Battery system and method

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a battery housing gas management system. The battery housing gas management system includes a gas displacer arranged to drive a discharge of gas around at least one of one or more battery cells in a battery housing. The discharge is conducted to the exterior of the battery housing via an outlet vent of the battery housing. The gas displacer may be selectively activated to drive the discharge.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to battery systems and methods. Aspects of the invention relate to a battery casing gas management system, a battery system, a vehicle, a method for managing battery casing gases, a control system, a method for controlling a battery casing gas management system, a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, and signals. Background Technology

[0002] When a battery cell overheats, it may enter thermal runaway and release gases during the venting process. This can lead to damage or destruction of the battery cell, the possibility of battery fire, and the release of gases from the sealed battery casing into the atmosphere via a rupture valve. Hot gases and / or flames can raise the temperature of other adjacent battery cells, potentially causing further thermal runaway events within those cells. This is known as thermal propagation. To combat the potential for thermal propagation, various methods of suppression systems have been implemented. The insulation between battery cells is effective to some extent, but in the enclosed environment of a sealed battery casing, it can eventually be overcome by the heat generated. Other existing methods, such as injecting water, Novec 1230, CO2, or oil, suffer from at least one of the following drawbacks: excessive system weight and / or space requirements, and the use of so-called “permanent chemicals.”

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to address one or more drawbacks associated with the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first aspect of the invention, a battery casing gas management system is provided, the system comprising: a gas displacer arranged to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of one or more battery cells in the battery casing, the emission being delivered to the outside of the battery casing via an outlet vent of the battery casing, and the gas displacer being selectively activated to drive the emission.

[0005] It has been found that the enclosure plays a significant role in promoting the spread of cell overheating and emissions by trapping hot gases generated by thermal runaway from neighboring cells. This invention can help restore a normal atmosphere within the enclosure more quickly, reducing the likelihood of spread. By replacing the gas surrounding the cell, the cell can be cooled and thus potentially prevented from overheating. Removing the generated hot gases from the enclosure when a cell has already entered thermal runaway and is venting reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway spreading to other cells.

[0006] Using forced / active exhaust systems like these can increase the rate at which hot gases are removed from the vicinity of one or more units (e.g., compared to simple exhaust via a burst valve caused by pressure rise due to exhaust).

[0007] This system can be activated as a preventative / preventative measure for cooling. Additionally or optionally, it can be activated shortly before or during a thermal runaway / exhaust event to prevent its spread. Additionally or optionally, it may serve to mitigate the unavailability / deactivation of another (e.g., primary) cooling system, such as during transport.

[0008] The gas displacement device can be powered by pre-stored or instantaneous energy to drive the emissions. For example, it can be driven by pre-stored compressed air or by electricity. This contrasts with, for example, reliance on ram air, which can be unreliably available.

[0009] In some embodiments, the gas displacement device includes at least one of a compressor and a compressed gas storage device, and is arranged to selectively deliver compressed gas from the compressor and the compressed gas storage device for driving emissions.

[0010] The storage device may be, for example, a gas cylinder. The compressor may be operable to fill (and / or refill as needed for future operation) the storage device with compressed gas and / or deliver compressed gas in a substantially instantaneous manner. The compressor may be provided for multiple purposes, or at least primarily for another purpose. For example, it may be primarily provided for performing one or more other functions on the vehicle (e.g., air cooling for one or more electric motors). Alternatively, the storage device may be provided and a compressor may not be required.

[0011] The storage device can initially be used to generate sufficient initial discharge force to rapidly replace the gas surrounding one or more battery cells. This can be advantageous because the period upon system activation and shortly thereafter is likely to be most critical and time-sensitive in terms of achieving sufficient cooling / discharge to prevent / limit damage. Maintaining gas replacement (potentially at a slower rate) can then be performed at least partially by the compressor (e.g., in the event that the storage device is at least partially depleted). Alternatively, this continuous gas replacement can continue to be performed by the storage device when it is recharged by the compressor, or by the storage device alone if it has sufficient capacity. The compressed gas can be air, which may be ambient air that is compressed and / or stored.

