Energy storage assembly and vehicle having energy storage assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy storage assembly (22) for an at least partially electrically operated vehicle (10), the assembly having at least one cell module (24) which comprises at least a first cell line (28) and a second cell line (30) which each have a plurality of electrochemical cells (32) connected in series. The cells (32) of the first cell line (28) are connected in parallel with the cells (32) of the second cell line (30) via parallel connectors (36). The parallel connectors (36) are each provided with a passive fuse (38). The cell module (24) has at least one actively controlled fuse (46) which is designed, in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module (24), to be triggered and to electrically disconnect the first cell line (28) from the second cell line (30). The invention also relates to a vehicle having the energy storage assembly (22).

Description

[0001] Energy storage assembly and vehicle with energy storage assembly

[0002] The invention relates to an energy storage assembly for a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, and to a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered with the energy storage assembly.

[0003] Modern vehicles that are at least partially electrically powered have at least one electric motor for propulsion, which requires a supply of electrical energy. For this purpose, such vehicles include an energy storage system, also called a battery system, which consists of a large number of electrochemical cells that are electrically interconnected.

[0004] One advantage of electrochemical cells is that many individual cells can be interconnected. For example, cells connected in series can deliver a high voltage, while cells connected in parallel result in a high nominal capacity. In modern energy storage systems, electrochemical cells are typically connected in series via series connectors and in parallel via parallel connectors. This allows for the differentiation of series and parallel current paths within the energy storage system. Such a combined configuration results in an energy storage system suitable for high-voltage applications and enables the electric propulsion of vehicles.

[0005] In the following, the term "electrochemical cell" is used synonymously for all terms commonly used in the prior art for rechargeable galvanic elements, for example cell, battery, battery cell, accumulator, battery accumulator and secondary battery.

[0006] A known problem with energy storage systems is that a short circuit can occur between the electrochemical cells during operation. Typically, such a short circuit is accompanied by or caused by an event. The short circuit can therefore be caused by thermal runaway, a vehicle accident, or a corresponding temperature increase within the cell module. The event in question can be a thermal event. The term "thermal event" refers to a disturbance of a

[0007] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 electrochemical cell, causing the affected cell to overheat. Such a singular event can spread to other cells, impairing their operation and short-circuiting them. The thermal energy resulting from this chain reaction is difficult to dissipate.

[0008] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy storage device that enables reliable handling of short circuits.

[0009] The object of the invention is achieved by an energy storage assembly for an at least partially electrically powered vehicle, comprising at least one cell module, which includes at least one first cell string and one second cell string, each having several electrochemical cells connected in series. The cells of the first string are connected in parallel to the cells of the second string via parallel connectors, each of which is provided with a passive fuse. The passive fuse is configured to reduce or interrupt the current flow through the corresponding parallel connector in the event of a short circuit in the cell module. The cell module further comprises a collector that is electrically coupled to the first cell string and the second cell string.Furthermore, the cell module has at least one actively controlled fuse which is designed to trigger in the event of a short circuit in the cell module and to electrically disconnect the first cell string from the second cell string.

[0010] The invention is based on the fundamental idea of ​​using a combination of a passive fuse and an actively controlled fuse to spatially limit an event or short circuit in the cell module to a single cell string. The passive fuse allows the current paths via the parallel connectors to be disconnected or throttled, thus preventing the propagation of a short circuit to cells connected in parallel, i.e., via parallel current paths. Additionally, the actively controlled fuse enables the cell strings to be electrically decoupled from one another, i.e., the series current paths to be interrupted, so that a short circuit occurring in one cell string cannot spread to other cell strings. Consequently, the energy storage assembly according to the invention has a dual protection system, comprising at least one actively controlled fuse and the passive

[0011] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 Fuses that allow the series and parallel current paths to be interrupted or throttled independently of each other in order to achieve a targeted shutdown of the cell string affected by a short circuit or event.

[0012] The short circuit can be caused by a vehicle accident, a thermal runaway, or a corresponding temperature development in the cell module.

