Passive ventilation system

Abstract

A battery thermal event management system includes a housing for storing a plurality of battery modules, one or more vent panels, at least one actuator for opening the one or more vent panels, and at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters. Further, the battery thermal event management system includes, and is programmed in the memory, a detection system having a processor memory, the detection system coupled to the housing. The programming causes the battery thermal event management system to detect one or more parameters via the at least one sensor. The battery thermal event management system then determines whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of a ventilation event. Further, based on the detected one or more parameters indicative of the ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system opens the one or more ventilation panels via the at least one actuator.

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 082,209, filed on Dec. 15, 2022, and entitled “PASSIVE VENTILATION SYSTEM,” which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This topic covers examples of effectively detecting thermal runaway events in a battery thermal event management system consisting of multiple battery modules. Background Art

[0004] A battery thermal event management system typically includes a large number of individual battery modules to provide power: specifically, these battery modules work together to provide direct current (DC) power to a power inverter, which then outputs the DC as alternating current (AC) to be provided to the end-use electrical equipment.

[0005] Conventional electrochemical cell modules have a high energy density factor, storing a large amount of potential energy in a relatively small space. The potential energy in electrochemical cells tends to be released in heat-generating reactions and must therefore be controlled and confined. When controlled, the potential energy is converted into electrical energy, providing power to the target device, vehicle, or system. However, when the potential energy of an electrochemical cell is released in an uncontrolled manner, kinetic energy and the discharge of combustible materials may occur.

[0006] In particular, lithium-ion batteries, which utilize lithium cathodes and lithium salts under pressure, can react in an uncontrolled manner and release flammable materials. If the separator within a lithium-ion battery breaks down, charge rapidly transfers from the battery's cathode to the battery's anode, causing the battery to swell and self-heat. An electrical short within a lithium-ion battery can lead to overheating, a condition called thermal runaway, and the potential release of flammable gases. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which a lithium-ion battery enters an uncontrolled, self-heating state. Other types of batteries, such as flow batteries, can also exhibit uncontrolled behavior and generate flammable gases under similar circumstances.

[0007] While more robust construction can prevent and correct problems with electrochemical cell breakdown or exposure of electrochemical substances to humid air, and improved wiring with appropriate safety redundancy can reduce the likelihood of electrical shorts, thermal runaway remains a problem. Electrochemical cells naturally generate heat during charging or discharging—the simplest way to reduce the risk of thermal runaway in electrochemical cells is to build electrochemical cells with lower efficiency. However, in order for electrochemical cells to effectively compete with traditional, relatively energy-dense, relatively small-footprint energy sources such as coal-fired or oil-fired power plants, there remains a strong interest in the highest efficiency electrochemical cells. Preventing thermal runaway events or detecting and suppressing them remains a primary safety and performance goal in electrochemical cell thermal event management systems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, there is room for further improvement in methods for detecting and mitigating thermal runaway events in battery thermal event management systems and energy storage systems employing such methods. The thermal runaway event detection technology disclosed herein is capable of detecting parameters that are indicators of a thermal runaway event via a sensor to determine whether a thermal runaway event is indicated, and further, via an actuator, opening a ventilation panel to allow gas or smoke to escape from the housing of the battery thermal event management system. During a thermal runaway event, the gas or smoke is ventilated so that the gas escapes into the atmosphere rather than accumulating within the housing, thereby limiting the combustible volume and pressure of the gas.

[0009] In a first example, a battery thermal event management system includes a housing for storing a plurality of battery modules and one or more ventilation panels. The battery thermal event management system also includes at least one actuator for opening the one or more ventilation panels, and at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters. In addition, the battery thermal event management system includes a detection system coupled to the housing. The detection system includes a processor coupled to at least one actuator and at least one sensor, and a memory. The memory can be accessed by the processor and programmed to configure the thermal event management system. First, the thermal event management system detects one or more parameters via at least one sensor. Second, the thermal event management system determines whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system opens the one or more ventilation panels via at least one actuator.

[0010] In a second example, a method includes: first, detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters that are indicators of a thermal runaway event. Second, the method includes determining whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, the method includes, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure for storing a plurality of battery modules, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode.

[0011] In a third example, a non-transitory machine-readable medium includes a thermal runaway event detection program that, when executed, configures a battery thermal event management system to implement the following functions. First, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters that are indicators of a thermal runaway event. Second, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes determining whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure, and thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode, the enclosure being used to store a plurality of battery modules.

[0012] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the examples will be partially set forth in the following description and will become apparent to those skilled in the art by examination of the following and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by production or operation of the examples. The objects and advantages of the subject matter may be realized and obtained by the methods, tools, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings depict one or more implementations according to the present concepts by way of example only and not limitation.In the accompanying drawings, like reference numerals represent the same or similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1A is an isometric semi-transparent view of a battery thermal event management system implemented in a battery node having two ventilation panels on top of its battery node housing.

[0015] Figure 1B yes Figure 1A An isometric semi-transparent view of a battery node in FIG, which includes multiple battery elements of multiple battery modules.

[0016] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A Front view of a battery node with two vent plates in active element mode.

[0017] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the detection system of the battery thermal event management system.

