Power storage system
10916759 ยท 2021-02-09
Assignee
Inventors
Cpc classification
Y02T10/70
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
Y02E60/10
GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
H01G11/10
ELECTRICITY
H01M2220/20
ELECTRICITY
H01M10/0525
ELECTRICITY
H01G11/76
ELECTRICITY
International classification
H01G11/10
ELECTRICITY
Abstract
A power storage system includes a plurality of power storage modules each including a plurality of cells that is layered perpendicularly to an installation plane and is electrically connected dries. The plurality of power storage modules is mounted on a frame. A plurality of conductive trays is aligned horizontally between the frame and the plurality of power storage modules and horizontally divides the plurality of power storage modules into a plurality of groups.
Claims
1. A power storage system comprising a plurality of power storage modules each including a plurality of cells that is layered perpendicularly to an installation plane and is electrically connected in series, the plurality of power storage modules being aligned horizontally with respect to the installation plane and being electrically connected in series, the power storage system further comprising: a plurality of connection members electrically connecting the cells adjacent to each other and the power storage modules adjacent to each other; a frame provided with the plurality of power storage modules; and a plurality of conductive trays aligned horizontally between the frame and the plurality of power storage modules and horizontally dividing the plurality of power storage modules into a plurality of groups.
2. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the frame is a metal frame, the power storage system further comprises an insulating member inserted, between the metal frame and the plurality of conductive trays.
3. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein at least two of the power storage modules are mounted on each of the conductive trays.
4. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of connection members has a projection extending toward the conductive trays.
5. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein each of the connection members connecting two of the power storage modules adjacent to each other connects a negative electrode terminal or a positive electrode terminal of one of the cells closest to the installation plane in a first one of the power storage modules and a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of one of the cells most distant from the installation plane in a second one of the power storage modules adjacent to the first power storage module, and two of the power storage modules are mounted on each of the conductive trays.
6. The power storage system according to claim 5, wherein each of the connection members connecting two of the power storage modules adjacent to each other has a projection extending toward the conductive trays.
7. The power storage system according to claim 1, wherein the conductive trays are members smaller in electric resistance than the frame.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
Comparative Example
(7)
(8) Power storage system 1 includes a plurality of power storage modules M1 to M4 connected in series. Power storage system 1 depicted in
(9) Each of the cells may be configured by a lithium ion battery cell, a nickel hydride battery cell, a lead battery cell, an electric double layer capacitor cell, a lithium ion capacitor cell, or the like. Hereinafter, the present description assumes that the cells are each configured by a rectangular lithium ion battery cell (nominal voltage from 3.6 V to 3.7 V).
(10) First power storage module M1 is specifically configured as described below. Five rectangular cells S1 to S5 are layered perpendicularly to an installation plane such that surfaces having the largest areas serve as contact surfaces. The cells are layered such that surfaces provided with projecting electrodes (hereinafter, referred to as electrode surfaces) are aligned and positive electrode terminals and negative electrode terminals are positioned alternately. Five layered cells S1 to S5 are sandwiched between two end plates E11, E12 disposed at vertical ends. Five layered cells S1 to S5 and two end plates E11, E12 are sandwiched between two bind plates Bi11, Bi12 disposed at horizontal ends except the electrode surfaces and surfaces opposite to the electrode surfaces.
(11) Two bind plates Bi11, Bi12 each have both ends bent inward to cover two end plates E11, E12. Bent portions of two bind plates Bi11, Bi12 are provided with a plurality of slots reaching insides of two end plates E11, E12. The plurality of slots receives a plurality of T-shaped fixtures F11 to F14 to fix five layered cells S1 to S5, two end plates E11, E12, and two bind plates Bi11, Bi12. At the installation plane, metal frame 10 is inserted between the bent portions of two bind plates Bi11, Bi12 and T-shaped fixtures F13, F14, and has slots positioned correspondingly to T-shaped fixtures F13, F14. T-shaped fixtures F13, F14 are fitted into the plurality of slots from outside metal frame 10 at the installation plane. The T-shaped fixtures may be replaced with screws.
