KR101970236B1 - Enclosure for energy storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a case for an energy storage system (ESS) capable of adjusting the temperature to a proper temperature and preventing fire. According to the present invention, the case for an ESS comprises: two or more cells providing a stacking space for stacking a battery device therein; an air circulation device disposed in a communication part between neighboring cells to supply air of one cell to the other cell to circulate the air; and a temperature controller controlling the temperature of air inside the cell.

Description

{ENCLOSURE FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM}

The present invention relates to an enclosure for an energy storage system. More particularly, the present invention relates to an enclosure for an energy storage system capable of preventing a fire by adjusting the temperature inside the enclosure of an energy storage system with a battery device to an appropriate temperature.

In general, an energy storage system (ESS) stores energy in the form of electric power, and corresponds to a system that supplies electricity when power is required, such as power failure or power shortage.

Such an energy storage system has a structure in which a plurality of batteries are integrated so as to secure a proper operating voltage and a charging capacity so as to sufficiently store power.

For example, the energy storage system may be provided in a stacked structure in which a plurality of batteries are stacked in the interior of the enclosure.

In such an energy storage system, the heat generated by each battery directly affects the efficiency and lifetime of the battery.

Accordingly, as the charge / discharge capacity of the battery increases, more electric energy is consumed as heat energy and a lot of heat is generated. Therefore, there is a need for a technique for maximizing battery performance by effectively dissipating and cooling heat generated from the battery.

With regard to cooling technology inside the enclosure, in Korean Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 10-2012-0100712 (hereinafter referred to as "Patent Document 1"), a cooling fan is arranged to face a positive electrode terminal and a negative electrode terminal of a battery pack And the air that is installed and flows by the cooling fan cools the anode electrode terminal and the cathode electrode terminal.

However, as in Patent Document 1, the structure in which the cooling fan is directly mounted on the battery pack to cool the cell is not only complicated in design of the flow region, but also has a spatial limitation of the flow region for cooling the inside of the battery device through forced convection There are many disadvantages.

Further, in order to secure a sufficient flow rate for cooling in a narrow channel in the battery device, a high-grade cooling fan is required. When the battery device operates in an environment of 0 ° C or less, the air- There is a problem in that it is difficult to maintain a constant temperature constantly.

1. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0100712

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a housing for an energy storage system capable of controlling a temperature inside a housing of an energy storage system having a built-in battery device to an appropriate temperature.

In addition, the present invention provides an enclosure for an energy storage system capable of reducing the manufacturing cost and manufacturing process of the enclosure by circulating the air of adjacent cells in the case of adjusting the temperature roll of the lamination space in which the battery device is stacked, The purpose is to provide.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an enclosure for an energy storage system in which the temperature inside the enclosure does not drop below a predetermined temperature so that the battery device operates normally when the outside temperature of the enclosure for the energy storage system is lowered do.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a fuel cell stack including at least two cells arranged to communicate with each other and at least a part of which is adjacent to each other and to provide a lamination space in which battery devices are stacked, And an air circulation device for circulating air by supplying air of one cell to another cell and a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of air inside the cell.

Here, the air circulation device may include a panel disposed between the adjacent cells, and at least one fan provided in the panel to circulate air.

In this case, the air circulation device may further include a heater provided on the panel for heating the air inside the cell to prevent the air inside the cell from falling below a predetermined temperature.

In addition, the air circulation device may further include a fire-fighting device provided in the panel for extinguishing a fire inside the cell.

In addition, a door unit may be provided on the front surface of the cell to open the stacked space, and the temperature control unit may be provided in the door unit.

At this time, the air circulation device can supply the air of the cell provided with the temperature control device to other cells and circulate the same. That is, the temperature control device can prevent the air inside the cell from exchanging heat with the air outside the cell, thereby preventing the temperature inside the cell from rising above a predetermined temperature.

The apparatus may further include a base for supporting the lower portions of the two or more cells, and a support portion for supporting the base in parallel with the bending of the ground.

In this case, the support portion may include a first support portion connected to the base and having a long hole-shaped connection hole, and a second support portion bent at the first support portion and contacting the ground surface, The connection height between the base and the first support portion may be different.

The upper portion of the cell may further include a blocking portion for preventing foreign matter from entering the cell.

According to the energy storage system enclosure of the present invention, the temperature inside the enclosure of the energy storage system in which the battery device is built up can be controlled to an appropriate temperature by the air circulation device and the temperature control device.