[0012] In some embodiments, in order to drive the emission, the gas displacement device is arranged to blow the emission gas into the battery housing via an inlet of the battery housing, so as to drive at least some of the gas already present in the battery housing to be discharged from the outlet vent.

[0013] The gas purifier may be, for example, a fan / blower and / or a compressed air source and / or a compressor arranged to compress gas for delivery to the battery casing. The exhaust gas delivered by the gas purifier can provide cooling and / or displace exhaust gas from the area surrounding a battery cell that has already thermally runaway or is in the process of thermal runaway, thereby removing the hot gas and reducing the possibility of its spread.

[0014] In some embodiments, the battery casing gas management system includes a precooler arranged to cool the exhaust gas before it is blown into the casing by the gas displacer.

[0015] This can help cool one or more battery cells, especially when the gas is ambient air and therefore may be warmer than expected.

[0016] In some embodiments, the battery casing gas management system includes a filter for filtering the exhaust gas before it is blown into the casing by the gas displacer.

[0017] This reduces the likelihood of dust and / or other contaminants entering the battery casing. Therefore, it reduces or eliminates the maintenance requirements arising from the activation of the gas purifier. This allows it to be used as a preventative / avoidant measure without damaging the battery cell and / or battery casing.

[0018] The exhaust gas is the air from the battery casing gas management system.

[0019] In fact, the air can be atmospheric air. Air can be readily obtained from the atmosphere and can provide cooling and gas replacement within the battery casing.

[0020] In some embodiments, in order to drive emissions, the gas displacement device is arranged to draw at least some of the gases already present in the battery casing from the battery casing via the outlet vent.

[0021] This can provide cooling and / or displacement of exhaust gases from a battery cell that has already thermally runaway or is in the process of thermal runaway, thereby removing the hot gases and reducing the possibility of propagation. Using suction can be advantageous because it may mean that no additional gases or other substances enter the battery housing, thus reducing the possibility of contaminants entering the battery housing. However, the suction method can be supplemented by setting an inlet (e.g., with a one-way valve that only allows gas to enter the battery housing) for gas (e.g., ambient air) to flow into the battery housing during operation of the gas displacer. This can reduce the risk of negative pressure being generated inside the battery housing that could damage the system.

[0022] In some embodiments, the gas displacer includes a gas amplifier arranged to drive the emission.

[0023] The gas displacement device may include a compressed gas source and / or a compressor arranged to compress gas for delivery to the compressed gas inlet of the gas amplifier, the delivered compressed gas being used to entrain at least some of the gas already present in the battery casing for its venting. Using a gas amplifier may be advantageous because it may require a reduced supply of compressed air to vent a given amount of gas already present in the battery casing compared to alternatives. However, alternatives to gas amplifiers are possible when implementing suction-based systems (e.g., fans or blowers).

[0024] In some embodiments, the battery casing gas management system includes two instances of the gas displacement device, comprising:

[0025] A first gas exchanger is arranged to blow exhaust gas into the battery housing via an inlet, thereby driving at least some of the gas already present in the battery housing to exit through the outlet vent; and

[0026] A second gas exchanger is arranged to draw out at least some of the gas already present in the battery casing from the battery casing via the outlet vent.

[0027] This method can further accelerate the emission process.

[0028] In some embodiments, the battery casing gas management system includes a monitoring system arranged to generate sensing data indicating whether one or more battery cells are overheating.

[0029] The monitoring system may include, for example, one or more sensors, such as gas detection sensors (e.g., arranged to detect gases released by a battery cell of a relevant type during an exhaust event), thermistors, thermocouples, and / or voltage sensors (e.g., arranged to detect unexpected voltage drops in the voltage delivered by the battery cell).

[0030] In some embodiments, the battery casing gas management system includes a control system arranged to automatically activate the gas purifier to drive the emission based on sensing data from a monitoring system indicating overheating of one or more battery cells.

