Battery pack and energy storage system including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case which has an accommodation space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, and has a cooling flow path configured to allow a cooling medium to flow and at least one communication hole configured to communicate the cooling flow path and the accommodation space and allowing the cooling medium to be directly injected into the accommodation space from the cooling flow path.

Description

Battery pack and energy storage device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and an energy storage device including the same.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0128182 filed on September 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0105371 filed on July 31, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0004] Secondary batteries, which possess electrical characteristics such as high energy density and high applicability across product categories, are widely applied not only to portable devices but also to electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), and energy storage systems (ESS). These secondary batteries are attracting attention as a new energy source for enhancing eco-friendliness and energy efficiency, not only for the primary advantage of drastically reducing the use of fossil fuels but also because they generate no by-products from energy consumption.

[0005] Battery packs are sometimes configured by connecting multiple battery cells in series or parallel, depending on the charge and discharge capacity required by electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, or energy storage devices. In this case, it is common practice to first configure a battery module containing at least one battery cell, and then use this at least one battery module to add other components to form a battery pack or battery rack. Alternatively, recently, cell-to-pack type battery packs are also being manufactured, in which multiple battery cells are directly housed in a pack housing or similar structure without modularization.

[0006] Meanwhile, as the scope of secondary battery usage expands, associated safety issues are emerging as a significant concern.

[0007] However, in the case of a battery pack containing such a large number of lithium secondary batteries, if the temperature of the battery cells placed inside rises abnormally or the internal pressure of the battery cells rises above a certain level, venting occurs, and high-temperature sparks containing high-temperature gas, electrode active material, and aluminum particles are ejected to the outside of the battery cells.

[0008] Accordingly, in the case of conventional battery packs, to suppress the rise in temperature of the battery cells, a water cooling method in which a cooling fluid flows through a pipe to cool the battery cells in a non-contact manner, or an air cooling method in which a fan is used to cool the battery cells, etc., was utilized.

[0009] However, since this cooling method for battery packs requires installing pipes or fans inside the pack, it may result in a problem where it is difficult to use the internal space of the battery pack efficiently.

[0010] Therefore, the need arises for technology to cool battery cells more efficiently in battery packs.

[0011] Furthermore, when thermal events occur within the battery pack, there is a need for technology capable of effectively suppressing thermal runaway in battery cells or extinguishing fires in the event of a fire.

[0012] The present invention provides a battery pack capable of ensuring efficient cooling performance and safety or reliability of a battery cell, and an energy storage device including the same.

[0013] However, the problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0014] The present invention provides a battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells; and a pack case having a receiving space for accommodating the plurality of battery cells, a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling medium to flow, and at least one communication hole formed to communicate the cooling channel and the receiving space.

[0015] The above cooling channel may be formed in a hollow form in at least partially within the inner space of the pack case.

[0016] The above pack case is configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and may be provided with a bottom plate in which the cooling channel is formed in the inner space.

[0017] The above cooling channel can be formed along the perimeter of the bottom plate.

[0018] The above cooling channel may have a first channel and a second channel formed on each side of the pack case.

[0019] The above cooling channel may be provided with a connecting channel configured to connect the first channel and the second channel, provided on the outside of the pack case.

[0020] The above pack case may have an inlet port configured to allow the cooling medium to flow into the cooling channel, and an outlet port configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged to the outside of the pack case.

[0021] The above inlet port and the above outlet port may be provided on the same side of the pack case.

[0022] One end of the above cooling channel may be configured to be open, and the other end of the above cooling channel may be configured to be closed.

[0023] The above communication holes may be provided in multiple numbers and arranged along the extension direction of the cooling channel.

[0024] The cross-sectional areas of the plurality of the above-mentioned communication holes can be configured at least partially differentially.

[0025] The above pack case may be provided with a venting section on one side configured to discharge venting gas, etc. generated from the battery cell to the outside.

