KR20230099672A - Battery pack with improved safety - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a battery pack configured to ensure safety even when a thermal event occurs. A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention is coupled to a battery module having one or more battery cells, a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module, and an assembly including the battery module and the control module, It includes an insulation kit extending along the direction parallel to the connection direction of the module and the control module.

Description

Battery pack with improved safety}

The present invention relates to a battery, and more particularly, to a battery pack configured to ensure safety even when a thermal event occurs.

Currently commercially available secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydrogen batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. It is in the limelight because of its very low self-discharge rate and high energy density.

These lithium secondary batteries mainly use lithium-based oxides and carbon materials as positive electrode active materials and negative electrode active materials, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate coated with such a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material are disposed with a separator therebetween, and an exterior material that seals and houses the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, that is, a battery case.

In general, lithium secondary batteries can be classified into a can-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a metal can and a pouch-type secondary battery in which an electrode assembly is embedded in a pouch of an aluminum laminate sheet, depending on the shape of an exterior material.

These secondary batteries are widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as electric vehicles and energy storage systems (ESSs), and the degree of their use is rapidly increasing. Moreover, in recent years, in order to store and supply electric power for use in buildings such as houses and buildings, residential energy storage systems have been widely used. In addition, a core component of such a residential energy storage system may be referred to as a battery pack.

A plurality of battery cells (secondary batteries) are included in various battery packs, including those used in such residential ESSs, to increase capacity and/or output. In particular, in order to increase the energy density of a battery pack, a plurality of battery cells are often arranged in a dense state in a very narrow space.

In such a battery pack configuration, one of the typically important issues is safety. In particular, when a thermal event occurs in one battery cell among a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack, propagation of the event to other battery cells needs to be suppressed. Furthermore, a venting gas may be ejected from a battery cell in which thermal runaway occurs, and the venting gas may cause thermal runaway of other battery cells, resulting in thermal propagation.

Also, a plurality of battery cells included in the battery pack may be grouped into two or more battery modules. At this time, the propagation of a thermal runaway event generated inside a specific battery module to other battery modules needs to be suppressed.

If the thermal propagation between battery cells or battery modules is not properly suppressed, this will expand to a thermal event for multiple battery cells or multiple battery modules included in the battery pack, resulting in bigger problems such as overall ignition or explosion of the battery pack. can cause

In addition, due to the venting gas and conduction/radiation/convective heat energy emitted from the battery module, the external appearance of the battery module may be deformed, and sparks and flames may be propagated to the outside of the battery module through a space formed by the external deformation.

Moreover, ignition or explosion generated in the battery pack may cause great damage to nearby lives or property. In particular, in the case of a battery pack for housing, if a fire or explosion occurs, it may harm the safety of people living in the house, and may cause very great damage by spreading to the house fire. For example, battery packs for housing are installed in various environments such as indoors or outdoors due to the nature of the usage environment, and in particular, are mainly installed in wooden houses in North America and Japan. In this case, even if direct ignition does not occur outside the battery pack, the high-temperature venting gas generated from the battery cell and/or the radiant energy of the battery pack may reach the wood flash point and ignition point, which may cause secondary human/property damage. can cause

Accordingly, the present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a battery pack having an improved structure so as to appropriately control a thermal event generated therein.

However, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above problem, and other problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the invention described below.

A battery pack according to an aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery module including one or more battery cells; a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module; and an insulation kit coupled to the assembly including the battery module and the control module and extending in a direction parallel to a direction in which the battery module and the control module are connected.

Preferably, the heat insulation kit is configured in a planar shape parallel to at least a portion of the side surface of the assembly, and may shield at least a portion of the side surface of the combination body.

More preferably, the insulation kit may shield a junction between the battery module and the control module.

In one aspect of the present invention, the battery module and the control module are configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a connection direction of the battery module and the control module, and a separation space may be formed between the battery module and the control module. there is.

In another aspect of the present invention, the insulation kit and the assembly are configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction of the battery module and the control module, and a separation space is formed between the insulation kit and the assembly. It can be.

In another aspect of the present invention, the heat insulating kit may include a heat insulating layer.

In another aspect of the present invention, the insulation kit may include at least one metal plate.

