JP7784263B2 - How to install the energy storage element unit - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a method for installing an energy storage element unit.

For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, an energy storage element unit having multiple energy storage element modules is known. The energy storage element unit is installed in a predetermined installation position.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-5027

In particular, if the energy storage element unit is large, it can be difficult to simply install the energy storage element unit at the installation location. The purpose of this disclosure is to make it easy to install even large energy storage element units at the installation location.

A method for installing an energy storage element unit according to the present disclosure is a method for installing an energy storage element unit at an installation position, the method comprising:
a manufacturing process for manufacturing an energy storage element unit including a plurality of energy storage element modules, a control module that controls the energy storage element modules, and a housing box that houses the energy storage element modules and the control module;
an inspection step of inspecting the energy storage element unit;
a transporting step of packaging the energy storage element unit in a packaging material and transporting it;
a disassembly step of removing the energy storage element module and the control module from the housing box;
and an assembly process of housing the energy storage element module and the control module in a housing placed at the installation position and connecting wiring of the energy storage element module to a connection portion of the control module.

In the method for installing an energy storage element unit according to the present disclosure,
the energy storage element unit further includes a fixing member that fixes the energy storage element module to the housing,
The fixed member may be integral with the control module.

In the method for installing an energy storage element unit according to the present disclosure,
the energy storage element unit further includes a fixing member that fixes the energy storage element module to the housing,
the fixing member has a fastening portion that is fastened to the housing,
The fastening portion may be held by the fixing member.

In the method for installing an energy storage element unit according to the present disclosure,
The housing is the same as the container,
The method may further include a placement step of placing the housing at the installation position.

The energy storage element unit installation method of the present disclosure may further include a disconnection step of disconnecting the wiring of the energy storage element module from the connection portion of the control module after the inspection step and before the transportation step.

In the energy storage element unit installation method disclosed herein, the disassembly step may include a step of placing the energy storage element module and/or the control module on a portion of the packaging material.

In the energy storage element unit installation method disclosed herein, the installation location may be a location inside a building.

This disclosure allows the energy storage element unit to be easily installed at the installation location.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an energy storage element unit installed at an installation position. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the inside of the energy storage element unit of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the bottom of the energy storage element unit of FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing an energy storage element module assembly and an energy storage element module housed in the housing of the energy storage element unit of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an energy storage element module included in the energy storage element module assembly of FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a plurality of stacked cells included in the energy storage element module of FIG. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing one cell shown in FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a control module housed in the housing of the energy storage element unit of FIG. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the fixing member. FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the control module shown in FIG. 8 and the fixing member shown in FIG. 9 integrated together. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a package in which the energy storage element unit is packed in a packing material. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the package shown in FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing the energy storage element unit of FIG. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of installing the energy storage element unit of FIG.

One embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The scale and aspect ratios in the drawings accompanying this specification may be altered or exaggerated from their actual equivalents for ease of illustration and understanding.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an energy storage element unit according to this embodiment. The energy storage element unit 10 is used as a secondary battery unit capable of charging and discharging. The illustrated energy storage element unit 10 is installed at installation position 5. Installation position 5 is, for example, a location inside a building such as a house or facility, and is typically the floor of the building. In this case, the energy storage element unit 10 is electrically connected to the building's wiring and functions as a power source for electrical devices installed within the building.

Figure 2 shows the interior of the energy storage element unit 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the energy storage element unit 10 has a housing 20B, and a plurality of energy storage element modules 40 and a control module 50 housed in the housing 20B.

The housing 20B will now be described. The housing 20B is the exterior body of the energy storage element unit 10. The housing 20B has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 20B has a bottom 21, side walls 22, a lid 23, and an opening 23a. In the example shown in Figure 2, the housing 20B further has a frame 25 that connects adjacent bottoms 21, side walls 22, and lids 23.

Hereinafter, the height direction of the housing 20B will be referred to as the first direction d1, the short-side direction of the housing 20B in a plan view from the first direction d1 as the second direction d2, and the long-side direction as the third direction d3. Here, the first direction d1, second direction d2, and third direction d3 are non-parallel to one another and preferably perpendicular to one another. In this embodiment, the first direction d1 is the vertical direction. One side s1 of the first direction d1 is the upper side in the vertical direction, and the other side s2 of the first direction d1 is the lower side in the vertical direction.

