KR20240008576A - Energy Storage System - Google Patents

Abstract

An energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery packs arranged in a vertical direction, a plurality of battery cooling plates arranged to correspond to each battery pack, a pump for flowing coolant, and coolant flowing by the pump. a valve that sends the coolant to a battery cooling plate corresponding to at least one battery pack, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air for cooling water flowing by the pump, wherein the plurality of battery cooling plates each correspond to a battery pack. It includes a front cooling plate and a rear cooling plate disposed at the front and rear, and the front cooling plate and the rear cooling plate are connected with a T-type connector.

Description

Energy storage system {Energy Storage System}

The present disclosure relates to energy storage devices, and more specifically, to battery-based energy storage devices and methods of operating the same.

An energy storage device is a device that stores or charges external power and then outputs or discharges the externally stored power. For this purpose, the energy storage device is equipped with a battery, and a power converter is used to supply power to the battery or output power from the battery.

When the battery temperature is high, the possibility of explosion or ignition increases. Additionally, if the battery is continuously used while its temperature rises to a high temperature, the battery life is reduced. Additionally, when the battery is used at low temperatures, internal resistance increases, which reduces efficiency and makes it difficult to achieve high output. Therefore, it is desirable in terms of efficiency and safety to manage the temperature of the battery at an appropriate level.

The battery pack cooling structure of prior document EP03506385A1 (2017.06.08) is configured so that an oil inlet and an oil outlet are formed in the battery pack case, and insulating oil is filled from the oil inlet into the battery pack case to cool the battery module.

The cooling structure of prior document EP03506385A1 is for cooling batteries fixed to the floor, and is difficult to apply to energy storage devices mounted on the wall. In addition, when a temperature deviation occurs, it is difficult to avoid a decrease in performance because cooling is performed based on the maximum temperature, and maintenance of the cooling structure requires work on the entire cooling structure.

The problem that the present disclosure aims to solve is to provide an energy storage device that can stably manage battery temperature.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that can effectively reduce the temperature difference between battery packs.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that can improve the reliability of cooling performance by consistently managing the distribution of coolant for cooling battery packs.

Another task of the present disclosure is to provide an energy storage device that facilitates individual maintenance of battery packs and cooling configuration.

The tasks of the present disclosure are not limited to the tasks mentioned above, and other tasks not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below.

In order to achieve the above problem, the energy storage device according to embodiments of the present disclosure arranges battery cooling plates for each plurality of battery packs and controls the flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the battery cooling plates, Temperature can be managed effectively.

An energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery packs arranged in a vertical direction, a plurality of battery cooling plates arranged to correspond to each battery pack, a pump for flowing coolant, and coolant flowing by the pump. a valve that sends the coolant to a battery cooling plate corresponding to at least one battery pack, and a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air for cooling water flowing by the pump, wherein the plurality of battery cooling plates each correspond to a battery pack. It includes a front cooling plate and a rear cooling plate disposed at the front and rear, and the front cooling plate and the rear cooling plate are connected with a T-type connector.

The valve is connected to two or more T-type connectors and can control the flow rate and direction of the coolant.

The valve may include a plurality of three-way valves connected to two or more T-type connectors.

In addition, the energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inlet T-type connector for branching the cooling water supplied from the pump to the plurality of three-way valves.

In addition, the energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include an inlet three-way valve for branching the cooling water supplied from the pump to the plurality of three-way valves.

The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a plurality of T-type connectors disposed in an outlet passage through which coolant passing through the battery cooling plates comes out.

The opening of the valve may be changed to supply more coolant to a battery cooling plate corresponding to a battery pack with a high temperature.

The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a battery manager that monitors status information of the plurality of battery packs, and an opening degree of the valve may be adjusted according to control of the battery manager.

An energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power converter that converts electrical characteristics for charging or discharging the plurality of battery packs; It may further include a battery manager that monitors status information of the plurality of battery packs, and a casing that forms a space where the plurality of battery packs, the power converter, and the battery manager are disposed.

The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure further includes a power manager that controls the valve and the power converter, and the power manager may be disposed in enclosures outside the casing. Alternatively, the opening degree of the valve may be adjusted according to control of the battery manager.

The energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may further include a heat dissipation fan that supplies external air to the heat exchanger.

The valve includes a T-type connector connected to battery cooling plates disposed on both sides of a first battery pack disposed at the top of the plurality of battery packs, and a second battery pack disposed below the first battery pack. A first valve that controls the flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector connected to the battery cooling plates disposed on both sides, and a third battery pack disposed below the second battery pack. The flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector connected to the battery cooling plates and the T-type connector connected to the battery cooling plates disposed on both sides of the fourth battery pack disposed below the third battery pack are determined. It may include a second valve for controlling.

According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the battery temperature can be stably managed.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the temperature difference between battery packs can be effectively reduced.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the reliability of cooling performance can be improved by consistently managing the distribution of coolant for cooling battery packs.

Additionally, according to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an advantage that individual maintenance of the battery packs and the cooling configuration is easy.

Meanwhile, various other effects will be disclosed directly or implicitly in the detailed description according to embodiments of the present disclosure to be described later.

1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of an energy supply system including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a home energy service system including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage device including a plurality of battery packs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4a is a side view of a battery pack, a battery cooling plate, and a coolant flow path combined according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 4b is a side view of the battery pack, battery cooling plate, and coolant flow path combined according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack, a battery cooling plate, and a coolant flow path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 7 is a diagram referenced in the description of the temperature deviation of battery packs.
8 is a conceptual diagram of a cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 9 is a diagram referenced in the description of simultaneous battery cooling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method of operating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
11A to 18B are diagrams referenced in the description of battery distribution cooling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
19 is a conceptual diagram of a cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and can of course be modified into various forms.

