Container module

Abstract

A container module is disclosed. The container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a case providing an inner space and including a rear panel; a battery array, which is positioned inside the case and includes a plurality of battery packs stacked in the vertical direction; a cooling part for providing cooling air to the inside of the case; and a duct, which is positioned inside the case and allows the cooling part to communicate with the gap between the battery array and the rear panel.

Description

Container module

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

[0002] This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0190484, filed on December 22, 2023, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

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

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

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

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

[0007] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with improved cooling performance.

[0008] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with reduced cooling variation depending on the location inside the container.

[0009] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a container module with improved assembly properties.

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

[0011] Another object of the present invention may be to provide a miniaturized container module.

[0012] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case providing an internal space and including a rear panel; a battery array positioned inside the case and including a plurality of battery packs stacked vertically; a cooling unit for providing cooling air into the interior of the case; and a duct positioned inside the case and communicating between the battery array and the rear panel with the cooling unit.

[0013] Additionally, the case includes a front panel, and the cooling unit can be installed on the front panel.

[0014] Additionally, the duct may be positioned above the battery array.

[0015] In addition, the duct may include: a front part communicating with the cooling unit and guiding the cooling air upward; and a rear part extending in the front-back direction from the first part and guiding the cooling air in the front-back direction.

[0016] Additionally, the duct may include an exhaust port extending along a length between the battery array and the rear panel.

[0017] Additionally, the duct may further include a first flow guide positioned inside the duct and extending in the left-right direction, guiding the cooling air downward.

[0018] Additionally, the container module may further include a second flow guide positioned inside the duct and extending in the front-back direction, distributing the cooling air in the left-right direction.

[0019] Additionally, the case may include a side panel, and the container module may further include a side cover positioned between the side panel and the battery array and covering one side of the battery array.

[0020] Additionally, the container module may further include a rear cover positioned between the rear panel and the battery array, covering the rear of the battery array, and having a plurality of supply holes.

[0021] Additionally, the duct may be connected to a gap between the rear cover and the rear panel.

[0022] Additionally, the plurality of supply holes may include a first supply hole and a second supply hole positioned below the first supply hole, and the first supply hole may be formed larger than the second supply hole.

[0023] Additionally, the plurality of supply holes may include a third supply hole and a fourth supply hole located inside the third supply hole, and the third supply hole may be formed larger than the fourth supply hole.

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

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

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module can be improved.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, cooling deviation depending on the location inside the container can be reduced.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the energy density of the container module can be improved.

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

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

[0031] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the invention described below, serve to further understand the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to matters described in such drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 2 is a drawing showing multiple columns of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 3 is a drawing showing a cover additionally combined with the configuration of Figure 2.

[0035] Figure 4 is a drawing showing a bracket additionally attached to the configuration of Figure 3.

[0036] Figures 5 and 6 are drawings showing the bracket of Figure 3.

[0037] Fig. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line N-N' of Fig. 4.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery pack additionally combined with the configuration of FIG. 4.

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

[0040] Fig. 10 is a drawing showing a cooling unit and a duct additionally combined with the configuration of Fig. 8.

[0041] Fig. 11 is a drawing of a part of the configuration of Fig. 10 viewed from a different direction.

[0042] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1.

[0043] Figure 13 is an enlarged view of part B of Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 14 is an enlarged view of part C of Figure 12.

[0045] Figure 15 is an enlarged view of part D of Figure 12.

[0046] Figure 16 is an enlarged view of part E of Figure 12.

[0047] Figure 17 is an enlarged view of part F of Figure 12.

[0048] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line G-G' of Fig. 1.

[0049] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 18.

[0050] Fig. 20 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of Fig. 18.

[0051] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line H-H' of Fig. 1.

[0052] Figure 22 is a drawing of the configuration of Figure 21 viewed from a different direction.

[0053] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line I-I' of Fig. 1.

