Battery pack management system control circuit

Abstract

Systems, methods, and devices of various embodiments may provide control and / or sensing circuit configurations for electrochemical energy storage systems, such as metal-air battery systems. Various embodiments may include systems, methods, and apparatus that support end switching between a charging cathode and a discharging cathode of a metal-air battery, bypass switching of the metal-air battery, and / or electrolyte low level detection of the metal-air battery.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 400,315, filed on August 23, 2022, entitled "Battery Pack Management System Control Circuit", the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Energy storage technologies play an increasingly important role in the power grid; at the most basic level, these energy storage assets provide smoothing to better match power generation and demand on the grid. The services provided by energy storage devices are beneficial to the power grid on multiple time scales (from milliseconds to years). Today, there are energy storage technologies that can support time scales from milliseconds to hours, but there is a need to improve the availability, reliability, and / or resilience of energy storage systems while reducing their costs.

[0004] This background section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art that may be relevant to embodiments of the present invention. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion in this section provides a framework for a better understanding of the present invention, but should not be construed as an admission of prior art. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Systems, methods, and devices of various embodiments may include configurations for power systems. Systems and methods of various embodiments may provide configurations for components of a battery pack system. Various embodiments may provide control and / or sensing circuit configurations for electrochemical energy storage systems such as metal-air battery pack systems. Various embodiments may include an electrolyte fluid level sensor. Various embodiments may include cathode switching for a multi-cathode battery pack cell. Various embodiments may include systems, methods, and devices that support end switching between a charge cathode and a discharge cathode of a metal-air battery pack, bypass switching of a metal-air battery pack, and / or electrolyte low level detection of a metal-air battery pack.

[0006] Various embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs electrically connected together, wherein each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charge cathode; a discharge cathode; a metal anode; a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each battery electronics provides one or more of the following: end switching between the charge cathode and the discharge cathode of each respective metal-air battery pack; bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and / or electrolyte low level detection of the metal-air battery pack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated as a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the claims and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain features of the claims.

[0008] Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a power generation system according to various embodiments.

[0009] Figure 2 is a system block diagram of a power generation system according to various embodiments.

[0010] Figure 3 is a diagram of components of an electrochemical cell according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary single electrochemical cell housing configuration according to various embodiments.

[0012] Figure 4B is an exploded view of an interior portion of an exemplary battery housing configuration according to various embodiments.

[0013] Figures 5A to 5D is a schematic diagram of an exemplary module configuration including a plurality of electrochemical cells according to various embodiments.

[0014] Figures 6A to 6C Portions of a battery module housing are shown according to various embodiments.

[0015] Figures 7A to 7C Battery module housing configurations are shown according to various embodiments.

[0016] Figures 8A to 8E An exemplary module layout within a housing is shown according to various embodiments.

[0017] Figures 9A to 9F An exemplary module layout within a housing is shown according to various embodiments.

[0018] Figures 10A to 10E An exemplary module layout within a housing is shown according to various embodiments.

[0019] Figure 11A , Figure 11B and Figure 11C is a circuit diagram of exemplary battery discharge, battery charge, and battery bypass operations according to various embodiments.

[0020] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary battery switching topology according to various embodiments.

[0021] Figure 13is a circuit diagram of an exemplary semiconductor-based battery switching topology according to multiple embodiments.

[0022] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of an interlock loop electrolyte low electrolyte fluid level detection circuit according to multiple embodiments.

[0023] Figure 15 shows a battery electrolyte fluid level sensor configuration using a separated electrolyte fluid level probe according to multiple embodiments.

[0024] Figure 16 shows a separated electrolyte fluid sensor design according to multiple embodiments.

[0025] Figure 17 shows a separated electrolyte fluid sensor design according to multiple embodiments. Detailed Description

[0026] Multiple embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References to specific examples and embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the present invention to these embodiments, but rather to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present invention.

[0027] The following examples are provided to illustrate multiple embodiments of the systems and methods of the present invention. These examples are for illustrative purposes, may be predictive, and should not be considered restrictive, and do not otherwise limit the scope of the present invention.

[0028] It should be noted that it is not necessary to provide or discuss the theory on which the subject matter of the embodiments of the present invention or the novel and groundbreaking processes, materials, properties, or other beneficial features and properties related to the embodiments of the present invention are based. Nevertheless, various theories are provided in this specification to further advance the technology in this field. Unless otherwise clearly stated, the theories presented in this specification in no way limit, restrict, or narrow the scope of protection provided by the claimed invention. It may not be necessary or required to practice these theories to use the present invention. It should also be understood that the present invention may give rise to new and previously unknown theories to explain the functions and features of the embodiments of the methods, articles, materials, devices, and systems of the present invention; such later-developed theories should not limit the scope of protection provided by the present invention.

[0029] The various embodiments of the systems, devices, techniques, methods, activities, and operations described in this specification can be used for a variety of other activities and other fields beyond those described herein. Additionally, for example, these embodiments can be used in conjunction with: other devices or activities that may be developed in the future; and existing devices or activities that can be partially modified based on the teachings of this specification. Further, the various embodiments and examples described in this specification can be used together (in whole or in part), and can be used in a variety of different combinations. Thus, the configurations provided in the various embodiments of this specification can be used together. For example, in accordance with the teachings of this specification, the components of an embodiment having A, A', and B and the components of an embodiment having A", C, and D can be used together in a variety of combinations, such as A, C, D and A, A", C, and D, etc. Accordingly, the scope of protection provided by the present invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments, the configurations or arrangements set forth in the specific embodiments, examples, or embodiments of the specific figures.

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention can include systems, methods, and devices for an electrochemical energy storage system such as a metal-air battery system. The various embodiments can provide control and / or sensing circuit configurations for an electrochemical energy storage system such as a metal-air battery system. The various embodiments can include an electrolyte fluid level sensor. The various embodiments can include electrode switching, such as cathode switching for a multi-electrode battery cell (e.g., for a multi-cathode battery cell).

[0031] Multiple embodiments can provide devices and / or methods for long-duration and ultra-long-duration low-cost energy storage, including for multi-day energy storage. In this document, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "long-duration" and "ultra-long-duration" and similar such terms shall be given their broadest possible meaning, including energy storage durations of 8 hours or longer, such as an energy storage duration of 8 hours, an energy storage duration of 8 hours to 20 hours, an energy storage duration of 20 hours, an energy storage duration of 20 hours to 24 hours, an energy storage duration of 24 hours, an energy storage duration of 24 hours to one week, an energy storage duration of one week to one year (e.g., for example, days to weeks to months), etc., and can encompass long-duration energy storage (LODES) systems. Additionally, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "long-duration" and "ultra-long-duration", "energy storage battery" (including "electrochemical battery") and similar such terms shall be given their broadest possible meaning; including electrochemical batteries that can be configured to store energy over time spans of days, weeks, or quarters, such as electrochemical batteries sometimes referred to as multi-day energy storage (MDS) batteries. By definition, the term "duration" represents the ratio of the energy of an energy storage system to its power. For example, a system with a rated energy of 24 MWh and a rated power of 8 MW has a duration of 3 hours; a system with a rated energy of 24 MWh and a rated power of 1 MW has a duration of 24 hours. Physically, this can be interpreted as the operating time of the energy storage system at its maximum power.

[0032] Generally, in one embodiment, the long-duration energy storage battery can be a long-duration electrochemical battery. Generally, such a long-duration electrochemical battery can store electrical power generated by a power generation system provided that: (i) the energy source or fuel for power generation is available, abundant, inexpensive, and combinations and variations thereof; (ii) when the power requirements or electrical demand of the power grid, customers, or other users is less than the amount of electrical power generated by the power generation system, the price paid for providing such electrical power to the power grid, customers, or other users is lower than the economic efficiency point of generating such electrical power (e.g., the cost of power generation exceeds the market price of the electrical power), and combinations and variations thereof; and (iii) combinations and variations of (i) and (ii) and other reasons. Then, this electrical power stored in the long-duration electrochemical battery can be delivered to the power grid, customers, or other users when it is affordable or when there is other need. For example, the electrochemical battery can be configured to store the energy generated by a solar cell during the summer months when there is abundant sunlight and solar power generation exceeds the grid demand, and release the stored energy during the winter months when sunlight may be insufficient to meet the grid demand.

[0033] Multiple embodiments can provide devices and / or methods for large-scale energy storage systems (e.g., long-duration energy storage (LODES) systems (e.g., multi-day energy storage (MDS) systems), short-duration energy storage (SDES) systems, etc.). As an example, multiple embodiments can provide configurations and controls for battery packs (e.g., battery packs for LODES systems) for large-scale energy storage systems.

