Battery pack and operating method therefor

Abstract

The disclosed battery pack includes: a lower plate; a sidewall surrounding the lower plate; a support plate spaced apart from the lower plate to form a venting flow path and having a venting hole; battery cell assemblies disposed on the support plate; and a nitrogen gas system including a liquid nitrogen tank, a vaporizer, and multiple nitrogen gas injection holes. The multiple nitrogen gas injection holes may be disposed in at least one of the lower plate and the support plate.

Description

Battery pack and method of operation thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery pack and a method of operating the same, and more specifically, to a battery pack that delays and suppresses heat diffusion and a method of operating the same.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0194356 dated December 23, 2024, and all contents disclosed in the document of said Korean patent application are incorporated herein as part of this specification.

[0003] Unlike primary batteries, secondary batteries can be charged and discharged multiple times. Secondary batteries are widely used as energy sources for various wireless devices such as handsets, laptops, and cordless vacuum cleaners. Recently, as the manufacturing cost per unit capacity of secondary batteries has decreased dramatically due to improved energy density and economies of scale, and as the driving range of BEVs (battery electric vehicles) has increased to a level equivalent to that of fuel vehicles, the primary use of secondary batteries is shifting from mobile devices to mobility.

[0004] The trend in the technological development of secondary batteries for mobility is the improvement of energy density and safety. The safety of secondary batteries for mobility is critical as it is directly related to the lives of passengers. The safety of secondary batteries can be achieved through mechanical robustness, the reliability of electrical insulation, and the delay of heat transfer in the event of a thermal runaway event.

[0005] The first problem that the technical concept of the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a battery pack that delays and suppresses thermal events.

[0006] The second problem that the technical concept of the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide a method of operation for a battery pack that delays and suppresses thermal events.

[0007] However, the technical problems that the present invention aims to solve are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned problems will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a battery pack and, in one embodiment, comprises: a lower plate; a side wall surrounding the lower plate; a support plate spaced apart from the lower plate to form a venting channel and having a venting hole; battery cell assemblies disposed on the support plate; and a nitrogen gas system comprising a liquid nitrogen tank, a vaporizer, and a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles. The plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may be disposed on at least one of the lower plate and the support plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises a venting device inserted through the side wall; wherein the side wall has a hollow passage within it, and the hollow passage may be connected to the venting channel and the venting device.

[0010] In some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may include upper front nozzles. The upper front nozzles may be positioned on the support plate between the venting device and the battery cell assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may include lower front nozzles. The lower front nozzles may be positioned on the lower plate between the venting device and the battery cell assembly.

[0012] In some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may include upper side nozzles. The upper side nozzles may be positioned on the support plate between the side wall and the battery cell assemblies.

[0013] In some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may include lower side nozzles. The lower side nozzles may be positioned on the lower plate between the side wall and the battery cell assemblies.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles may include center nozzles. The center nozzles may be arranged on a line extending from the center of the lower plate.

[0015] In some embodiments, the battery pack may further include a battery management system configured to control the nitrogen gas system based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assemblies.

[0016] In some embodiments, when at least one of the voltage and the temperature of the battery cell assemblies exceeds a threshold, the battery management system may be configured to operate the venting device, vaporize the liquid nitrogen stored in the liquid nitrogen tank through the vaporizer, and inject it through the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles.

[0017] In some embodiments, connecting pipes connecting the vaporizer and the nitrogen gas nozzles may be further included. The connecting pipes may be disposed in the venting passage.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a method of operating a battery pack as described above, comprising the steps of: discharging a venting gas generated from at least one of the battery cell assemblies to the outside of the battery pack through a venting device inserted through the side wall; and injecting nitrogen gas through front nitrogen gas nozzles disposed between the venting device and the battery cell assemblies on either the support plate and the lower plate among a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles.

[0019] In some embodiments, the step of discharging nitrogen gas may be further included, wherein at least one nitrogen gas nozzle disposed opposite to the direction of the venting device from at least one of the battery cell assemblies may further include.