(12) Second power storage module M2 to fourth power storage module M4 are configured similarly to first power storage module M1. Four power storage modules M1 to M4 are aligned on metal frame 10 to have predetermined horizontal intervals with respect to the installation plane, with the electrode surfaces being aligned. Metal frame 10 may configure a bottom plane of the metal housing having a box shape, may configure a bottom plane of the metal housing having a vessel shape, or may be provided as an independent installation plate. Metal frame 10 is made of not resin but metal for secured strength of entire power storage system 1.
(13) First bus bar B1 has a first end connected to the positive electrode terminal of first cell S1 in first power storage module M1 and a second end functioning as a positive electrode terminal of entire power storage system 1. The negative electrode terminal of first cell S1 and the positive electrode terminal of second cell S2 are connected via second bus bar B2, the negative electrode terminal of second cell S2 and the positive electrode terminal of third cell S3 are connected via third bus bar B3, . . . , and the negative electrode terminal of fourth cell S4 and the positive electrode terminal of fifth cell S5 are connected via fifth bus bar B5.
(14) The negative electrode terminal of fifth cell S5 in first power storage module M1 and the positive electrode terminal of sixth cell S6 in second power storage module M2 are connected via sixth bus bar B6 having a crank shape. The negative electrode terminal of sixth cell S6 and the positive electrode terminal of seventh cell S7 are connected via seventh bus bar B7, . . . , and the negative electrode terminal of tenth cell S10 in second power storage module M2 and the positive electrode terminal of eleventh cell S11 in third power storage module M3 are connected via eleventh bus bar B11 having a crank shape. The negative electrode terminal of eleventh cell S11 and the positive electrode terminal of twelfth cell S12 are connected via twelfth bus bar B12, . . . , and the negative electrode terminal of fifteenth cell S15 in third power storage module M3 and the positive electrode terminal of sixteenth cell S16 in fourth power storage module M4 are connected via sixteenth bus bar B16 having a crank shape. Twenty-first bus bar B21 has a first end connected to the negative electrode terminal of twentieth cell S20 in fourth power storage module M4 and a second end functioning as a negative electrode terminal of entire power storage system 1.
(15) Assume that power storage system 1 having the system configuration described above allows entry of liquid. Power storage system 1 allows entry of liquid in a case where a vehicle equipped with power storage system 1 falls into the sea, a lake, or a marsh, or rushes into a large puddle and fails to leave, where a liquid cooling coolant system is damaged, or the like.
(16)
I=E(S(1)) . . .Equation (1)
(17) E: short circuit voltage, S: contact area, I: distance, : electric resistivity
(18) When short circuit current I flows between sixth bus bar B6 and twenty-first bus bar B21 in
First Exemplary Embodiment
(19)
(20) The plurality of metal trays 30 has conductivity, horizontally divides the plurality of power storage modules M1 to M4 into a plurality of groups, and is aligned on metal frame 10 with insulating resin plate 20 interposed between metal trays 30 and metal frame 10.
(21) T-shaped fixtures F13, 14, 23, 24, 33, 34, 43, 44 at the installation plane penetrate metal frame 10, resin plate 20, metal trays 30a, 30b, and the bent portions of bind plates Bi11 to Bi42 and are fixedly fitted into the slots reaching insides of end plates E12, 22, 32, 34.
(22)
(23) There is similarly generated a short circuit path between sixteenth bus bar B16 and twenty-first bus bar B21 via liquid W1 and second metal tray 30b. Short circuit current I flowing through this short circuit path also corresponds to current flowing at both-end voltage of five cells S16 to S20.
(24) The system configuration depicted in
(25)
(26)
(27) As described above, the first exemplary embodiment provides the power storage system including the four power storage modules horizontally aligned and each including the five rectangular cells layered vertically. The power storage system thus has reduced height from 60 mm to 70 mm, so as to be installed in a space having small height in a vehicle. The first exemplary embodiment accordingly achieves provision of the power storage system with high installation flexibility.
(28) The plurality of power storage modules connected in series is electrically divided into the plurality of groups by the plurality of metal trays to enhance safety upon entry of liquid. Specifically, voltage at a short-circuited portion upon a liquid junction can be suppressed to voltage for a fewer number of cells (five cells in exemplary
(29)
(30) Still alternatively, a single metal tray may be provided for each power storage module. Only one cell is to be short-circuited upon entry of liquid in this case. In first power storage module M1, entry of liquid generates a short circuit between fifth bus bar B5 and sixth bus bar B6 (between the positive electrode terminal and the negative electrode terminal of fifth cell S5) via liquid W1. Such a short circuit at low voltage decreases discharge current to achieve increase in time of energy release from power storage system 1.
