Title of the invention: Battery pack, battery rack and power storage device including same
technical field
[One]
The present invention relates to a battery pack, a battery rack including the same, and a power storage device, and more particularly, to a battery pack with increased stability against thermal runaway of a battery module.
[2]
This application is a priority claim application for Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0109047 filed on September 03, 2019, and all contents disclosed in the specification and drawings of the application are incorporated herein by reference.
background
[3]
Currently commercialized secondary batteries include nickel cadmium batteries, nickel hydride batteries, nickel zinc batteries, and lithium secondary batteries. The self-discharge rate is very low and the energy density is high, attracting attention.
[4]
Such a lithium secondary battery mainly uses a lithium-based oxide and a carbon material as a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, respectively. A lithium secondary battery includes an electrode assembly in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate to which the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are applied, respectively, are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween, and an exterior material for sealing and housing the electrode assembly together with an electrolyte, that is, a battery pouch exterior material.
[5]
In recent years, secondary batteries have been widely used not only in small devices such as portable electronic devices, but also in medium and large devices such as automobiles and power storage devices. When used in such a medium-large device, a large number of secondary batteries are electrically connected to increase capacity and output. In particular, a pouch-type secondary battery is widely used in such a medium-to-large device due to the advantage of easy stacking.
[6]
On the other hand, as the need for a large-capacity structure, including its use as an energy storage source, increases in recent years, a plurality of secondary batteries electrically connected in series and/or parallel, and a battery module and battery management system (BMS) accommodating these secondary batteries therein Demand for battery packs with
[7]
In addition, it is common for such a battery pack to have an external housing made of a metal material to protect the plurality of secondary batteries from external shocks or to store and store the secondary batteries. Meanwhile, demand for high-capacity battery packs is increasing recently.
[8]
However, the battery pack or battery rack of the prior art includes a plurality of battery modules, and when some of the plurality of secondary batteries of each battery module generate thermal runaway, ignite or explode, heat or In some cases, the flame is transmitted to cause a secondary explosion, and efforts are being made to prevent secondary ignition or explosion.
[9]
Accordingly, when thermal runaway occurs in some secondary cells in a battery pack or battery rack, a fast and complete fire extinguishing technique is required to take immediate action. In contrast, in the prior art, as a countermeasure against thermal runaway of the battery module, a method of cooling or extinguishing the battery module through the control of the battery management system (BMS) was used.
[10]
However, in this cooling or extinguishing method through the control of the BMS, there were cases in which external power was not supplied to the BMS, or the cooling or extinguishing of the battery module in which thermal runaway occurred due to a defect or malfunction of the BMS did not work. Therefore, if the BMS is inoperable state, there is a need for fire protection measures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
technical challenge
[11]
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 with improved stability against thermal runaway of a battery module.
[12]
Other objects and advantages of the present invention may be understood by the following description, and will be more clearly understood by the examples of the present invention. It will also be readily apparent that the objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized by the means and combinations thereof indicated in the claims.
means of solving the problem
[13]
The battery pack according to the present invention for achieving the above object,
[14]
at least one battery module having a plurality of battery cells and a module housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells;
[15]
at least one thermoelectric module configured to be located outside or inside the module housing of the battery module and generating a voltage when the battery module rises above a predetermined temperature; and
[16]
and an energy consumption unit configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module.
[17]
In addition, the module housing may be provided with at least one exposure hole perforated so that the inside and the outside communicate with each other, and the thermoelectric module may be positioned to face the exposure hole.
[18]
Moreover, the thermoelectric module,
[19]
a thermoelectric leg consisting of a p-type leg and an n-type leg;
[20]
an electrode connecting the p-type leg and the n-type leg; and
[21]
A high-temperature side substrate and a low-temperature side substrate may be provided in a plate shape and disposed on the lower and upper portions to electrically insulate the electrode from the outside.
[22]
And, the thermoelectric module is located outside the module housing,
[23]
At least a portion of the high-temperature side substrate may be inserted into the exposure hole.
[24]
Furthermore, the module housing is provided with a receiving groove inserted in the inner direction to accommodate the thermoelectric module,
[25]
In the thermoelectric module mounted in the receiving groove, the low-temperature-side substrate may be positioned above the receiving groove.
[26]
In addition, the energy consuming unit,
[27]
An external short circuit configured to be electrically connected to an external power terminal of the battery module to consume power of the battery module when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module.
[28]
Moreover, the external short circuit is
[29]
a drain unit configured to dissipate power supplied from the battery module; and
[30]
At least one operation switch configured to electrically connect between the battery module and the resistor when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied may be provided.
[31]
And, the external short circuit,
[32]
The thermoelectric module may further include a changeover switch which is turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module to turn on the operation switch by supplying power of the battery module to the operation switch.
[33]
Further, the operation switch,
[34]
a positive electrode connecting portion electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module;
[35]
a negative connection part electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module;
[36]
a connection bar configured to be electrically connectable between the positive connection part and the negative electrode connection part; and
[37]
A moving member configured to move the connecting bar so that the connecting bar is in contact between the positive connecting portion and the negative connecting portion when a power greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied to the changeover switch.
[38]
In addition, the moving member,
[39]
a heating element whose temperature rises above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch;
[40]
a phase change member having one end connected to the heating element and the other end connected to the connecting bar, the phase change member changing from a solid state to a liquid state at the predetermined temperature or higher; and
[41]
One end is connected to the connection bar and the other end is connected to the heating element, and when the phase change member is phase-changed to a liquid state, it may include a pressing spring configured to press and move the connection bar.
[42]
Moreover, the moving member,
[43]
a heating element whose temperature rises above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch; and
[44]
One end is connected to the heating element, the other end is connected to the connecting bar, the volume expansion above a predetermined temperature may be provided with an expansion unit configured to move the connecting bar.
[45]
And, the external short circuit,
[46]
an auxiliary battery capable of supplying a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage; and
[47]
The thermoelectric module may further include a changeover switch that turns on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module to turn on the operation switch by supplying a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage of the auxiliary battery to the operation switch.
[48]
In addition, the operation switch may be a transistor switch configured to electrically connect between the battery module and the resistor when electricity of a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module.
[49]
Furthermore, the battery rack according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes a battery pack, and a rack case for accommodating the battery pack.
