An enclosure for a battery energy storage system

Abstract

An enclosure (1) for a battery energy storage system, the enclosure (1) comprising a bottom, lateral walls and a roof structure (2). The roof structure (2) comprises an opening (2a) and a deflagration panel (3) for covering said opening (2a), a securing element (4) being provided for securing said deflagration panel (3) in a closed position over said opening (2a). The deflagration panel (3) has a rigidity configured such that the deflagration panel (3) yields under a predetermined deflagration pressure within the enclosure (1), so as to result in a corresponding predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3). The predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3) results in the securing element (4) and the deflagration panel (3) disengaging from each other, thereby allowing the deflagration panel to open and release the deflagration pressure from within the enclosure in a controlled manner.

Description

[0001] Attorney Ref. No. 1032469-001009

[0002] AN ENCLOSURE FOR A BATTERY ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM

[0003] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] The present disclosure relates to battery energy storage systems, and more particularly to enclosures for such systems. The present disclosure further concerns a deflagration panel for such an enclosure.

[0005] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] Battery energy storage systems (BESS) are used for storing electrical energy so as to compensate for fluctuations in supply and demand of electrical power. Often the batteries of such BESS arrangements are provided in a modular configuration, where multiple battery modules form units, and multiple units are then physically contained within a single enclosure. Multiple such enclosures can then be further located adjacent or in the vicinity of each other to form accumulator(s) of the BESS.

[0007] On rare occasion, malfunction or damage of the batteries may result in thermal runaway of the batteries. This, in turn, may then lead in a deflagration event, i.e. , sudden combustion of combustible gasses produced by the thermal runaway. Unless contained, a deflagration event can propagate from one enclosure to another. Conventional measures for preventing propagation of the deflagration damage include e.g., venting the combustible gases so as to prevent deflagration and / or providing a deflagration panel configured to rupture under the pressure caused by a deflagration event, thereby directing the blast from the deflagration event away from other containers.

[0008] However, pre-emptively venting gases from within the enclosure requires a relatively complex system including sensors for detecting combustible gases and actuator for venting the enclosure. Conventional deflagration panels, on the other hand, are secured to the enclosure in manner which is not intended to be detachable.

[0009] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0010] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an enclosure for a battery energy storage system with a reliable, and a simple construction for directing a deflagration wave so as to prevent propagation of deflagration damage to adjacent enclosures of the similar type, while facilitating access into the enclosure e.g., for maintenance purposes.

[0011] The object of the disclosure is achieved by an enclosure which is characterized by what is stated in the independent claim. The preferred embodiments of the disclosure are disclosed in the dependent claims. The disclosure is based on the idea of providing a roof structure of the enclosure with an opening covered by a deflagration panel, which is configured to yield so as to result in a predetermined deflection in a deflagration event so that the deflagration panel disengages from a securing element holding the deflagration panel in place. As opposed to conventional deflagration panels, disengagement is achieved as the result of the predetermined deflection, as opposed to purely blasting the deflagration panel of under the force exerted by the deflagration panel.

[0012] An advantage of the disclosure is that the deflagration panel can be disengaged from the securing element manually, without the occurrence of a deflagration event, simply by manually deflecting the panel. Consequently, the deflagration panel of an enclosure according to the present disclosure simultaneously facilitates maintenance access.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, an enclosure for a battery energy storage system is provided. The enclosure comprises a bottom, lateral walls and a roof structure. Notably, the roof structure comprises an opening and a deflagration panel for covering said opening. A securing element is provided for securing the deflagration panel in a closed position over said opening.

[0014] Moreover, the deflagration panel has a rigidity configured such that the deflagration panel yields under a predetermined deflagration pressure within the enclosure, so as to result in a corresponding predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel. The predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel, in turn, results in the securing element and the deflagration panel disengaging form each other. Consequently, opening of the deflagration panel under the predetermined deflagration pressure is allowed, enabling said deflagration pressure to be released from within the enclosure in a controlled manner (e.g., at a predetermined pressure and in a predetermined blow-out direction).