[0018] Figure 3 is an isometric semi-transparent view of a battery thermal event management system implemented in a battery node having two ventilation panels on the top of the battery node housing and six passive vents formed in the sides of the housing.

[0019] Figure 4 is an isometric view of an energy storage system consisting of multiple battery nodes.

[0020] Figure 5 is a flow chart describing the thermal runaway event detection scheme.

[0021] Parts List

[0022] 100 Battery Thermal Event Management System

[0023] 101 housing

[0024] 102A-I Ventilation Panel

[0025] 103A-B Actuator

[0026] 104 sensors

[0027] 105 Detection System

[0028] 107 Universal Power System (UPC)

[0029] 110A-N Battery Node

[0030] 120A-F Battery components (e.g., battery racks)

[0031] 122A-N Battery Unit

[0032] 230 processors

[0033] 232 Network Interface

[0034] 235 Memory

[0035] 237 Thermal Runaway Event Detection Procedure

[0036] 239A-N Parameters

[0037] 241 Passive Deflagration Panel Mode Settings

[0038] 245 Quantity of gas or smoke

[0039] 247 Thermal runaway event threshold

[0040] 291 Active Component Mode

[0041] 293 Passive Deflagration Panel Mode

[0042] 295 Amount of gas or smoke

[0043] 300 Battery Thermal Event Management System

[0044] 301 housing

[0045] 400 Energy Storage System

[0046] 402 Energy Source

[0047] 404 Power Inverter

[0048] 406 Connected Load

[0049] 500 Thermal Runaway Event Detection Solution DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present teachings can be practiced without these details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits have been described at a relatively high level without detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring various aspects of the present teachings.

[0051] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any logical, physical, electrical, or optical connection, link, or the like, by which a signal or light generated or provided by one system component is transmitted to another coupled component. Unless otherwise specified, coupled components or devices need not be directly connected to each other and may be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media that may modify, manipulate, or carry the light or signals.

[0052] Unless otherwise noted, any and all measurements, values, levels, positions, amplitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification and included in the appended claims are approximate and not exact. These quantities are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with customary practices in the art. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, parameter values, etc., may vary from the stated amount by up to ±10%. The terms "approximately" and "substantially" mean that parameter values, etc., vary from the stated amount by at most ±10%.

[0053] The orientation of battery nodes, racks, elements, modules or units; associated components; and / or any complete device, such as an energy storage system, including a battery node, rack, element, module or unit as shown in any of the accompanying drawings is given by way of example only for the purposes of illustration and discussion. In the operation of a particular battery thermal event management application, the battery node, rack, element, module or unit may have an orientation in any other direction suitable for the particular application of the battery thermal event management system, such as upright, diagonal or any other orientation. In addition, to the extent used herein, any directional terms, such as left, right, front, rear, back, end, up, down, upper, lower, top, bottom and side, are used as examples only and are not limitations on the direction or orientation of any energy storage system or battery node, rack, element, module or unit; or examples of components, racks, elements, modules or units of energy storage systems or battery nodes are shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

[0054] As used herein, the phrase "ventilation event" includes any event that requires a certain amount of ventilation by the battery thermal event management system 100, 300. A "ventilation event" may include a thermal runaway event; a high concentration of gas, smoke, or airborne particulate matter event; and a contamination event, maintenance event, testing event, safety event, transportation event, or any event that an operator of the battery thermal event management system 100, 300 deems sufficient to require or justify a certain amount of ventilation managed by the battery thermal event management system 100, 300. Some ventilation events may be triggered in response to environmental stimuli experienced by sensors, while some ventilation events may be triggered by an operator making a decision based on the data.

[0055] Figure 1A is an isometric semi-transparent view of a battery thermal event management system 100 implemented in a battery node 110A having two ventilation panels 102A-B on top of a housing 101 of the battery node 110A. The battery node 110A has a battery structure that generally includes all components that facilitate charging with direct current, storing direct current in electrochemical form, and generating direct current upon discharge. The battery node 110A may also include safety features, as well as features that simplify movement and logistics of transporting and operating the battery node 110A. The battery node 110A may require additional components to convert discharged direct current to alternating current, or to track or directly perform charging and discharging, such as Figure 4 Multiple battery nodes 110A-N may be linked together to maximize the efficiency of electrochemical storage of electricity.

[0056] The components of the battery node 110A are all contained within the housing of the battery node 110A. The housing 101 may be made of metal to protect the battery node 110A from breakdown and impact damage, but portions of the housing 101 as a whole may include: electrical conductors to facilitate the transmission of power or to direct abnormal power away from the battery modules 122A-N within the housing 101; electrical insulators to prevent power from being transmitted to or from the housing 101; thermal conductors to facilitate the transfer of heat away from or from the housing 101 to avoid thermal runaway events; thermal insulators to prevent heat from being transferred to the housing 101; or a hybrid, configurable material that can selectively express, absorb, or block power or heat. The housing 101 is depicted as a rectangular parallelepiped; however, any shape with any number of faces is contemplated.

