device. This eliminates the weight and volume of the containers and allows for separate manufacturing and transportation, reducing transportation costs for the energy storage device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the energy storage device also includes a water-cooling unit for heat exchange with the multiple containers of the energy storage device. Positioning the water-cooling unit outside the containers eliminates the weight and volume of the containers and allows for separate manufacturing and transportation, further reducing transportation costs for the energy storage device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for use in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the drawings without creative work.

[0032] FIG1 is a schematic structural diagram of a container provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the explosion structure of a battery cell in a container provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] FIG3 is a partial enlarged view of point A in FIG1 ;

[0035] FIG4 is a partial structural diagram of a step in the container lifting process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] FIG5 is a partial structural diagram of another step in the container lifting process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] FIG6 is a partial structural diagram of a step in another container hoisting process provided by an embodiment of the present application;

[0038] FIG7 is a partial structural diagram of another step in the hoisting process of another container provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0039] FIG8 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0040] FIG9 is a schematic structural diagram of two adjacent containers of an energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] FIG10 is a schematic structural diagram of two adjacent containers cooperating with each other in another energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0042] FIG11 is a schematic structural diagram of two adjacent containers cooperating with each other in another energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0043] Figure 12 is a schematic structural diagram of the limit pin in Figure 11;

[0044] FIG13 is a schematic structural diagram of another energy storage device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0045] In the drawings, the drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0046] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 10. Energy storage device; 20. Container; 20a. First container; 20b. Second container; 21. Box body; 211. Frame; 212. Maintenance door; 22. Hoisting part; 221. Load-bearing part; 222. Accommodating groove; 223. Opening; 23. First limiting member; 231. Limiting groove; 24. Second limiting member, 241. Limiting hole; 30. Battery cell; 31. Shell; 31a. Accommodating cavity; 32. Electrode assembly; 40. Fixing member; 41. Limiting pin; 411. Main body; 412. Flange; 50. Electrical compartment; 51. Electrical component; 60. Water cooling unit; 70. Hoist; X, length direction; Y, width direction; Z, height direction. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the present application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and examples. The following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawings are used to illustrate the principles of the present application, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present application, that is, the present application is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0048] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means more than two; the terms "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating directions or positional relationships, are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. "Vertical" is not strictly perpendicular, but is within the allowable error range. "Parallel" is not strictly parallel, but is within the allowable error range.

[0049] References to "embodiments" in this application mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it constitute an independent or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive of other embodiments. It is understood, both explicitly and implicitly, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments.

[0050] It should also be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediary. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] The term "plurality" used in this application refers to two or more (including two).

[0052] In this application, battery cells may include lithium-ion secondary battery cells, lithium-ion primary battery cells, lithium-sulfur battery cells, sodium-lithium-ion battery cells, sodium-ion battery cells, or magnesium-ion battery cells, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto. Battery cells may be cylindrical, flat, rectangular, or in other shapes, and the embodiments of this application are not limited thereto.

[0053] The battery mentioned in the embodiments of the present application may include one or more battery cells to provide a single physical module with higher voltage and capacity. When there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are connected in series, in parallel or in hybrid through a busbar.

[0054] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery module; when there are multiple battery cells, the multiple battery cells are arranged and fixed to form a battery module.

[0055] In some embodiments, the battery may be a battery pack, which includes a receiving box and battery cells, wherein the battery cells or battery modules are received in the receiving box.

[0056] In some embodiments, the energy storage device includes an energy storage container, an energy storage cabinet, etc.

[0057] A battery cell typically includes an electrode assembly. This assembly includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. During the charge and discharge process of a battery cell, active ions (such as lithium ions) are inserted and removed between the positive and negative electrodes. The separator, located between the positive and negative electrodes, prevents short circuits while allowing the active ions to pass through.

[0058] Optionally, the electrode assembly is a wound structure, wherein the positive electrode sheet and the negative electrode sheet are wound into a wound structure.

[0059] Optionally, the electrode assembly is a laminated structure.

[0060] Optionally, the shape of the electrode assembly can be cylindrical, flat, or polygonal.