[0015] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the deflagration panel comprises a first flank side and a second flank side opposite to the first flank side. The deflagration may further comprise a first end side transverse to the first flank side and the second flank side, and a second end side opposite to the first end side and transverse to the first flank side and the second flank side. For example, the deflagration panel may be of a quadrangular shape.

[0016] In such a configuration, the predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel comprises outward bowing of the first flank side along a length thereof (i.e., between opposing distal ends of the first flank side), thereby resulting in a displacement of opposing distal ends of the first flank side towards each other. Preferably, but not necessarily, the deflagration panel is hingedly connected to the remaining roof structure at the second flank side. This further contributes to achieving a predetermined deflection as described above, while simultaneously allowing support for deflagration panel when opened e.g., for maintenance operations.

[0017] Preferably, but not necessarily, the first flank side and the second flank side define a length of the deflagration panel, while the first end side and the second end side define a width of the deflagration panel. That is, the length of the deflagration panels is defined in the direction in which both flank sides extend, while the width of the deflagration panel is defined in the direction in which both end sides extend. Suitably, the length of the deflagration panel is at least 1 ,5 times the width of the deflagration panel. Such relative dimensioning further contributes to achieving the predetermined deflection as described above.

[0018] Preferably, but not necessarily, the deflagration panel further comprises a brace extending between the first flank side and the second flank side on an inside of the deflagration panel. Such a brace also further contributes to achieving the predetermined deflection as described above by increasing the rigidity of the deflagration panel in a direction transverse to the predetermined deflection.

[0019] Moreover, the enclosure may further comprise a support arranged at the opening, such support being configured to support the brace against a force exerted one the deflagration panel from an outside of the enclosure. The provision of such a support increases the deflagration panel’s ability to withstand forces directed inwardly from the outside of the enclosure. This encompasses the additional benefit of e.g., allowing maintenance personnel to walk on top of the roof structure, including deflagration panel, without impairing the deflagration panel’s ability to assume the predetermined deflection during a deflagration event.

[0020] Preferably, but not necessarily, the securing element is arranged at either or both of a corner region between the first flank side and the first end side, and a corner region between the first flank side and the second end side. Such a configuration is considered particularly advantageous, as it does not obstruct the central area of the opening. Moreover, the predetermined deflection, as discussed above, is prominently exhibited at such corner regions.

[0021] For example, the corner region between the first flank side and the first end side may be defined as a region extending inwardly from a corner between the first flank side and the first end side for no more than one third of the length of said flank side, and respectively, the width of the first end side. The corner region between the first flank side and the first end side may alternatively be defined as a region extending inwardly from a corner between the first flank side and the first end side for no more than one fourth of the length of said flank side, and respectively, the width of the first end side. The corner region between the first flank side and the second end side may be determined similarly as the corner region between the first flank side and the first end side.

[0022] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure the enclosure according to claim the securing element extends through a top surface of the deflagration panel. This allows reliable engagement between the deflagration panel and the securing element, as the top surface constitutes a whole intact entity, capable of withstanding necessary forces to retain the securing element in position when the deflagration panel has not been deformed. At the same time, this arrangement eliminates the need to provide a separate entity to act as a counterpart for the securing element.

[0023] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the securing element is configured to fail under shear stress resulting from, and corresponding to, the predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel.

[0024] For example, the securing element may be provided as a shear fastener, such as a shear pin or a shear bolt. In another example, the securing element may be provided as an adhesive coupling of the deflagration panel. In still a further example, the securing element may be provided as a welded coupling of the deflagration panel. Moreover, the securing element may be constituted by a combination of two or more examples discussed above.

[0025] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the securing element constitutes a form-fit connection with a corresponding counterpart form on the deflagration panel, wherein form-fit connection is configured to disengage upon a displacement of the deflagration panel resulting from the predetermined deflection thereof.