[0034] Although multiple examples are discussed with reference to Li-ion and / or Fe-air, the discussion of Li-ion and / or Fe-air is only used as an example, and multiple embodiments include other combinations and arrangements of storage technologies that can replace the exemplary solar + Li-ion + Fe-air discussion herein. For example, various metal-air storage technologies can be used as battery packs in multiple embodiments, such as zinc-air, lithium-air, sodium-air, etc.

[0035] As used herein, the term "module" can refer to a string of unit cells (e.g., a string of battery packs). Multiple modules (or multiple units or batteries) can be connected together to form a string of battery packs.

[0036] Figure 1 is a system block diagram of a power generation system (also referred to as an electric power system) 101 according to multiple embodiments. The power generation system 101 can be a power plant including one or more power sources 102, one or more LODES systems 104 (e.g., multi-day energy storage (MDS) systems), and one or more SDES systems 160. As an example, the power source 102 can be a renewable power source, a non-renewable power source, a combination of a renewable power source and a non-renewable power source, etc. Examples of the power source 102 can include wind turbines, solar generators, geothermal generators, nuclear generators, etc. The LODES system 104 can include one or more electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more battery packs). The battery pack can be any type of battery pack, such as rechargable secondary batteries, refuellable primary batteries, a combination of primary batteries and secondary batteries, etc. The battery pack chemistry can be any suitable chemistry, such as Al, AlCl 3 、Fe、FeO x (OH) y 、Na x S y 、SiO x (OH) y 、AlO x (OH) y, metal-air and / or any suitable type of battery chemistry. The SDES system 160 may include one or more electrochemical cells (e.g., one or more battery packs). The battery pack can be any type of battery pack, such as a rechargeable secondary battery pack, a replenishable primary battery pack, a combination of a primary battery pack and a secondary battery pack, etc. The battery chemistry can be any suitable chemistry, such as Li-ion, Na-ion, NiMH, Mg-ion, and / or any suitable type of battery chemistry.

[0037] In multiple embodiments, the operation of the power source 102 can be controlled by one or more control systems 106. The control system 106 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the power generation of the power source 102. In multiple embodiments, the operation of the LODES system 104 can be controlled by one or more control systems 108. The control system 108 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the discharging and / or storing of electricity of the LODES system. In multiple embodiments, the operation of the SDES system 160 can be controlled by one or more control systems 158. The control system 158 can include an engine, a pump, a fan, a switch, a relay, or any other type of device that can control the discharging and / or storing of electricity of the SDES system. The control systems 106, 108, and 158 can all be connected to the power plant controller 112. The power plant controller 112 can monitor the overall operation of the power generation system 101, generate control signals, and send control signals to the control systems 106, 108, and 158 to control the operation of the power source 102, the LODES system 104, and / or the SDES system 104.

[0038] In power generation system 101, power source 102, LODES system 104, and SDES system 160 can all be connected to one or more power control devices 110. The power control device 110 can be connected to the power grid 115 or other transmission facilities. The power control device 110 can include switches, inverters (e.g., AC to DC inverters, DC to AC inverters, etc.), relays, power electronics, and any other type of device that can control the flow of power to / from one or more of the power source 102, LODES system 104, SDES system 160, and / or the power grid 115. Additionally, the power generation system 101 can include a transmission facility 130 that connects the power generation, transmission, and storage system 101 to the power grid 115. As an example, the transmission facility 130 can be connected between the power control device 110 and the power grid 115 such that power can flow between the power generation system 101 and the power grid 115. The transmission facility 130 can include transmission lines, distribution lines, cables, switches, relays, transformers, and any other type of device that can support the flow of power between the power generation system 101 and the power grid 115. The power control device 110 and / or the transmission facility 130 can be connected to a power plant controller 112. The power plant controller 112 can monitor and control the operation of the power control device 110 and / or the transmission facility 130, for example, via a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 112 can control the power control device 110 and / or the transmission facility 130 to supply power from the power source 102 to the power grid 115, supply power from the LODES system 104 to the power grid 115, supply power from the power source 102 and the LODES system 104 to the power grid 115, supply power from the power source 102 to the LODES system 104, supply power from the power grid 115 to the LODES system 104, supply power from the SDES system 160 to the power grid 115, supply power from the power source 102 and the SDES system 160 to the power grid 115, supply power from the power source 102 to the SDES system 160, supply power from the power grid 115 to the SDES system 160, supply power from the SDES system 160 and the LODES system 104 to the power grid 115, and / or supply power from the power source 102, the SDES system 160, and the LODES system 104 to the power grid 115. In multiple embodiments, the power source 102 can selectively charge the LODES 104 and / or the SDES 160, and the LODES 104 and / or the SDES 160 can selectively discharge to the power grid 115. In this way, the energy generated by the power source 102 (e.g., renewable energy, non-renewable energy, etc.) can be output from the LODES 104 and / or the SDES 160 to the power grid 115 at some time after generation.

[0039] In multiple embodiments, the power plant controller 112 may communicate with a network 120 (e.g., a 3G network, a 4G network, a 5G network, a core network, the Internet, a combination thereof, etc.). Using the connection to the network 120, the power plant controller 112 may exchange data with the network 120 and with devices connected to the network 121 (e.g., the power plant management system 121 or any other device connected to the network 120). The power plant management system 121 may include one or more computing devices, such as the computing device 124 and the server 122. The computing device 124 and the server 122 may be directly connected to each other and / or connected by being connected to the network 120. The various connections of the power plant controller 112 and the devices of the power plant management system 121 to the network 120 may be wired connections and / or wireless connections.

[0040] In multiple embodiments, the computing device 124 of the power plant management system 121 may provide a user interface that enables a user of the power plant management system 121 to define inputs of the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101, receive indications related to the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101, and otherwise control the operation of the power plant management system 121 and / or the power generation system 101.

[0041] Although shown as two separate devices 124 and 122, the functions of the computing device 124 and the server 122 described herein may be integrated into a single computing device or may be divided among more than two devices. Additionally, although shown as a dedicated part of the power plant management system 121, the functions of the computing device 124 and the server 122 may be fully or partially offloaded to a remote computing device such as a cloud-based computing system. Although shown as communicating with a single power generation system 101, the power plant management system 121 may communicate with multiple power generation systems.

[0042] Although Figure 1 the power generation source 102, the LODES system 104, and the SDES 160 are shown as being located together, in multiple embodiments, they may be separated from each other. For example, the LODES 104 may be located downstream of a transmission constraint, such as downstream of a part of the power grid 115, etc., from the power generation source 102 and the SDES 160. In this way, by placing the LODES 104 downstream of the transmission constraint, charging the LODES system 104 when capacity is abundant, and discharging the LODES 104 when transmission is insufficient, overbuilding of underutilized transmission facilities can be avoided. The LODES 104 may also arbitrate electricity based on prevailing market prices to reduce the ultimate electricity cost for customers.

[0043] Figure 2 An example of a power generation system 101 is shown in which a power generation source 102 and a bulk energy storage system, such as a LODES system 104 and / or a SDES system 160, may be separated from one another according to various embodiments. Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 2 and Figure 1 Similarly, except that the power generation source 102, LODES 104 and SDES 160 can be separated in different power plants 131A, 131B, 131C. Although the power plants 131A, 131B, 131C can be separated, the power generation system 101 and the power plant management system 121 can refer to Figure 1 Operate as described above. Power plants 131A, 131B and 131C may be located at the same location, or may be geographically separated from each other. Power plants 131A, 131B and 131C may be connected to power grids 115 at different locations. For example, power plant 131A may be connected to the power grid upstream connected to power plant 131B. Power plant 131A associated with power generation source 102 may include its respective power plant controller 112A and its respective power control device 110A and / or transmission facility 130A. Power control device 110A and / or transmission facility 130A may be connected to power plant controller 112A. Power plant controller 112A may, for example, monitor and control the operation of power control device 110A and / or transmission facility 130A through multiple control signals. As an example, power plant controller 112A may control power control device 110A and / or transmission facility 130A to provide power from power generation source 102 to power grid 115, etc.

[0044] The power plant 131B associated with the LODES system 104 may include its respective power plant controller 112B and its respective power control device 110B and / or transmission facility 130B. The power control device 110B and / or transmission facility 130B may be connected to the power plant controller 112B. The power plant controller 112B may monitor and control the operation of the power control device 110B and / or transmission facility 130B, for example, through a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 112B may control the power control device 110B and / or transmission facility 130B to supply power from the LODES system 104 to the power grid 115 and / or to supply power from the power grid 115 to the LODES system 104, etc. The power plant 131C associated with the SDES system 160 may include its respective power plant controller 112C and its respective power control device 110C and / or transmission facility 130C. The power control device 110C and / or transmission facility 130C may be connected to the power plant controller 112C. The power plant controller 112C may monitor and control the operation of the power control device 110C and / or transmission facility 130C, for example, through a plurality of control signals. As an example, the power plant controller 112C may control the power control device 110C and / or transmission facility 130C to supply power from the SDES system 160 to the power grid 115 and / or to supply power from the power grid 115 to the SDES system 160, etc.

