Container structure and energy storage device
By introducing waterproof panels and drainage systems into the energy storage container, the problems of equipment corrosion and fire hazards caused by liquid cooling pipe leakage are solved, and safe and reliable battery pack protection is achieved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- EVE ENERGY STORAGE CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2026-02-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Damage to the liquid cooling pipes in the liquid-cooled energy storage device caused liquid to leak into the battery compartment, which could not be effectively drained. This resulted in the fiber cotton becoming waterlogged, rusting, and corroding, causing equipment damage and fire hazards.
Design a container structure including a waterproof layer, supporting components and drainage plugs. The waterproof layer and side panels form an object-containing cavity. Liquid flows through a guide channel to the drain outlet for discharge, preventing corrosion of the bottom plate. A fireproof blanket is installed to ensure safety.
Effective drainage of water from the tank prevents corrosion of the bottom plate, avoids equipment damage, improves safety during use, and meets A60 fire protection requirements.
Smart Images
Figure CN2026076679_30072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Container structure and energy storage device
[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202521945480.9, filed with the Chinese Patent Office on September 10, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field
[0002] This application relates to the field of energy storage equipment technology, such as a container structure and energy storage device. Background Technology
[0003] With the development of the energy storage industry, energy storage containers, as a new energy storage solution, are continuously advancing and developing within the industry. Energy storage containers typically house battery packs, such as lithium-ion battery packs, enabling them to efficiently store large amounts of electrical energy.
[0004] For energy storage containers employing liquid-cooled thermal management systems or hybrid liquid-cooled and air-cooled thermal management systems, the liquid-cooled energy storage unit contains multiple battery packs with liquid-cooled pipes, and these packs are generally filled with antifreeze (typically a mixture of 50% ethylene glycol and 50% water). If the liquid-cooled pipes are damaged or leak, liquid can enter the battery compartment. The fiber cotton at the bottom of the battery packs will become soaked and unable to drain, leading to rust and corrosion of the shelves over time. This can not only damage the equipment inside the energy storage container but also pose serious safety hazards such as fires. Summary of the Invention
[0005] This application provides a container structure that can effectively drain water from inside the container, preventing damage to internal components and ensuring safety during use.
[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a container structure, including:
[0007] The enclosure includes a bottom plate and side panels disposed on the bottom plate;
[0008] The waterproofing assembly includes a waterproof layer, a support member, and a drain plug. The waterproof layer is arranged parallel to and spaced apart above the base plate. The support member supports and clamps the waterproof layer and the base plate. The waterproof layer and the side panel form an object receiving cavity. A flow guide groove is provided on the waterproof layer along its circumference. The groove wall of the flow guide groove has a drain outlet that can communicate with the external space of the box. The drain plug can be detachably sealed to the drain outlet.
[0009] Secondly, this application provides an energy storage device, including a battery pack and a container structure as described in any of the above claims, wherein the battery pack is disposed within the object accommodating cavity of the container structure.
[0010] In the container structure provided in this application, the cavity formed between the waterproof layer and the side panels can be used to house objects such as battery packs, providing installation space and protection for them. The waterproof layers are parallel and spaced above the bottom plate, with supports clamped between the waterproof layers and the bottom plate. When leakage occurs from objects such as battery packs or refrigeration devices inside the container, the liquid flows onto the waterproof layer and through drainage channels to the drain outlet, from which it is discharged outside the container. The waterproof layer effectively separates the battery packs and other objects inside the container from the bottom plate, preventing corrosion of the bottom plate and subsequent damage to the container, thus ensuring safety during use. Attached Figure Description
[0011] Figure 1 is a front view of the container structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0012] Figure 2 is a magnified view of part A in Figure 1;
[0013] Figure 3 is a top view of the container structure provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0014] Figure 4 is a magnified view of part B in Figure 3;
[0015] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the waterproof layer provided in an embodiment of this application;
[0016] Figure 6 is a magnified view of point C in Figure 5.
[0017] In the picture:
[0018] 1. Box body; 11. Bottom plate; 12. Side panels;
[0019] 2. Waterproof components; 21. Waterproof layer; 211. Drainage channel; 212. Drain outlet; 22. Support component; 221. Upper support plate; 222. Lower support plate; 223. Connecting plate; 23. Drain plug; 24. Drain pipe; 25. Water collection tank;
[0020] 3. Fire blanket;
[0021] 4. Liquid detection components. Detailed Implementation
[0022] This embodiment provides a container structure and an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a battery pack and the container structure provided in this embodiment, with the battery pack disposed inside the container body of the container structure. The container structure can house multiple battery packs to store a large amount of electrical energy and also provides protection for the battery packs, preventing damage or failure caused by impacts.