[0020] In some embodiments, the battery pack may further include a battery management system configured to control the nitrogen gas system based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assemblies. The step of venting the gas and the step of injecting the nitrogen gas may be controlled by the battery management system.

[0021] The battery pack of the present disclosure can reduce the concentration of oxygen introduced through a venting device. Accordingly, heat diffusion of the battery pack can be delayed and suppressed, and the safety of the battery pack can be enhanced.

[0022] The battery pack of the present disclosure can delay and suppress heat diffusion of the battery pack by rapidly venting the venting gas, and can enhance the safety of the battery pack.

[0023] However, the technical effects obtainable through the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and other unmentioned effects will be clearly understood by a person skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0024] The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred 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.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a front view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along line A-A' of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the BB' line of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a front view of a battery pack including a battery management system and a nitrogen gas system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a nitrogen gas system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of operating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operating a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred 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, and 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.

[0034] Therefore, it should be understood that the embodiments described in this disclosure and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely the most preferred embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all of the technical ideas of this disclosure, and that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this disclosure.

[0035] In addition, in describing the present disclosure, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions could obscure the essence of the present disclosure, such detailed description may be omitted.

[0036] The embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to more fully explain the invention to those skilled in the art; therefore, the shapes and sizes of the components in the drawings may be exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted for clearer explanation. Accordingly, the size or proportion of each component does not entirely reflect the actual size or proportion.

[0037]

[0038] [First embodiment]

[0039] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a front view of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view along the line A-A' of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the line BB' of the battery pack of FIG. 1 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a front view of the battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a nitrogen gas system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Referring together to FIGS. 1 through 5, a battery pack (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a lower plate (101), side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) surrounding the lower plate (101), a support plate (140) spaced apart from the lower plate (101) to form a venting channel (VP) and having a venting hole (150), battery cell assemblies (110) disposed on the support plate (140), and a nitrogen gas system (200). In some embodiments, a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220) may be disposed on at least one of the lower plate (101) and the support plate (140). In FIGS. 1 through 4, the illustration of a battery management system (160) and a sub-nitrogen gas system (210) may be omitted.

[0041] In some embodiments, the battery pack (10) may further include a venting device (130) inserted through a side wall (105). The side wall (105) may have a hollow passage (HP) inside. The hollow passage (HP) may be connected to a venting channel (VP) and the venting device (130). Specifically, one end of the hollow passage (HP) may be fluidly connected to the venting channel (VP), and the other end of the hollow passage (HP) may be fluidly connected to the venting device (130). The location and number of venting devices (130) may vary and are not limited to the embodiments disclosed in FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0042] A battery pack (10) according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure may include a lower case (100) and an upper case (190). The lower case (100) may include a lower plate (101), a support plate (140), and side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) surrounding the lower plate (101). The side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) may also surround the support plate (140). The upper case (190) may close the upper surface of the receiving space partitioned by the support plate (140) and the side walls (102, 103, 104, 105). In some embodiments, the upper case (190) may be coupled to the lower case (100). In some embodiments, the upper case (190) may be welded to the lower case (100).

[0043] Side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) can be joined to the lower plate (101). Side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) can be welded to the lower plate (101). Each of the side walls (102, 103, 104, 105) can be perpendicular to the lower plate (101). Side walls (102, 104) can be substantially perpendicular to the Y direction. Side walls (103, 105) can be substantially perpendicular to the X direction.

[0044] The support plate (140) has strength capable of supporting the load of multiple battery cell assemblies (110) which are heavy objects. In some embodiments, the multiple battery cell assemblies (110) may be aligned with the venting holes (150) of the support plate (140) to implement directional venting. Accordingly, when a thermal event such as thermal runaway occurs in any of the battery cell assemblies (110), venting gas (VG), high-temperature particles such as sparks, flames, etc. are discharged into the venting passage (VP) through the venting holes (150) assigned to the battery cell assemblies (110). In some embodiments, when the battery cell assemblies (110) are mounted on a frame, the lower part of the frame may include multiple through holes (not shown). The through holes may be aligned to match the venting holes (150). A large amount of venting gas (VG), high-temperature particles, and flames resulting from a thermal event occurring in any battery cell of the battery cell assemblies (110) can be induced to move to the venting path (VP) through the through hole and the venting hole (150). In some embodiments, when the battery cells of the battery cell assemblies (110) are mounted directly on the support plate (140), a large amount of venting gas (VG), high-temperature particles, and flames resulting from a thermal event occurring in any battery cell of the battery cell assemblies (110) can be induced to move to the venting hole (150) and the venting path (VP).

