ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE AND ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME

An energy storage device includes a housing having an internal space; a plurality of battery modules accommodated in the internal space; a mounting portion disposed in the housing and on which the plurality of battery modules are mounted; a door member coupled to the housing to be openable and closable; and at least one connecting portion of which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims the benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2023-0065147 filed on May 19, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an energy storage device and an energy storage system including the same.

2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

An energy storage system (ESS) is a device or system storing power that has already been produced and supplying the stored power when the power is necessary to improve the overall power use efficiency.

As the demand for such an ESS increases, technology capable of quickly manufacturing and supplying the ESS is required.

In particular, there is a need for the ESS to have a movable structure in order to quickly install the ESS where it is needed or to quickly expand the ESS as the required power value increases.

In addition, to quickly implement such an ESS, a connection structure capable of quickly and reliably connecting individual energy storage devices constituting the ESS is required.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide an energy storage device that is modularized to be transported in a completely manufactured state and is capable of quickly implementing a large capacity of an energy source at an installation destination, and an energy storage system (ESS) including the same.

Embodiments of the present disclosure also provide an ESS having a structure capable of quickly and stably connecting energy storage devices to each other.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage device includes a housing having an internal space; a plurality of battery modules accommodated in the internal space; a mounting portion disposed in the housing and on which the plurality of battery modules are mounted; a door member coupled to the housing to be openable and closable; and at least one connecting portion of which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules.

The at least one connecting portion may include a busbar electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules; and an insulating member coupled to the housing and supporting the busbar.

The busbar may have a state in which one end thereof is inserted into an inside of the housing and the other end, opposite to the one end, is exposed to the outside of the housing.

The mounting portion may be configured to allow the plurality of battery modules to be inserted in a first direction, and the busbar may protrude outwardly from the housing in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction.

The at least one connecting portion may include a first connecting portion and a second connecting portion respectively disposed on opposite surfaces of the housing.

The energy storage device may further include an internal connection member disposed inside the housing and electrically connecting the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion to each other.

The housing may further include a partition partitioning the internal space, and the plurality of battery modules are arranged in a height direction of the housing on both sides of the partition.

The energy storage device may further include a plurality of fixing members coupled to the housing and the plurality of battery modules to prevent the plurality of battery modules from being separated from the mounting portion.

The energy storage device may further include a plurality of lifting holes provided in the housing and configured to allow a transport device to be inserted.

The plurality of lifting holes may include a plurality of first lifting holes disposed at corners of the housing; and a plurality of second lifting holes disposed in a bottom portion of the housing.

The energy storage device may further include an internal frame disposed on top portions of the plurality of battery modules; and a battery control system disposed between the internal frame and the housing.

At least a portion of the connecting portion may be disposed between the internal frame and the housing.

The energy storage device may further include a cooling device disposed in the door member and configured to supply a cooling medium to the internal space.

The at least one connecting portion may include a first connection member and a second connection member arranged spaced apart from each other, the first connection member may be a high voltage terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules, and the second connection member may be a low voltage terminal electrically connected to a battery control system configured to control the plurality of battery modules.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage system (ESS) includes a plurality of energy storage devices respectively including a plurality of battery modules; and at least one connection member electrically connecting the plurality of energy storage devices to each other, wherein at least one of the plurality of energy storage devices includes a housing having a mounting portion on which the plurality of battery modules are mounted; a door member coupled to the housing to be openable and closable; and at least one connecting portion of which at least a portion is exposed to the outside of the housing and electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules.

The at least one connecting portion may include a busbar electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules and protruding outwardly from the housing, and the connection member may be respectively connected to busbars of two neighboring energy storage devices.

The plurality of energy storage devices may include a first energy storage device and a second energy storage device arranged side by side in one direction, and a connecting portion of the first energy storage device and a connecting portion of the second energy storage device may face each other in the one direction.

