Patent Description:
An energy storage module may be linked with a renewal energy and power system, such as, for example, a solar cell, to store electric power when demand for the electric power from a load is low, and to use (or discharge or provide) the stored electric power when demand for the electric power is high. The energy storage module generally includes (or is) an apparatus including a large number of battery cells (e.g., secondary batteries or secondary battery cells).

The battery cells are generally received (or accommodated) in multiple trays, which are received in a rack, and multiple racks are received in a container box.

Recently, there have been many cases in which fires occur to energy storage modules. Once a fire occurs to the energy storage module, it is not easy to extinguish the fire due to characteristics of the energy storage module. An energy storage module, including a plurality of battery cells, generally demonstrates high-capacity high-output characteristics, and research into technology for increasing the safety of the energy storage module is being actively conducted.

<CIT> relates to a battery pack including an exhaust structure.

<CIT> relates to a battery module including a fire extinguishing component and container, a battery box and a vehicle using said battery module.

<CIT> relates to a cooling type rectangular cell module.

According to an aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage module having improved safety is provided. According to another aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage module exhibiting a reduced fire risk and increased safety by reducing or minimizing the chance of a fire spreading to adjacent battery cells when a fire occurs is provided.

According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, an energy storage module includes a cover member comprising an internal receiving space configured to accommodate battery cells each comprising a vent; a top plate coupled to a top of the cover member and comprising ducts respectively corresponding to the vents of the battery cells; a top cover coupled to a top portion of the top plate and including discharge holes located in an exhaust area and respectively corresponding to the ducts; and an extinguisher sheet located between the top cover and the top plate, and configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent at a temperature exceeding a certain temperature (e.g. a reference temperature), wherein the top cover includes protrusion parts located on a bottom surface of the top cover, covering the exhaust area and, and coupled to an exterior of the ducts.

In an embodiment, the extinguisher sheet may include opening holes located to respectively correspond to the ducts.

In an embodiment, the extinguisher sheet may include a receiving space receiving a fire extinguishing agent within an external case made of polyurea and polyurethane.

In an embodiment, the receiving space may include one or more capsules or tubes.

In an embodiment, the fire extinguishing agent may include a halogenated carbon compound.

In an embodiment, the extinguisher sheet may include different types of sheets configured to emit the fire extinguishing agent at different temperatures.

In an embodiment, a ratio of the weight of the fire extinguishing agent in the extinguisher sheet to a total weight of the extinguisher sheet may be from <NUM>% to <NUM>%.

In an embodiment, an amount of the fire extinguishing agent in the extinguisher sheet may be from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>.

In an embodiment, the top cover may further include an inclined part having a thickness gradually increasing toward the protrusion part in the exhaust area.

In an embodiment, a top end of the duct may be lower than the inclined part.

In an embodiment, a space may be defined between the duct and the protrusion part, and some of the gas discharged from the vent may pass through the duct to be discharged to the space through the inclined part.

In an embodiment, the duct may have an inner diameter gradually decreasing upward.

In an embodiment, a portion of the exhaust area may extend into an interior of the ducts.

In an embodiment, the exhaust area may have a smaller thickness than the top cover.

In an embodiment, the exhaust area may protrude downwardly from the top cover.

In an embodiment, an area of the discharge holes may be greater than or equal to about <NUM>% of that of the exhaust area.

As described above, according to an aspect of embodiments of the present disclosure, the energy storage device can prevent or reduce heat from spreading to adjacent cells by rapidly extinguishing and cooling a battery cell when a vent of the battery cell opens (or ruptures) or when a fire occurs.

Herein, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in further detail. The subject matter of the present disclosure, however, may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the example embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will convey aspects and features of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

In addition, in the accompanying drawings, sizes or thicknesses of various components may be exaggerated for brevity and clarity. In addition, it is to be understood that when an element A is referred to as being "connected to" an element B, the element A may be directly connected to the element B or one or more intervening elements C may be present therebetween such that the element A and the element B are indirectly connected to each other.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It is to be further understood that the terms "comprise" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

It is to be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various members, elements, regions, layers, and/or sections, these members, elements, regions, layers, and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one member, element, region, layer, and/or section from another. Thus, for example, a first member, a first element, a first region, a first layer, and/or a first section discussed below could be termed a second member, a second element, a second region, a second layer, and/or a second section without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below," "lower," "above," "upper," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "on" or "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below.

It is to be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

Herein, a configuration of an energy storage module according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region "A" of <FIG>; <FIG> is an exploded perspective view of the energy storage module shown in <FIG> and <FIG>; and <FIG> is an exploded bottom perspective view of an extinguisher sheet and a top cover in the energy storage module shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, an energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cover member <NUM>, a top plate <NUM>, an extinguisher sheet <NUM>, and a top cover <NUM>.

