Energy storage apparatus

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is an energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus comprises a cabinet, a heat dissipation device and an energy storage member, wherein a mounting space is provided inside the cabinet; an air inlet and an air outlet are provided on the outer surface of the cabinet, the air inlet is located on one side of the cabinet in a first direction, the air outlet is located on one side of the cabinet in a second direction, and the first direction intersects the second direction; and the heat dissipation device is arranged in the mounting space, the heat dissipation device enables an airflow to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet, the heat dissipation device is arranged above the energy storage member, and in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least part of the projection of the heat dissipation device in the vertical direction is within the range of the projection of the energy storage member in the vertical direction.

Description

An energy storage device

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure is based on and claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202421595739.7, filed on July 8, 2024, entitled “An Energy Storage Device”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of energy storage technology, specifically to an energy storage device. Background Technology

[0004] In recent years, the new energy industry has flourished. Energy storage has become an important form of energy storage in the new energy system.

[0005] Energy storage devices are devices that can store and release electrical energy. They can store surplus electrical energy in the power grid and release the stored energy back to electrical devices as needed, which helps alleviate the contradiction between power supply and demand in the power grid and mitigates the problem of power fluctuations caused by uneven power consumption.

[0006] During the charging and discharging process, the energy storage components inside the energy storage device generate heat. Heat dissipation equipment is installed in the energy storage device to dissipate the heat from the energy storage components outside the device, thus maintaining its normal operation.

[0007] Therefore, the heat dissipation stability of the heat dissipation equipment is related to the charging and discharging efficiency of the energy storage device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In view of this, the present disclosure aims to provide an energy storage device that is beneficial to improving heat dissipation stability.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this disclosure embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0010] This disclosure provides an energy storage device, which includes:

[0011] The cabinet has an internal installation space, and the outer surface of the cabinet has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is located on one side of the cabinet along a first direction, and the air outlet is located on one side of the cabinet along a second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0012] The heat dissipation device is located in the installation space and enables airflow from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0013] The energy storage device and the heat dissipation device are located above the energy storage device. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the heat dissipation device along the vertical direction is located within the projection range of the energy storage device along the vertical direction.

[0014] The energy storage device in this embodiment arranges the air inlet and outlet on different sides of the cabinet, making it difficult for air discharged from the outlet to re-enter the air inlet before it is fully cooled. This facilitates heat exchange between ambient temperature air entering the air inlet and the heat dissipation equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange. This, in turn, helps the heat dissipation equipment to function stably, keeps the energy storage device in normal working condition, extends the service life of the energy storage device, reduces the floor space of the cabinet, improves the adaptability of the energy storage device, expands its application range, and improves the placement stability of the energy storage device, reducing the risk of tipping over.

[0015] In some embodiments, both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the angle between the orientation of the air inlet and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°.

[0016] And / or, the angle between the direction of the air outlet and the direction of gravity is not greater than 90°.

[0017] This reduces the likelihood that foreign objects from outside the cabinet will enter the cabinet through the air inlet and outlet under the influence of gravity, thus adversely affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device.

[0018] In some embodiments, both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet and the orientation of the air outlet is not less than 90°. This further helps to reduce the influence of the higher temperature air discharged from the air outlet on the temperature of the air entering the air inlet.

[0019] In some embodiments, the installation space includes a heat dissipation space and an energy storage space. The heat dissipation space is located above the energy storage space. The heat dissipation device is located in the heat dissipation space, and the energy storage device is located in the energy storage space. Both the air inlet and the air outlet are connected to the heat dissipation space. In the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the air inlet along the first direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space along the first direction.

[0020] And / or, in a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, the projection of the air outlet along the second direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space along the second direction.

[0021] In this way, the airflow outside the cabinet can directly enter the heat dissipation space where the heat dissipation equipment is installed, and the gas that has completed heat exchange in the heat dissipation space can also be directly discharged from the cabinet, thereby improving the efficiency of air intake and exhaust and improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0022] In some embodiments, the energy storage device also includes a charging gun, and the surface of the cabinet is provided with a placement area for the charging gun. The placement area and the air outlet are located on different walls of the cabinet. This helps to reduce the likelihood of operators being blown by the airflow from the air outlet when retrieving or placing the charging gun, thus reducing operator discomfort.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other. An air outlet is provided on the second wall of the cabinet along the second direction, and an air inlet is provided on the first wall of the cabinet along the first direction. Both the second and first walls extend vertically. This positions the air inlet and outlet on different sides of the cabinet, facilitating the orientation of the air inlet and outlet to be different, and keeping the air inlet away from the air outlet. Simultaneously, the extension direction of the second and first walls reduces the likelihood of foreign matter depositing on their surfaces, thus reducing the chance of foreign matter entering the air inlet and outlet.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first wall surface is provided with a placement area for placing the charging gun. This achieves the goal of having the placement area and the air outlet located on different sides of the cabinet wall.

