SPRINKLER MANIFOLD FOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

A battery rack for an energy storage system uses a manifold pipe and fluid discharge terminals to deliver water into the battery rack. The manifold pipe directs water flowing from a water source to fluid discharge terminals, which are heat-activated. Fluid discharge terminals may be coupled to branch pipes, which are in turn coupled to the manifold pipe. A heat-activated fluid discharge terminal discharges the water flowing from the manifold pipe to or within a battery module when activated at a threshold temperature range.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Various Embodiments

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to energy storage systems and, more specifically, to a sprinkler manifold for energy storage systems.

Description of the Related Art

In renewable energy systems, particularly solar or wind energy systems, periods of low or no energy generation due to low solar or wind availability is reasonably common. In order to support power requirements and ensure reliable energy supply during such periods, energy storage systems, including battery energy storage systems, can be deployed on the electric grid.

Energy storage systems typically incorporate battery cells (e.g., lithium ion battery cells) that are assembled into one or more battery modules. Multiple different battery modules may be arranged together to form a battery rack, which may be held in a housing or cabinet. When such battery cells, modules and/or battery racks are abused or exposed to an external source of high temperature (e.g., fire), the battery cells, modules and/or battery rack can enter into a condition known as “thermal runaway” and ignite, thereby causing a fire. Such fires are difficult to extinguish because the ignited battery cell(s) can generate a substantial amount of additional heat which can initiate a thermal runaway condition in adjacent cell(s), creating a cascading event. Furthermore, such fires may generate their own oxygen, and thus oxygen starvation is not an effective way of suppressing a thermal runaway event and the resulting fire. Accordingly, the most effective way to extinguish a fire resulting from thermal runaway is to lower the temperature to mitigate or suppress the thermal runaway condition. Water, due to its high specific heat, has been found to be effective in absorbing large amounts of energy and reducing temperatures sufficiently to interrupt and stop thermal runaway events that occur with battery cells, modules and/or battery racks and extinguish the associated fires.

When an energy storage system with one or more battery racks is implemented indoors, overhead fire sprinklers are typically used to deliver water to the energy storage system in the event of a fire. A drawback of overhead fire sprinklers is that such systems are usually ineffective in delivering water directly to the affected areas of a battery module or battery rack. Among other things, an overhead fire sprinkler cannot directly deliver water to the interior of the cabinet housing the battery module or battery rack. Another drawback is that overhead fire sprinklers are normally heat-activated; thus, the thermal runaway event is likely to be well underway by the time an overhead file sprinkler is activated, which makes extinguishing the associated fire all the more difficult.

In response to the various limitations of overhead fire sprinklers with respect to energy storage systems, regulators have begun demanding that additional safety measures be put in place when implementing energy storage systems. Such additional measures include, without limitation, increasing spacing between battery cabinets to limit fire propagation, increasing sprinkler head density and increasing the sprinkler flow rate to a level that can flood the battery modules and/or battery racks housed within the energy storage system. These additional measures are undesirable because they can require extensive upgrades (e.g., upgrades to piping in buildings in which energy storage systems are implemented), which can substantially increase costs and implementation times and can involve one or more various government regulators.

As the foregoing illustrates, what is needed are more effective ways to deliver water to an affected area of an energy storage system in the event of a thermal runaway condition or fire.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a system that includes a housing configured to mount one or more battery modules in an interior of the housing, a manifold pipe, and a fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is configured to receive fluid flowing from the manifold pipe and discharge fluid to a first mounting location in the interior of the housing.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may further include an energy storage apparatus that includes a housing configured to mount one or more battery modules in an interior of the housing, a battery module mounted in the interior of the housing, a manifold pipe extending into the interior of the housing, and a fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe and configured to discharge fluid flowing from the manifold pipe to the battery module.