[50]
And, the power storage device according to the present invention for achieving the above object includes at least one or more of the battery rack.
Effects of the Invention
[51]
According to one aspect of the present invention, the battery pack of the present invention includes an energy consuming unit configured to discharge the battery module when the battery module rises above a predetermined temperature and a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module. Unlike the active method of consuming the energy of the battery module using a sensor or smoke sensor, a passive method of consuming the energy of the battery module by increasing the voltage of the thermoelectric module according to the temperature change of the battery module can be used. have. Accordingly, in the present invention, since it is possible to use both an active method and a passive method, when thermal runaway or explosion of the battery module occurs, it is possible to cope with it with high reliability.
[52]
In addition, according to an aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, the battery pack of the present invention has an exposing hole so that the inside and the outside of the battery module communicate with each other, so that the thermoelectric module can effectively receive the internal heat of the battery module. , the energy consuming unit may be activated to discharge the battery module as the energy consuming unit responds quickly to the temperature change of the battery module. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack can be effectively improved.
[53]
Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the battery module of the present invention has a receiving groove inserted in the inner direction to accommodate the thermoelectric module in the provided module housing, so that the thermoelectric module does not protrude to the outside of the battery module. , it is possible to avoid the interference or collision of the thermoelectric module with an external object. Accordingly, damage to the thermoelectric module may be prevented, and durability of the battery pack may be increased.
[54]
And, according to another aspect of the present invention, the energy consuming unit of the present invention includes a drain unit for consuming power of the battery module and an external short circuit having at least one or more operation switches, so that the thermoelectric module transmits a predetermined or more As the operation switch electrically connects the battery module and the drain part by voltage, the power of the battery module can be effectively consumed. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the fire of the battery module of the battery pack from spreading or getting bigger.
[55]
Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, the energy consuming unit of the present invention is turned on when a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module, and as the power of the battery module is supplied to the operation switch, the switching switch for turning on the operation switch By further including, the operation switch electrically connects the battery module and the resistor by a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage transmitted by the battery module, thereby inducing an external short circuit with high reliability. Accordingly, power of the battery module can be effectively consumed.
Brief description of the drawing
[56]
The following drawings attached to this specification illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention, and serve to further understand the technical spirit of the present invention together with the detailed description of the present invention to be described later, so the present invention is described in such drawings should not be construed as being limited to
[57]
1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[58]
2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of internal components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[59]
3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a thermoelectric module that is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[60]
4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a vertical cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module that is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[61]
5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[62]
6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[63]
7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the battery pack of FIG. 6 is cut along line CC'.
[64]
8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[65]
9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[66]
10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[67]
11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[68]
12 and 13 are diagrams schematically showing the operation of the internal configuration of the operation switch of the external short circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[69]
14 and 15 are diagrams schematically showing the operation of the internal configuration of the operation switch of the external short circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[70]
16 is a front view schematically illustrating a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Modes for carrying out the invention
[71]
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 the present specification and claims should not be construed as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, and the inventor should properly understand the concept of the term in order to best describe his invention. Based on the principle that it can be defined, it should be interpreted as meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of ​​the present invention.
[72]
Therefore, the configuration shown in the embodiments and drawings described in the present specification is only the most preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not represent all of the technical spirit of the present invention, so at the time of the present application, various It should be understood that there may be equivalents and variations.
[73]
[74]
1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating internal components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[75]
The battery pack 200 according to the present invention includes at least one battery module 100 having a plurality of battery cells 110a , at least one thermoelectric module 210 , and an energy consumption unit 220 .
[76]
Here, the battery cell 110a may be a pouch-type secondary battery. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , each of the two cell assemblies 110 may be configured in a form in which 21 pouch-type battery cells 110a are stacked side by side in the front-rear direction (y-direction).
[77]
In particular, the pouch-type battery cell 110a may include an electrode assembly (not shown), an electrolyte (not shown), and a pouch.
[78]
Each of the battery cells 110a, when viewed in the F direction (shown in FIG. 1), has two wide surfaces respectively located in the front and rear directions, and sealing portions are located in the upper, lower, left, and right directions. It may be arranged in the form of standing perpendicular to the (Z direction). In other words, each battery cell 110a may be configured in an up-down direction. On the other hand, in the present specification, unless otherwise specified, with respect to the up, down, front, rear, left, and right directions, when viewed in the F direction as a reference.
[79]
Here, the pouch may be configured as a pouch in which a concave accommodating part is formed. In addition, the electrode assembly and the electrolyte may be accommodated in the accommodating part. In addition, each pouch includes an outer insulating layer, a metal layer, and an inner adhesive layer, and the inner adhesive layer is adhered to each other on the edge of the pouch, thereby forming a sealing portion. Furthermore, a terrace portion may be formed at each end of the battery cell 110a in the left and right direction (X direction) where the positive lead 111 and the negative lead (not shown) are formed.
[80]
In addition, the electrode assembly is an assembly of an electrode plate and a separator coated with an electrode active material, and may be configured in a form in which one or more positive electrode plates and one or more negative electrode plates are disposed with a separator interposed therebetween. In addition, a positive electrode tab is provided on the positive electrode plate of the electrode assembly, and one or more positive electrode tabs may be connected to the positive electrode lead 111 .
[81]
Here, the positive lead 111 has one end connected to the positive electrode tab and the other end exposed to the outside of the pouch, and the exposed portion is an electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a, for example, the battery cell 110a. ) can function as a positive terminal.
[82]
In addition, a negative electrode tab is provided on the negative electrode plate of the electrode assembly, and one or more negative electrode tabs may be connected to a negative electrode lead (not shown). And, the negative lead has one end connected to the negative electrode tab and the other end exposed to the outside of the pouch, and the exposed portion is the electrode terminal of the battery cell 110a, for example, the negative terminal of the battery cell 110a. can function as
[83]
Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2 , when viewed directly in the F direction of FIG. 1 , the positive lead 111 and the negative lead are in the left and right directions in the opposite direction (X direction) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. may be formed at the end of That is, the positive lead 111 may be provided at one end (right end) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. In addition, the negative lead may be provided at the other end (left end) with respect to the center of the battery cell 110a. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , each of the battery cells 110a of the cell assembly 110 may be configured such that the positive lead 111 and the negative lead protrude in the left and right directions.