[0054] Figure 24 is an enlarged view of part K of Figure 23.

[0055] Figure 25 is an enlarged drawing of part M of Figure 23.

[0056] FIG. 26 is a drawing showing a container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, it should be noted that the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of terms to best explain his or her invention, they should be interpreted in a way that aligns with the technical spirit of the present invention.

[0058] Accordingly, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modified examples that can replace them at the time of filing this application.

[0059] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a case (100) may provide a space therein. The case (100) may form the exterior of the container module. The case (100) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case (100) may include a front panel (110), a rear panel (130), a top panel (150), a bottom panel (140), and a side panel (120). The side panels (120) may be provided in pairs.

[0060] The front panel (110) may be equipped with a cooling unit (500). For example, the cooling unit (500) may be a heat exchanger such as an HVAC, a chiller, a cooler, etc. The cooling unit (500) may control the temperature of a cooling fluid flowing inside the case (100). For example, the cooling unit (500) may supply or circulate cooling air (CA) into the interior of the case (100).

[0061] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a plurality of columns of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 2, the container module may include a side front column (210), a side middle column (220), and a side rear column (230). The side front column (210), the side middle column (220), and the side rear column (230) may be sequentially positioned in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction. The side front column (210), the side middle column (220), and the side rear column (230) may each be provided as a pair.

[0062] Additionally, the container module may include a center front column (240) and a rear front column. The center front column (240) and the rear front column may be positioned sequentially in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction.

[0063] Additionally, the container module may include a reinforcing beam (260). The reinforcing beam (260) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The reinforcing beam (260) may connect a pair of side front columns (210).

[0064] FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a cover additionally combined with the configuration of FIG. 2. Referring to FIG. 3, the container module may include an inner cover (630), a side cover (610), and a rear cover (620). The side covers (610) may be provided as a pair. The side covers (610) may be combined with or in contact with at least one of the side front column (210), the side middle column (220), and the side rear column (230).

[0065] The rear cover (620) can be coupled or in contact with the middle e-column (250). The rear cover (620) can connect or couple a pair of side covers (610). The pair of side covers (610) and the rear cover (620) can form a space therein.

[0066] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing that a bracket is additionally combined with the configuration of FIG. 3. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing that a bracket (300) is additionally combined with the configuration of FIG. 3. Referring to FIG. 4, the bracket (300) can extend in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction. The bracket (300) can be provided in multiple numbers. The multiple brackets (300) can be arranged in the up-down direction or along the Z-axis direction. In addition, the multiple brackets (300) can be arranged in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction.

[0067] The bracket (300) can be coupled to or in contact with at least one of the side cover (610), the side front column (210), the side middle column (220), or the side rear column (230).

[0068] FIGS. 5 and 6 are drawings showing the bracket (300) of FIG. 3. FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line N-N' of FIG. 4. Referring to FIGS. 5 to 7, the bracket (300) of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a horizontal portion (310), a vertical portion (320), and a support (350).

[0069] The horizontal portion (310) may be extended in a longitudinal direction or along the Y-axis direction. The horizontal portion (310) and the stopper (312) may be formed integrally. The horizontal portion (310) may include a first fixing portion (311) at the front. The first fixing portion (311) may be formed by a portion of the horizontal portion (310) being bent or curved downward. The first fixing portion (311) and the stopper (312) may be formed integrally. The first fixing portion (311) may include a through hole formed in the longitudinal direction.

[0070] The vertical portion (320) may be elongated along the forward-backward direction or the Y-axis direction. The vertical portion (320) may extend upward from the horizontal portion (310). The vertical portion (320) may be formed by a portion of the horizontal portion (310) being bent or curved upward. The vertical portion (320) and the horizontal portion (310) may be formed to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The vertical portion (320) and the horizontal portion (310) may be formed integrally. In addition, the vertical portion (320) may extend upward while forming a step.