In the drawings, parts not related to the description are omitted in order to clearly and briefly explain the present disclosure, and identical or extremely similar parts are denoted by the same drawing reference numerals throughout the specification.

Meanwhile, the suffixes “module” and “part” for components used in the following description are simply given in consideration of the ease of writing this specification, and do not give any particularly important meaning or role in and of themselves. Accordingly, the terms “module” and “unit” may be used interchangeably.

Additionally, in this specification, terms such as first and second may be used to describe various elements, but these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

The top (U), bottom (D), left (Le), right (Ri), front (F), and back (R) used in the drawings are used to describe the battery pack and the energy storage device including the battery pack. This can be set differently depending on the standard.

1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of an energy supply system including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the energy supply system includes an energy storage device 1 based on a battery 35 in which electrical energy is stored, a load 7 as a power demand source, and a system provided as an external power supply source ( 9) may be included.

The energy storage device 1 includes a battery 35 that stores (charges) electrical energy received from the system 9, etc. in direct current (DC) form or outputs (discharges) the stored electrical energy to the system 9, etc.; A power converter 32 (PCS: Power Conditioning System) that converts electrical characteristics (e.g., AC/DC interconversion, frequency, voltage) to charge or discharge the battery 35, and the current of the battery 35 , includes a battery manager 34 (BMS: Battery Management System) that monitors and manages information such as voltage and temperature.

The system 9 may include power generation facilities and transmission lines that produce power. The load 7 is a consumer that consumes power and may include home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, TVs, robot vacuum cleaners, robots, and mobile electronic devices such as vehicles and drones.

The energy storage device 1 can store power from the outside in the battery 35 and then output the power to the outside. For example, the energy storage device 1 can receive direct current or alternating current power from the outside, store it in the battery 35, and then output direct current or alternating current power to the outside.

Meanwhile, since the battery 35 mainly stores direct current power, the energy storage device 1 receives direct current power or converts the received alternating current power into direct current power and stores it in the battery 35. The stored direct current power can be converted into alternating current power and supplied to the system 9 or load 7.

At this time, the power converter 32 in the energy storage device 1 performs power conversion and voltage charges the battery 35, or transfers direct current power stored in the battery 35 to the system 9 or the load 7. can be supplied.

The energy storage device 1 can charge the battery 35 based on power supplied from the system and discharge the battery 35 when necessary. For example, in emergency situations such as a power outage, or during times, days, or seasons when the price of electric energy supplied from the system 9 is high, the electric energy stored in the battery 35 can be supplied to the load 7.

The energy storage device 1 has the advantage of being able to improve the safety and convenience of renewable energy generation by storing electrical energy generated from renewable energy sources such as solar energy, and can be used as an emergency power source. In addition, by using the energy storage device 1, it is possible to level loads with large fluctuations depending on time of day and season, and save energy consumption and costs.

The battery manager 34 can measure the temperature, current, voltage, charge amount, etc. of the battery 35 and monitor the state of the battery 35. Additionally, the battery manager 34 can control and manage the operating environment of the battery 35 to optimize it based on the status information of the battery 35.

Meanwhile, the energy storage device 1 may include a power manager 31a (PMS: Power Management System) that controls the power converter 32.

The power manager 31a may perform the function of monitoring and controlling the status of the battery 35 and the power converter 32. The power manager 31a may be a controller that controls the overall operation of the energy storage device 1.

The power converter 32 can control power distribution of the battery 35 according to control commands from the power manager 31a. The power converter 32 can convert power according to the connection status of the system 9, the power generation means such as solar power, the battery 35, and the load 7.

Meanwhile, the power manager 31a can receive status information of the battery 35 from the battery manager 34. Control commands can be transmitted to the power converter 32 and the battery manager 34.

The power manager 31a may include communication means such as a Wi-Fi communication module and memory. Various information necessary for the operation of the energy storage device 1 may be stored in the memory. Depending on the embodiment, the power manager 31a may include a plurality of switches and control the power supply path.

The power manager 31a and/or the battery manager 34 may use various known SOC methods such as a current integration method and a state of charge (SOC) calculation method based on open circuit voltage (OCV). The SOC of the battery 35 can be calculated using a calculation technique. If the charge amount of the battery 35 exceeds the maximum charge amount, the battery may overheat and operate irreversibly. Likewise, if the charge amount is below the minimum charge amount, the battery may deteriorate and become unrecoverable. The power manager 31a and/or the battery manager 34 can control the optimal use area and maximum input/output power by monitoring the internal temperature and charge amount of the battery 35 in real time.

The power manager 31a may operate under the control of the energy manager 31b (EMS: Energy Management System), which is a higher-level controller. The power manager 31a can control the energy storage device 1 by receiving commands from the energy manager 31b, and can transmit the status of the energy storage device 1 to the energy manager 31b. The energy manager 31b may be provided in the energy storage device 1 or in a higher-level system of the energy storage device 1.

The energy manager 31b can receive information such as rate information, power usage, and environmental information, and control the energy storage device 1 according to the user's energy production, storage, and consumption patterns. The energy manager 31b may be provided as an operating system for monitoring and controlling the power manager 31a.

The controller that controls the overall operation of the energy storage device 1 may include the power manager 31a and/or the energy manager 31b. Depending on the embodiment, either the power manager 31a or the energy manager 31b may perform the other function. Additionally, the power manager 31a and the energy manager 31b may be integrated into one controller and provided as one unit.

Meanwhile, the installed capacity of the energy storage device 1 varies depending on the customer's installation conditions, and can be expanded to the required capacity by connecting a plurality of power converters 32 and batteries 35.