[0026] A battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a cover member that covers the venting portion and is configured to open the venting portion when the internal pressure of the pack case reaches a specific pressure.

[0027] The energy storage device according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0028] An automobile according to the present invention may include a battery pack according to the present invention.

[0029] The present invention provides a pack case comprising: a bottom plate having a receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; and a top plate coupled to the bottom plate and configured to cover the upper portion of the plurality of battery cells accommodated in the receiving space. Meanwhile, the bottom plate may have a cooling channel formed along the perimeter of its lower surface to allow a cooling medium to flow.

[0030] At least one communication hole may be formed in the above cooling channel so that a cooling medium can be injected from the cooling channel into the receiving space.

[0031] A plurality of communication holes are formed in the above cooling channel, and the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of communication holes can be configured at least partially differentially.

[0032] According to one aspect of the present invention, a non-conductive fluid can be brought into direct contact with a battery cell, thereby allowing the battery cell to be cooled efficiently. As a result, the cooling performance of the battery pack can be improved.

[0033] According to one aspect of the present invention, since piping or fans for cooling are unnecessary, the internal space of the battery pack can be used efficiently. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery pack can be improved.

[0034] According to one aspect of the present invention, since thermal runaway can be rapidly responded to in the event of an abnormal situation of a battery cell, the safety and reliability of the battery pack can be guaranteed.

[0035] According to one aspect of the present invention, venting gas generated during abnormal conditions of a battery cell is smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case, thereby effectively ensuring thermal propagation prevention performance at the pack level.

[0036] According to one aspect of the present invention, by preventing heat accumulation inside the pack case, other battery cells can be protected from thermal damage as much as possible.

[0037] According to one aspect of the present invention, the generation of flame in a battery pack can be prevented or suppressed.

[0038] Thus, through this configuration, it is possible to prevent or delay events caused by thermal runaway phenomena in battery packs or devices equipped with them, such as fire or explosion.

[0039] In addition to the above, the present invention may have various other effects, which are described in each embodiment, or effects that can be easily inferred by those skilled in the art, etc., will be omitted.

[0040] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate some embodiments of the present invention and serve to further enhance understanding of the technical concept of the present invention together with the detailed description of the invention provided below; therefore, the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited only to the matters described in such drawings.

[0041] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a drawing showing the cross-section I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a drawing showing the cross-section II-II' of FIG. 1.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a front view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view showing a disassembled portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a major part of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a top view of the interior of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view showing a disassembled portion of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a drawing showing a portion of the rear side of the cross-section III-III' of FIG. 1.

[0053] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a case where a thermal event occurs in a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] FIG. 14 is a drawing showing an energy storage device and a vehicle including a battery pack according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] In parts of the attached drawings, corresponding components are given the same reference numerals. Those skilled in the art understand that the drawings are intended to illustrate elements simply and clearly and are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, to aid in understanding various embodiments, the dimensions of some elements depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated compared to others. Additionally, elements of known technology that are useful or essential in commercially viable embodiments may often be omitted so as not to hinder the spirit of the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Prior to this, terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the present invention, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concept of the terms to best describe his invention.

[0057] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely some embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical ideas of the present invention, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0058] In addition, the present invention includes various embodiments. For each embodiment, redundant descriptions of substantially identical or similar configurations are omitted, and the focus is on the differences.

[0059] Meanwhile, although terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used in the present invention, these terms are used merely for convenience of explanation and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer, as is obvious to those skilled in the art of the present invention.

[0060] For example, in an embodiment of the present invention, the X-axis direction shown in the drawing may mean the left-right direction, the Y-axis direction may mean the front-back direction perpendicular to the X-axis direction on the horizontal plane (XY plane), and the Z-axis direction may mean the up-down direction (vertical direction) perpendicular to both the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

[0061]

[0062] FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 3 may be a drawing showing the cross-section along I-I' of FIG. 1.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell (100) and a pack case (200).