[0071] The vertical portion (320) may include a first part (325) and a second part (326). The first part (325) may extend from the horizontal portion (310). The second part (326) may extend from the first part (325). The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed to be long along the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction, respectively. The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed to be stepped. The second part (326) may be formed to be stepped inward from the first part (325) or in the direction in which the horizontal portion (310) is formed. The second part (326) may be formed by bending or bending a portion of the first part (325) upward. The first part (325) and the second part (326) may be formed integrally.

[0072] The second part (326) may include a protrusion. The second part (326) may include a concave portion (323) and a convex portion (321). The second part (326) may include a plurality of concave portions (323) and convex portions (321). The concave portions (323) and the convex portions (321) may be alternately arranged in the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The convex portions (321) may include a hook (322). The hooks (322) may be formed on the outside of the second part (326). The hooks (322) may be provided on each convex portion (321). The first part (325) may include a plurality of first fastening holes (320a). The first fastening holes (320a) may be located below the hooks (322). The first fastening hole (320a) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with the hook (322). The concave portion (323) may include a second fixing portion (324). The second fixing portion (324) may be formed on the inside of the second part (326). The second fixing portion (324) may be provided in each concave portion (323). The second fixing portion (324) may be formed by a portion of the concave portion (323) being bent or curved inward. The second fixing portion (324) and the concave portion (323) may be formed to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The second fixing portion (324) and the concave portion (323) may be formed integrally.

[0073] The support (350) may include a horizontal support (351). The horizontal support (351) may be elongated along the front-back direction or the Y-axis direction. The horizontal support (351) may be coupled, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the horizontal portion (310). For example, the horizontal support (351) may be coupled to the lower surface of the horizontal portion (310) by welding. The length of the horizontal support (351) in the front-back direction may be configured to be shorter than the length of the horizontal portion (310) in the front-back direction. In addition, the width of the horizontal support (351) in the left-right direction or the length in the Y-axis direction may be formed to be shorter than the width of the horizontal portion (310) in the left-right direction or the length in the Y-axis direction. For example, the width of the horizontal support (351) in the left-right direction may be formed to be less than half of the width of the horizontal portion (310) in the left-right direction.

[0074] The support (350) may include a vertical support (353). The vertical support (353) may be elongated along the front-rear direction or the Y-axis direction. The vertical support (353) and the horizontal support (351) may be formed to form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The horizontal support (351) and the vertical support (353) may be formed integrally. The vertical support (353) may include a plurality of second fastening holes (353a). The second fastening holes (353a) may be located below the hook (322). The second fastening holes (353a) may be provided to correspond one-to-one to the hook (322). The vertical support (353) may be formed by a portion of the horizontal support (351) being bent or curved downward. The horizontal support (351) and the vertical support (353) may be formed integrally.

[0075] The connecting part (352) can connect the horizontal support part (351) and the vertical support part (353). The connecting part (352) can be extended in a longitudinal direction or along the Y-axis direction. The connecting part (352) can be formed to be inclined. The connecting part (352) can be referred to as a truss part (352). The connecting part (352) can be formed by a part of the horizontal support part (351) being bent or slanted downward. Alternatively, the connecting part (352) can be formed by a part of the vertical support part (353) being bent or slanted inward. The horizontal support part (351), the connecting part (352), and the vertical support part (353) can be formed integrally.

[0076] The column (200) may have a hook hole (201). In addition, the side cover (610) may have a curling hole (611). The hook (322) of the bracket (300) may be hooked to the hook holes (201, 611). In addition, the first fastening member (S1) may fasten, couple, or fix the first part (325) to the column (200) and the side cover (610) through the first fastening hole (320a) of the first part (325). In addition, the second fastening member (S2) may fasten, couple, or fix the vertical support member (353) to the column (200) and the side cover (610) through the second fastening hole (353a) of the vertical support member (353).