The energy storage device 1 may be connected to at least one power generation device (see 3 in FIG. 2) separately from the system 9. The power generation device 3 is a wind power generator that outputs direct current power, a hydroelectric power generator that outputs direct current power using water power, a tidal power generator that outputs direct current power using tidal power, or a power generator that uses heat such as geothermal heat. It may include a thermal power generation device that outputs direct current power. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, the description will focus on the solar power generation device as the power generation device 3.

Figure 2 is a conceptual diagram of a home energy service system including an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the energy storage device 1 may be connected to a system 9 such as a power plant 8, a power generation device such as a solar power generator 3, and a plurality of loads 7x1 and 7y1.

Electrical energy generated by the solar generator 3 can be converted in the PV inverter 4 and supplied to the system 9, the energy storage device 1, and the loads 7x1 and 7y1. As explained with reference to FIG. 3, depending on the installation type, the electrical energy generated by the solar generator 3 is converted in the energy storage device 1 and distributed to the system 9, the energy storage device 1, and the loads (7x1). , 7y1) may also be supplied.

Meanwhile, the energy storage device 1 is equipped with one or more wireless communication modules and can communicate with the terminal 6. The user can monitor and control the status of the energy storage device 1 and the home energy service system through the terminal 6. Additionally, the home energy service system can provide cloud (5)-based services. The user can monitor and control the status of the home energy service system by communicating with the cloud (5) through the terminal (6) regardless of location.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the above-described battery 35, battery manager 34, and power converter 32 may be disposed inside one casing 12. The battery 35, battery manager 34, and power converter 32, which are integrated into one casing 12, can store and convert power and can be called an all-in-one energy storage device 1a. .

In addition, separate enclosures (1b) outside the casing (12) include components for power distribution such as a power manager (31a), an automatic transfer switch (ATS), a smart meter, and switches, and terminals (6). ), a communication module for communication with the cloud 5, etc. may be deployed. A configuration in which components related to power distribution and management are integrated into one enclosure (1) may be named a smart energy box (1b).

The above-described power manager 31a can be accommodated in the smart energy box 1b. A controller that controls the overall power supply connection of the energy storage device 1 may be placed in the smart energy box 1b. The controller may be the power manager 31a described above.

In addition, the smart energy box (1b) accommodates switches, connected to the grid power * (8, 9), a solar generator (3), a battery (35) of the all-in-one energy storage device (1a), and loads (7x1, You can control the connection status of 7y1). Loads 7x1 and 7y1 may be connected to the smart energy box 1b through load panels 7x2 and 7y2.

Meanwhile, the smart energy box (1b) is connected to the grid power sources (8, 9) and the solar generator (3). In addition, when a power outage occurs in the systems 8 and 9, an automatic transfer switch (ATS) is switched so that the electric energy produced by the solar generator 3 or stored in the battery 35 is supplied to a predetermined load 7y1. ) can be placed in the smart energy box (1b).

Alternatively, the power manager 31a may perform the automatic transfer switch (ATS) function. For example, when a power outage occurs in the systems 8 and 9, the power manager 31a is configured to transfer the electrical energy produced by the solar generator 3 or stored in the battery 35 to a predetermined load (7y1). ), you can control switches such as relays to supply power.

Meanwhile, current sensors, smart meters, etc. may be placed in each current supply path. The electricity produced through the energy storage device (1) and the solar generator (3) can be measured and managed through a smart meter (at least a current sensor).

The energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes at least an all-in-one energy storage device 1a. In addition, the energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an all-in-one energy storage device 1a and a smart energy box 1b, thereby enabling simple and efficient storage, supply, distribution, communication, and control of power. We can provide integrated services that can be performed through .

Meanwhile, the energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may operate in multiple operation modes. In the PV self-consumption mode, solar power generation power is first used in the load, and the remaining power is stored in the energy storage device (1). For example, if the solar generator 3 generates more power than the usage of the loads 7x1 and 7y1 during the day, the battery 35 is charged.

In the rate-based charge/discharge mode, four time zones can be set and input, and the battery 35 can be discharged during times when electricity rates are high and the battery 35 can be charged during times when electricity rates are low. The energy storage device 1 can help users save on electricity bills through a rate-based charge/discharge mode.

Backup-only mode is a mode to prepare for emergency situations such as power outages. When a typhoon is predicted in the weather forecast or there is a possibility of other power outages, the battery (35) is charged to the maximum and supplied as an essential load (7y1) in an emergency. It can operate with the highest priority.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an energy storage device including a plurality of battery packs according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 3, the energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of battery packs 10 arranged in a vertical direction, and a casing that forms a space where the plurality of battery packs 10 are arranged. (12), including a door 28 that opens and closes the front of the casing 12.

The casing 12 may have a front opening. The casing 12 includes a casing rear wall 14 covering the rear, a pair of casing side walls 20 extending forward from both ends of the casing rear wall 14, and a pair of casing side walls 20 extending forward from the top of the casing rear wall 14. It may include a casing top wall 24 extending forward, and a casing base 26 extending forward from the bottom of the casing rear wall 14. The casing rear wall 14 includes a pack fastening portion 16 formed to be fastened to the battery pack 10.

Switches 22a and 22b that turn on/off the power of the energy storage device 1 may be disposed on one of the pair of casing side walls 20. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the first switch 22a and the second switch 22b are disposed, and the power is turned on only by the switching combination of the first and second switches 22a and 22b, so that the energy storage device 1 is turned on. Safety can be strengthened.

Inside the casing 12, a power converter 32 (PCS: Power Conditioning System), which converts the characteristics of electricity for charging or discharging the battery, is included in the battery pack 10 and/or the battery pack 10. A battery management system (BMS) that monitors information such as current, voltage, and temperature of battery cells may be deployed.

The power converter 32 includes a circuit board 33 and a switching element 33a (for example, an insulated gate bipolar transistor; IGBT) may be included.