[0013] The term "passive" means that the parallel connector is not a switching component that disconnects the connection between the parallel-connected electrochemical cells as a result of an external control command.

[0014] In this context, the term "active" means that the actively controlled fuse assigned to the respective cell module is a switching component that interrupts the serial current path as a result of an external control command.

[0015] According to a first aspect of the invention, the passive fuse is a passive resistive element with an electrical resistance in the range of 1 to 1000 Ω or a fuse. This allows, in the event of a short circuit, the current flow via the corresponding parallel connector to be easily throttled or interrupted.

[0016] Fuses are known from the prior art and usually comprise a melting element that melts when a predetermined current flows, whereupon the current flowing through the fuse is interrupted.

[0017] A parallel connector designed as a resistive element presents a resistance to the current, thus reducing or limiting the current accordingly. In this way, the temperature rise that occurs within the energy storage device in the event of a short circuit is limited, allowing the heat generated by equalization processes within the energy storage device to be dissipated without causing a harmful temperature increase to other electrochemical cells of the energy storage device.

[0018] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 According to a further advantageous embodiment, each cell string is assigned an actively controlled fuse. This allows the short circuit to be easily limited to one cell string, thus protecting the remaining cell strings from the short circuit spreading.

[0019] In particular, the respective actively controlled fuse is located between one end of the corresponding cell string and the collector. The collector connects the respective ends of the cell strings with low resistance, which means that in the event of a short circuit or other event within a cell module, the short circuit could propagate to other cell strings via the collector. However, such a current path can be interrupted by equipping the end of each cell string with an actively controlled fuse that trips in the event of a short circuit or other event within the cell module, electrically decoupling the respective cell string from the collector.

[0020] For example, an end connector, particularly a serial end connector, can be used for this purpose. This represents a particularly advantageous manufacturing method for equipping the end of a cell string with an actively controlled fuse. By activating the single actively controlled fuse, it is possible to electrically decouple the entire cell string connected to the actively controlled fuse from the collector.

[0021] Alternatively, the actively controlled fuse can be arranged in the collector, particularly between two connection points for the cell strings. By activating the actively controlled fuse, the collector can thus be interrupted, at least in sections, in order to isolate the cell strings from one another. This reduces the number of actively controlled fuses required compared to the embodiment where each cell string has its own actively controlled fuse.

[0022] Furthermore, a control unit can advantageously be provided which is connected to and configured to trigger the actively controlled fuse. At least one sensor unit is also provided, connected to the control unit for signal transmission and configured to measure at least one parameter relevant to the short circuit in the cell module. The combination of sensor unit and control unit allows for...

[0023] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 It can be ensured in a simple way that a short circuit is detected and the actively controlled fuse is reliably activated. Furthermore, the energy storage system, in particular the individual cell modules, can be monitored for short circuits by the sensor unit during operation, thus enabling early detection of such a short circuit or event.

[0024] The sensor unit consists specifically of a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, an infrared sensor, and / or a temperature sensor. Depending on the installation situation within the cell module, these sensors can be used and provide a reliable means of detecting a short circuit. Using these sensors, a range of parameters such as pressure, voltage, infrared radiation, and temperature can be measured, which are representative of a short circuit or a corresponding event if these parameters exceed a predetermined threshold. Two or more sensors, particularly of different types, can also be used to detect potential measurement errors caused by a single sensor.

[0025] Another aspect of the invention provides that a predetermined threshold value for the relevant parameter is stored in the control unit. The control unit is configured to compare the parameter measured by the sensor unit with the predetermined threshold value, whereby exceeding or falling below the threshold value results in the control unit triggering the actively controlled fuse. For example, the predetermined threshold value for the relevant parameter can be stored in a database of the control unit, which the control unit can access. By using a threshold value, it is easily ensured that the control unit reliably triggers the actively controlled fuse and does not do so prematurely. This results in a particularly low-maintenance and reliably functioning energy storage assembly.

