Temperature control system for ESS battery container

Abstract

The present invention relates to a temperature control system capable of effectively cooling and heating a battery pack for an ESS. The present invention comprises: a temperature control device capable of cooling each battery pack; a connection device for allowing air to flow by interconnecting the temperature control devices; and an air conditioning device for discharging air.

Description

Battery container temperature control system for ESS

[0001] The present invention relates to a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS, and more specifically, to a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS capable of cooling and heating a battery pack for an ESS.

[0002] Recently, rechargeable secondary batteries have been widely used as an energy source.

[0003] These secondary batteries are manufactured in module form with multiple battery cells and are used in portable electronic devices, etc.

[0004] Meanwhile, as issues such as power shortages and eco-friendly energy come to the fore, ESS (Energy Storage System) for storing generated electricity is attracting attention.

[0005] When using ESS, it is easy to build a power management system such as a smart grid system, making it easy to control power supply and demand in specific regions or cities.

[0006] Additionally, with the commercialization of electric vehicles, ESS is being applied to electric vehicle charging stations for charging electric vehicles.

[0007]

[0008] Here, the ESS may include a battery pack in which a plurality of battery cells are electrically connected to each other in series / parallel through a bus bar, a battery rack in which the plurality of battery packs are installed, and a battery container having a space to accommodate the plurality of battery racks therein.

[0009] Therefore, a battery container used in ESS may typically contain a large number of battery packs to secure a large charge / discharge capacity.

[0010] Here, multiple battery packs can be installed inside the battery container in a form that is grouped in a certain unit on a battery rack for various aspects such as management and loading.

[0011] In particular, inside the battery container, battery racks are stacked vertically to form a group, and multiple battery packs can be installed on the battery racks.

[0012] At this time, the battery packs installed in the battery rack can be maintained in a stacked state through the rack frame of the battery rack or a fixed structure, etc.

[0013] Accordingly, the interior of the battery container may include a plurality of battery racks in vertical and horizontal directions for installing battery packs.

[0014] Meanwhile, in order to secure stable performance for battery cells installed in a battery pack within a battery container for ESS, the temperature of the battery cells needs to be maintained uniformly within certain conditions.

[0015] In particular, when battery packs containing multiple battery cells are densely packed in a battery rack, the ambient temperature of the battery cells may rise excessively.

[0016] Such temperature increases in battery cells can lead to performance degradation and serious safety risks, such as thermal runaway. Therefore, if the ambient temperature of a battery pack installed inside a battery container rises, it must be properly cooled.

[0017] In the case of conventional battery packs, a separate cooling component, such as a fan, is installed in the battery pack to cool multiple battery cells.

[0018] However, as the number of fans increased and the wiring and material costs of the connecting cables to connect them increased, and the internal configuration of the battery pack became more complex, there were problems such as difficulty in installing each component and disadvantages in various aspects such as after-sales service.

[0019] In addition, a water cooling system has been proposed that cools battery cells by water cooling after installing a separate water cooling pipe for cooling the battery pack in a battery container or battery rack for ESS.

[0020] These water cooling systems have the problem of requiring a chiller to circulate the coolant, forming a complex water pipe system to circulate the coolant and cool the battery pack, and meeting separate waterproofing conditions to prevent coolant leakage.

[0021] Accordingly, there is a need for a battery pack cooling system for ESS that does not require a chiller or water pipes for circulating coolant, makes it easy to secure space through this, increases energy density, and is relatively free from waterproof conditions.

[0022] In addition, since the battery pack cooling system for ESS is configured simply to cool the battery pack, there are problems such as the inconvenience of having to separately install a battery pack heating system for ESS to heat the battery pack in the battery container to a certain temperature or higher to facilitate the use of the battery pack installed in the battery container at low temperatures in winter, and the resulting cost burden.

[0023] The present invention is intended to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a battery container temperature control system for ESS that can effectively cool and heat a battery pack for ESS.

[0024] In addition, the present invention aims to provide a battery container temperature control system for ESS that can improve the performance and safety of a battery container, does not require a chiller or a water pipe for circulating coolant, thereby making it easy to secure space within a battery pack, enables temperature uniformity between battery cells, increases energy density, and is relatively free from waterproof conditions.

[0025] In addition, the technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0026] In order to achieve the above-described purpose, the temperature control system for a battery container for ESS according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a battery rack having a receiving space formed therein, a plurality of mounting frames provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the receiving space being formed in multiple layers; and a battery pack each installed on a plurality of mounting frames formed on the battery rack; a temperature control device installed on each battery pack to cool and heat the battery pack; a connecting device that interconnects each temperature control device and allows high-temperature air or low-temperature air generated from each battery pack to flow; and an air conditioning device installed on the battery container and connected to the connecting device to discharge high-temperature air or low-temperature air.

[0027] In one embodiment, each mounting frame of the battery rack may be arranged to be inclined upward at a predetermined angle toward the inside.

[0028] In another embodiment, the temperature control device may include a plate on which a battery pack is mounted on the upper side, a temperature control unit provided on the lower side of the plate to cool and heat the battery pack, a heat dissipation unit provided on one side of the plate to dissipate heat generated from the battery pack, and a control unit controllably connected to the temperature control unit and the heat dissipation unit.

[0029] As a specific embodiment, the temperature control unit may include at least one heat-conducting plate provided on the lower side of the plate, and at least one thermoelectric element provided on the heat-conducting plate.