[0045] The respective power plant controllers 112A, 112B, 112C and the respective transmission facilities 130A, 130B, 130C may be similar to Figure 1 the described power plant controller 112 and transmission facility 130.

[0046] In multiple embodiments, the respective power plant controllers 112A, 112B, 112C may communicate with the network 120. Using the connection to the network 120, the respective power plant controllers 112A, 112B, 112C may exchange data with the network 120 and with devices connected to the network 120 (such as the power plant management system 121 or any other device connected to the network 121). In multiple embodiments, the power plant management system 121 may monitor the operation of the power plant controllers 112A, 112B, 112C, and the power plant management system 121 may control the operation of the power plant controllers 112A, 112B, 112C and thereby control the operation of the power generation system 101.

[0047] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a battery pack 200 according to multiple embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the battery pack 200 may be a type of battery pack that can be used for the LODES 104 in multiple embodiments. Referring to Figure 3, the battery pack 200 includes a container 201 in which an air electrode 203 (e.g., cathode), a negative electrode 202 (e.g., anode), an electrolyte 204, and a current collector 206 are placed. The negative electrode 202 can be a metal electrode, such as an iron electrode, a lithium electrode, a zinc electrode, or other types of suitable metals. The liquid electrolyte 204 can separate the air electrode 203 from the negative electrode 202. As an example, the battery pack 200 can be a metal-air type battery pack, such as an iron-air battery pack, a lithium-air battery pack, a zinc-air battery pack, etc. Although multiple examples are discussed with reference to metal-air battery packs, other types of battery packs can be substituted in multiple examples, and other types of battery packs can be used in multiple embodiments. The battery pack 200 can represent a single battery or cell, and multiple battery packs 200 (or multiple cells or batteries) can be connected together to form a battery pack string (also called a module).

[0048] In multiple embodiments, the negative electrode 202 can be solid, and the electrolyte 204 can be excluded from the anode. In multiple embodiments, the negative electrode 202 can be porous, and the electrolyte 204 can be geometrically interpenetrated with the negative electrode 202, generating a larger interfacial surface area for the reaction. In multiple embodiments, the air electrode 203 can be porous, and the electrolyte is geometrically interpenetrated with the negative electrode 203, generating a larger interfacial surface area for the reaction. In multiple embodiments, the air electrode 203 can be located at the interface between the electrolyte and the gas headspace (not shown). In multiple embodiments, the gas headspace can be sealed in a shell. In multiple other embodiments, the shell can be unsealed, and the gas headspace can be an open system that can freely exchange substances with the environment.

[0049] The negative electrode 202 can be formed of a metal or a metal alloy, such as lithium (Li), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), silicon (Si), aluminum (Al), zinc (Zn), or iron (Fe), or an alloy substantially composed of one or more of the foregoing metal elements, such as an aluminum alloy or an iron alloy (e.g., FeAl, FeZn, FeMg, etc.) that can undergo an oxidation reaction for discharging. Thus, the anode or negative electrode 202 can be referred to as a metal electrode herein.

[0050] In some embodiments, the battery pack can be rechargeable, and when the battery pack is charged, the metal electrode can undergo a reduction reaction. The anode 202 can be a solid (including a dense solid or a porous solid), or a mesh or foam, or a collection of particles or granules, or can be a slurry, ink, suspension, or paste deposited within the shell. In various embodiments, the components of the anode 202 can be selected such that the anode 202 and the liquid electrolyte 204 volumes may not mix together. For example, the anode 202 can be a metal electrode that can be a bulk solid. As another example, the anode 202 can be a collection of particles in a suspension, such as small particles or large volume particles, whose buoyancy is not sufficient to escape from the suspension into the electrolyte. As another example, the anode 202 can be formed of particles that do not float in the electrolyte.

[0051] The air electrode 203 can support the reaction with oxygen at the positive electrode. The cathode 203 can be a so-called gas diffusion electrode (GDE), where the cathode is solid and located at the interface between the gas headspace and the electrolyte 204. During discharge, the cathode 203 supports the reduction of oxygen from the gas headspace, i.e., the so-called oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 is rechargeable, and the reverse reaction occurs, where the cathode 203 supports the evolution of oxygen from the battery pack, i.e., the so-called oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The OER and ORR reactions are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0052] In various embodiments, the electrolyte 204 is a liquid. In some embodiments, the electrolyte 204 can be an aqueous solution, a non-aqueous solution, or a combination thereof. In various embodiments, the electrolyte 204 is an aqueous solution, which can be acidic (low pH), neutral (intermediate pH), or basic (high pH; also referred to as alkaline or caustic). In some embodiments, the liquid electrolyte 204 can contain electropositive elements such as Li, K, Na, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the liquid electrolyte can be basic, i.e., the pH is greater than 7. In some embodiments, the pH of the electrolyte is greater than 10, and in other embodiments, the pH is greater than 12. For example, the electrolyte 204 can contain potassium hydroxide (KOH) at a concentration of 6M (mol / liter). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 204 can contain a combination of components such as 5.5M potassium hydroxide (KOH) and 0.5M lithium hydroxide (LiOH). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 140 can contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a concentration of 6M (mol / liter). In some embodiments, the electrolyte 140 can contain sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at a concentration of 5M (mol / liter) and 1M potassium hydroxide (KOH).

[0053] In some embodiments, the battery pack 200 (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) discharges by reducing oxygen (O 2 ) typically from air. This requires a three-phase contact between gaseous oxygen, an electrochemically active conductor that provides electrons for the reduction reaction, and an electrolyte 140 that contains the product of the reduction step. For example, in some embodiments involving an aqueous alkaline electrolyte, oxygen from air is reduced by the half-reaction O 2 + 2H 2 O + 4e - → 4OH - to form hydroxide ions. Thus, delivering oxygen to a metal-air battery requires gas handling and maintaining the triple point. In some embodiments, the cathode 203 can be mechanically positioned at the gas-liquid interface to facilitate and maintain the three-phase boundary, referred to as a "normal air-breathing" configuration. The cathode 203 can be placed vertically, horizontally, or at any intermediate angle with respect to gravity and maintain the "normal air-breathing" configuration. In these "normal air-breathing" configurations, the gas phase is at atmospheric pressure (i.e., the gas phase is unpressurized except for the effects of gravity).

[0054] Figure 3 The configuration of the electrochemical cell (or battery pack 200) in Figure 3 is merely an example of one electrochemical cell configuration according to multiple embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. Other configurations such as electrochemical cells with different types of containers and / or without a container 201, electrochemical cells with different types of air electrodes and / or without an air electrode 203, electrochemical cells with different types of current collectors and / or without a current collector 206, electrochemical cells with different types of negative electrodes and / or without a negative electrode 202, and / or electrochemical cells with different types of electrolytes and / or without a liquid electrolyte 204 can replace the

[0055] exemplary configuration of the battery pack 200 shown, and other configurations are consistent with multiple embodiments.

[0056] In multiple embodiments, a battery pack (e.g., battery pack 200) can include three electrodes - an anode (e.g., 202) and a dual cathode (e.g., cathode 203 consists of two parts, e.g., a first cathode and a second cathode). The electrodes can have a limited service life and can be mechanically replaced. For example, the anode can be replaced seasonally. The first cathode can be divided into two parts, with the first part having a hydrophilic surface and the second part having a hydrophobic surface. For example, the hydrophobic surface can have polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) (e.g., ) hydrophobic surface.

[0057] For example, the second part can be a microporous layer (MPL) of high surface area carbon and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), while the first part can be carbon fiber partially coated with PTFE. As another example, the second part can be an MPL of carbon black and PTFE, and the first part can be about 33 wt% PTFE. As a further example, the second part can be an MPL of 77 wt% carbon black and 23 wt% PTFE, and the first part can be a low-loading MPL. The anode can be an iron (Fe) electrode or an iron alloy (Fe alloy) electrode (e.g., FeAl, FeZn, FeMg, etc.). The second cathode can have a hydrophilic surface. The second cathode can have a metal substrate coated with nickel (Ni), such as carbon (C), titanium (Ti), steel, etc. An electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 140) can be placed between the three electrodes. The electrolyte can penetrate one or more of the three electrodes.

[0058] A battery pack system can be composed of multiple cells that are connected in series and / or parallel in a shared electrolyte bath and are contained within a housing.