At least one of the plurality of energy storage devices may further include a battery control system configured to control the plurality of battery modules, and the at least one connecting portion may include a high voltage terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules and a low voltage terminal electrically connected to the battery control system.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage device includes a plurality of battery modules inserted in a retrievable way inside a plurality of a corresponding number of receiving spaces defined inside a housing, the plurality of battery modules forming at least two columns and at least two rows; a door member movably coupled to the housing for opening and closing the housing; and at least one connecting portion positioned on an outside surface of the housing for electrically connecting the energy storage device with another energy storage device, wherein the plurality of battery modules inside the housing are electrically connected.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Prior to the detailed description of the embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms or words used in the specification and claims should not be construed as limited to ordinary or dictionary meanings, and should be interpreted as having a meaning and concept consistent with the technical idea of the present disclosure based on the principle that the inventor may appropriately define the concept of the terms or words to describe his/her invention in the best way. Accordingly, the embodiments described in the specification and the configurations shown in the drawings are only the most preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and do not represent the entire technical idea of the present disclosure, and therefore, it should be understood that there may be various equivalents and modifications that may replace the embodiments and the configurations at the time of filing the present application.

The same reference numerals or symbols in each drawing attached to the specification indicate parts or components that perform substantially the same function. For convenience of description and understanding, even different embodiments may be described using the same reference numerals or symbols. That is, even if components having the same reference number are shown in a plurality of drawings, the plurality of drawings do not all represent one embodiment.

In the following description, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It should be understood that terms such as “include” or “comprise” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

In addition, in the following description, expressions such as top portion, bottom portion, side surface, front surface, rear surface, etc. are expressed based on the direction shown in the drawing, and it should be noted in advance that when the direction of the corresponding object is changed, expressions may be expressed differently.

In addition, in the specification and claims, terms including ordinal numbers such as “first”, “second”, etc. may be used to distinguish components. These ordinal numbers are used to distinguish identical or similar components from each other, and the meaning of the term should not be interpreted limitedly due to the use of these ordinal numbers. For example, a component combined with the ordinal number should not be interpreted as limiting the order of use or arrangement by the number. If necessary, the ordinal numbers may be used interchangeably.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the spirit of the present disclosure is not limited to the presented embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a person skilled in the art who understands the spirit of the present disclosure may suggest other embodiments that are included within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure through addition, change, or deletion of components, but this may be also included within the scope of the spirit of the present disclosure. The shapes and sizes of components in the drawings may be exaggerated for clearer description.

FIG.1shows a configuration of an energy storage system (ESS)1according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The ESS1according to embodiments may include a plurality of energy storage devices10electrically connected to each other.

The energy storage device10is an energy source and may be used for home or industrial purposes. The plurality of energy storage devices10may be electrically connected to each other as shown inFIG.1to form the ESS1.

The energy storage device10may include a housing200in which at least one battery module (e.g.,100inFIGS.2and3) is accommodated, and a door member300coupled to the housing200to be openable and closable. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing200of the storage energy device10may accommodate a plurality of battery modules100.

A cooling device400may be disposed in the door member300. For example, the cooling device400may be configured to supply a cooling medium to the inside of the housing200. As another example, the cooling device400may suction the cooling medium inside the housing200. The cooling medium may include a fluid (gas or liquid) that may cool an internal space of the housing200and components (e.g., the battery modules (100inFIG.2)) disposed in the internal space.

For example, the cooling device400may include an air conditioning device capable of adjusting the temperature, humidity, etc. of the internal space of the housing200so that the battery module (100inFIG.2) may operate in an appropriate environment.

According to some embodiments, each energy storage device10may include at least one cooling device400. For example, as shown inFIG.1, the cooling device400may be disposed in the housing200of the energy storage device10.

As such, the cooling device400is disposed in each energy storage device10, and thus, independent cooling is possible for each energy storage device10. For example, when an event (e.g., a phenomenon where a temperature inside or outside the battery module increases above a safe temperature) occurs in one of the plurality of energy storage devices10, the cooling device400of the corresponding energy storage device10may supply the cooling medium at a higher output, thereby quickly controlling the event. Hence, having a cooling device400individually in each of the energy storage devices10allows faster and better temperature control of each energy storage device10and may prevent overheating of the energy storage device10more efficiently.

The output of the cooling device400may be adjusted in various ways in response to the temperature of each energy storage device10, and thus, the cooling efficiency of the entire ESS1including the plurality of energy storage devices10may increase.

The energy storage device10according to embodiments of the present disclosure may be configured to be movable. For example, the energy storage device10may be manufactured as a finished product with the battery module (e.g.,100inFIG.2) accommodated and fixed inside, and then moved to an installation location by a transport device (e.g., a forklift or a crane, etc.)

Accordingly, the plurality of energy storage devices10may be repeatedly manufactured in a factory, transported to the installation location by a required quantity, and electrically connected to each other, thereby quickly implementing an energy source having a capacity desired by a user.