[0025] In some embodiments, the cabinet includes a third wall surface located on the opposite side of the second wall surface along a second direction. The surface of the cabinet is provided with a placement area for placing the charging gun. The placement area, air inlet, and air outlet are all located outside the area of ​​the third wall surface. This helps to reduce the probability that the placement area, air inlet, and air outlet may be adversely affected or even damaged due to collisions or obstructions from the electrical device during the charging process of the energy storage device.

[0026] In some embodiments, the cabinet includes an outer shell and a first door. The installation space is located inside the outer shell. The installation space is fully open on one side along a first direction to form a first opening. The first door is closable and covers the first opening. The first door is located on the opposite side of the second wall. Thus, when the first door is open, various components in the installation space can be installed, disassembled, and maintained, which helps to improve the convenience of operation for operators.

[0027] And / or, the energy storage device also includes an energy storage component, the installation space includes an energy storage space, the energy storage component is located in the energy storage space, the cabinet includes an outer shell and a second door, the energy storage space is open on one side along a second direction to form a second opening, the second door is closable and covers the second opening, the second door forms part of a second wall and the air outlet is located on the outer shell, so that when the second door is open, it is convenient to inspect and disassemble the energy storage component separately, thereby reducing the adverse impact on other components inside the cabinet. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 is a front view of an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein a partial section of the area at position B is shown in the schematic diagram.

[0029] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of position AA in Figure 1;

[0030] Figure 3 is a magnified view of a portion of position B in Figure 1;

[0031] Figure 4 is a magnified view of a portion of position C in Figure 2;

[0032] Figure 5 is a top view of the embodiment in Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 6 is a rear view of the embodiment in Figure 1;

[0034] Figure 7 is a right view of the embodiment in Figure 1.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0036] 10. Cabinet; 10a. Installation space; 10b. Air inlet; 10c. Air outlet; 10d. Heat dissipation space; 10e. Energy storage space; 10f. Placement area; 10g. Second wall surface; 10h. First wall surface; 10i. Third wall surface; 11. Outer shell; 11a. First opening; 11b. Second opening; 12. First door; 13. Second door; 20. Heat dissipation equipment; 20a. Heat dissipation duct; 30. Energy storage component; 40. Charging gun. Detailed Implementation

[0037] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and technical features in the embodiments of this disclosure can be combined with each other, and the detailed descriptions in the specific embodiments should be understood as explanations of the purpose of this disclosure and should not be regarded as undue limitations on this disclosure.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and the foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, technical terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish different objects and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number, specific order, or primary or secondary relationship of the indicated technical features. In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0040] In this document, the term "embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. The appearance of this phrase in various places throughout the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described herein can be combined with other embodiments.

[0041] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, or B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0042] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, for ease of explanation, as shown in FIG1, the direction of the arrow X is the straight line direction where the "vertical direction" and the "gravity direction" are located, the direction of x1 represents "up" and "top", and the direction of x2 represents "down", "bottom" and the direction of "gravity direction"; as shown in FIG2 and FIG5, the direction of the arrow Y is the "second direction"; as shown in FIG5 and FIG6, the direction of the arrow Z is the "first direction".

[0043] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, technical terms such as "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In the description of the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the technical term "contact" should be interpreted broadly, and can be direct contact, contact through an intermediate medium layer, contact between two contacting parties with substantially no interaction force, or contact between two contacting parties with interaction force.

[0045] This disclosure provides an energy storage device including one or more energy storage components to increase the voltage and capacity of the energy storage device. The energy storage components may include multiple battery devices connected in series via a busbar to increase the voltage of the energy storage device. When the energy storage device includes multiple energy storage components, the multiple energy storage components are connected in parallel to increase the capacity of the energy storage device.

[0046] Energy storage devices can be used in energy storage power stations, wind power generation systems, solar power generation systems, mobile power systems, or temporary power supply systems. Energy storage devices can store electrical energy as needed and output it when appropriate. For example, an energy storage device can store electrical energy during off-peak hours and provide power to relevant users or electrical equipment during peak hours. The energy storage system provided in this disclosure can be any power system that requires energy storage devices.

[0047] In some embodiments, the energy storage device is an energy storage container or an energy storage cabinet.