[0059] Figure 4A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary single electrochemical cell (or battery pack) housing 400 according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 4A, according to various embodiments, the housing 400 may include a battery pack, such as battery pack 200. In some embodiments, the housing 400 may be a container, such as container 201, in which an air electrode (e.g., cathode), such as air electrode 203, a negative electrode (e.g., anode), such as negative electrode 202, and an electrolyte, such as electrolyte 204, are placed. The electrolyte, such as electrolyte 204, may rise to a given liquid level within the housing 400, and a headspace may be formed within the housing 400 between the top of the container 401 and the liquid level of the electrolyte. The housing 400 may have a height (e.g., z-dimension), a width (e.g., y-dimension), and a depth (e.g., x-dimension). In an exemplary configuration, the height may be greater than the width and depth, and the width may be greater than the depth, such that the housing 400 is generally a rectangular parallelepiped. The housing 400 may include one or more different types of connections, such as electrical connections, electrolyte connections, gas connections (e.g., air connections), ventilation holes, etc. Through the connections, two or more electrochemical cells (or battery packs) may be connected together, such as in series and / or in parallel, to form a module.

[0060] Each cell / battery pack housing in the module, such as housing 400, may be an independent unit that supports its respective volume of air electrode (e.g., air electrode 203), negative electrode (e.g., negative electrode 202), and electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 204). The module structure may support the cell housings placed within the module, such as housing 400.

[0061] Figure 4B is an exploded schematic view of an interior portion of an exemplary electrochemical cell (or battery pack) housing 400, showing an exemplary configuration of an electrochemical cell (or battery pack) according to various embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 4B , the housing 400 may have a plurality of electrochemical cell (or battery pack) elements therein, including one or more anode assemblies 401 (e.g., one or more negative electrodes 202), one or more cathode assemblies (e.g., cathode 203), and an electrolyte (e.g., electrolyte 204). Figure 4BThe configuration shown in [the figure] depicts a two-part cathode, where the cathode assembly includes an oxygen evolution electrode (OEE) 402 and a separate gas diffusion electrode (GDE) 403. A battery pack configuration including at least one OEE 402 and at least one GDE 403 can be referred to as a multi-cathode battery pack cell. The OEE 402 can be placed within the housing between the anode assembly 401 and the GDE 403. The GDE 403 can be placed at the center of the housing 400, and pairs of additional GDE 403s and anode assemblies 401 can be mirror-configured on the opposite side of the GDE 403. Air can enter the housing 400 and enter the center of the GDE 403. Thus, in one exemplary configuration, each electrochemical cell (or battery pack) housing 400 can include anode assemblies 401 on opposite sides, with their respective OEE 402s on the plates of the individual anode assemblies 401, and a central GDE 403 with an air channel running down the center between the two OEE 402s. However, such internal cell (or battery pack) structures are merely one exemplary configuration of the cells (or battery packs) located within an exemplary housing such as housing 400 and are not intended to be restrictive. Additionally, the housing 400 can include one or more cell electronic structures 450, such as printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), circuit housings, etc., that support multiple electronic devices (e.g., controllers, sensors, switches, wiring buses, etc.) that can control and / or manage the operation of the multi-cathode battery pack cells.

[0062] Figure 5A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary module 501 configuration including multiple electrochemical cell housings 400 according to multiple embodiments. Referring to Figures 1 to 5A , the module 501 is presented in a top-down perspective along the height (e.g., z-dimension) direction of the cell housing 400. The module 501 configuration can generally be a square configuration, with the lengths of the front, back, and sides of the module 501 being approximately the same. In the module 501, the cell housings 400 can be arranged in two rows such that the width of the cell housing 400 is parallel to the sides of the module 501, and the depth of the cell housing 400 is parallel to the front and back of the module 501. In the configuration of the module 501, the width of two cell housings 400, as well as any spacing between the rows of housings 400 and the spacing between each row and the front and back of the module 501, can generally determine the length of each side of the module 501. The number of housings 400 in each row, the depth of the housings 400, the spacing between the containers 400 in each row, and the spacing between each row and the sides of the module 501 can generally determine the length of the module 501 from the front to the back.

[0063] Figure 5B is a schematic diagram of another exemplary module 502 configuration including multiple electrochemical cell housings 400 according to multiple embodiments. Referring to Figures 1 to 5B, Module 502 is presented from a top-down perspective along the height (e.g., z-dimension) direction of the battery housing 400. Module 502 can be configured to generally have a rectangular configuration, with the sides of Module 502 being longer than the back and front of Module 502. In Module 502, two rows of battery housings 400 can be arranged such that the width of the battery housing 400 is parallel to the front and back of Module 502, and the depth of the battery housing 400 is parallel to the sides of Module 502. In the configuration of Module 502, the width of two battery housings 400, as well as any spacing between the rows of housings 400 and the spacing between each row and the sides of Module 502, can generally determine the length of the front and back of Module 502. The number of housings 400 in each row, the depth of the housings 400, the spacing between each row of housings 400, and the spacing between each row and the front and back of Module 502 can generally determine the length of the sides of Module 502.

[0064] Figure 5C is a schematic diagram of another exemplary configuration of Module 503 including a plurality of electrochemical battery housings 400 according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 5C , Module 503 is presented from a top-down perspective along the height (e.g., z-dimension) direction of the battery housing 400. Module 503 can be configured to generally have a rectangular configuration, with the sides of Module 503 being longer than the back and front of Module 503. In Module 503, a single row of battery housings 400 can be arranged such that the width of the battery housing 400 is parallel to the front and back of Module 503, and the depth of the battery housing 400 is parallel to the sides of Module 502. In the configuration of Module 503, the width of the single row of battery housings 400, as well as any spacing between the sides of Module 503, can generally determine the length of the front and back of Module 503. The number of rows of housings 400, the depth of the housings 400, the spacing between the rows of housings 400, and the spacing between the front and back of Module 503 can generally determine the length of the sides of Module 503.

[0065] Figure 5D is a schematic diagram of another exemplary configuration of Module 504 including a plurality of electrochemical battery housings 400 according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 5D, Module 504 is presented in a top-down view along the height (e.g., z-dimension) of the battery enclosure 400. Module 504 can generally be configured in a square shape, with the lengths of the front, back, and sides of Module 501 being approximately the same. In Module 504, two rows of battery enclosures 400 can be arranged such that the width of the battery enclosure 400 is parallel to the front and back of Module 504, and the depth of the battery enclosure 400 is parallel to the sides of Module 502. In the configuration of Module 504, the width of two battery enclosures 400, as well as any spacing between the rows of enclosures 400 and the spacing between each row and the sides of Module 504, can generally determine the length of the front and back of Module 504. The number of enclosures 400 in each row, the depth of the enclosures 400, the spacing between each row of enclosures 400, and the spacing between each row and the front and back of Module 504 can generally determine the length of the sides of Module 504.

[0066] Figures 5A to 5D The configurations of Modules 501 to 504 in [description] are merely exemplary modules including multiple electrochemical cell configurations according to multiple embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. Other configurations (e.g., modules with more or fewer rows, modules with non-linear configurations, modules with more or fewer cells, etc.) can replace the exemplary configurations of Modules 501 to 504, and other configurations are consistent with multiple embodiments.

[0067] In multiple embodiments, a battery pack module having a battery string (e.g., Modules 501 to 504) can be encapsulated in a module enclosure. The module enclosure can accommodate one or more modules having a battery string (e.g., Modules 501 to 504).

[0068] Field-deployed modules (e.g., Modules 501 to 504) may need to be protected from elements such as wind, dust, snow, rain, seismic activity, etc. The modules (e.g., Modules 501 to 504) may also need to be fixed to the ground to prevent movement during high winds and / or seismic activity. Personnel also need to be protected from high voltages, corrosive fluids, and any other hazardous situations associated with the operation of the battery pack system. Several auxiliary systems will also be required to support the operation of the battery pack energy storage system, including secondary protection, thermal management, hydrogen management, gas diffusion electrode (GDE) support, air supply, electrolyte / water management, etc. The enclosure can be configured according to multiple embodiments to provide such support to one or more modules (e.g., Modules 501 to 504) in the battery pack system.