The plurality of energy storage devices10may be electrically connected to each other through at least one connecting portion. For example, referring toFIG.1, the at least one connecting portion may be exposed on one side of the housing200of one energy storage device10, and may be connected to the at least one connecting portion of another neighboring energy storage device10. As such, the plurality of energy storage devices10may be electrically connected to each other to implement a large capacity energy source.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the energy storage device10will be described with reference toFIGS.2and3.

FIG.2is a perspective view of an energy storage device10with door member300of the energy storage device10in an open state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.3is a perspective view of battery module100according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device10and the battery module100described with reference toFIGS.2and3correspond to the energy storage device10and battery module100ofFIG.1, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The energy storage device10may include the housing200having an internal space in which the plurality of battery modules100are accommodated, a mounting portion210disposed inside the housing200(please seeFIG.4) and configured to accommodate the battery module100, and the door member300coupled to the housing200to be openable and closable.

Referring toFIG.3, the battery module100may include one or more battery cells110capable of charging and discharging and be configured to store or discharge electrical energy. For example, the battery cells110included in the battery module100may be at least one of a pouch-type secondary battery, a cylindrical secondary battery, and a prismatic secondary battery.

Referring toFIG.3, in the battery module100, the battery cells110may be stacked and arranged in one direction, e.g., in a Y-axis direction. However, the stacking direction shown inFIG.3is only an example, and the stacking direction of the battery cells110in the battery module100may be set in various ways. For example, the battery cells110of the battery module100may be stacked in an X-axis direction or a Z-axis direction.

The battery module100may further include a module cover120that supports the stacked battery cells110. For example, as shown inFIG.3, the module cover120may be configured to cover at least some of a front surface, a rear surface (surface perpendicular to the Y-axis), and a side surface (surface perpendicular to the X-axis) of a stack structure in which the battery cells110are stacked. In this case, a top surface and a bottom surface (surface perpendicular to the Z axis) of the battery cell110or a cooling plate surrounding at least a portion of the battery cell110may have a state exposed to the outside of the battery module100. For example, the cooling plate may be configured to surround at least a portion of the battery cell110and contact the battery cell110to protect the battery cell110from external impact and simultaneously discharge heat generated from the battery cell110to the outside of the battery module100.

Referring toFIG.2, inside the housing200, the plurality of battery modules100may be stacked and arranged in one direction with a certain distance. For example, referring toFIG.2, the battery modules100may be inserted into the housing200in a first direction (Y-axis direction) and stacked and arranged in a second direction (Z-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction).

The battery modules100may be arranged in two columns inside the housing200as shown inFIG.2, but this is only an example. In another examples, the battery modules may be arranged in one column or three or more columns.

The housing200may be a structure in which the battery module100may be accommodated.

The housing200may be provided as a box-shaped member in which a top frame201, a bottom frame202, and a plurality of side frames203are coupled to each other.

At least one side of the housing200may be open, and the battery module100may be configured to be inserted through the open one side.FIG.2shows that the housing200is in the shape of a hexahedron with one side open, but this is only an example, and a specific shape of the housing200may be appropriately changed according to a user's needs.

The housing200may include a material having a certain rigidity. For example, the housing200may include a metal material such as iron, aluminum, or stainless steel. However, in addition to metal, the housing200may include any material as long as a material has rigidity enough to maintain an outer shape of the housing200and protect the battery modules100inside the housing200. For example, the housing200may have shape of a cube or rectangular prism.

The door member300may be coupled to the open one side of the housing200to be openable and closable. For example, the door member300may be hinged to the open one side of the housing200so that a user may push or pull the door member300to open or close the door member300.

The energy storage device10may include a connecting portion250used for electrical connection with other neighboring energy storage devices10. For example, the connecting portion250may include a bar-type member made of a conductive material (e.g., metal) and have a state exposed to an external environment on one side of the housing200.

The connecting portions250may electrically connect the plurality of battery modules100disposed inside the housing200.

The connecting portion250of each energy storage device10may include a first connecting portion250aand a second connecting portion250bdisposed on opposite sides of the housing200. For example, referring toFIG.2, the first connecting portion250amay be disposed on a first side frame203of the housing200, and the second connecting portion250bmay be disposed on a second side frame203opposite to the first side frame203of the housing200.