[0030] As another specific embodiment, the heat conduction plate may include a plurality of installation portions formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the upper surface so that a thermoelectric element is installed, and a heat transfer path formed between each installation portion to transfer heat generated in the heat conduction plate.

[0031] In one embodiment, the heat dissipation unit may include a heat dissipation unit including at least one heat dissipation fin arranged on an upper surface of one end of each heat conduction plate in a form perpendicular to each heat conduction plate, and an exhaust unit that collects and exhausts high-temperature air or low-temperature air discharged from each of the heat dissipation units.

[0032] In another embodiment, the connecting device may include a first connecting duct installed between each discharge port of each temperature control device, and connecting members formed at each end of the first connecting duct and connected to one end of one discharge port and the other end of the other discharge port, respectively.

[0033] As a specific embodiment, the first connecting duct can be made elastic.

[0034] In one embodiment, the air conditioning device may include at least one second connecting duct that connects a plurality of first connecting ducts provided at the outermost side of one side of the battery container among the first connecting ducts into one, an intake portion provided at an end of the second connecting duct and installed on one side wall of the battery container to suck external air into the second connecting duct, and at least one air exhaust hole that is formed on the other side wall of the battery container and to which a plurality of first connecting ducts provided at the outermost side of the other side of the battery container among the first connecting ducts are connected and discharges high-temperature air or low-temperature air.

[0035] In another embodiment, the air conditioning device may further include at least one suction fan provided on one side wall of the battery container to suck outside air into the receiving space of the battery container, and an exhaust fan provided on the other side wall of the battery container to exhaust air in the receiving space to the outside of the battery container.

[0036] As described above, the present invention having the above configuration can effectively cool and heat a battery container for ESS, thereby ensuring the cooling performance of the battery container, improving stability, and not requiring a chiller or water pipe for circulating cooling water, thereby making it easy to secure space within the battery pack, increasing energy density, being relatively free from waterproof conditions, and enabling temperature uniformity between battery packs.

[0037] In addition, the effects that can be obtained from the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects that are not mentioned can be clearly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present invention belongs from the description below.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an exploded front side wall of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing an exploded rear side wall of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing the lower side of a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 7 is a drawing showing the lower structure of a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 8 is an enlarged drawing showing a part of a temperature control unit in a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for an ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 9 is a drawing showing a battery pack installed in a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for preventing condensation in a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 11 is an enlarged drawing showing a heat conduction plate in a temperature control unit of a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Furthermore, these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but rather are presented merely as examples. Various modifications are possible without departing from the technical scope thereof.

[0050] The present invention can have various modifications and various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0051] However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Similar reference numerals have been used to designate similar components throughout the description of each drawing.

[0052] The terminology used in this application is only used to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, it should be understood that the terms "comprise" or "have" indicate the presence of a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0053] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and shall not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0054] (First embodiment)

[0055] Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view showing a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing one front side wall of a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view showing a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded view showing the other rear side wall of a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a view showing a temperature control device for a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the lower side of a temperature control device for a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a view showing the lower structure of a temperature control device for a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view showing a part of a temperature control unit in a temperature control device for a temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a drawing showing a battery pack installed in a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a method for preventing condensation in a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for an ESS according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] The battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the present invention is intended to prevent damage to a battery pack or deterioration of the battery pack due to heat generated when a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells installed therein is used, and to cool the battery pack so that the temperature distribution among the battery packs is uniform.

[0058] Additionally, it is intended to heat the battery pack installed inside the battery container to a predetermined temperature in the low temperatures of winter to facilitate the use of the battery cells.

[0059] As illustrated in the drawing, the temperature control system (1) for a battery container for ESS according to the present invention relates to a temperature control system for cooling and heating a battery container (10) including a battery rack (20) in which a receiving space is formed inside, a plurality of mounting frames (21) provided in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the receiving space are formed in multiple stages by stacking them, and a battery pack (30) installed on each of the plurality of mounting frames (21) formed on the battery rack (20), and may include a temperature control device (40), a connection device (50), and an air conditioning device (60).

[0060] Specifically, the battery container (10) can have a predetermined size of accommodation space (not shown) formed inside for installing a battery pack (30) and a battery rack (20) on which the battery pack (30) is mounted.

[0061] Additionally, a door (not shown) that can be opened and closed may be provided on one side of the battery container (10).

[0062] The battery rack (20) is provided on the receiving space inside the battery container (10), and may be provided in multiple numbers in the longitudinal and transverse directions.

[0063] Here, the battery rack (20) is a storage unit formed in multiple layers, and a plurality of frame-shaped mounting frames (21) for installing the battery pack (30) can be formed.

[0064] The mounting frame (21) on which the lower surface of the battery pack (30) is mounted can be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0065] That is, each mounting frame (21) of the battery rack (20) can be arranged to be inclined at a predetermined angle so as to face upward toward the inside.

[0066] Accordingly, the battery pack (30) mounted on each mounting frame (21) of the battery rack (20) can also be placed at an angle corresponding to the mounting frame (21).

[0067] In this way, the settling frame (21) is formed to be inclined upward in a direction away from the inlet side, thereby improving the heat conduction efficiency of the heat generated from the battery pack (30).

[0068] It is preferable that the settling frame (21) has an inclination angle (θ) of 3° to 10°, but more preferably, the settling frame (21) can have an inclination angle of 5° to 8°.

