Battery container

Abstract

A battery container is disclosed. The battery container according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a base panel assembly; guide pipes provided on the upper surface of the base panel assembly and communicating with the interior of the base panel assembly; container modules installed on the base panel assembly, each container module having first connection holes into which the guide pipes are inserted; and cables, each having a first portion disposed inside the base panel assembly and a second portion passing through one of the guide pipes.

Description

Battery container

[0001] The present invention relates to a battery container.

[0002] This application is a priority application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2025-0016852 filed on February 10, 2025, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of said application are incorporated into this application by reference.

[0003] Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel-cadmium, nickel-hydrogen, nickel-zinc, and lithium secondary batteries. Among these, lithium secondary batteries are gaining attention for their advantages, such as the ability to freely charge and discharge with almost no memory effect compared to nickel-based secondary batteries, a very low self-discharge rate, and high energy density.

[0004] Recently, as issues such as power shortages and eco-friendly energy have come to the forefront, Energy Storage Systems (ESS) designed to store generated electricity are receiving increased attention. For instance, the Smart Grid System is being proposed as a solution to regulate power supply and demand. The amount of electricity consumed by consumers is not always constant and can fluctuate frequently. A typical example is the sharp increase in electricity usage during the summer afternoon due to the use of air conditioning, followed by a sharp decrease at night. While power consumption is inconsistent and fluctuates frequently, it is realistically difficult for the power supply side to match such consumption levels, even if production is adjusted to some extent. Consequently, this imbalance between supply and consumption can lead to either a surplus or a shortage of power; the Smart Grid System aims to resolve this problem by flexibly storing and regulating electricity. The concept behind the Smart Grid System is to store electricity when there is a surplus in a specific location or time, and then supply that stored electricity to areas or times when there is a power shortage. One of the key components for building such a smart grid system is the energy storage system for storing electricity. Furthermore, with the recent full-scale commercialization of electric vehicles, energy storage systems can also be utilized in facilities for charging electric vehicles, such as charging stations.

[0005] Such an energy storage system may include multiple battery containers. A battery container may include multiple container modules, control modules, and base panel assemblies. Generally, the container modules and control modules can have a very large weight. Therefore, a structure is required that allows for easy installation of the container modules, control modules, and base panel assemblies.

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention was devised to solve the above-mentioned problems and aims to provide a structure that enables stable and easy electrical connection between a container module and a control module.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that allows for easy positional alignment of a container module in order to stably install the container module on a base panel assembly.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a structure that allows for easy positional alignment of a control module in order to stably install the control module on a base panel assembly.

[0009] 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 those skilled in the art from the description of the invention below.

[0010] A battery container according to one embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a base panel assembly; a guide pipe provided on the upper surface of the base panel assembly and communicating with the interior of the base panel assembly; a container module installed on the base panel assembly and having a first connection hole into which the guide pipe is inserted; and a cable having a first part disposed inside the base panel assembly and a second part passing through the guide pipe.

[0011] The above guide pipe can extend into the interior of the container module.

[0012] In addition, the guide pipe can be detachably coupled to the base panel assembly.

[0013] In addition, the guide pipe may include a portion in which the inner diameter decreases as it goes upward.

[0014] Additionally, the battery container further includes a battery pack disposed inside the container module, and the cable can be electrically connected to the battery pack.

[0015] Additionally, the base panel assembly comprises: a base frame; a lower panel coupled to the base frame; and an upper panel coupled to the base frame and positioned above the lower panel, and the first part may be located between the lower panel and the upper panel.

[0016] Additionally, the upper panel includes: a second connecting hole; and a support protruding from the periphery of the second connecting hole, and the guide pipe can be coupled to the support.

[0017] In addition, the above guide pipes may be provided in multiple numbers.

[0018] Additionally, the battery container further includes a control module installed on top of the base panel assembly, and the cable can be electrically connected to the control module.

[0019] Additionally, the battery container may further include a mounting guide having an inclined surface that is fastened to the edge of the base panel assembly and positioned at an angle relative to the upper surface of the base panel assembly.

[0020] An energy storage system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a battery container of the present invention.

[0021] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, the container module and the control module can be electrically connected stably and easily.