The battery manager 34 is disposed inside the battery pack circuit board (not shown) and the casing 12 disposed in each of the plurality of battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and includes the plurality of battery pack circuit boards and communication lines ( It may include a main circuit board (34a) connected to (not shown).

The main circuit board 34a may be connected to the battery pack circuit board 220 disposed in each of the plurality of battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d through a communication line. The main circuit board 34a may be connected to a power line (not shown) extending from the battery pack 10.

A plurality of battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d are disposed inside the casing 12. A plurality of battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d may be arranged in a vertical direction. Each of the plurality of battery packs 10 is fixedly disposed in the casing 12. Each of the plurality of battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is fastened to the pack fastening portion 16 disposed on the rear casing wall 14.

Each battery pack 10 may include at least one battery module (not shown) including a plurality of battery cells connected in series or parallel. For example, the battery pack 10 may include a battery module assembly (not shown) consisting of two battery modules (not shown) that are electrically connected to each other and physically fixed. The battery module assembly may include a first battery module and a second battery module arranged to face each other. The first and second battery modules each include a sensing board (not shown) that senses information about a plurality of battery cells, and the battery pack circuit board collects sensing information of the first and second battery modules from the sensing board. It can be transmitted to the battery manager 34.

The energy storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes internal components such as a battery 35 capable of storing electricity, a power converter 32 responsible for the input and output of the battery 35, and the battery 35. Includes a thermal management system to regulate temperature.

The ESS thermal management system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure recovers waste heat generated from the battery 35, power converter 32, reactor, etc. when the system is driven, and discharges the recovered waste heat to the outside to heat the battery 35, It is a water-cooled temperature control system to improve system efficiency by reducing the temperature of the power converter 32. When using an existing air-cooled thermal management system, heat recovery efficiency is low, so the temperature of each component in the system may be high. When the temperature of the battery is kept stable within a certain temperature range when charging and discharging the battery, the charging and discharging speed within the battery increases, which has the advantage of increasing battery use efficiency.

According to the present disclosure, as a thermal management system, the energy storage device 1 includes a cooling module 40 that cools internal components such as the battery pack 10 and the PCS board 33. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cooling module 40 can cool the battery pack 10, the PCS board 33, etc. using a water cooling method.

For example, a battery cooling plate 50 is disposed in response to each battery pack 10, and coolant circulates between the cooling module 40 and the battery cooling plate 50 along the coolant flow path 60 to cool the battery pack. (10) can be cooled. The coolant flow path 60 includes an inlet flow path 60b through which coolant flows from the cooling module 40 into the battery cooling plate 50, and an outlet flow path through which coolant is discharged from the battery cooling plate 50 to the cooling module 40 ( 60a) may be included.

Considering the problems of coolant supply and leakage, a coolant with insulation performance is applied, and a coolant that can be used even at low temperatures is more preferable.

The cooling module 40 includes a pump for circulating coolant, a heat exchanger for discharging waste heat recovered during system operation through heat exchange with the air, and the coolant heated according to waste heat recovery is cooled to the minimum ambient temperature and circulated. You can do it.

The cooling module 40 is supported by a plate 41 and can be in contact with a PCS board, etc. through the plate 41.

The thermal management system includes a battery-side water block (battery cooling plate 50), a PCS-side water block, a reactor-side water block, etc. to cool each part other than the cooling module 40.

The battery-side water blocks are configured to increase proportionally according to the number of battery modules applied, and are configured so that the normal coolant flow rate is supplied equally to each water block.

The water block, which is composed of each heating element part, has coolant flowing inside it and is configured to recover waste heat through surface contact with the heating element. In order to efficiently operate the thermal management system, a temperature sensor is placed at the rear end of the water block for each component to detect the outlet water temperature.

In addition, the thermal management system applies a valve to switch the coolant flow path as needed, and the flow rate of the fluid supplied to each heating unit is variable, thereby controlling the temperature of the heating unit to maintain the temperature within the target temperature range. can do.

The power manager 31a or the battery manager 34 may be a controller that also controls the thermal management system. Alternatively, the thermal management system may have a separate controller. Sensing information such as temperature sensors is transmitted to the controller, and the controller can control the operation mode of the thermal management system and the operation (opening/closing, opening degree control) of the pump, fan, and valve.

When the condition is to preheat the parts within the stem, some power is consumed by controlling the reactive power of the PCS without using the heat exchanger by controlling the open/close valve (ex, 1-way valve) placed on the coolant inlet side of the heat exchanger. Heat is generated, and the waste heat generated at this time is recovered to preheat the battery. The battery preheated through this control increases the battery charge capacity and charging speed, allowing the ESS system to be operated more efficiently. In this way, the ESS thermal management system can expand the operating range of the system by improving the battery operating range and charging speed through cooling in high temperature conditions and preheating in low temperature conditions.

In the case of household ESS products, four operating modes can be configured depending on operating conditions.

The first operating mode is PCS and battery cooling mode. PCS and battery cooling mode is when heat is generated from the PCS, battery, and reactor due to the use of ESS batteries. The waste heat generated from each heating part can be recovered and released into the atmosphere through a heat exchanger.

The second operation mode is a low outdoor temperature operation and standby mode, and is a PCS cooling and battery heating mode to cool the battery with coolant heated through heat generation from the PCS. The heat exchanger is not used in PCS cooling and battery heating modes.

The third operation mode is a battery-only cooling mode to improve battery efficiency by cooling the battery module when only the PCS is cooled after the end of normal operation. The battery exclusive cooling mode is an operation mode for additional battery cooling when only the PCS with a small thermal mass is cooled early at the end of system operation.

The fourth operation mode is PCS exclusive cooling mode. The PCS exclusive cooling mode is an operation mode mainly used to cool the PCS when the operation time is short or the output is low, so the battery generates little heat, but only the PCS generates high heat.