The bottom 21 is located on the other side s2 in the first direction d1. In the illustrated example, the side wall 22 consists of four side wall portions rising from the bottom 21 to one side s1 in the first direction d1. The bottom 21, side wall portions 22, and lid portion 23 are each a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member. In the example shown in FIG. 1, each of the four side wall portions 22 is connected at its edge to a portion of the edge of the bottom 21 and a portion of the edge of the lid portion 23. Adjacent side wall portions 22 are connected to each other at a portion of their edge. The bottom 21, side wall portions 22, and lid portion 23 are connected at their respective edges to the edges of adjacent bottom portions 21, side wall portions 22, and lid portions 23, either directly or via a frame portion 25. The bottom 21, side wall portions 22, and lid portion 23 form a storage space that houses the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50. The four side walls 22 are perpendicular to the bottom 21 and the lid 23. The bottom 21 and the side walls 22 may be independent members, or may be integrated.

An opening 23a is formed by the four side wall portions 22. The opening 23a is located on one side s1 in the first direction d1. A worker handling the energy storage element unit 10 can work inside the housing 20B through the opening 23a.

The lid portion 23 is located on one side s1 in the first direction d1. The lid portion 23 faces the bottom portion 21 in the first direction d1. The lid portion 23 closes the opening 23a. In particular, the lid portion 23 is removable from the housing 20B.

The bottom 21 supports the energy storage element module 40 from the other side s2 in the first direction d1. More specifically, the bottom 21 contacts the bottom surface of the energy storage element module 40 that is positioned furthest on the other side s2 in the first direction d1 among the multiple energy storage element modules 40, thereby supporting the energy storage element module 40.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the bottom 21 as viewed from one side s1 in the first direction d1. In this embodiment, the bottom 21, side wall 22, and lid 23 each have a resin plate 26 and a metal plate 27, as in the bottom 21 shown in Figure 3. The metal plate 27 is layered further inward than the resin plate 26 in the housing 20B. The resin plate 26 and the metal plate 27 each have a generally plate-like shape.

The bottom 21 has multiple through holes 21c. The energy storage element unit 10 can be installed at the installation position 5 by inserting, for example, wood screws through the through holes 21c.

The frame portion 25 connects adjacent bottom portions 21, side wall portions 22, or lid portions 23. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the frame portion 25 forms the sides of the housing 20B, which has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The frame portion 25 has an L-shaped cross section in the longitudinal direction. The frame portion 25 is made of, for example, the same material as the metal plate 27.

As shown in FIG. 2, the frame portion 25 connects the lid portion 23 to each of the four side wall portions 22, and also connects adjacent ones of the four side wall portions 22 to each other. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the frame portion 25 has a rectangular frame-shaped first frame portion 25a extending between the lid portion 23 and the four side wall portions 22, and four rod-shaped second frame portions 25b extending between adjacent ones of the four side wall portions 22. The first frame portion 25a and each of the four second frame portions 25b are fixed to each other at the corner positions of the lid portion 23.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, no frame portion 25 is provided between the bottom portion 21 and each of the four side wall portions 22. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the bottom portion 21 and the four side wall portions 22 are fixed to each other using the peripheral portion of the metal plate 27 of the bottom portion 21. In other words, each of the four side wall portions 22 is fixed to the peripheral portion of the metal plate 27 of the bottom portion 21.

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the housing 20B further includes a decorative panel 29 that covers one of the side walls 22. The decorative panel 29 is a member that protects the one of the side walls 22 and the components provided on the one of the side walls 22. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the decorative panel 29 has a generally plate-like shape. The decorative panel 29 is made of, for example, a resin material similar to the material of the resin plate 26.

The energy storage element module 40 will now be described. Figure 4 is a diagram showing multiple energy storage element modules 40 housed in the housing 20B. As shown in Figure 4, the energy storage element unit 10 has multiple energy storage element module assemblies 41. In the example shown, the energy storage element unit 10 has two energy storage element module assemblies 41. Each energy storage element module assemblies 41 has multiple energy storage element modules 40 stacked in a first direction d1. The two energy storage element module assemblies 41 are arranged side by side in a second direction d2 that is non-parallel to the first direction d1.