[0077] Since the second part (326) is formed with a step inwardly relative to the first part (325), the hook (322) of the bracket (300) can be caught on the column (200) and the side cover (610), and the first part (325) can be brought into close contact with the side cover (610). By the hook (322) being caught on the column (200) and the side cover (610), the approximate position of the bracket (300) can be aligned, and the bracket (300) can be fixed using the fastening members (S1, S2). Due to the step of the second part (326) and the hook (322), the convenience of assembling the bracket (300) can be improved. The vertical part (320) and the horizontal support part (351) can be positioned substantially on the same plane.

[0078] Brackets (300) may be paired and connected to the column (200) and the side cover (610). A pair of brackets (300) may be arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. A pair of brackets (300) may be positioned at substantially the same height.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a drawing showing a battery pack (400) additionally combined with the configuration of FIG. 4. FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line J-J' of FIG. 8. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the container module may include a plurality of battery packs (400). The battery pack (400) may be positioned, installed, fastened, combined, or fixed on the bracket (300). The battery pack (400) may include a plurality of battery cells (410). In this case, the battery cells (410) may mean secondary batteries. The battery pack (400) may be provided in plurality. The battery pack (400) may have a rectangular parallelepiped shape.

[0080] In addition, the battery pack (400) may include a base plate (420) and a plurality of battery cells (410). The plurality of battery cells (410) may be positioned, installed, fixed, or coupled on the base plate (420). The plurality of battery cells (410) may be positioned with their upper surfaces exposed. Accordingly, the plurality of battery cells (410) may be directly exposed to cooling air (CA), and the cooling efficiency of the battery pack (400) may be increased. At this time, the cooling air (CA) may flow along the forward or +X-axis direction (the direction in which it penetrates the ground).

[0081] A pair of brackets (300) can be fastened and combined with one battery pack (400). Alternatively, one pair of brackets (300) can mount one battery pack (400). The horizontal portion (310) of the left bracket (300) of the pair of brackets (300) can extend to the right or in the +Y-axis direction. In addition, the horizontal portion (310) of the right bracket (300) of the pair of brackets (300) can extend to the left or in the -Y-axis direction. The battery pack (400) can be installed by being placed on the horizontal portion (310) of the pair of brackets (300) and being pushed backward.

[0082] The first battery array (401) is located inside the case (100) and may include a plurality of battery packs (400) stacked in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0083] The second battery array (402) may be positioned inside the case (100) and may include a plurality of battery packs (400) stacked in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The second battery array (402) may be spaced apart from the first battery array (401) in the left-right direction. The second battery array (402) may be positioned on the right side of the first battery array (401).

[0084] The first battery array (401) and the second battery array (402) may be collectively referred to as battery arrays (401, 402).

[0085] The battery pack (400) may have a large weight. Consequently, the weight applied to the bracket (300) may also be high. By providing a support (350), the bracket (300) can maintain rigidity even under high loads and stably support the battery pack (400).

[0086] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing a configuration of FIG. 8 in which a cooling unit (500) and a duct (700) are additionally combined. FIG. 11 is a drawing showing a portion of the configuration of FIG. 10 viewed from another direction. Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, 10, and 11, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a case (100), a battery array (401, 402), a cooling unit (500), and a duct (700).

[0087] The cooling unit (500) can provide cooling air (CA) into the interior of the case (100). The duct (700) can be located inside the case (100). The duct (700) can extend in the front-rear direction or along the X-axis direction. The duct (700) can provide a flow path therein. The duct (700) can be in communication with the cooling unit (500). In addition, the duct (700) can be in communication between the rear panel (130) and the battery array (401, 402). The duct (700) can communicate between the rear panel (130) and the battery array (401, 402) and the cooling unit (500).

[0088] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module can be improved. The cooling air (CA) provided by the cooling unit (500) can be supplied to the rear of the battery array (401, 402) along the duct (700). The cooling air (CA) can be returned to the cooling unit (500) after heat exchange with a plurality of battery cells (410). The cooling air (CA) can be circulated in a closed system.