In another aspect of the present invention, the insulation kit may be configured to include an air layer therein.

In another aspect of the present invention, the heat insulation kit may include a plurality of metal plates, and a heat insulation layer may be interposed between the plurality of metal plates.

Preferably, the heat insulation kit may be configured to include an air layer between the metal plate and the heat insulation layer.

In particular, the heat insulation kit may be configured such that a metal plate, an air layer, an insulation layer, and a metal plate are sequentially disposed in a direction away from the assembly.

In another aspect of the present invention, the heat insulating layer may include mica.

In one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules.

Here, the battery pack may further include a case body configured to restrain the plurality of battery modules and a module cover including at least one mesh network configured to cover an opening provided on the case body.

Preferably, the module cover may be configured to be covered on top of the plurality of battery modules.

In another aspect of the present invention, the mesh network may be provided at a position corresponding to a gas outlet provided in the battery module.

In addition, an energy storage system according to another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery pack according to the present invention.

According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery pack with improved safety may be provided.

In particular, according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if a thermal event occurs inside the battery pack, the thermal event can be quickly controlled.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the direction of the venting gas discharged from the battery pack may be changed. Accordingly, the venting gas may be prevented from being directly injected into the surrounding environment.

Thus, even if venting gas is discharged from the battery pack, the risk of further ignition of objects adjacent to the battery pack can be reduced.

In addition, according to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent the transfer of radiant energy emitted from the battery pack to the surrounding environment.

Thus, the risk of further ignition of objects adjacent to the battery pack can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the venting gas generated in the battery module can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery module.

Accordingly, the concentration of combustible gas in the battery module can be reduced.

According to another aspect of the present invention, thermal deformation of the battery module case can be prevented.

Accordingly, no space is generated between the battery module cases, and sparks and flames may be prevented from being ejected to the outside of the battery pack.

Therefore, according to this aspect, it is possible to prevent or reduce human and material damage due to fire spread.

Therefore, according to this aspect of the present invention, it can be more advantageously applied to battery packs used outdoors, particularly residential battery packs.

In addition, several other additional effects can be achieved by various embodiments of the present invention. The various effects of the present invention will be described in detail in each embodiment, or descriptions of effects that can be easily understood by those skilled in the art will be omitted.

The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and together with the detailed description of the present invention serve to further understand the technical idea of the present invention, the present invention is the details described in such drawings should not be construed as limited to
1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the insulation kit of FIG. 1 .
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a state in which the battery pack of FIG. 1 is disposed near a wall.
5 is a view for explaining a location where venting gas is discharged from a battery module.
6 is a view for explaining a location where venting gas is discharged from a battery pack.
7 is a comparative example of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a moving path of venting gas when the battery pack of FIG. 1 is disposed near a wall.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation kit of Figure 3;
10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 is a view for explaining the module cover of FIG. 10 .
12 is a view for explaining a state in which the module cover of FIG. 11 is applied.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to this, the terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventors appropriately use the concept of terms in order to best explain their invention. It should be interpreted as a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present invention based on the principle that it can be defined.

Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only one of the most preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention. It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.

Meanwhile, in the present specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back may be used, but these terms are only for convenience of description, depending on the location of the target object or the location of the observer. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that it may vary.

1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a configuration of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery pack according to the present invention includes a battery module 100 , a control module 200 and an insulation kit 300 .

The battery module 100 may include one or more battery cells. Here, each battery cell may mean a secondary battery. A secondary battery may include an electrode assembly, an electrolyte, and a battery case. Furthermore, the battery cells included in the battery module 100 may be pouch-type secondary batteries. However, other types of secondary batteries, such as cylindrical batteries or prismatic batteries, may also be employed in the battery module 100 of the present invention.

In addition, the battery module 100 may include a module case for accommodating battery cells. In particular, the module case may have an empty space therein so that a plurality of battery cells may be accommodated in the empty space. For example, the module case, as shown in FIG. 1, may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and erected in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the ground.