[0057] The housing 101 includes two ventilation panels 102A-B on the top of the housing 101. The ventilation panels 102A-B can be any number of ventilation panels 102A-B and can be placed on any surface of the housing 101. The ventilation panels 102A-B are configured to be in one of at least two states: active element mode 291 (see Figure 2 ) and passive deflagration panel mode 293 (see Figure 2 ). The battery thermal event management system 100 is designed so that the amount of gas (or smoke) caused by a thermal runaway event in the housing 101 of the battery node 110A remains low enough to prevent the battery node 110A from becoming over-pressurized. When in the passive deflagration plate mode 293, the ventilation plates 102A-B are closed and act as deflagration plates, meaning that pressure alone will open the ventilation plates 102A-B. When in the active element mode 291, the ventilation plates 102A-B are opened and the gas or smoke from the battery modules 122A-N is allowed to escape into the atmosphere rather than accumulate within the battery node 110A, thereby limiting the combustible amount of gas and the combustion effect of the smoke.

[0058] The battery node 110A includes at least one sensor 104. The sensor 104 is designed to detect certain parameters 239A-N (see Figure 2 ) or phenomena. Parameters 239A-N or phenomena may include gases and gas pressures or smoke that contribute to combustion; parameters 239A-N or phenomena may also include voltage, current, or temperature associated with battery modules 122A-N, as excessively high voltage, low voltage, high current, or high temperature may indicate an impending or ongoing thermal runaway event.

[0059] The sensors 104 are connected to the detection system 105 and feed sensed parameters 239A-N or phenomenon data back to the detection system 105. The detection system 105 uses the additional data to determine whether a thermal runaway event is imminent or occurring and can then place the vent panels 102A-B in either active element mode 291 or passive deflagration panel mode 293 based on that determination.

[0060] The ventilation panels 102A-B are hinged and are each connected to actuators 103A-B. The actuators 103A-B are controlled by the detection system 105. If the detection system 105 detects smoke or carbon monoxide (CO), a thermal runaway event is occurring or is about to occur, and the detection system 105 will use power from the universal power system (UPS) 107 on the battery node 110A to open the actuators 103A-B. Doing so will place the ventilation panels 102A-B in active element mode 291. When power from the UPS 107 is removed, the actuators 103A-B can be locked so that the actuators 103A-B and the ventilation panels 102A-B remain open during the thermal runaway event, even if power to or from the UPS 107 is lost. After the thermal runaway event is over, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be manually closed. In some examples, if power to or from UPS 107 is not lost, detection system 105 may be configured or instructed to close ventilation panels 102A-B.

[0061] Figure 1B The figure shows an isometric, semi-transparent view of a battery node 110A, which includes multiple battery cells 120A-F from multiple battery modules 122A-N. The battery node 110A stores multiple battery cells 120A-F. The battery node 110A is both a physical collection of battery cells 120A-F and a logical and electrical collection of battery cells 120A-F: the battery node 110A physically houses the battery cells 120A-F, and the electrical properties of the battery cells 120A-F within the battery node 110A can be attributed to the battery node 110A itself. For example, if a battery cell 120A is capable of storing 102 kilowatt-hours of energy, and the battery node 110A includes six battery cells 120A-F, the battery node 110A can be understood and described as storing 612 kilowatt-hours of energy. The battery node 110A may include more or fewer battery cells 120A than shown.

[0062] A given battery cell 120A includes multiple battery modules 122A-N. Much like the relationship between a battery node 110A and the battery cells 120A-F it includes, a battery cell 120A is both a physical collection of battery modules 122A-N and a logical and electrical collection of battery modules 122A-N. For example, if a battery module 122A is capable of storing 6 kilowatt-hours of energy, and the battery cell 120A includes seventeen battery modules 122A-N, the battery cell 120A can be understood and described as storing 102 kilowatt-hours of energy. The battery cell 120A may include more or fewer battery modules 122A than shown in the figure.

[0063] Because the battery element 120A is a logical and electrical collection of the battery modules 122A-N, the collection is not limited by the physical structure or order of the battery modules 122A-N. Therefore, the battery element 120A can be alternatively described as a battery rack, a battery sub-rack, or a battery array: each of these terms (element, rack, sub-rack, array) is a category of the battery element 120A: the battery element 120A is a logical and electrical collection of the battery modules 122A-N, but does not explicitly focus on the physical structure or order of the battery modules 122A-N. In some implementations, there is a finer level of packaging within the battery module 122A that can be identified as battery cells within the battery module 122A, including prismatic, pouch, or cylindrical battery cells.

[0064] The battery node 110A represents a single physical fixture whose maximum size may be limited by the mass or volume that can be transported as a single tiny unit by a person, forklift, or vehicle. The battery elements 120A or battery modules 122A within the battery node 110A represent the organizational structure used to organize and stack the battery cells within the battery node 110A. A battery cell is typically the largest manufacturing unit that a battery manufacturer can produce that is capable of being charged and discharged at a chemical level. The battery cells are grouped into battery modules 122A, which represent the smallest unit that a particular operator would remove or replace in the energy storage system 100: in examples where a single battery module 122A includes multiple battery cells, the individual battery cells are too small or too sensitive to be specifically repaired on site, and instead, the entire battery module 122A is repaired or replaced collectively.