[0048] In some embodiments, the energy storage device may include a cabinet and one or more energy storage components, the energy storage components being housed within the cabinet.

[0049] In some embodiments, the energy storage device may include modules such as a thermal management module, a main control module, a central control module, a power distribution module, and a fire protection module.

[0050] As an example, the thermal management module may include a liquid cooling unit that supplies coolant to each battery device via piping to regulate the temperature of the individual battery cells.

[0051] As an example, the main control module can serve as the battery management unit for an energy storage device, used to monitor and manage the device. The main control module can monitor information such as the device's current, voltage, power, or temperature. For instance, it can control the charging and discharging current and voltage of the energy storage device. The main control module includes modules such as an auxiliary battery management unit (SBMU) and a fusion switch.

[0052] As an example, the central control module can serve as the battery management unit for an energy storage device, used to monitor and manage the device. The central control module can monitor information such as the energy storage device's current, voltage, power, state of charge, or temperature. For instance, it can control the charging and discharging current and voltage of the energy storage device. As an example, the central control module includes modules such as the Insulation Monitoring Module (IMM), the Master Battery Management Unit (MBMU), the Ethernet (ETH) module, and the fiber optic conversion module.

[0053] As an example, a fire protection system includes control panels, detectors, alarm devices, etc., used to detect, alarm, or extinguish fires in energy storage systems.

[0054] As an example, a power distribution module can be used to distribute power to the power-consuming modules in an energy storage device.

[0055] The battery apparatus mentioned in the embodiments of this disclosure may include one or more battery cell assemblies for providing voltage and capacity. A battery cell assembly may include multiple battery cells connected in series, parallel, or mixed connections via a busbar.

[0056] In some embodiments, a battery cell assembly is typically formed by arranging multiple battery cells.

[0057] As an example, a battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which is formed by arranging and fixing multiple battery cells together to form an independent module. As another example, a battery module can be formed by bundling multiple battery cells together with cable ties.

[0058] In some embodiments, the battery device may be a battery pack, which includes a housing and one or more individual battery cells housed within the housing.

[0059] As an example, the battery cell assembly can be a battery module, which can be housed in a housing by fixing the battery module in the housing.

[0060] As an example, battery cell assemblies can also be housed in a housing by directly fixing multiple battery cells to the housing.

[0061] As an example, the enclosure may include a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first enclosure and the second enclosure are fastened together to form a closed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells. Here, "closed" refers to covering or closing, and can be either sealed or unsealed. The first enclosure may be a top cover or a bottom plate.

[0062] As an example, the enclosure may include a top cover, a frame, and a bottom plate. The top cover and bottom plate are connected to the frame, creating an enclosed space inside the enclosure to house the individual battery cells.

[0063] The embodiments of this disclosure will now be described in detail.

[0064] In related technologies, energy storage devices include energy storage components capable of storing electrical energy. During the process of charging and releasing electrical energy into the energy storage components, some electrical energy is converted into heat energy due to the resistance of the energy storage components themselves and the resistance of the related wires in the energy storage device. This causes the temperature inside the energy storage device to rise, which in turn adversely affects the normal operation of various components within the energy storage device.

[0065] The energy storage device is equipped with a heat dissipation device to cool down the various components inside. Gas from outside the energy storage device enters the device under the drive of the heat dissipation device and directly or indirectly exchanges heat with the various components, absorbing the heat from them before being expelled from the device, thus continuously cooling down the components.

[0066] It is understandable that the airflow exhausting from the energy storage device will cause the air temperature around the heat dissipation equipment to rise, which may reduce the temperature difference between the airflow exhausting from the energy storage device and the airflow entering the energy storage device, resulting in a decrease in heat dissipation efficiency.

[0067] To address the aforementioned issues, this disclosure provides an energy storage device in which the air inlet and outlet are located on different sides of the energy storage device. This helps to reduce the temperature rise caused by the exhaust airflow on the incoming airflow and improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0068] Specifically, referring to Figures 1 to 7, the energy storage device includes a cabinet 10 and a heat dissipation device 20.

[0069] The cabinet 10 has an installation space 10a inside, and an air inlet 10b and an air outlet 10c on the outer surface of the cabinet 10. The air inlet 10b is located on one side of the cabinet 10 along the first direction, and the air outlet 10c is located on one side of the cabinet 10 along the second direction. The first direction and the second direction intersect.

[0070] The heat dissipation device 20 is installed in the installation space 10a, and the heat dissipation device 20 enables airflow to flow from the air inlet 10b to the air outlet 10c.