[84]
Here, terms indicating directions such as front, back, left, right, up, and down may vary depending on the position of the observer or the shape of the object. However, in the present specification, for convenience of explanation, directions such as front, rear, left, right, top, and bottom are distinguished and indicated based on a view in the direction F of FIG. 1 .
[85]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, in one battery cell 110a, there is no interference between the positive lead 111 and the negative lead, so that the area of ​​the electrode lead can be increased.
[86]
In addition, the positive lead 111 and the negative lead may be configured in a plate shape. In particular, the positive lead 111 and the negative lead may protrude in a horizontal direction (X direction) in a state in which a wide surface is erected to face the front-rear direction.
[87]
Here, the horizontal direction may mean a direction parallel to the ground when the battery module 100 is placed on the ground, and may also be referred to as at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction (Z direction).
[88]
However, the battery module 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the aforementioned pouch-type battery cell 110a, and various battery cells 110a known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed.
[89]
In addition, the at least two or more cell assemblies 110 may be arranged in the front-rear direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 2 , the two cell assemblies 110 may be arranged in the front-rear direction, and a predetermined distance may be provided between the two cell assemblies 110 .
[90]
The battery module 100 may further include a bus bar assembly 280 . Specifically, the bus bar assembly 280 is configured to mount at least one bus bar 282 configured to electrically interconnect the plurality of battery cells 110a and the at least one bus bar 282 to the outside. At least two or more busbar frames 286 may be provided. The at least two bus bar frames 286 may be provided on both sides of the cell assembly 110 in the left and right directions.
[91]
Specifically, the bus bar 282 may include a conductive metal, for example, copper, aluminum, nickel, or the like.
[92]
In addition, the bus bar frame 286 may include an electrically insulating material. For example, the busbar frame 286 may be made of a plastic material. More specifically, the plastic material may be polyvinyl chloride.
[93]
Meanwhile, the module housing 120 may have an internal space to accommodate the cell assembly 110 therein. Specifically, the module housing 120 may include an upper cover 122 , a base plate 124 , a front cover 125 , and a rear cover 126 . Each of the upper cover 122 , the base plate 124 , the front cover 125 , and the rear cover 126 may be bolted to each other.
[94]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the module housing 120 has a structure that can stably protect the plurality of battery cells 110a from external impact, safety can be increased.
[95]
3 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a thermoelectric module that is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a vertical cross-sectional view of a thermoelectric module that is a part of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[96]
3 and 4 together with FIG. 1 , the thermoelectric module 210 may be configured to be positioned outside or inside the module housing 120 of the battery module 100 . That is, the thermoelectric module 210 may be configured to generate a predetermined voltage according to a change in the internal temperature or the external temperature of the battery module 100 . For example, when the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined temperature, the increased heat may be transferred to the thermoelectric module 210 to generate a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature. For example, the predetermined temperature may be 100 degrees Celsius or more. Alternatively, the predetermined temperature may be 200 degrees Celsius or more.
[97]
Here, the thermoelectric module 210 includes a thermoelectric leg 211 , a lower electrode 213 , an upper electrode 213 , a lower substrate 215 as a high temperature side substrate, and an upper substrate 216 as a low temperature side substrate.
[98]
The thermoelectric leg 211 may be formed of a thermoelectric material, that is, a thermoelectric semiconductor. The thermoelectric semiconductor may include various types of thermoelectric materials such as chalcogenide-based, skutterudite-based, silicide-based, clathrate-based, and Half-heusler-based thermoelectric materials. have. In the case of the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present invention, various types of thermoelectric semiconductors known at the time of filing of the present invention may be used as the material of the thermoelectric leg 211 .
[99]
The thermoelectric leg 211 may include an n-type leg 211n and a p-type leg 211p. In the n-type leg 211n, electrons may move to transfer thermal energy, and in the p-type leg 211p, holes may move to transfer thermal energy.
[100]
Here, the n-type leg 211n may include an n-type thermoelectric material, and the p-type leg 211p may include a p-type thermoelectric material. That is, the n-type leg 211n may be configured by using the n-type dopant in the thermoelectric material as described above. In addition, the p-type leg 211p may be configured by using a p-type dopant in the thermoelectric material as described above.
[101]
For example, the thermoelectric leg 211 may use a scuterudite-based thermoelectric material having a basic configuration of CoSb 3 . As the n-type dopant, Ni, Pd, Pt, Te, Se, or the like may be used. In addition, Fe, Mn, Cr, Sn, etc. may be used as the p-type dopant. Here, the n-type dopant may be substituted at the Sb site of CoSb 3 to create excess electrons, and the p-type dopant may be substituted at the Sb site of CoSb 3 to form a hole.
[102]
In the thermoelectric leg 211 according to the present invention, a pair of a p-type leg 211p and an n-type leg 211n may be a basic unit.
[103]
The thermoelectric leg 211 may be configured in a form in which a thermoelectric material is sintered in a bulk form. For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the thermoelectric leg 211 may have a rod shape, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, the present invention is not limited to a specific shape of the thermoelectric leg 211 .
[104]
In addition, the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n may be manufactured by mixing each raw material, synthesizing through heat treatment, and sintering. However, the present invention is not necessarily limited by a specific manufacturing method of the thermoelectric leg 211 .
[105]
As shown in FIG. 3 , the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present invention may include a plurality of thermoelectric legs 211 , that is, a plurality of p-type legs 211p and a plurality of n-type legs 211n. In addition, the plurality of p-type legs 211p and the plurality of n-type legs 211n may be configured such that different types of thermoelectric elements are alternately disposed and interconnected. In particular, the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n may be arranged to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction on one plane (the XY plane of the drawing).
[106]
In addition, the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n may be connected to each other through the electrode 213 . That is, an upper electrode 213 may be bonded to an upper end of each thermoelectric leg 211 , and a lower electrode 213 may be bonded to a lower end of each thermoelectric leg 211 . In addition, most of the thermoelectric legs 211 may have different types of thermoelectric legs 211 adjacent thereto, and their upper and lower ends may be connected to each other through the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 .