[0065] Figure 1C yes Figure 1A , with two ventilation panels 102A-B in active element mode 291. Ventilation panels 102A-B are open, and any gas or smoke within enclosure 101 can be quickly evacuated. In addition, front ventilation panel 102C is shown, which is a louvered side panel that serves as both a passive vent and a door.

[0066] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the detection system 105 of the battery thermal event management system 100. The detection system 105 collects data related to parameters 239A-N for all battery modules 122A-N in the battery thermal event management system 100. Parameters 239A-N may include: a single temperature for the entire battery thermal event management system 100, multiple temperatures from different locations in the battery thermal event management system 100, or individual temperatures for some or all of the battery modules 122A-N; a single gas pressure; parts per million (ppm) of particulate matter indicating smoke; the total voltage of the battery node 110A, or individual voltages 122A-N for some or all of the battery modules. Parameters 239A-N may also include relevant measurements from outside the housing 101, such as temperature or ambient air pressure, to facilitate comparison and prevent misjudgment when determining a thermal runaway event.

[0067] The detection system 105 includes a processor 230. The processor 230 is used, for example, to perform various operations according to instructions or programs executable by the processor 230. For example, such operations may include operations related to communication between various components of the battery thermal event management system 100, such as the actuators 103A-B or the sensor 104. Although the processor 230 can be configured using hardwired logic, a typical processor is a general-purpose processing circuit configured by executing a program. The processor 230 includes components that are constructed or arranged to perform one or more processing functions, typically various data processing functions. Although discrete logic components can be used, these examples utilize components that constitute a programmable CPU. The processor 230, for example, includes one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips that include electronic components for performing the functions of a CPU. The processor 230 can be based on any known or available microprocessor architecture, such as a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture such as the ARM architecture commonly used in mobile devices and other portable electronic devices. Of course, other processor circuits can also be used to form the CPU or processor hardware. Although the illustrated example of processor 230 includes only one microprocessor, a multi-processor architecture may be used for convenience. A digital signal processor (DSP) or a field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be a suitable alternative to processor 230, but this consumes more power and increases complexity.

[0068] Memory 235 is coupled to processor 230. Memory 235 is used to store data and programs. In an example, memory 235 may include flash memory (non-volatile or persistent storage) and / or random access memory (RAM) (volatile storage). RAM is used as short-term storage for instructions and data processed by processor 230, such as working data processing memory. Flash memory generally provides longer-term storage.

[0069] Of course, other storage devices or configurations can be added to those components in the examples, or other storage devices or configurations can be used to replace those components in the examples. Such other storage devices can be implemented using any type of storage media that have computer or processor readable instructions or programs stored therein, and can include, for example, any or all tangible computer memories, processors, etc., or associated modules.

[0070] The detection system 105 may also include a network interface 232 coupled to the processor 230. The network interface 232 is configured to report data of thermal runaway events to a network server, including parameters 239A-N from the battery node 110A and the passive deflagration plate mode setting 241. In addition, if the battery modules 122A-N are equipped with a network interface, the network interface 232 may collect performance data from the battery modules 122A-N.

[0071] The detection system 105 can be implemented in a distributed manner: the processor 230 can be divided into two or more processors, and two or more storage devices 235. The processors 230 can work in parallel, and can also be specialized and perform specific tasks. The memory 235 device can store a complete copy of all thermal runaway event data, or can be specialized and store specific data related to a specific processor 230. In the example, the detection system 105 is divided into local groups and remote groups. The local processor 230, local memory 235 and local network interface 232 can collect thermal runaway event data from the sensor 104; while the remote processor 230, remote memory 235 and remote network interface 232 can receive the collected data and perform analysis and decision-making.

[0072] To facilitate the processing of detecting and terminating thermal runaway events, the memory 235 includes several objects. In particular, the thermal runaway event program 237 is a program that implements the thermal runaway event detection scheme 500.

[0073] As previously described, parameters 239A-N are any quantification of a physical phenomenon that can assist in determining whether a thermal runaway event is imminent or occurring. Parameters 239A-N can include: a single temperature for the entire battery thermal event management system 100, multiple temperatures from different locations within the battery thermal event management system 100, or individual temperatures for some or all of the battery modules 122A-N; a single gas pressure; parts per million (ppmv) of particulate matter indicating smoke; the total voltage of the battery node 110A, or individual voltages for some or all of the battery modules 122A-N. Parameters 239A-N can also include relevant measurements from outside the housing 101, such as temperature or ambient air pressure, to facilitate comparison and prevent misjudgment when determining a thermal runaway event.