A technical advantage of the disclosed design is that the disclosed design can deliver water directly to battery modules mounted within a battery rack. Accordingly, the disclosed techniques and systems are more effective at extinguishing fires occurring at battery modules within a battery rack compared to conventional techniques. Another technical advantage of the disclosed design is that the disclosed design places heat-activated sprinkler heads closer to the battery modules that can emit heat when under thermal runaway. Accordingly, the sprinkler heads activate earlier in the evolution of the fire, thereby requiring less water flow for effective fire suppression. A further technical advantage of the disclosed design is that the disclosed design reduces collateral damage to the remainder of the battery modules, battery racks, power conversion hardware, and the facility due to water or smoke damage.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1illustrates a perspective view of a battery rack100equipped with a sprinkler manifold, according to various embodiments. Battery rack100, which may be a part of an energy storage system, includes a cabinet, housing, or other enclosure102(hereinafter “cabinet”). Cabinet102houses one or more battery modules104and various electric components (not shown) for electrically coupling battery modules104to an electric grid. While battery rack100is shown with three battery modules104-1thru104-3housed within cabinet102, a battery rack100may include any suitable number of battery modules104. In various embodiments, a battery rack100can include anywhere between one to fourteen battery modules. More generally, the number of battery modules a battery rack can include has no upper limit and can be determined by practical arrangements and size of individual battery modules. A battery module104can be mounted within cabinet102in any technically feasible manner. For example, cabinet102could be a rack-mount cabinet, and battery modules104are mounted in cabinet102in a manner similar to computer servers mounted in a rack-mount server rack.

A battery module104can house one or more battery cells105in a housing or other battery module enclosure. Multiple battery cells105within a battery module104may be electrically arranged in series and/or parallel connections, and may further be arranged in an array-like manner and/or in clusters of battery cells. For example,FIG. 1shows one of multiple rows of parallel battery cells105housed in battery module104-1. A battery module104further includes various electrical components (not shown) for electrically coupling battery cells105to the electrical components of cabinet102. Battery cells105can have any technically suitable battery chemistry. In various embodiments, battery cells104are lithium-ion cells.

Battery rack100further includes a sprinkler manifold106. In various embodiments, sprinkler manifold106is a pipe that extends into the interior of cabinet102. Sprinkler manifold106also has an inflow end109that is exposed to the exterior of cabinet102and has an opening for fluid flow. A connection tube108can couple sprinkler manifold16inflow end109to a source of water (e.g., an indoor sprinkler or plumbing system, a water tank, an external fire-fighting hook-up activated during fire response) at inflow end109. In various embodiments, connection tube108can be a pipe or a hose as required by local building codes. Alternatively, sprinkler manifold106can couple directly to the water source, without a connection tube108. In some embodiments, sprinkler manifold106terminates and is closed in the interior of cabinet102. As shown inFIG. 1, sprinkler manifold106is coupled to connection tube108at the inflow end109, and connection tube108would in turn be coupled to a water source (not shown inFIG. 1). Fluid (e.g., water) can flow into sprinkler manifold106through the opening at inflow end109. Further, sprinkler manifold106terminates within cabinet102at an end opposite of inflow end109. Sprinkler manifold106may be left “dry” (e.g., with or without air pressure), with no water flowing through sprinkler manifold106prior to activation of a sprinkler head112.

Sprinkler manifold106includes one or more opening locations107along the length of sprinkler manifold106. Each opening location107includes an opening (not shown) through which fluid can flow. A branch pipe110can couple to sprinkler manifold106at an opening location107and receive fluid through the opening at that opening location107. As shown inFIG. 1, branch pipe110-1is coupled to sprinkler manifold106at opening location107-1, branch pipe110-2at opening location107-2, and branch pipe110-3at opening location107-3. In some embodiments, an opening location107is sealed to fluid flow when no branch pipe110is coupled at that location. For example, an opening location107could have a plug-in pipe fitting or coupling, where the opening is unsealed when a branch pipe110is plugged into the fitting at that opening location107and where the opening is sealed when no branch pipe110is plugged in or branch pipe101is unplugged from the fitting. Accordingly, individual branch pipes110can be plugged in or unplugged without disturbing other branch pipes110coupled to sprinkler manifold106.

In some embodiments, the number of opening locations107on sprinkler manifold106matches the maximum number of battery module104that can be mounted in battery rack100. Accordingly, when battery rack100has the maximum number of mounted battery modules104, one branch pipe110per battery module104can be coupled to sprinkler manifold106.

