Energy storage system

Abstract

An energy storage system, comprising: a box body (10); and an energy storage device (20) provided in the box body (10), the energy storage device (20) comprising N battery clusters (201) arranged in a first direction, the battery clusters (201) comprising M battery packs (202) connected to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein 4≤N≤6, and 5≤M≤8. The number of parts in the energy storage system can be reduced, the space utilization rate of the box body is increased, the manufacturing time is effectively reduced, and the system manufacturing cost is reduced.

Description

Energy Storage System

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the China Patent Office on March 5, 2024, with application number 202420433211.3. The entire contents of the above application are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of batteries, and in particular to an energy storage system. Background Art

[0003] Most containerized energy storage systems utilize small 280Ah to 320Ah cells, resulting in 10 or even 12 battery clusters. This results in a large number of internal components and significant waste of container space. Furthermore, containerized energy storage systems typically operate at 3MWh to 4MWh, which doesn't effectively increase the system's energy density. This results in low overall system energy density and excessively high unit cost per unit of electricity. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present application provides an energy storage system to solve the above technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present application provides an energy storage system, comprising:

[0006] cabinet; and

[0007] An energy storage device is provided in the box, the energy storage device includes N battery clusters arranged along a first direction, the battery cluster includes M battery packs connected to each other in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein 4≤N≤6, 5≤M≤8. Beneficial effects

[0008] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: the energy storage system includes a housing; and an energy storage device disposed within the housing, the energy storage device including N battery clusters arranged along a first direction, the battery clusters including M battery packs interconnected in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, where 4 ≤ N ≤ 6 and 5 ≤ M ≤ 8. This can reduce the number of internal components of the energy storage system, improve housing space utilization, effectively reduce manufacturing time, and lower system manufacturing costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of a partial structure of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0010] FIG2 is a schematic structural diagram of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0011] FIG3 is a front view of a partial structure of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0012] FIG4 is a right side view of a partial structure of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0013] FIG5 is a schematic structural diagram of a partition of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0014] FIG6 is a top view of a partial structure of an energy storage system provided in one embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Description of reference numerals:

[0016] 100-Energy storage system; 10-Case; 20-Energy storage device; 201-Battery cluster; 202-Battery pack; 203-Support frame; 204-Battery; 30-Thermal management host; 40-Fire control host; 50-Manifold; 60-Partition; 601-First partition; 602-Second partition; 603-First accommodation chamber; 604-Second accommodation chamber; 6041-First sub-accommodation chamber; 6042-Second sub-accommodation chamber; 70-Fire control backup battery. Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "upper" and "lower" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on this application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "multiple" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0018] The present application may repeat reference numerals and / or reference letters in different embodiments. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0019] In the prior art, 20-foot containerized energy storage systems typically have a battery capacity of 3MWh to 4MWh, and most are larger than a typical 20-foot container, making transportation difficult. These systems typically utilize small 280Ah to 320Ah cells, often resulting in 10 or even 12 battery clusters. This results in a large number of internal components, significant space waste, and an inability to effectively increase the system's energy density, resulting in a low overall system energy density and excessively high unit cost per unit of electricity.

[0020] The energy storage system provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0021] Referring to FIG. 1 , FIG. 2 , and FIG. 3 , the present application provides an energy storage system 100 , including:

[0022] Box 10; and

[0023] The energy storage device 20 is arranged in the box 10. The energy storage device 20 includes N battery clusters 201 arranged along a first direction X. The battery cluster 201 includes M battery packs 202 connected to each other in a second direction Y perpendicular to the first direction X, wherein 4≤N≤6, 5≤M≤8.

[0024] Specifically, the box 10 is a standard 20-foot container, and the energy storage device 20 is located inside the box 10. The number of the battery clusters 201 is 4-6, which reduces the number of internal components.

[0025] For example, when there are six battery clusters 201, the number of internal components can be reduced by over 40%, significantly reducing process complexity and cost, and improving space utilization within the housing 10. In one embodiment, multiple battery clusters 201 can be connected in parallel, or in series depending on actual needs. The specific connection relationship between multiple battery clusters 201 is not limited in this application.

[0026] In an optional embodiment of the present application, each of the battery packs 202 includes Q interconnected batteries 204 , where 52≤Q≤78, and the battery capacity of the batteries 204 is 628Ah-942Ah.