The control module 200 may control the overall operation of the battery pack. In particular, the control module 200 may be electrically connected to the battery module 100 . Also, the control module 200 may be configured to manage the battery module 100 . In particular, the control module 200 may be configured to control a charging operation or a discharging operation of the battery module 100 . In addition, the control module 200 may be configured to measure, calculate, receive, or control various electrical, physical, and chemical characteristics of the battery module 100, a battery cell included therein, or its surrounding environment. For example, the control module 200 may measure, calculate, or control voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), internal resistance, etc. of the battery cell or battery module 100. can

The control module 200 may receive operating power from the battery module 100 to manage the battery module 100 . In addition, the control module 200 may exchange various data with the battery module 100 or other external devices through a wired or wireless communication network.

The control module 200 may include various electric components such as a battery management system (BMS), a relay, and a current sensor. In addition, the control module 200 may include a control housing for accommodating such electrical components.

In addition, the control module 200 may include a pack terminal. These pack terminals may be configured to be connected to a battery pack and an external charging or discharging device. For example, the pack terminal may include an outlet, a plug, or a connector to be connected to commercial power or a load. In this case, the control module 200 may have a power path for exchanging charging power and discharging power with the battery module 100 . This power path may function as a path for exchanging charging and discharging power between the pack terminal and the battery module 100 .

FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the insulation kit of FIG. 1 .

1 to 3, the insulation kit 300 is combined with an assembly including the battery module 100 and the control module 200, and the battery module 100 and the control module 200 It may extend along a direction parallel to the connection direction of.

For example, referring to FIG. 1 , the insulation kit 300 may be coupled to one side of the control module 200. As the coupling method, various methods such as bolting fastening and welding coupling may be applied.

The insulation kit 300 may extend along a direction parallel to a direction in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are connected. For example, referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be connected in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground (a direction parallel to the Z-axis). Accordingly, the insulation kit 300 may extend in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground.

According to this structure, the insulation kit 300 can shield the side of the battery pack, and thus, the venting gas emitted to the side of the battery pack can prevent the temperature of the environment around the side of the battery pack from increasing. can In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to block the transfer of radiant thermal energy emitted from the battery pack to the environment around the battery pack. In particular, when a component made of wood is located on the side of the battery pack, even if direct ignition does not occur outside the battery pack, the flash point and ignition point of the wood are increased only by the venting gas delivered to a high temperature and the radiant energy of the battery pack. (Ignition point), which can cause secondary human/material damage. However, according to the insulation kit 300 of the present invention, the transfer of venting gas and radiant energy generated in the battery pack can be effectively blocked. Accordingly, the risk of additional ignition around the battery pack can be significantly reduced.

That is, according to this embodiment of the present invention, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are included with respect to the battery pack, by being installed with the insulation kit 300, safety can be greatly improved. In particular, when an abnormal situation occurs in the battery pack, for example, when a thermal runaway situation occurs inside the battery module 100 or when a fire occurs in the battery module 100 or the control module 200, the insulation kit 300 Through this, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of fire in the environment around the battery pack. For example, high-temperature venting gas may be injected from the battery module 100 . At this time, the insulation kit 300 may block the venting gas from proceeding. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the environment surrounding the battery pack from rising. In addition, when a thermal runaway situation occurs inside the battery module 100 or a fire occurs in the battery module 100 or the control module 200, as the temperature of the battery pack increases, radiant energy may be emitted from the battery pack. there is. In this case, the heat insulation kit 300 may block radiant energy emitted from the battery pack from being transferred to the surrounding environment. As a result, the insulation kit 300 can block a situation in which the environment around the battery pack is overheated or ignited. Therefore, it is possible to prevent an increase in the risk of fire or the like to other parts outside the battery pack due to an abnormal situation such as a fire or overheating of the battery pack.

Referring back to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the control module 200 may be mounted on top of the battery module 100 . In addition, the control module 200 may be configured to be detachable again after being mounted on top of the battery module 100 .

To this end, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be configured to be electrically and mechanically coupled to each other.

For example, the battery module 100 may have a module connector for electrical connection provided thereon. And, the control module 200, a control connector may be provided at the bottom. In this case, the control connector may be configured to be directly connectable with the module connector. In particular, the module connector and the control connector are electrically connected to each other, so that charging/discharging power or electrical signals (data) can be transmitted. In particular, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may separately include a power supply connector for transmitting and receiving charging/discharging power and a communication connector for transmitting and receiving electrical signals, respectively.