[0026] Such a form-fit connection has the additional advantage of being reversible. This, in turn, allows opening of the deflagration panel by deforming the deflagration panel e.g., for providing maintenance access into the enclosure. After maintenance access is no longer needed, the opening of the roof structure can be covered again with deflagration panel, which can then be secured again with the same securing element.

[0027] Preferably, but not necessarily, the securing element is provided as a stud having a shank and a head at a distal end of the shank. In this arrangement case, the counterpart form may be provided as a slot extending through the deflagration panel. Such a counterpart form has a closed portion with a width less than that of the head. Moreover, in an engaged configuration, the shank of the stud extends through the closed portion of the slot, and the head extends above said closed portion of the slot, thereby preventing the deflagration panel from being moved past the head.

[0028] Most suitably, the slot further comprises an open portion, through which the head of the stud can be passed through. Moreover, in a disengaged configuration, the deflection of the deflagration panel positions the open portion of the slot at the stud, thereby allowing the deflagration panel to be moved past the head.

[0029] Alternatively, or in addition, the slot may have an opening at a peripheral edge of the deflagration panel, thereby allowing removal of the stud from the slot via said opening. Moreover, in a disengaged configuration, the deflection of the deflagration panel has positioned the slot away from the stud, thereby allowing the deflagration panel to be moved past the head.

[0030] Most suitably, the stud is flexible. A flexible stud may be configured to allow displacement of the head of the stud, so as to disengage the form-fit connection without deformation of the deflagration panel. This has the additional advantage that the securing element may be disengaged form deflagration panel without deforming of the deflagration panel.

[0031] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the deflagration panel is located centrally with respect to the roof structure. That is, the deflagration panel is located centrally along the length of the roof structure (i.e., defined along the flank sides thereof). For example, the deflagration panel may be spaced apart from the end sides for a distance of at least one fourth, preferably at least one third, of the length of the flank sides.

[0032] Moreover, in addition to a centrally located deflagration panel, as discussed above, the roof structure may further comprise additional deflagration panels adjacent to such a central deflagration panel. That is, an additional deflagration panel may be provided on the first end side with respect to the central deflagration panel, and / or an additional deflagration panel may be provided on the second end side with respect to the central deflagration panel. Although an additional deflagration panel may be of a similar type as the central deflagration panel, preferably such additional deflagration panels are of a different type than the central deflagration panel. For example, an additional deflagration panel may be rigidly attached to the roof structure, and further configured to fail under a predetermined deflagration pressure, whereas the central deflagration panel may be hinged connected to the remaining roof structure. In addition, such additional deflagration panels may be configured to be sufficiently rigid on their own to support e.g., maintenance personnel on the roof structure without additional supports or braces.

[0033] In an embodiment according to the first aspect of the present disclosure the enclosure conforms to dimensions of an ISO-compliant TEU (twenty foot equivalent unit) container. In such an arrangement, the opening advantageously occupies no more than one third a surface area of the roof structure.

[0034] Preferably, but not necessarily, the roof structure further comprises a fixed panel detachably attached to the enclosure, adjacent to the deflagration panel. For example, such fixed panels may be provided on both sides of the deflagration panel along the length of the roof structure. In such a case, the deflagration panel is preferably arranged centrally with respect to the length of the roof structure. Moreover, such a fixed panel may also be configured to disengage from the remaining roof structure under a predeterminer deflagration pressure within the enclosure.

[0035] It should be noted that the first aspect of the disclosure encompasses any combination of two or more embodiments, or variants thereof, as discussed above.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] In the following the disclosure will be described in greater detail by means of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

[0038] Fig. 1 depicts a portion of an enclosure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure with a deflagration panel removed, illustrated in a perspective view;

[0039] Fig. 2a depicts a deflagration panel for the enclosure of Fig. 1 in an open configuration with respect to an associated panel frame, illustrated in a perspective view;

[0040] Fig. 2b depicts the deflagration panel of Fig. 2a in a closed configuration with respect to the associated panel frame, illustrated in a perspective view;

[0041] Fig. 3a depicts a detailed view of Fig. 2b showing a securing element engaged with the deflagration panel;