[0027] For example, the number of battery clusters 201 is 6, the number of battery packs 202 is 8, and the battery capacity of the batteries 204 in the battery packs 202 is 628Ah. For example, this can achieve a power output of 5MWh or more, greatly improving the overall energy density of the energy storage system 100. Furthermore, the number of battery clusters 201 also improves the space utilization of the housing 10 and reduces the number of internal components, effectively reducing manufacturing hours and lowering system manufacturing costs. In other embodiments, when the number of battery clusters 201 is reduced, the battery capacity can be adaptively selected to be larger, for example, to at least meet the requirement of achieving a power output of 5MWh or more. The specific requirements will depend on the actual application.

[0028] Specifically, the battery 204 is, for example, a cylindrical battery or a square battery. The shape of the battery 204 is not limited in this application and is subject to actual application.

[0029] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system further includes a plurality of support frames 203 arranged along the first direction X, and one of the support frames 203 includes a plurality of receiving cavities, and the battery packs 202 of the same battery cluster 201 are received in the receiving cavities.

[0030] Specifically, the number of support racks 203 is the same as the number of battery clusters 201, and the arrangement direction is also the same as that of the battery clusters 201. N battery clusters 201 are located in the housing 10 and arranged along a first direction X. N support racks 203 are also located in the housing 10 and arranged along the first direction X. Furthermore, each support rack 203 includes multiple layers, and the multiple layers are arranged along a second direction Y. Each layer is equipped with a battery pack 202, and the number of layers is the same as the number of battery packs in each battery cluster 201. The first direction X and the second direction Y intersect, for example. In one embodiment, the first direction X and the second direction Y are perpendicular.

[0031] For example, there are six battery clusters 201 and eight battery packs 202, with the eight battery packs being located on each layer of the support frame 203 along the second direction Y. The six battery clusters 201 are arranged along the first direction X, significantly reducing the number of internal components of the energy storage system 100.

[0032] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system includes a battery thermal management system, a fire protection system, and a combiner cabinet 50 , all of which are located in the box 10 and connected to the battery cluster.

[0033] In related technologies, thermal management systems with liquid cooling components are located adjacent to or spaced apart from battery clusters. When thermal runaway occurs in a battery cluster, causing a short circuit within the cells, this can easily affect the liquid cooling components connected to the battery cluster, potentially spreading from the battery cluster to the thermal management system, causing the liquid cooling components to fail or compromising their cooling effectiveness, impacting the safety of the energy storage system. Furthermore, battery clusters are located adjacent to combiner cabinets or other structures. When thermal runaway occurs in a battery cluster, causing a short circuit within the cells, this can easily spread to the combiner cabinet or other structures, posing a threat to the safety of the energy storage system.

[0034] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. In an optional embodiment of the present application, the box 10 includes:

[0035] The partition 60 includes a first partition 601, which divides the box body 10 into a first accommodating chamber 603 and a second accommodating chamber 604. The N battery clusters 201 are arranged in the first accommodating chamber 603 along the first direction X, and the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system and the junction cabinet 50 are located in the second accommodating chamber 604.

[0036] Specifically, the first partition 601 separates the N battery clusters 201 from the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the combiner cabinet 50 and performs a fire prevention function. When thermal runaway occurs in the battery cluster, resulting in an internal short circuit in the battery, the first partition 601 reduces the impact of thermal runaway on the liquid cooling effect of the battery thermal management system, thereby reducing the impact of thermal runaway batteries on the battery thermal management system.

[0037] Furthermore, the first compartment 603 formed by the first partition 601 and a portion of the housing 10 is relatively closed. The N battery clusters 201 are located within the relatively closed first compartment 603 and separated from the battery thermal management system, thereby reducing the impact of external factors on the N battery clusters 201. Preferably, the partition 60 is made of a heat-insulating, non-flammable material, such as, but not limited to, a vacuum sandwich panel or rock wool board. This provides the partition 60 with a heat-insulating function, reduces the impact of extreme external factors on the power of the N battery clusters 201, and improves the safety of the energy storage system.

[0038] Specifically, the thickness of the partition 60 may be, for example, 30 mm to 50 mm, and may preferably be 50 mm, depending on actual application.