[0071] The heat dissipation device 20 is located above the energy storage device 30. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the heat dissipation device 20 along the vertical direction is located within the projection range of the energy storage device 30 along the vertical direction.

[0072] The cabinet 10 forms the outer contour surface of the energy storage device, providing installation positions and protection for other internal components such as heat dissipation equipment 20 and energy storage components 30.

[0073] Air inlet 10b is used for air from outside the cabinet 10 to enter the interior of the cabinet 10.

[0074] Air outlet 10c is used to exhaust the air inside the cabinet 10 to the outside of the cabinet 10.

[0075] The heat dissipation device 20 is used for other components inside the cabinet 10, such as the energy storage device 30, to achieve heat exchange with the air inside the cabinet 10, so as to absorb heat from these components and reduce their temperature, thereby helping the temperature of other components inside the cabinet 10 to be within a suitable temperature range, so that these components can work normally.

[0076] Heat is transferred to the internal air of the cabinet 10. The heat dissipation device 20 can drive the internal air of the cabinet 10 to flow to the air outlet 10c and exhaust the cabinet 10, so that a negative pressure is formed inside the cabinet 10, thereby allowing the air outside the cabinet 10 to enter the cabinet 10 and exchange heat with the heat dissipation device 20.

[0077] The air inlet 10b is located on one side of the cabinet 10 along the first direction, and the air outlet 10c is located on one side of the cabinet 10 along the second direction. That is to say, the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c are not located on the same side of the cabinet 10, which helps to increase the distance between the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c, thereby increasing the length of the flow path for the air discharged from the air outlet 10c to re-enter the air inlet 10b.

[0078] Energy storage device 30 is used to store electrical energy. The specific type of storage device is not limited, such as batteries, supercapacitors, flywheel energy storage devices, etc.

[0079] It is understandable that the energy storage device 30 has a greater mass than the heat dissipation device 20. Therefore, the energy storage device 30 is located below the heat dissipation device 20, which helps to reduce the height of the center of gravity of the energy storage device.

[0080] In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the heat dissipation device 20 along the vertical direction coincides with the projection of the energy storage device 30 along the vertical direction, thereby reducing the total projection area of ​​the heat dissipation device 20 and the energy storage device 30.

[0081] In this embodiment of the energy storage device, the air inlet 10b and air outlet 10c are arranged on different sides of the cabinet 10. This makes it difficult for the air discharged from the air outlet 10c to re-enter the air inlet 10b before it is fully cooled. This facilitates heat exchange between the ambient temperature air entering the air inlet 10b and the heat dissipation device 20, thereby improving the efficiency of heat exchange. This, in turn, helps the heat dissipation function of the heat dissipation device 20 to operate stably, keeps the energy storage device in normal working condition, extends the service life of the energy storage device, reduces the floor space of the cabinet 10, and improves the adaptability of the energy storage device, expanding its application range. It also improves the placement stability of the energy storage device and reduces the risk of tipping over.

[0082] The specific type of heat dissipation device 20 is not limited, such as fans, air conditioners, etc.

[0083] The number of air inlets 10b is not limited; there can be one or more. In embodiments with multiple air inlets 10b, the multiple air inlets 10b are arranged in a concentrated manner so that the area on the surface of the cabinet 10 with air inlets 10b is in a grid pattern. This helps to reduce the adverse effects on the structural strength of the cabinet 10 caused by opening the air inlets 10b; it also reduces the probability of foreign objects entering the air inlets 10b.

[0084] The number of air outlets 10c is not limited; there can be one or more. In embodiments with multiple air outlets 10c, the multiple air outlets 10c are arranged in a concentrated manner so that the area on the surface of the cabinet 10 with air outlets 10c is in a grid pattern. This helps to reduce the adverse effects on the structural strength of the cabinet 10 caused by opening air outlets 10c; it also reduces the probability of foreign objects entering the air outlets 10c.

[0085] It is understandable that when the area where the energy storage device is to be placed is outdoors, foreign objects will accumulate on the top surface of the cabinet 10 under the action of gravity due to factors such as rain and fallen leaves.

[0086] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2 and 6, both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the vertical direction, so that the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c are not located on the top and bottom surfaces of the cabinet 10. In this way, on the one hand, the probability of foreign objects falling from above the cabinet 10 directly entering the cabinet 10 through the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c and thus adversely affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device is reduced; on the other hand, it helps to reduce the probability of foreign objects on the ground being directly sucked into the air inlet 10b and thus adversely affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device.

[0087] In some embodiments where both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the vertical direction, referring to Figures 1 and 3, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°.