[0061] Energy storage devices are typically heavy and large. To reduce transportation costs, they are often shipped by sea. However, in related technologies, the height of energy storage devices does not match the height of standard containers, often exceeding it. This increases the transportation and operating costs of the energy storage devices.

[0062] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application proposes a new technical solution. The technical solution described in the embodiment of the present application is applicable to containers and energy storage devices including containers.

[0063] Energy storage devices can be used in energy storage power stations, wind power generation systems, solar power generation systems, mobile power systems or temporary power supply systems, etc. Energy storage power stations can store electrical energy during low electricity consumption periods, and provide electrical energy to relevant users or electrical equipment during peak electricity consumption periods. The wind energy collected by the wind turbines of the wind power generation system is converted into electrical energy, which is then stored by the energy storage device. The solar power generation system can convert solar energy into electrical energy, which is then stored by the energy storage device and supplied to users in due course. Mobile power systems can supply power to relevant electrical equipment in places where the power grid cannot reach, such as remote mountainous areas, remote wilderness areas, and other areas. Temporary power supply systems can supply power to users when there is insufficient power supply. The energy storage system provided in the embodiment of the present application can be any power system that requires an energy storage device.

[0064] As shown in FIG2 , the battery cell 30 described in the embodiment of the present application includes an electrode assembly 32 and a housing 31 . The housing 31 has a receiving cavity 31 a , and the electrode assembly 32 is received in the receiving cavity 31 a .

[0065] The outer shell 31 includes a shell 311 and an end cover 312. When assembling the battery cell 30, the electrode assembly 32 can be placed in the accommodating cavity 31a first, and then the end cover 312 is covered on the shell 311. Then, the electrolyte is injected into the accommodating cavity 31a through the electrolyte injection port on the end cover 312.

[0066] Optionally, the housing 31 can also be used to accommodate electrolytes, such as electrolytes. The housing 31 can be in various structural forms.

[0067] The housing 31 can have a variety of shapes, such as a cylinder, a rectangular parallelepiped, etc. The shape of the housing 31 can be determined based on the specific shape of the electrode assembly 32. For example, if the electrode assembly 32 has a cylindrical structure, the housing 31 can also be a cylindrical structure. If the electrode assembly 32 has a rectangular parallelepiped structure, the housing 31 can also be a rectangular parallelepiped structure. In FIG2 , for example, both the housing 31 and the electrode assembly 32 have a rectangular parallelepiped structure.

[0068] The shell 31 can be made of a variety of materials, such as copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc., and the embodiment of the present application does not impose any special restrictions on this.

[0069] There may be one or more electrode assemblies 32 housed in the housing 31. In FIG2 , there are two electrode assemblies 32 housed in the housing 31.

[0070] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the container 20 provided according to the embodiment of the present application includes a box body 21 and a battery cell 30. The battery cell 30 is accommodated in the box body 21. The dimension a of the container 20 along the length direction X and the dimension b along the width direction Y are respectively consistent with those of a standard container. The dimension h of the container 20 along the height direction Z is smaller than the dimension H of a standard container along the height direction Z of the container 20.

[0071] The container 20 includes a battery cell 30. The container 20 may include multiple battery cells 30, which are connected in series or in parallel to form an energy storage unit corresponding to the container 20. When in use, multiple containers 20 may be connected in series or in parallel to obtain an energy storage device 10 of corresponding power.

[0072] The container 20 includes the battery cells 30 . The container 20 may only include the battery cells 30 , or related functional components such as control components, fire protection components, etc. may be integrated into the container 20 .

[0073] The container 20 needs to be smaller than or equal to the size of a standard container during transportation. The standard container can be the size of a standard container during transportation, such as 20 feet, 30 feet, 40 feet or 45 feet, which meets the corresponding standards, and its length, width and height have corresponding dimensions respectively.

[0074] For example, according to GB / T 1413-2008, GBT 1413-2023, and internationally accepted dimensions, for a standard container with a length of 6058 mm, its dimension H along the height direction Z may be 2591 mm, 2438 mm, less than 2438 mm, or 2896 mm, etc. For a standard container with a length of 9125 mm, its dimension H along the height direction Z may be 2896 mm, 2591 mm, less than 2438 mm, or 2438 mm, etc.