According to the present invention, in the case of adjusting the temperature roll of the lamination space in which the battery device is stacked, the air of neighboring cells can be circulated to each other, thereby reducing manufacturing cost and manufacturing process and simplifying the structure.

Also, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the temperature inside the enclosure from falling below a predetermined temperature so that the battery device operates normally even when the temperature of the enclosure for the energy storage system is lowered. Thereby, even when the external temperature is low, the battery device can be normally operated.

1 is a perspective view of an enclosure for an energy storage system according to an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a view showing a temperature control device provided in the housing for the energy storage system,
3 is a view showing a lamination space inside the door of the enclosure for the energy storage system opened,
4 is a plan view showing a basic configuration of the enclosure for the energy storage system,
5 is a side sectional view showing the basic structure of the envelope for the energy storage system,
6 is a view showing an air circulation device inside the door of the enclosure for the energy storage system opened;
7 is a schematic view of the air circulation device,
8 is a view showing a support for supporting the enclosure for the energy storage system.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless defined otherwise, all terms herein are the same as the general meaning of the term as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs, and if the terms used herein conflict with the general meaning of the term Are as defined herein. It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the details of the embodiments described below, .

Hereinafter, an enclosure for an energy storage system according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view illustrating a housing 100 of an energy storage system 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The enclosure 100 includes two or more cells 12, 14, 16, 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) which are provided so as to provide a lamination space in which battery devices 300 are stacked, An air circulation device 400 disposed between the neighboring cells 12, 14, 16, 18 for supplying air from one cell to another cell to circulate air, And a temperature controller 230 for controlling the temperature.

The enclosure 100 stacks and stores the battery device 300 therein. The enclosure 100 provides an appropriate temperature for the operation of the battery device 300, and at the same time, provides various kinds of foreign substances, Dust and the like can not penetrate.

For example, the enclosure 100 includes a base 120 fixed to the ground, a side panel 130 disposed vertically upward from the base 120, An upper cover 110 may be provided.

The base 120 is seated on the ground to support and load the load of the housing 100.

On the other hand, when the base 120 is placed on the ground, the elevation of the ground may be different, that is, the ground surface may have a curvature. In this case, when the housing 100 is placed on a curved surface, the housing 100 may be tilted so as not to be parallel to the housing 100. This may cause a load to be concentrated on a part of the housing 100 to cause damage or breakage of the housing 100 .

Therefore, it is possible to further include a support (see FIG. 7) 500 for supporting the base 120 in parallel when the base 120 is placed on a curved surface. The support portion 500 will be described in detail later.

Meanwhile, the housing 100 for an energy storage system according to the present invention may include a plurality of cells 12, 14, 16, 18, for example, two or more cells 12, 14, 16, 18 in which battery devices 300 are stacked .

That is, the inside of the housing 100 for the energy storage system is divided into a plurality of cells 12, 14, 16, 18, but each cell is not completely independent but communicated with each other.

For example, a shelf 22, 24, 26 may be provided for laminating a battery device instead of a septum for sealing the cell between the cells, and the cell 22, 24, Can be partitioned.

Specifically, a space surrounded by the side panels 130 of the housing 100 for the energy storage system is partitioned by cradles 22, 24, 26 to provide a plurality of cells 12, 14, 16, 18 .

In this case, the upper portion of the cells 12, 14, 16, and 18 may further include a preventing portion (not shown) for preventing foreign substances from entering the cells 12, 14, 16, The prevention part may be provided in the form of a packing member or a waterproof tape provided on the upper cover 110 described above.

In the meantime, although the present embodiment shows the provision of four cells 12, 14, 16, 18 by three cradles 22, 24, 26, the number of cells is not limited to this, Adjustable.

In this case, door portions 142, 144, 146, and 148 may be provided on the front portions of the cells 12, 14, 16, and 18, respectively. The door portions 142, 144, 146 and 148 may be rotatably connected to the upper cover 110 and the base 120.

Accordingly, when the door portions 142, 144, 146, and 148 are closed, the inside of the cells 12, 14, 16, and 18 are closed, and the door portions 142, 144, 146, The operator opens the inside of the cells 12, 14, 16 and 18 to perform various operations on the battery devices 300 etc. stacked in the cells 12, 14, 16, 18 .