[0022] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, positional alignment of the container module and the base panel assembly may be easy.

[0023] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present invention, positional alignment of the control module and the base panel assembly may be easy.

[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 drawing showing a battery container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the battery container of Figure 1 separated.

[0027] Figure 3 is a drawing showing the container module of Figure 2.

[0028] Figure 4 is a drawing showing the base panel assembly of Figure 2.

[0029] Figure 5 is an enlarged view of section C of Figure 4.

[0030] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a partial configuration of the base panel assembly of Figure 4 separated.

[0031] Figure 7 is a drawing showing a part of the configuration of the base panel assembly of Figure 6.

[0032] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0033] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0034] Figure 10 is a drawing showing the guide pipe removed from Figure 9.

[0035] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the base panel assembly and the seating guide of FIG. 2 separated.

[0036] Figure 12 is a drawing showing the combination of the base panel assembly and the seating guide of Figure 11.

[0037] FIGS. 13 to 15 are drawings showing the combination of a container module and a base panel assembly.

[0038] Figure 16 is a diagram showing the combination of a control module and a base panel assembly.

[0039] 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, 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.

[0040] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely examples of the present invention and do not represent all aspects of the technical concept of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various equivalents and modifications that can replace them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0041] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a battery container (1000) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing showing a partial configuration of the battery container (1000) of FIG. 1 separated. FIG. 3 is a drawing showing a container module (200) of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a base panel assembly (100) of FIG. 2.

[0042] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the battery container (1000) may include container modules (200). The container modules (200) may be provided in plurality. The container modules (200) may have a rectangular shape. The container modules (200) may form the exterior of the battery container (1000). The plurality of container modules (200) may be arranged along the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction.

[0043] The container module (200) may include a case (201) that provides space inside. The case (201) may have a rectangular shape. The case (201) may form the exterior of the container module (200).

[0044] The case (201) may include a frame (210). The frame (210) may include an outer frame (211). The outer frame (211) may form the exterior of the case (201). A bottom panel (220) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the outer frame (211). The bottom panel (220) may form the exterior of the case (201). A side panel (230) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the side of the outer frame (211). The side panel (230) may form the exterior of the case (201). The side panels (230) may be provided as a pair. A pair of side panels (230) may face each other. A rear panel (260) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the rear surface of the outer frame (211). The rear panel (260) can form the exterior of the case (201). The top panel (250) can be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the outer frame (211). The top panel (250) can form the exterior of the case (201). The top panel (250) and the bottom panel (220) can face each other. The door panel (240) can be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the front of the outer frame (211). The door panel (240) can form the exterior of the case (201). The door panel (240) and the rear panel (260) can face each other. The door panel (240) can open and close the interior of the case (201). The door panel (240) can be hinge-coupled to the frame (210).

[0045] The battery pack (270) can be accommodated inside the case (201). The battery pack (270) may include a plurality of battery cells. In this case, the battery cells may refer to secondary batteries. The battery pack (270) may be provided in multiple quantities. In particular, the battery cells (271) may be pouch-type secondary batteries. However, the shape of the battery cells (271) is not limited to a pouch shape and may have various shapes, such as a cylindrical shape or a rectangular shape.

[0046] The frame (210) may include an inner frame (212). The inner frame (212) may be provided inside the case (201). The inner frame (212) may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A bracket (280) may be provided inside the case (201). The bracket (280) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the inner frame (212). A battery pack (270) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the bracket (280). A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the horizontal direction or the Y-axis direction. A plurality of battery packs (270) may be arranged along the front-rear direction or the X-axis direction. A battery pack (270) may also be referred to as a battery module (270), a battery assembly (270), or a battery stack (270).

[0047] The base panel assembly (100) may have a rectangular shape. The base panel assembly (100) may provide space inside. A container module (200) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100). A plurality of container modules (200) may be installed, fastened, joined, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100).

[0048] The base panel assembly (100) may include a base frame (110). The base frame (110) may form the exterior of the base panel assembly (100). The base panel assembly (100) may include a tank (140). The tank (140) may be connected to a container module (200). The tank (140) may be accommodated, installed, coupled, fastened, or fixed inside the base panel assembly (100). The tank (140) may receive liquid discharged from the container module (200). The tank (140) may be connected to a pipe (150) to discharge liquid inside the tank (140) to the outside.