The cover member <NUM> provides an internal space for receiving (or accommodating) battery cells and insulation spacers. In an embodiment, the cover member <NUM> includes a bottom plate <NUM>, an end plate <NUM>, and a side plate <NUM> which together form a space for arranging the battery cells and the insulation spacers. In addition, the cover member <NUM> may fix positions of the battery cells and the insulation spacers and may protect the battery cells from external impacts.

The top plate <NUM> is coupled to a top portion (e.g., a top surface or a top) of the cover member <NUM>. The top plate <NUM> may be coupled to the cover member <NUM> while covering top portions (e.g., top surfaces) of the battery cells. In an embodiment, the positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals of the battery cells are exposed to (or through) the top plate <NUM>, and bus bars <NUM> are coupled to the respective terminals, thereby connecting the battery cells to one another in series, in parallel, or in series/parallel.

The top plate <NUM> includes a plurality of ducts <NUM> located to respectively correspond to vents, which are located on a top surface of each of the respective battery cells. Accordingly, the gas discharged from the vents of the battery cells may move upwardly along the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. The configuration and operation of the ducts <NUM> will be described in further detail below.

The extinguisher sheet <NUM> is positioned between the top plate <NUM> and the top cover <NUM>. The extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be provided as one or more members (or sheets) extending in a direction, for example, in a length direction of the top plate <NUM>. In addition, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may include openings (e.g., opening holes) positioned to respectively correspond to the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be positioned such that the openings therein are respectively aligned with the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. In addition, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be coupled to a bottom surface 160b of the top cover <NUM>. Because the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is coupled to the bottom surface 160b of the top cover <NUM>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be positioned above the top plate <NUM>. The configuration and operation of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> will be described below in further detail.

The top cover <NUM> is coupled to the top portion of the top plate <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may cover the top plate <NUM> and the bus bar <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> also covers the extinguisher sheet <NUM>, which is coupled to the bottom surface 160b of the top cover <NUM>, thereby protecting the top plate <NUM>, the bus bar <NUM>, and the extinguisher sheet <NUM> from external impacts applied to a top surface 160a of the top cover <NUM>. In addition, the top cover <NUM> includes discharge openings (e.g., discharge holes) <NUM>. In addition, the top cover <NUM> includes protrusion parts (e.g., protrusions) <NUM> spaced by a distance (e.g., a predetermined distance) apart from the outer periphery of (e.g., may extend around a periphery of) respective ones of the discharge holes <NUM>, and the protrusion parts <NUM> downwardly protrude from the top cover <NUM>. Openings (e.g., opening holes) <NUM> of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be coupled to (e.g., may extend around) the exterior of the respective ones of the protrusion parts <NUM>, and the ducts <NUM> are coupled to (e.g., may extend into) the interior of the respective ones of the protrusion parts <NUM>. The discharge holes <NUM> are positioned to respectively correspond to the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. Accordingly, the gases discharged from the vent of the battery cell when the vent ruptures may be discharged to the exterior through the corresponding duct <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> and the corresponding discharge hole <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the discharge hole <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> may have an appropriate size to prevent or substantially prevent a user's hand from contacting an internal structure of the top cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, as will be further described below, a rack includes a plurality of shelves and a plurality of the energy storage modules <NUM> accommodated on the shelves. For example, the rack may include a plurality of shelves mounted thereon to be spaced apart from one another, and one or more energy storage modules <NUM> may be accommodated on each of the plurality of shelves. In an embodiment, a bottom surface of one of the energy storage modules <NUM> may contact a top surface of one of the shelves, and a bottom surface of another one of the energy storage modules <NUM> may be positioned on a top surface of another shelf while being spaced a distance apart from the top surface thereof.

Herein, the coupling relationship between the duct <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> and the top cover <NUM> in the energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in further detail.

<FIG> is an exploded perspective view showing a top plate and a top cover in the energy storage module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a partial view of a rack on which a plurality of energy storage modules are coupled according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of <FIG>; <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B of <FIG>; and <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region of <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of a duct according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the ducts <NUM> located on the top plate <NUM> respectively correspond to vents 124a of battery cells <NUM>, and discharge holes <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> may be positioned to respectively correspond to the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, each of the battery cells <NUM> includes an electrode assembly accommodated in a case <NUM> and is shaped such that a cap plate <NUM> covers a top portion of the case <NUM>. The electrode assembly may be configured by winding, stacking, or laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each having a portion coated with an active material (e.g., a coating or coated portion), in a state in which a separator is positioned between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. A top portion of the case <NUM> may be sealed by the cap plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the vent 124a is located at approximately a center of the cap plate <NUM> and has a smaller thickness than other regions of the cap plate <NUM>. In addition, first and second electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, which are electrically connected to the electrode assembly may be positioned at opposite sides of the cap plate <NUM>. For the sake of convenience, in the following description, the first electrode terminal <NUM> will be referred to as a negative electrode terminal, and the second electrode terminal <NUM> will be referred to as a positive electrode terminal, but the polarities thereof may be reversed. Occurrences of ignition of the battery cells <NUM> may be reduced by using particular compositions of active materials of the battery cells <NUM>, thereby increasing safety.