(31) Power storage system 1 having entry of liquid achieves safety through releasing energy stored in power storage system 1 as quickly as possible. If power storage system 1 storing energy is immersed in liquid for a long period of time, power storage system 1 starts corroding with a higher risk of an unexpected short circuit path having an excessive current flow. The first exemplary embodiment achieves discharge at relatively large current within a range not reaching overcurrent upon entry of liquid, for enhanced safety.
Second Exemplary Embodiment
(32)
(33) As indicated in equation (1), short circuit current I is increased by decreasing distance 1 of a short circuit path. The second exemplary embodiment decreases the distance between sixth bus bar B6 and eleventh bus bar B11 and the distance between sixteenth bus bar B16 and twenty-first bus bar B21 to achieve larger discharge current upon entry of liquid in comparison to the configuration according to the first exemplary embodiment. Power storage system 1 can further start discharging at earlier timing upon entry of liquid.
(34) The projections may alternatively be provided at only one of sixth bus bar B6 and eleventh bus bar B11 and at only one of sixteenth bus bar B16 and twenty-first bus bar B21. This achieves less increase of discharge current in comparison to the configuration depicted in
Third Exemplary Embodiment
(35)
(36) The configuration depicted in
(37) As depicted in
Fourth Exemplary Embodiment
(38)
(39) Twenty rectangular cells S1 to S20 are layered horizontally with respect to the installation plane such that the surfaces having the largest areas serve as contact surfaces. The cells are layered such that the electrode surfaces are aligned on a plane opposite to the installation plane and the positive electrode terminals and the negative electrode terminals are positioned alternately. Twenty layered cells S1 to S20 are sandwiched between two end plates E1, E2 disposed at horizontal ends. Twenty layered cells S1 to S20 and two end plates E1, E2 each have four longitudinal sides provided with L-shaped bind bars Bi1, Bi2 fixed to the sides (opposite surfaces not depicted).
(40) Two end plates E1, E2 have distal ends extending toward metal frame 10 and distal end portions provided with a plurality of slots. Metal frame 10 has a plurality of slots positioned correspondingly. A plurality of T-shaped fixtures F1, F2 (opposite surfaces not depicted) is fitted into the plurality of slots from outside metal frame 10. The T-shaped fixtures may be replaced with screws.
(41) The negative electrode terminal of first cell S1 and the positive electrode terminal of second cell S2 are connected via first bus bar B1, the negative electrode terminal of second cell S2 and the positive electrode terminal of third cell S3 are connected via second bus bar (not depicted), the negative electrode terminal of third cell S3 and the positive electrode terminal of fourth cell S4 are connected via third bus bar B3, . . . , and the negative electrode terminal of nineteenth cell S19 and the positive electrode terminal of twentieth cell S20 are connected via nineteenth bus bar B19.
(42) When power storage system 1 depicted in
(43) Wing B7b extends from a longitudinal side surface of a conductive plate member connecting the negative electrode terminal of seventh cell S7 and the positive electrode terminal of eighth cell S8 to outside power storage system 1 to spatially cross bind bar Bi1 and is then bent perpendicularly toward the installation plane. Wing B13b is configured similarly.
(44)
(45) Shorter distance 1 from distal ends of wings B7b, B13b to metal frame 10 leads to an earlier and larger flow of short circuit current I between seventh bus bar B7 and thirteenth bus bar B13 upon entry of liquid to power storage system 1. Short circuit current I flowing, between seventh bus bar B7 and thirteenth bus bar B13 upon entry of liquid corresponds to current flowing at both-end voltage of six cells S8 to S13. Short circuit voltage E can be adjusted by displacing the bus bar having a wing.
(46) As described above, the fourth exemplary embodiment achieves enhanced safety upon entry of liquid to the power storage system including the plurality of cells layered horizontally with respect to the installation plane.
(47) The present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will comprehend that the exemplary embodiments are merely exemplified, the constituent elements and the processing processes have various modification examples in terms of combination, and such modification examples are included in the scope of the present invention.