[0026] According to a further embodiment, the at least one actively controlled fuse is controlled via a control line connected to a power source linked to the control unit. The control unit is configured to energize the control line through the power source in the event of a short circuit in the cell module, causing the actively controlled fuse to trip. This constitutes a

[0027] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 represents a technically simple triggering mechanism, even if the control unit does not directly trigger the actively controlled fuse, but only indirectly by controlling the power source to supply the actively controlled fuse with current.

[0028] A particularly advantageous approach is to connect several actively controlled fuses in series via the control line, allowing a single control unit to simultaneously trigger multiple actively controlled fuses via the same control line. This enables the immediate decoupling of an entire cell module, comprising multiple cell strings, from the collector.

[0029] Furthermore, the energy storage assembly can comprise several cell modules, each with at least one actively controlled fuse connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to trip the actively controlled fuses module-selectively. Module-selective tripping of the actively controlled fuse allows the remaining cell modules, not affected by the short circuit, to continue operating and also protects them from the short circuit spreading. This allows the energy storage assembly to remain operational despite a short circuit, and it is not necessary to disconnect all cell modules, which would result in a total failure of the energy storage assembly.

[0030] In particular, at least one actively controlled fuse is thermally trippable. The current supplied by the power source is converted into thermal energy, causing the actively controlled fuse to trip. In other words, similar to a fuse, the actively controlled fuse contains a fusible element that melts as a result of current flow, thereby tripping the fuse to interrupt the current flow.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the invention, the at least one actively controlled fuse has a receiving body through which a melting element, in particular a fusible wire or a fusible rod, extends. The actively controlled fuse has at least a section of a conductor which is configured to be energized in the event of a short circuit in the cell module in order to melt the melting element. This allows for a particularly low-maintenance and simple fuse.

[0032] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024, the fuse to be manufactured must be provided. The actively controlled fuse is a switchable fuse element that can be actively controlled to interrupt the current flow. The conductor can be designed as a coil that surrounds the fuse body, at least partially.

[0033] In particular, the actively controlled fuse incorporates either a resistance heater or an induction heater. The corresponding conductor can therefore be designed as either a resistance heater or an induction heater. This allows for the provision of a suitable fuse depending on the installation position. A resistance heater offers the advantage that it melts the fuse element by applying heat. This is achieved by heating a conductor through an electric current, with the conductor being thermally coupled to the fuse element to melt it through heat transfer. This is a technically simple design, but can be disadvantageous in certain installation positions because the area surrounding the conductor is also heated. If heating of the surrounding area is to be avoided, an induction heater can be used, which induces an electric current in the fuse element and thereby heats it.Induction heating typically allows for more targeted heating than resistance heating, resulting in higher efficiency due to less heat loss to the environment.

[0034] The invention further relates to a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, with an on-board electrical system comprising at least one electrical consumer, in particular an electric motor, and an energy storage assembly electrically coupled to the electrical consumer according to one of the preceding aspects. An interrupter is connected between the electrical consumer and the at least one cell module of the energy storage assembly, which is configured to electrically decouple the electrical consumer from at least one cell module in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module. The energy storage assembly enables a short circuit within a cell module of the energy storage assembly to be handled particularly reliably.This is achieved through the combination of the circuit breaker and the energy storage assembly according to the invention, which successively limit and interrupt the operating currents in order to spatially confine the short circuit. For this purpose, the circuit breaker can, in the event of a...

[0035] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 Upon the occurrence of a short circuit, all operating currents between the energy storage assembly and at least one electrical load are first interrupted. Subsequently, all cell strings of a cell module that carry an internal short circuit can be electrically decoupled from the other cell strings by the actively controlled fuse and the passive fuses. This type of shutdown is possible in particular because the system is especially slow to respond due to the maximum voltage difference of 4 V between the electrochemical cells.

[0036] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made. The drawings show:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle according to the invention, which has an on-board power supply with an energy storage assembly according to the invention;

[0038] Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention.

[0039] Energy storage assembly according to a first embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention.

[0041] Energy storage assembly according to a second embodiment;

[0042] Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention.