Referring to <FIG>, the energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include a plurality of the energy storage modules <NUM> to be coupled to a rack <NUM>. The number of the energy storage modules <NUM> may vary according to a desired capacity, and the energy storage modules <NUM> may be mounted in the rack <NUM> and then fixed thereto. The rack <NUM> may include a frame <NUM> defining the overall external shape of the rack <NUM> and shelves <NUM> at different levels of the frame <NUM> to support bottom portions (e.g., bottom surfaces) of the energy storage modules <NUM>. In <FIG>, two shelves <NUM> are shown in the frame <NUM> with energy storage modules <NUM> respectively mounted on the shelves <NUM>, but the present disclosure is not limited to the numbers in the illustrated embodiment.

The ducts <NUM> are passages through which the gas discharged through the vents 124a of the respective battery cells <NUM> passes, and protrude from the top plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the duct <NUM> may have a cross-sectional shape, e.g., an elliptical shape, corresponding to the vent 124a of each of the battery cells <NUM>. In an embodiment, the duct <NUM> may taper away from a bottom portion thereof with the inner diameter thereof gradually decreasing upward. In some embodiments, the duct <NUM> may have a uniform thickness and may be inclined at an angle (e.g., a predefined angle) (α) toward the interior thereof. In an embodiment, to allow the gas to be efficiently discharged without intruding in a working range of the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM>, the angle (α) of inclination of the duct <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°.

In an embodiment, to effectively discharge the gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM>, the duct <NUM> may have a height corresponding to that of the top cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, a height of the duct <NUM> may be in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. When the height of the duct <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>, the gas generated from the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> can be prevented or substantially prevented from returning to the vent 124a even if the gas collides with the shelf <NUM> after moving along the duct <NUM>. In addition, when the height of the duct <NUM> is less than or equal to <NUM>, the shelf <NUM> and the duct <NUM> can be easily manufactured.

In an embodiment, because the duct <NUM> has a height corresponding to that of the top cover <NUM>, the gas passing through the duct <NUM> may move toward the discharge hole <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, a duct <NUM>' according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may taper away from a bottom portion thereof with an inner diameter thereof gradually decreasing upward. In addition, the duct <NUM>' may be configured to have a thickness gradually decreasing from the bottom portion thereof to a top portion thereof. In an embodiment, an interior surface of the duct <NUM>' may be gradually upwardly inclined with an angle (e.g., a predefined angle) to the exterior, and the exterior surface of the duct <NUM>' may be gradually upwardly inclined with an angle (e.g., a predefined angle) to the interior. In an embodiment, to allow the gas to be efficiently discharged without intruding in a working range of the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM>, an inclination angle of the interior of the duct <NUM>' may be in a range from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°. When the inclination angle is greater than or equal to <NUM>°, the gas generated from the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> can be easily accumulated upwardly. When the inclination angle is less than or equal to <NUM>°, rigidity of the duct <NUM>' can be maintained and upward movement of the gas may be prevented or substantially prevented from being restricted by the duct <NUM>'.

Referring to <FIG>, in an embodiment, the top cover <NUM> may include an exhaust area 161a having a plurality of discharge openings (e.g., discharge holes) <NUM> located therein, protrusion parts (e.g., protrusions) <NUM> located on a bottom surface of the top cover <NUM>, and an inclined part <NUM> located between the exhaust area 161a and each of protrusion parts <NUM>. The exhaust area 161a is positioned on a top portion of the duct <NUM> and may be defined by a region forming peripheries around the discharge holes <NUM>. In an embodiment, the exhaust area 161a may have a thickness D2 smaller than a thickness D1 of the top cover <NUM> (D1>D2). In an embodiment, the thickness D2 of the exhaust area 161a may be two thirds (<NUM>/<NUM>) of the thickness D1 of the top cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the thickness D2 of the exhaust area 161a may be at least <NUM>. In this case, injection molding can be properly performed while minimizing or reducing occurrence of flames when the gas is discharged. For example, when the thickness D1 of the top cover <NUM> is about <NUM>, the thickness D2 of the exhaust area 161a may be about <NUM>.

The gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> can be exhausted through the discharge holes <NUM> located in the exhaust area 161a. In <FIG>, three discharge holes <NUM> are shown, but the present disclosure is not limited to the number in the illustrated embodiment. In an embodiment, the plurality of discharge holes <NUM> may have an overall area of greater than or equal to about <NUM>% of the exhaust area 161a, thereby facilitating exhaust performance. In an embodiment, a width W1 of each of the discharge holes <NUM> may be less than <NUM>. When the width W1 of the discharge hole <NUM> is less than or equal to <NUM>, internal flames can be prevented or substantially prevented from spreading to the exterior and facilitating user safety by preventing or substantially preventing a user's hand from directly contacting the battery cell from the exterior of the top cover <NUM>.

The discharge holes <NUM> are positioned within the ducts <NUM>, and top ends of the ducts <NUM> are covered by the exhaust area 161a. In some embodiments, regions of the exhaust area 161a where the discharge holes <NUM> are not located may extend into the interior of the ducts <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, a distance D3 of the exhaust area 161a extending into the interior of each of the ducts <NUM> may be less than or equal to about <NUM>, and, in an embodiment, in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>.

The protrusion parts <NUM> protrude from the bottom surface 160b of the top cover <NUM> and are coupled to the exterior of the ducts <NUM>. In an embodiment, the protrusion parts <NUM> may be shaped to respectively correspond to cross-sections of the ducts <NUM> and may cover (e.g. surround) the exhaust area 161a. In an embodiment, a cross-sectional area of each of the protrusion parts <NUM> is greater than that of each of the ducts <NUM>, such that a space may be defined between each of the ducts <NUM> and each of the protrusion parts <NUM>. Some of the gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> may collide with the exhaust area 161a positioned above the duct <NUM> to then move toward the space. In an embodiment, a height D4 of each of the protrusion parts <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and, in an embodiment, <NUM>. If the height of the protrusion part <NUM> is less than <NUM>, the protrusion part <NUM> may not be high enough to guide the gas colliding with the exhaust area 161a to the exterior of the duct <NUM>. If the height of the protrusion part <NUM> is greater than <NUM>, the protrusion part <NUM> may be positioned excessively high, making it difficult to efficiently discharge the gas. In an embodiment, a ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion parts <NUM> to the height of the duct <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM>:<NUM> to about <NUM>:<NUM>, and, in an embodiment, <NUM>:<NUM>. When the ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion parts <NUM> to the height of the duct <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>:<NUM>, the protrusion part <NUM> can be manufactured so as to easily cover the top portion of the duct <NUM>. When the ratio of the height D4 of the protrusion parts <NUM> to the height of the duct <NUM> is less than or equal to <NUM>:<NUM>, the gas passing through the duct <NUM> can be easily guided upwardly.

The inclined part <NUM> is positioned between the exhaust area 161a and the protrusion part <NUM>. In an embodiment, since the exhaust area 161a having a relatively small thickness is connected to the protrusion part <NUM> in the top cover <NUM>, the inclined part <NUM> is inclined. In some examples, the inclined part <NUM> may be configured to have a thickness gradually increasing toward the protrusion part <NUM> in the exhaust area 161a. The top end of the duct <NUM> is positioned at a bottom portion of the inclined part <NUM>. The inclined part <NUM> may prevent or substantially prevent the gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> from penetrating back into the vent 124a. For example, even if the gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> collides with the exhaust area 161a extending into the interior of the duct <NUM> while upwardly moving along the duct <NUM>, the gas may be discharged to the exterior of the duct <NUM> along the inclined part <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM>. Therefore, the gas can be prevented or substantially prevented from penetrating back into the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM>, thereby improving safety of the energy storage module <NUM>. In an embodiment, the inclined part <NUM> may have a slope in a range from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, and, in an embodiment, from about <NUM>° to about <NUM>°, with respect to the exterior surface of the duct <NUM>. When the slope of the inclined part <NUM> with respect to the exterior surface of the duct <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>°, the gas discharged through the vent 124a is allowed to be discharged to the exterior, thereby easily preventing or substantially preventing the gas from penetrating back into the vent 124a. When the slope of the inclined part <NUM> with respect to the exterior surface of the duct <NUM> is less than or equal to <NUM>°, the inclined part <NUM> can be integrated with the protrusion part <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, if the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> ruptures, the gas moves upwardly along the duct <NUM>, as indicated by the arrows. In <FIG>, the vent 124a remaining in the cap plate <NUM> is shown. However, if the gas is internally generated, the vent 124a ruptures and may then be removed. In addition, after some of the discharged gas collides with the exhaust area 161a extending into the interior of the duct <NUM>, the gas moves along the inclined part <NUM> and the protrusion part <NUM>. In addition, the gas passing through the duct <NUM> may move toward the exterior through the discharge holes <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> positioned above the duct <NUM>. By another shelf <NUM> of the rack <NUM>, which supports another energy storage module <NUM>, the gas accumulates between the top surface 160a of the top cover <NUM> and an adjacent shelf <NUM>. In an embodiment, a distance between the top surface 160a of the top cover <NUM> and the adjacent shelf <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. When the distance is greater than or equal to about <NUM>, the heat generated from the energy storage module <NUM> can be easily discharged to the exterior. When the distance is less than or equal to about <NUM>, a high-temperature inert gas atmosphere can be easily created, which will be further described below.