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, a plurality of battery cells (100) may be included. Although not shown in the drawing, these plurality of battery cells (100) may include an electrode assembly, a cell case that accommodates the electrode assembly, and an electrode lead that is connected to the electrode assembly and extends outward from the cell case to function as an electrode terminal. At this time, the plurality of battery cells (100) may be electrically connected to each other inside a pack case (200).

[0065] For example, the battery cell (100) may be a pouch-type secondary battery. The cell case of such a pouch-type secondary battery may be configured in the form of a pouch in which a metal layer made of aluminum is interposed between polymer layers.

[0066] A plurality of battery cells (100) can be arranged side by side in the left-right direction (X-axis direction) while standing upright in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction), as shown in FIG. 2.

[0067] Multiple battery cells (100) can be stacked to form multiple cell arrays. As shown in FIG. 2, multiple cell arrays can be arranged side by side in the front-back direction (Y-axis direction).

[0068] Meanwhile, the present invention is not limited by the specific type or shape of such battery cell (100), and various battery cells (100) known at the time of filing the present invention may be employed to constitute the battery pack (10) of the present invention. For example, in this embodiment, a pouch-type secondary battery with high energy density and easy stacking is used as shown in the drawing, but it is obvious that cylindrical or prismatic secondary batteries can be applied as battery cells (100).

[0069] Additionally, although not illustrated in the drawings, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a busbar assembly and / or terminals electrically connected to a plurality of battery cells (100) housed therein.

[0070] The above pack case (200) may be configured to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (200) may provide a receiving space (S) to accommodate a plurality of battery cells (100). The pack case (200) may be provided in a box shape including a plurality of frames.

[0071] The pack case (200) may be made of a material capable of ensuring mechanical strength, such as steel or SUS metal or plastic, or may include such a material, in order to safely protect the battery cell (100) housed inside.

[0072] A cooling channel (C) may be formed in the pack case (200). The cooling channel (C) may refer to a passage configured to allow a cooling medium to flow. The cooling channel (C) may be formed in the internal space of the pack case (200). Here, the internal space of the pack case (200) may refer to a hollow formed in any one of the plurality of frames forming the pack case (200), as shown in FIG. 3.

[0073] Additionally, a communication hole (H) may be formed in the pack case (200). The communication hole (H) may be formed in the frame of the pack case (200) where the cooling channel (C) is formed. The communication hole (H) may be configured in the form of a hole formed by penetrating the inner surface of the frame of the pack case (200). The communication hole (H) may be configured to communicate with the cooling channel (C) and the receiving space (S) in which the battery cell (100) is accommodated. At least one such communication hole (H) may be provided in the unit pack case (100).

[0074] Accordingly, the cooling medium inside the cooling channel (C) is discharged through the communication hole (H) into the receiving space (S) in which the battery cell (100) is received, so that the cooling medium can be filled into the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200). In this way, the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention can cool the battery cell (100) using an immersion cooling method.

[0075] For example, in the case of a problem occurring due to overheating of the battery cell (100) in a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cooling medium inside the cooling channel (C) is discharged through the communication hole (H) into the receiving space (S) in which the battery cell (100) is received, and as a result, the cooling medium creates an impregnation state in which it comes into direct contact with the battery cell (100) inside the battery pack (10), thereby cooling the battery cell (100) uniformly throughout.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the cooling medium may be composed of a non-conductive fluid. For example, the cooling medium may be provided with insulating oil, silicone oil, a fluorine-based fluid, etc.

[0077] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, even if the cooling medium is filled into the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200), the cooling medium can come into direct contact with the battery cell (100) without electrical damage to the battery cell (100), so the battery cell (100) can be cooled more efficiently. As a result, the cooling performance of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0078] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, other components such as piping or fans for cooling are unnecessary, so the internal space of the battery pack (10) can be used efficiently. Accordingly, the energy efficiency of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0079] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, in the event of an abnormal situation such as overheating of the battery cell (100), a cooling medium is discharged into the receiving space (S) through the connecting hole (H) to quickly respond to thermal runaway of the battery cell (100). By doing so, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed.