The first and second connecting portions250aand250bmay have structures that are symmetrical to each other.

The energy storage device10may be electrically connected to other energy storage devices disposed on both sides of the energy storage device10through the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250b.

The battery module100may be mounted on the mounting portion210disposed inside the housing200. For example, the mounting portion210may be provided in the shape of a shelf or a rail extending in one direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) on an inner surface of the housing200, and the battery module100may be inserted into the housing200in an extension direction of the shelf or the rail and then fixed to the inside of the housing200.

However, a specific shape of the mounting portion210is not limited to that shown inFIG.4. The mounting portion210may be configured in any shape or structure capable of stably mounting the battery module100inside the housing200.

The battery module100may be coupled to a fixing member211and fixed to the inside of the housing200while being mounted on the mounting portion210. A part of the fixing member211may be coupled to the battery module100, and the other part thereof may be coupled to the housing200. For example, the fixing member211may be a bracket that is mechanically fastened to the battery module100.

The fixing member211may include a first fixing member211aand a second fixing member211bfastened to different parts of the battery module100. For example, referring toFIG.2, the first fixing member211aand the second fixing member211bmay be coupled to both sides of one battery module100.

The energy storage device10may further include the cooling device400capable of cooling the battery module100accommodated inside the housing200. For example, referring toFIG.2, the cooling device400may be coupled to the door member300.

The cooling device400may discharge a cooling medium (e.g., cooling air) into an internal space of the housing200to cool the battery module100.

The cooling device400may include a discharge portion401through which the cooling medium is discharged, and a suction portion402through which the cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion401is sucked in and recovered.

The discharge portion401and the suction portion402of the cooling device400may be disposed on the inside surface of the door member300. Here, the ‘inside surface’ of the door member300may refer to the surface that faces the internal space of the housing200when the door member300is closed.

For example, as shown inFIG.2, the cooling device400may be coupled to the door member300so that the discharge portion401and the suction portion402are located inside the door member300. As the door member300is closed, the discharge portion401and the suction portion402may be naturally arranged to face the battery module100accommodated in the internal space of the housing200.

In the cooling device400, the discharge portion401and the suction portion402may be arranged in an up and down direction (Z-axis direction). For example, the discharge portion401through which the cooling medium is discharged may be disposed at a bottom end of the cooling device400, and the suction portion402in which the cooling medium is sucked may be disposed at a top end of the cooling device400. The temperature of the cold cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion401gradually rises through heat exchange with the battery module100and the cold cooling medium flows upward, and thus, an efficient cooling flow may be implemented inside the housing200through the suction portion402disposed at the top end of the discharge portion401.

According to some embodiments, the cooling device400of the energy storage device10may be disposed to face the battery module100inside the housing200. Accordingly, the cold cooling medium may be supplied directly to the battery module100from the cooling device400, which may increase the cooling efficiency compared to a case where the cooling device400is disposed outside the housing200.

The energy storage device10may further include a guide portion230capable of guiding the flow of the cooling medium discharged from the cooling device400into the inside of the housing200. For example, referring toFIG.2, at least a portion of the guide portion230may have a plate shape so that the guide portion230may be disposed on a rear surface of the cooling device400.

The guide portion230may be configured to guide a flow path of the cooling medium. For example, the guide portion230may be disposed between the cooling device400and the battery module100to block the cold cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion401from flowing directly into the suction portion402. Accordingly, a flow direction of the cold cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion401may be guided toward the battery module100.

One surface of the guide portion230may be disposed to face the suction portion402, and the other surface opposite to the one surface may be disposed to face a part of the battery module100.

When a direction in which the cooling device400and the battery module100face each other is defined as the first direction (Y-axis direction), the guide portion230may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first direction (Y-axis direction). For example, referring toFIG.2, as the door member300is closed, the cooling device400coupled to the door member300may face at least a portion of the battery module100in the first direction (Y-axis direction), and the guide portion230may be installed in front of the battery module100so that at least a portion of the guide portion230may be inclined in the first direction (Y-axis direction).

Referring toFIG.2, the guide portion230may be disposed to be inclined so that a bottom edge is closer to the door member300than a top edge. In this case, the bottom edge of the guide portion230may be disposed adjacent to the cooling device400as the door member300is closed.

The energy storage device10may further include an auxiliary guide portion410disposed on the door member300. The auxiliary guide portion410may be configured to guide the flow of the cooling medium together with the guide portion230.