[0045] The lower plate (101) corresponds to a plate-shaped member forming the bottom surface of the lower case (100). The lower plate (101) is spaced downward from the support plate (140) to create a space between them, and this space forms a venting channel (VP). That is, the venting gas (VG), etc. generated from the battery cell assembly (110) mounted on the support plate (140) flows downward through the venting hole (150), and the venting gas (VG), etc. can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the space (venting channel (VP)) between the lower plate (101) and the support plate (140) and the hollow passage (HP) inside the side wall (105) and finally through the venting device (130).

[0046] Each of the battery cell assemblies (110) refers to a collection of battery cells in which multiple battery cells are structurally and electrically connected. Depending on the way the multiple battery cells are structurally connected, the battery cell assembly (110) may be referred to by various terms such as a battery module, a battery block, or a battery unit. Depending on the context, the battery cell assembly (110) may refer to a single battery cell assembly or multiple battery cell assemblies.

[0047] In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly (110) of the present disclosure may have a cell-to-pack structure that is bundled into a minimal structure and mounted directly into a pack case without a modular structure that contains a plurality of battery cells in a housing. In some embodiments, the battery cell assembly (110) of the present disclosure may be a battery module in which a plurality of battery cells are mounted in a closed housing. The lower case (100) of the present disclosure is not limited to a specific structure of the battery cell assembly (110), and with reference to FIG. 1, the battery cell assembly (110) is depicted as a battery cell assembly (110) with a cell-to-pack structure, but the battery cell assembly (110) of the present disclosure is not limited to a cell-to-pack structure.

[0048] Each of the plurality of battery cells of the battery cell assembly (110) may be a lithium-ion battery. Each of the plurality of battery cells includes an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a case. Each of the plurality of battery cells may be any one of a cylindrical battery cell, a prismatic battery cell, and a pouch-type battery cell. The electrode assembly of the cylindrical battery cell is embedded in a cylindrical metal can. The electrode assembly of the prismatic battery cell is embedded in a prismatic metal can. The electrode assembly of the pouch-type battery cell is embedded in a pouch case containing an aluminum laminate sheet.

[0049] In some embodiments, each of the plurality of battery cells may be any one of a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-ion polymer battery, or a lithium-polymer battery.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 2 and FIGS. 4, in some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220) may include front nozzles (220F). The front nozzles (220F) may include upper front nozzles (220FH) and lower front nozzles (220FL). The upper front nozzles (220FH) may be positioned between the venting device (130) and the battery cell assembly (110) on the support plate (140). The lower front nozzles (220FL) may be positioned between the venting device (130) and the battery cell assembly (110) on the lower plate (101). The lower front nozzles (220FL) may be positioned between the venting device (130) and the battery cell assembly (110) on the lower plate (101) and under the support plate (140). Front nozzles (220F) are positioned between the venting device (130) and the battery cell assembly (110) so that nitrogen gas (NG) can be injected near the venting device (130). Specifically, lower front nozzles (220FL) can block oxygen from the venting device (130) by injecting nitrogen gas (NG) near the hollow passage (HP) of the side wall (105) on the lower plate (101). Upper front nozzles (220FH) can block oxygen from the venting device (130) by injecting nitrogen gas (NG) near the venting device (130) on the support plate (140). More specifically, the lower front nozzles (220FL) and the upper front nozzles (220FH) can block oxygen flowing from the venting device (130) to the battery pack (10) by injecting nitrogen gas (NG) after or immediately after the venting gas (VG) is discharged through the venting device (130) when a thermal event occurs in at least one battery cell assembly (110).