[0088] Referring to Figure 3, the orientation of the air inlet 10b refers to the direction of the center line L1; the direction of gravity refers to the direction of the center line L2; the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the direction of gravity is α1, that is, α1≤90°.

[0089] This reduces the likelihood that foreign objects outside the cabinet 10 will enter the cabinet 10 through the air inlet 10b under the influence of gravity, thereby adversely affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device.

[0090] In some embodiments, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the direction of gravity is a right angle, i.e., α1 = 90°.

[0091] In some embodiments where both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the vertical direction, referring to Figures 2 and 4, the angle between the orientation of the air outlet 10c and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°.

[0092] Referring to Figure 4, the orientation of the air outlet 10c refers to the direction of the center line L3; the direction of gravity refers to the direction of the center line L2; the angle between the orientation of the air outlet 10c and the direction of gravity is α2, that is, α2≤90°.

[0093] This reduces the likelihood that foreign objects outside the cabinet 10 will enter the cabinet 10 through the air outlet 10c under the influence of gravity, thereby adversely affecting the normal operation of the energy storage device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the angle between the orientation of the air outlet 10c and the direction of gravity is a right angle, i.e., α2 = 90°.

[0095] It is understandable that the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the orientation of the air outlet 10c also affects the length of the flow path of the air discharged from the air outlet 10c re-entering the air inlet 10b.

[0096] In both the first and second directions, which are perpendicular to the vertical direction, in some embodiments, referring to FIG5, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the orientation of the air outlet 10c in the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction is not less than 90°.

[0097] Referring to Figure 5, in the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the center line L4 represents the orientation of the air inlet 10b, and the center line L5 represents the orientation of the air outlet 10c; in the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the orientation of the air outlet 10c is α3, that is, α3≤90°.

[0098] This further helps to reduce the impact of the higher temperature air discharged from the air outlet 10c on the temperature of the air entering the air inlet 10b.

[0099] Understandably, the footprint of an energy storage device directly affects its suitability for installation.

[0100] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, where the energy storage device 30 is a battery, the battery includes a housing and at least one battery cell.

[0101] The housing includes a top cover and a bottom cover, with the top cover covering the bottom cover, thereby creating a space between the bottom cover and the top cover for storing individual battery cells.

[0102] In a battery, there can be multiple battery cells, which can be connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof. A combination thereof means that multiple battery cells are connected in both series and parallel configurations. Multiple battery cells can be directly connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof, and then the assembly of these multiple battery cells is placed within the space formed by the bottom and top covers. Alternatively, the battery can be composed of multiple battery cells first connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a battery module, and then these battery modules are connected in series, parallel, or a combination thereof to form a whole, which is also housed within the space formed by the bottom and top covers. The battery may also include other structures; for example, it may include a busbar component for electrical connection between the multiple battery cells.

[0103] The battery cell involved in this disclosure includes an electrode assembly and an electrolyte. The electrode assembly consists of a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator. The battery cell mainly relies on the movement of metal ions between the positive and negative electrode plates to function. The positive electrode includes a positive current collector and a positive active material layer. The positive active material layer is coated on the surface of the positive current collector. The current collector without the positive active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the positive active material layer. The current collectors without the positive active material layer are stacked together to form the positive electrode tab. Taking a lithium-ion battery as an example, the material of the positive current collector can be aluminum, and the positive active material can be lithium cobalt oxide, lithium iron phosphate, ternary lithium, or lithium manganese oxide, etc. The negative electrode includes a negative current collector and a negative active material layer. The negative active material layer is coated on the surface of the negative current collector. The current collector without the negative active material layer protrudes from the current collector with the negative active material layer. The current collectors without the negative active material layer are stacked together to form the negative electrode tab. The negative electrode current collector can be made of copper, and the negative electrode active material can be carbon or silicon, etc. The separator can be made of PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene), etc. In addition, the electrode assembly can be a wound structure or a stacked structure.

[0104] A single battery cell can be a rechargeable battery. A rechargeable battery is a battery cell that can be recharged after it has been discharged, allowing the active materials to be activated and the cell to continue to be used.

[0105] The battery cell can be a lithium-ion battery, sodium-ion battery, sodium-lithium-ion battery, lithium metal battery, sodium metal battery, lithium-sulfur battery, magnesium-ion battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, lead-acid battery, etc., and the embodiments disclosed herein are not limited to this.

[0106] The battery cell can be a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, a pouch battery cell, or other shapes. Prismatic battery cells include prismatic battery cells, blade-shaped battery cells, and multi-prismatic batteries, such as hexagonal prismatic batteries. There are no particular limitations in the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0107] In this disclosure, the battery refers to a single physical module comprising one or more battery cells to provide higher voltage and capacity.