[0075] While the dimension a along the length direction X and the dimension b along the width direction Y of the container 20 are consistent with those of a standard container, this does not mean that the length and width of the container 20 are exactly the same as those of a standard container. Rather, certain deviations are permitted within an acceptable range. For example, referring to GB / T 1413-2008, the difference between the dimension a along the length direction X of the container 20 and the dimension of a standard container along the length direction X of the container 20 is within a range of ±10 mm, and the difference between the dimension b along the width direction Y of the container 20 and the dimension of a standard container along the width direction Y of the container 20 is within a range of ±5 mm.

[0076] If the dimension h of the container 20 along the height direction Z is smaller than the dimension H of a standard container along the height direction Z of the container 20, 2h can be set to be less than or equal to H, or 3h can be set to be less than or equal to H, so that the height of multiple containers 20 stacked along the height direction Z is equivalent to the height H of a standard container.

[0077] Of course, the sum of the dimensions of the three containers 20 after stacking along the height direction Z can also be set to be the same as the dimension H of the two standard containers along the height direction Z, so that after the three containers 20 are stacked along the height direction Z, the dimension of the three containers 20 after stacking along the height direction Z is equivalent to the dimension of the two standard containers stacked along the height direction Z of the container 20.

[0078] The container 20 provided in the embodiment of the present application does not exceed the height of a standard container for sea or land transportation during transportation by setting the dimension h of the container 20 along the height direction Z to be smaller than the dimension h of a standard container along the height direction Z. This is beneficial to improving the convenience of the container 20 during transportation and reducing the transportation cost of the container 20 and the energy storage device 10 using the container 20.

[0079] In some embodiments, |2h-H|≤5 mm.

[0080] For example, |2h-H| can be 0, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm, etc.

[0081] On the one hand, the height of a container 20 is equivalent to half the height of a standard container, which can reduce the use of box structural parts and increase the weight of battery cells 30 per unit volume; on the other hand, when two containers 20 are stacked along the height direction Z, the dimension H along the height direction Z is equivalent to that of a standard container, which is conducive to making full use of the available space along the height direction Z during transportation, reducing space waste during transportation of the container 20, and thus helping to reduce transportation costs.

[0082] In some embodiments, |3h-H|≤5 mm.

[0083] For example, |3h-H| can be 0, 1 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm or 5 mm, etc.

[0084] On the one hand, the height of a container 20 is equivalent to one-third of the height of a standard container, which can reduce the use of box structural parts and increase the weight of battery cells 30 per unit volume; on the other hand, when three containers 20 are stacked along the height direction Z, the dimension H along the height direction Z of the container 20 is equivalent to that of a standard container, which is conducive to making full use of the available space along the height direction Z during transportation, reducing space waste during transportation of the container 20, and thus helping to reduce transportation costs.

[0085] In some embodiments, the weight of the container 20 is less than or equal to 45 tons.

[0086] For example, the weight of the container 20 may be 10 tons, 15 tons, 20 tons, 25 tons, 30 tons, 35 tons, 40 tons or 45 tons, etc.

[0087] During the transshipment process of the container 20, relevant lifting equipment needs to be used to lift the container 20 on the container 20 or on the ground. The load capacity of the relevant lifting equipment is usually limited, and the maximum load capacity is usually 45 tons. By setting the weight of the container 20 to be less than or equal to 45 tons, the lifting of the relevant lifting equipment is facilitated during the lifting of the container 20, and the transshipment of the container 20 is facilitated.

[0088] In some embodiments, the weight of the container 20 is M, the total weight of the battery cells 30 in the box body 21 is M1, and M1 / M≥60%.

[0089] If M1 / M≥60%, then optionally, M1 / M≥60%, M1 / M≥70%, M1 / M≥80% or M1 / M≥90% can be set, and for example, M1 / M can be 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80% or 85%, etc.

[0090] It is understood that the higher the weight of the battery cells 30 within the box 21, the higher the energy storage capacity of the container 20, and the higher the energy density of the container 20. This can increase the weight ratio of the battery cells 30 per unit volume of the container, thereby increasing the amount of energy stored per unit volume of the container 20. Furthermore, during the transportation of the container 20, more battery cells 30 are transported, which contribute to energy storage and are difficult to produce at the destination. Other structures can be produced closer to the destination, eliminating the need for transportation or reducing transportation costs. After the container 20 is assembled into the energy storage device 10, this helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device 10.