Below, with reference to the drawings, a thermal management system for battery cooling will be described in detail.

Figure 4a is a side view of a battery pack, a battery cooling plate, and a coolant flow path combined according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and Figure 4b is a side view of a battery pack, a battery cooling plate, and a coolant flow path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. This is the other side view in the combined state.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of a battery pack, a battery cooling plate, and a coolant flow path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 4A, 4B, and 5, the energy storage device includes a plurality of battery packs 10 arranged in the vertical direction, and a plurality of battery cooling plates arranged corresponding to each battery pack 10 ( 50), a cooling module 40, a flow path 60 through which coolant circulates, and valves 70a and 70b disposed in the flow path 60 to control the flow rate and flow direction of the coolant.

The cooling module 40 includes a pump (see 42 in FIG. 8) that flows the coolant and a heat exchanger (see 43 in FIG. 8) that exchanges heat with the coolant flowing by the pump 42 with air. Additionally, the cooling module 40 may include a heat dissipation fan (see 44 in FIG. 8) that supplies external air to the heat exchanger 43.

Due to the operation of the pump 42, the coolant flows into the battery cooling plate 50 along the flow path 60 and absorbs heat generated from the battery pack 10. The coolant passing through the battery cooling plate 50 exchanges heat in the heat exchanger 43, and heat is released into the atmosphere.

The controller operates the pump 42 as needed to circulate the coolant. The heat generated in the battery pack 10 is absorbed by exchanging heat with the coolant, and the heat is released by exchanging heat with the atmosphere again using the heat exchanger 43 and the heat dissipation fan 44.

The valves 70a and 70b are flow control valves that switch the coolant flow. The valves 70a and 70b may be opened and closed to send the coolant flowing by the pump 42 to the battery cooling plate 50 corresponding to at least one battery pack 10. More preferably, the valves 70a and 70b are configured to adjust the opening degree, so that the supply amount of coolant can also be controlled.

The plurality of battery cooling plates 50 include a front cooling plate (50f1, 50f2, 50f3, 50f4) and a rear cooling plate disposed at the front and rear of the corresponding battery pack (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d), respectively. Includes (50b1, 50b2, 50b3, 50b4). In addition, the front cooling plates 50f1, 50f2, 50f3, and 50f4 and the rear cooling plates 50b1, 50b2, 50b3, and 50b4 are connected to a connector 80 that distributes coolant. For example, the connector 80 may be a T-type connector 80.

Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 5, a first front cooling plate (50f1) is disposed on the front of the first battery pack (10a), and a first rear cooling plate (50f1) is disposed on the rear of the first battery pack (10a). 50b1) is disposed, and the first front cooling plate 50f1 and the first rear cooling plate 50b1 are connected through one T-shaped connector 81, 80.

In addition, a second front cooling plate 50f2 is disposed on the front of the second battery pack 10b, and a second rear cooling plate 50b2 is disposed on the rear of the second battery pack 10b. The cooling plate 50f2 and the second rear cooling plate 50b2 are connected through one T-shaped connector 82 (80).

In addition, a third front cooling plate 50f3 is disposed on the front of the third battery pack 10c, and a third rear cooling plate 50b3 is disposed on the rear of the third battery pack 10c. The cooling plate 50f3 and the third rear cooling plate 50b3 are connected through one T-shaped connector 83 (80).

In addition, a fourth front cooling plate 50f4 is disposed on the front of the fourth battery pack 10d, and a fourth rear cooling plate 50b4 is disposed on the rear of the fourth battery pack 10d. The cooling plate 50f4 and the fourth rear cooling plate 50b4 are connected through one T-shaped connector 84 (80).

The plurality of battery cooling plates 50 are disposed on both sides of the plurality of battery packs 10 in the longitudinal direction, and the valves 70a and 70b and the T-type connector 80 are disposed on the plurality of battery packs 10. It can be placed on the width direction side of .

The valves 70a and 70b are each connected to two or more T-type connectors 80 and can control the flow rate and direction of the coolant. The valves 70a and 70b may be three-way valves. That is, the valves 70a and 70b may include a plurality of three-way valves 70a and 70b connected to two or more T-type connectors 80. The valves 70a and 70b may include a first valve 70a and a second valve 70b.

The first valve 70a includes a T-type connector 81 connected to the battery cooling plates 50f1 and 50b1 disposed on both sides of the first battery pack 10a, and the second battery pack 10b. The flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector 82 connected to the battery cooling plates 50f2 and 50b2 disposed on both sides can be adjusted. That is, the first valve 70a can control whether to supply coolant to the first battery pack 10a and the second battery pack 10b and the flow rate of the supplied coolant.

The second valve 70b includes a T-type connector 83 connected to the battery cooling plates 50f3 and 50b3 disposed on both sides of the third battery pack 10c, and the fourth battery pack 10d. The flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector 84 connected to the battery cooling plates 50f4 and 50b4 disposed on both sides can be adjusted. That is, the first valve 70a can control whether to supply coolant to the third battery pack 10c and the fourth battery pack 10d and the flow rate of the supplied coolant.

The T-type connector 80 may each include one inlet port and two outlet ports. The T-type connector 80 has an inlet port connected to the flow path on the valve (70a, 70b) side, and two outlet ports connected to the front cooling plate (50f1, 50f2, 50f3, 50f4) and the rear cooling plate (50b1, 50b2, 50b3). , 50b4) is connected to the side passage. The T-type connector 80 can evenly distribute the coolant supplied from the cooling module 40 to the front cooling plates 50f1, 50f2, 50f3, and 50f4 and the rear cooling plates 50b1, 50b2, 50b3, and 50b4.