[0080] Furthermore, since the cooling medium is filled in the receiving space (S) and the cooling medium can come into direct contact with all battery cells (100) within the battery pack (10), the temperature difference between multiple battery cells (100) can be minimized. Accordingly, the overall performance of the battery pack (10) can be improved.

[0081]

[0082] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 2, etc., a pack case (200) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be equipped with a bottom plate (210), a front plate (220), and a rear plate (230).

[0083] The bottom plate (210) can be configured to allow a plurality of battery cells (100) to be seated in the receiving space (S). The bottom plate (210) may be provided with an upper surface having a flat bottom surface so that a plurality of battery cells (100) can be stably seated.

[0084] The bottom plate (210) can form the bottom surface of the pack case (200). Additionally, the bottom plate (210) can form the left and right sides of the pack case (200). That is, the bottom surface, left side, and right side of the pack case (200) can be formed integrally. The bottom plate (210) can be configured to cover the bottom surface, left side, and right side of a plurality of battery cells (100).

[0085] The front plate (220) is located at the front side (-Y-axis direction) end of the bottom plate (210) and can be configured to cover the front of the battery cells (100).

[0086] The rear plate (230) is located at the rear end (+Y-axis direction) and can be configured to cover the rear of the battery cells (100).

[0087] The pack case (200) may further be provided with a top plate (240). The top plate (240) may be configured to cover the upper portion of a plurality of battery cells (100). To this end, the top plate (240) may be provided to be coupled to a bottom plate (210) to form the upper surface of the pack case (200).

[0088] Meanwhile, the shape of this pack case (200) is merely an example, and the pack case (200) can be formed in various other shapes.

[0089]

[0090] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 4 may be a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 1. Also, FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 4, the cooling channel (C) may be formed in a hollow form in at least partially within the inner space of the pack case (200). In other words, the cooling channel (C) may be provided in a hollow form inside one of the frames of the pack case (200). Accordingly, the cooling channel (C) and the receiving space (S) may be configured to be completely separated. For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in the drawing, the cooling channel (C) may be formed in the inner space of the bottom plate (210).

[0092] The cooling channel (C) can be extruded and formed integrally with the bottom plate (210). As the bottom plate (210) is extruded, the cooling channel (C) can be formed by extending in a straight line at least partially along the extrusion direction (the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate (210)).

[0093] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since the cooling channel (C) is integrally provided in the bottom plate (210), the process of separately manufacturing a pipe and inserting it into the bottom plate (210) can be omitted. As a result, productivity can be improved when manufacturing the battery pack (10).

[0094] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the gap between the cooling channel (C) and the bottom plate (210) can be minimized, so leakage of the cooling medium can be prevented.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the cooling channel (C) may be formed along the perimeter of the bottom plate (210). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the cooling channel (C) may be formed in a U-shape. For example, the cooling channel (C) may be provided along the left, right, and rear side edges of the bottom plate (210).

[0096] A predetermined space may be provided between the battery cell (100) and the side wall of the bottom plate (210). As shown in the above embodiment of the present invention, a cooling channel (C) is formed along the perimeter of the lower surface of the bottom plate (210), so that a cooling medium is supplied to the predetermined space, allowing the receiving space (S) to be filled more easily.

[0097] In addition, according to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling channel (C) has a simpler structure or shape, and the cooling medium can flow along the perimeter of the bottom plate (210) and be uniformly supplied to the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200).

[0098] According to one embodiment, the cooling channel (C) may have a first channel (C1) and a second channel (C2). The first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) may be formed on each side of the pack case (200). The first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) may be formed on each side of the bottom plate (210) in the left and right directions.

[0099] As the bottom plate (210) is manufactured by an extrusion method, the first flow path (C1) and the second flow path (C2) can be formed by extending along the longitudinal direction of the bottom plate (210).