[0091] In some embodiments, M1 / M ≥ 80%.

[0092] Alternatively, M1 / M may be 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90%, etc.

[0093] This increases the volume ratio of the battery cells 30 within the container 20, thereby increasing the amount of energy stored per unit volume of the container 20. The container 20 can carry more battery cells 30. During transportation, the container 20 can transport more battery cells 30, which are difficult to produce and contribute to energy storage, without having to transport other functional components of the energy storage device 10, or transporting as little as possible. This further helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device 10 after the container 20 is assembled into the energy storage device 10.

[0094] In some embodiments, the volume of the container 20 is V, the total volume of the battery cells 30 in the box body 21 is v, and v / V ≥ 30%.

[0095] v / V ≥ 30%. Optionally, v / V ≥ 40% can be set. Exemplarily, v / V can be 30%, 31%, 32%, 33%, 34%, 35%, 36%, 37%, 38%, 39%, 40%, 41%, 42%, 43%, 44%, 45%, 46%, 47%, 48%, 49%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65% or 70%, etc.

[0096] It is understandable that the more volume of the container 20 occupied by the battery cells 30, the more beneficial it is for increasing the energy storage capacity and energy storage density of the container 20. This allows the container 20 to be loaded with fewer or no related functional components, while maximizing the number of battery cells 30. This allows the container 20 to be transported more efficiently, as it contributes to energy storage and is difficult to produce at the destination. Other functional components of the energy storage device 10, such as control components, can be produced closer to the destination, eliminating the need for, or reducing, transportation. This helps reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device 10 after it is assembled into the container 20.

[0097] In some embodiments, v / V ≥ 50%.

[0098] Alternatively, v / V may be 50%, 51%, 52%, 53%, 54%, 55%, 56%, 57%, 58%, 59%, 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% or 90%, etc.

[0099] In this way, the container 20 can be loaded with more battery cells 30. During transportation, the container 20 can transport more battery cells 30 that are difficult to produce and contribute to energy storage, without having to transport or transporting as few other related functional components of the energy storage device 10 as possible. After the container 20 is assembled into the energy storage device 10, it is further beneficial to reduce the transportation cost of the assembled energy storage device 10.

[0100] As shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 , in some embodiments, the top of the box body 21 has a plurality of lifting portions 22 , and the plurality of lifting portions 22 are configured to cooperate with the sling 70 to lift the container 20 .

[0101] The hoisting portion 22 is located at the top of the box body 21 , and the hoisting portion 22 can be above the box body 21 along the height direction Z. The hoisting portion 22 can be integrally formed with the box body 21 , or a relevant hoisting portion 22 can be specially provided at the top of the box body 21 .

[0102] Optionally, the box body 21 may have one or more lifting parts 22 , and the multiple lifting parts 22 may be arranged at multiple positions to facilitate lifting of the container 20 .

[0103] After the container 20 is hoisted, the hoisting portion 22 on the top of the container 20 can cooperate with the container 20 above it in the height direction Z to achieve position-limiting cooperation between two adjacent containers 20.

[0104] The lifting part 22 can be any structure that can carry the container 20 and can cooperate with the hook and other structures of the sling 70, so as to lift the container 20 through the sling 70 to facilitate the stacking of the container 20 along the height direction Z, or to facilitate the lifting operation of the container 20 during transportation.

[0105] As shown in Figures 4 to 7, in some embodiments, the lifting portion 22 includes a load-bearing portion 221, a receiving groove 222 and an opening 223. The receiving groove 222 is located inside the load-bearing portion 221, and the opening 223 connects the receiving groove 222 with the outside of the receiving groove 222. The opening 223 is located at the top of the load-bearing portion 221.

[0106] During the lifting process, the lifting head of the lifting device 70 can be passed through the opening 223 into the accommodating groove 222 , and then the lifting head of the lifting device 70 is rotated to cooperate with the bearing portion 221 to lift the container 20 .