FIG. 2 is a view showing a temperature control device 230 provided in the housing 100 for the energy storage system, and FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the door portion 142, 144, 146, 148 Is opened to show the inner stacking space.

2 and 3, the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system may include a temperature controller 230 for controlling the temperature of the air inside the cell.

The temperature regulator 230 discharges the air inside the cells 12, 14, 16 and 18 to the outside while introducing air outside the cells 12, 14, 16 and 18 into the inside thereof, The temperature can be controlled by exchanging heat between the air and the incoming air.

In this case, the temperature controller 230 may be installed in the door. For example, an outer housing 232 can be attached to the outer side of the door portions 142, 144, 146, 148, and the outer housing 232 can be attached to the door portions 142, 144, 146, And may be connected to the outer side by bolts 236 or the like.

In this case, a plurality of through holes 234 are formed in the outer housing 232 to smoothly discharge air or inflow air.

The inner housing 250 may be provided on the inner side of the door portions 142, 144, 146 and 148 and the heat exchanger may be installed in the space between the inner housing 250 and the outer housing 232 Can be arranged.

3, a battery device 300 is stacked and stored inside the cells 12, 14, 16, 18, as shown in FIG. 3, where the door portions 142, 144, 146, .

In this case, the battery device 300 may be vertically disposed, and the number of the battery devices 300 stacked and disposed inside the cells 12, 14, 16, , 14, 16, 18), the storage capacity required by the energy storage system, and the like.

As described above, when the plurality of cells 12, 14, 16, and 18 are provided inside the housing 100 for the energy storage system, the temperature control device 230 described above is separately disposed in each cell can do.

However, when the storage capacity of the energy storage system is increased, a large number of cells may be required. In this case, providing the temperature controller 230 in each cell complicates the configuration of the energy storage system. But also acts as a factor for raising the production cost and process of the energy storage system 1000.

Accordingly, in the case of the present embodiment, in a case where a plurality of cells are provided, not all of the cells are provided with a temperature regulating device, but the number of the temperature regulating devices is smaller than the number of the cells, And a controllable configuration is adopted.

4 is a plan view showing a basic configuration of the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system.

Referring to FIG. 4, the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system provides a plurality of cells 12, 14, in which case the cells 12, 14 may be disposed adjacent to each other.

At this time, the neighboring cells 12 and 14 may be arranged so that at least a part thereof is communicated.

4, a structure in which two cells are arranged adjacent to each other is shown. At this time, the above-described temperature control device 230 is disposed in one of the cells 12 and the temperature control device 230 is not provided in the other of the cells 14.

In this case, in order to adjust the internal temperature of the cell 14 in which the temperature regulating device 230 is not provided, it is provided in the communication part between the neighboring cells 12 and 14, To the other cell (14) to circulate the air.

That is, the air circulation apparatus 400 is provided between adjacent cells 12 and 14 to circulate air of the cells 12 and 14.

5 is a cross-sectional view showing the basic structure of the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system. FIG. 5 shows the flow of air inside the first cell 12.

5, the air introduced into the first cell 12 through the temperature regulator 230 flows from the inside of the first cell 12 to the rear along the lower side of the battery device 300 And is circulated upwards and then discharged to the outside through the temperature regulating device 230. Therefore, the air introduced into the first cell 12 by the temperature controller 230 circulates in a direction perpendicular to the stacked battery device 300, and the temperature of the battery device 300 And is appropriately adjusted.

Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of the air introduced into the first cell 12 may be introduced into the neighboring second cell 14 through the air circulation device 400. The air flowing into the second cell 14 circulates in the second cell 14 to cool or adjust the temperature of the battery device 300.

As a result, in the case of the present embodiment, when a plurality of cells 12, 14 are stacked and stored, the temperature regulating device 230 is connected to each cell 12, 14 The temperature control device 230 is disposed in a part of the cells 12 to adjust the temperature. This is made possible by the air circulation device 400 provided between neighboring cells to communicate air. In this case, the configuration of the apparatus can be simplified, and the manufacturing process and cost can be reduced. In addition, the number of temperature control devices 230 can be reduced to reduce the number of temperature control objects, thereby further simplifying the control operation.

4 illustrates a structure in which two cells are communicated by the air circulator 400. However, this is merely an example, and it is also possible to have a structure in which three or more cells are connected to communicate with each other.