A branch pipe110includes a sprinkler head or other fluid discharge terminal (e.g., nozzle)112. In various embodiments, sprinkler head112is heat-activated, similar to an automatic fire sprinkler. That is, sprinkler head112holds back fluid flow via a heat-sensitive sealing mechanism in which the seal breaks at a threshold temperature range (e.g., a temperature rating of sprinkler head112) to release the blockage. As the environment in proximity of sprinkler head112increases (e.g., due to heat emitted from a battery module under a thermal runaway event), the sealing mechanism also heats up until the seal breaks at the threshold temperature range. The sealing mechanism may be implemented using any technically feasible technique (e.g., a bulb of liquid that holds the fluid plug in place and expands under heat until the bulb breaks, a valve or plug held by solder that can melt at the threshold temperature range). Once activated, sprinkler head112discharges fluid (e.g., water) flowing from branch pipe110. In various embodiments, the threshold temperature range of the sealing mechanism can be designed and predetermined based on the battery chemistry of battery cells105within battery module104. For example, a branch pipe110can be constructed with a sprinkler head112that has a temperature rating based on battery chemistry of battery modules104that are expected to be mounted in cabinet102.

As shown, branch pipes110coupled to sprinkler manifold106, and sprinkler heads112included with branch pipes110, are positioned above respective battery modules104. When activated, sprinkler heads112discharge water (e.g., in a spray pattern, free flowing) over respective battery modules104. For example, sprinkler head112-1would discharge fluid over battery module104-1when activated. Similarly, sprinkler head112-2would discharge fluid over battery module104-2and sprinkler head112-3would discharge fluid over battery module104-3. Accordingly, if a battery module104, for example battery module104-2, enters into a thermal runaway event, the environment proximate to sprinkler head112-2heats up as well from the thermal runaway event. When the temperature at sprinkler head112-2reaches the threshold temperature range of sprinkler head112-2, the seal holding back fluid flow breaks, allowing water to be discharged over battery module104via sprinkler head112-2.

In some embodiments, sprinkler manifold106includes a flow detector or sensor (e.g., a flowmeter)120, which detects fluid flow in and/or through sprinkler manifold106. For example, when one or more of sprinkler heads112discharge water, flow detector120detects flow of water through sprinkler manifold106toward sprinkler heads112. In some embodiments, flow detector120is communicatively coupled to a computing system, a fire alarm system, and/or a monitoring system. Flow detector120can signal detected fluid flow to the computing system, fire alarm system, and/or monitoring system to trigger additional functionality, including but not limited to de-energizing a battery cell105, a battery module104, battery rack100or the energy storage system, activating a fire alarm system, sending a signal to a monitoring system, etc. For example, the computing system could determine whether the fluid flow through sprinkler manifold106, as detected by flow detector120, is above a threshold. When the fluid flow is above the threshold, the computer system would determine that a thermal runaway and/or fire event associated with battery rack100is occurring. Based on the determination that a thermal runaway and/or fire event is occurring, the computing system could de-energize battery rack100.

FIG. 2illustrates a front view of battery rack100andFIG. 3illustrates a side view of battery rack100, according to various embodiments.FIGS. 2-3illustrate battery rack100that is installed (e.g., placed alongside a wall) and whose sprinkler manifold106is coupled to a water source. As shown, sprinkler manifold106is coupled to a water pipe114via connection tube108. Water pipe114may be a part of a fire suppression sprinkler system or other plumbing system that supplies water to sprinkler manifold106and branch pipes110. Water can flow from pipe114into sprinkler manifold106via connection tube108. The water can fill sprinkler manifold106and flow into branch pipes110-1thru110-3. The water further can fill branch pipes110and through activated sprinkler heads112-1thru112-3for discharge over battery modules104-1thru104-3, respectively.

While sprinkler manifold106is shown as being approximately centered along one vertical side of cabinet102, it should be appreciated that sprinkler manifold106can be located in any suitable location within cabinet102(e.g., along a corner, along a vertical side, through the center axis). Further, while sprinkler heads112are shown as being positioned above their corresponding battery modules, in some embodiments, sprinkler heads are positioned below or to the side of their corresponding battery modules. For example, a sprinkler head positioned under its corresponding battery module would spray water upward to the bottom of its corresponding battery module.