[0069] Meanwhile, due to the angle of inclination of the mounting frame (21) that is arranged at an angle, the battery pack (30) mounted on the mounting frame (21) may be detached from the mounting frame (21) or may slip.

[0070] Accordingly, it is preferable to provide a pin-shaped stopper (not shown) that can move upward toward the battery pack (30) at the entrance side of the mounting frame (21) through which the battery pack (30) enters, or to form the upper surface of the mounting frame (21) rough to prevent detachment and slipping of the battery pack (30), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0071] The above temperature control device (40) is installed in each battery pack (30) and can cool and heat the battery pack (30).

[0072] Here, the battery pack (Battery Pack, 30) may be installed with multiple pouch-type battery cells (Battery Cells, not shown) in which a positive electrode (not shown), a negative electrode (not shown), a separator (not shown), and an electrolyte (not shown) are mounted in an aluminum case, or may be installed with multiple jelly roll type batteries, cylindrical or square batteries, but is not limited thereto.

[0073] A temperature control device (40) for controlling the temperature of the above battery pack (30) may include a plate (41), a temperature control unit (43), a heat dissipation unit (46), and a control unit (not shown).

[0074] The above plate (41) can have a battery pack (30) in the form of a case including a plurality of battery cells installed on the upper side.

[0075] Specifically, the plate (41) is formed as a rectangular parallelepiped made of a metal material, and the lower side of the battery pack (30) can be placed in contact with it.

[0076] A connecting frame (41') for connecting the plate (41) and the temperature control unit (43) may be provided on the lower side of the above plate (41).

[0077] The above connecting frame (41') may be formed as a frame body in the form of a through hole (not shown) formed in the center to expose the heat-conducting plate and thermoelectric element of the temperature control unit (43) described later, and to surround the heat-conducting plate and thermoelectric element.

[0078] Reinforcing pieces having a certain length in the width direction are formed protrudingly on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the above connecting frame (41') to prevent deformation and twisting of the connecting frame (41').

[0079] Accordingly, the plate (41) can be formed with a length corresponding to the distance between each reinforcing plate so as to be interposed between each reinforcing plate protruding in the width direction on both sides of the longitudinal direction of the connecting frame (41').

[0080] The above temperature control unit (43) is provided on the lower side of the plate (41) and can cool and heat the battery pack (30).

[0081] Specifically, the temperature control unit (43) may include at least one heat-conducting plate (44) provided on the lower surface of the plate (41) and at least one thermoelectric element (45) provided on the heat-conducting plate (44).

[0082] The above heat-conducting plate (44) is in the form of a long flat plate, and is formed long in the longitudinal direction of the plate (41) and the connecting frame (41'), but can be arranged in multiples at a certain interval in the width direction of the plate (41) and the connecting frame (41').

[0083] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat-conducting plates (44) are arranged in four pieces at a constant interval in the width direction of the connecting frame (41'), but it is preferable that the number of the heat-conducting plates (44) be formed to correspond to the size of the battery pack (30) and the size of the connecting frame (41').

[0084] In addition, in one embodiment of the present invention, the heat-conducting plates (44) are arranged in multiples on the lower side of the connecting frame (41'), but it is also possible for the heat-conducting plates (44) to be formed as one having the same size as the connecting frame (41') and to be arranged on the lower side of the plate (41) and the connecting frame (41'), but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be changed in various ways.

[0085] Here, the thermoelectric element (45) may be a Peltier element for cooling and heating the plate (41).

[0086] The above thermoelectric element (45) has a first surface (45a) arranged on the lower surface of the plate (41) to cool the plate (41), and a second surface (45b) arranged on the upper surface of the heat-conducting plate (44), and can conduct heat generated from the second surface (45b) to the heat-conducting plate (44) to dissipate heat.

[0087] At this time, the first surface (45a) may be a cooling surface, and the second surface (45b) may be a heating surface.

[0088] Accordingly, when cooling the battery pack (30) through the thermoelectric element (45), the heat generated from the thermoelectric element (45) is dissipated to the heat conducting plate (44), and the heat dissipated to the heat conducting plate (44) can be conducted along the length direction of the heat conducting plate (44).

[0089] Meanwhile, in winter, the battery pack (30) may have difficulty functioning properly due to low temperatures. Therefore, the battery pack (30) can be heated by switching the power supply electrode of the thermoelectric element (45) composed of a Peltier element in the temperature control unit (43).

[0090] Accordingly, the plate (41) can be heated by the first surface (45a) disposed on the lower surface of the plate (41), and the cold air generated from the second surface (45b) disposed on the upper surface of the heat-conducting plate (44) can be conducted to the heat-conducting plate (44) and released.

[0091] At this time, the first surface (45a) disposed on the lower side of the plate (41) may be a heating surface, and the second surface (45b) disposed on the upper side of the heat conducting plate (44) may be a cooling surface.

[0092] Therefore, the temperature control unit (43) according to one embodiment of the present invention can control the temperature of the battery pack (30) as a whole through cooling and heating.

[0093] Here, the heat conduction plate (44) may form a heat transfer path (not shown) to transfer heat generated from the second surface (45b) when cooling the battery pack (30) through the first surface (45a) of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (45), but is not limited thereto.

[0094] At this time, the heat transfer path may be formed linearly between a plurality of thermoelectric elements (45), or may be formed in a pattern such as a circle or square.

[0095] Accordingly, the heat generated from the plurality of thermoelectric elements (45) can move along the heat conduction plate (44) or move along the heat movement path and then be released through the heat dissipation unit (46).