[0051] In some embodiments, the lower front nozzles (220FL) and the upper front nozzles (220FH) may be more numerous than the nozzles positioned at other locations. Accordingly, oxygen flowing in from the venting device (130) can be effectively blocked.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220) may include side nozzles (220S). The side nozzles (220S) may include upper side nozzles (220SH) and lower side nozzles (220SL). The upper side nozzles (220SH) may be positioned on the support plate (140) between the side wall (102) and the battery cell assemblies (110). The lower side nozzles (220SL) may be positioned on the lower plate (101) between each of the side walls (102, 104) and the battery cell assemblies (110). More specifically, the lower side nozzles (220SL) may be positioned on the lower plate (101) and under the support plate (140) between each of the side walls (102, 104) and the battery cell assemblies (110).

[0053] In some embodiments, at least one of a cooling channel, a cooling tube, and a cooling pipe may be disposed in the space between each of the side walls (102, 104) where the side nozzles (220S) are disposed and the battery cell assemblies (110) through which a coolant can flow. At least one of the cooling channel, the cooling tube, and the cooling pipe may be disposed in the space between each of the side walls (102, 104) and the battery cell assemblies (110) to supply a coolant introduced from outside the battery pack (10) into the battery cell assembly (110). In some embodiments, the coolant may have high thermal conductivity and insulation properties. The coolant may include one or more of mineral oil, synthetic oil, silicone oil, and fluorinated fluid. The coolant may also include deionized water.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, in some embodiments, a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220) may include center nozzles (220C). The center nozzles (220C) may be positioned on a line extending from the center of the lower plate (101). Specifically, the center nozzles (220C) may be positioned on a line corresponding to the center beam (120) on the lower plate (101). The center nozzles (220C) may be positioned on a line corresponding to the center beam (120) on the lower plate (101) and under the support plate (140).

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, in some embodiments, the nitrogen gas system (200) may include a sub-nitrogen gas system (210) and a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220). The nitrogen gas system (200) may further include a plurality of connecting pipes that physically connect the sub-nitrogen gas system (210) and the nitrogen gas nozzles (220). Nitrogen gas (NG) may travel from the sub-nitrogen gas system (210) to the nitrogen gas nozzles (220) through the plurality of connecting pipes and may be injected (or discharged) through the nitrogen gas nozzles (220). Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the connecting pipes may be indicated by dashed lines. The connecting pipes may include metal and / or plastic.

[0056] In some embodiments, the connecting pipes may be placed in the venting channel (VP), that is, in the space between the lower plate (101) and the support plate (140).

[0057] The sub-nitrogen gas system (210) may include a liquid nitrogen tank (211), a vaporizer (212), and a flow control device (213). The liquid nitrogen tank (211) may store liquid nitrogen in an ultra-low temperature state. In some embodiments, the liquid nitrogen tank (211) may have a double-walled structure. The vaporizer (212) may convert liquid nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen. In some embodiments, the vaporizer (212) may include at least one of an air heat source vaporizer and an electric heat source vaporizer. In some embodiments, the vaporizer (212) may convert liquid nitrogen into gaseous nitrogen using heat from a battery cell assembly (110). The flow control device (213) may be configured to control the flow rate of nitrogen gas (NG). In some embodiments, the flow control device (213) may control the flow rate so that a large amount of nitrogen gas is injected into the front nozzles (220F). The nitrogen gas system (200) may further include components for injecting liquid nitrogen into the battery pack (10), and its configuration is not limited to the components described above.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the battery pack (10) may further include electrical components. In some embodiments, the electrical components may be mounted on the lower case (100). In some embodiments, the electrical components may be positioned between the side wall (105) where the venting device (130) is installed and a plurality of battery cell assemblies (110). In some embodiments, the electrical components may include any electronic components necessary to drive the battery pack (10).

[0059] In some embodiments, the electrical components may include, for example, a battery management system (160). The BMS may be configured to perform monitoring, balancing, and control of the battery pack. In some embodiments, monitoring of the battery pack (10) may include measuring the voltage and current of specific nodes within a plurality of battery cell assemblies (110) and measuring the temperature of set locations within the battery pack (10). In some embodiments, the battery pack (10) may include measuring instruments for measuring the voltage, current, and temperature described above.