In various embodiments, sprinkler manifold106, branch pipes110, and sprinkler heads112can be designed and/or tested in conjunction with battery rack100prior to implementation. For example, a battery rack could be designed to support a sprinkler manifold and branch pipes, and conversely a sprinkler manifold and branch pipes could be designed for implementation in certain battery racks. Further, a sprinkler manifold and branch pipes can be tested at the design and/or manufacturing stage in conjunction with a battery rack and battery modules mounted within. Even further, sprinkler heads could be designed and/or tested for optimal thermal runaway suppression (e.g., optimizing the water discharge pattern, optimizing the threshold temperature) in conjunction with a battery rack and/or battery modules mounted within (e.g., customizing the sprinkler heads to the battery chemistry, thermal properties, and construction of the battery modules). For example, the threshold temperature range for activating the sprinkler head could be customized or configured based on the battery chemistry, thermal properties, and/or construction of the battery module(s). By facilitating design and testing of sprinkler manifolds, branch pipes, and sprinkler heads in conjunction with the design and construction of battery racks and battery modules prior to implementation, those components can be designed to conform to existing water sources (e.g., sprinkler systems and associated water flow rates that follow current regulations) and thus reduce or eliminate extensive upgrades to water sources in order to support a sprinkler manifold and associated components.

FIG. 4illustrates a detailed side view of a battery rack100, according to various embodiments. As shown, battery rack100includes a sprinkler manifold pipe106and battery modules104-1and104-2. Battery module104-1is mounted at one mounting location within battery rack100, and battery module104-2is mounted at another mounting location within battery rack100. Battery modules104hold battery cells105. Sprinkler manifold pipe106extends from the exterior of cabinet102into the interior of cabinet102, where sprinkler manifold pipe106is sealed at terminal428. Sprinkler manifold pipe106includes a fitting or coupling422at inflow end109for coupling to a connection tube108or directly to a water source (e.g., sprinkler system, plumbing system, water tank). Fitting422can couple sprinkler manifold pipe106to a connection tube108or to a water source in any technically feasible manner. For example, fittings422could be, for example and without limitation, a threaded fitting or a plug-in fitting.

Sprinkler manifold pipe106includes opening locations107-1and107-2through which fluid (e.g., water) can flow. Sprinkler manifold pipe106also includes branch pipe fittings or couplings426-1and426-2corresponding to opening locations107-1and107-2, respectively. A branch pipe110can couple to sprinkler manifold pipe106at a branch pipe fitting426. Similar to fitting422, a fitting426can couple a branch pipe110to sprinkler manifold pipe106in any technically feasible manner. Fitting426can be, for example, a threaded fitting or a plug-in fitting. In some embodiments, fitting426can include a valve or the like that blocks fluid flow through the corresponding opening location107when a branch pipe110is not coupled to fitting426. Fastening (e.g., via the threading, plugging in) a branch pipe110to fitting426causes the value to open and the valve remains open while branch pipe110is fastened, thereby allowing fluid flow through the corresponding opening location107. In some embodiments, sprinkler manifold106also includes a flow detector120.

Branch pipes110also include respective sprinkler heads112, each configured to discharge fluid over a battery module mounting location where a battery module104can be mounted. For example, sprinkler head112-1can spray water over the location where battery module104-1is mounted, and sprinkler head112-2can spray water over the location where battery module104-2is mounted. With battery modules104-1and104-2mounted at their respective locations, sprinkler heads112-1and112-2discharges water over battery modules104-1and104-2, respectively. A sprinkler head112can be activated by heat from the environment within cabinet102(e.g., heat emitted from battery cells105within battery modules104) causing the temperature of sprinkler head112to increase to a threshold temperature range at which a fluid blockage in sprinkler head112can break.

WhileFIG. 4shows each branch pipe110having one sprinkler head112at the terminal of the branch pipe110, in some embodiments, a branch pipe110can have multiple sprinkler heads distributed throughout the length of branch pipe110, each of which is configured to discharge fluid over the corresponding battery module mounting location.

In operation, water flows from the water source into sprinkler manifold pipe106, as indicated by arrow430. As the water fills sprinkler manifold pipe106, the water can flow into and fill branch pipes426through respective opening locations107, as indicated by arrows432-1and432-2. A sprinkler head112blocks further flow of the fluid through the corresponding branch pipe110until that sprinkler head112is activated by heat. When activated, a sprinkler head112allows the water to flow through and discharges the water over the corresponding battery module104.