[0039] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the partition 60 also includes a second partition 602 connected to the first partition 601, and the second partition 602 divides the second chamber 604 into a first sub-chamber 6041 and a second sub-chamber 6042. The battery thermal management system is located in the first sub-chamber 6041, and the fire protection system and the junction cabinet 50 are located in the second sub-chamber 6042.

[0040] Specifically, the first partition 601 and the second partition 602 can be arranged in a T-shape, for example, to effectively prevent thermal short circuits. The fire protection system and the combiner cabinet 50 are arranged along the second direction, improving space utilization within the housing 10. The fire protection system and the combiner cabinet 50 cannot be exposed to the outside. In one embodiment, the first partition 601 and the second partition 602 separate the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the combiner cabinet 50 into different compartments. The fire protection system and the combiner cabinet 50, which cannot be exposed to the outside, are located in one compartment, and the battery thermal management system is located in another compartment, thereby reducing the impact of thermal runaway on components in different compartments. If any component of the battery cluster, the fire protection system, the combiner cabinet 50, or the battery thermal management system experiences thermal runaway or other fire safety issues, the first partition 601 and the second partition 602 can isolate it in the corresponding compartment, reducing the impact of thermal runaway or other fire safety issues on the safety of other components, ensuring the safety of the energy storage system and reducing maintenance costs.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first partition 601 is provided with multiple wiring holes, which connect the first accommodating chamber 603 with the first sub-accommodating chamber 6041 and the second sub-accommodating chamber 6042, respectively. The wiring holes are configured to accommodate wiring harnesses for the fire protection system, the combiner cabinet 50, and the battery thermal management system. These wiring harnesses connect, for example, to the battery cluster or external components. The wiring holes are located at the bottom of the first partition 601 to minimize their impact on the function of the first partition 601.

[0042] In one embodiment, a locking device is provided at the position of the first partition 601 corresponding to the first sub-chamber 6041 and the second sub-chamber 6042, and the fire host 40 and the junction cabinet 50 are assembled with the locking device on the side facing the first partition 601 to fix the fire host 40 and the junction cabinet 50 on the first partition 601.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6 , in an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system 100 includes:

[0044] The battery thermal management system is located in the box 10, and the battery thermal management system includes a primary liquid cooling pipeline, a secondary liquid cooling pipeline, a tertiary liquid cooling pipeline and a thermal management host 30. One end of the tertiary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the battery pack 202, and the other end is connected to the secondary liquid cooling pipeline. The end of the secondary liquid cooling pipeline away from the tertiary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the primary liquid cooling pipeline, and the end of the primary liquid cooling pipeline away from the secondary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the thermal management host 30.

[0045] Specifically, the battery pack 202 has an internal liquid cooling pipeline, which is in contact with the battery 204 to improve heat exchange efficiency. One end of the three-stage liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the internal liquid cooling pipeline of the battery pack 202, and the other end is connected to the two-stage liquid cooling pipeline. The two-stage liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the one-stage liquid cooling pipeline to form a liquid cooling circulation loop to dissipate heat and cool the battery pack 202.

[0046] Furthermore, there are, for example, multiple liquid cooling circuits formed by the first-level liquid cooling pipeline, the first-level liquid cooling pipeline, the second-level liquid cooling pipeline, the third-level liquid cooling pipeline and the internal liquid cooling pipeline. Multiple first-level liquid cooling pipelines can be connected in parallel, and coolant flows through the liquid cooling circuits to cool the battery pack 202.

[0047] Furthermore, an inspection door is provided at the position of the box 10 corresponding to the battery thermal management system. The opening direction of the inspection door is toward the side away from the battery cluster 201. Therefore, when a fault occurs in the battery thermal management system, the operator only needs to open the inspection door to repair the faulty battery thermal management system outside the box 10 without entering the inside of the box 10.

[0048] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system 100 includes:

[0049] The fire protection system is located in the box 10, and the fire protection system includes multiple first-level fire protection pipelines, second-level fire protection pipelines, third-level fire protection pipelines and a fire protection host 40. One end of the third-level fire protection pipeline is connected to the battery pack 202, and the other end is connected to the second-level fire protection pipeline. The end of the second-level fire protection pipeline away from the third-level fire protection pipeline is connected to the first-level fire protection pipeline, and the end of the first-level fire protection pipeline away from the second-level fire protection pipeline is connected to the fire protection host 40.