[0096] Meanwhile, the heat transfer path of the heat conduction plate (44) can move the cold air generated on the second surface (45b) when the battery pack (30) is heated through the first surface (45a) of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (45).

[0097] The above heat dissipation unit (46) is provided on one side of the plate (41) and can dissipate heat generated in the battery pack (30) and conducted along the heat conducting plate (44).

[0098] Specifically, the heat dissipation unit (46) may include a heat dissipation unit (47) in which a plurality of heat dissipation fins (not shown in the drawing) are formed at regular intervals in the length direction of the heat conduction plate (44) on the upper surface of one end of each heat conduction plate (44) in a form perpendicular to each heat conduction plate (44), and a discharge unit (48) that collects and discharges high-temperature air or low-temperature air discharged from the heat dissipation unit (47).

[0099] The above heat dissipation unit (47) can discharge high temperature air or low temperature air generated by heat or cold air absorbed and conducted through the heat conducting plate (44) to the discharge unit (48).

[0100] Here, the heat dissipation unit (47) can absorb heat or cold conducted to the heat conduction plate (44) through a plurality of heat dissipation fins arranged at regular intervals in a direction perpendicular to each heat conduction plate (44).

[0101] In one embodiment of the present invention, the heat dissipation portion (47) is arranged in a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of each heat-conducting plate (44), but it is also possible for each heat dissipation portion (47) to be formed as a single unit and arranged individually on each heat-conducting plate (44), and various other changes are possible.

[0102] The above discharge unit (48) is intended to collect and discharge high temperature air or low temperature air discharged upward through a plurality of heat dissipation fins of the heat dissipation unit (47), and may be a rectangular parallelepiped housing with a hollow space (48a) formed therein.

[0103] Here, the lower side of the discharge portion (48) can be connected to the lower side of the heat dissipation portion (47).

[0104] Meanwhile, the hollow (48a) formed from one side to the other side of the discharge portion (48) is for exhausting high temperature air or low temperature air discharged through the heat dissipation portion (47) to the outside, and one side or the other side of the hollow (48a) can be applied as an inlet for supplying external air, and one side or the other side of the hollow (48a) can be applied as an outlet for exhausting high temperature air or low temperature air through air supplied from the outside.

[0105] For this purpose, an air supply unit (not shown) for supplying external air and discharging high-temperature air or low-temperature air may be connected to one or the other side of a hollow space (48a) formed through the discharge unit (48).

[0106] At this time, the air supply unit may include a connection pipe (not shown) for connecting to one side or the other side of the discharge unit (48) and a fan or blower (not shown) for supplying air to the discharge unit (48) through the connection pipe.

[0107] Accordingly, the heat discharged through each heat dissipation unit (47) is captured by the hollow space (48a) of the discharge unit (48), and can be discharged through the outlet of the hollow space (48a) or discharged to the outside by air supplied from the outside to the inlet of the hollow space (48a).

[0108] The above control unit can be controllably connected to a temperature control unit (43).

[0109] Specifically, when the heat generated from the battery pack (30) exceeds a preset reference temperature range, the control unit can drive the thermoelectric element (45) of the temperature control unit (43) to cool the battery pack (30).

[0110] In addition, when the temperature of the battery pack (30) is below a preset reference temperature range at low temperatures in winter, the control unit can drive the thermoelectric element (45) of the temperature control unit (43) to heat the battery pack (30).

[0111] To this end, the control unit can control the operation and cooling temperature of the thermoelectric element (45) to cool and heat the battery pack (30).

[0112] The control unit can control the external air supply to the heat dissipation unit (46) to release heat or cold by driving the temperature control unit (43).

[0113] Meanwhile, the temperature control unit (43) may be equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown), and the temperature sensor may be connected to the control unit.

[0114] Accordingly, the control unit can control the cooling or heating temperature of the temperature control unit (43).

[0115] Here, the control unit may be provided on the lower side of the plate (41) or on one side of the heat dissipation unit (46), but is not limited thereto.

[0116] Meanwhile, a cover body (42a) that surrounds the temperature control unit (43) to secure the temperature control unit (43) may be provided on the lower side of the plate (41).

[0117] That is, a cover body (42a) in the shape of “└┘” that wraps the heat-conducting plate (44) on which the thermoelectric element (45) is installed may be provided on the lower side of the connecting frame (41') of the plate (41) so that the heat-conducting plate (44) is fixed to the connecting frame (41') provided on the lower side of the plate (41).

[0118] Accordingly, the inner upper surface of the cover body (42a) is arranged to be in contact with the lower surface of the heat conducting plate (44), and the cover body (42a) can be fixedly installed on the lower side of the connecting frame (41') using a fastening member such as a bolt.

[0119] Meanwhile, the lower side of the above connecting frame (41') may further include a plurality of fixing members (42b) that are formed long in the longitudinal direction of the connecting frame (41') but are installed at regular intervals in the width direction of the connecting frame (41').

[0120] Here, the above-mentioned fixing member (42b) can be provided between each cover body (42a), and is provided in multiple numbers on the lower side of the connecting frame (41'), and together with the reinforcing pieces (41a, 41b) provided on the upper side of the connecting frame (41'), can prevent deformation and twisting of the plate (41) on which the battery pack (30) is installed and the connecting frame (41').

[0121] Meanwhile, a plurality of joining holes (not shown in the drawing) for joining with fastening members such as bolts may be formed in the above plate (41), the connecting frame (41'), the cover body (42a), and the fixing member (42b).