For example, referring toFIG.2, the auxiliary guide portion410may be disposed to extend horizontally from one side of the cooling device400, and to come into contact with an end of the guide portion230as the door member300is closed. The auxiliary guide portion410may block the cooling medium from flowing into a gap between the guide portion230and the inner surface of the door member300. Accordingly, it is possible to more reliably block the cold cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion401from flowing directly toward the suction portion402.

According to some embodiments, the auxiliary guide portion410may be disposed on one side of the cooling device400. For example, referring toFIG.2, the cooling device400may be disposed to protrude to a certain thickness inside the door member300, and the auxiliary guide portion410may be disposed on both sides of the cooling device400to block the cooling medium from flowing into the gap between the guide portion230and the door member300.

With respect to a height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the housing200, the auxiliary guide portion410may be disposed between the discharge portion401and the suction portion402of the cooling device400.

FIG.4shows the battery module100which is to be inserted into an internal space S of the energy storage device10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5shows the guide portion230and the fixing member211of the energy storage device10which are coupled to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device10described with reference toFIGS.4and5corresponds to the energy storage device10previously described inFIGS.1and2, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The battery module100may be inserted into the mounting portion210disposed inside the housing200and accommodated in the internal space S. The mounting portion210may have a rail shape extending from the inside of the housing200in one direction (e.g., the Y-axis direction) and be configured so that at least a portion of the battery module100may be mounted thereon.

For example, referring toFIGS.4and5, the mounting portion210may be disposed to extend in the first direction (e.g., Y-axis direction) inside the housing200, and accordingly, the battery module100may be inserted into the mounting portion210in the first direction (Y-axis direction). However, an insertion direction of the battery module100is not limited thereto. For example, the mounting portion210of the housing200may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first direction (Y-axis direction), and accordingly, the battery module100may also be inserted in a direction inclined with respect to the first direction (Y-axis direction).

Inside the housing200, the battery modules100may be accommodated in a plurality of columns. For example,FIG.4shows the battery module100configured to be arranged in two columns. The housing200may further include a partition204partitioning the internal space S, and the mounting portions210may be disposed on both sides of the partition204so that the battery module100may be mounted thereon.

The battery modules100may be supported by the mounting portions210and arranged in layers in the height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction).

In a process of accommodating the battery module100in the mounting portion210, the fixing member211fixing the battery module100and the mounting portion210to each other may be assembled together with the battery module100. For example, the second fixing members211bmay be coupled to the side frame203of the housing200and the battery module100, respectively, and the first fixing members211amay be connected to both the partition204and the battery modules100.

The first fixing members211aand the second fixing members211bmay each be provided in a plurality and arranged side by side in an arrangement direction of the battery module100.

The fixing member211may fix the battery module100not to be separated from the mounting portion210in a process of transporting the energy storage device10.

The guide portion230may be coupled to the housing200to be inclined with respect to the first direction (Y-axis direction) while the battery module100is completely accommodated inside the mounting portion210. However, an assembling order of the guide portion230is not limited thereto. For example, the guide portion230may be coupled to the housing200at the same time as the battery module100is accommodated and fixed. Alternatively, the guide portion230may be rotatably coupled to the housing200with a top edge as an axis. In this case, the battery module100may be inserted and assembled with a space secured for insertion of the battery module100by rotating the guide portion230upward.

According to some embodiments, the guide portion230may be disposed such that one edge is adjacent to the inner frame220(also referred to as internal frame). The internal frame220is a plate-shaped member fixed to the housing200at a top portion of the battery module100, and may face the battery module100in the up and down direction (e.g., Z-axis direction). A battery control system of the energy storage device10may be disposed on a top surface of the internal frame220.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, a first edge231of the guide portion230may be disposed adjacent to the cooling device400while the door member300is closed, and a second edge232opposite to the first edge231may be coupled to be adjacent to the inner frame220.

While the door member300is closed, the first edge231of the guide portion230may be disposed between the discharge portion401and the suction portion402of the cooling device400. In addition, the first edge231of the guide portion230may be disposed adjacent to an end of the auxiliary guide portion410disposed on at least one side of the cooling device400.

The guide portion230may be disposed to be inclined with respect to the first direction (Y-axis direction). That is, the first edge231of the guide portion230may be disposed closer to the door member300than the second edge232.

Hereinafter, with reference toFIGS.6to8, the connecting portion250of the energy storage device10will be described in more detail.