[0043] Energy storage assembly according to a third embodiment;

[0044] Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of an actively controlled fuse according to a first embodiment for an energy storage assembly according to the invention in an untried state; and

[0045] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of an actively controlled fuse according to a second embodiment for an energy storage assembly according to the invention.

[0046] Figure 1 shows a vehicle 10 according to the invention, which is at least partially electrically powered. The vehicle 10 comprises an on-board electrical system 12, which has at least one electrical load 14 in the form of an electric motor 16 for driving the vehicle 10. For this purpose, the electric motor 16 is configured to drive a

[0047] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 Drive train 18 of vehicle 10, which is coupled to the wheels 20 of vehicle 10 for power transmission.

[0048] Furthermore, the on-board network 12 includes an energy storage assembly 22, which is electrically coupled to the at least one electrical consumer 14, i.e. the electric motor 16, wherein the energy storage assembly 22 has at least one cell module 24, which will be explained in detail later.

[0049] An interrupter 26 is connected between the electrical load 14 and the at least one cell module 24 of the energy storage assembly 22. The interrupter 26 is designed to electrically decouple the electrical load 14 from the at least one cell module 24 in the event of a short circuit or a corresponding event in the cell module 24. A suitable interrupter 26 is, for example, a contactor, a pyrolytic fuse, or a circuit breaker.

[0050] The energy storage assembly 22 is explained in more detail below with reference to Figure 2.

[0051] In the case shown in Figure 2, the energy storage assembly 22 comprises a total of four cell modules 24. In principle, however, the number of cell modules 24 is not limited and any number of cell modules 24 can be used.

[0052] Each cell module 24 comprises at least one first cell string 28 and one second cell string 30, each containing several electrochemical cells 32 connected in series. Three cell strings per cell module 24 are shown here. In principle, the number of cell strings 28, 30 is not limited, and any number of cell strings 28, 30 can be provided per cell module 24 to supply the power required for operating the electrical load 14.

[0053] The electrochemical cells 32 are, for example, rechargeable galvanic cells, in particular lithium-ion batteries.

[0054] Specifically, the individual cells 32 are connected both in series and in parallel to provide sufficient electrical energy to the electrical consumer 14.

[0055] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 More precisely, the cells 32 of the first cell strand 28 and the cells 32 of the second cell strand 30 are each connected in series via serial connectors 34. Thus, in each cell strand 28, 30, a chain of cells 32 connected in series is formed.

[0056] Furthermore, the cells 32 of the first cell strand 28 are connected in parallel to the cells 32 of the second cell strand 30 via parallel connectors 36. The cells 32, thus connected in parallel and series, form a cell cluster that constitutes the core of the cell module 24.

[0057] The parallel connectors 36 are each provided with a passive fuse 38, the passive fuse 38 being designed to throttle or interrupt the current flow through the corresponding parallel connector 36 in the event of a short circuit in the cell module 24. For example, the passive fuse 38 can be a passive resistive element with an electrical resistance in the range of 1 to 1000 Ω or a fuse.

[0058] Furthermore, the cell module 24 has a collector 40 which is electrically coupled to the first cell string 28 and the second cell string 30.

[0059] Specifically, the collector 40 connects the individual cell strings 28, 30 of a cell module 24 with low resistance in order to transmit the electrical energy provided by the cell module 24 to the electrical load 14. In this respect, the collector 40 is electrically connected to the interrupter 28, which is arranged between the load 14 and the energy storage assembly 22, and electrically couples the two.

[0060] Furthermore, at the end 42 of each cell strand 28, 30, which is assigned to the collector 40, a serial end connector 44 is provided, via which the connection between the collector 40 and the corresponding cell strand 28, 30 is formed.

[0061] Furthermore, the cell module 24 has at least one actively controlled fuse 46, which is designed to trip in the event of a short circuit in the cell module 24 and to electrically disconnect the first cell string 28 from the second cell string 30. The actively controlled fuse 46 will be explained in detail later.