The thermal management system according to the present disclosure may further include inlet T-type connectors 85 and 80 that branch the cooling water supplied from the pump 42 to the plurality of three-way valves 70a and 70b. The inlet T-type connector 85 can evenly distribute coolant to the plurality of three-way valves 70a and 70b.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the battery pack 10 is manufactured in a module form, and battery cooling plates 50 are attached to the front and back of the battery pack 10. The battery cooling plate 50 is made of aluminum and has one inlet and outlet. Since two cooling plates 50 are attached to one battery pack 10, there are two inlets/outlets, which are connected with a T-type connector 80 to form one inlet/outlet. Connect the three-way valves (70a, 70b) to the inlet and outlet of the two battery packs and connect them again to the T-type connector (85) to connect a total of four battery packs (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, using the T-type connector 80, the coolant flowing toward each modular battery pack (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) can be placed in a branch shape and the coolant can be uniformly supplied.

The energy storage device 1 according to the present disclosure constitutes a battery module by electrically connecting battery cells, and electrically connects a plurality of battery packs 10, each including one or more battery modules, to generate large voltage and current. It includes a battery 35 in the form of a module that generates. Therefore, if there is a deviation in the cooling performance of the plurality of battery packs 10, it leads to a decrease in overall performance and there is a risk of explosion or fire due to thermal runaway, so each battery pack 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d Forms a basic cooling structure to distribute coolant evenly.

In the form of stacking the battery packs (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) in the vertical direction, when the internal heat rises, the battery packs (10b, 10c) located in the middle have difficulty dissipating heat in the form of radiation and are the most exposed due to convection. Heat may accumulate in the battery pack 10a above, and temperature differences may occur for each battery pack 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature can be managed for each battery pack (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) by adjusting the opening degrees of the valves (70a, 70b).

The battery pack (10) has two cooling plates (50) attached to the front and back, respectively, and coolant is supplied to each battery pack (10) using valves (70a, 70b) and T-type connectors (80) that connect each in parallel. Adjust the flow rate.

Meanwhile, a plurality of T-shaped connectors 80 are disposed in the outlet flow path through which the coolant passing through the battery cooling plates 50 comes out, so that the coolant can join and circulate in the cooling module 40.

The coolant supplied through the coolant inlet (60b) is branched upward and downward from the inlet T-type connector (85), and is branched again at the first and second valves (70a, 70b) to be supplied to each battery pack (10). . The opening degrees of the first and second valves 70a and 70b can be adjusted, so the flow rate of coolant flowing into each battery pack 10 can be adjusted.

The controller can maintain temperature balance by detecting temperature deviations that occur when charging/discharging the battery packs (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) and increasing the coolant flow rate where necessary. According to the control of the controller, the opening degree of the valves 70a and 70b may be changed so that more coolant is supplied to the battery cooling plate 50 corresponding to the battery pack 10 with a high temperature. The modular battery pack 10 has the same voltage and current values. However, the degree of cooling required may vary depending on partial replacement or usage, and if this is managed to the maximum or minimum value, it is difficult to operate the energy storage device (1) under optimal temperature conditions. Accordingly, Embodiment O of the present disclosure is configured to enable temperature control for each battery pack 10. According to the present disclosure, efficient use of the ESS system is possible because cooling is possible corresponding to the temperature distribution of the battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d.

Depending on the embodiment, the controller that adjusts the opening degrees of the valves 70a and 70b may be one of the battery manager 34, the power converter 32, and the power manager 31a. Alternatively, the energy storage device 1 may be equipped with a separate dedicated controller that controls the thermal management system.

The battery packs (10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d) can be replaced with the valves (70a, 70b) closed to minimize the outflow of coolant. Accordingly, each battery pack (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d) can be replaced. Therefore, according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, there is an advantage that maintenance of the modular battery pack 10 is easier by using the valves 70a and 70b.

Figure 6 is a flowchart of a method of operating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 6, when the energy storage device 1 is turned on, the controller checks the operating conditions (S610), and the battery manager 34 detects the battery pack temperature (S620).

The controller determines whether cooling is necessary (S630) and adjusts the coolant flow rate based on the detected battery pack temperature (S640). For example, the controller determines whether the detected battery pack 10 temperature is confirmed (S640). Cooling can be determined to be necessary depending on whether the temperature is outside the operating condition's temperature range or whether a temperature deviation occurs.

Figure 7 is a diagram referenced in the description of the temperature deviation of battery packs.

Figure 7(a) illustrates a case where no temperature deviation occurs in the first to fourth battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d and they are operated in an optimal temperature range. Figure 7 (b) illustrates a case where the second battery pack 10b is overheated due to high temperature, and the efficiency of the third battery pack 10c is reduced due to low temperature, thereby reducing overall performance. In this case, if the entire system is cooled based on the high temperature of the second battery pack 10b, system performance will be further reduced. Therefore, it is desirable to solve the temperature deviation and overheating condition by supplying coolant only to the second battery pack 10b or by increasing the coolant supplied to the second battery pack 10b.

If there is a temperature imbalance in the plurality of battery packs 10 arranged in the vertical direction, the temperature deviation can be adjusted by changing the flow rate by adjusting the opening degree of the T-type connection valves 70a and 70b. Temperature can be managed for each battery pack (10) by adjusting the valves (70a, 70b) as needed. In addition, by blocking the intermediate valves 70a and 70b when replacing the battery pack 10, the amount of coolant consumed during the replacement work can be minimized.

When the detected temperature of the battery pack 10 is above the standard value (S630), the controller operates the cooling module 40 to cool the battery pack 10 and changes the temperature of the battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d. The coolant flow rate can be adjusted depending on the degree of distribution (S640).

The controller monitors the detected temperature of the battery pack 10 (S620), and when cooling is no longer needed (S640), it stops the operation of the cooling module 40 and ends cooling (S650).