[0069] Figures 6A to 6C Parts of an exemplary enclosure 605 for one or more modules (e.g., Modules 501 to 504) in a battery pack system are shown. Refer to Figures 1 to 6C , Figure 6A The lower structure 602 of the enclosure 605 is shown, Figure 6BThe housing 605 with the doors 612 and 614 removed is shown. Figure 6C The housing 605 with the doors 612 and 614 installed is shown. Additionally, other doors and / or hatches can be installed along other walls and / or the top of the housing 605. In multiple embodiments, the lower structure 602 can support the entire weight of the battery pack modules for transportation and installation. If secondary protection is included in the design, the secondary protection can be installed in the lower structure 602, for example, for handling possible spills and fire fighting water. Lifting points can be provided in the lower structure 602 such that the lower structure 602 can be lifted by the corners or include additional lifting points along its length. The bottom of the lower structure 602 can include attachment points to secure the battery pack modules (such as modules 501 to 504) to the housing 605, for example, to support transportation, seismic damping, etc. In multiple embodiments, the housing 605 can include any number of modules, such as modules 501 to 504 therein. Figures 6A to 6C The configuration of the shown housing 605 shows a configuration of at least seven modules (such as modules 501 to 504), but more or fewer modules can be present in the housing depending on the housing size and / or configuration. The housing 605 can include mounting points for attachment to various on-site installation structures during on-site deployment, such as foundation beams, piles, helical piles, foundations, etc.

[0070] In some embodiments, the housing can include an auxiliary area 608. In some embodiments, the auxiliary area 608 can be located at one end of the housing, where auxiliary equipment can be installed to support the modules, such as modules 501 to 504. In other embodiments, the auxiliary area 608 can be located anywhere in the housing, such as in the middle of the housing, one-third of the way along the housing, etc., and the modules (such as modules 501 to 504) can be located on both sides of the auxiliary area. The auxiliary equipment can include pumps, blowers, controllers, switches, connectors, pipes, ducts, heaters, coolers, filters, reservoirs, storage tanks, electronics, or any other type of equipment that can support the operation of the modules (such as modules 501 to 504) within the housing 605. Support subsystems can be housed in the auxiliary area 608 and connected to the modules (such as modules 501 to 504). The support subsystems can include GDE air systems, thermal management systems, heating systems, hydrogen management systems, water and / or electrolyte management systems, power electronics systems, control electronics systems, communication systems, telemetry sensors and equipment, and / or disconnection from plant-level services, and any other type of subsystem.

[0071] The bottom of the housing 605 can also have perforations to allow for the pre-reservation of pipe piles for electrical, water, or any other required connections during on-site installation, provided that the perforations are appropriately designed to maintain the secondary protection requirements of the lower structure.

[0072] As Figure 6Band Figure 6C As shown, walls 603, 604, 605, and 607 can be attached to the bottom 602 of the lower structure and are designed to support the snow load borne by the top 611 and to handle wind loads. The structural shell can also provide for mounting any auxiliary subsystems that need to operate throughout the enclosure 605. Although walls 603, 604, 605, and 607 and the top 611 are shown as being metal, all or part of the walls and / or the top can be formed of other materials such as fabric, cloth, etc. In multiple embodiments, the enclosure can form different regions, such as an auxiliary region 608 and a module bay 606. In multiple embodiments, the auxiliary region 608 can be covered by doors 612 on one or both long sides of the enclosure 605, and the module bay 606 can be covered by doors 614 on one or both long sides of the enclosure 605. The doors 612 and / or the doors 614 can facilitate access to the auxiliary equipment and / or modules for repair and / or replacement. In some embodiments, perforations 610 can be present in the sidewall 605 and / or the top 611 to allow air exchange from the environment to the enclosure 605 and vice versa. A filter grille can be an example of the perforations 610. The configuration of the enclosure 605 can maintain low dust intrusion and / or protection against heavy rain.

[0073] Figures 7A to 7C A battery pack module enclosure configuration according to multiple embodiments is shown. Referring to Figures 1 to 7C , Figure 7A a top view of an exemplary enclosure 605 is shown, where the auxiliary region 608 is located within the enclosure 605 and is within the module bay 606 along with modules 650 (such as modules 501 to 504). Although Figure 7A seven sets of modules are shown in

[0074] Figure 7B this is merely an example, and more or fewer modules can be present in the enclosure 605. Figure 7B Another configuration 702 is shown, where the enclosure 710 that supports the modules 650 (such as modules 501 to 504) may not include an auxiliary region, but rather a central auxiliary region 703 can support one or more enclosures 710. The separate auxiliary region 703 enclosure can be connected to the modules through one or more connectors 715, and the auxiliary region 703 can provide subsystem services for the enclosures 710 and the modules 650 therein, such as services for a GDE air system, a thermal management system, a hydrogen management system, a water and / or electrolyte management system, a power electronics system, a control electronics system, telemetry sensors and equipment, and / or disconnection from power plant-level services, and any other type of subsystem. Although Figure 7BFour enclosures 710 are shown, but more or fewer enclosures 710 may be connected to the auxiliary area 703, and the size of the auxiliary area 703 may be varied according to the number of enclosures to be supported and the number of modules within the enclosures.

[0075] Figure 7C Another configuration 750 is shown where a separate auxiliary area 703 enclosure is connected to the enclosure 605, which also has an auxiliary area 608 within it. In this way, some of the auxiliary system functions may be offloaded in whole or in part to the separate auxiliary area 608, and some of the auxiliary system functions may be maintained in whole or in part at the enclosure 605 level.

[0076] Although Figures 7A to 7C multiple configurations for enclosures and / or auxiliary areas are shown, Figures 7A to 7C the configurations shown are only examples according to multiple embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. Other configurations of enclosures and / or auxiliary areas may substitute Figures 7A to 7C the exemplary configurations, and the other configurations are consistent with multiple embodiments.

[0077] Figures 8A to 8E An exemplary module 501 layout 800 within the enclosure 605 according to multiple embodiments is shown. Referring Figures 1 to 8E , Figures 8A to 8E a layout 800 is shown where two modules 501 are arranged from front to back within the module bay. In the layout 800, electrical runs may be provided, and all wiring may be on the short ends of the enclosure 605. In the layout 800, space may be required within the enclosure 605 for removing modules. In the layout 800, the electrode width may be related to the minimum size of the enclosure 605. In the layout 800, the thermal spacing may be related to the minimum size of the enclosure. The layout 800 may require connecting and / or disconnecting the back module 501 of two modules 501 in each module bay. The layout 800 may require personnel to perform some activities within the enclosure.

[0078] Figure 8B An exemplary thermal management duct / piping system configuration 803 and connectors 804 required for installing and / or removing the module 501 within the enclosure 605 are shown. Figure 8C An exemplary electrical system connection configuration 804 and connectors 805 required for installing and / or removing the module 501 within the enclosure 605 are shown. Figure 8D An exemplary GDE air system connection configuration 806 and connectors 807 required for installing and / or removing the module 501 within the enclosure 605 are shown. Figure 8E An exemplary water and / or electrolyte system connection configuration 808 and connectors 809 required for installing and / or removing the module 501 within the enclosure 605 are shown.

[0079] Figures 9A to 9F shows an exemplary module layout 900 within the housing 605 according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 9F , Figures 9A to 9F which shows the layout 900 in which the modules 502 can be arranged within each module bay. In the layout 900, the module connectors can be located at the doors of the module bays.

[0080] Figure 9B shows an exemplary thermal management duct / piping system configuration 902 within the housing 605. Figure 9C shows an exemplary electrical system connection configuration 904 within the housing 605. Figure 9D shows an exemplary GDE air system connection configuration 906 within the housing 605. Figure 9E shows an exemplary water and / or electrolyte system connection configuration 908 within the housing 605. Figure 9F shows an optional second electrical system connection configuration 910 (shown in white), including blind mating at the back and front side connectors of the module 502.

[0081] Figures 10A to 10E shows an exemplary module 504 layout 1000 within the housing 605 according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 10E , Figures 10A to 10E which shows the layout 1000 in which two modules 504 are arranged from front to back within the module bay. In the layout 1000, space may be required within the housing 605 for removing the modules. In the layout 1000, the electrode width can be independent of the housing 605 width. The layout 1000 may require connecting and / or disconnecting the back modules 504 of the two modules 504 in each module bay. The layout 1000 may require personnel to perform some activities within the housing.

[0082] Figure 10B shows an exemplary thermal management duct / piping system configuration 1003 within the housing 605. Figure 10C shows an exemplary electrical system connection configuration 1004 and connectors 1005 required for installing and / or removing the module 504 within the housing 605. Figure 10D shows an exemplary GDE air system connection configuration 1006 and connectors 1007 required for installing and / or removing the module 501 within the housing 605. Figure 10E shows an exemplary water and / or electrolyte system connection configuration 1008 and connectors 1009 required for installing and / or removing the module 504 within the housing 605.