[0100] Accordingly, the cooling medium can flow along the first flow path (C1) and the second flow path (C2) inside the pack case (200).

[0101] Additionally, the cooling channel (C) may be provided with a connecting channel (C3). According to one embodiment, the connecting channel (C3) may be provided on the outside of the pack case (200) along the rear side corner of the pack case (200). This connecting channel (C3) may be configured to connect the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2).

[0102] As the bottom plate (210) is extruded, holes may be formed at both longitudinal ends of each of the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2), and the connecting channel (C3) may be configured to connect the ends of the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) outside the pack case (200).

[0103] For example, as in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the connecting channel (C3) may be provided on the rear plate (230) side and configured to connect the rear end of the first channel (C1) and the rear end of the second channel (C2).

[0104] At this time, the connecting channel (C3) may be configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) are extended. For example, the connecting channel (C3) may be configured to extend along the perimeter of the rear plate (230).

[0105] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cooling channel (C) can supply a cooling medium to the receiving space (S) without occupying the volume of the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200).

[0106]

[0107] FIG. 6 is a front view of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] At this time, the pack case (200) may be provided with an inlet port (I) and an outlet port (O). The inlet port (I) may be configured to allow a cooling medium to flow into a cooling channel (C), and the outlet port (O) may be configured to allow the cooling medium to be discharged outside the pack case (200). A hose through which the cooling medium flows may be connected to the inlet port (I) and the outlet port (O).

[0109] An inlet port (I) may be provided at one end of the cooling channel (C). For example, as described above, both longitudinal ends of the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) may be configured in the form of holes. In this case, the inlet port (I) may be provided at the front end of the first channel (C1). For example, the rear ends of the first channel (C1) and the second channel (C2) may be connected by a connecting channel (C3), and the front end of the first channel (C1) may be configured to have an external hose connected as an inlet port (I).

[0110] The discharge port (O) may be provided on the outside of the cooling channel (C). The discharge port (O) may be provided on one side of the pack case (200). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the discharge port (O) may be provided on the front plate (220). The discharge port (O) may be configured in the form of a hole formed by penetrating a part of the pack case (200). The cooling medium filled in the receiving space (S) may be configured to be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through this discharge port (O).

[0111] The height at which the discharge port (O) is provided may be different from the height at which the inlet port (I) is provided. For example, the inlet port (I) may be provided on the lower surface of the pack case (200), and the discharge port (O) may be provided on the upper side of the pack case (200). Through such a configuration, when thermal runaway occurs inside the pack case (200), a certain amount of cooling medium can be maintained within the receiving space (S).

[0112] Meanwhile, the inlet port (I) and the outlet port (O) may be provided on the same side of the pack case (200). For example, as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, both the inlet port (I) and the outlet port (O) may be provided on the front plate (220).

[0113] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, since both the inlet port (I) and the outlet port (O) are provided on the front of the battery pack (10), maintenance of the external components connected to the Coolant Exchange Unit (CEU), such as a hose provided on the outside of the pack case (200), can be easily performed.

[0114]

[0115] FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a disassembled part of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0116] One end of the cooling channel (C) may be configured to be open, and the other end of the cooling channel (C) may be configured to be closed. Here, one end of the cooling channel (C) may refer to an inlet port (I) provided at the front end of the first channel (C1). Additionally, the other end of the cooling channel (C) may refer to a closed port (P) provided at the front end of the second channel (C2). For example, one end of the cooling channel (C) may be the inlet port (I), and the other end of the cooling channel (C) may be the closed port (P).

[0117] The closed port (P), that is, the front end of the second flow path (C2), may be configured to be closed. For example, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a closing member (300) configured to cover the closed port (P). The closing member (300) may be configured to cover the front end of the second flow path (C2). The closing member (300) may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or silicone. The closing member (300) may be configured to maintain the closed state of the closed port (P).