[0122] The above connecting device (50) interconnects each of the above temperature control devices (40), and allows high temperature air or low temperature air generated from each battery pack (30) to flow.

[0123] Specifically, the connecting device (50) may include a first connecting duct (51) installed between each discharge portion (48) of each temperature control device (40) and connecting members (53a, 53b) formed at each end of the first connecting duct (51) and connected to each discharge portion (48).

[0124] In this way, the connecting device (50) can be formed in a form in which the first connecting duct (51) is interposed, and connecting members (53a, 53b) are provided on the outer periphery of both ends of the first connecting duct (51).

[0125] At this time, each of the above-mentioned connecting members (53a, 53b) can be connected to the end of the discharge portion (48) in a form that covers the discharge portion (48).

[0126] Here, the first connecting duct (51) may be in the form of a tube in which a path for high-temperature air or low-temperature air to flow is formed inside.

[0127] In addition, each of the above-described connecting members (53a, 53b) is formed at each end of the first connecting duct (51), and one connecting member (53a) can be connected to one end of the discharge portion (48) of one temperature control device (40), and the other connecting member (53b) can be connected to the other end of the discharge portion (48) of the other temperature control device (40).

[0128] Accordingly, the first connecting duct (51) can be interposed between each discharge portion (48) and serve as a connecting passage that interconnects multiple discharge portions (48).

[0129] Meanwhile, the first connecting duct (51) may be made elastic. At this time, the first connecting duct (51) may be in the form of a bellows or a javara.

[0130] Accordingly, after adjusting the length of the first connecting duct (51) to correspond to the spacing between each discharge portion (48), a connecting device (50) can be installed between a plurality of discharge portions (48) by connecting a connecting member (53a, 53b) to the end of each discharge portion (48).

[0131] By means of the structure described above, high temperature air or low temperature air generated during cooling and heating of the battery pack (30) through the temperature control device (40) is captured by the discharge unit (48), and the high temperature air or low temperature air captured by the discharge unit (48) can be moved through the connecting device (50) connecting each discharge unit (48) and discharged at once.

[0132] The above air conditioning device (60) is installed in the battery container (10) and is connected to the connecting device (50) to discharge high temperature air or low temperature air.

[0133] That is, high temperature air or low temperature air generated during cooling or heating of the battery pack (30) is captured by the discharge unit (48), and each connecting device (50) is installed between a plurality of discharge units (48) to form a single pipe shape, and then air is supplied to the plurality of discharge units (48) and connecting devices (50) formed in a single pipe shape through an air conditioner (60) to discharge the high temperature air or low temperature air to the outside.

[0134] Specifically, the air conditioning device (60) may include at least one second connection duct (61) that is branched to connect the first connection ducts (51) of the plurality of connection devices (50) provided on the outermost side of one side of the battery container (10) among the plurality of connection devices (50).

[0135] That is, the second connection duct (61) is provided on the outermost side of one of the first connection ducts (51) of the plurality of connection devices (50) that connect between the respective discharge portions (48) of the temperature control devices (40) that cool and heat each battery pack (30) vertically arranged on the battery rack (20), and the second connection duct (61) is formed in a box shape that is long in the vertical direction to connect the plurality of first connection ducts (51) that are arranged vertically into one, and a plurality of duct holes (61a) for connecting the second connection ducts (61) can be formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction on the inner surface.

[0136] In addition, the air conditioning device (60) may be connected to the center of the second connecting duct (61), and may include a suction unit (63) installed on one side wall of the battery container (10) to suck external air into the second connecting duct (61).

[0137] Here, the suction unit (63) is for sucking external air into the second connecting duct (61) and then discharging the air into the plurality of first connecting ducts (51) and the discharge unit (48) integrally connected by the first connecting duct (51).

[0138] That is, the suction unit (63) is intended to supply external air by suctioning it into the second connecting duct (61) to discharge high-temperature air or low-temperature air captured on the discharge unit (48), and may include an intake fan (not shown) or an intake pump (not shown) therein.

[0139] Here, a plurality of air intake holes (64) can be formed through one side wall of the battery container (10).

[0140] Additionally, the second connecting duct (61) can be formed in multiples.

[0141] Meanwhile, the second connecting duct (61) can be connected to four first connecting ducts (51) that are vertically stacked on one outermost side among the plurality of first connecting ducts (51).

[0142] At this time, each first connecting duct (51) can be extended in length and connected to a plurality of duct holes (61a) formed in the second connecting duct (61).

[0143]

[0144] Therefore, four first connecting ducts (51) can be connected to one second connecting duct (61) to form one group.

[0145] Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, the battery packs (30) and battery packs (30) are stacked in eight layers on both sides of the width direction of the battery container (10), so that four first connection ducts (51) can be connected to one second connection duct (61) to form a total of four groups.

[0146] In this way, external air sucked into the second connecting duct (61) through the four suction ports (63) is placed inside the battery container (10), and is supplied to each discharge port (48) arranged in the longitudinal direction of the battery container (10) and the first connecting duct (51) connecting each discharge port (48), so that high-temperature air or low-temperature air generated through the temperature control device (40) can be discharged to the outside.

[0147] Meanwhile, the air conditioning device (60) may include an air discharge hole (65) formed on the other side wall of the battery container (10) so that a plurality of first connection ducts (51) provided on the outermost side of the other side of the battery container (10) among the first connection ducts (51) of the connection device (50) are connected, and discharge high-temperature air or low-temperature air collected in the discharge portion (48) and the first connection duct (51).