[107]
The upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be formed of an electrically conductive material, in particular, a metal material. For example, the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may include Cu, Al, Ni, Au, Ti, or an alloy thereof. In addition, the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be formed in a plate shape. For example, both the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be formed in the form of a copper plate.
[108]
The upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 may be provided between the p-type leg 211p and the n-type leg 211n to interconnect them. That is, the lower electrode 213 may have one end junction-connected to the lower end of the n-type leg 211n and the other end junction-connected to the lower end of the p-type leg 211p. In addition, the upper electrode 213 may have one end junction-connected to the upper end of the n-type leg 211n and the other end junction-connected to the upper end of the p-type leg 211p. That is, different types of thermoelectric legs 211 may be bonded to both ends of the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 , respectively. As described above, since the thermoelectric leg 211 may be bonded to both ends of the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 , the thermoelectric leg 211 at both ends of the upper electrode 213 and the lower electrode 213 is easy. In order to be bonded to each other, it may be configured in the form of a relatively long rectangular plate in one direction.
[109]
In the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present invention, a plurality of upper electrodes 213 and lower electrodes 213 may be included, respectively. For example, the thermoelectric module 210 may include a plurality of thermoelectric legs 211 , and in this case, upper and lower electrodes 213 and 213 different from each other at the upper end and lower end of each thermoelectric leg 211 , respectively. may be provided. Therefore, a large number of upper electrodes 213 and lower electrodes 213 may be included in one thermoelectric module 210 , respectively. Therefore, in this case, it can be said that the thermoelectric module 210 includes an electrode array.
[110]
Various thermoelectric legs 211 and/or electrodes 213 known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed in the thermoelectric module 210 according to the present invention.
[111]
The lower substrate 215 may include an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, the lower substrate 215 may electrically insulate the lower outer side of the thermoelectric module 210 and the lower electrode 213 . In particular, the lower substrate 215 may be made of a ceramic material having high thermal conductivity. For example, the lower substrate 215 may include a part of an alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) material or may be entirely made of an alumina material. Furthermore, the lower substrate 215 may be made of a ceramic material having a thermal conductivity of 10 W/mK or more at 20°C. In addition, the lower substrate 215 may be configured such that the base layer is made of an electrically conductive material, for example, a metal material, and an electrically insulating material is coated on the surface thereof. The present invention is not limited by the specific material of the lower substrate 215, and various substrate materials known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed.
[112]
In addition, the lower substrate 215 may be configured in a plate shape. That is, the lower substrate 215 may be configured to have two wide surfaces. For example, the lower substrate 215 may be formed of an alumina plate.
[113]
The lower substrate 215 may be positioned under the lower electrode 213 and attached to the lower surface of the lower electrode 213 . That is, the lower substrate 215 may be configured in a form in which two large surfaces are laid down to be positioned at the upper and lower portions, and the upper surface is attached to the lower surface of the lower electrode 213 .
[114]
Here, the lower substrate 215 may be attached to a lower surface of at least one lower electrode 213 among a plurality of lower electrodes 213 included in one thermoelectric module 210 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , one lower substrate 215 may be provided in the thermoelectric module 210 so that the lower surfaces of all lower electrodes 213 are bonded to the upper surface. Alternatively, a plurality of the lower substrate 215 may be provided in the thermoelectric module 210 so that the lower surface of the lower electrode 213 is bonded to the upper surface.
[115]
Like the lower substrate 215 , the upper substrate 216 may include an electrically insulating material. Accordingly, the upper substrate 216 may electrically insulate the upper outer side of the thermoelectric module 210 and the upper electrode 213 . In addition, the upper substrate 216 is made of a ceramic material with high thermal conductivity, for example, alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) material, or the base layer is made of an electrically conductive material, and the surface thereof is coated with an electrically insulating material. can be configured. The present invention is not limited by the specific material of the upper substrate 216, and various substrate materials known at the time of filing of the present invention may be employed.
[116]
In addition, the upper substrate 216 may be configured in a plate shape like the lower substrate 215 . That is, the upper substrate 216 may be configured to have two wide surfaces. For example, the upper substrate 216 may be formed of an alumina plate.
[117]
The upper substrate 216 may be positioned on the upper electrode 213 and attached to the upper surface of the upper electrode 213 . That is, the upper substrate 216 may be formed in a form in which two wide surfaces are laid down to be positioned at the upper and lower portions, and the lower surface is attached to the upper surface of the upper electrode 213 .
[118]
Here, the upper substrate 216 may be attached to the upper surface of at least two or more upper electrodes 213 among the plurality of upper electrodes 213 included in one thermoelectric module 210 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , one upper substrate 216 may be provided in the thermoelectric module 210 , and the upper surfaces of all upper electrodes 213 may be bonded to the lower surface thereof. Alternatively, two or more of the upper substrates 216 may be provided in the thermoelectric module 210 so that the upper surfaces of the two or more upper electrodes 213 are bonded to the lower surface of the upper substrate 216 as a part of the entire upper electrode 213 .
[119]
The thermoelectric module 210 is generally disposed between a high temperature side (Hot) and a low temperature side (cold). Accordingly, one of the upper substrate 216 and the lower substrate 215 may be configured to be disposed on the high temperature side and the other to be disposed on the low temperature side. The terms 'upper' and 'lower' may vary depending on the arrangement position of the thermoelectric module 210 or the position of the observer. In this specification, for convenience of explanation, the upper substrate 216 is located on the low temperature side and the lower substrate ( 215) will be mainly described as being located on the high temperature side. That is, in the present specification, the upper substrate 216 may be a low-temperature side substrate, and the lower substrate 215 may be a high-temperature side substrate.
[120]
In addition, the energy consumption unit 220 is configured to discharge the battery module 100 when the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined temperature and a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module 210 . can be The voltage above the predetermined level may be at least 1.2V. For example, the energy consumption unit 220 may be configured to apply power to a resistor 225a, a power resistor, an electric motor, or the like to consume power of the battery module 100 .
[121]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, in the battery pack 200 of the present invention, when the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined temperature and a voltage of a predetermined size or more is applied from the thermoelectric module 210, By having the energy consumption unit 220 configured to discharge 100), unlike an active method of consuming energy of the battery module 100 using a temperature sensor or a smoke sensor, the battery module 100 A passive method of consuming energy of the battery module 100 by a voltage increase of the thermoelectric module 210 according to a change in temperature of .