In an embodiment, specifically, when a gas begins to be discharged from a battery cell through a vent, a phase change may begin to occur in a fire extinguishing agent in the extinguisher sheet <NUM> at a temperature in a range from about <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically, a temperature in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>. However, even in this case, the fire extinguishing agent may remain inside the extinguisher sheet <NUM> instead of being sprayed (released) therefrom. Meanwhile, when, afterwards, the amount of gas discharged through the vent gradually increases and a temperature around the vent rises and reaches a temperature in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, specifically, a temperature in a range from about <NUM> to <NUM>, and more specifically, a temperature in a range from <NUM> to <NUM>, a gas containing an electrolytic steam may be generated mainly through the vent. Also, the gas in the above temperature range may allow a heat-resistant plastic constituting an upper plate <NUM> and an upper cover <NUM> to remain unmelted. In addition, spraying of some of the fire extinguishing agent may begin.

In an embodiment, the inclined part <NUM> of the top cover <NUM> may prevent or substantially prevent the initially generated combustible gas having a relatively low temperature from being induced back into the vent 124a. However, if the separator melts due to a further increase in the internal temperature of the battery cell <NUM>, high-temperature inert gas may be generated with flames. As described above, the inert gas may fill a space between the top surface 160a of the top cover <NUM> and the adjacent shelf <NUM> to create an inert gas atmosphere. In addition, the inert gas may also fill the internal space of the duct <NUM>, thereby preventing or substantially preventing oxygen induction, preventing or substantially preventing flames generated in the battery cell <NUM> from being propagated to neighboring battery cells <NUM> or another energy storage module <NUM>. In addition, the extinguisher sheet <NUM>, which is positioned under the top cover <NUM>, may operate in response to the high-temperature inert gas to emit or spray the fire extinguishing agent, which will be described in further detail below.

Herein, the configuration and operation of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> of the energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the extinguisher sheet coupled to the top plate of the energy storage module shown in <FIG>; and <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region "B" of <FIG>. <FIG> are conceptual cross-sectional views illustrating a state in which an extinguisher sheet operates in the energy storage module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> are views illustrating example configurations of extinguisher sheets in the energy storage module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is positioned between the top plate <NUM> and the top cover <NUM>, as described above. As shown in <FIG>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may have opening holes <NUM> coupled to the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. Accordingly, movement of the gases through the ducts <NUM> may not be influenced by the extinguisher sheet <NUM>.

In addition, referring to <FIG>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may operate (e.g., may emit the fire extinguishing agent) in response to heat when the inert gas having a relatively high temperature of, for example, about <NUM>ºC, is generated. The fire extinguishing agent contained in the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is emitted by (e.g., is sprayed from) the extinguisher sheet <NUM> in response to the high-temperature gas. In addition, because a top portion of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is covered by the top cover <NUM>, the fire extinguishing agent may be directionally emitted (or sprayed) in a direction away from the bottom surface 160b of the top cover <NUM>. In addition, the fire extinguishing agent may reach the underlying insulation spacers through openings (e.g., fire extinguishing agent openings or opening holes) <NUM> located between adjacent ones of the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, a fluid guide protrusion <NUM> may further be provided around the openings <NUM> in the duct <NUM>, thereby efficiently guiding the movement of the fire extinguishing agent toward the insulation spacers. As will be further described below, after reaching the insulation spacers, the fire extinguishing agent may move along surfaces of the insulation spacers, thereby extinguishing a fire on a battery cell <NUM> and cooling the battery cell <NUM>.

The extinguisher sheet <NUM> may include any of various example types of extinguisher sheets, as shown in <FIG>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may include receiving parts <NUM> for receiving (e.g., accommodating or storing) a fire extinguishing agent within an external case made of polyurea and polyurethane. In an embodiment, the receiving parts <NUM> of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be in forms of micro-sized capsules capable of encapsulating the internal fire extinguishing agent, which includes a halogenated carbon compound (e.g. a halogen containing hydrocarbon compound, such as a compound consisting only of carbon and halogen atoms), such as, for example, a halogenated ketone based fire extinguishing agent (e.g., NOVEC). In an embodiment, as described above, the fire extinguishing capsules forming the receiving parts <NUM> of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> open (or rupture) to emit the internal fire extinguishing agent when the gas passing through the duct <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> reaches a relatively high temperature of about <NUM>ºC. In an embodiment, phase transformation of the fire extinguishing agent may start at a temperature of about <NUM>ºC or at a temperature in a range from about <NUM>ºC to about <NUM>ºC, and the fire extinguishing capsules may open due to the pressure applied during the phase transformation in a high temperature atmosphere of about <NUM>ºC, such that the internal fire extinguishing agent encapsulated within the fire extinguishing capsules is emitted.