In the illustrated example, the first storage element module assembly 41A has four storage element modules 40 stacked in the first direction d1. The second storage element module assembly 41B has three storage element modules 40 stacked in the first direction d1. The second storage element module assembly 41B is adjacent to the first storage element module assembly 41A in the second direction d2. As shown in FIG. 2, the first storage element module assembly 41A supports the control module 50 from the other side s1 in the first direction d1.

Figure 5 shows one energy storage element module 40 included in the energy storage element module assembly 41. The multiple energy storage element modules 40 included in the energy storage element unit 10 may have different configurations or the same configuration. From the perspective of improving versatility, it is preferable that the multiple energy storage element modules 40 have the same configuration, and preferably include at least the same components. In the example shown, the multiple energy storage element modules 40 have the same configuration.

The energy storage element module 40 has multiple cells 42 and a case 44 that houses the multiple cells 42. The cell 42 is the smallest unit used as an energy storage element. Various types of cells 42 can be used, such as lithium-ion secondary batteries. Figure 6 shows multiple cells 42 included in one energy storage element module 40, and Figure 7 shows one cell 42. The multiple cells 42 included in one energy storage element module 40 may have the same configuration as each other, or may have different configurations from each other.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cell 42 has a flattened shape. When observed from the first direction d1, the cell 42 has a substantially rectangular shape. The cell 42 has a short side in the second direction d2 and a long side in the third direction d3. Multiple cells 42 are stacked in the first direction d1. The cell 42 has a central portion 42C located in the center and a peripheral portion 42E surrounding the central portion 42C. The thickness of the central portion 42C is greater than the thickness of the peripheral portion 42E. In the illustrated example, the cell 42 bulges out at the central portion 42C toward either side in the first direction d1. The multiple cells 42 are stacked so that the central portions 42C at least partially face each other in the first direction d1. The cell 42 shown in FIG. 7 has multiple electrode plates 42a, including positive and negative electrode plates, an outer casing 42b that houses the multiple electrode plates 42a, and tabs 42t that are electrically connected to the electrode plates 42a and extend to the outside of the outer casing 42b. The cell 42 has a pair of tabs 42t. One of the pair of tabs 42t functions as a positive terminal, and the other functions as a negative terminal.

Cell 42 has a generally symmetrical configuration with respect to a reference plane that is a plane along the first direction d1 and the third direction d3 that passes through the center in the second direction d2. Cell 42 also has a generally symmetrical configuration with respect to a reference plane that is a plane along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 that passes through the center in the third direction d3.

The multiple cells 42 included in one energy storage element module 40 are electrically connected to each other by electrically connecting their tabs 42t. The multiple cells 42 may be connected in series or in parallel. As an example, the tabs 42t of the multiple cells 42 are electrically connected to each other using electrode members (not shown). By appropriately setting the number of cells 42 and the serial and parallel connections, the output from one cell 42 can be set to the desired voltage and capacity. In the illustrated example, one energy storage element module 40 includes 16 cells 42. In particular, in the example shown in Figure 6, eight pairs of parallel-connected cells 42 are connected in series.

As shown in FIG. 5, the case 44 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The case 44 houses a plurality of cells 42. As shown in FIG. 8, the case 44 has a plurality of protruding portions 44a that protrude from its peripheral edge toward one side s1 in the first direction d1. The protruding portions 44a are arranged at predetermined intervals in the second direction d2. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, the case 44 has a plurality of engaging portions 44b that are recessed toward one side s1 in the first direction d1 in its peripheral edge. The engaging portions 44b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the second direction d2. In a plan view, each engaging portion 44b is located at the same position as the corresponding protruding portion 44a.

As shown in FIG. 4, when multiple energy storage element modules 40 are stacked in the first direction d1, each protrusion 44a of a certain energy storage element module 40 fits into the corresponding engagement portion 44b of another energy storage element module 40 that is arranged adjacent to the certain energy storage element module 40 in the first direction d1 on one side s1 of the first direction d1. This restricts relative movement of adjacent energy storage element modules 40 in the second direction d2 and the third direction d3. This allows each energy storage element module 40 to be stacked stably in the first direction d1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the energy storage element module 40 further includes wiring 49. As shown, the wiring 49 may be cable wiring. One end of the wiring 49 is electrically connected to the tab 42t of each cell 42, and the other end of the wiring 49 is electrically connected to the connection portion 59 of the control module 50. The energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50 are electrically connected via the wiring 49.