[0031] Automatic activation as a fail-safe device may be desirable to improve the prevention or reduction of the probability of damage. Alternatively, the gas displacer may be manually activated. For example, a facility may be provided to the user to activate the gas displacer as a preventative or precautionary measure. Options for both automatic and manual activation may be provided (e.g., one serving as a cover for the other, or as a simple alternative activation control mechanism).

[0032] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a battery system is provided, the system comprising: one or more battery cells in a battery housing, an outlet vent from the battery housing, and a battery housing gas management system as described in the first aspect.

[0033] In some embodiments, the battery casing is sealed.

[0034] The outlet vent could be sealed, for example, with a "burst valve" (which could actually be a spring-loaded valve) that provides communication with the external environment of the battery casing only when discharge occurs (thus breaking the seal). Similarly, if there is an inlet to the battery casing, that inlet could also be sealed with a valve that opens only when the gas purger blows gas into the battery casing.

[0035] In some embodiments, the one or more battery cells are rechargeable battery cells.

[0036] The one or more battery cells may be, for example, lithium-ion battery cells and / or cylindrical, pouch or prismatic battery cells and / or may be formed into a battery pack.

[0037] In some embodiments, insulation is provided between the one or more battery cells and the outlet vent.

[0038] This can be used to mitigate any malfunctions in the rest of the battery casing gas management system and / or its insufficiently rapid activation and / or unfavorable position of the flame front, which could otherwise pose a risk of heat spread when hot gases travel to the outlet vent. The insulation can be, for example, located in a layer at the top of the battery and / or in the space between the battery cells.

[0039] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle is provided that includes the battery system of the second aspect.

[0040] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a method for managing gas in a battery casing is provided, the method comprising selectively driving the emission of gas surrounding at least one of one or more battery cells in the battery casing, the emission being made to the outside of the battery casing via an outlet vent of the battery casing.

[0041] In some embodiments, driving the emission of the gas includes blowing the emission gas into the battery housing through an inlet to drive at least some of the gas already present in the battery housing out of the outlet vent.

[0042] In some embodiments, driving the emission of the gas includes drawing at least some of the gas already present in the battery casing from the battery casing via the outlet vent.

[0043] According to a fifth aspect of the invention, a control system is provided, the control system being arranged to manage battery casing gas in a battery casing having one or more battery cells therein, the control system including one or more processors, the processors being collectively configured to:

[0044] Receive signals indicating data sensed by the monitoring system;

[0045] Based on the sensing data, it is determined that at least one battery cell in the battery casing is overheated; and

[0046] A signal is output to activate the gas displacement device to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of the one or more battery cells, the emission being made to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent in the battery housing.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling a battery casing gas management system for a battery casing having one or more battery cells therein, the method comprising:

[0048] Receive signals indicating data sensed by the monitoring system;

[0049] Based on the sensing data, it is determined that at least one battery cell in the battery casing is overheated; and

[0050] A signal is output to activate the gas displacement device to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of the one or more battery cells, the emission being made to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent in the battery housing.

[0051] According to a seventh aspect of the invention, a computer program is provided that, when read by a computer, causes the execution of the methods of the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0052] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including computer-readable instructions, which, when read by a computer, cause the execution of the methods of the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0053] According to a ninth aspect of the invention, a signal is provided that includes computer-readable instructions, which, when read by a computer, cause the execution of the methods of the fourth or sixth aspect.

[0054] Within the scope of this application, it is expressly intended that various aspects, embodiments, examples, and alternatives, particularly their respective features, set forth in the foregoing paragraphs, claims, and / or the following description and drawings may be adopted independently or in any combination. That is, all embodiments and / or features of any embodiment may be combined in any manner and / or combination unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to accordingly amend any originally filed claim or file any new claim, including the right to modify any originally filed claim to include any feature subordinate to any other claim and / or to include any feature of any other claim, even if not originally claimed in this manner. Attached Figure Description

[0055] One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0056] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a battery system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0057] Figure 2 A perspective view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0058] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0059] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a battery casing gas management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0060] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a battery casing gas management system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0061] Figure 6 A block diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and

[0062] Figure 7 A block diagram of a method according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0063] First refer to Figure 1 The battery system is typically shown as 10. For ease of understanding, the battery system 10 is described first, followed by a description of the battery casing gas management system that can be used with the battery system 10.