In an embodiment, a ratio of the weight of the fire extinguishing agent in the extinguisher sheet <NUM> to a total weight of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be in a range from <NUM>% to <NUM>%. In other words, a proportion of the fire extinguishing agent contained in the extinguisher sheet <NUM> to the overall weight of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be in a range from about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%. When the ratio of the weight of the fire extinguishing agent to the total weight of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is greater than or equal to <NUM>%, a fire on the battery cell <NUM> can be appropriately extinguished during the operation of the extinguisher sheet <NUM>. When the ratio of the weight of the fire extinguishing agent to the total weight of the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is less than or equal to <NUM>%, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may easily operate (e.g., rupture) at about <NUM>ºC.

In an embodiment, an amount of the fire extinguishing agent may be in a range from <NUM>/cm<NUM> to <NUM>/cm<NUM>. When the amount of the fire extinguishing agent is greater than or equal to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, the fire extinguishing agent contained in the extinguisher sheet <NUM> is appropriate for the capacity of battery cells used in the energy storage module <NUM> including the extinguisher sheet <NUM> so as to be able to extinguish a fire on any one of the battery cells. When the amount of the fire extinguishing agent is less than or equal to <NUM>/cm<NUM>, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may easily operate (e.g., rupture) at about <NUM>ºC or higher.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, another example extinguisher sheet 150A may include a tube-type receiving space 152A for receiving (e.g., accommodating or storing) a fire extinguishing agent within the receiving space 152A.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, another example extinguisher sheet 150B may include receiving spaces 152B arranged within the extinguisher sheet 150B to be spaced apart from each other by a distance (e.g., a regular distance). The receiving spaces 152B may include a plurality of receiving spaces to be spaced apart from one another, unlike in the tube-type extinguisher sheet 150A shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the receiving spaces 152B of the extinguisher sheet 150B may open (e.g., rupture) responsive to only one of the battery cells <NUM>, from which a relatively high-temperature gas is generated, to then emit the fire extinguishing agent. Therefore, when the gas is generated from the plurality of battery cells <NUM>, a fire on a corresponding one of the battery cells <NUM> can be extinguished.

In addition, as shown in <FIG>, another example extinguisher sheet 150C may have a multi-layered structure including different types of layers. For example, the extinguisher sheet 150C may include an underlying first extinguisher sheet <NUM> having capsules <NUM> located therein, and an overlying second extinguisher sheet 150A having a tube-type receiving space 152A. In an embodiment, the first extinguisher sheet <NUM> and the second extinguisher sheet 150A may be set to operate at different temperatures. In an embodiment, the first extinguisher sheet <NUM> and the second extinguisher sheet 150A may operate in sequence according to the temperature and amount of the discharged gas. In addition, with such double-mode operation of the extinguisher sheet 150C, the extinguisher sheet 150C may operate in sequence according to the temperature and the time of gas generated, thereby constantly emitting the fire extinguishing agent.

Herein, configurations and operations of the battery cells <NUM> and insulation spacers <NUM> in the energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view of battery cells and insulation spacers arranged in a bottom plate of the energy storage module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C-C of <FIG>. <FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a configuration of an insulation spacer in the energy storage module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region "C" of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in an embodiment, the battery cells <NUM> may be alternately arranged on a top surface of the bottom plate <NUM> of the cover member <NUM> with the insulation spacers <NUM> (e.g., with the insulation spacers <NUM> arranged between adjacent ones of the battery cells <NUM>). For example, the battery cells <NUM> may be arranged in a plurality of columns (e.g., two columns) along the top surface of the bottom plate <NUM>, and the insulation spacers <NUM> may be positioned between adjacent ones of the battery cells <NUM>.

Each of the battery cells <NUM> includes an electrode assembly accommodated in a case <NUM>. The electrode assembly may be configured by winding, stacking, or laminating a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate, each having a portion coated with an active material (e.g., a coating or coated portion), in a state in which a separator is positioned between the positive electrode plate and the negative electrode plate. In an embodiment, electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM>, which are electrically connected to uncoated regions (e.g., uncoated portions) of the positive and negative electrode plates, may be exposed at an upper portion of the case <NUM> through the cap plate <NUM>. The electrode terminals <NUM> and <NUM> may be referred to as a first electrode terminal <NUM> and a second electrode terminal <NUM>, respectively, defining, for example, a negative electrode terminal and a positive electrode terminal, but the polarities thereof may be reversed. Occurrences of ignition of the battery cells <NUM> can be reduced by using particular compositions of active materials of the battery cells <NUM>, thereby increasing safety.