[0083] Although Figures 8A to 10E shows various configurations of the housings and the modules within these housings, Figures 8A to 10EThe configurations shown are merely examples in accordance with multiple embodiments and are not intended to be restrictive. Other configurations of the housing and the modules within these housings may be substituted Figures 8A to 10E for the exemplary configurations, and other configurations are consistent with multiple embodiments. Additionally, while Figures 8A to 10E exemplary module layouts 800, 900, and 1000 are shown, with an auxiliary area 608 shown within the housing, the configuration of the thermal management conduit / plumbing system and connections, the electrical system connection configuration and connections, the GDE air system configuration and connections, and / or the water and / or electrolyte system configuration and connections may be configurations similar to those with no auxiliary area within the housing, such as configuration 702, and / or a configuration where the auxiliary area 608 is located within the central area of the housing between modules (e.g., between any two of modules 501 to 504).

[0084] Multiple embodiments may provide control and / or sensing circuit configurations for an electrochemical energy storage system such as a metal-air battery system. Multiple embodiments may include an electrolyte fluid level sensor. Multiple embodiments may include cathode switching for a multi-cathode battery cell.

[0085] Metal-air batteries such as iron-air batteries, etc., may have multiple cathode terminals that can be designated for discharge and charge operations. Management of these cathode terminals is required to ensure that current only flows through the correct cathode in different operating scenarios. Improper current regulation of these cathodes can lead to rapid degradation of battery performance and / or safety issues.

[0086] In multiple embodiments, each battery housing such as housing 400 may be equipped with electronics, such as a mechanical relay switch, a solid-state electronic switch, etc., to control which cathode (e.g., which of cathodes 402, 403) is active during current flow. In some embodiments, a solid-state electronic switching device such as a semiconductor switch (e.g., a metal-oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a thyristor, etc.) or an electromechanical switch may control which cathode (e.g., which of cathodes 402, 403) is active during current flow. The solid-state electronic switch may allow for an almost instantaneous transition between discharge and charge operations to mimic a standard dual-terminal battery cell. The cathode switch according to multiple embodiments may be controlled by a battery management system, manually by an operator, and / or operate autonomously based on the measured current direction. Since a multi-cathode battery has designated charge and discharge terminals, by adding in-line switches at each cathode terminal, the current flowing through each terminal can be regulated.

[0087] Figure 11AAn example of a battery discharge configuration 1100 for a multi-cathode battery pack cell 1101 (such as a multi-cathode battery pack having an anode 401, an OEE cathode 402, and a GDE cathode 403 within a housing 400 as described above) is shown. Figure 11B A battery charging configuration 1115 for the battery 1101 is shown. Refer Figures 1 to 11B , Figure 11A and Figure 11B The components shown may be part of an electronic structure 450 connected to the housing 400.

[0088] In the battery 1101, the positive anode terminal 1104 may extend from the anode (such as anode 401), the positive charging terminal 1102 may extend from the charging cathode (such as OEE 402), and the positive discharge terminal 1103 may extend from the discharge cathode (such as GDE 403). A charging switch 1105, such as a mechanical relay, a semiconductor switch, etc., may be placed between the charging terminal 1102 and the positive output battery terminal. A discharge switch 1106, such as a mechanical relay, a semiconductor switch, etc., may be placed between the discharge terminal 1103 and the positive output battery terminal. The states of the charging switch 1105 and the discharge switch 1106 may be controlled by a control electronics 1110 that may be connected to a current sensor 1107. The current sensor 1107 may monitor the current at the positive output battery terminal of the battery 1101, and the control electronics 1110 may control the states of the charging switch 1105 and / or the discharge switch 1106 based on the current detected by the current sensor 1107. Alternatively, the state of the charging switch 1105 may be controlled by an external request.

[0089] In the discharge configuration 1100, the control electronics 1110 may open the charging switch 1105 and close the discharge switch 1106 to allow current to flow out from the discharge terminal 1103 and towards the positive output battery terminal, thereby discharging the battery 1101. In the charging configuration 1115, the control electronics 1110 may open the discharge switch 1106 and close the charging switch 1105 to allow current to flow out from the positive output battery terminal and towards the charging terminal 1102, thereby charging the battery 1101. The control electronics 1110 may monitor the current flowing out from the battery 1101 and may switch the battery operation based on the current direction and / or according to an external request. The current may be continuously monitored by the control electronics 1110 to ensure that the battery 1101 is in a suitable required state, for example, in a discharge state, a charging state.

[0090] In multiple embodiments, a battery, such as battery 1101, may be equipped with a bypass switch. Figure 11C A bypass operation according to multiple embodiments is shown, where each battery 1101 may be connected to an individual bypass switch 1152 controlled by a control electronics 1151. Refer Figures 1 to 11C, the control electronic device 1151 can be part of the electronic structure 450 connected to the housing 400 and / or can be a control electronic device operating at the module level, such as a controller within modules 501, 502, 503, 504, 650, etc. When the bypass switch 1152 is closed, it causes the operating current to bypass the battery 1101 and electrically removes it from the series battery circuit. The bypass switch 1152 can be a controllable switch, such as a mechanical relay, semiconductor switch, etc. The bypass switch 1152 can be controlled and driven by the control electronic device 1151. The bypass switch 1152 can be used to skip a damaged or poorly performing battery 1101 without interrupting the rest of the system. The bypass switch 1152 can also be used to balance the capacity of each battery 1101 in a module (e.g., 501, 502, 503, 504, 650, etc.). For example, if a battery 1101 is fully charged, it will be bypassed so that other batteries 1101 can continue to charge.

[0091] Figure 12 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary configuration of the battery electronic device 1200 that provides charge and discharge switching and bypass switching according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 12 , Figure 12 The components shown can be part of the electronic structure 450 connected to the housing 400. As an example, the battery electronic device 1200 can be a PCBA coupled to the housing 400.

[0092] Since the multi-cathode battery 1101 has a designated charging terminal 1102 and a discharging terminal 1103, and switches 1105, 1106 that are connected in-line with respective cathode terminals 1102, 1103, the current direction of each terminal 1102, 1103 can be adjusted. The battery electronic device 1200 may include a charging terminal 1202 connected to the charging terminal 1102 of the battery 1101, a discharging terminal 1203 connected to the discharging terminal 1103 of the battery 1101, and an anode terminal 1204 connected to the anode terminal 1104 of the battery 1101. The battery electronic device 1200 may include a control interface 1216, an output positive battery terminal 1218, an output negative battery terminal 1217, and voltage signals for the charging terminal 1202, the discharging terminal 1203, and / or the output positive battery terminal 1218. The control interface is responsible for receiving control commands, then implementing the control commands in the battery electronic device 1200, and transmitting signals (such as battery voltage, etc.) to other control interfaces of the entire system. The behavior of the output positive battery terminal 1218 may be similar to that of a single-cathode battery that allows bidirectional current. A voltage sensor 1205 may be connected between the charging terminal 1202 and the anode terminal 1204 to measure the charging terminal voltage. A voltage sensor 1206 may be connected between the discharging terminal 1203 and the anode terminal 1204 to measure the discharging terminal voltage. A voltage sensor 1215 may be connected between the output positive battery terminal 1218 and the output negative battery terminal 1217 to measure the battery voltage. The charging switch 1105 and the discharging switch 1106 may be controlled by a battery pack electronic device, which can monitor the magnitude and direction of the current of the battery 1101. Since all terminals 1202, 1203, 1204 have in-line switches 1105, 1106, 1152, all switches 1105, 1106, 1152 can be controlled to open, which reduces voltage and the corresponding electrical hazards.

[0093] In multiple embodiments, using solid-state semiconductor switches can reduce costs and improve reliability. For semiconductor switches, it is important to consider the internal body-diode characteristics and how they affect switching transients and operation. By having back-to-back semiconductor switches, current in both directions can be blocked. This also prevents unnecessary discharge of the battery during balancing and bypass operation.

[0094] Figure 13 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary semiconductor-based battery 1101 switching topology according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 13 , Figure 13 The switching topology in Figure 12A specific example of an implementation of a battery electronic device 1200 using a MOSFET to provide switching capabilities. The charging switch 1105 can be a MOSFET 1304. The discharging switch 1106 can be two MOSFETs 1302 and 1303 in a back-to-back configuration. The bypass switch 1152 can be a MOSFET 1301.

[0095] Aqueous battery pack cells require management of their electrolyte fluid levels to ensure that the battery pack cells do not dry out, causing performance, degradation, and / or safety issues. Each battery pack cell can benefit from an independent sensor to indicate when the electrolyte fluid is low and the battery pack cell requires repair, maintenance, or replenishment. These battery pack cell electrolyte fluid level sensors can be beneficial for cost-effectiveness and compatibility with corrosive electrolytes.