[0049] The control module (300) can be installed, fastened, coupled, or fixed on top of the base panel assembly (100). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to the container module (200). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to each of the plurality of container modules (200). The control module (300) can control the charging, discharging, or temperature, etc., of the container module (200).

[0050] FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of section C of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a separated view of a part of the base panel assembly (100) of FIG. 4. FIG. 7 is a view showing a part of the base panel assembly (100) of FIG. 6.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4 through 7, the base panel assembly (100) may include an upper panel (130). The upper panel (130) may be fastened, coupled, installed, fixed, or attached to the upper surface of the base frame (110). The upper panel (130) may form the exterior of the base panel assembly (100).

[0052] The base panel assembly (100) may include a lower panel (120). The lower panel (120) may be fastened, joined, installed, fixed, or attached to the lower surface of the base frame (110). The lower panel (120) may form the exterior of the base panel assembly (100). The upper panel (130) and the lower panel (120) may face each other. A space may be formed between the upper panel (130) and the lower panel (120).

[0053] The upper panel (130) may include a second connection hole (130a). The second connection hole (130a) may communicate with the internal space of the base panel assembly (100). The upper panel (130) may include a first support (131). The first support (131) may protrude from the upper surface of the upper panel (130). The first support (131) may extend along the perimeter of the second connection hole (130a). The second connection hole (130a) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, the second connection hole (130a) may be provided in pairs corresponding to each container module (200).

[0054] A guide pipe (400) may be provided on the upper surface of a base panel assembly (100). A guide pipe (400) may be provided on an upper panel (130). A guide pipe (400) may be coupled, fastened, installed, or fixed to a first support (131). The first support (131) may be inserted into the guide pipe (400). The guide pipe (400) may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The guide pipe (400) may communicate with the interior of the base panel assembly (100). A plurality of guide pipes (400) may be provided. A plurality of guide pipes (400) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with a second connection hole (130a).

[0055] The base panel assembly (100) may include a first cable (510). At least a portion of the first cable (510) may be disposed inside the base panel assembly (100). At least a portion of the first cable (510) may extend upward from the upper panel (130). At least a portion of the first cable (510) may pass through a second connection hole (130a). At least a portion of the first cable (510) may pass through a guide pipe (400). The first cable (510) may extend upward above the guide pipe (400). The first cable (510) may be provided as a pair. The first cable (510) may be provided as a plurality of pairs. A pair of first cables (510) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with each container module (200). Each of the plurality of first cables (510) may be electrically connected to a control module (300). For example, the first cable (510) may be a control cable.

[0056] The first cable (510) may include a first part (511) located between the upper panel (130) and the lower panel (120). The first part (511) may extend in the left-right direction or the Y-axis direction. The first cable (510) may include a second part (512). The second part (512) may extend from the first part (511). The second part (512) may pass through at least one of the second connection hole (130a), the first support (131), or the guide pipe (400). The second part (512) may extend along the up-down direction or the Z-axis direction. The first cable (510) may include a third part (513). The third part (513) may extend from the first part (511). The guide pipe (400) can support the first cable (510) so that the first cable (510) extends along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The guide pipe (400) can support the second part (512) so that the second part (512) extends along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The third part (513) can extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The third part (513) can extend into the interior of the control module (300). The third part (513) can be electrically connected to the control module (300). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to each of the multiple container modules (200) through the first cable (510). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to each of the multiple container modules (200) through the third part (513).

[0057] The upper panel (130) may include a second support (132). At least a portion of the second cable (520) may be disposed inside the base panel assembly (100). At least a portion of the second cable (520) may extend upward from the upper panel (130). The second support (132) may protrude from the upper surface of the upper panel (130). The second cable (520) may pass through the upper panel (130). The second cable (520) may pass through the second support (132). The second cable (520) may extend upward above the second support (132). The second cable (520) may be provided in a pair. The second cable (520) may be provided in multiple pairs. A pair of second cables (520) may be provided to correspond one-to-one with each container module (200). The second support (132) can support or fix the second cable (520). A plurality of second cables (520) can each be electrically connected to the control module (300). For example, the second cable (520) may be a power cable. The second cable (520) may have a larger diameter than the first cable (510). The second cable (520) may have higher rigidity than the first cable (510). The second support (132) can support the second cable (520) so that the second cable (520) extends along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The second cable (520) may be supported by the second support (132) so that it extends along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction without a guide pipe (400). The second cable (520) may extend into the interior of the control module (300). The second cable (520) can be electrically connected to the control module (300). The control module (300) can be electrically connected to each of the multiple container modules (200) through the second cable (520).