[0107] The shape of the opening 223 can be a strip, a circle, etc., or can be an irregular shape, which can be set according to actual needs.

[0108] Therefore, the hoisting portion 22 includes a bearing portion 221 , a receiving groove 222 and an opening 223 . The hoisting portion 22 has a simple structure, which facilitates the hoisting of the container 20 .

[0109] Optionally, as shown in FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, four hoisting portions 22 are provided on the top of the box body 21 , and the four hoisting portions 22 are arranged diagonally in pairs.

[0110] In this way, during the lifting process of the container 20, the four lifting parts 22 are lifted to facilitate maintaining a stable posture of the container 20. This makes it easier for the container 20 to cooperate and align with the container 20 below, thereby facilitating the lifting and stacking operations of the container 20.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, a limiting pin 41 is provided at the bottom of the box body 21 , and the limiting pin 41 is used to cooperate with the box body 21 of an adjacent container 20 for limiting position.

[0112] In this way, in the process of stacking the containers 20 along the height direction Z, the limit pins 41 can be used to limit the two adjacent containers 20 along the height direction Z to limit the displacement of the two adjacent containers 20 along the direction intersecting with the height direction Z, thereby reducing the risk of adjacent containers 20 moving against each other.

[0113] In some embodiments, the box 21 contains a plurality of batteries arranged in rows and columns, and each battery includes a plurality of battery cells 30 .

[0114] The battery can be a battery module or a battery pack. In this way, multiple battery cells 30 are connected in series or in parallel to form a battery. Multiple batteries are arranged in rows and columns and connected in series or in parallel to form a high-power energy storage unit, which is conducive to making full use of the space in the box 21 to place more battery cells 30, thereby helping to improve the power and energy density of the container 20.

[0115] Continuing to refer to FIG. 1 , in some embodiments, the housing 21 includes a frame 211 and a maintenance door 212 . The maintenance door 212 is movably connected to the frame 211 to open or close the maintenance door 212 .

[0116] The maintenance door 212 is movably connected to the frame 211 , so that the maintenance door 212 can be detached from the frame 211 or can be rotated relative to the frame 211 to open or close the maintenance door 212 .

[0117] The box body 21 includes a maintenance door 212 , and the maintenance door 212 is movably connected to the frame 211 . When a failure occurs in the operation of the container 20 , the components in the container 20 can be replaced or repaired by opening the maintenance door 212 .

[0118] As shown in FIG8 , the energy storage device 10 provided according to an embodiment of the present application includes the container 20 provided in any one of the above embodiments.

[0119] The energy storage device 10 provided in the embodiment of the present application has the same technical effects as the container 20 provided in any of the above embodiments, and thus will not be described in detail here.

[0120] In some embodiments, the energy storage device 10 includes m containers 20, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and the m containers 20 are stacked along the height direction Z, |h1+…+hm-nH|≤5n (mm), where h1,… and hm are respectively the dimensions of the m containers 20 along the height direction Z, and n is a positive integer.

[0121] The energy storage device 10 includes m containers 20 stacked along the height direction Z. The dimensions of each container 20 along the height direction Z are h1, ..., and hm, respectively. Optionally, h1 to hm may all be equal, or all be unequal. Of course, at least two of h1 to hm may also be equal.

[0122] Generally, during transportation, the error range of the difference between the allowable height of the transported goods and the height of a single standard container is within the range of -5mm to 5mm. In this way, the space in the height direction Z allowed during transportation can be fully utilized, and the requirements of the container 20 during transportation can be met.

[0123] Exemplarily, m can be set to 2 and n to 1, or m can be set to 3 and n to 2. Of course, m and n can also be other combinations.

[0124] |h1+…+hm-nH|≤5n(mm), meaning that when the energy storage device 10 is stacked in the height direction Z, it is equivalent to the dimensions of n standard containers stacked in the height direction Z, and the absolute value of the height difference between the total height (h1+…+hm) of the energy storage device 10 and the total height nH of the n standard containers stacked in the height direction Z is less than or equal to 5n millimeters. In other words, when multiple containers 20 are stacked in the height direction Z, the stacked energy storage device 10 is equivalent to the dimensions of n standard containers stacked in the height direction Z, and the total height of the energy storage device 10 and the dimensions of the n standard containers stacked in the height direction Z meet the relevant error standards.