[0108] It is understandable that the length of the airflow path from the air inlet 10b to the heat dissipation device 20, and the length of the airflow path from the heat dissipation device 20 to the air outlet 10c, directly affect the efficiency of the airflow in generating heat exchange and carrying heat out of the cabinet 10.

[0109] In some embodiments, referring to FIG2, the installation space 10a includes a heat dissipation space 10d and an energy storage space 10e. The heat dissipation space 10d is located above the energy storage space 10e. The heat dissipation device 20 is disposed in the heat dissipation space 10d, and the energy storage device 30 is disposed in the energy storage space 10e. The air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c are both connected to the heat dissipation space 10d.

[0110] In this way, the airflow outside the cabinet 10 can directly enter the heat dissipation space 10d where the heat dissipation equipment 20 is arranged, and the gas that has completed heat exchange in the heat dissipation space 10d can also be directly discharged from the cabinet 10, thereby improving the efficiency of air intake and exhaust and improving the heat dissipation effect.

[0111] In some embodiments, in a projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the air inlet 10b along the first direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space 10d along the first direction.

[0112] This allows the air inlet 10b to be directly connected to the heat dissipation space 10d, which helps to further improve air intake efficiency and thus enhance heat dissipation.

[0113] In some embodiments, in a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, the projection of the air outlet 10c along the second direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space 10d along the second direction.

[0114] This allows the air outlet 10c to be directly connected to the heat dissipation space 10d, which helps to further improve exhaust efficiency and thus enhance the heat dissipation effect.

[0115] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 6 and 7, the energy storage device further includes a charging gun 40, which is electrically connected to the energy storage component 30 via a cable, so that the energy storage device can provide electrical energy to other electrical devices, such as electric vehicles, through the charging gun 40, thereby realizing the integration of energy storage and energy supply and improving the applicability of the energy storage device.

[0116] The surface of the cabinet 10 is provided with a placement area 10f for placing the charging gun 40, so that the charging gun 40 can be placed in a state where it is not charging the electrical device, so that other operators can continue to use it later.

[0117] The specific method of forming the placement area 10f is not limited. For example, the surface of the cabinet 10 is provided with a bracket, and the charging gun 40 can be placed on the bracket; or the surface of the cabinet 10 is provided with a fixing hole, and the charging gun 40 is inserted into the fixing hole to achieve fixation.

[0118] Understandably, when it is necessary to charge the electrical device, the operator needs to manually remove the charging gun 40 from the placement area 10f.

[0119] In some embodiments where a placement area 10f is provided, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the placement area 10f and the air outlet 10c are located on different walls of the cabinet 10.

[0120] The term "wall" refers to the side surfaces that form the outer contour surface of the cabinet 10. It is understood that the cabinet 10 includes multiple wall surfaces.

[0121] This helps reduce the chances of operators being blown by the airflow from the air outlet 10c during the process of picking up and putting down the charging gun 40, thus reducing the discomfort of the operators.

[0122] In some embodiments, the distance between the bottom edge of the air outlet 10c and the bottom surface of the cabinet in the vertical direction is not less than 2m (meter) to reduce the probability of the airflow discharged from the air outlet 10c blowing onto the operator.

[0123] Specifically, the distance between the bottom edge of the air outlet 10c and the bottom surface of the cabinet can be 2m, 2.1m, 2.2m, 2.3m, 2.4m, etc.

[0124] The specific shape of the cabinet 10 is not limited. In some embodiments, the cabinet 10 is a prism structure, which is beneficial for the cabinet 10 to be placed stably in the preset placement area 10f.

[0125] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 5 to 7, the cabinet 10 has a cubic structure, which helps to simplify the manufacturing process of the cabinet 10.

[0126] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other. The cabinet 10 has an air outlet 10c on the second wall 10g along the second direction and an air inlet 10b on the first wall 10h along the first direction. Both the second wall 10g and the first wall 10h extend in the vertical direction.

[0127] The second wall surface 10g and the first wall surface 10h are neither the top nor bottom walls of the cabinet 10. This ensures that, in a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the orientation of the air outlet 10c is 90°.

[0128] This arrangement places the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c on different sides of the cabinet 10, which helps to ensure that the air inlet 10b faces a different direction than the air outlet 10c, and that the air inlet 10b is far away from the air outlet 10c. At the same time, the extension direction of the second wall 10g and the extension direction of the first wall 10h reduce the probability of foreign matter depositing on their surfaces, and reduce the probability of foreign matter entering the air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c.