[122]
That is, the battery pack 200 of the prior art uses an active method of consuming energy of the battery module 100 after detecting an abnormal state of the battery module 100 using a battery management system (BMS). , when external power is not supplied to the BMS or is in an inoperable state due to a malfunction of the BMS, it is difficult to automatically respond to a fire or explosion of the battery module 100 .
[123]
Therefore, the present invention can cope with fire or explosion of the battery module 100 in a passive manner by using the thermoelectric module 210 configuration that responds to the temperature change of the battery module 100, not in an active manner such as BMS. By being configured to be so, it is possible to prepare for the inability of the BMS. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack 200 can be greatly improved.
[124]
5 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating the appearance of some components of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[125]
Referring to FIG. 5 , the module housing 120 may include at least one exposure hole 125h perforated so that the inside and the outside communicate with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 5 , four exposure holes 125h may be provided in the module housing 120 of the battery module 100 . 5 , the thermoelectric module 210 may be positioned to face the exposure hole 125h. The size of the exposure hole 125h may be smaller than that of the lower substrate 215 of the thermoelectric module 210 .
[126]
In addition, the thermoelectric module 210 may be positioned outside the module housing 120 , and at least a portion of the high temperature side substrate 215 (lower substrate) may be inserted into the exposure hole 125h. In this case, the size of the exposure hole 125h may be the same as or similar to that of the lower substrate 215 so that the lower substrate 215 of the thermoelectric module 210 can be inserted thereinto.
[127]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, in the battery pack 200 of the present invention, the exposure hole 125h is provided so that the inside and the outside of the battery module 100 communicate with each other, so that the thermoelectric module 210 is the battery module. Since the internal heat of 100 can be effectively transferred, the energy consuming unit 220 is operated in a rapid response to a temperature change of the battery module 100 to discharge the battery module 100 . Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack 200 can be effectively improved.
[128]
6 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a state of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention. And, FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a state in which the battery pack of FIG. 6 is cut along line CC'.
[129]
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7 , the module housing 120A of the battery pack 200A according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the thermoelectric module 210 in comparison with the battery pack 200 of FIG. 1 . A receiving groove 218h inserted in the inner direction (inside of the battery module) to receive it may be further provided. Other configurations may be the same.
[130]
For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , four receiving grooves 218h may be provided in the module housing 120A. A thermoelectric module 210 may be embedded in each of the four receiving grooves 218h. In this case, in the thermoelectric module 210 mounted in the receiving groove 218h, the low-temperature side substrate 216 (upper substrate) may be positioned above the receiving groove 218h.
[131]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the module housing 120A is provided with a receiving groove 218h inserted in the inner direction to accommodate the thermoelectric module 210, so that the thermoelectric module is outside the battery module 100. Since the 210 does not protrude, interference with an external object can be avoided. Accordingly, damage to the thermoelectric module 210 may be prevented.
[132]
Furthermore, by disposing the thermoelectric module 210 closer to the inside of the battery module 100 and surrounding the thermoelectric module 210 with the inner wall of the receiving groove 218h, the inside of the battery module 100 is There is an effect that heat can be more effectively transferred to the thermoelectric module 210 . Accordingly, when the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined temperature, the energy consumption unit 220 may quickly consume power of the battery module 100 .
[133]
8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[134]
Referring to FIG. 8 together with FIG. 1 , the energy consumption unit 220 may include an external short circuit 221 . The external short circuit 221 is electrically connected to the external power terminal of the battery module 100 when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module 210 to dissipate power of the battery module 100 . It can be configured to
[135]
Specifically, the external short circuit 221 includes a short circuit path A1 electrically connecting the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100, and an operation path A2 configured to allow the current of the thermoelectric module to flow to the operation switch. ) may be provided. A drain part 225 and at least one operation switch 223 may be provided on the short-circuit path A1 . The drain unit 225 may include a device configured to dissipate the power supplied from the battery module 100 , such as a power resistor, a resistance device, or a shunt resistor.
[136]
The operation switch 223 may be configured to electrically connect between the battery module 100 and the drain unit 225 when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied along the operation path A2 . The operation switch 223 may be turned on reversibly or irreversibly.
[137]
Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the energy consuming unit 220 includes a drain unit 225 and an external short circuit 221 having at least one or more operation switches 223 , so that the thermoelectric module 210 is provided. The operation switch 223 electrically connects between the battery module 100 and the drain unit 225 by the transmitted voltage or higher, thereby effectively dissipating power of the battery module 100 .
[138]
9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit circuit of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[139]
Referring to FIG. 9 , the external short circuit 221A of the present invention may include a transistor switch 223a as the operation switch 223 .
[140]
The transistor switch 223a may be configured to electrically connect between the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a when electricity of a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module 210 . Here, the transistor switch 223a may be a bipolar junction transistor (BJT).
[141]
For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , the operation switch 223 of FIG. 9 may be provided as a transistor switch. In this case, each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 may be connected to the base B and the emitter E of the transistor switch 223a, respectively. Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100 may be connected to the transistor switch 223a to the collector C and the emitter E, respectively.
[142]
In this case, the transistor switch 223a is cut off (blocking mode) when a voltage less than a predetermined voltage is applied to the base (B) terminal so that the current does not flow from the collector (C) terminal to the emitter (E). It can remain turned off.
[143]
However, when a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is applied to the base B, the transistor switch 223a is switched to a turned-on state so that a current flows from the collector C to the emitter E. In this case, the power of the battery module 100 may be electrically connected to the resistor 225a positioned on the short circuit A1. Accordingly, power of the battery module 100 may be rapidly consumed by the resistor 225a of the drain unit 225 .
[144]
Accordingly, in the thermoelectric module 210 , when the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined temperature, a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage may be generated. A voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage generated by the thermoelectric module 210 may be applied to the base of the transistor switch 223a to reach a saturation state, and the switch may be turned on so that a current flows from the collector C to the emitter E. Accordingly, a current flows in the short-circuit path A1 and power of the battery module 100 may be rapidly consumed through the resistor 225a.
[145]
A plurality of the transistor switches 223a may be provided according to the current level of the power of the battery module 100 . For example, when the current of the power of the battery module 100 is 400A, the external short circuit 221A may include two transistor switches having a used current of 200A.