[0125] Therefore, setting |h1+…+hm-nH|≤5n (mm) helps fully utilize the available loading space during transportation and meets relevant error requirements, so that the height dimension of m containers 20 stacked in the height direction Z is equivalent to the height dimension of n standard containers in the height direction Z. This helps further reduce the transportation cost of the energy storage device 10.

[0126] In some embodiments, n≤8.

[0127] Alternatively, n may be 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1.

[0128] Setting n to be less than or equal to 8 means that the energy storage device 10 can be stacked in standard containers in a maximum of 8 layers during transportation, so that relevant load requirements can be met during transportation.

[0129] In some embodiments, m≤12.

[0130] Alternatively, m can be 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2.

[0131] Setting m≤12 means that the energy storage device 10 can stack a maximum of 12 containers 20 along the height direction Z. This helps improve the structural stability of the energy storage device 10 and reduces the load-bearing capacity of the bottom container 20, thereby reducing the load-bearing capacity of the container 20.

[0132] In some embodiments, m≤8.

[0133] Alternatively, m can be 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3 or 2.

[0134] In this way, the energy storage device 10 can be stacked with a maximum of 8 containers 20 along the height direction Z, which is beneficial to further improve the structural stability of the energy storage device 10 and further reduce the demand for the carrying capacity of the containers 20.

[0135] As shown in FIG. 8 , in some embodiments, two adjacent containers 20 along the height direction Z are snap-fitted or connected via a fixing member 40 .

[0136] The fixing member 40 may be at least one of a bolt and nut, a pin, a screw, or a rivet, etc. Of course, the fixing member 40 may also include a fixing plate, etc., so as to fix and connect two adjacent containers 20 in the height direction Z.

[0137] Two adjacent containers 20 along the height direction Z are connected by a fixing member 40. The fixing member 40 can be used to limit the two adjacent containers 20 along the height direction Z, which is beneficial to reducing the risk of the two adjacent containers 20 moving with each other after stacking is completed, and further beneficial to improving the structural stability of the energy storage device 10.

[0138] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the multiple containers 20 include a first container 20a and a second container 20b. The first container 20a is located above the second container 20b. A limit pin 41 is provided at the bottom of the first container 20a, and a limit hole 241 is provided at the top of the second container 20b. The limit pin 41 is engaged with the limit hole 241.

[0139] The container 20 includes a first container 20a and a second container 20b. The same container 20 is the first container 20a relative to the container 20 below it, and the second container 20b relative to the container 20 above it. That is, the same container 20 can be both the first container 20a and the second container 20b. In other words, a limit pin 41 can be provided on the bottom of the container 20, and a limit hole 241 can be provided on the top.

[0140] In this way, the two adjacent containers 20 along the height direction Z can achieve the purpose of limiting the relative movement of the two adjacent containers 20 by using a simple structure through the cooperation between the limiting pin 41 and the limiting hole 241.

[0141] The limiting hole 241 on the top of the second container 20b can be an opening 223 for lifting the container 20. In this way, during the lifting stage of the container 20, the opening 223 is used to lift the container 20. After the lifting of the container 20 is completed, the opening 223 on the top of the box body 21 is used to cooperate with the limiting pin 41 at the bottom of the adjacent upper container 20 to achieve the limiting of the two adjacent containers 20. This is conducive to simplifying the structure of the container 20.

[0142] As shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12, in some embodiments, a first limiting member 23 is provided at the bottom of the first container 20a, and the first limiting member 23 is provided with a limiting groove 231. A second limiting member 24 is provided at the top of the second container, and the second limiting member 24 is provided with a limiting hole 241. The two ends of the limiting pin 41 are respectively engaged with the limiting groove 231 and the limiting hole 241.

[0143] The second limiting member 24 may be the aforementioned hoisting portion, and the limiting hole 241 may be the aforementioned opening 223. The limiting hole 241 may also be a hole provided on the container body.