[0129] In some embodiments where the cabinet 10 has a cubic structure, referring to Figures 6 and 7, the second wall 10g is adjacent to the first wall 10h, that is, the second wall 10g and the first wall 10h are adjacent walls among the four walls of the cabinet 10 facing the horizontal direction.

[0130] In some embodiments where a placement area 10f is provided, referring to Figures 1, 6 and 7, the first wall surface 10h is provided with a placement area 10f.

[0131] In this way, the placement area 10f and the air outlet 10c are located on different sides of the wall of the cabinet 10.

[0132] In some embodiments, referring to Figure 6, there are two first wall surfaces 10h, located on one side of the cabinet 10 along the first direction. This is beneficial to increasing the total cross-sectional area of ​​the air inlet 10b, improving heat dissipation efficiency, and reducing airflow velocity while meeting airflow requirements, thus reducing wind noise.

[0133] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 1, 5 to 7, the cabinet 10 includes a third wall 10i, which is located on the opposite side of the second wall 10g along the second direction. The surface of the cabinet 10 is provided with a placement area 10f for placing the charging gun 40. The placement area 10f, the air inlet 10b, and the air outlet 10c are all located outside the range of the third wall 10i.

[0134] In other words, the third wall surface 10i does not have a placement area 10f, an air inlet 10b, or an air outlet 10c, so that the third wall surface 10i can face the area near the energy storage device for placing electrical devices.

[0135] This helps reduce the likelihood that the functions of the placement area 10f, air inlet 10b, and air outlet 10c will be adversely affected or even damaged during the charging process of the energy storage device by the electrical device due to collisions or obstructions from the electrical device.

[0136] For example, in the case of an electric vehicle, the third wall 10i faces the parking space.

[0137] In some embodiments where the cabinet 10 has a cubic structure, the third wall 10i is located on the front side of the cabinet 10, the second wall 10g is located on the rear side of the cabinet 10, and the first wall 10h is located on the left and right sides.

[0138] The front side of cabinet 10 refers to the side facing the power-consuming device during the charging and use of the energy storage device; the left and right sides refer to the two sides adjacent to the front side; and the rear side refers to the side away from the front side.

[0139] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 2, 5 to 7, the cabinet 10 includes an outer shell 11 and a first door 12. The installation space 10a is located inside the outer shell 11. The installation space 10a is completely open on one side along a first direction to form a first opening 11a. The first door 12 is closably covered by the first opening 11a and is located on the opposite side of the second wall 10g.

[0140] Thus, with the first door 12 open, various components within the installation space 10a can be installed, disassembled, and maintained, which improves the convenience of operation for the operator.

[0141] It is understandable that, referring to Figure 7, the surface of the first door 12 facing away from the first opening 11a forms a third wall surface 10i.

[0142] The specific method of forming the outer shell 11 is not limited. For example, the outer shell 11 is formed by splicing multiple sheet metal parts through welding, screw connection, riveting, etc. Several through holes are made on the sheet metal parts. Some of the through holes form the air inlet 10b, and the other part forms the air outlet 10c.

[0143] It is understandable that the energy storage device 30 is removed from the cabinet 10 so that it can be flexibly applied to different scenarios.

[0144] In some embodiments that include an energy storage space 10e, an energy storage component 30, and an outer casing 11, the cabinet 10 further includes a second door 13, the energy storage space 10e is opened on one side in the horizontal direction to form a second opening 11b, the second door 13 is closable and covers the second opening 11b, the second door 13 forms part of the second wall 10g and the air outlet 10c is provided on the outer casing 11.

[0145] In other words, the air outlet 10c is located on the part of the second wall 10g that is outside the second door 13.

[0146] In this way, with the second door 13 open, it is convenient to inspect and disassemble the energy storage component 30 separately, thereby reducing the adverse effects on other components inside the cabinet 10.