[0023] As shown in Figures 1, 3 and 5, the container structure provided in this embodiment includes a container body 1, a water-proof component 2 and a fireproof blanket 3.
[0024] The enclosure 1 includes a base plate 11 and side panels 12 disposed on the base plate 11. The waterproofing assembly 2 includes a waterproof layer 21, a support member 22, and a drain plug 23. The waterproof layer 21 is arranged parallel to and spaced apart above the base plate 11. The support member 22 supports and clamps between the waterproof layer 21 and the base plate 11, forming a cavity between the waterproof layer 21 and the side panels 12. A drainage channel 211 is provided circumferentially on the waterproof layer 21, and a drain outlet 212 is provided on the wall of the drainage channel 211. The drain outlet 212 can communicate with the external space of the enclosure 1, and the drain plug 23 can detachably seal the drain outlet 212. A fire blanket 3 is sandwiched between the waterproof layer 21 and the base plate 11.
[0025] In other words, the object-receiving cavity can be used to place objects such as battery packs, providing installation space and protection for them. When the battery packs or liquid cooling devices inside the enclosure 1 leak, the liquid flows onto the waterproof layer 21 and through the guide channels 211 on the waterproof layer 21 to the drain outlet 212, from which it is discharged outside the enclosure 1. The waterproof layer 21 separates the battery packs and other objects inside the enclosure 1 from the base plate 11, preventing the base plate 11 from being corroded by leaking liquid and thus damaging the enclosure 1. At the same time, a fireproof blanket 3 is installed between the waterproof layer 21 and the base plate 11, effectively preventing the fireproof blanket 3 from becoming waterlogged and ensuring safety during use.
[0026] In this embodiment, the thickness of the waterproof layer 21 is 1mm, the width of the flow guide channel 211 is 5mm, and the depth of the flow guide channel 211 is 3-5mm. This configuration ensures the flow guiding effect of the waterproof layer 21 without excessively increasing the overall weight of the container structure.
[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the support member 22 includes an upper support plate 221, a lower support plate 222, and a connecting plate 223. The upper support plate 221 and the lower support plate 222 are parallel and spaced apart. The upper support plate 221 is connected to the lower surface of the waterproof layer 21, and the lower support plate 222 is connected to the upper surface of the base plate 11. The connecting plate 223 is angled between the upper support plate 221 and the lower support plate 222. In this embodiment, the upper support plate 221 is fixedly connected to the waterproof layer 21 by plug welding, and the lower support plate 222 is also fixedly connected to the base plate 11 by welding, so as to further improve the connection strength and support stability of the support member 22.
[0028] The two ends of the connecting plate 223 are respectively connected to the ends of the upper support plate 221 and the lower support plate 222 on different sides. That is to say, the longitudinal section of the connecting member is "Z" shaped. The "Z" shaped support has a higher moment of inertia, smaller deformation, stronger bending and torsional resistance than the "C" shaped support, and can be continuously welded to increase strength. It also has a longer welding distance than the "C" shaped support and is less prone to cracking.
[0029] Multiple support members 22 are provided, and the multiple support members 22 are arranged at intervals between the waterproof layer 21 and the base plate 11. In this embodiment, the multiple support members 22 are arranged in an array to improve the stability and reliability of the support. The distance between two adjacent support members 22 is 600mm, thus providing space for the installation of the fire blanket 3, thereby ensuring the fire resistance performance of the container structure.
[0030] Referring again to Figures 3-6, the waterproof layer 21 is a polygonal plate, and the drain outlet 212 is located near one of the apex corners of the waterproof layer 21. It is understood that in this energy storage device, the bottom of the cavity containing the battery pack (i.e., the battery compartment) needs to be isolated from the base plate 11 by the waterproof layer 21, while the other spaces within the housing 1, serving as equipment compartments, do not require the waterproof layer 21. Therefore, the shape of the waterproof layer 21 can be designed according to the cross-sectional shape of the battery compartment. The waterproof layer 21 can be a regular rectangular plate or a polygonal plate as shown in Figure 5; no limitation is made here. Positioning the drain outlet 212 at one of the apex corners of the waterproof layer 21 facilitates the collection and drainage of liquid.
[0031] The water-proof assembly 2 also includes a drain pipe 24, through which a drain outlet 212 communicates with the external space. The drain pipe 24 extends along the edge of the equipment compartment inside the housing 1 to reduce space occupation. One end of the drain pipe 24 communicates with the drain outlet 212, and the other end communicates with a water outlet hole on the wall of the housing 1, thereby enabling liquid at the drain outlet 212 to be discharged outside the housing 1. Exemplarily, in one embodiment, the drain pipe 24 is a stainless steel metal pipe, which has good corrosion resistance and a long service life.