[0074] The passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 monitors whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are currently in the passive deflagration panel mode 293 and closed, or are not in the passive deflagration panel mode 293 and are open. In this embodiment, a sensor for verifying that the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed may be included without including a sensor for verifying whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are partially or fully open. However, a sensor for determining whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are partially or fully open is also contemplated. Because the passive deflagration panel mode 293 corresponding to the closed state of the ventilation panels 102A-B is monitored, the detection system 105 does not need to monitor the active element mode 291 or whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are in the open state. The detection system 105 assumes that the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed when the passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 is not set to closed, or does not make any assumptions about the opening of the ventilation panels 102A-B when the passive deflagration panel mode setting is not set to closed, because the ventilation panels 102A-B may be blocked or damaged and therefore cannot be verified or relied upon by the detection system 105. The network interface that reports the passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 to the networked server also facilitates identification, inspection, and resetting of the battery thermal event management system 100 after a thermal runaway event, particularly in implementations where the actuators 103A-B must be manually closed. The network interface 232 of the battery node 110A can notify nearby battery nodes 110A-N (see Figure 4 ) Entering active device mode 291 or avoiding entering active device mode 291 during a thermal runaway event within battery node 110A. In some examples, when a given battery node 110A has initiated a thermal runaway event, the primary focus is evacuating the energy storage system 400 (see Figure 4) operator. When the battery node 110A begins to ventilate, the discharged particulate matter may rise and then fall into the nearby ventilated battery nodes 110B-N, which may ignite these battery nodes 110B-N. By preventing the nearby battery nodes 110B-N from ventilating, the overall fire risk can be reduced. Alternatively, ventilating the adjacent battery nodes 110B-N can reduce the pressure difference between the adjacent battery nodes 110B-N in advance, or allow the flame retardant to be effectively sprayed over the battery nodes 110A-N and into the battery nodes 110A-N, thereby reducing the overall fire risk.

[0075] The gas or smoke amount value 245 is a quantified version of the gas or smoke amount 295 detected by the sensor 104. The gas or smoke amount 295 in the memory 235 is quantified as the gas or smoke amount value 245 to facilitate comparison with the thermal runaway event threshold 247 in the memory 235. When the gas or smoke amount 295 exceeds the thermal runaway event threshold 247, it is determined that a thermal runaway event is about to occur or is occurring, and the thermal runaway event detection program 237 instructs the actuators 103A-B to place the vent panels 102A-B in the active element mode 291.

[0076] Figure 3 FIG3 is an isometric semi-transparent view of a battery thermal event management system 300 implemented in a battery node 110B having two ventilation panels 102A-B on the top of the battery node housing and six passive vents or ventilation panels 102D-I formed on the sides of the housing 301. The passive vents or ventilation panels 102D-I are Figure 1C 2D-1. The ventilation panel 102C in FIG. 2D-1 is similar in function to the ventilation panel 102C in FIG. 2D-1, or similar to the ventilation panels 102A-B in the passive deflagration panel mode 293. When the gas pressure within the enclosure exceeds a reasonable value, the ventilation panel 102C-I is not pivoted about a hinge, but rather a louvered vent or interface to allow gas to freely exchange between the atmosphere and the interior of the enclosure 301. However, the ventilation panel 102D-I can also be hinged and pivot about a hinge when the gas pressure is too high: the hinge can be attached to the top of the ventilation panel 102D-I or to the side of the ventilation panel 102D-I.

[0077] The ventilation panels 102D-I, as well as the structure and internal features of the housing 101 can be similar to the features presented in the energy storage system described in International Application No. PCT / US2021 / 30551, filed on May 4, 2021, entitled “Energy Storage System with Removable, Adjustable, and Lightweight Plenums,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0078] 1-3 depict a battery thermal event management system 100 comprising a housing 101 for storing a plurality of battery modules 122A-N, and a plurality of ventilation panels 102A-B capable of operating in an active element mode 291 and a passive deflagration mode 293. The battery thermal event management system 100 also comprises at least one actuator 103A-B for opening the ventilation panels 102A-B, and at least one sensor 104 for detecting one or more parameters 239A-N that are indicators of a thermal runaway event. Furthermore, the battery thermal event management system 100 comprises a detection system 105 coupled to the housing 101. The detection system 105 comprises a processor 230 coupled to the at least one actuator 103A-B and the at least one sensor 104, and a memory 235 accessible by the processor 230. The memory 235 comprises a thermal runaway event detection program 237 that, when executed, configures the battery thermal event management system 100 to implement the following functionality. First, the battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N as indicators of a thermal runaway event via at least one sensor 104. Second, the battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a thermal runaway event, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens the ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within the housing 101, thereby operating the ventilation panels 102A-B in the active element mode 291.

[0079] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, the ventilation plates 102A-B are closed before being opened via at least one actuator 103A-B, thereby operating the ventilation plates 102A-B in a passive deflagration plate mode 293. The battery thermal event management system 100 is designed to keep the amount of gas generated by thermal runaway in the housing 101 of the battery node 110A low enough to prevent the battery node 110A from becoming over-pressurized. When closed, the ventilation plates 102A-B act as deflagration plates (i.e., the ventilation plates 102A-B can be opened by pressure alone). When the ventilation plates 102A-B are opened, the gas of the battery cell 122A is allowed to escape into the atmosphere rather than accumulate in the housing 101, thereby limiting the combustible amount of the gas.

[0080] The battery thermal event management system 100 can be composed of two hinged plates 102A-B on top of the battery node 110A, each hinged plate including a single actuator 103A-B. If the fire alarm system or sensor 104 detects smoke or carbon monoxide, the battery thermal event management system 100 will use power from the universal power supply system (UPS) 107 on each battery node 110A to open the actuator 103A-B. When power is removed, the actuator 103A-B is locked so that the actuator 103A-B remains open even in the event of a power loss during the event. After the event is over, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be manually closed on the fire control panel.