The control module 50 will now be described. The control module 50 controls each of the energy storage element modules 40. The control module 50 has various functions for controlling the energy storage element modules 40. For example, the control module 50 has a function for controlling the charging and discharging of each energy storage element module 40. The control module 50 may have a function for converting AC power to DC power and a function for converting DC power to AC power. The control module 50 may have a function for monitoring the charge state, such as the charge amount, of each energy storage element module 40, and a function for monitoring the presence or absence of abnormalities in each energy storage element module 40. The control module 50 may have a function for transmitting information, such as the charge state and abnormality monitoring results of the energy storage element modules 40, to a control device installed outside the energy storage element unit 10. The control module 50 may have a function for switching between electrical connection and disconnection between wiring external to the energy storage element unit 10 and the energy storage element modules 40.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control module 50 is housed in the housing 20B. The control module 50 is arranged on one side s1 in the first direction d1 relative to the energy storage element module 40. The control module 50 is arranged on one side s1 in the first direction d1 relative to the first energy storage element module assembly 41A.

Figure 8 shows a perspective view of the control module 50. As shown in Figure 8, the control module 50 has a roughly rectangular parallelepiped outer shape. Inside the control module 50 is a control circuit that processes and outputs input control signals and power. As shown in Figure 8, the control module 50 has multiple connection sections 59 to which each wiring 49 of the energy storage element modules 40 is connected, and an input/output section 55 to which external wiring of the energy storage element unit 10 is connected.

8, the connection portion 59 may include a first connection portion 59a and a second connection portion 59b. Both the first connection portion 59a and the second connection portion 59b are connected to the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40. The first connection portion 59a is connected, for example, to a portion of the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 that is related to the transmission and reception of power, and the second connection portion 59b is connected, for example, to a portion of the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 that is related to the transmission and reception of information such as voltage information and temperature information. A plurality of connection portions 59 may be provided to correspond to the number of energy storage element modules 40. In the illustrated example, seven connection portions 59 are provided on the control module 50 corresponding to the seven energy storage element modules 40 included in the energy storage element unit 10. The wiring 49 of each of the seven energy storage element modules 40 is connected to the corresponding connection portion 59 of the control module 50. As a result, the control module 50 is electrically connected to each of the energy storage element modules 40. The control module 50 can control each of the energy storage element modules 40.

As shown in FIG. 8, the input/output unit 55 may include a first input/output unit 55a and a second input/output unit 55b. Both the first input/output unit 55a and the second input/output unit 55b are connected to external wiring of the energy storage element unit 10. The first input/output unit 55a is connected, for example, to a portion of the external wiring related to the transmission and reception of control signals, and the second input/output unit 55b is connected, for example, to a portion of the external wiring related to the transmission and reception of power. This allows the control module 50 to transmit control signals and power to the outside, and receive control signals and power from the outside.

The energy storage element module 40 and control module 50 can be housed in the housing 20B via the opening 23a. Therefore, in a plan view from the first direction d1, in other words, in each of the second direction d2 and the third direction d3, the internal dimensions of the housing are larger than the external dimensions of the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50. More specifically, the minimum internal dimensions of the housing 20B in a direction non-parallel to the first direction d1 are larger than the maximum external dimensions of the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50.

Next, the fixing member 60 will be described. The fixing member 60 is configured to fix the energy storage element module 40 to the housing 20B. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing member 60 is arranged on one side s1 in the first direction of the energy storage element module 40. More specifically, the fixing member 60 is arranged on one side s1 in the first direction d1 of the first energy storage element module assembly 41A. As a result, the fixing member 60 fixes the first energy storage element module assembly 41A to the housing 20B. As shown in FIG. 2, the fixing member 60 is also arranged on one side s1 in the first direction d1 of the second energy storage element module assembly 41B. As a result, the fixing member 60 can fix the second energy storage element module assembly 41B to the housing 20B.

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the fixing member 60. As shown in Figure 9, the fixing member 60 is configured in a plate shape. The fixing member 60 has multiple through holes 63. The fixing member 60 has a recessed recess 64 in its center. The through holes 63 and recess 64 create an air layer between the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50, suppressing heat transfer between them. The recess 64 also improves the strength of the fixing member 60.