In addition, the battery module 100 may have a module fastening portion formed thereon. In addition, the control module 200 may have a control fastening portion formed at a lower portion thereof. Here, the control fastening unit and the module fastening unit may be configured to be coupled and fixed to each other. For example, the module fastening part and the control fastening part may be configured to be fastened to each other through a bolted connection. Further, through such fastening or disengagement between the module fastening unit and the control fastening unit, the control fastening unit may be directly attached to or separated from the module fastening unit.

As such, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be configured to be directly coupled mechanically and electrically to each other. In particular, the control module 200 may be coupled to the battery module 100 in a plug-in manner, in which electrical connection is made while seated on the battery module 100 .

FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a state in which the battery pack of FIG. 1 is disposed near a wall.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the insulation kit 300 may have a planar shape parallel to at least a portion of a side surface of an assembly including the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . Accordingly, the insulation kit 300 may shield at least a portion of the side surface of the assembly. For example, the battery pack may be formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and erected in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground (a direction parallel to the Z axis). At this time, the insulation kit 300 may be configured in a flat shape parallel to at least one side of the four sides of the battery pack. Accordingly, the insulation kit 300 can effectively shield the side area of the battery pack.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 4 , the battery pack may be placed near a wall. For example, the battery pack may be disposed apart from a wall by about 50 mm or more. In this case, the insulation kit 300 may be interposed between the battery pack and the wall. Accordingly, according to the above structure, the battery pack of the present invention can effectively prevent the venting gas generated from the side of the battery pack from being directly injected to an adjacent wall. In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively prevent radiant energy emitted from the battery pack from being transferred to an adjacent wall.

On the other hand, for reference, in this specification, for convenience, the case where the temperature of the wall adjacent to the battery pack is increased has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to the wall and all components that can be disposed adjacent to the battery pack are equally applied. this may apply.

5 is a diagram for explaining a location where venting gas is discharged from the battery module 100, and FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a location where venting gas is discharged from a battery pack.

An opening may be formed in the battery module 100 to communicate with an internal space. For example, as indicated by O1 in FIG. 5 , the battery module 100 may have an opening formed at an upper end thereof. Also, these openings O1 may communicate with the inner space of the module case where the battery cells are located.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to more effectively respond to thermal events occurring inside the battery module 100, such as thermal runaway, gas ejection, or fire.

In one aspect of the present invention, referring to FIG. 5 , when venting gas is generated in the inner space of the battery module 100, the venting gas may be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 through the opening O1. In other words, the opening O1 may function as a venting gas outlet in the battery module 100 . Moreover, when the opening O1 is located on the upper side of the battery module 100, a large amount of venting gas may be discharged toward the opening O1 located on the upper side.

In another aspect of the present invention, the opening O1 formed in the battery module 100 may not necessarily be provided for discharging a venting gas or the like. For example, the opening O1 provided at the top of the battery module 100 shown in FIG. 2 may be provided for carrying the battery module 100 . That is, the opening O1 may be configured to provide a space in which a worker or a carrying device can insert and grip a finger or a gripping tool when the battery module 100 is transported.

Referring to FIG. 6 , venting gas may be discharged through a gap between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . Since the control module 200 is located above the battery module 100 , a gap between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be near an upper area of the battery module 100 . Therefore, the insulation kit 300 preferably shields the upper region of the battery module 100 . More preferably, the insulation kit 300 may shield a junction between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . According to this structure, direct contact of the venting gas with the wall can be prevented. Accordingly, the possibility of additional ignition from a wall or other object adjacent to the battery pack can be prevented.

7 is a comparative example of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining a moving path of venting gas when a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed near a wall.