[0118] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by configuring one end of the cooling channel (C) to be closed, the cooling medium inside the cooling channel (C) can be prevented from escaping to the outside of the pack case (200). As a result, the cooling medium can flow with a certain directionality inside the cooling channel (C).

[0119] For example, referring to the arrows shown in FIG. 4, the cooling medium introduced into the first flow path (C1) through the inlet port (I) can be configured to flow through the connecting flow path (C3) and the second flow path (C2). Accordingly, the cooling medium can flow along the perimeter of the bottom plate (210) and be uniformly supplied to the receiving space (S) of the pack case (200) when necessary.

[0120]

[0121] FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 10 is a top view of the interior of a battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 9, the communication hole (H) may be formed on the inner surface of the lower surface of the bottom plate (210). The communication hole (H) may be provided on the upper part of the cooling channel (C). The size or shape of the communication hole (H) may be configured differently depending on the type of cooling medium.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 10, a plurality of such communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be provided. Additionally, a plurality of communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be arranged along the extension direction of the cooling channel (C). For example, the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be provided along the corners of the bottom plate (210).

[0124] Multiple communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be provided in the first flow path (C1) and the second flow path (C2), respectively. The positions of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) formed in the first flow path (C1) and the second flow path (C2) may be configured to be mutually symmetrical as illustrated in the drawing.

[0125] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, a cooling medium can be supplied to a receiving space (S) of a pack case (200) through a plurality of communication holes (H1, H2, H3) provided along the circumference of a bottom plate (210).

[0126] According to one embodiment of the present invention, in order to equalize the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to the receiving space (S) through the communication holes (H1, H2, H3), the cross-sectional areas of the plurality of communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be configured at least partially differentially.

[0127] The flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into each communication hole (H1, H2, H3) is proportional to the product of the flow velocity of the cooling medium at the corresponding location and the cross-sectional area of ​​the corresponding communication hole (H1, H2, H3). The flow velocity of the cooling medium at each communication hole (H1, H3, H3) may differ depending on the location of each communication hole (H1, H2, H3) within the battery pack (10). In such cases, as in the above embodiment of the present invention, by configuring the cross-sectional area of ​​each communication hole (H1, H2, H3) differently for each location, the flow rate of the cooling medium can be equalized regardless of the location within the battery pack (10).

[0128] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, by equalizing the flow rate of the cooling medium supplied to the receiving space (S), the temperature difference between battery cells (100) can be minimized regardless of the position of the battery cells (100) within the battery pack (10). As a result, the lifespan of the battery pack (10) can be extended and the performance of the battery pack (10) can be maximized.

[0129] According to an embodiment, the cross-sectional area of each of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be configured differently along the extending direction of the cooling channel (C). For example, each of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may have a gradually decreasing flow rate as the cooling medium flowing into the accommodation space (S) decreases in flow velocity as it moves away from the inlet port (I) of the cooling channel (C). Accordingly, as shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the cross-sectional area of each of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be provided to be larger as it moves away from the inlet port (I) (H1 < H2 < H3). For example, the inlet port (I) is provided on one side of the pack case (200), for example, the front side, and the cross-sectional area of each of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) may be provided to be larger toward the rear side of the pack case (200).

[0130] As in an embodiment of the present invention, as the cross-sectional area of each of the communication holes (H1, H2, H3) is provided to be larger as it moves away from the inlet port (I), the flow rate of the cooling medium flowing into the accommodation space (S) can be made uniform regardless of the position of each battery cell (100). Thereby, by minimizing the temperature deviation between the battery cells (100), the efficiency of the battery pack (10) can be increased.