[0081] The one or more parameters 293A-N may include one or more gases or fumes, or a voltage or temperature associated with the battery modules 122A-N.

[0082] Furthermore, detecting the one or more parameters via at least one sensor 104 may include detecting an amount 295 of one or more gases or smoke within enclosure 101. Determining whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event may include determining whether the detected amount 295 of the one or more gases or smoke exceeds a thermal runaway event threshold 247. Opening via at least one actuator 103A-B may be performed based on the detected amount 295 of the one or more gases or smoke exceeding the thermal runaway event threshold 247. The thermal runaway event threshold 247 may include information related to at least one of a predetermined temperature, a predetermined overvoltage, a predetermined undervoltage, and a predetermined overcurrent.

[0083] Additionally, the housing 101 may include at least one door configured to operate as one of the vent panels 102C. The at least one actuator 103A-B may be configured to include a spring-loaded mechanism, or to include a motorized mechanism.

[0084] In some embodiments, the ventilation panels 102A-I include a first ventilation panel 102A-B formed on the top of the housing 301 and a second ventilation panel 102C-I formed on the side of the housing 101. The first ventilation panel 102A-B may include two hinged panels 102A-B on the top of the housing, and the second ventilation panel 102C-I may include four hinged panels similar to the ventilation panels 102A-B on the side of the housing 101. The first ventilation panel 102A-B may include at least one panel 102A actuated by a linear actuator, and the second ventilation panel 102C-I may include at least one ventilation panel 102C that is a spring-loaded side panel. The second ventilation panel 102C-I may also include at least one ventilation panel 102C that is a louvered side panel. In other embodiments, the ventilation panels 102A-B, DI include six passive vents 102D-I formed on each side of the housing 301, and two passive vents 102A-B formed on the top of the housing 301. The two passive vents 102A-B on the housing 301 are structurally identical to the ventilation panels 102A-B on the housing 101, except that the two passive ventilation panels 102A-B on the housing 301 are not controlled by the actuators 103A-B, whereas the ventilation panels 102A-B on the housing 101 are controlled.

[0085] When any ventilation panel 102A-N is closed or partially opened under the influence of a pressure differential (PSID) between 0.1 and 2.0, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7, the pressure inside the enclosure 101 is higher than the pressure of the ambient atmosphere outside the enclosure 101, the ventilation panels 102A-I can be operated as deflagration panels (as in passive deflagration panel mode 293). When a sufficient amount of CO2 or smoke is detected, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be fully opened by opening into active element mode 291 to mitigate the risk of explosion from a thermal runaway event of one of the battery modules 122A-N. The CO2 in the air inside the enclosure 101 can be detected in parts per million by volume (ppmv) by sensor 104 equipped with an air quality meter, while the smoke density can be determined using sensor 104 equipped with a laser. When the ventilation panels 102A-B are fully opened, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be preconfigured to lock when power is removed to remain open during a thermal runaway event. At the end of the thermal runaway event, the opened ventilation panels 102A-B may be manually closed, or the detection system 105 may be configured to close the opened ventilation panels 102A-B when the detection system 105 detects the end of the thermal runaway event.

[0086] Additionally, if detection system 105 detects that the concentration of one or more gases or fumes reaches a predetermined level stored in threshold value 247 for a thermal runaway event, detection system 105 may control at least one actuator 103A-B to open ventilation panels 102A-B to prevent accumulation of the one or more gases or fumes in enclosure 101 .

[0087] Additionally, ventilation panels 102A-B may be configured to be synchronously opened upon gas pressure generated by one or more gases or fumes within enclosure 101 reaching a predetermined level, such that one or more gases or fumes escape outside enclosure 101 , the predetermined level being stored within a threshold 247 for a thermal runaway event.

[0088] In addition, at least one actuator 103A-B can use power from a universal power supply system (UPS) 107 attached to the housing 101. When power is removed, at least one actuator 103A-B can be locked, so that the corresponding panel 102A-B can remain open even if power is lost during a thermal runaway event. At the end of the thermal runaway event, the opened ventilation panel 102A-B can be closed manually, or when the detection system 105 detects the end of the thermal runaway event, the detection system 105 closes the opened ventilation panel 102A-B.

[0089] Figures 1-3 also depict a battery thermal event management system 100, which includes a housing 101 for storing a plurality of battery modules 122A-N and one or more ventilation panels 102A-B. The battery thermal event management system also includes at least one actuator 103A-B for opening the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B, and at least one sensor 104 for detecting one or more parameters 239A-N. Furthermore, the battery thermal event management system 100 includes a detection system 105 coupled to the housing 101. The detection system 105 includes a processor 230 coupled to the at least one actuator 103A-B and the at least one sensor 104, and a memory 235. The memory 235 is accessible to the processor 230 and programmed to configure the battery thermal event management system 100. First, the battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N via the at least one sensor 104. Next, the battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a vent event, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens the one or more vent panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B.

[0090] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, a corresponding ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B can be operated in a passive deflagration panel mode 293. Before being opened via the at least one actuator 103A, the corresponding ventilation panel 102A can be closed, thereby operating the corresponding ventilation panel 102A in the passive deflagration mode 293. In other examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, when the corresponding ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B is not operating in the active element mode 291, the corresponding ventilation panel 102A functions as a passive deflagration panel.