[0032] The waterproofing assembly 2 also includes a water collection tank 25. The water collection tank 25 is located between the drain outlet 212 and the drain pipe 24, and is connected to both. The longitudinal cross-sectional dimension of the water collection tank 25 is larger than that of the drain outlet 212, and a drain plug 23 is connected to the side of the drain outlet 212 facing the water collection tank 25. The water collection tank 25 allows for easy installation and removal of the drain plug 23 by personnel, enabling liquid discharge without entering the object's containing cavity.
[0033] In this embodiment, the drain plug 23 is a bolt plug. Since the energy storage device needs to maintain negative pressure in the battery compartment and meet A60 fire resistance requirements, electronic drain valves or water pumps cannot function properly under high-temperature fire conditions. Using bolt plugs for sealing is a simple and most effective sealing method.
[0034] In one embodiment, the periphery of the waterproof layer 21 is sealed to the inner wall of the side panel 12 by a waterproof sealant layer. This arrangement ensures the airtightness between the waterproof layer 21 and the side panel 12, and there are no leakage points between the periphery of the waterproof layer 21 and the side panel 12. Therefore, liquid can only be diverted through the drainage channel 211 and will not wet the fireproof blanket 3 and the base plate 11 below the waterproof layer 21.
[0035] In one embodiment, an anti-oxidation layer is provided on the upper surface of the waterproof layer 21. After the waterproof layer 21 is laid, a nano-alumina coating is applied to the upper surface of the waterproof layer 21 to resist acids and alkalis and resist oxidation.
[0036] In one embodiment, the container structure further includes a liquid detection element 4, which is disposed on the waterproof layer 21. Exemplarily, the liquid detection element 4 is a water immersion sensor. The water immersion sensor is mounted in close contact with the waterproof layer 21; therefore, there is no need to visually inspect or open the container door to determine if there is leakage inside. Once the water immersion sensor issues an alarm signal, the drain plug 23 can be manually tightened to allow drainage.
Claims
1. A container structure, comprising: The housing (1) includes a bottom plate (11) and side panels (12) disposed on the bottom plate (11). The waterproof component (2) includes a waterproof layer (21), a support member (22), and a drain plug (23). The waterproof layer (21) is arranged parallel to and spaced above the bottom plate (11). The support member (22) supports and is sandwiched between the waterproof layer (21) and the bottom plate (11). The waterproof layer (21) and the side panel (12) form an object receiving cavity. A flow guide groove (211) is provided on the waterproof layer (21) along the circumferential direction. A drain outlet (212) is provided on the wall of the flow guide groove (211). The drain outlet (212) can communicate with the external space of the box (1). The drain plug (23) can detachably seal the drain outlet (212).
2. The container structure according to claim 1 further includes a fireproof blanket (3), which is sandwiched between the waterproof layer (21) and the bottom plate (11).
3. The container structure according to claim 1, wherein, The waterproof layer (21) is polygonal, and the drain outlet (212) is located near one of the top corners of the waterproof layer (21).
4. The container structure of claim 1, wherein, The support member (22) includes an upper support plate (221), a lower support plate (222), and a connecting plate (223). The upper support plate (221) and the lower support plate (222) are parallel and spaced apart. The upper support plate (221) is connected to the lower surface of the waterproof layer (21), the lower support plate (222) is connected to the upper surface of the base plate (11), and the connecting plate (223) is connected at an angle between the upper support plate (221) and the lower support plate (222).
5. The container structure according to claim 4, wherein, The two ends of the connecting plate (223) are respectively connected to the ends of the upper support plate (221) and the lower support plate (222).
6. The container structure according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein, The waterproof component (2) also includes a drain pipe (24), and the drain outlet (212) is connected to the external space through the drain pipe (24).
7. The container structure according to claim 6, wherein, The waterproof component (2) also includes a water collection tank (25), which is located between the drain outlet (212) and the drain pipe (24) and is connected to the drain outlet (212) and the drain pipe (24) respectively. The longitudinal cross-sectional dimension of the water collection tank (25) is larger than that of the drain outlet (212). The drain plug (23) is connected to the side of the drain outlet (212) facing the water collection tank (25).
8. The container structure according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes a waterproof sealant layer, wherein the periphery of the waterproof layer (21) and the inner wall of the side panel (12) are sealed together by the waterproof sealant layer.
9. The container structure according to any one of claims 1-5 further includes a liquid detection element (4), said liquid detection element (4) being disposed on the waterproof layer (21).
10. An energy storage device comprising a battery pack and a container structure as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the battery pack is disposed within an object receiving cavity of the container structure.