[0062] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 For example, the actively controlled fuse 46, as shown in Figure 2, can be provided in the serial end connector 44, i.e. between the end 42 of the respective cell string 28, 30 and the collector 40.

[0063] However, it is also conceivable that the actively controlled fuse 46 is located between the collector 40 and the vehicle electrical system 12, i.e., between the collector 40 and the interrupter 26, or within the collector 40 itself, so that in the event of a short circuit in the cell module 24, the actively controlled fuse 46 can trip. Either the collector 40 is disconnected from the vehicle electrical system 12, or the cell strands 28 and 30 are separated from each other by cutting the collector 40. In any case, this ensures that the first cell strand 28 is disconnected from the second cell strand 30.

[0064] Furthermore, the energy storage assembly 22 can include a control unit 48, as shown in Figure 3.

[0065] The control unit 48 is connected to the actively controlled fuse 46 and is configured to trigger the actively controlled fuse 46 in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module 24, in particular indirectly.

[0066] For this purpose, the actively controlled fuse 46 can be controlled via a control line 50, wherein the control line 50 is connected to a power source 52, so that it is a power line.

[0067] The power source 52 can either be separate from the control unit 48, as shown in Figure 3, or it can be implemented together with the control unit 48, as shown in Figure 4.

[0068] The control unit 48 connected to the power source 52 is designed to supply current to the control line 50 via the power source 52 in the event of a short circuit in the cell module 24, causing the actively controlled fuse 46 to trip.

[0069] To ensure that the control unit 48 reliably triggers the actively controlled fuse 46 only in the event of a short circuit, the control unit 48 is connected to a sensor unit 54 via signal transmission, which is designed to measure at least one parameter relevant to a short circuit in the cell module 24.

[0070] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 The parameter relevant for a short circuit can be electrical voltage, infrared radiation, temperature and / or pressure within the cell module 24. Accordingly, the sensor unit 54 can be a voltage sensor, an infrared sensor, a temperature sensor and / or a pressure sensor.

[0071] Advantageously, each cell module 24 is assigned at least one sensor unit 54, as shown schematically in Figure 3. However, several sensor units 54 can also be provided per cell module 24, in particular several different sensor units 54. For example, the cells 32 connected in parallel can each be combined into a logical cell to which a sensor unit 54 is assigned. This allows a short circuit to be detected at the cell level.

[0072] The sensor unit 54 is also configured to send the relevant parameter to the control unit 48. Alternatively, the sensor unit 54 can be read by the control unit 48.

[0073] The control unit 48 can be part of the energy storage assembly 22 shown in Figures 2-4. However, the control unit 48 can also be part of a battery management system (not shown here) or part of a vehicle control system not shown in detail here.

[0074] Furthermore, a predetermined threshold value for the relevant parameter is stored in control unit 48. In particular, this value can be stored and retrieved in a database or cloud (not shown here).

[0075] In particular, the control unit 48 is designed to compare the parameter measured by the sensor unit 54 with the predetermined threshold value in order to detect whether the threshold value has been exceeded and / or fallen below, which would result in the control unit 48 triggering the actively controlled fuse 46.

[0076] As shown in Figure 3, each actively controlled fuse 46 of each cell string 28, 30 can be connected in series, so that only a single control line 50 is required to control all actively controlled fuses 46. In this case, all actively controlled fuses 46 can only be tripped together.

[0077] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 However, module-selective control of the actively controlled fuses 46 is also conceivable, as shown in Figure 4. In this case, each cell module 24 has at least one actively controlled fuse 46 which is connected to the control unit 48, wherein the control unit 48 is configured to trip the actively controlled fuses 46 module-selectively.

[0078] In the case of module-selective triggering, it can be advantageous to spatially separate the individual cell modules 24 from one another by (mechanical) separating elements 56, as shown in Figure 4. The separating elements 56 serve to thermally and pressure-wise isolate the individual cell modules 24 from one another. A fire barrier, for example, can be used as a separating element 56.

[0079] The actively controlled fuse 46 is described in more detail below using an exemplary embodiment as shown in Figure 5.