Referring to <FIG>, the insulation spacers <NUM> may be positioned between each of (e.g., between adjacent ones of) the battery cells <NUM> to prevent or substantially prevent the battery cells <NUM> from contacting one another, thereby maintaining the battery cells <NUM> in an electrically isolated state. In an embodiment, a reference distance or space (e.g., a predetermined distance) is maintained between each of the insulation spacers <NUM> and the battery cells <NUM> to establish external air passages, thereby allowing for the cooling of the battery cells <NUM>.

The insulation spacers <NUM> may include a sheet part (e.g., a sheet) <NUM> and an edge part (e.g., an edge) <NUM>. The sheet part <NUM> may include a flame-retardant (or non-combustible) sheet that prevents (or substantially impedes) a fire from spreading to neighboring battery cells <NUM> and a heat-insulating sheet that prevents (or substantially impedes) heat from being propagated to neighboring battery cells <NUM> when a fire starts in any of the battery cells <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flame-retardant sheet may include (or may be) mica, and the heat-insulating sheet may include (or may be) bio-soluble fiber ceramic paper containing an alkali earth metal, but the present disclosure is not limited to these materials.

In some embodiments, an edge part <NUM> may be provided along peripheral edges of the sheet part <NUM>. In an embodiment, the edge part <NUM> may include (or may be made of) a plastic material, such as a general polyethylene or polypropylene, and may be coupled to edges of the sheet part <NUM> by using a double injection process to fix the shape of the sheet part <NUM>.

As described above, when a fire extinguishing agent is applied from top portions of the insulation spacers <NUM>, the fire extinguishing agent may move downwardly along the surfaces of the sheet part <NUM>. Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent may contact the case <NUM> of the adjacent battery cells <NUM>, thereby performing extinguishing and cooling operations on the battery cells <NUM>. Herein, movement of the fire extinguishing agent will be described in further detail.

As shown in <FIG>, the top plate <NUM> may further include the openings (e.g., fire extinguishing agent openings or opening holes) <NUM> respectively located to correspond to (e.g., located over or above) the insulation spacers <NUM>. Accordingly, the fire extinguishing agent, when emitted from the extinguisher sheet <NUM>, may pass through the top plate <NUM> through the openings <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> to reach the insulation spacers <NUM>. In addition, the fire extinguishing agent may move along surfaces of the insulation spacers <NUM> that face the case <NUM> of the adjacent battery cells <NUM>, thereby extinguishing any fire and cooling the battery cells <NUM>. The fire extinguishing agent is emitted by the extinguisher sheet <NUM> located over one or more of the battery cells <NUM>, the temperature of which is higher than a reference temperature (e.g. <NUM>). Therefore, the fire extinguishing agent may be sprayed from a top portion of the battery cell <NUM> having an elevated temperature. In addition, because the fire extinguishing agent moves along the surfaces of the insulation spacers <NUM> positioned at front and rear sides of the corresponding battery cell <NUM>, both extinguishing and cooling of the corresponding battery cell <NUM> can be performed.

Herein, a configuration of an energy storage module according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described.

<FIG> is a perspective view of an energy storage module according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> is a perspective view of battery cells and insulation spacers mounted in the energy storage module shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along the line D-D of <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a region "D" of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the energy storage module <NUM> according to another embodiment of the present disclosure may include a cover member <NUM>, battery cells <NUM>, insulation spacers <NUM>, a top plate <NUM>, an extinguisher sheet <NUM>, and a top cover <NUM>.

The energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may be smaller in size than the energy storage module <NUM> described above, such that a smaller number of battery cells <NUM> may be received in a space of the energy storage module <NUM>, which is formed together by the cover member <NUM>, the top plate <NUM>, and the top cover <NUM>, than in the energy storage module <NUM>. Therefore, configurations and sizes of the cover member <NUM>, the top plate <NUM>, and the top cover <NUM> may vary according to the number of battery cells received therein. However, the energy storage module <NUM> may be basically configured in a similar manner as the energy storage module <NUM>.

The top plate <NUM> is coupled to the cover member <NUM> while covering the top portion of the battery cell <NUM>. The top plate <NUM> includes a duct <NUM> corresponding to the vent 124a formed on the top surface of each of the battery cells <NUM>. The duct <NUM> may include a plurality of ducts arranged in a direction, for example, in a length direction.