[0148] At this time, the plurality of first connection ducts (51) provided on the outermost side of the battery container (10) can also be extended in length and connected to the plurality of air discharge holes (65) formed on the other side wall of the battery container (10).

[0149] Accordingly, among the plurality of first connecting ducts (51), the plurality of first connecting ducts (51) at the outermost side are connected as one through the second connecting duct (61), and when external air is sucked through the suction part (63), the air is supplied to the plurality of first connecting ducts (51) through the second connecting duct (61), and the external air supplied to the plurality of first connecting ducts (51) flows the high-temperature air or low-temperature air collected in the discharge part (48) connected to the plurality of first connecting ducts (51), and is then connected to the air discharge hole (65) formed on the other side wall of the container (10), but can be discharged to the outside through the plurality of first connecting ducts (51) provided at the outermost side of the other first connecting ducts (51).

[0150] Here, the plurality of air discharge holes (65) formed on the other side wall of the battery container (10) are preferably formed in 16 numbers, the same as the arrangement and number of layers of the temperature control device (40) coupled to the battery pack (30), and are installed in the battery rack (20) and the mounting frame (21) of the battery rack (20). However, it is also possible to form the same structure as the second connecting duct (61) to discharge high-temperature air or low-temperature air to the outside by concentrating them into one, and other various changes are possible.

[0151] Meanwhile, the air conditioning device (60) may further include at least one suction fan (67) provided on one side wall of the battery container (10) to suck external air into the receiving space of the battery container (10) and an exhaust fan (68) provided on the other side wall of the battery container (10) to exhaust air in the receiving space to the outside of the battery container (10).

[0152] That is, the air conditioner (60) can discharge high temperature air and low temperature air generated during cooling and heating of the battery pack (30) to the outside, and can also discharge air inside the battery container (10) in which the battery pack (30) is installed to the outside.

[0153] Accordingly, the air conditioning device (60) may include a suction fan (67) for sucking in and supplying external air into the receiving space of the battery container (10) to exhaust the air inside the battery container (10) to the outside, and an exhaust fan (68) for exhausting high-temperature air or low-temperature air in the receiving space to the outside.

[0154] Here, the suction fans (67) may be provided on both sides of the lower portion of one side wall of the battery container (10), and the exhaust fans (68) may be provided on both sides of the upper portion of the other side wall of the battery container (10).

[0155] In one embodiment of the present invention, the suction fans (67) and exhaust fans (68) are provided in two units each on both sides of the lower portion of one side wall and both sides of the upper portion of the other side wall of the battery container (10), but the number and positions of the suction fans (67) and exhaust fans (68) are not limited thereto and may be changed in various ways.

[0156] Hereinafter, the operation process of controlling the temperature of a battery pack through a temperature control device in a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention is briefly described.

[0157] First, a battery pack (30) including a plurality of battery cells is installed in a temperature control device (40) according to the present invention.

[0158] A battery pack (30) with a temperature control device (40) installed is installed in each mounting frame (21) of a battery rack (20) installed in a battery container (10).

[0159] Each connecting device (50) is installed between the temperature control devices (40) of each battery pack (30) installed in each mounting frame (21) of the battery rack (20).

[0160] When the temperature of the battery pack (30) installed on the plate (41) of the temperature control device (40) exceeds the preset reference temperature range due to charging / discharging or use of the battery pack (30), the temperature control device (40) is driven.

[0161] Specifically, a plurality of thermoelectric elements (45) that are in surface contact with the first surface (45a) on the lower surface of the plate (41) are operated to cool the plate (41) that is in contact with the first surface (45a), which is the cooling surface.

[0162] When the temperature of the battery pack (30) is within the preset reference temperature range due to cooling of the plate (41), the operation of the thermoelectric element (45) is stopped.

[0163] Therefore, cooling of the battery pack (30) is performed by repeatedly controlling the operation of the thermoelectric element (45) according to the temperature of the battery pack (30).

[0164] Meanwhile, when the thermoelectric element (45) for cooling the battery pack (30) operates, heat is generated through the second surface (45b), which is a heating surface opposite to the first surface (45a), which is a cooling surface, of the thermoelectric element (45), and the generated heat is conducted through the heat conducting plate (44).

[0165] At this time, the heat generated from the second surface (45b) of the plurality of thermoelectric elements (45) is conducted along the length direction of the heat conducting plate (44), is absorbed by the heat dissipation fin of the heat dissipation portion (46) formed at one end of the heat conducting plate (44), and then is discharged to the discharge portion (48).

[0166] That is, the heat conducted through the heat conducting plate (44) is absorbed through a plurality of heat dissipation fins arranged to span one end of each heat conducting plate (44), and the absorbed heat is captured in the hollow space (48a) of the discharge portion (48).

[0167] In this way, the heat captured within the hollow space (48a) of the discharge portion (48) is discharged to one side or the other of the hollow space (48a) by air supplied from the outside through one side or the other of the hollow space (48a).

[0168] Here, the heat generated from the thermoelectric element (45) is conducted through the heat conducting plate (44), and is then conducted along the length of the heat conducting plate (44) and then discharged to the heat dissipation portion (46), thereby uniformly maintaining the temperature of the battery cells mounted inside the battery pack (30).