[0080] The actively controlled fuse 46 has a receiving body 58. Suitable materials for the receiving body 58 are electrical insulators. The receiving body 58 is, in particular, designed to be sleeve-shaped or capsule-shaped.

[0081] The receiving body 58 can be formed by a cylindrical circumferential wall 60 extending in an axial direction from a first end 62 to a second end 64, wherein the first end 62 and the second end 64 each have an opening 66.

[0082] The circumferential wall 60 can have an annular cross-section. However, the cross-section of the cylindrical circumferential wall 60 can also be elliptical or prismatic.

[0083] As shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 5, the circumferential wall 60 between the two ends 62, 64 defines a melting chamber 68, which serves to receive a melting element 70 that is electrically conductive. The melting element 70 can be a melting rod or a melting wire that melts at a predetermined temperature. Suitable materials for the melting element 70 are, for example, metals and alloys. Particularly preferably, the melting element 70 is made of a material selected from the group consisting of aluminum, lead, tin, copper, and silver, as well as alloys thereof.

[0084] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 The melting element 70 can be part of the serial end connector 44 and / or the collector 40.

[0085] Alternatively, the melting element 70 can connect the collector 40 to the end 42 of the respective cell strand, in particular to the serial end connector 44. For example, the melting element 70 is soldered to the collector 40 and / or to the end 42 of the respective cell strand, in particular to the serial end connector 44.

[0086] A free space 72, which may be ring-shaped, can exist between the melting element 70 and the circumferential wall 60. The free space 72 is formed by fixing the melting element 70 through the edges of the two openings 66, provided that the openings 66 correspond substantially to the thickness of the melting element 70.

[0087] This means that the section of the melting element 70 arranged in the melting chamber 68 is spaced away from the circumferential wall 60 and is not in contact with it.

[0088] In particular, the melting chamber 68 has a constriction 74, as shown in Figure 5. The constriction 74 thus locally reduces the free space 72 between the melting element 70 and the circumferential wall 60.

[0089] The constriction 74 can be formed by at least one projection 76 on the inside of the circumferential wall 60, which faces the melting element 70.

[0090] In particular, the projection 76 or the constriction 74 is arranged in a central section of the melting chamber 68, so that conically tapered sections 78 are formed from the ends 62, 64 towards the center, along which the molten material of the melting element 70 can flow towards the ends 62, 64.

[0091] Furthermore, the receiving body 58 is at least partially surrounded by a conductor 80 which is designed to be energized in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module 24 in order to melt the melting element 70.

[0092] Suitable materials for conductor 80 are metals and alloys, for example steel or copper.

[0093] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 The conductor 80 can be designed as a resistance heater.

[0094] Alternatively, the conductor 80 can be wound as a coil comprising several windings extending around the receiving body 58.

[0095] If conductor 80 is designed as a coil, conductor 80 can be designed as an induction heater.

[0096] In particular, conductor 80 is assigned to the constriction 74 in the melting chamber 68.

[0097] The first embodiment according to Figure 5 is designed to be mounted in a horizontal installation position in the cell module 24.

[0098] If a short circuit occurs in the cell module 24, which is detected by the sensor unit 54, the conductor 80 is energized. This can melt the melting element 70 either thermally as a resistance heater or inductively as an induction heater. The melting element 70 liquefies, causing it to strike the projection 76 and flow from there along the sections 78 towards the ends 62, 64. There, the molten element 70 collects and solidifies again, leaving a gap between the solidified material in the area of ​​the ends 62, 64. The current flow is thus irreversibly interrupted. Since the melting chamber 68 is sealed by the melting element 70, which is precisely positioned in the two openings 66, escape of the molten element 70 is prevented.

[0099] Furthermore, the actively controlled fuse 46 can also be designed according to the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 6. Only the differences from the first embodiment are explained below, so that with regard to the remaining components, reference is made to the description above, which applies analogously to the second embodiment.

[0100] The actively controlled fuse 46 according to the second embodiment is designed to be mounted in a vertical installation position in the cell module 24.