[0050] Specifically, the battery pack 202 has an internal fire-fighting pipeline. One end of the tertiary fire-fighting pipeline is connected to the internal fire-fighting pipeline of the battery pack 202, and the other end is connected to the secondary fire-fighting pipeline. The secondary fire-fighting pipeline is connected to the primary fire-fighting pipeline to perform fire-fighting control on the battery pack 202. The pipeline is filled with fire extinguishing agent, for example. When the fire signal is triggered, the fire extinguishing agent enters the battery pack 202 through the pipeline to achieve precise fire extinguishing.

[0051] Furthermore, there are multiple fire protection paths formed by the first-level fire protection pipeline, the first-level fire protection pipeline, the second-level fire protection pipeline, the third-level fire protection pipeline and the internal fire protection pipeline. For example, multiple first-level fire protection pipelines can be connected in parallel to achieve fire protection control of multiple battery packs 202.

[0052] For example, when the number of the battery clusters 201 is 6, the number of parts in the battery thermal management system and the fire protection system can be reduced by about 40%, for example.

[0053] Furthermore, the energy storage system 100 also includes a fire backup battery 70, which is connected to the fire host 40. When an abnormality occurs in the external power supply or internal circuit, resulting in abnormal power supply to the fire host 40, the fire backup battery 70 supplies energy to the fire host 40 to avoid fire loopholes.

[0054] Specifically, the fire protection backup battery 70 is located on the same side as the fire protection system, thereby improving space utilization and reducing the complexity of the system process.

[0055] Furthermore, an inspection door is provided at the position of the box 10 corresponding to the fire protection system. The opening direction of the inspection door is toward the side away from the battery cluster 201. Therefore, when a fire protection system fails, the operator only needs to open the inspection door to repair the failed fire protection system outside the box 10 without entering the inside of the box 10.

[0056] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the fire protection system further includes: a plurality of fire detectors, which are arranged on the support frame 203 and connected to the fire protection host 40.

[0057] Specifically, there are N support frames 203 and N fire detectors, each mounted on the support frame 203 of each battery cluster 201, to detect fires in each battery cluster 201. The fire detectors in one embodiment of the present application are, for example, composite fire detectors that can detect parameters such as the temperature of the battery cluster 201 within the housing 10, the ambient temperature, and smoke concentration. When these parameters exceed predetermined values, the fire protection system is triggered, causing fire extinguishing agent to flow into the corresponding battery pack 202 according to the fire detectors at the corresponding locations, thereby extinguishing the fire in the battery pack 202.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system 100 includes:

[0059] The combiner cabinet 50 is located in the box body 10 , and the N battery clusters 201 are connected to the combiner cabinet 50 .

[0060] Specifically, the combiner cabinet 50 is electrically connected to the battery cluster 201. The combiner cabinet 50 houses the master switch for the battery cluster 201. The combiner cabinet 50 also includes a controller that communicates with the battery thermal management system, fire protection system, and other systems. Manual operation panels and information displays for the battery thermal management system and fire protection system are also located within the combiner cabinet 50. In most cases, operators only need to open the combiner cabinet 50 to assess the operating status of the energy storage system and control the power supply of the entire energy storage system through the master switch of the battery cluster 201. Specifically, the energy storage system is also connected to the external circuit through the combiner cabinet 50. To enable the corresponding battery cluster 201 to be individually shut down in the event of a battery pack 202 failure, each battery cluster 201 is equipped with an independent sub-switch.

[0061] Furthermore, an inspection door is provided at the position of the cabinet 10 corresponding to the combiner cabinet 50 to facilitate maintenance. The inspection door opens toward the side away from the battery cluster 201. Therefore, when a failure occurs in the combiner cabinet 50, the operator only needs to open the inspection door to repair the failed combiner cabinet 50 from outside the cabinet 10 without entering the interior of the cabinet 10.

[0062] Furthermore, the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system and the combiner cabinet 50 are all located on the same side of the box body 10 , but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0063] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the combiner cabinet 50 are located in an extension direction of the N battery clusters 201 in the first direction X.

[0064] Specifically, the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the combiner cabinet 50 are located on the same side of the box body 10 , which improves space utilization and facilitates maintenance.