In embodiments where the water source is a fire suppression sprinkler system, battery rack100can be implemented in conjunction with a wet sprinkler system or a dry sprinkler system. In embodiments where the water source is a wet sprinkler system, water from the sprinkler system can flow into and fill sprinkler manifold pipe106and branch pipes110. The water is blocked from further flow by not-activated sprinkler heads112. When one or more sprinkler heads112are activated, the activated sprinkler heads112discharge water, and further water is drawn in from the sprinkler system into sprinkler manifold pipe106and branch pipes110whose sprinkler heads112has activated.

In embodiments where the water source is a dry sprinkler system, pressurized air can fill sprinkler manifold pipe106and branch pipes110. The air is blocked from further flow by not-activated sprinkler heads112. Meanwhile, the sprinkler system holds water that can flow into sprinkler manifold pipe106. When one or more sprinkler heads112are activated, the compressed air vents through the activated sprinkler heads112. The venting of air causes a decrease in air pressure within sprinkler manifold pipe106, which then causes the water from the sprinkler system to flow into sprinkler manifold pipe106and branch pipes110(e.g., the decrease in air pressure causes an valve in the sprinkler system holding back the pressurized water to open). Water from the sprinkler system can flow into branch pipes110and be discharged through activated sprinkler heads112. Further water from the sprinkler system can flow into sprinkler manifold pipe106and branch pipes110whose sprinkler heads112has activated.

FIG. 5illustrates a detailed side view of a battery rack500having a sprinkler manifold and branch pipes that extend battery modules, according to various embodiments. WhileFIGS. 1-4illustrate branch pipes (e.g., branch pipes110) as separate from battery modules, in some embodiments, a branch pipe can be integrated with (e.g., extend into) a battery module. As shown inFIG. 5, battery rack500includes a sprinkler manifold pipe506and battery modules504-1and504-2. Battery rack500and the components illustrated inFIG. 5are in many ways similar to battery rack100and associated components illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, except as described below. Battery modules504hold battery cells505. Sprinkler manifold pipe506extends from the exterior of cabinet502into the interior of cabinet502, where sprinkler manifold pipe506is sealed at terminal528. Sprinkler manifold pipe506includes a fitting or coupling522at inflow end509for coupling to a connection tube (not shown) or directly to a water source (e.g., sprinkler system, plumbing system, water tank). Fitting522can couple sprinkler manifold pipe506to a connection tube or to a water source in any technically feasible manner.

Sprinkler manifold pipe506includes opening locations507-1and507-2through which fluid (e.g., water) can flow. Sprinkler manifold pipe506also includes branch pipe fittings or coupling526-1and526-2corresponding to opening locations507-1and507-2, respectively. A branch pipe510can couple to sprinkler manifold pipe506at a branch pipe fitting526. Similar to fitting522, a fitting526can couple a branch pipe510to sprinkler manifold pipe506in any technically feasible manner, including for example a quick-disconnect coupling. In some embodiments, fitting526can include a valve or the like that blocks fluid flow through the corresponding opening location507when a branch pipe510is not coupled to fitting526. Fastening (e.g., via the threading, plugging in) a branch pipe510to fitting526causes the value to open and the valve remains open while branch pipe510is fastened, thereby allowing fluid flow through the corresponding opening location507. In some embodiments, sprinkler manifold506also includes a flow detector or sensor520.

As shown, branch pipes510are integrated with respective battery modules. For example, branch pipe510-1is integrated with battery module504-1, and branch pipe510-2is integrated with battery module504-2. A portion of branch pipe510extends out of battery module504and can couple to sprinkler manifold506via fitting526. The remainder of branch pipe510is located within battery module504. A sprinkler head512is coupled to the portion of branch pipe510that is within battery module504.

As described above, branch pipes510also include respective sprinkler heads512. Sprinkler heads512are configured to discharge fluid over battery cells505within battery modules504. For example, sprinkler head512-1can spray water over battery cells505within battery module504-1, and sprinkler head512-2can spray water over battery cells505within battery module504-2. A sprinkler head512is activated by heat from the environment within cabinet502(e.g., heat emitted from battery cells505within battery modules504) causing the temperature of sprinkler head512to increase to a threshold temperature, at which a fluid blockage in sprinkler head512to break.