Referring to FIG. 7 , venting gas may be discharged through a gap between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . That is, since the venting gas is discharged through the gap, in the comparative example in which the insulation kit 300 is not applied to the battery pack as shown in FIG. 7, the venting gas discharge direction is perpendicular to the outer surface of the battery pack. can That is, the discharge direction of the venting gas may be perpendicular to the wall surface. In this regard, it is common to use the battery pack by placing it near an indoor or outdoor wall. At this time, since the generated venting gas is discharged in a vertical direction with respect to the outer surface of the battery pack, if the battery pack is placed adjacent to a wall, etc., the high-temperature venting gas is sprayed vertically toward the wall to reduce the temperature of the wall. can rise rapidly. Therefore, the adjacent wall surface may be directly contacted with the high-temperature venting gas, and thus there may be a risk of additional ignition. In addition, radiant heat energy emitted from the battery pack is transferred to a wall or the like, and energy of the wall or the like can be rapidly increased.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 8 , when the battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention is disposed near the wall, the direction of the venting gas may be changed as indicated by the arrow.

For example, by the insulation kit 300 having a planar shape parallel to the wall surface, the venting gas may be discharged in a direction parallel to the wall surface instead of being discharged perpendicularly to the wall surface. Accordingly, the risk of further ignition of the wall or the like can be mitigated. That is, the venting gas moves in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or side direction (X-axis direction) along the insulation kit 300, eventually moving in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or side direction (X-axis direction). may be discharged. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, the venting gas proceeds in the left-right direction (X-axis direction), but is blocked by the insulation kit 300 to block the direction of travel in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or side The traveling direction may be switched in the direction (X-axis direction). That is, the traveling direction of the venting gas may be switched to a direction parallel to the wall surface. Therefore, according to the insulation kit 300 of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the venting gas from being launched vertically into a wall or the like. As a result, according to the present invention, the risk of additional ignition of a wall or the like can be greatly mitigated.

Referring to FIG. 8 , in one aspect of the present invention, the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are partially spaced apart from each other in a direction in which the battery module 100 and the control module 200 are connected. can be configured.

In this case, a separation space may be formed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . More specifically, the control module 200 and the battery module 100 may be configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction perpendicular to the ground. Specifically, in a state where the control module 200 is mounted on top of the battery module 100, the control module 200 and the battery module 100 may be configured to be partially spaced apart from each other. And, this separation space may communicate with the opening O1 of the battery module 100 and function as a venting path. For example, as indicated by A7 in FIG. 8 , an empty space may be formed between the top of the battery module 100 and the bottom of the control module 200 . Also, the venting gas discharged through the opening O1 may be discharged to the outside through the separation space A7 between the battery module 100 and the control module 200, as indicated by an arrow. That is, in this configuration, the separation space A7 between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be provided as a venting path. Also, the venting path formed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 is connected to the outside of the battery pack, so that venting gas inside the battery pack can be discharged to the outside.

Preferably, the assembly including the insulation kit 300, the battery module 100, and the control module 200 is in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction of the battery module 100 and the control module 200. It may be configured to be partially spaced apart from each other. In this case, a separation space may be formed between the insulation kit 300 and the combination body. More specifically, the heat insulation kit 300 and the combination may be configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction.

The separation space may be formed at a position corresponding to the separation space A7 between the control module 200 and the battery module 100 . Accordingly, the venting gas discharged from the separation space A7 between the control module 200 and the battery module 100 may flow into the separation space between the insulation kit 300 and the assembly. As a result, the venting gas may pass through the separation space between the insulation kit 300 and the assembly and finally be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

Meanwhile, in this configuration, the separation space between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 may be provided as a venting path in a horizontal direction. In particular, the separation space between the heat insulation kit 300 and the assembly may be provided as a venting path in a vertical direction (Z-axis direction) and/or a side direction (X-axis direction). According to such a venting path, the venting gas generated in the battery module 100 may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 8 , the venting gas moves in the direction toward the wall surface (Y-axis direction) in the separation space A7, and then moves in the vertical direction (Z-axis direction) or side direction (X-axis direction). Thus, it can be discharged to the outside of the battery pack.

According to such an embodiment, a venting gas discharge configuration is provided so that the venting gas inside the battery module 100 is smoothly discharged to the outside, thereby preventing an explosion due to an increase in internal pressure of the battery module 100. there is.

In addition, according to this configuration, the direction of the venting gas discharged from the battery module 100 can be effectively controlled by the insulation kit 300 . In particular, in the above embodiment, the venting gas may be induced to flow toward the insulation kit 300 . Accordingly, when the venting gas is generated, the direction of the venting gas blocked by the insulation kit 300 may be changed.