[0091] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, a corresponding ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B can be operated in an active element mode 291. The corresponding ventilation panel 102A is opened via at least one actuator 103A to allow one or more gases or fumes 295 to escape from within the housing 101, thereby operating the corresponding ventilation panel 102A in the active element mode 291. In some examples, the corresponding ventilation panel 102A can operate in both the active element mode 291 and the passive deflagration mode 293.

[0092] One or more parameters 239A-N may be parametric indicators of a thermal runaway event.

[0093] In addition, in some examples, the memory 235 includes a thermal runaway event detection program 237, and the processor 230 executes the thermal runaway event detection program to configure the battery thermal event management system 100 to implement the function. First, the battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N via at least one sensor 104. Second, the battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens one or more ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B.

[0094] Figure 4 FIG4 is an isometric view of an energy storage system 400. Energy storage system 100 includes multiple battery nodes 110A-N with a detection system 105. Battery nodes 110A-N may include batteries of any existing or future reusable battery technology, including lithium-ion or flow batteries. Battery nodes 110A-N are collectively and individually capable of providing direct current (DC) power to an external load and discharging the DC power, as well as receiving DC power from an external source and charging the DC power. Detection system 105 may operate in a fully centralized manner, a fully independent manner, or some combination of independent and centralized operation.

[0095] To facilitate the provision and reception of direct current (DC), battery nodes 110A-N are connected to one or more power inverters 404. Power inverters 404 are configured to normalize power input to or from battery nodes 110A-N. Since battery nodes 110A-N provide DC power, power inverters 404 convert the DC power to AC power for connected loads 406, normalize the DC power from battery nodes 110A-N, and provide it to connected loads 406, or simply transfer the DC power from battery nodes 110A-N to the connected loads. Furthermore, since battery nodes require DC power, power inverters convert AC power from energy source 402 to DC power, normalize the DC power from energy source 402, and provide it to battery nodes 110A-N, or simply transfer the DC power from energy source 402 to battery nodes 110A-N.

[0096] The power inverter is depicted as being connected to the energy source 402 and the connected load 406 using separate lines: separate lines may be advantageous in situations where the energy source 402 is non-uniform, such as a wind or solar-based energy source 402. In such situations, power from the energy source 402 is delivered to the battery nodes 110A-N via a unidirectional power inverter 404, which then charges or discharges the battery nodes 110A-N and provides a constant amount of energy to the connected load 406 via another unidirectional power inverter 404. However, the connected load 406 and the energy source 402 may be connected to the power inverter 104 on the same line via a bidirectional power inverter 404: in situations where the energy source 402 is complex and connected to the connected load 406, such as a grid with consumers, a single connection to the energy storage system may allow the absorption of energy generated by the energy source 102 in excess of the demand of the connected load 406, or the provision of energy in excess of the capacity of the energy source 402 to the connected load 406.

[0097] The power inverter 404 may also include a power converter to facilitate normalizing input or output wattage or voltage to provide a constant output and protect the battery nodes 110A-N, the energy source 402, or the connected load 406 from damage.

[0098] Energy source 402 may be any suitable system for generating electrical energy, such as a turbine or photovoltaic cells. Connected loads 406 may include the electrical grid or smaller local loads, such as backup power systems for facilities such as hospitals, manufacturing sites, residences, or other suitable facilities.

[0099] Typically, the battery nodes 110A-N of the energy storage system 400 connected to an inverter 404 or a group of inverters 404 work together to provide power to the connected load 406 and discharge, or receive power from the energy source 402 and charge. More methods and systems related to the management and maintenance of the battery nodes 110A-N of the energy storage system 400 are disclosed in U.S. application No. 17 / 810,983, entitled "Cell and Rack Performance Monitoring System and Method," filed on July 6, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0100] Figure 5 is a flow chart describing a thermal runaway event detection scheme 500. The battery thermal event management system 100 implements the thermal runaway event detection scheme 500 to detect and terminate a thermal runaway event in the battery node 110A.

[0101] To detect a thermal runaway event in battery node 110A, in step 505, thermal runaway event detection scheme 500 detects one or more parameters 239A-N that are indicators of a thermal runaway event via at least one sensor 104. In step 510, thermal runaway event detection scheme 500 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. In step 515, upon determining that a thermal runaway event is occurring, thermal runaway event detection scheme 500 opens multiple ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within enclosure 101, which stores multiple battery modules 122A-N.

[0102] therefore, Figure 5 The following method is described, comprising: first, detecting one or more parameters 239A-N as indicators of a thermal runaway event via at least one sensor 104. Second, the method comprises determining whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, the method comprises opening a plurality of ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure 101 for storing a plurality of battery modules 122A-N, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode 291.

[0103] The scope of protection is limited only by the appended claims. When interpreted in light of this specification and subsequent prosecution history, the scope is intended and should be interpreted to be broad consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims and to include all structural and functional equivalents. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no claim is intended to include, or should be interpreted in such a manner as to include, subject matter inconsistent with sections 101, 102, or 103 of the United States Patent Act. Any attempt to exclude such subject matter is void.