[0058] Figure 8 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line B-B' of Figure 2.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, the container module (200) may be positioned on top of the base panel assembly (100). The container module (200) may move downward or along the -Z axis. The container module (200) may have a first connection hole (221). The first connection hole (221) may be formed in the bottom panel (220). The first connection hole (221) may face a guide pipe (400). The first connection hole (221) and the guide pipe (400) may be aligned along the vertical direction or along the Z axis.

[0060] The guide pipe (400) may include a connecting portion (410). The connecting portion (410) may be connected, fastened, installed, or fixed to the first support (131). The first support (131) may be inserted into the connecting portion (410). The connecting portion (410) may extend along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction. The connecting portion (410) may have a constant diameter along the vertical direction or the Z-axis direction.

[0061] The guide pipe (400) may have an insertion part (420). The insertion part (420) may extend from the coupling part (410). The insertion part (420) may extend upward or in the +Z axis direction from the coupling part (410). The inner diameter of the insertion part (420) may decrease as it moves upward or in the +Z axis direction. The outer diameter of the insertion part (420) may decrease as it moves upward or in the +Z axis direction.

[0062] The guide pipe (400) can be easily inserted into the first connection hole (221) by providing an insertion part (420). The insertion part (420) can stably support the first cable (510). The first cable (510) can be easily inserted into the first connection hole (221) due to the insertion part (420).

[0063] Figure 9 is a drawing showing the cross-sectional configuration along the cutting line A-A' of Figure 1.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 9, the container module (200) can be installed, fastened, coupled, fixed, or positioned on the base panel assembly (100). At this time, the guide pipe (400) can be inserted into the interior of the container module (200). The guide pipe (400) can be extended into the interior of the container module (200). The first cable (510) can be inserted into the interior of the container module (200). The first cable (510) can be extended into the interior of the container module (200). The second part (512) can be inserted into the interior of the container module (200). The second part (512) can be extended into the interior of the container module (200).

[0065] The first cable (510) can be electrically connected to the container module (200). For example, the first cable (510) can be electrically connected to a battery pack (270) located inside the container module (200). For example, the first cable (510) can be electrically connected to a Battery Management System (BMS) located inside the container module (200). For example, the first cable (510) can be electrically connected to a Battery Protection Unit (BPU) located inside the container module (200).

[0066] The first cable (510) can be easily positioned inside the container module (200) as the container module (200) and the base panel assembly (100) are installed. This makes it easier to install the battery container (1000).

[0067] FIG. 10 is a drawing showing the guide pipe (400) removed from FIG. 9.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 10, the guide pipe (400) can be removed from the base panel assembly (100). The guide pipe (400) can be detachably installed, coupled, or fastened to the base panel assembly (100). The guide pipe (400) can be detachably installed, coupled, or fastened to the first support (131). After the container module (200) is installed on the base panel assembly (100), the guide pipe (400) can be removed.

[0069] FIG. 11 is a drawing showing the base panel assembly (100) of FIG. 2 separated from the mounting guides (610, 620, 630, 640). FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the combination of the base panel assembly (100) of FIG. 11 and the mounting guides (610, 620, 630, 640). FIG. 13 to 15 are drawings showing the combination of the container module (200) and the base panel assembly (100). FIG. 16 is a drawing showing the combination of the control module (300) and the base panel assembly (100).

[0070] Referring to FIGS. 11 through 16, the mounting guides (610, 620, 630, 640) may be fastened, installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the base panel assembly (100). The mounting guides (610, 620, 630, 640) may be fastened, installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the perimeter of the base panel assembly (100). The mounting guides (610, 620, 630, 640) may be fastened, installed, coupled, fixed, or attached to the edges of the base panel assembly (100).