9 is a cross-sectional view of the insulation kit 300 of FIG. 3 .

Referring to FIG. 9 , the heat insulation kit 300 may include a heat insulation layer.

In this way, according to the configuration in which the insulation kit 300 includes the insulation layer, it is possible to prevent radiant heat energy from being transferred to an environment adjacent to the battery pack. For example, a battery pack may be placed adjacent to a wall or the like. Here, when the insulation kit 300 is disposed to be interposed between the battery pack and the wall, a portion of radiant energy emitted from the battery pack may be absorbed by the insulation layer included in the insulation kit 300 . Accordingly, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack can be reduced.

Preferably, the heat insulating layer may include mica (MICA). Mica has low thermal conductivity and is suitable as an insulator. However, the heat insulating layer of the present invention is not limited to mica, and any material having excellent heat insulating performance can be employed for the heat insulating layer of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the insulation kit 300 may include at least one metal plate.

The metal plate may be made of a metal material. For example, the metal plate may include a steel material. The metal plate may partially absorb radiant heat energy emitted from the battery pack. Therefore, according to this configuration, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack may be further reduced.

Preferably, the insulation kit 300 may be configured to include an air layer therein.

For example, referring to FIG. 9 , an empty space may be formed inside the insulation kit 300 . Air may be filled in the empty space. Alternatively, the space may be filled with a gas other than air.

According to such a structure, the air layer can absorb radiant energy. Accordingly, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack may be further reduced.

In another aspect of the present invention, the insulation kit 300 may include a plurality of metal plates.

For example, referring to FIG. 9 , the insulation kit 300 may be configured such that metal plates are provided on both outer surfaces. That is, the metal plate may correspond to the outer surface of the insulation kit 300. According to such a structure, the metal plate having high strength can protect the components provided inside the insulation kit 300 . Accordingly, durability of the insulation kit 300 may be improved. In addition, the plurality of metal plates may additionally absorb radiant heat energy emitted from the battery pack. Therefore, according to this configuration, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack may be further reduced.

Preferably, an insulating layer may be interposed between the plurality of metal plates.

According to this structure, since the metal plate and the heat insulation layer can each absorb radiant energy, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack can be further reduced.

More preferably, the heat insulation kit 300 may be configured to include an air layer between the metal plate and the heat insulation layer.

For example, referring to FIG. 9 , the insulation kit 300 may be configured such that a metal plate, an air layer, an insulation layer, and a metal plate are sequentially disposed in a direction away from the assembly.

According to this structure, since the metal plate, the air layer, and the heat insulating layer all absorb radiant energy, the amount of radiant energy transmitted to the wall adjacent to the battery pack may be further reduced.

The present inventors conducted an experiment to measure the amount of heat energy transferred to the wall when the insulation kit 300 of the present invention is applied.

[Example]

In a direction away from the assembly, an insulation kit 300 configured such that a metal plate, an air layer, an insulation layer, and a metal plate are sequentially disposed was applied to measure the transfer amount of heat energy to the wall surface. At this time, the thickness of each metal plate and the heat insulation layer was 1T.

[Comparative Example]

An insulation kit 300 composed of a 2T-thick metal plate was applied to measure the transfer of heat energy to the wall.

As a result of conducting the experiment with the two cases as described above, it was confirmed that the amount of heat energy transfer measured in Examples was significantly lower than the amount of heat energy transfer measured in Comparative Examples. That is, when the insulation kit 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied, the insulation effect is greatly improved.

In one aspect of the present invention, two or more battery modules 100 may be included in a battery pack. As such, in an implementation configuration in which a plurality of battery modules 100 are included in a battery pack, a venting path may be separated between each battery module 100 . For example, a protrusion may be formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2. This protrusion is provided in a convex shape from the upper end of the battery module 100 to the upper direction, and may contact the lower end of the control module 200 .