[0042] Fig. 3b depicts the securing element of Fig. 3a with the deflagration panel omitted;

[0043] Fig. 4 depicts a detailed view of a counter form of the deflagration panel, and

[0044] Fig. 5 depicts a deflagration panel in a deflected state while still in the closed configuration of Fig 2b, as illustrated in a perspective view. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0045] Fig. 1 shows a portion of an enclosure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Particularly, the enclosure 1 has a bottom (not illustrated), lateral walls and a roof structure 2, in which an opening 2a is provided. Notably, the opening 2 is positioned centrally along the longitudinal extension of the roof structure. Advantageously, the enclosure 1 conforms to the dimensions of an ISO-compliant TEU container.

[0046] A deflagration panel 3 is not shown in Fig. 1 , so as to illustrate the support 7 arranged at the opening 2. The purpose of said support is to support the deflagration panel 3 against forces inwardly exerted thereon, while allowing the predetermined deformation, as discussed above.

[0047] Within the enclosure of Fig.1 , multiple battery units and / or modules can be fitted, and moreover, multiple enclosures 1 can be coupled so as to form accumulator(s) of a battery energy storage system.

[0048] Fig. 2a and Fig. 2b show a deflagration 3 panel for the enclosure of Fig. 1 . Notably, in Fig. 2a, the deflagration panel 3 is illustrated in an open configuration with respect to an associated panel frame (i.e., the deflagration panel 3 is pivotally about a hinged contact with the frame. Correspondingly, Fig. 2b shows the deflagration panel 3 in a closed configuration with respect to the panel frame (i.e., the deflagration panel 3 is placed over and against the panel frame, so as to cover the opening).

[0049] The deflagration panel 3 has a first flank side 3a, and an opposing, parallel second flank side 3b, which define a length direction of the deflagration panel. Moreover, the deflagration panel 3 has a first end side 3c and an opposing parallel second end side 3d. While other geometries of the deflagration panel can be envisaged, the appended drawings illustrate an embodiment of the deflagration panel having a quadrangular shape, i.e., the flank sides and being perpendicular with respect to the end sides, respectively.

[0050] The panel frame is adapted to be fixed onto the opening 2a of the roof structure 2, while the deflagration panel 3 can be fitted on, and secured to the frame, so as to cover the opening 2a. The provision of such a separate frame allows for increasing the circumferential rigidity of the roof structure 2 around the opening 2a, while simultaneously facilitating arranging a securing element 4. Indeed, securing elements 4 have been fixed to the panel frame at corner regions thereof corresponding to the corner regions of the first flank side 3a and the first end side 3c, and respectively the first flanks side 3a and the second end side 4d. It should nevertheless be noted that the deflagration panel 3 may also be fitted on to the roof structure 2 directly, without a separate frame.

[0051] Moreover, as illustrated in Fig. 2a, braces 6 can be provided on the deflagration panel 3, extending between the first flank end 3a and the second flank end 3b. Such braces 6, increase the rigidity of the deflagration panel 3 along a direction transverse to the length thereof. Consequently, this further contributes to achieving a predetermined deformation of the deflagration panel, as discussed above. Moreover, as the braces 6 are provided on an underside of the deflagration panel 3, they can engage with the support 7 of the enclosure, when the deflagration panel is in its closed configuration. Additionally, the embodiment of Fig. 2a shows insulation material being provided on the underside of the deflagration panel 3. This helps reduce vibrations and rattles of the deflagration panel, in addition to contributing to thermal insulation of inside of the enclosure 1 from the environment surrounding the enclosure 1 .

[0052] Fig. 3a and Fig. 3b show detailed illustrations of Fig. 2b, and Fig. 2a, respectively, namely of the corner region corresponding to the first flank side 3a and the first end side 3c. That is Fig. 3a is the deflagration panel in the closed configuration with respect to the panel frame, whereas in Fig. 3b, the deflagration panel 3 is not visible.