[0064] The battery system 10 has six battery cells 12 arranged in a closely fitted assembly. The battery cells 12 are rechargeable lithium-ion battery cells. However, as will be understood, the number and type of battery cells can be adjusted. Each battery cell 12 has a positive terminal and a negative terminal. The positive terminals of a first group 14, formed by half of the battery cells 12, are connected in parallel via a positive connector 16. The negative terminals of the first group 14 are connected in parallel via an intermediate connector 18. The intermediate connector 18 also connects the negative terminals of the first group 14 in series with the positive terminals of a second group 20, formed by the other half of the battery cells 12. The intermediate connector 18 also connects the positive terminals of the second group 20 in parallel. The negative terminals of the second group 20 are connected in parallel via a negative connector 22. The positive and negative connectors 16 and 22 electrically connect the battery cells 12 to an electrical load, in this example arranged to drive a heavy-duty truck 26 (shown in...). Figure 2 ) wheels 24 motor.

[0065] Each battery cell 12 has a venting disc 28, which is arranged to release hot gases from the interior of the relevant battery cell 12 in the event that the battery cell experiences thermal runaway.

[0066] Battery cell 12 is housed within battery housing 30. Housing 30 provides a sealed chamber 32 that seals and isolates battery cell 12 from an area 33 outside housing 30. Housing 30 has an outlet vent 34 sealed by a spring-loaded valve 36 (burst valve). This spring-loaded valve is arranged to release (i.e., vent) the pressure that builds up in sealed chamber 32 due to venting from one or more battery cells 12.

[0067] Distributed around the sealed chamber 32 are multiple sensors 38 (thermocouples in this example), which form part of the monitoring system of the battery casing gas management system (discussed further below). This monitoring system is arranged to generate sensing data indicating whether one or more battery cells 12 are overheating. Some sensors 38, labeled 38a and 38b respectively, are present in pairs, one above and one below the intermediate connector 18, and substantially one above the other. The sensors 38 are connected to the control system 42 (shown in…) via their respective signal lines in the wiring harness 44. Figure 3 The input terminal 40 (in this example, an electrical input terminal) is located at the sensor 38. Wiring harness 44 passes through housing 30 via sealed connector 46. In control system 42 (located outside housing 30 in this embodiment), data generated by sensor 38 and transmitted to input terminal 40 via electrical signals is stored in memory 48 of control system 42. Data in memory 48 is accessed by processor 50 of control system 42, which is electrically coupled to memory 48. In this embodiment, processor 50 is an electronic processing device.

[0068] Although not shown, insulating material may be provided at one or more locations within the housing 30, such as above the top of the battery cell 12, through which the electrical connections between the positive connector 16, the intermediate connector 18, and the negative connector 22, and their respective battery terminals, pass.

[0069] Now refer to Figure 4 A first embodiment of a battery casing gas management system used in conjunction with battery system 10 is generally shown at 60. System 60 has a gas exchanger 62, which in this example is an electric compressor. The inlet 64 of the gas exchanger 62 is connected via a first conduit 66 to a gas precooling and filtration unit 68. The precooling and filtration unit 68 has a refrigeration unit and an associated heat exchanger and a gas filter. The compressed gas outlet 70 of the gas exchanger 62 is connected via a second conduit 72 to an inlet 74 of casing 30. Inlet 74 allows fluid communication into the sealed chamber 32 of casing 30. Inlet 74 and outlet 70 are positioned to substantially prevent compressed gas entering via the inlet from traveling directly to outlet 70 without passing through most of chamber 32. In a generally cuboid casing, inlet 74 and outlet 70 may, for example, be located on a common wall of casing 30 and may be spaced apart (e.g., at substantially opposite ends of that wall). Such an arrangement facilitates the circulation of compressed gas entering via inlet 74 around substantially the entire chamber 32 before exiting via outlet 70.