(48) Two power storage modules adjacent to each other are connected via the bus bar having the crank shape as depicted in
(49) The exemplary embodiments may be specified by the following items.
(50) [Item 1]
(51) Power storage system (1) including a plurality of power storage modules (M1) each including a plurality of cells (S1 to S5) that is layered perpendicularly to an installation plane and is electrically connected in series,
(52) the plurality of power storage modules (M1 to M4) being aligned horizontally with respect to the installation plane and being electrically connected in series,
(53) power storage system (1) further including:
(54) a plurality of connection members (B1 to B21) electrically connecting cells (S1 to S20) adjacent to each other and power storage modules (M1 to M4) adjacent to each other;
(55) frame (10) provided with the plurality of power storage modules (M1 to M4); and
(56) a plurality of conductive trays (30a, 30b) aligned horizontally between frame (10) and the plurality of power storage modules (M1 to M4) and horizontally dividing the plurality of power storage modules (M1 to M4) into a plurality of groups.
(57) This configuration prevents a short circuit at high voltage between the plurality of cells (S6 to S20) via liquid and frame (10) upon entry of the liquid to power storage system (1).
(58) [Item 2]
(59) Power storage system (1) according to item 1, in which frame (10) is metal frame (10),
(60) power storage system (1) further includes insulating member (20) inserted between metal frame (10) and the plurality of conductive trays (30a, 30b).
(61) This configuration prevents a short circuit beyond such division by conductive trays (30a, 30b).
(62) [Item 3]
(63) Power storage system (1) according to item 1 or 2, in which at least two (M1, M2) of the power storage modules are mounted on each (30a) of the conductive trays.
(64) This configuration limits a range of a short circuit to the plurality of power storage modules (M1, M2) accommodated in conductive tray (30a).
(65) [Item 4]
(66) Power storage system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 3, in which at least one (B6, B11, B16, B21) of the plurality of connection members (B1 to B21) has projection (B6a, B11a, B16a, B21a) extending toward conductive trays (30a, 30b).
(67) This configuration achieves increase in discharge current flowing due to a short circuit upon entry of liquid within a range not reaching overcurrent.
(68) [Item 5]
(69) Power storage system (1) according to item 1 or 2, in which
(70) each (B6) of the connection members connecting two (M1, M2) of the power storage modules adjacent to each other connects a negative electrode terminal or a positive electrode terminal of cell (S5) closest to the installation plane in first one (M1) of the power storage modules and a positive electrode terminal or a negative electrode terminal of cell (S6) most distant from the installation plane in second one (M2) of the power storage modules adjacent to first power storage module (M1), and
(71) two (M1, M2) of the power storage modules are mounted on each (30a) of the conductive trays.
(72) This configuration enables discharge at both-end voltage of single power storage module (M2) upon entry of liquid.
(73) [Item 6]
(74) Power storage system (1) according to item 5, in which each (B6) of the connection members connecting two (M1, M2) of the power storage modules adjacent to each other has projection (B6a) extending toward the conductive trays (30a).
(75) This configuration achieves increase in discharge current flowing due to a short circuit upon entry of liquid within a range not reaching overcurrent.
(76) [Item 7]
(77) Power storage system (1) according to any one of items 1 to 6, in which conductive trays (30a, 30b) are members smaller in electric resistance than frame (10).
(78) This configuration allows short circuit current upon entry of liquid to preferentially flow to conductive trays (30a, 30b).
REFERENCE MARKS IN THE DRAWINGS
(79) 1: power storage system S1 to S20: first cell to twentieth cell B1 to B21: first bus bar to twenty-first bus bar M1 to M4: first power storage module to fourth power storage module E11, E12, E21, E22, E31, E32, E41, E42, E1, E2: end plate Bi11, Bi12, Bi21, Bi22, Bi31, Bi32, Bi41, Bi42: bind plate Bi1, Bi2: bind bar F11, F12, F13, F14, F21, F22, F23, F24, F31, F32, F33, F34, F41, F42, F43, F44, F1, F2: fixture 10: metal frame 20: resin plate 30a: first metal tray 30b: second metal tray W1: liquid R1 to R5: first resistance to fifth resistance B6a, B11a, B16a, B21a: projection B7b, B13b: wing