In this case, the protruding portion may prevent a venting gas or the like from flowing toward another battery module 100 . For example, when the venting gas is ejected through the opening O1 in the first module M1, the venting gas flows along a venting path formed between the upper part of the first module M1 and the lower part of the control module 200, It can flow in a horizontal direction. However, the venting gas discharged from the first module M1 may not move toward the second module M2 due to the protrusion formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2. That is, the protruding portion formed between the first module M1 and the second module M2 may function as a partition wall blocking the movement of the venting gas therebetween. In particular, the central protrusion may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane in order to secure sealing performance.

Such a protrusion may be formed to extend long in a direction (X-axis direction) orthogonal to the stacking direction of the battery module 100 among horizontal directions. For example, the protruding portion as the barrier rib may be positioned between the first module M1 and the second module M2 and may extend in a left-right direction (X-axis direction).

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the venting direction of the venting gas can be controlled more reliably. Moreover, in this case, venting gas discharged from some of the battery modules 100 is prevented from flowing into other battery modules 100, thereby preventing thermal runaway propagation between modules.

In addition, the plurality of battery modules 100 may also have barrier ribs formed on their outer sides. For example, a protruding part (front protruding part) may be provided as a bulkhead structure to contact the control module 200 and seal the venting path at the upper edge portion of the front side of the first module M1 located at the front side. In addition, a protrusion (rear protrusion) may be provided on an upper rim portion of the rear side of the second module M2 located at the rear side as a bulkhead structure that contacts the control module 200 and seals the venting path. In addition, these front and rear protrusions may be made of an elastic material such as rubber, silicone, or urethane in order to secure sealing performance.

According to this embodiment of the present invention, the sealing force of the venting path formed between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 is secured, so that the venting gas can be discharged only in an intended direction.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the module cover 400 of FIG. 10 .

Referring to FIG. 10 , a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a module cover 400 .

The module cover 400 may be mounted between the battery module 100 and the control module 200 . Preferably, the module cover 400 may be located above the battery module 100 and below the control module 200 . In particular, the module cover 400 may have a structure covering an upper portion of the battery module 100 .

The module cover 400 may be made of, for example, a metal material. For example, the module cover 400 may include a steel material. Since the metal material has a high melting point, thermal deformation of the module cover 400 may not occur even when a high-temperature venting gas is generated from the battery module 100 .

Referring back to FIG. 10 , the battery pack may include a plurality of battery modules 100 . And the module cover 400 includes a case body 410 configured to restrain the plurality of battery modules 100 and at least one mesh network 420 configured to cover an opening provided on the case body 410. can include

Referring to FIG. 11 , in one aspect of the present invention, a flange may be provided on a side surface of the case body 410 so that the case body 410 can restrain the plurality of battery modules 100 . Preferably, the case body 410 may be configured to be covered on top of the plurality of battery modules 100 . The flange may be configured in the form of a band surrounding the plurality of battery modules 100 at once.

According to this structure, since the module cover 400 fixes the plurality of battery modules 100, structural deformation due to heat in the battery module 100 can be prevented. That is, the case body 410 can prevent the battery module 100 from being displaced in the horizontal direction (XY plane direction). Accordingly, it is possible to prevent thermal deformation in which a gap between the battery modules 100 and the battery modules 100 is widened. As a result, a situation in which sparks and flames generated inside the battery pack propagate to the outside of the battery pack through the gap caused by thermal deformation can be prevented.

12 is a view for explaining a state in which the module cover 400 of FIG. 11 is applied.

In one aspect of the present invention, the mesh network 420 may be provided in a movement path of the venting gas. For example, referring to FIGS. 10 and 12 , the mesh network 420 may be provided at a position corresponding to a gas outlet provided in the battery module 100 .

Accordingly, the venting gas discharged through the gas outlet provided in the battery module 100 can pass through the mesh network 420 and be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack. In addition, according to this structure, the mesh network 420 can prevent sparks generated in the battery module 100 from bouncing out of the battery module 100 . In addition, it is possible to prevent a fire generated in the battery module 100 from propagating to components adjacent to the battery module 100 .

Preferably, the mesh network 420 may be dually provided in the vertical direction.

In this case, a predetermined space may be formed between the mesh networks 420 and the mesh networks 420 . For example, the upper mesh network 420 may be provided on the same plane as the upper surface of the module cover 400 . The lower mesh network 420 may be provided on the same plane as the lower surface of the module cover 400 .