As shown in FIG. 9, the fixing member 60 has a fastening portion 65. The fastening portion 65 is held by the fixing member 60. As shown in FIG. 2, the fastening portion 65 is fastened to the frame portion 25 of the housing 20B. In the illustrated example, the fastening portions 65 are provided on both sides of the fixing member 60 in the third direction d3. As shown in FIG. 9, the fixing member 60 is fixed to the frame portion 25 provided on the side wall portion 22 by the fastening portion 65, for example, by bolting. The energy storage element module 40 is fixed to the housing 20B via the fixing member 60.

As shown in FIG. 9 , multiple recessed engagement portions 66 are provided on the other side s2 of the fixing member 60 in the first direction d1. Each engagement portion 66 is provided on both end portions in the second direction d2. Each engagement portion 66 is arranged at a predetermined interval in the first direction d1. In a plan view, each engagement portion 66 is provided in the same position as each protrusion 44a of the energy storage element module 40.

When the fixing member 60 is positioned on one side s1 in the first direction d1 of the first energy storage element module assembly 41A or the second energy storage element module assembly 41B, each protrusion 44a of the energy storage element module 40 that is positioned furthest on one side s1 in the first direction d1 among the multiple energy storage element modules 40 included in the first energy storage element module assembly 41A or the second energy storage element module assembly 41B fits into the corresponding engagement portion 66 of the fixing member 60. This enables the fixing member 60 to restrict relative movement of the energy storage element module 40 with respect to the housing 20B, and enables the energy storage element module 40 to be fixed to the housing 20B.

The fixing member 60 may be made of, for example, a metal material.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the fixing member 60 attached to the control module 50. The fixing member 60 is fixed to the control module 50 by a fastener (not shown). This makes the fixing member 60 integrated with the control module 50. The illustrated example is not limiting, and the fixing member 60 may be integrated with the control module 50 by being formed integrally with a part of the control module 50.

The energy storage element module 40, control module 50, and fixing member 60 are transported housed in a storage box 20A. Similar to the housing 20B, the storage box 20A has a bottom, side walls, a lid, and an opening. The storage box 20A may be a box different from the housing 20B, but it is preferably the same as the housing 20B. The storage box 20A is packed in packaging material 80 and transported as a package 8. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of the package 8. The package 8 includes the storage box 20A, packaging material 80, and a band 90.

Inside the housing box 20A, the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 may be connected to the connection portion 59 of the control module 50, but it is preferable that the wiring 49 be disconnected. If the housing box 20A is the same as the housing 20B, the energy storage element unit 10 may be transported with the decorative panel 29 removed from the housing 20B. In other words, the housing box 20A and the decorative panel 29 may be transported separately.

Figure 12 shows an exploded perspective view of the packaging material 80. In the illustrated example, the packaging material 80 packages the storage box 20A and the decorative panel 29. The decorative panel 29 consists of a decorative panel main body 29a, a decorative panel first side 29b, a decorative panel second side 29c, and a decorative panel upper portion 29d. The packaging material 80 has an approximately rectangular parallelepiped shape overall. As shown in Figure 12, the packaging material 80 includes an outer box 81, a bag 82, an inner box 83, a first tray 84, a second tray 85, a third tray 86, a buffer block 87, an L-shaped angle 88, and a pallet 89.

The outer box 81 forms the exterior of the packaging material 80. The outer box 81 has a top and side surfaces. The outer box 81 is open at the bottom. The bag 82 accommodates the storage box 20A inside the outer box 81. In FIG. 12, the specific shape of the bag 82 is omitted, and only the outline is shown by dashed lines. The bag 82 is, for example, a resin gusset bag. Inside the outer box 81, the inner box 83 accommodates the decorative panel main body 29a, the decorative panel first side 29b, the decorative panel second side 29c, and the decorative panel upper portion 29d. As shown in FIG. 12, the decorative panel first side 29b and the decorative panel second side 29c may be stacked in the thickness direction and then accommodated in the inner box 83. The first tray 84, the second tray 85, and the third tray 86 each have a bottom surface and side surfaces extending from the bottom surface. The first tray 84 supports the storage box 20A from below inside the outer box 81. The second tray 85 covers the storage box 20A from above inside the outer box 81. The third tray 86 covers the inner box 83 from above inside the outer box 81. The outer box 81, inner box 83, first tray 84, second tray 85, and third tray 86 are made of, for example, cardboard.