[0071] The mounting guide (610, 620, 630, 640) may be provided with an inclined surface (611). The inclined surface (611) may be positioned at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base panel assembly (100). The inclined surface (611) may be positioned at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the upper panel (130). When the container module (200) is installed on the base panel assembly (100), the mounting guide (610, 620, 630, 640) may guide the alignment of the container module (200) and the base panel assembly (100). When the container module (200) is installed on the base panel assembly (100), the inclined surface (611) may guide the alignment of the container module (200) and the base panel assembly (100).

[0072] The first mounting guide (610) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, four first mounting guides (610) may be provided. The four first mounting guides (610) may each be positioned to correspond to the corner area of ​​the first container module (200a). The four first mounting guides (610) may each be positioned in the corner area of ​​the bottom panel (220) of the first container module (200a). The first mounting guide (610) may be removed from the base panel assembly (100) after the installation of the first container module (200a).

[0073] The second mounting guide (620) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, two second mounting guides (620) may be provided. Two second mounting guides (620) may each be positioned to correspond to two left corner areas of the second container module (200b). Two second mounting guides (620) may each be positioned to two left corner areas of the bottom panel (220) of the second container module (200b). The second mounting guide (620) may be removed from the base panel assembly (100) after the installation of the second container module (200b). The second mounting guide (620) and the first container module (200a) may guide the alignment of the second container module (200b).

[0074] The third mounting guide (630) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, two third mounting guides (630) may be provided. Two third mounting guides (630) may each be positioned to correspond to two left corner areas of the third container module (200c). Two third mounting guides (630) may each be positioned to two left corner areas of the bottom panel (220) of the third container module (200c). The third mounting guide (630) may be removed from the base panel assembly (100) after the installation of the third container module (200c). The third mounting guide (630) and the second container module (200b) may guide the alignment of the third container module (200c).

[0075] The fourth mounting guide (640) may be provided in multiple numbers. For example, two fourth mounting guides (640) may be provided. Two fourth mounting guides (640) may each be positioned to correspond to two left corner areas of the control module (300). The fourth mounting guide (640) may be removed from the base panel assembly (100) after the control module (300) is installed. The fourth mounting guide (640) and the third container module (200c) can guide the alignment of the control module (300).

[0076] An energy storage system (ESS) according to the present invention may include a plurality of battery containers (1000) according to the present invention. Such an energy storage system may form a link group with a combination of a certain number of battery containers (1000) and a control container.

[0077] As described above, although the present invention has been explained by limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is obvious that various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the technical spirit of the present invention and the equivalent scope of the claims described below by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs.

Claims

1. Base panel assembly; A guide pipe provided on the upper surface of the base panel assembly and communicating with the interior of the base panel assembly; A container module having a first connection hole into which the guide pipe is inserted, installed on the above base panel assembly; and, A battery container comprising a cable having a first part disposed inside the base panel assembly and a second part passing through the guide pipe.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above guide pipe is, A battery container extending into the interior of the above container module.

3. In Paragraph 1, The above guide pipe is, A battery container detachably coupled to the above base panel assembly.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above guide pipe is, A battery container including a section where the inner diameter decreases toward the top.

5. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a battery pack disposed inside the above container module, and The above cable is, A battery container electrically connected to the above battery pack.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above base panel assembly is: Base frame; A lower panel coupled to the base frame; and, It includes an upper panel coupled to the base frame and positioned on top of the lower panel, The above first part is, A battery container located between the lower panel and the upper panel.

7. In Paragraph 6, The upper panel above is: 2nd connecting hole; and, It includes a support protruding from the perimeter of the second connecting hole, and The above guide pipe is, A battery container coupled to the above support.

8. In Paragraph 1, The above guide pipe is a battery container provided in multiple quantities.

9. In Paragraph 1, It further includes a control module installed on the base panel assembly above, and The above cable is, A battery container electrically connected to the above control module.

10. In Paragraph 1, A battery container further comprising a mounting guide having an inclined surface that is fastened to the edge of the base panel assembly and positioned at an angle with respect to the upper surface of the base panel assembly.

11. An energy storage system comprising a battery container according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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