[0070] The gas exchanger 62 is electrically switched between activation and deactivation via an electrical control signal connection 76 to the output terminal 78 of the control system 42.

[0071] In use, system 60 is used to blow exhaust gas (air in this example) into housing 30 to drive at least some of the gas already present in housing 30 surrounding at least one of the battery cells 12 out of outlet vent 34. For this purpose, gas displacement device 62 can be selectively activated to drive the exhaust, as described in more detail below.

[0072] Taking a scenario where a damaged battery cell 80 in battery cell 12 overheats and begins to release gas as an example, data from local sensor 82 in sensor 38 indicates that gas release is occurring. This is identified by processor 50 through its analysis of the data from local sensor 82, which is sent to input terminal 40 via an electrical signal. In response, processor 50 sends a control signal to gas exchanger 62 via output terminal 78 and control signal connection 76, thereby activating gas exchanger 62.

[0073] When the gas exchanger 62 is operating, atmospheric air (used as exhaust gas in this example) enters the gas precooling and filtration unit 68 drawn in by the gas exchanger 62. There, the air is filtered to remove contaminants such as dust. The air is then cooled from its atmospheric temperature by exchanging heat with a working fluid cooled by a refrigeration circuit in a heat exchanger. The air is then delivered to the gas exchanger 62 via a first conduit 66, where it is compressed to produce compressed air. The compressed air is delivered to the chamber 32 in a transient and continuous manner via a second conduit 72 and an inlet 74 of the housing 30. Inside the chamber 32, the compressed air provides rapid cooling (particularly considering the aforementioned role of the heat exchanger). Furthermore, the compressed air causes rapid displacement of the gas (in this example, air and exhaust products from the damaged battery cell 80) and an increase in pressure within the chamber 32. This pressure increase causes the spring-loaded valve 36 to open, and the air and exhaust products are discharged to the outside of the chamber 32 through the outlet vent 34 of the housing 30.

[0074] In this way, hot exhaust products can be quickly removed from chamber 32 and replaced with relatively cool air. Therefore, the risk of heat spreading to other battery cells 12 can be reduced. Furthermore, because the compressed air entering chamber 32 is filtered before it enters, using system 60 may cause little to no damage. Therefore, continued use and / or reduced repair / maintenance requirements can be achieved.

[0075] If, after using system 60, data from sensor 38 indicates that the temperature inside chamber 32 is acceptable and / or nominal, processor 50 determines this and sends a control signal to gas purifier 62 via output 78 and control signal connection 76, thereby deactivating gas purifier 62.

[0076] Now refer to Figure 5 A second embodiment of the battery casing gas management system used in conjunction with the battery system 10 is generally shown in 100.

[0077] System 100 is similar to System 60, but System 100 uses a suction method instead of a blowing method like System 60 to drive the emission of gas around the battery cell 12.

[0078] System 100 includes a gas displacement device 102, which in this example is a combination of an electric compressor 104, a compressed gas storage device 106 (in this example, a gas cylinder), and a gas amplifier 108. The gas amplifier 108 is disposed in an outlet vent 34 of the housing 30 and is oriented to draw gas from the chamber 32 via the outlet vent 34 during operation. Therefore, the converging nozzle 110 of the gas amplifier 108 faces the chamber 32, while the diverging nozzle 112 of the gas amplifier 108 faces the region 33 outside the housing 30. As will be understood, the diverging nozzle 112 is connected in series with the converging nozzle 110 and is located downstream of it.

[0079] The exhaust outlet 114 of the compressor 104 is connected to the filling port 118 of the gas cylinder 106 via a first pipe 116. The valve-controlled discharge outlet 120 of the gas cylinder 106 is connected to the compressed gas inlet 124 of the gas amplifier 108 via a second pipe 122. The compressed gas inlet 124 of the gas amplifier 108 is in fluid communication with the injector 126 in the diverging nozzle 112.

[0080] The valve-controlled discharge outlet 120 is switched between open and closed configurations via an electrical control signal connection 128 to the output terminal 78 of the control system 42.