The buffer blocks 87 are disposed between the first tray 84 and the storage box 20A in the packaging body 8, and absorb shock transmitted from the outside of the packaging body 8 to the storage box 20A via the outer box 81. In the example shown in Figure 12, the packaging material 80 has multiple buffer blocks 87. Each of the multiple buffer blocks 87 has a shape in which three rectangular plate-shaped sections are connected vertically. Each buffer block 87 is disposed between the storage box 20A and the first tray 84 so as to cover each corner of the storage box 20A. The buffer blocks 87 are made of a material such as foamed plastic. More specifically, the buffer blocks 87 can be made of an extruded foam whose main raw material is polyethylene.

The L-shaped angles 88 cover and reinforce the sides of the outer box 81 on the outside of the outer box 81. The L-shaped angles 88 have an L-shaped cross section and extend in one direction. In the example shown, the packaging material 80 has two L-shaped angles 88, which each cover two opposing upper sides of the outer box 81. The L-shaped angles 88 are made of, for example, cardboard.

The pallet 89 is placed below the outer box 81. The pallet 89 closes the opening at the bottom of the outer box 81. The pallet 89 is a support base that supports the outer box 81 and the storage box 20A and other items stored inside the outer box 81. The pallet 89 is made of wood, for example.

The bands 90 secure the L-shaped angles 88 and pallet 89 to the outer box 81 in the packaging body 8. The bands 90 may be so-called PP bands made of, for example, polypropylene.

Although not shown, the packaging body 8 may further include screws and other components used to form the energy storage element unit 10. These screws and other components are packed in the packaging material 80 together with the storage box 20A.

Next, an example of a method for installing the energy storage element unit 10 at the installation location 5 will be described. In particular, an example in which the installation location 5 is the floor of a building will be described. Even if the installation location 5 is other than the floor of a building, the energy storage element unit 10 can be installed in a similar manner.

First, multiple energy storage element modules 40 and a control module 50 are housed in a housing box 20A. Inside the housing box 20A, the wiring 49 of the energy storage element modules 40 is connected to the connection portion 59 of the control module 50. This produces an energy storage element unit 10 that includes multiple energy storage element modules 40, a control module 50, and the housing box 20A.

Next, the manufactured energy storage element unit 10 is inspected. For example, it is inspected to ensure that the energy storage element unit 10 is properly grounded and that accidents such as fires are unlikely to occur even if a current leak occurs from the energy storage element unit 10. After inspecting the energy storage element unit 10, the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 is removed from the connection part 59 of the control module 50.

The energy storage element unit 10 is then packaged in packaging material 80. That is, a package 8 is produced that includes the energy storage element unit 10 and the packaging material 80. The package 8 is produced, for example, by the following procedure. First, the storage box 20A is placed in a bag 82. Multiple buffer blocks 87 are placed on the storage box 20A so as to cover each of the lower corners of the storage box 20A. A first tray 84 is placed above the pallet 89. The storage box 20A, which is placed in the bag 82, is placed above the first tray 84. A second tray 85 is placed above the storage box 20A. Furthermore, the decorative panel main body 29a, the decorative panel first side 29b, the decorative panel second side 29c, and the decorative panel upper portion 29d are placed in the inner box 83. Next, the inner box 83 is placed above the second tray 85. A third tray 86 is placed above the inner box 83. The outer box 81 is placed on top so as to cover the storage box 20A, inner box 83, first tray 84, second tray 85, and third tray 86 from above and from the sides. This places the storage box 20A, inner box 83, first tray 84, second tray 85, and third tray 86 in the space defined by the outer box 81 and pallet 89. L-shaped angles 88 are placed to cover two opposing sides of the upper side of the outer box 81. Finally, bands 90 are used to secure the L-shaped angles 88 and pallet 89 to the outer box 81. This completes the package 8 shown in FIG. 11.

The packaging 8 containing the energy storage element unit 10 is transported near the installation position 5. The packaging 8 is transported using, for example, a vehicle, a crane, a dolly, or the like. Near the installation position 5, the packaging material 80 is dismantled. This removes the decorative panel 29 packed in the inner box 83. The energy storage element unit 10 packed in the bag 82 is also exposed. The energy storage element unit 10 is then disassembled. Specifically, the lid of the storage box 20A is removed, and the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50 are removed from the storage box 20A through the opening. The removed energy storage element module 40 and control module 50 are taken out of the storage box 20A. The energy storage element module 40 and/or the control module 50 are placed on a portion of the dismantled packaging material 80. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 , multiple energy storage element modules 40 are placed on a third tray 86. The control module 50 may also be placed on the third tray 86. Alternatively, only the control module 50 may be placed on a portion of the packaging material 80, such as the third tray 86.