[0131]

[0132] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of a partial configuration of a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention after being disassembled. In addition, FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a battery pack (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention. For example, FIG. 12 may be a view showing a partial portion of the rear side of the III-III' cross-section of FIG. 1. And, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the battery pack (10) when a thermal event occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0133] Meanwhile, referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the pack case (200) may be provided with a venting section (V). The venting section (V) may be configured to discharge gas generated from a battery cell (100) housed inside to the outside of the pack case (200). The venting section (V) may be provided so that the inside and outside of the pack case (200) can communicate.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the venting portion (V) may be provided in the form of a hole. For example, the venting portion (V) may be provided in the form of a hole formed in the pack case (200) so that the inside and outside of the pack case (200) are in communication. According to one embodiment, the venting portion (V) may be provided in a rectangular shape. The location, shape, structure, etc., of the venting portion (V) provided in the pack case (200) may be designed differently depending on the internal structure of the pack case (200), etc.

[0135] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, heat and pressure, such as venting gas or flames generated when thermal runaway of a battery cell (100) occurs inside a pack case (200), can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through a venting section (V). Accordingly, the venting gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case. Furthermore, by preventing heat accumulation inside the pack case (200), other battery cells (100) can be protected from thermal damage as much as possible.

[0136] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as well as venting gas or flame, gas generated as the cooling medium vaporizes can be discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through the venting section (V).

[0137] The venting portion (V) may be provided on one side of the pack case (200). The venting portion (V) may be located on at least some of the frames forming the pack case (200). For example, referring to FIGS. 11 to 13, the venting portion (V) may be provided on the rear plate (230).

[0138] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when the venting part (V) is provided on the rear side of the battery pack (10), when venting gas, etc. is discharged through the venting part (V), a user, etc. in front of the battery pack (10) can be protected.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the venting portion (V) may be provided on the upper side of the rear plate (230). For example, the height (d) at which the venting portion (V) is provided in the pack case (200) may be configured to be approximately 70% or more of the height (D) of the pack case (200). According to the above embodiment of the present invention, leakage of the cooling medium through the venting portion (V) in an amount greater than a certain amount can be suppressed. Thus, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (100), the cooling medium can be maintained in the receiving space (S) in an amount greater than a certain amount to cool the battery cell (100).

[0140]

[0141] A battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a cover member (400) configured to cover a venting portion (V). The cover member (400) may be provided on one side of a pack case (200). The cover member (400) may be attached to the pack case (200) and configured to cover the entire venting portion (V).

[0142] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, as the cover member (400) is configured to cover the venting portion (V), foreign substances such as dust can be prevented from entering the inside of the pack case (200) through the venting portion (V). As a result, the dustproof function of the battery pack (10) can be secured, thereby ensuring the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10).

[0143] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when manufacturing a battery pack (10), assembly is improved because only the cover member (400) needs to be attached from the outside after the pack case (200) has been fully assembled.

[0144] Such a cover member (400) may be configured to open and close the venting portion (V). For example, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the cover member (400) may normally remain attached to the pack case (200) to cover the venting portion (V) (FIG. 12) and then be configured to open when a specific situation occurs, for example, when a thermal event occurs (FIG. 13).

[0145] For example, the cover member (400) may be configured to open the venting portion (V) when the internal pressure of the pack case (200) reaches a specific pressure. When the internal pressure of the pack case (200) reaches a specific pressure, for example, the cover member (400) may be released from being attached to the pack case (200) and detached, or a part of the cover member (400) may be ruptured and opened by the pressure of the gas.

[0146] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack (10), the cover member (400) is opened so that the gas generated in the battery cell (100) and / or the cooling medium vaporizes and the generated gas can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the pack case (200) through an exposed part of the venting part (V) (see the bold arrow shown in FIG. 13). By doing so, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery cell (100), the pressure inside the pack case (200) is prevented or suppressed, and additional chain ignition of other battery cells (100) can be prevented. By such a configuration, the safety and reliability of the battery pack (10) can be guaranteed according to the above aspect of the present invention.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the cover member (400) may be made of a material having heat resistance. Heat may be generated as the battery pack (10) repeatedly charges and discharges during normal operation. Additionally, a device equipped with the battery pack (10), such as an energy storage device (ESS), may be exposed to heat more in high-temperature conditions, such as summer.