[0081] In use, system 100 is used to blow exhaust gas (air in this example) into a gas amplifier so as to draw out at least some of the gas already present in housing 30 surrounding at least one or more of the battery cells 12 from outlet vent 34. For this purpose, gas displacement device 102 can be selectively activated to drive the exhaust, as described in more detail below.

[0082] Taking a scenario where a damaged battery cell 80 in battery cell 12 overheats and begins to release gas as an example, data from local sensor 82 in sensor 38 indicates that gas release is occurring. This is identified by processor 50 through its analysis of the data from local sensor 82, which is sent to input terminal 40 via an electrical signal. In response, processor 50 sends a control signal to valve-controlled discharge outlet 120 of gas cylinder 106 via output terminal 78 and control signal connection 76, thereby activating gas exchanger 102.

[0083] The control signal is sent to the valve-controlled discharge outlet 120 via output 78 and electrical control signal connection 128. Therefore, the valve-controlled discharge outlet 120 opens, allowing compressed air stored in cylinder 106 to be injected into the gas amplifier 108 at its own pressure. The compressed air is delivered via second conduit 122, compressed gas inlet 124, and injector 126. The compressed air stored in cylinder 106 is pre-stored by atmospheric air previously compressed into cylinder 106 by the operation of compressor 104. This filling occurs via the exhaust outlet 114 of compressor 104, first conduit 116, and filling port 118. Because it is pre-filled (e.g., before processor 50 detects overheating and / or exhaust), cylinder 106 serves as a pre-stored energy source.

[0084] Compressed air injected into gas amplifier 108 is discharged at high speed through divergent nozzle 112 to region 33 outside housing 30. In doing so, it entrains at least some of the gas already present in battery housing 30 (in this case, air and exhaust products from damaged battery cell 80), thereby causing it to be discharged via gas amplifier 108. Using compressed air stored in gas cylinder 106 can produce an enhanced initial discharge rate (e.g., compared to instantaneous use of air compressed by a compressor). In this way, hot exhaust products can be removed from chamber 32 more quickly. Discharge can reduce the risk of heat spreading to other battery cells 12. Furthermore, because no replacement air (or other gas) enters chamber 32, system 100 does not pose a risk of introducing contaminants into chamber 32. However, in some embodiments, a separate inlet through housing 30 may be provided, which may have a one-way valve to prevent gas displacement device 102 from creating a destructive level of negative pressure in chamber 32. This inlet may, for example, allow atmospheric air into chamber 32 if the negative pressure in chamber 32 exceeds a predetermined level. It may also involve providing filters and / or coolers to pre-treat the atmospheric air before it enters chamber 32.

[0085] If, after using system 100, data from sensor 38 indicates that the temperature inside chamber 32 is acceptable and / or nominal, processor 50 determines this and sends a control signal to gas purifier 102 via output 78 and electrical control signal connection 128, thereby closing valve-controlled discharge outlet 120.

[0086] Compressor 104 is activated and deactivated to reach and maintain a predetermined pressure in cylinder 106 (during initial filling and / or during and / or subsequent replenishment of cylinder 106). This pressure is monitored by a pressure sensor in cylinder 106, which outputs a signal indicating the pressure. This signal can be sent to a controller, which can activate and / or deactivate the compressor accordingly. For example, this function could be performed by control system 42, although alternatives are possible, such as the control system of compressor 104 itself.

[0087] Battery casing gas management systems such as Systems 60 and 100 can be sized to remove gas generated by a single discharge battery cell within a sufficient time to prevent propagation. Thus, for example, gas displacement characteristics can be selected to provide performance in terms of gas volume per second / delivery flow rate, proportional to the free volume in the chamber. This sizing, for example, could result in the removal of gas generated by a single discharge battery cell within approximately 30 seconds of activation.

[0088] Figure 6 A method 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Method 200 is a method for managing battery casing gas surrounding at least one of one or more battery cells in a battery casing such as a casing 30. Method 200 can be provided by... Figure 4 System 60 or Figure 5 System 100 execution, optionally combined with Figure 3 The control system 42. The method has a step 202, namely, selectively driving gas emission, which is carried out to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent of the battery housing.