As shown in FIG. 14, housing 20B is placed on the floor of the building, which is installation position 5. If housing 20B is the same as storage box 20A, storage box 20A, from which the energy storage element module 40 and control module 50 have been removed, is placed as housing 20B with its bottom 21 in contact with the floor of the building. A box separate from storage box 20A may be prepared as housing 20B and placed with its bottom 21 in contact with the floor of the building. With lid 23 of housing 20B removed, opening 23a is formed on one side s1 of housing 20B in the first direction d1. Housing 20B is fixed to the floor of the building by, for example, fastening wood screws to the floor of the building via the bottom 21.

Next, the multiple energy storage element modules 40 and control modules 50 are housed in the housing 20B through the opening 23a from one side s1 in the first direction d1. The multiple energy storage element modules 40 and control modules 50 may be housed simultaneously, or may be housed separately. The multiple energy storage element modules 40 may all be housed at the same time, or the multiple energy storage element modules 40 may be housed in multiple batches. The energy storage element modules 40 and control modules 50 housed in the housing 20B are fixed to the housing 20B by a fixing member 60 that is integrated with the control module 50.

Then, by working through the opening 23a from one side s1 in the first direction d1, the wiring 49 of each energy storage element module 40 is connected to the connection portion 59 of the control module 50 inside the housing 20B. Also, by working through the opening 23a from one side s1 in the first direction d1, the wiring outside the energy storage element unit 10 is connected to the input/output portion 55 of the control module 50 inside the housing 20B.

Finally, the lid 23 and decorative panel 29 are attached to the housing 20B. The lid 23 closes the opening 23a of the housing 20B. The storage element module 40 and control module 50 are housed in the storage space formed by the bottom 21, side wall 22, and lid 23.

Through the above steps, the energy storage element unit 10 is assembled and installed on the floor of the building at the installation location 5.

In particular, if the energy storage element unit 10 is large, its size and weight make it difficult to handle manually. It is difficult to install the energy storage element unit 10 as is at the installation position 5. In this embodiment, the energy storage element unit 10 is disassembled by removing the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50 from the housing box 20A near the installation position 5, and the housing 20B is installed at the installation position 5. The energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50 are then housed in the housing 20B to assemble the energy storage element unit 10. Disassembling the energy storage element unit 10 makes it easier to handle the energy storage element unit 10. Even if the energy storage element unit 10 is large, the energy storage element unit 10 can be easily installed at the installation position 5 with a short work time and few personnel.

The fixing member 60 is integrated with the control module 50. This reduces the number of components that need to be removed from the housing 20A when disassembling the energy storage element unit 10. Furthermore, this reduces the number of components that need to be housed in the housing 20B when assembling the energy storage element unit 10. This allows for efficient disassembly and assembly of the energy storage element unit 10. Furthermore, this also reduces the risk of the fixing member 60 being lost.

The fastening portion 65 of the fixing member 60 is held by the fixing member 60. In other words, the fastening portion 65 is unlikely to fall off the fixing member 60. This reduces the risk of the fastening portion 65 being lost when the control module 50, which is integrated with the fixing member 60, is removed from the storage box 20A.

The housing 20B is identical to the storage box 20A. Since there is no need to prepare the housing 20B separately from the storage box 20A, the energy storage element unit 10 can be assembled efficiently. In addition, there is no need to retrieve the storage box 20A after the energy storage element unit 10 is installed.

After inspecting the energy storage element unit 10 and before packaging it in packaging material 80 for transportation, the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 is detached from the connection portion 59 of the control module 50. After transporting the energy storage element unit 10 to the vicinity of the installation position 5, the process of detaching the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 from the connection portion 59 of the control module 50 can be omitted when removing the energy storage element module 40 and control module 50 from the housing box 20A. This allows the energy storage element unit 10 to be disassembled efficiently. Furthermore, when installing the energy storage element unit 10 at the installation position 5, it is possible to prevent malfunctions in the energy storage element unit 10 caused by contact with the connection portion 59.