[0089] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, 10, and 11, a front panel (110) of a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may face a first battery array (401) and a second battery array (402). In addition, a cooling unit (500) may be installed on the front panel (110).

[0090] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling performance of the container module can be improved. The first battery array (401) and the second battery array (402) are arranged symmetrically, and the cooling unit (500) is positioned between the first battery array (401) and the second battery array (402) and supplies cooling air (CA), so that the flow of cooling air (CA) can be supplied symmetrically and evenly.

[0091] Referring to FIGS. 1, 8, 10, and 11, a duct (700) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be positioned above a battery array (401, 402). The duct (700) may include an upper part (701) and a lower part (702). The lower part (702) may be positioned above the battery array (401, 402). The upper part (701) may be coupled above the lower part (702).

[0092] Alternatively, the upper part (701) may be replaced with the top panel (150) of the case (100). At this time, the lower part (702) may be joined, fixed, attached, or fastened to the inner surface of the top panel (150). And, by joining the top panel (150) and the lower part (702), it may function as a duct (700).

[0093] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module can be improved. Cooling air (CA) can be supplied to the uppermost battery pack (400) of the battery array (401, 402) due to the duct (700) located above the battery array (401, 402).

[0094] Fig. 12 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line A-A' of Fig. 1. Fig. 13 is an enlarged drawing of part B of Fig. 12. Referring to Figs. 12 and 13, the corner columns (160) may be composed of four. The corner columns (160) may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The corner columns (160) may be located at the corner where the side panel (120) and the rear panel (130) meet. In addition, the corner columns (160) may be located at the corner where the side panel (120) and the front panel (110) meet. The corner columns (160) may form the exterior of the container module.

[0095] The side rear column (230) may be provided as a pair. The side rear column (230) may be positioned inside the case (100). The side rear column (230) may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The side rear column (230) may support the corner column (160). In addition, the side rear column (230) may be in contact with the corner column (160). In addition, the side rear column (230) may be coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the corner column (160). For example, the side rear column (230) may be welded to the inner surface of the corner column (160).

[0096] The side cover (610) may have a rectangular shape. In addition, the side cover (610) may have a plate shape. In addition, the side cover (610) may include a metal material. The rear end or rear side of the side cover (610) may be in contact with or coupled to the side rear column (230).

[0097] Additionally, the rear cover (620) may have a rectangular shape. Additionally, the rear cover (620) may have a plate shape. And the rear cover (620) may include a metal material. The left end or the left side of the rear cover (620) may be in contact with or coupled to at least one of the side rear column (230) or the side cover (610).

[0098] Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of portion C of Fig. 12. Referring to Fig. 14, the side cover (610) may be in contact with or coupled to the side middle column (220). Alternatively, the side middle column (220) may be positioned between the side cover (610) and the side panel (120).

[0099] The side panel (120) may include a groove formed on the inner surface. The groove may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The side middle column (220) may be accommodated or positioned in the groove.

[0100] Fig. 15 is an enlarged view of part D of Fig. 12. Referring to Fig. 15, the side cover (610) may be in contact with or coupled to the side front column (210). Alternatively, the side front column (210) may be located between the side cover (610) and the side panel (120).

[0101] The side panel (120) may include a groove formed on the inner surface. The groove may extend in the vertical direction or along the Z-axis direction. The side front column (210) may be accommodated or positioned in the groove.

[0102] Referring to FIGS. 11 to 14, a side cover (610) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention is positioned between a side panel (120) and a first battery array (401), and may cover a left side of the first battery array (401). In addition, the side cover (610) is positioned between a side panel (120) and a second battery array (402), and may cover a right side of the second battery array (402).

[0103] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module can be improved. The side cover (610) can block the cooling air (CA) from exchanging heat with the side panel (120). In addition, the side cover (610) can guide the cooling air (CA) introduced into the first battery array (401) or the second battery array (402) to flow forward while exchanging heat with the battery cells (410).