[0096] In multiple embodiments, each battery pack cell (e.g., each battery pack cell housing (e.g., housing 400)) can be equipped with a split continuity sensor that is part of a loop connection to reduce pin and signal counts. The electrolyte fluid sensor circuit on each battery can receive an enable signal to generate an isolation current to test the continuity between two probes made of a material chemically resistant to the electrolyte fluid (e.g., nickel). If there is electrical continuity, the sensor circuit passes the enable signal to the next battery, forming a loop where the battery management system (BMS) sends the enable signal to the first battery and reads the enable signal on the last battery. If the electrolyte fluid is low in any battery, the loop may be interrupted, and the BMS can diagnose which battery and send a fault signal to trigger diagnosis or maintenance (e.g., request electrolyte replenishment). This solution provides split level sensing on each battery while reducing pin counts and cable complexity.

[0097] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example of an interlock loop electrolyte low fluid level detection circuit according to multiple embodiments. Refer to Figures 1 to 14, the battery 1101 can each be associated with its respective electrolyte level sensing circuit 1401 that can control the switch 1402. The switch 1402 can be connected in series between the power supply 1405 and the detector 1406. The power supply 1405 can output a voltage, and when all the switches 1402 are closed, the detector 1406 can detect the voltage. The sensing circuit 1401 can be configured to open its respective switch 1402 when the electrolyte level of the battery 1101 is below a threshold level. For example, when the electrolyte level is below the minimum electrolyte level threshold of the battery 1101 (i.e., the electrolyte no longer provides an electrical path between the contact points), the sensor 1401 can detect the loss of the electrical continuity path between the pair of contact points within the battery 1101 at the lowest electrolyte level of the battery 1101, and in response to the loss of the electrical continuity path, can open the switch 1402. Other embodiments of the electrolyte level sensor 1401 can use different metal probes to detect the presence of a fluid through the potential difference generated between two materials. By utilizing the electrochemical behavior of the battery 100, the different metal probes of the sensor 1401 can enable the sensor 1401 to act as a fluid level sensor and also as a reference electrode for battery state and health diagnosis and monitoring. Since the interlock circuit passes through each battery 1101, if the electrolyte fluid level of one battery is too low, the circuit is interrupted. The interrupted circuit results in no voltage at the detector 1406, and the detector 1406 can be part of the BMS. In addition, the BMS can read the voltage of the fluid level probe to determine the charge state of the battery 1101 and diagnose electrochemical problems. For example, in this way, the BMS can use the voltage measured through the probe as a surrogate for the battery 1101 state and health diagnosis. The voltage measurement at the detector 1406 being at, above, or below a selected voltage value, or a voltage loss at the detector 1406, can trigger the BMS to send a request to the electrolyte management system, and then the electrolyte management system can be triggered to replenish the battery electrolyte fluid. Additionally, the BMS can trigger a fault signal to prompt a technician to diagnose, repair, or perform maintenance related to the electrolyte level of the battery 1101. The low electrolyte level also triggers LED activation, indicating to the technician which battery needs maintenance. The LED indication is located on each low level sensor and is only activated when there is a discontinuity between the electrolyte probes.

[0098] Similarly, the sensing circuit 1401 can be configured to turn on its respective switch 1402 when the electrolyte conductivity of the battery 1101 is below a certain threshold level. For example, the sensor 1401 can detect a change in impedance (rather than strict continuity) between a pair of contact points within the battery 1101 located at the lowest electrolyte level of the battery 1101, and in response can turn on the switch 1402. The impedance that triggers the switch 1402 to turn on can be adjusted to a specific conductivity range using components or software control in the circuit. A decrease in electrolyte conductivity may be associated with performance or safety issues, which may require further diagnosis, repair, or maintenance of the battery 1101. Specifically, adjusting the sensor 1401 trigger impedance can also avoid false positive signals due to conditions within the battery 1101 (such as electrolyte atomization or electrolyte aging).

[0099] Figure 15 A battery electrolyte fluid level sensor configuration utilizing a separated electrolyte fluid level probe 1501 in accordance with multiple embodiments is shown. Referring Figures 1 to 15 to, the electrolyte fluid level probe 1501 can extend from the sensing circuit 1401 into the electrolyte of the battery 1101. When the electrolyte level in the battery 1101 is sufficient, there may be electrolyte between the probes 1501. To determine the electrolyte fluid level in the battery 1101, the separated sensors 1401 on each battery 1101 pass a current or voltage between the two probes 1501 to detect whether there is electrolyte fluid between these probes 1501. The sensor circuit 1401 is powered by an external source 1405, and if it detects electrolyte fluid between the probes 1501, it will deliver the input power to the next battery 1101. The external power travels from battery 1101 to battery 1101 and is ultimately delivered to the external detector 1406. If the power supply 1405 voltage reaches the detector 1406, it indicates that the electrolyte fluid levels of all the batteries 1101 are acceptable. When a battery is bypassed, the electrolyte sensor is also bypassed and the external signal is routed to the next battery, regardless of the state of the electrolyte level. The BMS can use the battery bypass function to cycle through the fluid sensors on each battery to determine which / some of the batteries have too low electrolyte fluid. The BMS can record a low level fault and request the electrolyte management system to replenish the battery. In addition, if there is no power at the detector 1405, the system knows that at least one battery 1101 needs to be replenished or maintained. This scheme creates an interlock loop for all the batteries 1101. This loop reduces the wiring required compared to routing independent cables to each battery 1101.

[0100] Similarly, the BMS can determine the electrolyte fluid level in the battery 1101 by the voltage between the probe 1501 and the battery electrodes such as the anode, the charging cathode, the discharging cathode, etc. In this way, the sensor circuit 1401 can operate as a voltage sensor circuit. When there is fluid between the level detection probe 1501 and the internal electrode (such as the anode), a voltage can be generated between the probe 1501 and the electrode. A specific voltage range between the level sensor probe 1501 and the internal battery electrode indicates that the electrolyte fluid in the battery 1101 is sufficient. As an example, the absence of a suitable voltage between the probes 1501 (or between the probe and the internal battery electrode) may indicate that the electrolyte fluid in the battery 1101 is insufficient. The BMS can also use this voltage reading for battery condition or state diagnosis. In this way, the fluid level detection probe 1501 can also be used to detect multiple fluid levels in the battery 1101. For two (or more) level detection probes 1501 at different levels, the voltage between each probe and the battery electrode (such as the anode, etc.) can provide a unique signal to indicate whether there is fluid at the level of the specific level detection probe. This method reduces the number of fluid level detection probes 1501, thus reducing costs; or it can use the existing fluid level detection probes 1501 to achieve more accurate fluid level detection.

[0101] Figure 16 shows a separated electrolyte fluid sensor design according to multiple embodiments. Referring to Figures 1 to 16 , the sensing circuit 1401 on each battery 1101 can include a separated power supply unit (PSU) 1602 to generate a current that extends through the two probes 1501 into the battery 1101. The current limiting resistor 1601 can minimize the current passing through the fluid electrolyte of the battery 1101, thereby minimizing the power consumed by the circuit and the energy available at the terminals. Then, the current passing through the electrolyte fluid of the battery 1101 is sent to the opto-isolator detector 1603, which is capable of activating the solid-state electronic switch 1402. The comparator can drive the opto-isolator detector 1603 to control the switch 1402 to be in the open and closed states based on whether a suitable current is detected between the probes 1501. The current from the external voltage source 1405 is sent through the switch 1402 and output to the next battery 1101.

[0102] The current-limiting resistor 1601 is also a method of limiting the energy that can pass through the electrolyte fluid level sensor probe, preventing arc or spark events in the headspace of the battery. Explosive gases (such as hydrogen) can accumulate in this area of the battery, so arc and spark events can pose significant safety hazards. Limiting the current through the probe also prevents electrolysis in the electrolyte, minimizing hydrogen generation and fluid loss. Other or additional components can also be used to limit the available energy at the fluid level sensor probe, such as transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes.

[0103] Figure 17 A separated electrolyte fluid sensor design according to multiple embodiments is shown. Refer to Figures 1 to 17 , Figure 17 The design shown is similar to Figure 16 the design shown, except that instead of the sensing circuit 1401 (such as a voltage sensor circuit or a current sensor circuit) measuring the current or voltage between the probes 1501 alone, the voltage or current between a battery electrode (such as an anode connected to the positive terminal 1104, charging cathode, discharging cathode, etc.) and one or more probes 1501 can be measured. For example, in Figure 17 the design shown, electrolyte low level detection can be provided by the sensing circuit 1401, such as a voltage sensor circuit connected to the probe 1501 in the electrolyte of the battery 1101 and a battery electrode (such as an anode connected to the positive terminal 1104, etc.), and the circuit is configured to open the switch 1401 when there is no appropriate voltage between the probe 1501 and the battery electrode. The sensing circuit 1401, such as a voltage sensor circuit, can be configured such that the comparator can drive the opto-isolator detector 1603 to control the switch 1402 to be in the open and closed states based on whether there is an appropriate voltage between one or more probes 1501 and the battery electrode (such as the anode).