The energy storage element module 40 and/or control module 50 removed from the storage box 20A are placed on a portion of the packaging material 80. In other words, the components of the energy storage element unit 10 removed from the storage box 20A can be protected by the packaging material 80. This prevents the energy storage element module 40 from damaging the area near the installation position 5. Because the packaging material 80 that packed the energy storage element unit 10 is used, there is no need to prepare other components for protection. This allows the energy storage element unit 10 to be disassembled and assembled efficiently.

Installation position 5 is a position inside a building. Inside a building, it is difficult to secure a large space for installing the energy storage element unit 10. According to the installation method for the energy storage element unit 10 of this embodiment, the energy storage element unit 10 can be installed in a space-saving manner. Therefore, when installation position 5 is on the floor of a building, the installation method for the energy storage element unit 10 of this embodiment is particularly effective.

As described above, the installation method for an energy storage element unit according to this embodiment is a method for installing an energy storage element unit 10 at an installation location 5, and includes the following steps: a manufacturing process for manufacturing an energy storage element unit 10 having a plurality of energy storage element modules 40, a control module 50 that controls the energy storage element modules 40, and a housing box 20A that houses the energy storage element modules 40 and the control module 50; an inspection process for inspecting the energy storage element unit 10; a transportation process for packaging the energy storage element unit 10 in packaging material 80 for transportation; a disassembly process for removing the energy storage element modules 40 and the control module 50 from the housing box 20A; and an assembly process for housing the energy storage element modules 40 and the control module 50 in a housing 20B placed at the installation location 5 and connecting the wiring 49 of the energy storage element module 40 to the connection portion 59 of the control module 50. According to this installation method for an energy storage element unit, the energy storage element unit 10 can be easily handled by disassembling it. The disassembled energy storage element unit 10 can be easily installed at the installation position 5 by assembling the disassembled energy storage element unit 10 at the installation position 5.

Various modifications can be made to this embodiment.

For example, the housing 20B may be part of a building. In other words, the building itself, which is the installation location 5, may include the housing 20B. For example, a space for accommodating the energy storage element module 40 and/or the control module 50 may be provided under the floor of the building. The energy storage element unit 10 can be installed by accommodating the energy storage element module 40 and the control module 50 housed in the housing box 20A in this space, similar to the process described above.

The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiments, but include various modifications that may be conceived by those skilled in the art, and the effects of the present invention are not limited to the details of the above-described embodiments. In other words, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the conceptual idea and spirit of the present invention, which can be derived from the details defined in the claims and their equivalents.

5 Installation position 8 Package 10 Energy storage element unit 20A Storage box 20B Housing 21 Bottom 21c Through hole 22 Side wall 23 Lid 23a Opening 25 Frame 26 Resin plate 27 Metal plate 40 Energy storage element module 41 Energy storage element module assembly 42 Cell 44 Case 49 Wiring 50 Control module 59 Connection 60 Fixing member 65 Fastening portion 80 Packaging material 90 Band

Claims (7)

A method for installing an energy storage element unit at an installation position, comprising:
a manufacturing process for manufacturing an energy storage element unit including a plurality of energy storage element modules, a control module that controls the plurality of energy storage element modules, and a housing that houses the plurality of energy storage element modules and the control module;
an inspection step of inspecting the energy storage element unit;
a transporting step of packaging the energy storage element unit in a packaging material and transporting it;
a disassembly step of removing the plurality of energy storage element modules and the control module from the housing ;
an assembly process for housing the plurality of energy storage element modules and the control module in the housing arranged at the installation position and connecting the wiring of each of the plurality of energy storage element modules to a connection portion of the control module. the energy storage element unit further includes a fixing member that fixes the plurality of energy storage element modules to the housing,
The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 , wherein the fixing member is integrated with the control module. the energy storage element unit further includes a fixing member that fixes the plurality of energy storage element modules to the housing,
the fixing member has a fastening portion that is fastened to the housing,
The method for installing an energy storage element unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fastening portion is held by the fixing member. The energy storage element unit installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an arrangement step of arranging the housing at the installation position. The energy storage element unit installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disconnection step of disconnecting the wiring from the connection portion of the control module after the inspection step and before the transport step. The energy storage element unit installation method according to claim 1 , wherein the disassembly step includes a step of placing the plurality of energy storage element modules and/or the control module on a part of the packaging material. The energy storage element unit installation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the installation location is a location inside a building.