[0089] Figure 7 A method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. Method 300 is a method for controlling a battery casing gas management system (e.g., system 60 or system 100) for a battery casing having one or more battery cells therein. Method 300 can be executed by a control system 42. In particular, memory 48 may include computer-readable instructions that, when executed by processor 50, perform method 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Method 300 includes the following steps:

[0090] - Receives a 302 signal indicating data sensed by the monitoring system;

[0091] - Based on the sensing data, it is determined that at least one battery cell in the battery casing of 304 is overheated; and

[0092] - Output 306 to activate the gas displacement device to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of the one or more battery cells, the emission being made to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent of the battery housing.

[0093] As will be understood, the various embodiments described above are intended only as examples. Adjustments or additions may be made to the features described without departing from the scope of the invention. As an example, in addition to or as an alternative to the automatic activation and deactivation of the gas purifier (as described with respect to systems 60 and 100 under the control of control system 42), facilities for manual activation and / or deactivation may be provided. As a further example, insulating material may be provided between the one or more battery cells (i.e., in the space between battery cells) and / or in a layer on top of the battery (in which case electrical connections to the battery may pass through the insulating material). The control system may be arranged to control different types of battery casing gas management systems (e.g., systems 60 and 100), or may be custom-designed / dedicated to controlling a single type of battery casing gas management system. The battery casing gas management system (e.g., systems 60 and 100) may be arranged to be retrofitted to an existing battery system (e.g., battery system 10), or may be arranged to be built into a battery system (e.g., battery system 10).

[0094] It will be understood that various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A battery casing gas management system, comprising: A gas displacement device is arranged to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of one or more battery cells in a battery housing, the emission being directed to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent in the battery housing, and the gas displacement device can be selectively activated to drive the emission.

2. The battery casing gas management system according to claim 1, wherein, The gas displacement device includes a compressor and / or a compressed gas storage device, and is arranged to selectively deliver compressed gas from the compressor and / or the compressed gas storage device to drive the emission.

3. The battery casing gas management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In order to drive the emission, the gas displacement device is arranged to blow the emission gas into the battery housing via an inlet, so as to drive at least some of the gas already in the battery housing to be discharged from the outlet vent.

4. The battery casing gas management system according to claim 3, wherein, The emitted gas is air.

5. The battery casing gas management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, In order to drive the emission, the gas displacement device is arranged to draw out at least some of the gas already present in the battery casing from the battery casing via the outlet vent.

6. The battery casing gas management system according to claim 5, wherein, The gas displacement device includes a gas amplifier arranged to drive the emissions.

7. The battery casing gas management system according to any preceding claim, comprising a monitoring system arranged to generate sensing data indicating whether one or more of the battery cells are overheating.

8. A battery system, comprising: One or more battery cells in a battery casing, an outlet vent from the battery casing, and a battery casing gas management system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The battery system according to claim 8, wherein, Insulation is provided between the one or more battery cells and the outlet vent.

10. A vehicle comprising the battery system according to claim 8 or 9.

11. A method for managing gas in a battery casing, comprising selectively driving the emission of gas surrounding at least one of one or more battery cells in the battery casing, the emission being made to the outside of the battery casing via an outlet vent of the battery casing.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The emission of the gas includes drawing out at least some of the gas already present in the battery casing from the battery casing via the outlet vent.

13. A control system arranged to manage battery casing gas in a battery casing having one or more battery cells therein, the control system comprising one or more processors, the one or more processors being collectively configured to: Receive signals indicating data sensed by the monitoring system; Based on the sensing data, it is determined that at least one of the battery cells in the battery casing is overheated; and A signal is output to activate the gas displacement device to drive the emission of gas surrounding at least one of the one or more battery cells, the emission being made to the outside of the battery housing via an outlet vent in the battery housing.

14. A computer program, when read by a computer, causes to perform the method according to any one of claims 11-12.

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