[146]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, when the operation switch 223 is supplied with electricity of a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module 210, it is electrically connected between the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a. When a transistor switch configured to be connected is configured, the power of the battery module 100 can be consumed more quickly because the switch operation is fast. In addition, since the transistor switch has no wear on the switch, it is possible to prevent a switch failure from occurring.
[147]
Meanwhile, in the embodiment of FIG. 9 , the transistor switch has been described based on the BJT, but it is not necessarily limited to the configuration thereof, and the transistor switch may be used with other switch elements such as field effect transistors (FETs).
[148]
10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[149]
Referring to FIG. 10 , the external short circuit 221B according to another embodiment, unlike the external short circuit 221A of FIG. 9 , connects the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100 to the operation switch 223 . It may further include a conversion path (A3) for connecting.
[150]
In addition, the external short circuit of FIG. 10 may further include a changeover switch 227 located on the changeover path A3. The changeover switch 227 may be configured to be turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module 210 . For example, the changeover switch 227 may be a transistor switch in which a switch is turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is applied.
[151]
For example, as shown in FIG. 10 , the changeover switch 227 may be provided as a transistor switch. In this case, the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 may be respectively connected to the transistor switch 227a to the base B and the emitter E, respectively. Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module 100 may be connected to the transistor switch 227a to a collector C and an emitter E, respectively.
[152]
Accordingly, when the changeover switch 227 is turned on, the power of the battery module 100 may be supplied to the operation switch 223 . In this case, the operation switch 223 may include a driving unit 223a and an opening/closing unit 223b respectively positioned on the changeover path A3 and the short circuit path A1 . That is, the driving unit 223a may be configured to drive the opening/closing of the opening/closing unit 223b. The driving unit 223a may be positioned on the conversion path A3 to receive a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage from the battery module 100 . In addition, the opening/closing part 223b of the operation switch 223 may be maintained in an open state in a normal state, so that the operation switch 223 may maintain a turned-off state in which current does not flow in the short-circuit path A1 . However, the opening/closing unit 223b may be turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is applied to the driving unit 223a. Accordingly, the short circuit path A1 may be configured to flow a current.
[153]
At this time, when the power of the battery module 100 applied to the operation switch 223 is greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage, the operation switch 223 may be turned on. When the operation switch 223 is turned on, the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a may be electrically connected. Accordingly, power of the battery module 100 may be rapidly consumed by the resistor 225a.
[154]
For example, the operation switch 223 may be turned on even if a predetermined voltage or more is applied only once, and may continuously maintain this turned-on state. That is, the operation switch 223 may be a safety switch that operates irreversibly. For example, the operation switch 223 may be a pyro fuse (autoliv).
[155]
Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the external short circuit 221B is turned on when a voltage greater than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module 210 , and the power of the battery module 100 is supplied to the operation switch 223 . A changeover switch 227 for turning on the operation switch 223 by supplying By electrically connecting between 225a, an external short circuit can be induced with high reliability. Accordingly, power of the battery module 100 may be effectively consumed.
[156]
Moreover, the external short circuit 221B of FIG. 10 of the present invention, unlike the external short circuit 221A of FIG. 9 , the operation switch 223 and the changeover switch 227 can be composed of two switches of different types. Therefore, the range of the operating voltage that can be turned on of the switch can be varied. That is, the range of the voltage at which the switch of the changeover switch 227 electrically connected to the thermoelectric module 210 is turned on may be set low. Conversely, by configuring the operation switch 223 to have a high operating voltage or current range, even when a high voltage or current of the battery module 100 flows, there is an advantage that the number of operation switches 223 can be reduced.
[157]
In other words, by distinguishing a switch that can be turned on by the voltage of the thermoelectric module 210 and a switch that can be turned on by the power of the battery module 100, more efficient design is possible, manufacturing cost is reduced, and the Operational reliability can be improved.
[158]
11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an external short circuit of a battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[159]
Referring to FIG. 11 , the external short circuit 221C according to another embodiment is a switching path configured to supply a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223 when compared with the external short circuit 221B of FIG. 10 ( It may further include an auxiliary battery 228 located on A3).
[160]
The auxiliary battery 228 may be configured to supply a predetermined or higher voltage to the operation switch 223 . In this case, the voltage greater than or equal to the predetermined level may be a level at which the operation switch 223 can be turned on. In addition, the external short circuit 221C may include a changeover switch 227 configured to be turned on by receiving a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage from the thermoelectric module 210 when the temperature of the battery module 100 rises above a predetermined level. can
[161]
That is, when the changeover switch 227 is turned on, the power of the auxiliary battery 228 may be supplied to the operation switch 223 . In this case, the operation switch 223 may include a driving unit 223a and an opening/closing unit 223b respectively positioned on the changeover path A3 and the short circuit path A1 . The driving unit 223a may be configured to drive opening/closing of the opening/closing unit 223b. The driving unit 223a may be positioned on the switching path A3 to receive a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage from the auxiliary battery 228 . In addition, when the opening/closing part 223b of the operation switch 223 is in a normal state, the operation switch 223 may maintain a turned-off state so that no current flows in the short-circuit path A1 . Further, in the opening/closing unit 223b, when a predetermined or higher voltage is applied to the driving unit 223a from the auxiliary battery 228, the switch of the opening/closing unit 223b is turned on, and accordingly, the short-circuit path A1 ) may be configured to flow a current along. Accordingly, power of the battery module 100 may be rapidly consumed by the resistor 225a.
[162]
Here, the changeover switch 227 may be a transistor switch 227a. In addition, the transistor switch 227a is cut off (blocking mode) when a voltage less than a predetermined voltage is applied, and the switch is turned off so that a current flows from the base (B) to the emitter (E).
[163]
The transistor switch 227a is turned on so that current flows from the collector (C) to the emitter (E) when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is applied to the base (B). In this case, the power of the auxiliary battery 228 may be supplied to the driving unit 223a of the operation switch 223 located on the switching path A3.
[164]
For example, as shown in FIG. 11 , each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the thermoelectric module 210 may be connected to the base B and the emitter E of the transistor switch 227a, respectively. Each of the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the auxiliary battery 228 may be connected to the transistor switch 227a to the collector C and the emitter E, respectively.
