Pressure control device and method for container-type ess

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pressure control device and method for a container-type energy storage system (ESS), which can control the pressure inside the container-type ESS so that the ESS can be operated normally even in an atmospheric pressure environment in which it is difficult to normally operate the ESS. A pressure control device for a container-type ESS of the present invention comprises: an altimeter which measures the altitude at which the container-type ESS is located; a pressure sensor which senses the pressure inside the container-type ESS; a compressed air tank forming compressed air in order to control the air pressure inside the container-type ESS; and a pressure control unit which controls the compressed air tank on the basis of the altitude and the air pressure.

Description

Pressure control device and method for containerized ESS

[0001] The present invention relates to a pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS, and more specifically, to controlling the air pressure inside a containerized ESS. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS that enables normal operation of an Energy Storage System (ESS) even in an atmospheric pressure environment where normal operation of the ESS is difficult by controlling the pressure inside the containerized ESS.

[0002] The Energy Storage System (ESS) business is considered a core business of the renewable energy era. Energy storage devices, which are currently being rapidly commercialized, are systems that improve power utilization efficiency by storing electricity and supplying it when needed. Through this, electricity from off-peak hours when rates are low or surplus electricity from renewable energy sources can be stored and used whenever required.

[0003] Meanwhile, container-type energy storage systems (ESS) are widely used due to the convenience of maintaining and managing the operating environment of energy storage devices against external variables, and accordingly, research has been continuously conducted to prepare for various accidents and improve operational efficiency.

[0004] For example, Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2019-0169758 discloses an ESS fire prevention system using compressed air foam that can effectively suppress complex fires occurring in an energy storage system (ESS) by rapidly supplying a compressed air foam extinguishing agent with excellent cooling and oxygen blocking effects to completely suppress thermal runaway and re-ignition of a lithium-ion battery that has caught fire during an ESS fire.

[0005] However, even in this case, there is a problem in that normal operation cannot be performed depending on the altitude in the operating environment of the ESS because pressure inside the container-type ESS cannot be controlled.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS capable of sensing and controlling the air pressure inside the containerized ESS.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS that can enable normal operation of the ESS even in atmospheric pressure environments where normal operation of the ESS is difficult by controlling the air pressure inside the containerized ESS.

[0008] A pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: an altimeter for measuring the altitude at which the container-type ESS is located; a pressure sensor for sensing the pressure inside the container-type ESS; a compressed air tank for forming compressed air to control the air pressure inside the container-type ESS; and a pressure control unit for controlling the compressed air tank based on the altitude and the air pressure.

[0009] At this time, the pressure control unit can control the compressed air tank so that when it deviates from the maximum altitude at which normal operation is possible, the pressure becomes greater than the air pressure at which normal operation is possible.

[0010] Here, the above maximum altitude can be set to 1,500 [m] or less (atmospheric pressure 85 KPa or more).

[0011] In addition, the pressure control unit can control the compressed air tank so that when it deviates from the lowest altitude at which normal operation is possible, the air pressure becomes below the air pressure at which normal operation is possible.

[0012] At this time, the above minimum altitude can be set to 0[m] or higher (atmospheric pressure 100KPa or lower).

[0013] Here, the pressure control unit can set the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude based on the spatial distance according to the altitude.

[0014] In addition, the pressure control unit can set the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude based on the creepage distance according to the altitude.

[0015] Meanwhile, a pressure control method for a container-type ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention may include: a pressure sensing step of sensing the air pressure inside the container-type ESS at a pressure sensor according to the altitude at which the container-type ESS is located; a pressure verification step of determining whether the air pressure is at a level where the pressure control unit can operate normally; a pressure control step of controlling a compressed air tank in the pressure control unit to adjust the air pressure to a range where normal operation is possible if the air pressure is not at a level where normal operation is possible; and a normal operation step of performing normal operation if the air pressure is at a level where normal operation is possible.

[0016] At this time, in the above pressure control step, the pressure control unit can control the compressed air tank so that the pressure becomes greater than the air pressure capable of normal operation when it deviates from the maximum altitude capable of normal operation.

[0017] In addition, in the above pressure control step, the pressure control unit can control the compressed air tank so that when it deviates from the lowest altitude at which normal operation is possible, the pressure becomes lower than the air pressure at which normal operation is possible.

[0018] The pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS according to the present invention have the advantage of being able to sense and control the air pressure inside a containerized ESS.

[0019] In addition, the pressure control device and method for a container-type ESS according to the present invention have the advantage of enabling normal operation of the ESS even in atmospheric pressure environments where normal operation of the ESS is difficult by controlling the air pressure inside the container-type ESS.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 shows in detail the spatial distance and creepage distance affecting the pressure control unit of Figure 1, Figure 2(a) is a diagram showing the path of the spatial distance and creepage distance, and Figure 2(b) is a table showing the change in spatial distance according to altitude.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a pressure control method for a container-type ESS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings.