FIG.6is a partial enlarged view of the connecting portion250of the energy storage device10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.7shows the top portion of the internal frame220in the energy storage device10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.8shows a plurality of energy storage devices10aand10belectrically connected to each other according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device10described with reference toFIGS.6to8corresponds to the energy storage device10previously described with reference toFIGS.1to5, and thus, redundant descriptions may be omitted.

The energy storage device10may be electrically connected to another energy storage device through the connecting portion250.

One connecting portion250may include one or more first connection members251electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules100and an insulating member252coupled to the housing200and supporting the first connection member251.

The first connection member251includes a conductive material (e.g., metal) and may function as a type of high voltage connector (or high voltage terminal) connected to the plurality of battery modules100. For example, the first connection member251may be configured as a power terminal electrically connected to the plurality of battery modules100.

The first connection member251may have a shape of a bar extending in one direction. For example, the first connection member251may be a busbar including a conductive material. The first connection member251may be configured to have one end inserted in the housing200and the other end, opposite to the one end, extending outside of the housing200.

While the first connection member251is inserted into the housing200, at least a portion of the first connection member251may protrude outwardly from the housing200. At this time, a direction in which the first connection member251protrudes outward from the housing200may be the third direction (X-axis direction) perpendicular to the first direction (Y-axis direction) which is a direction in which the battery module100is inserted into the mounting portion210.

The first connection member251may be fixed to the housing200while being supported by the insulating member252. The insulating member252may be configured to surround at least a portion of the first connection member251. The insulating member252may include a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic) to block the first connection member251from being electrically short-circuited with the housing200.

The connecting portion250may further include a second connection member253disposed spaced apart from the first connection member251.

The second connection member253may perform a different role from the first connection member251. For example, the second connection member253may be configured as a low voltage connector (or low voltage terminal) and used by the energy storage device10to transmit and receive signals with an external device. Alternatively, when the first connection member251is used as a direct current connection terminal, the second connection member253may be used as an alternating current connection terminal or an auxiliary power terminal.

In each of the energy storage devices10, the connecting portion250may be provided in a plurality. For example, referring toFIG.7, the connecting portion250may include the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250brespectively disposed on opposite surfaces of the housing200. Also, as an example, as illustrated in the embodiment ofFIG.1andFIG.7, each of the first and second connection portions250aand250bmay include two first connection members251, and six second connection members253.

The housing200may include a front surface200a, a rear surface200b, a plurality of side surfaces200cand200dand a bottom surface200e. When the door member300is disposed on a front surface of the housing200, the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250bmay be disposed on both sides of the housing200to avoid interference with the door member300when opening and closing the door member300.

With respect to the height direction (e.g., Z-axis direction) of the housing200, the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250bmay be disposed between the top frame201of the housing200and the battery module100.

Any one connecting portion250may include a plurality of first connection members251. For example, the first connecting portion250adisposed on one side surface of the housing200and the second connecting portion250bdisposed on the other side surface of the housing200may each include the plurality of first connection members251.

In any one connecting portion250, the plurality of first connection members251may have different polarities. For example, the first connecting portion250amay include a pair of first connection members251corresponding to a positive electrode and a negative electrode.

In any one energy storage device10, the first connection member251of the first connecting portion250aand the first connection member251of the second connecting portion250bmay be configured to protrude in opposite directions. According to such a structure, the first connecting portion250aof any one energy storage device10may be disposed to face the second connecting portion250bof another neighboring energy storage device10, and thus, the ease of connection between energy storage devices10may be increased.

The energy storage device10may further include a third connection member254electrically connecting the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250bto each other. For example, the third connection member254may be configured to electrically connect a busbar of the first connecting portion250ato a busbar of the second connecting portion250b.

The third connection member254may be an internal connection member disposed inside the housing200. For example, the third connection member254may be disposed between the top frame201and the inner frame220of the housing200.

The third connection member254may be formed of the same material as the first connection member251. For example, the third connection member254may be a busbar including a conductive material.

At least a portion of the third connection member254may contact the first connection member251in the height direction (Z-axis direction) of the housing200so that the third connection member254may be connected to the first connection member251. The first connection member251and the third connection member254may be mechanically fastened to each other or joined by welding, etc. and electrically connected to each other.