[165]
Furthermore, the operation switch 223 may be turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is applied from the auxiliary battery 228 . When the operation switch 223 is turned on, the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a may be electrically connected. Accordingly, the power of the battery module 100 may be rapidly consumed by the resistor 225a.
[166]
12 and 13 are diagrams schematically showing the operation of the internal configuration of the operation switch of the external short circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[167]
Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13 together with FIG. 8 , the operation switch 223 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a positive electrode connection part 223a1 , a negative electrode connection part 223a2 , a connection bar 223c , and a moving member 223d. ) may be included.
[168]
Specifically, the positive electrode connection part 223a1 may be electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module 100 or the auxiliary battery 228 . Also, the negative connection part 223a2 may be electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module 100 or the auxiliary battery 228 . The connection bar 223c may be configured to electrically connect between the positive connection part 223a1 and the negative connection part 223a2. For example, one end of the connection bar 223c may be configured to be in contact with the positive connection part 223a1 , and the other end may be configured to be in contact with the negative connection part 223a2 .
[169]
In addition, the positive connection part 223a1 , the negative connection part 223a2 , and the connection bar 223c may include an electrically conductive metal. For example, the metal may be an alloy including aluminum, nickel, or copper.
[170]
Moreover, the moving member 223d may be configured to move the connecting bar 223c. The movable member 223d may be configured such that, when a power greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied to the changeover switch 227, the connection bar 223c is in contact between the positive connection part 223a1 and the negative connection part 223a2. have. The moving member 223d will be described in more detail later.
[171]
Therefore, according to this configuration of the present invention, the operation switch 223 is provided with a positive electrode connecting portion 223a1, a negative connecting portion 223a2, a connecting bar 223c, and a moving member 223d, so that the The battery module 100 and the resistor 225a may be electrically connected. Accordingly, it is turned on simply by applying a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223 without controlling the BMS, so that the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed.
[172]
Also, referring back to FIGS. 12 and 13 , the moving member 223d may include a heating element 223d1 , a phase change member 223d2 , and a pressing spring 223d3 .
[173]
The heating element 223d1 may be configured to increase in temperature above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch 223 . For example, the heating element 223d1 may be a heater having a resistance coil that converts electricity into heat.
[174]
The phase change member 223d2 may undergo a phase change from a solid state to a liquid state at the predetermined temperature or higher. The phase change member 223d2 may have one end connected to the heating element 223d1 and the other end connected to the connecting bar 223c. For example, as shown in FIG. 12 , the upper end of the phase change member 223d2 is connected to the lower surface of the heating element 223d1 and the lower end of the phase change member 223d2 is the upper surface of the connection bar 223c. can be connected with To this end, the phase change member 223d2 may be made of a phase change material that phase changes from a solid state to a liquid state at the predetermined temperature, for example, 100 degrees or more.
[175]
Representative examples of the phase change material include paraffin, polyethylene glycol, inorganic hydrate (eg, Na 2 HPO 4 ·12H 2 O, Na 2 SO 4 ·10H 2 O, Zn(NO 3 ) 2 ·6H 2 O etc.), but is not limited thereto. Among them, paraffin, which is inexpensive and whose phase change temperature can be easily controlled according to molecular weight, is particularly preferable.
[176]
In addition, one end of the pressure spring 223d3 may be connected to the connection bar 223c and the other end may be connected to the heating element 223d1 . The compression spring 223d3 may be maintained in a compressed state by the phase change member 223d2 connected to the heating element 223d1 and the connection bar 223c. The pressure spring 223d3 may press and move the connection bar 223c when the phase change member 223d2 changes to a liquid state.
[177]
That is, when the phase change member 223d2 changes to a liquid state, it can be separated from the connection bar 223c. As the connection bar 223c constrained by the phase change member 223d2 is released, the pressure is applied. The connection bar 223c may move by the compressive force of the spring 223d3. The connection bar 223c may be moved so as to contact each of the positive connection part 223a1 and the negative connection part 223a2 .
[178]
Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the moving member 223d includes a heating element 223d1, a phase change member 223d2, and a pressing spring 223d3, so that the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a are provided. can be electrically connected between them. Accordingly, it is turned on simply by applying a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223 without controlling the BMS, so that the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed.
[179]
14 and 15 are diagrams schematically showing the operation of the internal configuration of the operation switch of the external short circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[180]
14 and 15 , the operation switch 223A of the external short circuit according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a moving member 223d having a heating element 223d1 and an expansion part 223d4. can do. The heating element 223d1 may be configured to increase in temperature above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch 223 . For example, the heating element 223d1 may be a heater having a resistance coil that converts electricity into heat.
[181]
Also, the expansion part 223d4 may be configured such that one end is connected to the heating element 223d1 and the other end is connected to the connection bar 223c. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , the expansion part 223d4 may have an upper end connected to a lower surface of the heating element 223d1 and a lower end connected to the upper surface of the connection bar 223c.
[182]
Moreover, the expansion part 223d4 may be configured to expand in volume above a predetermined temperature. For example, the expandable part 223d4 may include an expandable material that expands in volume above a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature may be, for example, provided with a material that expands at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius or more. For example, the expandable material may be a polymeric material or a metal. Preferably, the expandable material may be polyethylene, nylon, or an aluminum alloy.
[183]
In addition, when heat is conducted from the heating element 223d1 and rises above a predetermined temperature, the expansion part 223d4 expands in volume to move the connection bar 223c. For example, the expansion part 223d4 may be moved so that the connection bar 223c comes into contact with each of the positive electrode connection part 223a1 and the negative electrode connection part 223a2 .
[184]
Accordingly, according to this configuration of the present invention, the movable member 223d includes a heating element 223d1 and an expansion part 223d4, so that when the heating element 223d1 is heated by the applied electric power, the heating element 223d1 ) and the connected expansion part 223d4 expands in volume to move the connection bar 223c, and the moved connection bar 223c can electrically connect the battery module 100 and the resistor 225a. have. Accordingly, it is turned on simply by applying a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage to the operation switch 223 without controlling the BMS, so that the power of the battery module 100 can be quickly consumed.