WhileFIG. 5shows each branch pipe510having one sprinkler head512at the terminal of the branch pipe510, in some embodiments, a branch pipe510can have multiple sprinkler heads distributed throughout the length of the portion of branch pipe510within battery module504, each of which is configured to discharge fluid over battery cells held within the battery module.

In operation, water flows from the water source into sprinkler manifold pipe506, as indicated by arrow530. As the water fills sprinkler manifold pipe506, the water can flow into and fill branch pipes526through respective opening locations507, as indicated by arrows532-1and532-2. A sprinkler head512blocks further flow of the fluid through the corresponding branch pipe510until that sprinkler head512is activated by heat. When activated, a sprinkler head512allows the water to flow through and discharges the water over battery cells within the corresponding battery module504.

Similar to battery rack100, battery rack500can be implemented in conjunction with a wet or dry sprinkler system. Accordingly, depending on the implementation, sprinkler manifold pipe506and branch pipes510can be filled with water or pressurized or unpressurized air prior to activation of sprinkler heads512.

FIG. 6illustrates a detailed side view of a battery rack600having a sprinkler manifold with heat-activated fluid discharge terminals mounted directly to the sprinkler manifold, according to various embodiments. In some embodiments, sprinkler heads or fluid discharge terminals can couple to the sprinkler manifold without branch pipes, and the sprinkler heads discharge fluid into battery modules. As shown inFIG. 6, battery rack600includes a sprinkler manifold pipe606and battery modules604-1and604-2. Battery rack600and the components illustrated inFIG. 6are in many ways similar to battery rack500and associated components illustrated inFIGS. 1-5, except as described below. Battery modules604hold battery cells605. Sprinkler manifold pipe606extends from the exterior of cabinet602into the interior of cabinet602, where sprinkler manifold pipe606is sealed at terminal628. Sprinkler manifold pipe606includes a fitting or coupling622at inflow end609for coupling to a connection tube (not shown) or directly to a water source (e.g., sprinkler system, plumbing system, water tank). Fitting622can couple sprinkler manifold pipe606to a connection tube or to a water source in any technically feasible manner.

Sprinkler manifold pipe606includes opening locations607-1and607-2through which fluid (e.g., water) can flow. Sprinkler manifold pipe606also includes fittings or coupling626-1and626-2corresponding to opening locations607-1and607-2, respectively. A sprinkler head or fluid discharge terminal612can couple to sprinkler manifold pipe606at a fitting626. Similar to fitting622, a fitting626can couple a sprinkler head612to sprinkler manifold pipe606in any technically feasible manner, including for example a quick-disconnect coupling. In some embodiments, fitting626can include a valve or the like that blocks fluid flow through the corresponding opening location607when a sprinkler head612is not coupled to fitting626. Fastening (e.g., via the threading, plugging in) a sprinkler head612to fitting626causes the value to open and the valve remains open while sprinkler head612is fastened, thereby allowing fluid flow through the corresponding opening location607. In some embodiments, sprinkler manifold606also includes a flow detector or sensor620.

As described above, sprinkler heads612are coupled to sprinkler manifold pipe606. Sprinkler heads512are configured to discharge fluid into battery modules604through openings636on side walls of the enclosures or housings of battery modules604. An opening636can fit onto a sprinkler head612. For example, opening636-1of battery module604-1would fit onto sprinkler head612-1, and sprinkler head612-1could discharge water into battery module604-1through opening636-1. Opening636-2of battery module604-2would fit onto sprinkler head612-2, and sprinkler head612-2could discharge water into battery module604-2through opening636-2. A sprinkler head612is activated by heat from the environment within cabinet602(e.g., heat emitted from battery cells605within battery modules604) causing the temperature of sprinkler head612to increase to a threshold temperature, at which a fluid blockage in sprinkler head612to break.

WhileFIG. 6shows sprinkler heads612coupled to sprinkler manifold pipe606without branch pipes, alternatively branch pipes of minimal length could be coupled to sprinkler manifold pipe606and sprinkler heads612coupled to the branch pipes, similar toFIG. 5but with branch pipes shortened. Further, in some embodiments, opening636need not fit onto a sprinkler head612; there can be a gap between the end of a sprinkler head612and opening636of the corresponding battery module604.