[0053] Notably, Fig. 3a shows the securing element 4 engaging with a counter form 5 provided on the top surface 3e of the deflagration panel 3. In the closed configuration of Fig. 3a, the deflagration panel 3 can not be opened (i.e., moved past the securing element 4), as the securing elements 4 holds the deflagration panel down.

[0054] Moreover, Fig. 3b illustrates the securing element 4 having a stud 4a, and provided at an longitudinal end of the stud 4a, a head 4b with a diameter exceeding that of the stud 4b. In the illustrated arrangement, the securing element 4 is attached to the panel frame with a separate bracket. As the bracket is attached to the panel frame at an end opposite to which the securing element 4 is attached to the bracket, the securing element 4 can be elastically pivoted outwardly from the panel frame. This arrangement achieves a flexibility of the stud 4 allowing it to be disengaged from the counter form 5, without deformation of the deflagration panel 3.

[0055] It should nevertheless be noted that other arrangement for achieving such flexibility of the securing element may be envisaged, For example, the securing element 4 itself could be of an elastic material, thereby allowing the head 4b to be pivoted with respect to the stud 4a. Fig. 4 more clearly illustrates an exemplary shape of the counter form 5, as implemented in the illustrated arrangement. Notably, the counter form 5, has a closed portion 5a and an open portion 5b. The closed position 5a transitions into the open position 5b along a length of the counter form. A transverse dimension (i.e., the dimension transverse to the length of the counter form 5) at the closed position 5a is smaller than the diameter of the head 4b of the securing element. Respectively, the transverse dimension at the open portion 5b, is larger than the dimension of the head 5b. As a result, the securing element 4 can be disengaged from the deflagration panel 3 simply by moving the head 4b from a position at the closed portion 5a to a position at the open portion 5b.

[0056] Fig. 5 more clearly illustrates an exemplary form of a predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel 3. Notably the first flank side 3a has bowed outwardly along the length thereof. While not prominently displayed in Fig. 5, this deflection results in the opposing distal ends of the first flank side 3a (i.e., the corner regions between the first flank side 3a and the first end side 3c, and respectively, the first flank side 3a and the second end side 3d) being displace towards each other. As a consequence, also the opposing counterpart forms 5 have been displace towards each other, resulting in the securing elements 4 (not illustrated in Fig. 5) being positioned in the open portions 5a of their respective counterpart forms 5. That is, the pre-determined deflection of the deflagration panel 3 disengages the securing elements 4 from the deflagration panel 3, thereby allowing the deflagration panel to open under the predetermined deflagration pressure.

[0057] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0058] 1 enclosure

[0059] 2 roof structure

[0060] 2a opening

[0061] 3 deflagration panel

[0062] 3a first flank side

[0063] 3b second flank side

[0064] 3c first end side

[0065] 3d second end side

[0066] 3e top surface

[0067] 4 securing element

[0068] 4a shank 4b head

[0069] 5 counterpart form

[0070] 5a closed portion

[0071] 5b open portion 6 brace

[0072] 7 support

Claims

CLAIMS1. An enclosure (1) for a battery energy storage system, the enclosure (1) comprising a bottom, lateral walls and a roof structure (2), wherein the roof structure (2) comprises an opening (2a) and a deflagration panel (3) for covering said opening (2a), a securing element (4) being provided for securing said deflagration panel (3) in a closed position over said opening (2a), characterized in that the deflagration panel (3) has a rigidity configured such that the deflagration panel (3) yields under a predetermined deflagration pressure within the enclosure (1), so as to result in a corresponding predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3), and wherein the predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3) results in the securing element (4) and the deflagration panel (3) disengaging from each other.

2. The enclosure (1) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the deflagration panel comprises:- a first flank side (3a);- a second flank side (3b) opposite to the first flank side (3a); a first end side (3c) transverse to the first flank side (3a) and the second flank side (3b), and a second end side (3d) opposite to the first end side (3c) and transverse to the first flank side (3a) and the second flank side (3b), wherein the predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3) comprises outward bowing of the first flank side (3a) along a length thereof, thereby resulting in a displacement of opposing distal ends of the first flank side (3a) towards each other.