[0104] FIG. 16 is an enlarged view of part E of FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 16, the rear cover (620) of the container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may be in contact with or coupled to the center rear column (250). Alternatively, the center rear column (250) may be located between the rear cover (620) and the rear panel (130). The center rear column (250) may be in contact with, fixed to, or coupled to the rear panel (130). The rear cover (620) may cover the rear of the second battery array (402). In addition, the rear cover (620) may cover the rear of the first battery array (401). In addition, the rear cover (620) may have a plurality of supply holes (621). The plurality of supply holes (621) may be arranged in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. Additionally, a plurality of supply holes (621) can be arranged along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0105] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module can be improved. The rear cover (620) is provided with a plurality of supply holes (621), so that cooling air (CA) can be appropriately distributed and supplied according to the flow rate, momentum, and heat distribution of the battery array (401, 402) of the cooling air (CA).

[0106] Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of part F of Fig. 12. Referring to Fig. 17, the bracket (300) can be coupled, fastened, fixed, and attached to the center front column (240). The bracket (300) can be coupled to the left and right sides of the center front column (240), respectively.

[0107] According to this configuration of the present invention, since the center front column (240) is coupled to the case (100) of the container module, a rack frame for installing the bracket (300) may not be required. This allows for the structure of the container module to be simplified and the energy density to be increased.

[0108] Fig. 18 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line G-G' of Fig. 1. Referring to Figs. 11, 16, and 18, a duct (700) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may be connected to a gap between a rear cover (620) and a rear panel (130). Cooling air (CA) may pass through the duct (700) and spread along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The spread cooling air (CA) may then be discharged through the gap between the rear cover (620) and the rear panel (130).

[0109] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling uniformity of the container module can be improved. Since the cooling air (CA) is diffused along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction, the cooling air (CA) can be supplied evenly.

[0110] Referring to FIGS. 11, 16, and 18, a duct (700) of a container module according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an exhaust port (721) extending along a length between the battery array (401, 402) and the rear panel (130). Alternatively, the exhaust port (721) may extend along an upper edge of the rear cover (620).

[0111] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling uniformity of the container module can be improved. Since the cooling air (CA) is diffused in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction through the outlet (721), the cooling air (CA) can be supplied evenly.

[0112] Fig. 19 is a drawing showing a modified embodiment of Fig. 18. Referring to Fig. 19, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flow guide (820). In this case, the flow guide (820) may be referred to as a third flow guide (820). The flow guide (820) may extend in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. And the flow guides (820) may be provided in pairs. The flow guide (820) may guide the cooling air (CA) to spread along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the flow guide (820) may limit the spread range of the cooling air (CA).

[0113] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling uniformity of the container module can be improved. Since the cooling air (CA) is diffused along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction, the cooling air (CA) can be supplied evenly.

[0114] Fig. 20 is a drawing showing another modified embodiment of Fig. 18. Referring to Fig. 20, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flow guide (830). In this case, the flow guide (830) may be referred to as a second flow guide (830). The flow guide (830) may extend in the front-back direction or along the X-axis direction. In addition, the flow guide (830) may be provided in multiple numbers. The flow guide (830) may guide the cooling air (CA) to spread and distribute along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0115] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling uniformity of the container module can be improved. The cooling air (CA) discharged from the cooling unit (500) can have a momentum to move backward or along the -X-axis direction, and can be suppressed from spreading along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The flow guide (830) can distribute the flow so that the cooling air (CA) spreads along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0116] Fig. 21 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line H-H' of Fig. 1. Fig. 22 is a drawing showing the configuration of Fig. 21 from another direction. Referring to Figs. 21 and 22, a duct (700) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a front part (710) and a rear part (720). The front part (710) may be in communication with the cooling unit (500). And, the front part (710) may guide cooling air (CA) supplied from the cooling unit (500) along the upper or Z-axis direction. The front part (710) may guide the cooling air (CA) to be positioned higher than the first battery array (401) or the second battery array (402). The front part (710) may extend along the front-back direction or the X-axis direction.