Referring toFIG.7, the housing200may further include the internal frame220disposed on a top portion of the battery module100.FIG.7may be a partially enlarged view of the housing200with the top frame201omitted.

A separation space G in which various components electrically connected to the battery module100may be disposed may be formed between the inner frame220and a top surface of the housing200.

The connecting portion250may be disposed on a top portion of the internal frame220. The connecting portion250may be separated from a space where the battery module100is disposed, thereby preventing hazardous elements such as heat, gas, or flame generated from the battery module100from directly contacting the connecting portion250.

In addition, a battery control system221, a blocking portion223, and a circulation system222may be disposed on the top portion of the internal frame220.

The battery control system221may include a battery management system (BMS) module, and a battery protection unit (BPU) module. The battery control system221may be seated and assembled on the internal frame220to safely control the battery modules100disposed on a bottom portion of the internal frame220.

The blocking portion223may serve as a switch to block the energy storage device10from outputting power.

The circulation system222may guide a flow direction of a cooling medium inside the separation space G. For example, the circulation system222may include one or more circulation fans222ato guide the cooling medium introduced into the separation space G to flow from the rear of the housing200toward the front. The cooling medium may cool the connecting portion250, the battery control system221, the circulation system222, and the blocking portion223while flowing inside the separation space G.

However, positions of the battery control system221, the circulation system222, the blocking portion223, and the connecting portion250are not limited to those shown in the drawing. The above components may be disposed at any locations where interference does not occur with other components of the energy storage device10. For example, at least one of the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250bmay be disposed on a rear surface of the housing200, and the third connection member254may be disposed at an appropriate position inside the housing200to connect the first connecting portion250aand the second connecting portion250b.

At least one of the battery control system221, the circulation system222, and the blocking portion223may be electrically connected to an external device through the second connecting portion250bto receive power. Alternatively, at least one of the battery control system221, the circulation system222, and the blocking portion223may be electrically connected to an external device through the second connecting portion250bto exchange signal information.

The energy storage device10may be electrically connected to another energy storage device through the connecting portion250.

FIG.8is an enlarged view of part A ofFIG.1. Referring toFIG.8, the first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10bmay be electrically connected to each other through a fourth connection member255connected to the first connection member251and a fifth connection member256connected to the second connection member253.

The first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10bmay be arranged to face each other in one direction (e.g., X-axis direction). In this case, the first connection member251of the first energy storage device10aand the first connection member251of the second energy storage device10bmay face each other in the one direction (X-axis direction).

The fourth connection member255may electrically connect the first connection member251of the first energy storage device10aand the first connection member251of the second energy storage device10bto each other.

The fourth connection member255may be disposed outside the housing200. That is, the fourth connection member255may be an external connection member connecting the first energy storage device10ato the second energy storage device10boutside the housing200.

The fourth connection member255may include a conductive material (e.g., metal). For example, the fourth connection member255may be a busbar including the conductive material. At least a portion of the fourth connection member255may contact each of the first connection member251of the first energy storage device10aand the first connection member251of the second energy storage device10bso that the fourth connection member255may be electrically connected to the first connection member251of the first energy storage device10aand the first connection member251of the second energy storage device10b.

In the first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10b, the first connection member251may be a high voltage connector. In this case, the fourth connection member255may perform a function of a power connection line of the first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10b.

The fifth connection member256may electrically connect the second connection member253of the first energy storage device10aand the second connection member253of the second energy storage device10bto each other.

In the first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10b, the second connection member253may be a low voltage connector. In this case, the fifth connection member256may be a path through which signals are transmitted and received between the first energy storage device10aand the second energy storage device10b.

A user (or manufacturer) may appropriately arrange the plurality of previously manufactured energy storage devices10aand10bat the destination and then connect the connecting portion250to each other by using the fourth connection member255or the fifth connection member256, thereby simply and quickly implementing a large capacity of energy source.

Hereinafter, the flow of the cooling medium inside the housing200is described with reference toFIG.9.

FIG.9shows a cooling medium which is circulated inside an energy storage device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device described with reference toFIG.9corresponds to the energy storage device previously described with reference toFIGS.1to8, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

InFIG.9, an arrow displayed inside the housing200indicates a flow direction of the cooling medium inside the housing200.

The cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion (401inFIG.2) may flow toward the battery module100. At this time, the guide portion230installed in front of the battery module100may block the cooling medium from flowing straight upward and being introduced into the suction portion (402inFIG.2) before flowing between the battery modules100.