The extinguisher sheet <NUM> is positioned between the top plate <NUM> and the top cover <NUM>. In an embodiment, the extinguisher sheet <NUM> may include a plurality of planar sheets located at opposite sides of the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> and extending in a length direction of the top plate <NUM>. The extinguisher sheet <NUM> may be mounted on a bottom surface 260b of the top cover <NUM>. Here, the length direction may refer to a direction in which the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> extend.

The top cover <NUM> is coupled to the top portion of the top plate <NUM>. The top cover <NUM> may cover the top plate <NUM> and the extinguisher sheet <NUM>, thereby protecting the top plate <NUM> and the extinguisher sheet <NUM> from external impacts applied to a top surface 260a of the top cover <NUM>. In addition, the top cover <NUM> may include an exhaust area <NUM> having discharge openings (e.g., discharge holes) <NUM> located therein, and protrusion parts (e.g., protrusions) <NUM>. The ducts <NUM> are respectively coupled to (e.g., may respectively extend into) the interior of the protrusion parts <NUM>. In an embodiment, each of the discharge holes <NUM> may include a plurality of discharge holes arranged in a direction, for example, in a length direction of the top cover <NUM>. In addition, the discharge holes <NUM> may be positioned to correspond to the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM>. Accordingly, if the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> ruptures, the gas discharged through the vent 124a of the battery cell <NUM> may move to the exterior along the ducts <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> and the discharge holes <NUM> of the top cover <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the exhaust area <NUM> having the discharge holes <NUM> has a smaller height than other regions in the top cover <NUM>. For example, the exhaust area <NUM> is configured to downwardly protrude from the top cover <NUM> to establish a gas movement passage thereon. The exhaust area <NUM> is coupled to the top portion of the duct <NUM>. Here, the protrusion parts <NUM> located on the bottom surface of the exhaust area <NUM> are coupled to the exterior of the duct <NUM>. In an embodiment, the duct <NUM> may be configured to have a smaller height than the top cover <NUM>. With this configuration, the gas discharged through the ducts <NUM> and the discharge holes <NUM> may gather in the gas movement passage located on the exhaust area <NUM>. In an embodiment, the gas may be discharged to the exterior side by using, for example, a separate fan or a suction structure (e.g., a vacuum), thereby allowing the gas generated by the battery cells <NUM> to be discharged quickly.

Herein, a configuration of the battery cell <NUM> used in the energy storage module <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in further detail.

<FIG> and <FIG> are a perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of a battery cell used in an energy storage module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to 19A and 19B, the battery cell <NUM> is configured such that an electrode assembly <NUM> is accommodated in a case <NUM>, and a cap plate <NUM> covers a top portion of the case <NUM>. In an embodiment, a vent 124a having a smaller thickness than other regions is located approximately at a center of the cap plate <NUM>. The duct <NUM> of the top plate <NUM> is located to correspond to a top portion of the vent 124a, as described above.

In an embodiment, the electrode assembly <NUM> may be electrically connected to a first electrode terminal <NUM> and a second electrode terminal <NUM> located on the cap plate <NUM> through a pair of current collectors <NUM>. For the sake of convenience, in the following description, the first electrode terminal <NUM> will be referred to as a negative electrode terminal and the second electrode terminal <NUM> will be referred to as a positive electrode terminal, but polarities thereof may also be reversed.

The electrode assembly <NUM> may include a negative electrode 125a, a positive electrode 125b positioned to face the negative electrode 125a, and a separator 125c positioned between the negative electrode 125a and the positive electrode 125b, and the electrode assembly <NUM> may be accommodated in the case <NUM> together with an electrolyte (not shown).

Claim 1:
An energy storage module (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising:
a cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprising an internal receiving space configured to accommodate battery cells (<NUM>) each comprising a vent (124a);
a top plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to a top of the cover member (<NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising ducts (<NUM>, <NUM>) respectively corresponding to the vents (124a) of the battery cells (<NUM>);
a top cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to a top portion of the top plate (<NUM>, <NUM>) and comprising discharge holes (<NUM>, <NUM>) located in an exhaust area (161a, <NUM>) and respectively corresponding to the ducts (<NUM>, <NUM>); and
an extinguisher sheet (<NUM>, <NUM>) located between the top cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the top plate (<NUM>, <NUM>), and configured to emit a fire extinguishing agent at a temperature exceeding a reference temperature,
wherein the top cover (<NUM>, <NUM>) comprises protrusion parts (<NUM>, <NUM>) located on a bottom surface (160b, 260b) of the top cover (<NUM>, <NUM>), covering the exhaust area (161a, <NUM>), and coupled to an exterior of the ducts (<NUM>, <NUM>).