[0117] The rear part (720) can extend from the front part (710). The rear part (720) can extend from the front part (710) in the forward-backward direction or along the -X-axis direction. The rear part (720) can guide cooling air (CA) in the forward-backward direction or along the -X-axis direction.

[0118] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling efficiency of the container module can be improved. The cooling air (CA) can be positioned higher than the first battery array (401) or the second battery array (402) along the duct (700). As a result, the cooling air (CA) can be supplied to the uppermost battery pack (400) of the first battery array (401) or the second battery array (402).

[0119] Referring to FIGS. 10, 21, and 22, a battery pack (400) of a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a height PH. And a plurality of battery packs (400) may be stacked in the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction with a gap CH. The gap CH between neighboring battery packs (400) may function as a channel through which cooling air (CA) moves. At this time, the height CH of the channel may be configured to be approximately 5 to 15% of the height PH of the battery pack (400). Preferably, the height CH of the channel may be configured to be approximately 10% of the height PH of the battery pack (400). For example, when the height CH of the battery pack (400) is configured to be 123.5 mm, the gap CH between neighboring battery packs (400) may be configured to be 12 mm.

[0120] According to this configuration of the present invention, the height CH of the channel is configured to be smaller than the height PH of the battery pack (400), so that the pressure, flow rate, or momentum of the cooling air (CA) can be appropriately maintained. As a result, the cooling efficiency of the container module can be improved.

[0121] In addition, since the height CH of the channel is configured to be smaller than the height PH of the battery pack (400), more battery packs (400) can be mounted in the container module, and the energy density of the container module can be improved. Alternatively, since the height CH of the channel is configured to be smaller than the height PH of the battery pack (400), the container module can be miniaturized.

[0122] Referring to FIGS. 10, 21, and 22, a container module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a flow guide (810). In this case, the flow guide (810) may be referred to as a first flow guide (810). The flow guide (810) may extend in the left-right direction or along the Y-axis direction. The flow guide (810) may guide cooling air (CA) moving backward in the downward direction or the -Z-axis direction.

[0123] The flow guide (810) may be located inside the duct (700). The flow guide (810) may be located in the upper corner area on the rear side of the duct (700). In addition, the flow guide (810) may be coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to the inside of the duct (700).

[0124] Alternatively, the flow guide (810) may be located at a corner area where the top panel (150) and the rear panel (130) meet. The flow guide (810) may be coupled, fastened, fixed, or attached to at least one of the top panel (150) or the rear panel (130).

[0125] According to this configuration of the present invention, the cooling uniformity of the container module can be improved. The cooling air (CA) discharged from the cooling unit (500) can have a momentum to move backward or along the -X-axis direction. The flow guide (830) can guide the cooling air (CA) moving backward in the downward or -Z-axis direction.

[0126] Fig. 23 is a drawing showing a cross-sectional configuration taken along the cutting line I-I' of Fig. 1. Fig. 24 is an enlarged drawing of part K of Fig. 23. Referring to Figs. 23 and 24, the rear cover (620) may include a plurality of supply holes (631). The plurality of supply holes (621) may be arranged at regular intervals along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. In addition, the plurality of supply holes (621) may be arranged at regular intervals along the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0127] The rear cover (620) may include a portion where the diameter of the supply hole (621) becomes smaller as it goes downward or in the -Z-axis direction. The K portion indicates that the diameter of the supply hole (621) becomes smaller as it goes downward or in the -Z-axis direction. The four first supply holes (621a) may be configured to have a length w1 in the left-right direction and a height h. In addition, the four second supply holes (621b) located below the first supply holes (621a) may be configured to have a length w2 in the left-right direction and a height h. The length w1 may be configured to be longer than the length w2.