[0060] In some embodiments, the battery pack (10) may further include a battery management system (160) configured to control the nitrogen gas system based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assembly (110). In some embodiments, when at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assembly (110) exceeds a threshold, the battery management system (160) may be configured to operate the venting device (130), vaporize the liquid nitrogen stored in the liquid nitrogen tank (211) through the vaporizer (212), and inject it through the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220).

[0061] Balancing of the battery pack (10) is an operation that reduces the voltage deviation between multiple battery cell assemblies (110). Control of the battery pack (10) includes preventing overcharging, over-discharging, and overcurrent. Through monitoring, balancing, and control, the battery pack (10) can operate under optimal conditions, and accordingly, the shortening of the lifespan of each of the multiple battery cell assemblies (110) can be prevented or reduced.

[0062] The electrical components may further include a PRA (power relay assembly), a safety plug, etc. The PRA may be configured to supply or cut off power from the high-voltage battery to an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor). The PRA can protect multiple battery cell assemblies (110) and an external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) by cutting off power supply to the external load (e.g., a vehicle motor) in situations where abnormal voltage occurs, such as a voltage surge.

[0063]

[0064] [Second embodiment]

[0065] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method of operation of a battery pack according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] FIGS. 7 and FIGS. 8 may be described with reference to FIGS. 1 through 6, and redundant descriptions may be omitted. Referring to FIG. 7, in step S101, the battery pack (10) can discharge the venting gas (VG) generated from at least one battery cell assembly (110) to the outside of the battery pack (10) through the venting device (130).

[0067] In some embodiments, the battery pack (10) can vent the venting gas (VG) to the outside of the battery pack (10) through a venting device (130) inserted through the side wall (105).

[0068] In some embodiments, the battery management system (160) may control the venting device (130) based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assembly (110). For example, when a thermal event occurs and the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell assembly (110) is above a threshold, the battery management system (160) may receive signals regarding the voltage and temperature from instruments for the battery cell assembly (110) and, in response thereto, operate the venting device (130).

[0069] In step S103, nitrogen gas nozzles (220) near the venting device (130) can inject nitrogen gas (NG).

[0070] In some embodiments, among the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220), front nitrogen gas nozzles (220F) positioned between the venting device (130) and the battery cell assemblies (110) on either the support plate (140) and the lower plate (101) can inject nitrogen gas (NG).

[0071] In some embodiments, when a thermal event occurs and the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell assembly (110) is above a threshold, the battery management system (160) may receive signals regarding the voltage and / or temperature from instruments for the battery cell assembly (110) and, in response thereto, control the nitrogen gas system (200). For example, when a thermal event occurs and the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell assembly (110) is above a threshold, the battery management system (160) may control the nitrogen gas system (200) to vaporize the liquid nitrogen stored in the liquid nitrogen tank (211) through the vaporizer (212) and inject it through the front nitrogen gas nozzles (220F).

[0072] Referring to FIG. 8, in step S201, the battery pack (10) can detect the battery cell assembly (110) where an event has occurred. In some embodiments, when a thermal event occurs and the voltage and / or temperature of the battery cell assembly (110) is above a threshold, the battery management system (160) can receive signals regarding the voltage and / or temperature from instruments for the battery cell assembly (110).

[0073] In step S203, among the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles (220), at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) positioned opposite the direction of the venting device (130) from the battery cell assemblies (110) can discharge nitrogen gas (NG). Referring together with FIG. 4, if a thermal event occurs in the battery cell assembly (110_1), nitrogen gas nozzles (220S_1, 220S_2, 220S_3) positioned opposite the direction of the venting device (130) from the battery cell assembly (110_1) (i.e., the direction in which the venting gas (VG) flows in the venting channel (VP)) (i.e., the Y direction) can discharge nitrogen gas (NG). Accordingly, the venting gas (VG) can be discharged more quickly through the venting device (130) due to the pressure of the nitrogen gas (NG).