8 is a conceptual diagram of a cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 8, the structure for cooling the battery pack 10 includes two cooling plates (50f1, 50f2, 50f3, 50f4) (50b1) attached front and rear to each battery pack (10a, 10b, 10c, 10d). , 50b2, 50b3, 50b4), a pump 42 for circulating coolant, valves 70a, 70b for supplying coolant to the required battery packs 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and battery packs 10a, 10b. , 10c, 10d), it consists of a heat exchanger 43 to discharge heat to the outside, and a fan 44 to improve heat exchange performance.

By adjusting the opening degrees of the valves 70a and 70b, simultaneous cooling of the battery in which the coolant is supplied to the cooling plates 50f1, 50f2, 50f3, 50f4 (50b1, 50b2, 50b3, 50b4) and distributed cooling in which the coolant is supplied to only some of the batteries can be performed. You can.

FIG. 9 is a diagram referenced in the description of simultaneous battery cooling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to Figure 9, the coolant entering the inlet (60b) is split into two branches at the first T-shaped connection part (85) and then again connected to the T-type connection valves (70a, 70b) and T-type connection parts (81, 82, 83). , 84) and then supplied to each battery cooling plate (50). The T-shaped basin can prevent coolant distribution from being biased to one side.

Since general battery cooling is done by immersion or sequentially flowing coolant, it is difficult to respond to individual exothermic reactions. Moreover, if the batteries are aligned vertically, like in a home EES, the internal heat collects at the top due to convection, or the battery pack placed in the middle receives radiant heat from both the top and bottom, making heat management even more disadvantageous. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, if temperature control of individual battery packs becomes possible, the above problem can be solved.

Figure 10 is a flowchart of a method of operating an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, when the energy storage device 1 is turned on, the controller checks the operating conditions and determines the battery temperature target suitable for each condition (S1010).

The battery manager 34 measures the temperature for each battery pack 10 (S1020). In an embodiment where the controller is not the battery manager 34, the battery manager 34 transmits the measured temperature data to the controller.

The controller measures the measured temperature of the battery pack 10, obtains the maximum (T_max) and minimum (T_min) (S1030), and performs control appropriate for the deviation (S1040 to S1090).

The embodiment of FIG. 10 shows an example of emergency control when the difference between the maximum (T_max) and minimum (T_min) is large (for example, a temperature difference of 10 degrees or more) and an example of normal control when this is not the case.

If the temperature difference between battery packs is severe (S1040), the valve corresponding to the battery pack with the maximum temperature is opened until the temperature difference is below the standard value (e.g. 10 degrees). At this time, other valves can be set to distribute coolant in a 50:50 ratio (S1090). Looking at the example in (b) of FIG. 7, the opening degree of the first valve 70a corresponding to the second battery pack 10b may be adjusted to distribute 100% of the coolant to the second battery pack 10b. The remaining second valve 70b can equally distribute coolant to the corresponding third battery pack 10c and fourth battery pack 10d.

Meanwhile, if the temperature deviation is below the standard value (S1040), control can be made to reduce the temperature deviation of each battery pack. At this time, the reference temperature may be set differently depending on the operating conditions.

When the temperature (T1) of the first battery pack (10a) is greater than the temperature (T2) of the second battery pack (10b) (S1050), the first valve (70a) supplies more coolant to the first battery pack (10a). Make it as open as possible (S1060). In FIG. 10 , when the first valve 70a is fully opened, coolant is supplied to the first battery pack 10a, and when the first valve 70a is fully closed, coolant is supplied to the second battery pack 10b.

If the temperature (T1) of the first battery pack (10a) is less than the temperature (T2) of the second battery pack (10b) (S1050), the first valve (70a) allows coolant to flow to the second battery pack (10b). It is closed to supply more (S1065).

Additionally, if the temperature T1 of the first battery pack 10a is the same as the temperature T2 of the second battery pack 10b, the opening degree of the first valve 70a is maintained.

If the temperature (T3) of the third battery pack (10c) is greater than the temperature (T4) of the fourth battery pack (10d) (S1070), the second valve (70b) supplies more coolant to the third battery pack (10c). Make it as open as possible (S1080). In FIG. 10 , when the second valve 70b is fully opened, coolant is supplied to the third battery pack 10c, and when the second valve 70b is fully closed, coolant is supplied to the fourth battery pack 10d.

If the temperature (T3) of the third battery pack (10c) is less than the temperature (T4) of the fourth battery pack (10d) (S1070), the second valve (70b) allows coolant to flow to the second battery pack (10b). It is closed to supply more (S1085).

Additionally, when the temperature T3 of the third battery pack 10c is the same as the temperature T4 of the fourth battery pack 10d, the opening degree of the second valve 70b is maintained.

11A to 18B are diagrams referenced in the description of battery distribution cooling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to FIGS. 11A to 14B, when temperature control is required centered on two battery packs, the first and second valves 70a and 70b are controlled to allow more flow to flow to the battery pack that requires a large temperature change. do.

Figures 11A to 14B visually represent temperature control according to the number of each case. Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, when further cooling of the first battery pack 10a and the third battery pack 10c is required, the first valve 70a connects the second battery to the first battery pack 10a. It can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the pack 10b, and the second valve 70b can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the third battery pack 10c than to the fourth battery pack 10d.

Referring to FIGS. 12A and 12B, when further cooling of the first battery pack 10a and the fourth battery pack 10d is required, the first valve 70a connects the second battery to the first battery pack 10a. It can be adjusted so that more coolant is supplied to the pack 10b, and the second valve 70b can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the fourth battery pack 10d than to the third battery pack 10c.