In operation, in case of a fire inside a battery module604, hot gases associated with the fire can escape through an opening636of battery module604. Those hot gases will be sufficiently hot to activate a corresponding sprinkler head612. Water flows from the water source into sprinkler manifold pipe606, as indicated by arrow630, and into sprinkler heads612, as indicated by arrows632. An activated sprinkler head612discharges water directly into the housing of battery module604through opening636. For example, sprinkler head612-1would spray water into battery module604-1through opening636-1, and sprinkler head612-2would spray water into battery module604-2through opening636-2. The shape of the enclosure of battery module604can contain the water within and progressively start cooling and flooding battery cells605within battery module604from the bottom.

Similar to battery rack100, battery rack600can be implemented in conjunction with a wet or dry sprinkler system. Accordingly, depending on the implementation, sprinkler manifold pipe606can be filled with water or pressurized or unpressurized air prior to activation of sprinkler heads612.

WhileFIGS. 1-6show sprinkler manifold pipes that terminate within the cabinet of the battery rack, in some embodiments the sprinkler manifold pipe has inflow and outflow ends and can extend to the exterior of the cabinet of the battery rack at both inflow and outflow ends. Both inflow and outflow ends could be coupled to a water source or water system (e.g., an indoor plumbing system). Additionally, the sprinkler manifold pipe can have an inflow opening location and an outflow opening location per branch pipe, and ends of a branch pipe would couple to the sprinkler manifold pipe at the inflow opening location and the outflow opening location. Such a branch pipe can have one or more heat-activated sprinkler heads along the length of the branch pipe. Accordingly, water from the water source (e.g., an indoor plumbing system) can continuously circulate into the sprinkler manifold pipe and into the branch pipes, and then back out of branch pipes into the sprinkler manifold pipe, and back out of the sprinkler manifold pipe to the water source or system. In embodiments where these branch pipes extend into battery modules and are in contact with battery cells, water circulating through these branch pipes and the sprinkler manifold can provide passive cooling capabilities to battery modules, as well as discharging water when sprinkler heads are activated.

It should be appreciated that each sprinkler head activates independently based on the temperature at the sprinkler head. Accordingly, for example, inFIG. 4sprinkler head112-2can activate (e.g., due to the heat from a thermal runaway event occurring at battery module104-2) and discharge water, while sprinkler head112-1remains not activated (e.g., no thermal runaway event at battery module104-1yet and thus the temperature at sprinkler head112-1is lower). This individual activation capability reduces collateral damage (e.g., damage to other battery modules in the battery rack that has yet to enter into a thermal runaway or has yet to ignite) in the event of a thermal runaway or fire inside a single module.

Further, it should be appreciated that while the disclosed embodiments are described above with reference to water as the fluid, the disclosed embodiments can be adapted to transport and discharge any fluid, whether gas or liquid. For example, other gases or liquids, besides water, that are effective in suppressing thermal runaway events could be used in conjunction with the disclosed embodiments.

In sum, a fluid delivery system can deliver fluid, such as water, to battery modules within a battery rack. The fluid delivery system includes a manifold pipe that extends into the cabinet of the battery rack and can be coupled to a fluid source (e.g., a sprinkler system, a static or mobile water tank). One or more heat-activated sprinkler heads or other similar fluid discharge terminals are coupled to the manifold pipe directly or via branch pipes of as-required length coupled to the manifold pipe. Branch pipes and sprinkler heads can receive fluid from the manifold pipe. In operation, when a sprinkler head activates at a threshold temperature range (e.g., due to a thermal runaway or fire at a battery module, due to a fire outside of the battery rack), water flows from the sprinkler manifold into the sprinkler head and the activated sprinkler head discharges the water over the battery module to decrease the temperature and suppress any fire at the battery module. In some embodiments, sprinkler heads can discharge water into the enclosure of the battery module, thus facilitating discharge of fluid directly to battery cells within the battery module.