[0169] Meanwhile, the power supply electrode of the thermoelectric element (45) of the temperature control device (40) is switched to heat the battery pack (30) at low temperatures in winter.

[0170] That is, by switching the power supply electrode supplied to the thermoelectric element (45) of the temperature control device (40), the plate (41) is heated through the first surface disposed on the lower side of the plate (41), thereby maintaining the battery pack (30) at a certain temperature or higher.

[0171] At this time, cold air is generated through the second surface, which is the cooling surface of the thermoelectric element (45), and the cold air is conducted through the heat conducting plate (44), but is conducted along the length of the heat conducting plate (44) and then discharged to the heat dissipation portion, so that the heating temperature of the battery cell mounted inside the battery pack (30) can be uniformly maintained.

[0172] High temperature air or low temperature air conducted through each heat conducting plate (44) is discharged and collected through a hollow space (48a) in the discharge portion (48) of each heat dissipating portion (46), and the high temperature air or low temperature air discharged through each discharge portion (48) flows through the flow path of the first connecting duct (51) that is interposed between each discharge portion (48) and forms a single tube shape by interconnecting each discharge portion (48).

[0173] At this time, external air is supplied through an intake port (63) to a second connecting duct (61) provided on one side wall of the battery container (10) and connected to a plurality of first connecting ducts (51), and the supplied external air is supplied to the second connecting duct (61) and each first connecting duct (51) and then flows through each discharge port (48) and is discharged to the outside through an air discharge hole (65) provided on the other side wall of the container (10) and connected to a plurality of first connecting ducts (51).

[0174] Meanwhile, when the temperature inside the battery container (10) exceeds the preset temperature range, the suction fan (67) provided on one side wall of the battery container (10) is driven to suck external air into the receiving space inside the battery container (10), and the temperature inside the battery container (10) is adjusted to the preset temperature range through the sucked external air, and then the exhaust fan (68) provided on the other side wall of the battery container (10) is driven to exhaust the air inside the battery container (10) to the outside.

[0175] Through this, it is desirable to achieve temperature uniformity between battery packs installed in the battery container (10), but is not limited thereto.

[0176] Meanwhile, in the temperature control system for the battery container (10) for ESS according to the first embodiment of the present invention, condensation phenomenon within the battery pack (30) can be prevented through the temperature control device (40).

[0177] Referring to FIG. 10, the temperature of a plurality of battery cells mounted in a battery pack (30) is measured.

[0178] For this purpose, a measurement sensor (not shown) capable of measuring temperature and humidity may be installed inside the battery pack (30).

[0179] Accordingly, the control unit receives temperature data within the battery pack (30) in real time from the measurement sensor and determines whether the received temperature data is included in a preset temperature range.

[0180] Here, if the measured temperature data exceeds the preset temperature range, the relative humidity inside the battery pack (30) is measured.

[0181] The control unit calculates the relative humidity measured within the battery pack (30) as the dew point temperature.

[0182] At this time, the relative humidity measured in the battery pack (30) is calculated as the dew point temperature using the Magnus formula.

[0183] Dew point temperature (℃) = [b×{a×T÷(b+T)+InRH}]÷[a-{a×T÷(b+T)+InRH}]

[0184] am.

[0185] At this time,

[0186] a : 6.1121,

[0187] b: 18.678,

[0188] c: is the dry bulb temperature,

[0189] RH: Relative humidity.

[0190] Using the above-mentioned Magnus formula, the relative humidity measured in the battery pack (30) is calculated as the dew point temperature, and then the target temperature is set from the dew point temperature.

[0191] Target temperature (℃) = Battery cell temperature (℃) - Dew point temperature (℃)

[0192] In this way, after setting the target temperature, the voltage to be applied to the thermoelectric element (45) is set to correspond to the set target temperature.

[0193] At this time, the voltage to be applied to the thermoelectric element (45) can be set through a table for setting the applied voltage according to the target temperature.

[0194] Accordingly, a voltage is applied to the thermoelectric element (45) to correspond to the target temperature, and the plate (41) in surface contact with the lower side of the battery pack (30) is cooled by the voltage applied to the thermoelectric element (45), thereby cooling the battery pack (30).

[0195] Through this, condensation within the battery pack (30) can be prevented in real time.

[0196] (Second embodiment)

[0197] FIG. 11 is an enlarged drawing showing a heat conduction plate in a temperature control unit of a temperature control device of a battery container temperature control system for ESS according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0198] The battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the second embodiment of the present invention has the same structure as the battery container temperature control system for ESS according to the first embodiment described above, except for the heat conducting plate, so a duplicate description of the same configuration will be omitted.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 11, in the temperature control device (40) of the battery container temperature control system (1) for ESS according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the heat conducting plate (44') may include a plurality of installation portions (44a) formed at a predetermined interval in the longitudinal direction so that thermoelectric elements (45) are installed, and a heat movement path (44b) formed between each of the installation portions (44a) to move heat generated from the thermoelectric elements (45).

[0200] At this time, the thermal movement path (44b) may be formed with an engraved pattern on the edge centered on the installation portion (44a). That is, a thermal movement path (44b) with an engraved pattern can be formed on the edge of the thermoelectric element (45) installed in the installation portion (44a).

[0201] In this way, by forming a heat movement path (44b) with an engraved pattern around the edge of each installation section (44a) where a thermoelectric element (45) is installed, it is possible to improve the balance of heat dissipated from a plurality of thermoelectric elements (45) and the uniformity of the cooling level of each battery cell in the battery pack (30).