[0144] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the stop pin 41 may include a body 411 and a flange 412 disposed in the middle of the body 411. The flange 412 protrudes from the body 411 and surrounds the body 411. The body 411 is smaller than the size of the stop slot 231 and smaller than the size of the stop hole 241, so that the ends of the body 411 extend into the stop slot 231 and the stop hole 241, respectively. The flange 412 is larger than the size of the stop slot 231 and larger than the size of the stop hole 241, so that the flange 412 is clamped between the first stop member 23 and the second stop member 24.

[0145] In this way, during the stacking process of the containers 20 along the height direction Z, the limit pin 41 cooperates with the limit groove 231 of the upper container 20 between the two adjacent containers 20, and cooperates with the limit hole 241 of the lower container 20 between the two adjacent containers 20. In this way, the purpose of limiting the relative movement of the two adjacent containers 20 is achieved through a simple structure.

[0146] As shown in FIG. 9 , in some embodiments, the limiting pin 41 may be integrally formed with the first limiting member 23 .

[0147] As shown in Figure 13, in some embodiments, the energy storage device 10 also includes an electrical compartment 50 and electrical components 51. The electrical components 51 are housed in the electrical compartment 50, and the electrical compartment 50 is arranged outside the container 20. The electrical components 51 are electrically connected to the battery cells 30 of multiple containers 20 of the energy storage device 10.

[0148] The electrical components 51 are electrically connected to the battery cells 30 of the multiple containers 20 of the energy storage device 10 , and the electrical components 51 in the electrical compartment 50 are connected to the battery cells 30 of the multiple containers 20 to control the normal operation of the battery cells 30 in the multiple containers 20 .

[0149] The electrical connection between the electrical component 51 and the battery cell 30 can be a direct connection or an indirect connection, a strong electrical connection, or a signal connection. For example, a connection line or a signal acquisition component electrically connected to the battery cell 30 can be set in the container 20, and a related connection interface can be set on the box body 21. The electrical component 51 is electrically connected to the battery cell 30 through the related connection interface to collect the working information of the battery cells 30 in multiple containers 20 and control the normal circulation operation of the related battery cells 30.

[0150] The electrical component 51 can be one or more of a general control component or a main control component, etc. The electrical component 51 is housed in the electrical warehouse 50, and the electrical warehouse 50 is separated from the container 20 of the energy storage device 10. In this way, the electrical component 51 does not occupy the weight and volume of the container 20, and can be manufactured and transported separately from the container 20, which is beneficial to reducing the transportation cost of the energy storage device 10.

[0151] The energy storage device 10 may further include a fire-fighting element, which is used to extinguish fire in each container 20 .

[0152] The electrical component 51 may further include a fire control module, which is used to control the fire components to perform fire protection on each container 20 .

[0153] As shown in FIG. 13 , in some embodiments, the energy storage device 10 further includes a water cooling unit 60 , which is disposed outside the container 20 . The water cooling unit 60 is configured to perform heat exchange with the battery cells 30 within the multiple containers 20 of the energy storage device 10 .

[0154] In this way, relevant pipelines can be set in the container 20, and pipeline interfaces can be set on the box body 21. The water cooling unit 60 is connected to the pipeline interfaces of multiple containers 20 to supply high-temperature or low-temperature fluid to the container 20 through the water cooling unit 60, thereby realizing heat exchange with the battery cells 30 in the container 20.

[0155] The water cooling unit 60 is disposed outside the container 20 . The water cooling unit 60 does not occupy the weight and volume of the container 20 and can be manufactured and transported separately from the container 20 , which helps to further reduce the transportation cost of the energy storage device 10 .