[0128] The cooling air (CA) may have a momentum to move downward by the flow guide (810). This may increase the amount of cooling air (CA) supplied to the lower supply hole (621b). The rear cover (620) may include a K portion to evenly distribute the flow rate of the cooling air (CA) supplied to the battery pack (400).

[0129] Fig. 25 is an enlarged view of part M of Fig. 23. Referring to Figs. 23 and 25, the rear cover (620) may include a part in which the diameter of the supply hole (621) becomes smaller as it goes inward or toward the center rear column. Part M shows that the diameter of the supply hole (621) becomes smaller as it goes inward or in the -Y-axis direction. The four third supply holes (621c) may have a length w3 in the left-right direction and a height h. In addition, the four fourth supply holes (621d) located inward or in the -Y-axis direction relative to the third supply holes (621c) may have a length w4 in the left-right direction and a height h. The length w3 may be configured to be longer than the length w4.

[0130] Uneven distribution of flow rate may occur due to the flow of cooling air (CA). The rear panel (130) includes a K portion, thereby enabling even distribution of the flow rate of cooling air (CA) supplied to the battery pack (400).

[0131] FIG. 26 is a drawing illustrating a container according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 26, the container system may include a plurality of container modules (10). The plurality of container modules (10) may be physically or electrically connected.

[0132] The case (100) may be configured to be stackable or combined with the case (100) of another container module (10). In addition, the container system may additionally include a control module. The control module may be fastened, combined, connected, stacked, or fixed to the side panel (120) of the container module (10).

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

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

[0135] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a container module (10) according to the present invention. The energy storage system may include a plurality of container systems. And the container system may include a plurality of container modules (10). Such an energy storage system may form a link group by combining a certain number of container modules (10) and control modules (20).

[0136] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used in this specification, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that these terms are only for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer.

[0137] As described above, although the present invention has been described by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and variations are possible by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the equivalent scope of the patent claims to be described below.

Claims

1. A case providing internal space and including a rear panel; A battery array comprising a plurality of battery packs positioned inside the case and stacked in a vertical direction; A cooling unit for providing cooling air into the interior of the case; and A container module positioned inside the case and including a duct that communicates between the battery array and the rear panel and the cooling unit.

2. In paragraph 1, The above case is, Includes front panel, The above cooling unit, A container module installed on the above front panel.

3. In paragraph 1, The above duct, A container module positioned above the above battery array.

4. In paragraph 1, The above ducts: A front part communicating with the cooling unit and guiding the cooling air upward; and A container module including a rear part extending in the forward-backward direction from the first part and guiding the cooling air in the forward-backward direction.

5. In paragraph 1, The above duct, A container module including a drain port extending along the length between the battery array and the rear panel.

6. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a first flow guide positioned inside the duct and extending in the left-right direction, the first flow guide guiding the cooling air downward.

7. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a second flow guide positioned inside the duct and extending in the forward-backward direction, the second flow guide distributing the cooling air in the left-right direction.

8. In paragraph 1, The above case is, Includes side panel, The above container module, A container module further comprising a side cover positioned between the side panel and the battery array and covering one side of the battery array.

9. In paragraph 1, A container module further comprising a rear cover positioned between the rear panel and the battery array, covering the rear of the battery array, and having a plurality of supply holes.

10. In paragraph 9, The above duct, A container module communicating with the gap between the rear cover and the rear panel.

11. In paragraph 9, The above multiple supply holes are, comprising a first supply hole and a second supply hole positioned below the first supply hole; The above first supply hole, A container module formed larger than the second supply hole.

12. In paragraph 9, The above multiple supply holes are, including a third supply hole and a fourth supply hole located inside the third supply hole; The above third supply hole, A container module formed larger than the above fourth supply hole.

13. A container system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. An energy storage system comprising a container module according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

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