However, when three or more cells are communicated with each other by the air circulation device and one temperature regulating device is disposed, the efficiency of temperature control is decreased, and it may be difficult to appropriately adjust the internal temperature of each cell.

Accordingly, in the present embodiment, two cells are arranged in communication with each other by an air circulating device, and a single temperature control device is provided as a basic configuration. 1 shows a configuration in which two cells connected to each other by an air circulation device are provided with two pairs, that is, four cells. As described above, the number of the two cells connected to each other by the air circulation device can be increased to increase the storage capacity of the entire energy storage system 1000 by increasing the number.

6 is a view showing the air circulation device 400 inside the door part 146 of the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system opened and FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the air circulation device 400.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the air circulation apparatus 400 is disposed between neighboring cells 16 and 18 so that air in neighboring cells 16 and 18 is communicated with each other.

Specifically, the air circulation apparatus 400 includes a panel 410 provided between the neighboring cells 16 and 18, and at least one fan 420 installed in the panel 410 to circulate the air. .

The air circulation device 400 may include at least one fan 420 because the air circulation device 400 communicates the air of neighboring cells 12, 14, 16, In this case, the fan 420 may be mounted on the holder 24 for partitioning the cells 14 and 16.

However, the configuration in which the fan is directly mounted on the cradle 24 as described above complicates the process of manufacturing the enclosure 100, and the process can be complicated when maintenance is to be performed in the future.

Accordingly, in the case of providing the air circulation apparatus 400 according to the present embodiment, the panel 410 is provided with various configurations and provided in a single unit form, thereby simplifying the installation process, ) To ensure simple maintenance.

Specifically, the panel 410 is provided between neighboring cells 16 and 18 and extends in a vertical direction as shown in the figure. However, in this case, the battery device 300 and the panel 410 are overlapped with each other, thereby decreasing the air circulation efficiency.

In this case, at least one fan 420 may be disposed on the panel 410 as described above. The number of the fans 420 disposed on the panel 410 may be appropriately adjusted. In the present embodiment, three fans 420 are shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

The air circulation device 400 is installed in the panel 410 to heat the air inside the cells 16 and 18 to prevent the air inside the cells 16 and 18 from falling below a predetermined temperature. The heater 430 may be provided.

In this case, a considerable amount of heat is generated when the battery device 300 is driven. In order to cool the battery device 300, The temperature control device 230 and the air circulation device 400 are required.

However, when the outside air temperature of the housing 100 is lowered in winter or the like, for example, the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 may fall below 0 ° C. In this case, the internal temperatures of the cells 16 and 18 are lower than the proper driving temperature of the battery device 300, so that the battery device 300 may not be driven properly.

In this case, the air circulation device 400 prevents the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 from dropping below a predetermined temperature, and heats the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 to an appropriate temperature A heater 430 may be provided.

In this case, the heater 430 may be constituted by, for example, a PTC heater (positivetemperature coefficient heater), which is merely an example and can be implemented in various forms.

The heater 430 may be disposed at an appropriate position in the upper, middle, and lower portions along the vertical direction of the panel 410. However, since the air heated by the heater 430 is vertically moved upward in the cells 16 and 18, in order to uniformly heat the inside of the cells 16 and 18, (430) is disposed below the panel (410).

Meanwhile, when the battery device 300 disposed in the cells 16 and 18 is driven, a fire or the like may occur due to overheating, which may cause damage to the entire energy storage system 1000 And failures.

Accordingly, the air circulation apparatus 400 may further include a fire-fighting device 440 provided in the panel 410 to extinguish a fire in the cells 16 and 18.

The fire extinguishing unit 440 is preferably disposed on the panel 410 so as to be able to uniformly discharge the fire extinguishing liquid into the cells 16 and 18.

In this case, the fire extinguishing device 440 may be provided in a self-generating type to simplify the construction.

For example, in the case of this embodiment, a glass bulb type aerosol fire extinguisher may be provided. The fire extinguisher is self-powered and does not require a separate power source. When the glass bulb senses the internal temperature, the solid aerosol fire extinguisher automatically operates when a preset temperature or more is detected. Such a structure of the fire extinguishing device is merely a description of an example, and an appropriate fire extinguishing device can be selected and employed depending on the type and form of the enclosure.

The panel 410 may further include a controller 450 for controlling the operation of the air circulation apparatus 400. The control unit 450 is connected to the fan 420, the heater 430 and / or the fire extinguishing unit 440 by wire or wirelessly to control the driving.