[0104] Multiple embodiments can include a battery pack system that includes: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack includes: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides one or more of the following: terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and / or electrolyte low level detection of the metal-air battery pack.

[0105] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides one or more of: bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and / or low electrolyte level detection of the metal-air battery pack.

[0106] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides one or more of: terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; and / or low electrolyte level detection of the metal-air battery pack.

[0107] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides one or more of: terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; and / or bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack.

[0108] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack.

[0109] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack.

[0110] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system that includes: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack includes: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides electrolyte low level detection for the metal-air battery pack.

[0111] Multiple embodiments may include a battery pack system, comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each metal-air battery pack comprises: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, where each battery electronics provides one or more of the following: end switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and / or low electrolyte level detection of the metal-air battery pack. In multiple embodiments, the end switching may be provided by an in-line switch connected to the charging cathode end of the metal-air battery pack and the discharging cathode end of the metal-air battery pack. In multiple embodiments, the in-line switch may be a semiconductor switch, an electromechanical switch, or a combination of a semiconductor switch and an electromechanical switch. In multiple embodiments, the in-line switch includes a MOSFET. In multiple embodiments, the in-line switch at the discharging cathode end includes two MOSFETs arranged back-to-back. In multiple embodiments, the bypass switching may be provided by an in-line switch connected to the metal anode end of the metal-air battery pack. In multiple embodiments, the in-line switch may be a semiconductor switch, an electromechanical switch, or a combination of a semiconductor switch and an electromechanical switch. In multiple embodiments, the in-line switch includes a MOSFET. In multiple embodiments, the low electrolyte level detection may be provided by a current sensor circuit connected to a probe within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the circuit configured to open an electronic switch when no current exists between the probes. In multiple embodiments, the current sensor circuit includes an isolated power supply that generates a current through the probe and an opto-isolator detector that controls the open and closed states of the electronic switch. In multiple embodiments, at least a portion of the current sensor circuit for each part of the metal-air battery pack may be connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs. In multiple embodiments, the low electrolyte level detection may be provided by a voltage sensor circuit connected to a probe within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the circuit configured to open an electronic switch when no suitable voltage exists between the probes. In multiple embodiments, the voltage sensor circuit includes a voltage sensing circuit on the probe and a comparator for driving an opto-isolator that controls the open and closed states of the electronic switch. In multiple embodiments, at least a portion of the voltage sensor circuit for each part of the metal-air battery pack may be connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs.In multiple embodiments, the electrolyte low level detection can be provided by a voltage sensor circuit connected to one or more probes and battery electrodes within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the circuit configured to open an electronic switch when there is no suitable voltage between the one or more probes and the battery electrodes. In multiple embodiments, the voltage sensor circuit includes a voltage sensing circuit on the probe and a comparator for driving an opto-isolator, the opto-isolator controlling the open and closed states of the electronic switch. In multiple embodiments, the voltage between the one or more probes and the battery electrodes provides battery state diagnostics for the metal-air battery pack. In multiple embodiments, at least a portion of the voltage sensor circuits connected to the probes for respective parts of the metal-air battery pack are connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through their respective electronic switches such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs. In multiple embodiments, the electrolyte low level detection can be provided by a sensor circuit connected to a probe within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the sensor circuit configured to measure the impedance between the probes and open an electronic switch when an impedance trigger threshold is reached. In multiple embodiments, at least a portion of the sensor circuits connected to the probes for respective parts of the metal-air battery pack are connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through their respective electronic switches such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs. In multiple embodiments, the metal-air battery pack includes an iron-air type battery pack cell, a zinc-air type battery pack cell, and / or a lithium-air battery pack cell.

[0112] The foregoing method descriptions and process flow diagrams are provided only as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the multiple embodiments should be performed in the order presented. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as "thereafter", "then", "next", etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are only used to guide the reader through the method description. Additionally, any reference to a claim element in the singular (e.g., using an article (indefinite article ("a", "an") or definite article ("the"))) should not be construed as limiting the element to the singular. In this document, "about" may refer to a range of + / - 5%.

[0113] In addition, any step of any embodiment described herein can be used in any other embodiment. The foregoing description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the claims. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the following claims and the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A battery pack system, comprising: A plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each metal-air battery pack comprises: A charging cathode; A discharging cathode; A metal anode; and A liquid electrolyte; and Battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each battery electronics provides one or more of the following: Terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; Bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and / or Low electrolyte level detection of the metal-air battery pack.

2. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the terminal switching is provided by an in-line switch connected to the charging cathode end and the discharging cathode end of the metal-air battery pack.

3. The battery pack system according to claim 2, wherein the in-line switch is a semiconductor switch or an electromechanical switch.

4. The battery pack system according to claim 3, wherein the in-line switch comprises a MOSFET.

5. The battery pack system according to claim 4, wherein the in-line switch at the discharging cathode end comprises two MOSFETs arranged back-to-back.

6. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the bypass switching is provided by an in-line switch connected to the metal anode end of the metal-air battery pack.

7. The battery pack system according to claim 6, wherein the in-line switch is a semiconductor switch or an electromechanical switch.

8. The battery pack system according to claim 7, wherein the in-line switch comprises a MOSFET.

9. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the low electrolyte level detection is provided by a current sensor circuit connected to a probe in the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the current sensor circuit being configured to open an electronic switch when there is no current between the probes.

10. The battery pack system according to claim 9, wherein the current sensor circuit comprises an isolated power supply that generates a current through the probe and an opto-isolator detector that controls the open and closed states of the electronic switch.

11. The battery pack system according to claim 9, wherein at least a portion of the current sensor circuit for each part of the metal-air battery pack is connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs.

12. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the low electrolyte level detection is provided by a voltage sensor circuit connected to a probe in the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the voltage sensor circuit being configured to open an electronic switch when there is no suitable voltage between the probes.

13. The battery pack system according to claim 12, wherein the voltage sensor circuit comprises a voltage sensing circuit on the probe and a comparator for driving an opto-isolator, the opto-isolator controlling the open and closed states of the electronic switch.

14. The battery pack system according to claim 12, wherein at least a part of the voltage sensor circuit for each part of the metal-air battery pack is connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs.

15. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the low electrolyte level detection is provided by a voltage sensor circuit connected to one or more probes and battery electrodes within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the voltage sensor circuit being configured to open the electronic switch when there is no suitable voltage between the one or more probes and the battery electrodes.

16. The battery pack system according to claim 15, wherein the voltage sensor circuit includes a voltage sensing circuit on the one or more probes and a comparator for driving an opto-isolator, the opto-isolator controlling the open and closed states of the electronic switch.

17. The battery pack system according to claim 16, wherein the voltage between the one or more probes and the battery electrodes provides battery state diagnosis for the metal-air battery pack.

18. The battery pack system according to claim 15, wherein at least a part of the voltage sensor circuit connected to the probes for each part of the metal-air battery pack is connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs.

19. The battery pack system according to claim 1, wherein the low electrolyte level detection is provided by a sensor circuit connected to a probe within the electrolyte of the metal-air battery, the sensor circuit being configured to measure the impedance between the probes and open the electronic switch when an impedance trigger threshold is reached.

20. The battery pack system according to claim 15, wherein at least a part of the sensor circuit connected to the probes for each part of the metal-air battery pack is connected in series between a voltage source and a voltage detector through its respective electronic switch, such that when the voltage detector does not detect a voltage from the voltage source, it indicates a low electrolyte state in at least one of the metal-air battery packs.

21. A battery pack system, comprising: a plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each metal-air battery pack includes: a charging cathode; a discharging cathode; a metal anode; and a liquid electrolyte; and battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each battery electronics provides: terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; and bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack.

22. The battery pack system according to claim 21, wherein: the terminal switching is provided by an in-line switch connected to the charging cathode end and the discharging cathode end of the metal-air battery pack; and The bypass switching is provided by a line switch connected to the metal positive electrode end of the metal-air battery pack.

23. A battery pack system, comprising: A plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each metal-air battery pack comprises: A charging cathode; A discharging cathode; A metal anode; and A liquid electrolyte; and Battery electronics associated with each of the plurality of metal-air battery packs, wherein each battery electronics provides: Terminal switching between the charging cathode and the discharging cathode of each metal-air battery pack; Bypass switching of the metal-air battery pack; and Detection of a low electrolyte level in the metal-air battery pack.

24. The battery pack system of claim 19, wherein the metal-air battery pack includes an iron-air type battery pack cell, a zinc-air type battery pack cell, and / or a lithium-air battery pack cell.

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