[0024] In describing the present invention, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components may not be limited by the terms. The terms are intended solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component.

[0025] When it is described that a component is connected to or coupled with another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled with that other component, but it can also be understood that there may be other components in between.

[0026] The terms used in this specification are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0027] In this specification, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not excluding in advance the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0028] In addition, the shapes and sizes of elements in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer explanation.

[0029] Hereinafter, a pressure control device and method for a container-type ESS according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030]

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a drawing and table for explaining FIG. 1 in detail.

[0032] Hereinafter, a pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2.

[0033] First, referring to FIG. 1, a pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises an altimeter (100) for measuring the altitude at which the container-type ESS (500) is located, a pressure sensor (200) for sensing the air pressure inside the container-type ESS, a compressed air tank (300) for forming compressed air to control the air pressure inside the container-type ESS, and a pressure control unit (400) for controlling the compressed air tank (300) based on the altitude and the air pressure.

[0034] Conventional container-type ESS cannot control internal air pressure and must be operated according to the specifications of the ESS, but the container-type ESS (500) equipped with a pressure control device for container-type ESS according to the present invention can control the compressed air tank (300) to be greater than the air pressure that allows for normal operation when it deviates from the maximum altitude at which normal operation is possible in the pressure control unit (400), and at this time, the maximum altitude can be set to, for example, 1,500[m] or less (atmospheric pressure 85KPa or more).

[0035] In addition, the pressure control unit (400) of the present invention can control the compressed air tank (300) so that when it deviates from the lowest altitude at which normal operation is possible, the air pressure becomes lower than that at which normal operation is possible, and at this time, the lowest altitude can be set to, for example, 0[m] or higher (atmospheric pressure 100KPa or lower).

[0036] Accordingly, according to the present invention, by controlling the air pressure inside the containerized ESS to an optimal state regardless of the altitude at which the containerized ESS is installed, maximum performance can be achieved in terms of quality and specifications, thereby expanding the sales area of ​​the ESS and strengthening product competitiveness.

[0037]

[0038] Next, Figure 2 explains in detail the reason for controlling the air pressure inside the container-type ESS according to altitude in the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows in detail the spatial distance (D510) and creepage distance (D520) affecting the pressure control unit (400) of FIG. 1, FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing the path of the spatial distance (D510) and creepage distance (D520), and FIG. 2(b) is a table showing the change in spatial distance (D510) according to altitude.

[0040] As can be seen in FIG. 2, the pressure control unit (400) can set the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude based on the spatial distance (D510) and creepage distance (D520) according to the altitude.

[0041] In other words, when initially designed, the usable height of the ESS is determined by the specifications based on the spatial distance (D510) and creepage distance (D520), and accordingly, the sales area or installation height of the ESS is restricted, so it can only be used below the permitted height, which may reduce product competitiveness.

[0042] Here, clearance (D510) refers to the shortest distance between electrically conductive objects, and is the shortest path between two conductive components or between a conductive component and an equipment interface measured through air.

[0043] Creeping Distance (D520) refers to the shortest path between two conductive components or between a conductive component and equipment measured along an insulating surface; it represents the shortest distance along the surface of a solid dielectric between two electrodes that cause a spark discharge.

[0044] In order to operate a containerized ESS in a high-altitude installation area, the design must be carried out considering the insulation distance of high power from a standard perspective suitable for high altitude, and there is also the difficulty of designing the product while considering the impact on performance regarding EMI / EMC, etc., as altitude increases.

[0045] For example, the Chilean observatory is located at an altitude of 5,000 m or higher (atmospheric pressure 54 kPa or lower). In this case, as shown in Fig. 2(b), if the spatial distance (D510) at 2,000 m is 8 mm, the spatial distance (D510) at 5,000 m increases to 11.84 mm, which may cause a change in the performance of the pressure control unit (400).

[0046] The pressure control device for a container-type ESS according to the present invention is equipped with a compressed air tank (300) and a pressure control unit (400) capable of controlling it, and monitors the air pressure inside the container-type ESS. When the pressure deviates from the optimal air pressure setting value, the installed compressed air tank (300) is controlled to control the air pressure inside the container-type ESS to an optimal state. Through this, the container-type ESS can be used without restrictions on the installation height, thereby increasing product competitiveness.