[0074] In some embodiments, among at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) positioned opposite the direction of the venting device (130) from the battery cell assembly (110) where the event occurred, the at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) closest to the battery cell assembly (110) where the event occurred may discharge nitrogen gas (NG). And, the venting device (130) may discharge venting gas (VG). Referring together with FIG. 4, when a thermal event occurs in the battery cell assembly (110_1), among the nitrogen gas nozzles (220S_1, 220S_2, 220S_3) positioned opposite the direction of the venting device (130) from the battery cell assembly (110_1), the nitrogen gas nozzle (220S_1) closest to the battery cell assembly (110_1) may discharge nitrogen gas (NG). Accordingly, due to the pressure of the nitrogen gas (NG), the venting gas (VG) can be discharged more quickly through the venting device (130).

[0075] In some embodiments, the operation of the venting device (130) discharging the venting gas (VG) and the operation of the at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) discharging the nitrogen gas (NG) may be performed simultaneously. In some embodiments, the operation of the venting device (130) discharging the venting gas (VG) may precede the operation of the at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) discharging the nitrogen gas (NG).

[0076] In step S205, at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) near the venting device (130) can discharge nitrogen gas. In some embodiments, the at least one nitrogen gas nozzle (220) near the venting device (130) may be front nozzles (220F).

[0077] The present invention has been described in more detail above through drawings and embodiments. However, the configurations described in the drawings or embodiments described in this specification are merely one embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all technical concepts of the present invention; therefore, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

Claims

1. Lower plate; Side walls surrounding the lower plate; A support plate having a venting hole and forming a venting channel by being spaced apart from the lower plate above; Battery cell assemblies disposed on the above support plate; and A nitrogen gas system comprising a liquid nitrogen tank, a vaporizer, and a plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles, and A battery pack characterized in that the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles are disposed on at least one of the lower plate and the support plate.

2. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a venting device inserted through the above side wall; and The above side wall has a hollow passage inside, and A battery pack characterized in that the above hollow passage is connected to the above venting channel and the above venting device.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles include upper front nozzles, and A battery pack characterized in that the upper front nozzles are positioned on the support plate between the venting device and the battery cell assembly.

4. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles include lower front nozzles, and A battery pack characterized in that the lower front nozzles are disposed on the lower plate between the venting device and the battery cell assembly.

5. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles include upper side nozzles, and A battery pack characterized in that the upper side nozzles are disposed on the support plate between the side wall and the battery cell assembly.

6. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles include lower side nozzles, and A battery pack characterized in that the lower side nozzles are disposed on the lower plate between the side wall and the battery cell assembly.

7. In Paragraph 2, The above plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles include center nozzles, and The above center nozzles are battery packs positioned on a line extending from the center of the lower plate.

8. In Paragraph 2, A battery pack further comprising a battery management system configured to control the nitrogen gas system based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assemblies.

9. In Paragraph 8, If at least one of the voltage and the temperature of the battery cell assemblies exceeds a threshold, the battery management system, A battery pack characterized by being configured to operate the venting device, vaporize the liquid nitrogen stored in the liquid nitrogen tank through the vaporizer, and inject it through the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles.

10. In Paragraph 1, It further includes connecting pipes connecting the above vaporizer and the above nitrogen gas nozzles, A battery pack characterized by the above-mentioned connectors being disposed in the above-mentioned venting channel.

11. In the method of operating the battery pack of paragraph 1, A step of discharging venting gas generated from at least one of the above battery cell assemblies to the outside of the battery pack through a venting device inserted through the side wall; and A method of operating a battery pack, comprising the step of injecting nitrogen gas through front nitrogen gas nozzles disposed between the venting device and the battery cell assemblies on either the support plate and the lower plate among the plurality of nitrogen gas nozzles.

12. In Paragraph 11, A method of operating a battery pack, further comprising the step of discharging nitrogen gas through at least one nitrogen gas nozzle disposed opposite to the direction of the venting device from at least one of the battery cell assemblies.

13. In Paragraph 11, The battery pack further includes a battery management system configured to control the nitrogen gas system based on at least one of the voltage and temperature of the battery cell assemblies, and A method of operating a battery pack, characterized in that the step of venting the above-mentioned venting gas and the step of injecting the above-mentioned nitrogen gas are controlled by the battery management system.

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