3. The enclosure according to claim 2, characterized in that the deflagration panel (3) is hingedly connected to the remaining roof structure (2) at the second flank side (3b).

4. The enclosure according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the first flank side (3a) and the second flank side (3b) define a length of the deflagration panel (3), wherein the first end side (3c) and the second end side (3d) define a width of the deflagration panel (3), and wherein length of the deflagration panel (3) is at least 1 ,5 times the width of the deflagration panel (3).

5. The enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2-4, characterized in that the deflagration panel (3) further comprises a brace (6) extending between the first flank side (3a) and the second flank side (3b) on an inside of the deflagration panel(3).

6. The enclosure (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the enclosure further comprises a support (7) arranged at the opening (2a), the support (7) being configured to support the brace (6) against a force exerted one the deflagration panel (3) from an outside of the enclosure (1).

7. The enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims 2-6, characterized in that the securing element (4) is arranged at either or both of: a corner region between the first flank side (3a) and the first end side (3c), and a corner region between the first flank side (3a) and the second end side (3d).

8. The enclosure according to any of the preceding claims 1-7, characterized in that the securing element (4) extends through a top surface (3e) of the deflagration panel (3).

9. The enclosure (1) according any of the preceding claims 1-8, characterized in that the securing element (4) is configured to fail under shear stress resulting from, and corresponding to, the predetermined deflection of the deflagration panel (3).

10. The enclosure (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the securing element(4) is provided as one or more of the following: a shear fastener, such as a shear pin or a shear bolt, an adhesive coupling of the deflagration panel, and a welded coupling of the deflagration panel11. The enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-10, characterized in that the securing element (4) constitutes a form-fit connection with a corresponding counterpart form (5) on the deflagration panel (3), wherein form-fit connection is configured to disengage upon a displacement of the deflagration panel (3) resulting from the predetermined deflection thereof.

12. The enclosure (1) according to claim 1 1 , characterized in that the securing element (4) is a stud having a shank (4a) and a head (4b) at a distal end of the shank (4a), and wherein the counterpart form (5) is a slot extending through the deflagration panel (3),the counterpart form (5) having a closed portion (5a) with a width less than that of the head ( 4b), and wherein in an engaged configuration, the shank (4a) of the stud extends through the closed portion (5a) of the slot, and the head (4b) extends above said closed portion (5a) the slot, thereby preventing the deflagration panel (3) from being moved past the head (4b).

13. The enclosure (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the slot comprises an open portion (5b) through which the head (4b) of the stud can be passed through, and wherein in a disengaged configuration, the deflection the deflagration panel (3) positions the open portion (5b) of the slot at the stud, thereby allowing the deflagration panel (3) to be moved past the head (4b).

14. The enclosure (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the slot has an opening at a peripheral edge of the deflagration (3) panel, thereby allowing removal of the stud from the slot via said opening, and wherein in a disengaged configuration, the deflection the deflagration panel (3) has positioned the slot away from the stud, thereby allowing the deflagration panel (3) to be moved past the head.

15. The enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims 12-14, characterized in that the stud is flexible, thereby allowing displacement of the head (4b) of the stud, so as to disengage the form-fit connection without deformation of the deflagration panel (3).

16. The enclosure (1) according to any of the preceding claims 1-15, characterized in that the deflagration panel (3) is located centrally with respect to the roof structure (2) (further definition required).

17. The enclosure (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the roof structure further comprises additional deflagration panels adjacent to a central deflagration panel.

18. The enclosure (1) according to claim any of the preceding claims 1-17, characterized in that the enclosure conforms to dimensions of an ISO-compliant TEU container, and wherein the opening (2a) occupies no more than one third a surface area of the roof structure (2).

19. The enclosure (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that the roof structure further comprises a fixed panel detachably attached to the enclosure, the fixed panel being provided adjacent to the deflagration panel.

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