[0104] Except as stated above, nothing stated or described is intended or should be construed as providing the public with any element, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, whether or not recited in the claims.

[0105] It should be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have ordinary meanings similar to such terms and expressions associated with the corresponding areas of inquiry and research, unless otherwise specified herein. Relational terms, such as first and second, etc., are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or actions. The terms "comprises", "comprising" or any other variations are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, article or apparatus that includes or comprises a series of elements or steps does not include only these elements or steps, but may also include other elements or steps that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such process, method, article or apparatus. An element beginning with "a" or "the" does not, without further limitation, exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that constitutes the element.

[0106] Furthermore, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various examples for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the appended claims reflect, protected subject matter does not lie in all features of any single disclosed example. Accordingly, the appended claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate claimed subject matter.

[0107] While the foregoing describes what is believed to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein, and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be implemented in a variety of forms and examples, and that these modes and examples may be applied to many applications, only some of which are described herein. The following claims are intended to protect any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the inventive concept.

Claims

1. A battery thermal event management system, comprising: a housing for storing a plurality of battery modules; one or more ventilation panels; at least one actuator for opening the one or more vent panels; at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters; as well as a detection system coupled to the housing and comprising: a processor coupled to the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor; a memory accessible to a processor and programmed to configure the thermal event management system to: detecting the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of a ventilation event; and The one or more ventilation panels are opened via the at least one actuator based on the detected one or more parameters indicative of the ventilation event.

2. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: A respective one of the one or more ventilation panels is operable in a passive deflagration panel mode.

3. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 2, wherein: Prior to opening via the at least one actuator, the respective ventilation panel is closed, thereby operating the respective ventilation panel in the passive deflagration panel mode.

4. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: A respective ventilation panel of the one or more ventilation panels is operable in an active element mode.

5. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 4, wherein: The respective ventilation panel is opened via the at least one actuator to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from the interior of the housing, thereby operating the respective ventilation panel in the active element mode.

6. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 4, wherein: The respective vent panel is operable in the passive deflagration panel mode.

7. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more parameters are parameter indicators of a thermal runaway event.

8. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more parameters include the one or more gases or fumes.

9. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 7, wherein: The one or more parameters include a voltage or a temperature associated with the battery module.

10. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The memory includes a thermal runaway event detection program; as well as Executing the thermal runaway event detection program to configure the thermal event management system to: detecting the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the ventilation event; as well as The one or more ventilation panels are opened via the at least one actuator based on the detected one or more parameters indicative of the ventilation event.

11. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: Detecting the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor includes: detecting an amount of one or more gases or smoke inside the housing; Determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the thermal runaway event includes: determining whether the amount of the detected one or more gases or smoke exceeds the thermal runaway event threshold; and The opening via the at least one actuator is based on the detected amount of the one or more gases or smoke exceeding the thermal runaway event threshold.

12. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The housing includes at least one door configured to function as one of the ventilation panels.

13. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one actuator is configured to include a spring loaded mechanism.

14. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one actuator is configured to include an electric mechanism.

15. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The ventilation plate includes a first ventilation plate formed on a top portion of the housing and a second ventilation plate formed on a side portion of the housing.

16. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The thermal runaway event threshold includes information related to at least one of a predetermined temperature, a predetermined overvoltage, a predetermined undervoltage, and a predetermined overcurrent.

17. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The vent plates function as deflagration plates when fully closed or partially open, and are fully opened at a pressure differential (PSID) between 0.1 and 2.0 to mitigate explosion risk from the thermal runaway event from one of the battery modules.

18. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: If the detection system detects that the concentration of one or more gases or fumes reaches a predetermined level, the detection system controls the at least one actuator to open the ventilation panel to prevent the one or more gases or fumes from accumulating in the enclosure.

19. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The ventilation panels are configured to open synchronously under the action of the gas pressure when the gas pressure of one or more gases or smoke generated in the housing reaches a predetermined level, thereby allowing the one or more gases or smoke to escape to the outside of the housing.

20. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one actuator uses power from a common power system that is attached to the housing.

21. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 20, wherein: When the power is removed, the at least one actuator is latched, thereby causing the corresponding panel to remain open for the duration of the thermal runaway event even with the loss of power.

22. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 21, wherein: At the end of the thermal runaway event, the open ventilation panels were manually closed.

23. The battery thermal event management system according to claim 21, wherein: The detection system detects that the thermal runaway event ends, and the detection system closes the opened ventilation panel.

24. A method comprising: detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event; determining whether the detected one or more parameters indicate the thermal runaway event; as well as Based on one or more parameters detected indicative of the thermal runaway event, a plurality of ventilation panels are opened via at least one actuator to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from the interior of the enclosure, and the ventilation panels are thereby operated in an active element mode, the enclosure being used to store a plurality of battery modules.

25. A non-transitory machine-readable medium comprising: A thermal runaway event detection program, wherein the thermal runaway event detection program is executed to configure the thermal event management system to: detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters that are indicative of a thermal runaway event; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the thermal runaway event; and Based on one or more parameters detected indicative of the thermal runaway event, a plurality of ventilation panels are opened via at least one actuator to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure, and the ventilation panels are thereby operated in an active element mode, the enclosure being used to store a plurality of battery modules.

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