According to this structure, the mesh network 420 can prevent sparks generated in the battery module 100 from bouncing out of the battery module 100 once more. In addition, it is possible to prevent a fire generated in the battery module 100 from propagating to components adjacent to the battery module 100 once more.

More preferably, a filter may be provided in a predetermined space between the mesh networks 420 and the mesh networks 420 .

The filter can prevent dust or foreign substances from penetrating into the battery module 100 by blocking dust or foreign substances. At the same time, the filter may be made of a material capable of ventilation. Accordingly, the venting gas may pass through the filter and be discharged to the outside of the battery module 100 .

In another aspect of the present invention, the mesh network 420 may include, for example, a metal material. Since the metal material has a high melting point, thermal deformation of the mesh 420 can be minimized even when high-temperature venting gas is discharged through the mesh 420 .

Referring to FIG. 12 , in another aspect of the present invention, the module cover 400 may further include a sealing filter 430 provided along an edge of the case body 410 .

The sealing filter 430 may be configured to allow ventilation inside and outside the sealing filter 430 . The sealing filter 430 may be composed of, for example, PE foam. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent dust or foreign matter from being introduced into the battery pack. At the same time, the venting gas generated inside the battery pack can be smoothly discharged to the outside of the battery pack through the sealing filter 430 . Furthermore, the concentration of combustible gas in the battery pack may be reduced through smooth discharge of the venting gas. Accordingly, the risk of fire occurrence can be reduced.

In the battery pack according to the present invention, the battery module 100 and/or the control module 200 may be coupled and fixed to a wall of a building such as a house or a building. For example, the battery pack may be configured such that a fixing hole is formed on a rear surface thereof, and the battery pack is fixed to a wall through the fixing hole. Alternatively, the battery pack according to the present invention may further include a fixing unit configured to be coupled to a wall or the like. The fixing unit may be fastened to components such as the battery module 100 to fix the battery pack to the wall.

An energy storage system according to the present invention includes one or more battery packs according to the present invention described above. In addition, the energy storage system according to the present invention may further include general components included in the energy storage system in addition to the battery pack. In particular, the energy storage system according to the present invention may be a housing (building) energy storage system used to store energy in houses or buildings.

As described above, although the present invention has been described by the limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the technical spirit of the present invention and the following by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs Of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the claims to be described.

100: battery module
M1: first module, M2: second module
200: control module
300: insulation kit
400: module cover
410: case body
420: mesh network
430: sealing filter

Claims (15)

A battery module having one or more battery cells;
a control module connected to the battery module and configured to manage the battery module; and
The battery pack, characterized in that it comprises an insulation kit coupled to the assembly including the battery module and the control module, and extending along a direction parallel to a connection direction of the battery module and the control module. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit is configured in a plane shape parallel to at least a portion of the side surface of the assembly to shield at least a portion of the side surface of the assembly. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit shields the junction of the battery module and the control module. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the battery module and the control module are configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a connection direction of the battery module and the control module, and a separation space is formed between the battery module and the control module. According to claim 1,
The insulation kit and the assembly are configured to be partially spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the connection direction of the battery module and the control module, and a battery pack, characterized in that a separation space is formed between the insulation kit and the assembly . According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit comprises a heat insulation layer. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit includes at least one metal plate. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit is configured to include an air layer therein. According to claim 1,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit includes a plurality of metal plates, and a heat insulation layer is interposed between the plurality of metal plates. According to claim 9,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit is configured to include an air layer between the metal plate and the insulation layer. According to claim 10,
The battery pack, characterized in that the insulation kit is configured such that a metal plate, an air layer, an insulation layer and a metal plate are sequentially disposed in a direction away from the assembly. According to claim 6,
The battery pack, characterized in that the heat insulating layer comprises mica. According to claim 1,
The battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules,
A module cover comprising a case body configured to restrain the plurality of battery modules and at least one mesh network configured to cover an opening provided on the case body
A battery pack further comprising a. According to claim 13,
The module cover is configured to be covered on top of the plurality of battery modules,
The battery pack, characterized in that the mesh network is provided at a position corresponding to the gas outlet provided in the battery module. An energy storage system comprising a battery pack according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

Images