[0047]

[0048] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a pressure control method for a container-type ESS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure control method for a containerized ESS according to the present invention comprises a pressure sensing step (S100) in which the air pressure inside the containerized ESS is sensed by a pressure sensor (200) according to the altitude at which the containerized ESS (500) is located, a pressure verification step (S200) in which the pressure control unit (400) determines whether the air pressure is at a level where normal operation is possible, a pressure control step (S300) in which the pressure control unit (400) controls the compressed air tank (300) to adjust the air pressure to a range where normal operation is possible if the air pressure is not possible, and a normal operation step (S400) in which normal operation is performed if the air pressure is possible.

[0050] Conventional container-type ESS cannot control internal air pressure and must therefore be operated in accordance with the specifications of the ESS. However, a container-type ESS equipped with a pressure control device for container-type ESS according to the present invention can control the compressed air tank (300) to be greater than the air pressure that allows for normal operation when it deviates from the maximum altitude at which normal operation is possible in the pressure control unit (400), and at this time, the maximum altitude can be set to, for example, 1,500[m] or less (atmospheric pressure 85KPa or more).

[0051] In addition, the pressure control unit (400) of the present invention can control the compressed air tank (300) so that when it deviates from the lowest altitude at which normal operation is possible, the air pressure becomes lower than that at which normal operation is possible, and at this time, the lowest altitude can be set to, for example, 0[m] or higher (atmospheric pressure 100KPa or lower).

[0052] Accordingly, according to the present invention, by controlling the air pressure inside the containerized ESS to an optimal state regardless of the altitude at which the containerized ESS is installed, maximum performance can be achieved in terms of quality and specifications, thereby expanding the sales area of ​​the ESS and strengthening product competitiveness.

[0053]

[0054] As described above, the pressure control device and method for a container-type ESS according to the present invention can sense and control the air pressure inside the container-type ESS, and has the advantage of enabling normal operation of the ESS even in atmospheric pressure environments where normal operation of the ESS is difficult by controlling the air pressure inside the container-type ESS.

[0055]

[0056] The description of the presented embodiments is provided so that any person skilled in the art may use or practice the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Thus, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments presented herein, but should be interpreted in the broadest possible scope consistent with the principles and novel features presented herein.

[0057] The present invention relates to a pressure control device and method for a containerized ESS, and is applicable to the ESS field.

Claims

1. An altimeter for measuring the altitude at which a container-type ESS is located; A pressure sensor for sensing the pressure inside the above-mentioned container-type ESS; A compressed air tank for forming compressed air to control the air pressure inside the above-mentioned container-type ESS; and A pressure control device for a containerized ESS comprising: a pressure control unit that controls the compressed air tank based on the above altitude and the above air pressure.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above pressure control unit is, A pressure control device for a containerized ESS characterized by controlling the compressed air tank to ensure that the air pressure exceeds the air pressure for normal operation when deviating from the maximum altitude at which normal operation is possible.

3. In Paragraph 2, The above maximum altitude is, Pressure control device for containerized ESS characterized by being set to 1,500[m] or less (atmospheric pressure 85KPa or more).

4. In Paragraph 3, The above pressure control unit is, A pressure control device for a containerized ESS characterized by controlling the compressed air tank so that the air pressure becomes below the air pressure for normal operation when deviating from the lowest altitude at which normal operation is possible.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above minimum altitude is, Pressure control device for container-type ESS characterized by being set to 0[m] or more (atmospheric pressure 100KPa or less).

6. In Paragraph 5, The above pressure control unit is, Pressure control device for container-type ESS characterized by setting the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude based on the spatial distance according to the above altitude.

7. In Paragraph 5, The above pressure control unit is, Pressure control device for container-type ESS characterized by setting the maximum altitude and the minimum altitude based on the creepage distance according to the above altitude.

8. A pressure sensing step for sensing the air pressure inside the container-type ESS at a pressure sensor according to the altitude at which the container-type ESS is located; A pressure verification step for determining whether the above air pressure is at a level where the pressure control unit can operate normally; A pressure control step in which, if the above air pressure is not capable of normal operation, the pressure control unit controls the compressed air tank to adjust the above air pressure to a range capable of normal operation; and Pressure control method for a containerized ESS, comprising: a normal operation step for performing normal operation when the above air pressure allows for normal operation.

9. In Paragraph 8, In the above pressure control step, A pressure control method for a containerized ESS, characterized in that the pressure control unit controls the compressed air tank to ensure that the pressure is greater than or equal to the air pressure for normal operation when it deviates from the maximum altitude at which normal operation is possible.

10. In Paragraph 8, In the above pressure control step, A pressure control method for a containerized ESS, characterized in that the pressure control unit controls the compressed air tank so that the pressure becomes below the air pressure capable of normal operation when it deviates from the lowest altitude capable of normal operation.

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