The auxiliary guide portion410disposed on at least one side of the cooling device400may contact the guide portion230to more reliably block the cooling medium from flowing in a gap between an inner surface of the door member300and the guide portion230.

The cooling medium may cool the battery module100while passing between the battery modules100and flowing toward the rear of the housing200. The cooling medium having the temperature risen due to heat exchange with the battery module100may flow upward and then flow into the suction portion (402inFIG.2) of the cooling device400along the separation space G between the inner frame220and a top portion of the housing200.

The circulation system222disposed on the internal frame220may guide the cooling medium inside the separation space G to flow smoothly toward the front of the housing200.

The cooling medium may cool the battery control system221and the connecting portion250disposed on the top portion of the internal frame220while flowing through the separation space G. That is, the cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion (401inFIG.2) may firstly cool the battery module100while circulating inside the housing200, and then secondarily cool the battery control system221and the connecting portion250.

The guide portion230may physically separate a flow space of the cooling medium in front of the battery module100and guide the cooling medium to flow intensively toward the battery module100.

Accordingly, it is possible to prevent cooling performance from deteriorating due to the cooling medium flowing indiscriminately in front of the battery module100before the cooling medium reaches the battery module100.

In addition, the guide portion230may guide the cooling medium to flow in a certain direction and block the cold cooling medium discharged from the discharge portion (401inFIG.2) from mixing with a hot cooling medium that has exchanged heat with the battery module100, thereby preventing the cooling efficiency from decreasing.

In addition, the discharge portion401of the cooling device400is located below the suction portion402, thereby implementing the circulation flow of the above-described cooling medium more naturally.

Hereinafter, a configuration for moving the energy storage device10will be described with reference toFIGS.10and11.

FIGS.10and11are perspective views of the energy storage device10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The energy storage device10described with reference toFIGS.10and11corresponds to the energy storage device10previously described with reference toFIGS.1to9, and thus, redundant descriptions thereof may be omitted.

The energy storage device10that has been completely manufactured may be picked up by a transport device (e.g., a forklift or crane) and transported to an installation destination.

The housing200of the energy storage device10may include a plurality of lifting holes241and242to enable transportation by the transport device. For example, the first lifting hole241may be provided in a top portion or a bottom portion of the housing200so that the energy storage device10may be picked up by a crane, etc. Alternatively, a second lifting hole242may be provided in the bottom portion of the housing200so that a fork, such as a forklift, may be inserted.

The first lifting hole241may be provided in the shape of a hole into which a tong or hook of the crane may be inserted. For example, as shown inFIG.10, the first lifting hole241may be disposed at a corner of the top frame201or a corner of the bottom frame202and may be provided in the shape of the hole that opens upward or to the side.

The second lifting hole242may be a hole provided in a bottom portion of the housing200into which the fork of a forklift may be inserted. For example, as shown inFIG.10, a plurality of second lifting holes242configured to allow the fork of the forklift to be inserted may be provided in one surface of the bottom frame202.

In order to prevent the transport device from colliding with an air conditioning device of the door member300, the second lifting hole242may be provided on a side surface where the door member300is not disposed. For example, referring toFIG.10, the door member300with the cooling device400installed may be disposed on one side of the housing200, and the second lifting hole242may be installed in a bottom portion of the other side adjacent to the one side of the housing200.

Referring toFIG.11, after the energy storage device10is installed at the desired location, the second lifting hole242may be closed by mounting an insulator243and a cover244in the second lifting hole242. The insulator243may be inserted into a bottom portion of the energy storage device10to thermally and structurally protect the battery module100inside the housing200.

The energy storage device10according to the embodiments may be modularized to be transported in a completely manufactured state, thereby quickly implementing the ESS1at the installation destination.

In addition, the energy storage device10may be easily connected to another neighboring energy storage device10through the connecting portion250disposed on one side of the housing200. Accordingly, when configuring the ESS1, the plurality of energy storage devices10may be quickly and accurately connected to each other, and thus, the efficiency and speed of work may be increased.

The ESS according to embodiments may quickly implement a large capacity of energy source at the installation destination.

In addition, the ESS according to embodiments may quickly and accurately connect a plurality of energy storage devices to each other.

Although various embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and it will be obvious to persons with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field that various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the technical concepts of the present invention. In addition, the above-described embodiments may be embodied by deleting some components and may be embodied in combination with each other.