[0156] As shown in Figures 8 to 13, in some embodiments, the energy storage device 10 includes m containers 20, a stop pin 41, an electrical compartment 50, electrical components 51, and a water-cooling unit 60. m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2. The m containers 20 are stacked along the height direction Z, with |h1+…+hm-nH| ≤ 5n (mm), where h1, …, and hm are the dimensions of the m containers 20 along the height direction Z, and n is a positive integer. The container 20 includes a housing 21 and battery cells 30. The battery cells 30 are housed within the housing 21. The dimensions of the container 20 along the length direction X and the width direction Y are consistent with those of a standard container. The dimension h of the container 20 along the height direction Z is smaller than the dimension H of a standard container along the height direction Z. The electrical components 51 are housed within the electrical compartment 50 and are electrically connected to the battery cells 30 of the multiple containers 20 of the energy storage device 10. The water-cooling unit 60 is configured to exchange heat with the multiple containers 20 of the energy storage device 10. The weight of the container 20 is less than or equal to 45 tons. The weight of the container 20 is M, the total weight of the battery cells 30 in the box 21 is M1, and M1 / M ≥ 60%. The volume of the container 20 is V, the total volume of the battery cells 30 in the box 21 is v, and v / V ≥ 30%. The box 21 includes a frame 211 and a maintenance door 212, which is movably connected to the frame 211 to open or close the maintenance door 212. The bottom of the box 21 has a limit groove 231. The limit pin 41 cooperates with the upper limit groove 231 of the two adjacent containers 20 and cooperates with the opening 223 of the lower container 20 to limit the relative displacement of the two adjacent containers 20 along a direction intersecting the height direction Z.

[0157] Although the present application has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications may be made thereto and components may be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the present application. In particular, the various technical features described in the various embodiments may be combined in any manner as long as there are no structural conflicts. The present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A container, comprising a box body and a battery cell, wherein the battery cell is accommodated in the box body, wherein the dimensions of the container along the length direction and the dimensions along the width direction are respectively consistent with those of a standard container, and the dimension h of the container along the height direction of the container is smaller than the dimension H of a standard container along the height direction of the container.

2. The container according to claim 1, wherein: |2h-H|≤5mm, or, |3h-H|≤5mm.

3. The container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The weight of the container is less than or equal to 45 tons.

4. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The weight of the container is M, the total weight of the battery cells in the container is M1, and M1 / M≥60%.

5. The container according to claim 4, wherein: M1 / M≥80%.

6. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The volume of the container is V, the total volume of the battery cells in the container is v, and v / V≥30%.

7. The container according to claim 6, wherein: v / V≥50%.

8. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein: The top of the box body is provided with a plurality of hoisting parts, and the plurality of hoisting parts are configured to cooperate with a hoisting device to hoist the container.

9. The container according to claim 8, wherein: The hoisting part includes a bearing part, a containing groove and an opening, wherein the containing groove is located inside the bearing part, the opening communicates the containing groove with the outside of the containing groove, and the opening is located at the top of the bearing part.

10. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The bottom of the box body is provided with a limiting pin, and the limiting pin is used for cooperating with the box body of the adjacent container to limit the position.

11. The container according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The box contains a plurality of batteries arranged in rows and columns, and each of the batteries includes a plurality of battery cells.

12. An energy storage device, comprising the container according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The energy storage device according to claim 12, wherein: The energy storage device includes m containers, where m is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2, and the m containers are stacked along the height direction, |h1+…+hm-nH|≤5n(mm), wherein h1, … and hm are respectively the dimensions of the m containers along the height direction, and n is a positive integer.

14. The energy storage device according to claim 13, wherein: n≤8。 15. The energy storage device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: m≤8。 16. The energy storage device according to claim 15, wherein: m≤3。 17. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein: Two adjacent containers along the height direction are snap-fitted or connected via fixing members.

18. The energy storage device according to claim 17, wherein: The multiple containers include a first container and a second container, the first container is located above the second container, a limit pin is provided at the bottom of the first container, a limit hole is provided at the top of the second container, and the limit pin is engaged with the limit hole.

19. The energy storage device according to claim 18, wherein: A first limiting member is provided at the bottom of the first container, and a limiting groove is provided at the first limiting member; a second limiting member is provided at the top of the second container, and a limiting hole is provided at the second limiting member; and both ends of the limiting pin are respectively engaged with the limiting groove and the limiting hole.

20. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 12 to 19, wherein: The energy storage device further includes an electrical compartment and electrical components. The electrical components are accommodated in the electrical compartment. The electrical compartment is arranged outside the container. The electrical components are electrically connected to the battery cells of the multiple containers of the energy storage device.

21. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 12 to 20, wherein: The energy storage device further includes a water cooling unit, which is disposed outside the container and is used for performing heat exchange with the battery cells in the plurality of containers of the energy storage device.

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