[0101] In contrast to the first embodiment, the receiving body 58 has no clearance 72 between the melting element 70 and the circumferential wall 60. Therefore, the constriction 74 and the projection 76 are also omitted. Instead, there is

[0102] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 the melting element 70 is attached to the circumferential wall 60 and is in contact with it.

[0103] Due to the vertical installation position, the liquefied or molten melting element 70 flows downwards out of the receiving body 58, thus interrupting the current flow.

[0104] 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024

Claims

Patent claims 1. Energy storage assembly (22) for an at least partially electrically powered vehicle (10), comprising at least one cell module (24) comprising at least one first cell string (28) and one second cell string (30), each having several electrochemical cells (32) connected in series, wherein the cells (32) of the first cell string (28) are connected in parallel with the cells (32) of the second cell string (30) via parallel connectors (36), wherein the parallel connectors (36) are each provided with a passive fuse (38), wherein the passive fuse (38) is configured to throttle or interrupt a current flow via the corresponding parallel connector (36) in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module (24), wherein the cell module (24) further comprises a collector (40) which is electrically coupled to the first cell string (28) and the second cell string (30),and wherein the cell module (24) has at least one actively controlled fuse (46) which is configured to trip in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module (24) and to electrically disconnect the first cell string (28) from the second cell string (30).

2. Energy storage assembly (22) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the passive fuse (38) is a passive resistive element with an electrical resistance in the range of 1 to 1000 Q or a fuse.

3. Energy storage assembly (22) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each cell string (28, 30) is assigned an actively controlled fuse (46), in particular wherein the respective actively controlled fuse (46) is arranged between an end (42) of the corresponding cell string (28, 30) and the collector (40), for example in a serial end connector (44).

4. Energy storage assembly (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control unit (48) is provided which is connected to the actively controlled fuse (46) and is configured to trigger the actively controlled fuse (46), and wherein at least one sensor unit (54) is provided which is connected to the control unit (48) for signal transmission and is configured to detect at least one sensor relevant for a short circuit. 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 to measure parameters in the cell module (24), in particular wherein the sensor unit (54) is a pressure sensor, a voltage sensor, an infrared sensor and / or a temperature sensor.

5. Energy storage assembly (22) according to claim 4, characterized in that a predetermined threshold value for the relevant parameter is stored in the control unit (48), wherein the control unit (48) is configured to compare the parameter measured by the sensor unit (54) with the predetermined threshold value, wherein exceeding and / or falling below the threshold value results in the control unit (48) triggering the actively controlled fuse (46).

6. Energy storage assembly (22) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the at least one actively controlled fuse (46) can be controlled via a control line (50) which is connected to a current source (52) connected to the control unit (48), wherein the control unit (48) is configured, in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module (24), to supply current to the control line (50) via the current source (52) so that the actively controlled fuse (46) trips.

7. Energy storage assembly (22) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the energy storage assembly (22) comprises several cell modules (24), each having at least one actively controlled fuse (46) and connected to the control unit (48), wherein the control unit (48) is configured to trigger the actively controlled fuses (46) module-selectively.

8. Energy storage assembly (22) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one actively controlled fuse (46) is thermally triggerable.

9. Energy storage assembly (22) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one actively controlled fuse (46) has a receiving body (58) through which a melting element (70) extends, wherein the actively controlled fuse (46) has at least sectionally a conductor (80) which is configured to, in the event of a short circuit, 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024 in the cell module (24), to be energized in order to melt the melting element (70).

10. Vehicle (10) that is at least partially electrically operated, with an on-board electrical system (12) comprising at least one electrical consumer (14) and an energy storage assembly (22) electrically coupled to the electrical consumer (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an interrupter (26) is connected between the electrical consumer (14) and the at least one cell module (24) of the energy storage assembly (22), which is configured to electrically decouple the electrical consumer (14) from the at least one cell module (24) in the event of a short circuit occurring in the cell module (24). 24-2033 ABZ EXA 24.09.2024

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