[0065] In an optional embodiment of the present application, the energy storage system 100 includes: a battery management system, which is located in the box 10 and is respectively connected to multiple battery packs 202.

[0066] Specifically, the battery management system may be located in the battery pack 202 , for example, and is responsible for collecting and monitoring data such as the temperature and voltage of the battery pack 202 , and managing the battery pack 202 .

[0067] The energy storage system provided in this application includes at least the following working process or principle: the energy storage system includes a box 10 and an energy storage device 20, the energy storage device 20 is arranged in the box 10, the energy storage device 20 includes N battery clusters 201, and the battery cluster 201 includes M interconnected battery packs 202, wherein 4≤N≤6, 5≤M≤8. It can reduce the number of internal components and improve the space utilization of the box 10. The box 10 uses an industry standard container (for example, a 20-foot container) to facilitate road transportation and reduce transportation costs. The battery capacity of the battery 204 is 628Ah-942Ah. Based on this battery capacity, only 4-6 battery clusters are required, and each battery cluster has 5-8 battery packs to achieve a power of more than 5MWh, which greatly improves the overall energy density of the energy storage system.

Claims

1. An energy storage system comprising: Box (10); and An energy storage device (20) is provided in the box (10), the energy storage device (20) comprising N battery clusters (201) arranged along a first direction, the battery clusters (201) comprising M battery packs (202) interconnected in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, wherein 4≤N≤6, 5≤M≤8.

2. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: Each battery pack (202) includes Q interconnected batteries (204), wherein 52≤Q≤78, and the battery capacity of the batteries (204) is 628Ah-942Ah.

3. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage system further comprises a plurality of support frames (203) arranged along the first direction, and one of the support frames (203) comprises a plurality of receiving cavities, wherein the battery packs (202) of the same battery cluster (201) are received in the receiving cavities.

4. The energy storage system according to claim 1, wherein: The energy storage system comprises a battery thermal management system, a fire protection system, and a junction cabinet (50), all of which are located in the box (10) and connected to the battery cluster (201).

5. The energy storage system according to claim 4, wherein: The box (10) includes: The partition (60) comprises a first partition (601), wherein the first partition (601) divides the box body (10) into a first accommodating chamber (603) and a second accommodating chamber (604); the N battery clusters (201) are arranged in the first accommodating chamber (603) along the first direction; and the battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the junction cabinet (50) are located in the second accommodating chamber (604).

6. The energy storage system according to claim 5, wherein: The partition (60) further includes a second partition (602) connected to the first partition (601), wherein the second partition (602) divides the second housing chamber (604) into a first sub-housing chamber (6041) and a second sub-housing chamber (6042), wherein the battery thermal management system is located in the first sub-housing chamber (6041), and the fire protection system and the junction cabinet (50) are located in the second sub-housing chamber (6042).

7. The energy storage system according to claim 6, wherein: The first partition (601) is provided with a plurality of wiring holes, and the plurality of wiring holes respectively connect the first accommodating chamber (603) with the first sub-accommodating chamber (6041) and the second sub-accommodating chamber (6042).

8. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The battery thermal management system comprises a primary liquid cooling pipeline, a secondary liquid cooling pipeline, a tertiary liquid cooling pipeline and a thermal management host (30), one end of the tertiary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the battery pack (202), and the other end is connected to the secondary liquid cooling pipeline, the end of the secondary liquid cooling pipeline away from the tertiary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the primary liquid cooling pipeline, and the end of the primary liquid cooling pipeline away from the secondary liquid cooling pipeline is connected to the thermal management host (30).

9. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The fire protection system includes a plurality of primary fire protection pipelines, secondary fire protection pipelines, tertiary fire protection pipelines and a fire protection host (40), one end of the tertiary fire protection pipeline is connected to the battery pack (202), and the other end is connected to the secondary fire protection pipeline, the end of the secondary fire protection pipeline away from the tertiary fire protection pipeline is connected to the primary fire protection pipeline, and the end of the primary fire protection pipeline away from the secondary fire protection pipeline is connected to the fire protection host (40).

10. The energy storage system according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein: The combiner cabinet (50) is connected to the N battery clusters (201); The battery thermal management system, the fire protection system, and the junction cabinet (50) are located in an extension direction of the N battery clusters (201) in the first direction.

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