Referring to FIGS. 13A and 13B, when further cooling of the second battery pack 10b and the third battery pack 10c is required, the first valve 70a connects the first battery to the second battery pack 10b. It can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the pack 10a, and the second valve 70b can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the third battery pack 10c than to the fourth battery pack 10d.

Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, when further cooling of the second battery pack 10b and the fourth battery pack 10d is required, the first valve 70a connects the first battery to the second battery pack 10b. It can be adjusted so that more coolant is supplied to the pack 10a, and the second valve 70b can be adjusted to supply more coolant to the fourth battery pack 10d than to the third battery pack 10c.

Figures 15A to 18B show cases where temperature control is required centered on one battery pack. The valve on the side where the battery requiring temperature control is located is sufficiently opened and the other valve is placed in the middle (50:50 distribution). A large flow rate flows towards the valve with the largest opening, which can lead to a large temperature change.

Referring to FIGS. 15A and 15B, when the first battery pack 10a requires more cooling, the first valve 70a supplies more coolant to the first battery pack 10a than to the second battery pack 10b. is adjusted to be supplied, and the opening degree of the second valve 70b can be adjusted to medium.

16A and 16B, when the second battery pack 10b requires more cooling, the first valve 70a supplies more coolant to the second battery pack 10b than to the first battery pack 10a. is adjusted to be supplied, and the opening degree of the second valve 70b can be adjusted to medium.

Referring to FIGS. 17A and 17B, when further cooling of the third battery pack 10c is required, the opening degree of the first valve 70a is adjusted to medium, and the second valve 70b is adjusted to the third battery pack (70c). It can be adjusted so that more coolant is supplied to 10c) than to the fourth battery pack 10d.

Referring to FIGS. 18A and 18B, when further cooling of the fourth battery pack 10d is required, the opening degree of the first valve 70a is adjusted to medium, and the second valve 70b is adjusted to the fourth battery pack (10d). It can be adjusted so that more coolant is supplied to 10d) than to the third battery pack 10c.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a cooling structure according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is the same as the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8 except that the inlet T-type connector 85 is changed to an inlet three-way valve 70c.

The inlet three-way valve 70c not only branches the cooling water supplied from the pump 42 to the plurality of three-way valves 70a and 70b, but also increases the flow rate of the cooling water flowing into the plurality of three-way valves 70a and 70b. It can be controlled precisely.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, in normal times, the cooling water flowing in from the inlet is branched into the T-type connection part 80 and the T-type connection valves 70a, 70b, and 70c to ensure uniform distribution. . Accordingly, it is easy to secure cooling performance by keeping the flow rate of coolant delivered to the battery pack constant.

Additionally, the temperature can be managed by controlling the coolant flow rate for each battery pack through the connection valves (70a, 70b, 70c) applied to each branch point.

In the above, preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, but the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and can be used in the technical field to which the invention pertains without departing from the gist of the present invention as claimed in the patent claims. Of course, various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art, and these modifications should not be understood individually from the technical idea or perspective of the present invention.

1: Energy storage device
10: Battery pack
12: Casing
32: Power converter
34: Battery manager

Claims (13)

A plurality of battery packs arranged in a vertical direction;
A plurality of battery cooling plates arranged in correspondence with each battery pack;
A pump that flows coolant;
a valve that directs the coolant flowing by the pump to a battery cooling plate corresponding to at least one battery pack; and,
It includes a heat exchanger that exchanges heat with air and the coolant flowing by the pump,
The plurality of battery cooling plates include a front cooling plate and a rear cooling plate disposed at the front and rear of the corresponding battery pack, respectively,
An energy storage device in which the front cooling plate and the rear cooling plate are connected to a T-type connector. According to paragraph 1,
The valve is connected to two or more T-type connectors, and is an energy storage device that controls the flow rate and direction of the coolant. According to paragraph 2,
The valve is an energy storage device including a plurality of three-way valves connected to two or more T-type connectors. According to paragraph 3,
An energy storage device further comprising an inlet T-type connector that branches off the cooling water supplied from the pump to the plurality of three-way valves. According to paragraph 3,
An inlet three-way valve that diverges the cooling water supplied from the pump to the plurality of three-way valves. According to paragraph 1,
An energy storage device further comprising a plurality of T-type connectors disposed in an outlet passage through which coolant passing through the battery cooling plates comes out. According to paragraph 1,
The valve is an energy storage device whose opening degree is changed to supply more coolant to a battery cooling plate corresponding to a battery pack with a high temperature. According to paragraph 1,
It further includes a battery manager that monitors status information of the plurality of battery packs,
The valve is an energy storage device whose opening is adjusted according to the control of the battery manager. According to paragraph 1,
a power converter that converts electrical characteristics for charging or discharging the plurality of battery packs;
It further includes a battery manager that monitors status information of the plurality of battery packs,
An energy storage device further comprising a casing forming a space where the plurality of battery packs, the power converter, and the battery manager are disposed. According to clause 9,
It further includes a power manager that controls the valve and the power converter,
The power manager is an energy storage device disposed in enclosures outside the casing. According to clause 9,
The valve is an energy storage device whose opening is adjusted according to the control of the battery manager. According to paragraph 1,
An energy storage device further comprising a heat dissipation fan that supplies external air to the heat exchanger. According to paragraph 1,
The valve is,
A T-type connector connected to battery cooling plates disposed on both sides of a first battery pack disposed at the top of the plurality of battery packs, and disposed on both sides of a second battery pack disposed below the first battery pack. A first valve that regulates the flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector connected to the battery cooling plates, and
A T-type connector connected to battery cooling plates disposed on both sides of the third battery pack disposed below the second battery pack, and disposed on both sides of the fourth battery pack disposed below the third battery pack. An energy storage device including a second valve that controls the flow rate and direction of coolant supplied to the T-type connector connected to the battery cooling plates.

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