[0148] According to the above embodiment of the present invention, the cover member (400) can stably maintain the covering of the venting portion (V) in a normal state of the battery pack (10). In addition, even if high-temperature gas is generated in some battery cells (100) included in the battery pack (10), the cover member (400) may not be opened if no thermal event occurs in the battery pack (10) or if normal use is possible.

[0149] Referring to FIG. 14, an energy storage device (500) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The energy storage device (500) may include, for example, a battery container comprising a plurality of battery packs (10) and a container housing configured to stack the plurality of battery packs (10) inside. In addition, the present invention may include various battery systems including a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. For example, a battery charging system, a battery exchange system, a battery repair system, etc., according to the present invention may be a battery system according to the present invention. The energy storage device (500) may include one or more of such battery systems.

[0150] Additionally, a vehicle (600) according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a battery pack (10) according to the present invention. The vehicle (600) according to the present invention may be, for example, an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, or a plug-in hybrid vehicle. The vehicle (600) may include a four-wheeled vehicle and a two-wheeled vehicle. The vehicle (600) may operate by receiving power from the battery pack (10) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0151]

[0152] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described above, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. It is understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the essence of the invention as claimed in the claims, and such modifications should not be understood individually from the technical spirit or perspective of the present invention.

Claims

1. Multiple battery cells; and A battery pack comprising a pack case having a receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells, a cooling channel configured to allow a cooling medium to flow, and at least one communication hole formed to communicate the cooling channel and the receiving space so that the cooling medium can be directly injected from the cooling channel into the receiving space.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling channel is formed in a hollow form in the inner space of the pack case, at least partially.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above pack case is A battery pack having a bottom plate configured to accommodate the plurality of battery cells and having a cooling channel formed in the inner space.

4. In Paragraph 3, The above cooling channel is a battery pack formed along the perimeter of the bottom plate.

5. In Paragraph 1, The above cooling channel is A battery pack having a first Euro and a second Euro formed on each side of the pack case.

6. In Paragraph 5, The above cooling channel is A battery pack having a connecting channel provided on the outside of the pack case and configured to connect the first channel and the second channel.

7. In Paragraph 1, The above pack case is An inlet port configured to allow the cooling medium to flow into the cooling channel, and A battery pack having a discharge port configured to discharge the cooling medium to the outside of the pack case.

8. In Paragraph 7, A battery pack having the above-mentioned inlet port and the above-mentioned outlet port on the same side of the pack case.

9. In Paragraph 1, One end of the above cooling channel is configured to be open, and A battery pack configured such that the other end of the above cooling channel is closed.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery pack having a plurality of communication holes arranged along the extension direction of the cooling channel.

11. In Paragraph 10, A battery pack in which the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of communication holes is configured at least partially differentially.

12. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned pack case is a battery pack having a venting section on one side configured to discharge venting gas, etc., generated from the battery cell to the outside.

13. In Paragraph 12, A battery pack further comprising a cover member that covers the venting portion and is configured to open the venting portion when the internal pressure of the pack case reaches a specific pressure.

14. An energy storage device (ESS) comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13.

15. An automobile comprising a battery pack according to any one of paragraphs 1 through 13.

16. A bottom plate having a receiving space for accommodating a plurality of battery cells; and A pack case comprising a top plate coupled to the bottom plate and configured to cover the upper portion of a plurality of battery cells accommodated in the receiving space, The above bottom plate is a pack case in which a cooling channel is formed so that a cooling medium can flow along the perimeter of the lower surface.

17. In Paragraph 16, A pack case having at least one communication hole formed in the cooling channel so that a cooling medium can be injected from the cooling channel into the receiving space.

18. In Paragraph 17, A pack case in which a plurality of communication holes are formed in the cooling channel and the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the plurality of communication holes is configured at least partially differentially.

Images