[0202] Here, the above-mentioned intaglio pattern may be a radial intaglio pattern.

[0203] In this embodiment, the heat transfer path (44b) is formed in a radial engraved pattern centered on the installation portion (44a) where the thermoelectric element (45) is installed to improve the uniformity of the cooling level, but the shape and form of the heat transfer path (44b) are not limited thereto and can be changed in various ways as long as the uniformity of the cooling level can be improved.

[0204] Therefore, by forming a heat transfer path (44b) of an engraved pattern on the heat conduction plate (44'), the temperature uniformity of cooling can be improved compared to when the heat conduction plate (44') is a flat plate.

[0205] In this way, by forming a heat transfer path (44b) on the heat conducting plate (44'), the heat generated from the thermoelectric element (45) is quickly conducted along the heat transfer path (44b) formed between each installation portion (44a), thereby uniformly maintaining the temperature of the battery cells mounted inside the battery pack (30).

[0206] While the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0207] [Explanation of symbols]

[0208] 1: Battery container temperature control system for ESS

[0209] 10: Battery container

[0210] 20: Battery rack

[0211] 21: Settling frame

[0212] 30: Battery pack

[0213] 40: Temperature control device

[0214] 41: Plate

[0215] 41': Connection frame

[0216] 41a, 41b: Reinforcement

[0217] 42a: Cover body

[0218] 42b: Fixed member

[0219] 43: Temperature control unit

[0220] 44, 44': Heat-conducting plate

[0221] 44a: Installation section

[0222] 44b: Heat transfer path

[0223] 45: Thermoelectric element

[0224] 45a: Cooling surface

[0225] 45b: Heating surface

[0226] 46: Heat dissipation section

[0227] 47: Emission section

[0228] 48: Exhaust

[0229] 48a: Hollow

[0230] 50: Connector

[0231] 51: First connecting duct

[0232] 53a, 53b: Joint member

[0233] 60: Air conditioning unit

[0234] 61: Second connecting duct

[0235] 61a: Duct hole

[0236] 63: Suction part

[0237] 64: Air intake hole

[0238] 65: Air exhaust hole

[0239] 67: Suction fan

[0240] 68: Exhaust fan

Claims

1. A temperature control system for a battery container for ESS, comprising a battery rack in which a receiving space is formed inside, a plurality of mounting frames are formed in a multi-stage stack in the longitudinal and transverse directions of the receiving space, and a battery pack installed in each of the plurality of mounting frames formed in the battery rack. A temperature control device installed in each of the above battery packs to cool and heat the battery pack; A connecting device that interconnects each of the above temperature control devices, through which high temperature air or low temperature air generated from each battery pack flows; and An air conditioning device installed in the above battery container and connected to the connecting device to discharge high temperature air or low temperature air; A battery container temperature control system for ESS, characterized by including:

2. In claim 1, A battery container temperature control system for ESS, characterized in that each mounting frame of the above battery rack is arranged to be inclined upward at a predetermined angle toward the inside.

3. In claim 1, A temperature control system for a battery container for an ESS, characterized in that the temperature control device includes a plate on which the battery pack is installed on the upper side, a temperature control unit provided on the lower side of the plate to cool and heat the battery pack, a heat dissipation unit provided on one side of the plate to dissipate heat generated from the battery pack, and a control unit capable of controlling at least one of the temperature control unit and the heat dissipation unit.

4. In claim 3, A temperature control system for a battery container for ESS, characterized in that the temperature control unit includes at least one heat-conducting plate provided on the lower surface of the plate, and at least one thermoelectric element provided on the heat-conducting plate.

5. In claim 4, A battery pack temperature control system characterized in that the above heat-conducting plate includes a plurality of installation parts formed at regular intervals in the longitudinal direction of the upper side so that a thermoelectric element is installed, and a heat movement path formed between each of the installation parts to move heat generated from the heat-conducting plate.

6. In claim 4, A battery container temperature control system for an ESS, characterized in that the heat dissipation unit includes a heat dissipation unit including at least one heat dissipation fin arranged perpendicular to each heat conduction plate on the upper surface of one end of each heat conduction plate, and an exhaust unit that captures and exhausts high-temperature air or low-temperature air discharged from each heat dissipation unit.

7. In claim 6, A battery container temperature control system for ESS, characterized in that the connecting device includes a first connecting duct installed between each discharge port of each temperature control device, and a connecting member formed at each end of the first connecting duct and connected to one end of one discharge port and the other end of the other discharge port, respectively.

8. In claim 7, A battery container temperature control system for ESS, characterized in that the first connecting duct is formed in a flexible manner.

9. In claim 7, The air conditioning device comprises at least one second connecting duct that connects a plurality of first connecting ducts provided at the outermost side of the battery container among the first connecting ducts into one, an intake portion provided at an end of the second connecting duct and installed on one side wall of the battery container to suck external air into the second connecting duct, and at least one air discharge hole formed on the other side wall of the battery container to which a plurality of first connecting ducts provided at the outermost side of the battery container among the first connecting ducts are connected and discharges high temperature air or low temperature air.

10. In claim 9, A battery container temperature control system for an ESS, characterized in that the air conditioning device further includes at least one suction fan provided on one side wall of the battery container to suck external air into the receiving space of the battery container, and an exhaust fan provided on the other side wall of the battery container to exhaust air in the receiving space to the outside of the battery container.

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