One technical advantage of the disclosed design relative to the prior art is that the disclosed design can deliver water directly to battery modules mounted within a battery rack. Accordingly, the disclosed techniques and systems are more effective at extinguishing fires involving battery modules within a battery rack compared to conventional techniques. Another technical advantage of the disclosed design relative to the prior art is that the disclosed design places heat-activated sprinkler heads closer to the battery modules that can emit heat when under thermal runaway. Accordingly, activation of the sprinkler heads, and correspondingly water discharge from the sprinkler heads, are more responsive to thermal runaway events that occur at battery cells and battery modules compared to conventional techniques and can reduce the occurrence of ignition and fire propagation due to a thermal runaway event. A further technical advantage of the disclosed design is that the disclosed design does not require significant upgrades to be made to a sprinkler system in order to implement the disclosed design. Yet another technical advantage of the disclosed design is that the disclosed design enables individual activation of sprinkler heads responsive to thermal conditions within the battery rack. Accordingly, collateral damage, due to water or smoke damage, to battery modules, battery racks, power conversion hardware, and portions of the facility yet to be reached by the thermal runaway and/or fire is reduced. These technical advantages provide one more technological improvements over prior art designs and approaches.

1. In some embodiments, a system comprises a housing configured to mount one or more battery modules in an interior of the housing; a manifold pipe; and a fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is configured to receive fluid flowing from the manifold pipe and discharge fluid to a first mounting location in the interior of the housing.

2. The system of clause 1, wherein the manifold pipe comprises a terminal end located in the interior of the housing.

3. The system of clauses 1 or 2, wherein the manifold pipe comprises an open end located in the exterior the housing.

4. The system of any of clauses 1-3, wherein the manifold pipe is configured to couple to a fluid source via the open end and to receive fluid from the fluid source via the open end.

5. The system of any of clauses 1-4, further comprising a branch pipe that is coupled to the manifold pipe and is configured to receive fluid flowing from the manifold pipe.

6. The system of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is coupled to the manifold pipe via the branch pipe, and the branch pipe is configured to direct water received from the manifold pipe to the fluid discharge terminal.

7. The system of any of clauses 1-6, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is configured to activate at a threshold temperature to discharge fluid.

8. The system of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the manifold pipe comprises one or more openings distinct from the open end, and wherein the fluid discharge terminal is coupled to the manifold pipe at an opening included in the one or more openings.

9. The system of any of clauses 1-8, comprising a first battery module mounted in the interior of the housing at the first mounting location.

10. The system of any of clauses 1-9, further comprising a second fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe, wherein the second fluid discharge terminal is configured to receive fluid flowing from the manifold pipe and discharge fluid to a second mounting location in the interior of the housing.

11. In some embodiments, an energy storage apparatus comprises a housing configured to mount one or more battery modules in an interior of the housing; a battery module mounted in the interior of the housing; a manifold pipe extending into the interior of the housing; and a fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe and configured to discharge fluid flowing from the manifold pipe to the battery module.

12. The energy storage apparatus of clause 11, wherein the manifold pipe is configured to couple to a fluid source via a first end and to receive fluid from the fluid source via the first end.

13. The energy storage apparatus of clauses 11 or 12, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is configured to discharge fluid within the battery module.

14. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-13, further comprising a branch pipe that is coupled to the manifold pipe, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is coupled to the manifold pipe via the branch pipe.

15. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-14, further comprising a second fluid discharge terminal coupled to the branch pipe, wherein the second fluid discharge terminal is configured to discharge fluid to or within the battery module.

16. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-15, wherein the branch pipe is integrated with the battery module.

17. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-16, wherein the fluid discharge terminal is configured to activate at a threshold temperature range to discharge fluid.

18. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-17, wherein the threshold temperature range of the fluid discharge terminal is configured based on at least one of a battery chemistry and thermal properties associated with the battery module.

19. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-18, further comprising a second battery module mounted in the interior of the housing; and a second fluid discharge terminal coupled to the manifold pipe and configured to discharge fluid flowing from the manifold pipe to or within the second battery module.

20. The energy storage apparatus of any of clauses 11-19, further comprising a sensor configured to detect fluid flow in the manifold pipe.

Aspects of the present embodiments may be embodied as a system, apparatus, or device. In addition, any element, component, module, or system described in the present disclosure may be implemented as a combination of sub-components or sub-elements.

Aspects of the present disclosure are described above with reference to illustrations of apparatus (systems) according to embodiments of the disclosure. The illustrations in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, apparatuses, and devices according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each element of the systems, apparatuses, or devices that are shown in the illustrations may represent a module or component for implementing the specified functionality. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the described elements of the systems, apparatuses, or devices may be arranged in a different physical arrangement than as shown in the figures.