[0147] The energy storage device in a specific embodiment of this disclosure is described as follows:

[0148] The energy storage device includes a cabinet 10, a heat dissipation device 20, an energy storage component 30, and a charging gun 40. The cabinet 10 has an air outlet 10c on its second wall surface 10g along a second direction, and an air inlet 10b on its first wall surface 10h along a first direction. Both the second wall surface 10g and the first wall surface 10h extend vertically. The cabinet 10 includes a third wall surface 10i, located on the opposite side of the second wall surface 10g along the second direction. The surface of the cabinet 10 has a placement area 10f for the charging gun 40. The placement area 10f, the air inlet 10b, and the air outlet 10c are all located outside the area of ​​the third wall surface 10i. The first wall surface 10h has a placement area 10f for the charging gun 40. Both the first and second directions are perpendicular to the vertical direction. The angle between the orientation of the air inlet 10b and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°, and the angle between the orientation of the air outlet 10c and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°. The heat dissipation device 20 is located above the energy storage device 30. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the heat dissipation device 20 along the vertical direction is located within the projection range of the energy storage device 30 along the vertical direction. The installation space 10a includes a heat dissipation space 10d and an energy storage space 10e. The heat dissipation space 10d is located above the energy storage space 10e. The heat dissipation device 20 is located in the heat dissipation space 10d, and the energy storage device 30 is located in the energy storage space 10e. The air inlet 10b and the air outlet 10c are both connected to the heat dissipation space 10d. In the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the air inlet 10b along the first direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space 10d along the first direction. In the projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, the projection of the air outlet 10c along the second direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space 10d along the second direction. The cabinet 10 includes an outer shell 11, a first door 12 and a second door 13. The installation space 10a is located inside the outer shell 11. The installation space 10a is fully open on one side along a first direction to form a first opening 11a. The first door 12 is closable and covers the first opening 11a. The first door 12 is located on the opposite side of the second wall 10g. The energy storage space 10e is open on one side along a second direction to form a second opening 11b. The second door 13 is closable and covers the second opening 11b. The second door 13 forms part of the second wall 10g and the air outlet 10c is located on the outer shell 11.

[0149] The various embodiments / implementations provided in this disclosure can be combined with each other without creating contradictions.

[0150] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the embodiments therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize various modifications and variations of the embodiments of this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the embodiments of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of the embodiments of this disclosure.

Claims

1. An energy storage device, the energy storage device comprising: The cabinet has an internal installation space, and the outer surface of the cabinet has an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is located on one side of the cabinet along a first direction, and the air outlet is located on one side of the cabinet along a second direction, where the first direction and the second direction intersect. A heat dissipation device is provided in the installation space, and the heat dissipation device enables airflow to flow from the air inlet to the air outlet; An energy storage device is provided above the energy storage device. In a projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, at least a portion of the projection of the heat dissipation device along the vertical direction is located within the projection range of the energy storage device along the vertical direction.

2. The energy storage device according to claim 1, wherein, Both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the vertical direction, and the angle between the orientation of the air inlet and the direction of gravity is no greater than 90°. And / or, the angle between the orientation of the air outlet and the direction of gravity is not greater than 90°.

3. The energy storage device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, Both the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to the vertical direction. In the projection plane perpendicular to the vertical direction, the angle between the orientation of the air inlet and the orientation of the air outlet is not less than 90°.

4. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The installation space includes a heat dissipation space and an energy storage space. The heat dissipation space is located above the energy storage space. The heat dissipation device is located in the heat dissipation space. The energy storage device is located in the energy storage space. The air inlet and the air outlet are both connected to the heat dissipation space. In the projection plane perpendicular to the first direction, the projection of the air inlet along the first direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space along the first direction. And / or, in a projection plane perpendicular to the second direction, the projection of the air outlet along the second direction is at least partially located within the projection range of the heat dissipation space along the second direction.

5. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The energy storage device also includes a charging gun, and the surface of the cabinet is provided with a placement area for placing the charging gun. The placement area and the air outlet are located on different walls of the cabinet.

6. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The first direction, the second direction, and the vertical direction are perpendicular to each other. The cabinet has the air outlet on the second wall side along the second direction and the air inlet on the first wall side along the first direction. Both the second wall and the first wall extend in the vertical direction.

7. The energy storage device according to claim 6, wherein, The first wall surface is provided with a placement area for placing the charging gun.

8. The energy storage device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The cabinet includes a third wall surface located on the opposite side of the second wall surface along the second direction. The surface of the cabinet is provided with a placement area for placing a charging gun. The placement area, the air inlet, and the air outlet are all located outside the range of the third wall surface.

9. The energy storage device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The cabinet includes an outer shell and a first door. The installation space is located inside the outer shell. The installation space is completely open on one side along a first direction to form a first opening. The first door is closable and covers the first opening. The first door is located on the opposite side of the second wall. And / or, the energy storage device further includes an energy storage component, the installation space includes an energy storage space, the energy storage component is disposed within the energy storage space, the cabinet includes an outer shell and a second door, the energy storage space is open to one side along the second direction to form a second opening, the second door is closably covered by the second opening, the second door forms part of the second wall surface and the air outlet is disposed on the outer shell.

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