Therefore, the driving of the fan 420 and the heater 430 can be controlled on / off according to the signal of the controller 450. For example, the upper and lower limit values of the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 may be inputted and stored in the controller 450 as an appropriate temperature.

Accordingly, when the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 reaches the upper limit value, the controller 450 drives the fan 420 to circulate the internal air to lower the internal temperature of the cell.

On the other hand, when the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 reaches the lower limit value, the controller 450 drives the heater 430 to raise the internal air. In this case, the control unit 450 drives the fan 420 together to uniformly spread the heated air into the cells 16 and 18, thereby controlling the temperature more efficiently.

Although not shown in the figure, the temperature sensor may further include a temperature sensor for sensing the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18 and transmitting temperature information to the controller 450.

The temperature sensor may be provided in the panel 410 as described above. However, in order to more accurately measure the internal temperature of the cells 16 and 18, the temperature sensor may be installed inside the cells 16 and 18, for example, Or to the inner wall of the side panel 130. [

8 is a view illustrating a support unit 500 for supporting the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system.

Referring to FIG. 8, the enclosure 100 for the energy storage system may further include a support part 500 for supporting the base 120 in parallel according to the bending of the ground.

The support portion 500 includes a first support portion 520 connected to the base 120 and having a long hole 522 formed therein and a second support portion bent at the first support portion 520 and contacting the ground surface 530).

The first support part 520 is connected to the base 120 and the second support part 530 can be contacted and fixed to the ground. And a fixing hole 532 through which an anchor bolt or the like is inserted when the second supporting portion 530 is fixed to the ground.

At this time, the connection hole 522 formed in the first support part 520 may have a long hole shape extending vertically in the vertical direction.

Therefore, even if the connection height of the base 120 and the first support 520 is different along the connection hole 522 of the elongated hole, the enclosure 100 can be supported in parallel .

That is, when the bolts 540 are fastened to the connection holes 522, the bolts 540 fastened to the connection holes 522 of the elongated holes are different in height, The length of the base 120 protruding downward can be adjusted. As a result, the enclosure 100 can be supported in parallel even when it is provided on a ground surface having a curvature.

The present invention may be embodied in various forms without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Enclosure: 100
Top cover: 110
Side panels: 130
Door: 142, 144, 146, 148
Base: 120
Temperature control: 230
Battery device: 300
Air circulation system: 400
Panels: 410
Fan: 420
Heater: 430
Fire fighting equipment: 440
Control section: 450
Energy storage system: 1000

Claims (10)

At least two cells disposed adjacent to each other and arranged to communicate with each other to provide a laminated space in which battery devices are stacked;
An air circulation device provided in a communication part between the neighboring cells, for circulating air by supplying air from one cell to another cell; And
And a temperature control device for controlling the temperature of the air inside the cell,
The air circulation device
A panel provided between the neighboring cells,
And at least one fan provided in the panel for circulating air,
The panel further includes a fire-fighting device for extinguishing a fire inside the cell,
A door for opening the stacked space is provided on the front surface of each cell, a temperature control device is provided on one of the doors, a temperature control device is provided on the door on the side of the door,
Wherein the air circulation device supplies air in a cell having a door portion provided with the temperature control device to another cell having a door portion not provided with a temperature control device,
Each cell being partitioned by a cradle,
The panel may be provided separately from the cradle, and the panel may be detachably installed between neighboring cells to separate the panel from the space between the cells or to assemble the space between the cells. The air circulation device and the fire- The panel can be separated from the cell together with the panel or assembled in the space between the cells,
And a support for supporting the base in parallel with the bending of the ground,
Wherein the support portion comprises:
A first support portion connected to the base and having a long hole-like connection hole formed in a vertical direction;
And a second support portion bent at the first support portion and contacting the ground surface, wherein connection heights of the base and the first support portion are different along the connection hole of the elongated hole type. delete The method according to claim 1,
The air circulation device
Further comprising a heater provided on the panel to heat the air inside the cell to prevent the air inside the cell from falling below a predetermined temperature. delete delete delete The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the temperature control device is configured to perform heat exchange between the air inside the cell and the air outside the cell to prevent the temperature inside the cell from rising above a predetermined temperature. delete delete The method according to claim 1,
And an upper portion of the cell is provided with a preventing portion for preventing foreign substances from entering the cell.

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