[185]
16 is a front view schematically illustrating a power storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[186]
Referring to FIG. 16 , the battery rack 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a rack case 510 accommodating a plurality of battery packs 200 . The rack case 510 may be configured to accommodate the plurality of battery packs 200 in a vertically stacked form. Inside the rack case 510, the lower surface of the battery pack 200 may be mounted in a form parallel to the horizontal plane.
[187]
Here, the horizontal direction may mean a direction parallel to the ground when the battery pack 200 is placed on the ground, and may also be referred to as at least one direction on a plane perpendicular to the vertical direction.
[188]
Moreover, at least one side of the rack case 510 is configured to be openable, and the battery pack 200 can be introduced into the internal space through the open side. However, the rack case 510 may be configured such that the open side can be closed.
[189]
In addition, the battery rack 500 may further include other components such as a central battery management device 300 configured to control the charging and discharging of a plurality of battery packs 200 . The battery management device may be disposed inside or outside the rack case 510 .
[190]
On the other hand, again, the power storage device 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include at least two or more of the battery rack 500 . The two or more battery racks 500 may be arranged to be arranged in one direction. For example, as shown in FIG. 16 , the power storage device 600 may be configured such that three battery racks 500 are arranged in one direction. In addition, the power storage device 600 may be provided with a central control unit (not shown) that can control the charging and discharging of the three battery racks (500).
[191]
Meanwhile, in this specification, terms indicating directions such as up, down, left, right, front, and back are used, but these terms are for convenience of explanation only, and may vary depending on the position of the object or the position of the observer. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can.
[192]
[193]
As described above, although the present invention has been described with reference to limited embodiments and drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention and the following by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains. Of course, various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of equivalents of the claims to be described.
[194]
[Explanation of code]
[195]
200: battery pack
[196]
100: battery module 120: module housing
[197]
110a: battery cell 110: cell assembly
[198]
125h: exposure
[199]
210: thermoelectric module 211, 211p, 211n: thermoelectric leg
[200]
213: electrode 215: high-temperature side substrate (lower substrate)
[201]
216: low-temperature side substrate (upper substrate)
[202]
218h: storage groove
[203]
220: energy consumption unit 221: external short circuit
[204]
223: operation switch 225: drain part
[205]
227: changeover switch 223a1, 223a2: positive connection part, negative connection part
[206]
223c: connecting bar 223d: moving member
[207]
223d1: heating element 223d2: phase change member
[208]
223d3: pressure spring 223d4: expansion part
[209]
228: auxiliary battery
Industrial Applicability
[210]
The present invention relates to a battery pack. In addition, the present invention is applicable to industries related to battery racks and power storage devices including the battery pack.
Claims
[Claim 1]
at least one battery module having a plurality of battery cells and a module housing for accommodating the plurality of battery cells; at least one thermoelectric module configured to be located outside or inside the module housing of the battery module and generating a voltage when the battery module rises above a predetermined temperature; and an energy consumption unit configured to discharge the battery module when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module.
[Claim 2]
The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the module housing is provided with at least one exposure hole perforated so that the inside and the outside communicate with each other, and the thermoelectric module is positioned to face the exposure hole.
[Claim 3]
The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the thermoelectric module comprises: a thermoelectric leg including a p-type leg and an n-type leg; an electrode connecting the p-type leg and the n-type leg; and a high-temperature side substrate and a low-temperature side substrate configured in a plate shape and disposed on the lower and upper portions to electrically insulate the electrode from the outside.
[Claim 4]
The battery pack according to claim 3, wherein the thermoelectric module is positioned outside the module housing, and at least a portion of the high-temperature side substrate is inserted into the exposure hole.
[Claim 5]
The thermoelectric module according to claim 3, wherein the module housing is provided with a receiving groove inserted in an inner direction to accommodate the thermoelectric module, and the thermoelectric module mounted in the receiving groove is characterized in that the low-temperature side substrate is located above the receiving groove. battery pack with
[Claim 6]
The external short circuit of claim 1 , wherein the energy consuming unit is electrically connected to an external power terminal of the battery module to consume power of the battery module when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined level is applied from the thermoelectric module. A battery pack comprising a.
[Claim 7]
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the external short circuit comprises: a drain configured to dissipate power supplied from the battery module; and at least one operation switch configured to electrically connect between the battery module and the resistor when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied.
[Claim 8]
The method according to claim 7, wherein the external short circuit further comprises a changeover switch that turns on when a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module to turn on the operation switch by supplying the power of the battery module to the operation switch. A battery pack, characterized in that one.
[Claim 9]
The method of claim 8, wherein the operation switch comprises: a positive electrode connecting portion electrically connected to the positive terminal of the battery module; a negative connection part electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery module; a connection bar configured to be electrically connectable between the positive connection part and the negative electrode connection part; and a moving member configured to move the connecting bar so that the connecting bar comes into contact between the positive connecting portion and the negative connecting portion when power of a predetermined voltage or higher is supplied to the changeover switch.
[Claim 10]
[10] The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the moving member comprises: a heating element whose temperature rises above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch; a phase change member having one end connected to the heating element and the other end connected to the connecting bar, the phase change member changing from a solid state to a liquid state at the predetermined temperature or higher; and a pressing spring having one end connected to the connecting bar and the other end connected to the heating element, and configured to pressurize and move the connecting bar when the phase change member changes to a liquid state.
[Claim 11]
[10] The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the moving member comprises: a heating element whose temperature rises above a predetermined temperature by the power supplied to the operation switch; and an expander having one end connected to the heating element and the other end connected to the connecting bar, and configured to expand in volume above a predetermined temperature to move the connecting bar.
[Claim 12]
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the external short circuit comprises: an auxiliary battery capable of supplying a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage; and a changeover switch which is turned on when a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module to turn on the operation switch by supplying a voltage greater than or equal to a predetermined voltage of the auxiliary battery to the operation switch.
[Claim 13]
The battery pack according to claim 7, wherein the operation switch is a transistor switch configured to electrically connect between the battery module and the resistor when electricity of a voltage higher than a predetermined voltage is supplied from the thermoelectric module.
[Claim 14]
The battery rack according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises a rack case for accommodating the battery pack, and the battery pack.
[Claim 15]
Power storage device comprising at least one battery rack according to claim 14 .