System and method for releasing gases from a sealed enclosure comprising a battery module

Abstract

Systems and methods for releasing gases from a sealed enclosure, such as the enclosure of a rechargeable energy storage system comprising a battery module, into an exhaust system are provided. The systems comprise a duct configured to receive exhaust gases from a vehicle's internal combustion engine and direct the gases to an outlet for release into an environment outside the vehicle; a sealed enclosure with an interior space containing at least one battery module; and a device that fluidically connects the interior space of the sealed enclosure to the duct, the device being configured to selectively allow gases within the interior space to enter the duct and thereby be directed to its outlet and released into the environment.

Description

introduction

[0001] The technical field generally refers to electric and hybrid electric vehicles and in particular to thermal runaway in rechargeable energy storage systems (RESSs).

[0002] Electric and hybrid electric vehicles have rechargeable energy storage systems (RESS). In a hybrid vehicle, the RESS is charged by operating a fossil fuel-powered engine or through regenerative braking. Electric vehicles rely on an external power source to charge the RESS. A RESS typically consists of several sealed cells or battery modules that store electrical energy. During operation or charging, one or more battery modules can overheat. If a battery module overheats, unwanted gases can be produced, leading to an increase in pressure and temperature.In extreme cases, the temperature increase of one battery module can affect neighboring battery modules, leading to further reactions that generate even more heat and may ignite the unwanted gases, creating a feedback loop that can lead to catastrophic failure, a process known as thermal runaway.

[0003] Electric and hybrid electric vehicles can incorporate various thermal management systems for a RESS, such as cooling systems to maintain optimal operating temperatures, battery management systems to monitor the condition of the battery modules to reduce the likelihood of overcharging and overheating, and physical structures and materials to reduce risk, such as vents to release unwanted gases from the RESS.

[0004] Despite the advantages of the aforementioned systems, there remains a desire for systems and methods capable of reducing the probability of thermal runaway and / or mitigating its damage. Furthermore, additional desirable features and properties of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description and the attached claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding introduction. Description

[0005] A system for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the system comprises a duct configured to receive exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and direct the exhaust gases to an outlet for discharge into an environment outside the vehicle, a sealed housing with an interior space and at least one battery module within the interior space, and a device that fluidically connects the interior space of the sealed housing and the duct, wherein the device is configured to selectively allow gases within the interior space to enter the duct and thereby be directed to its outlet and discharged into the environment.

[0006] In some examples, the system's device may include a passive one-way valve configured to allow the passage of gases from the interior into the line when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0007] In some examples, the system apparatus may include an electronically controlled valve and a controller with one or more processors, the controller being configured to open the electronically controlled valve through the one or more processors to allow the passage of gases from the interior into the line when a gas pressure inside the interior exceeds at least a first threshold value.

[0008] In some examples, the system's device may include a rupture disc configured to break, thereby allowing the passage of gases from the interior into the conduit when the gas pressure inside exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0009] In some examples, the device of the system may be connected to the conduit at a point upstream of the outlet in order to dilute the gases passing through it and reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion upon release into the environment.

[0010] In some examples, the system's device can be configured to act as an emergency water access opening, allowing water to flow through the pipe, through the device, and into the interior.

[0011] In some examples, the system's device can be configured to selectively allow the passage of gases from the interior into the conduit in order to equalize the gas pressure between the interior and the conduit.

[0012] In some examples, the system's routing is configured so that the gases are directed from the device to an exhaust pipe at the rear of the vehicle to be released into the environment.

[0013] In some examples, the system's device may be configured to allow the passage of gases from the interior into the duct when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

[0014] A method for a vehicle is provided. In one example, the method comprises directing exhaust gas produced by the vehicle's internal combustion engine through a duct to an outlet for discharge into an environment outside the vehicle, and selectively allowing gases to enter the duct within an interior of a sealed enclosure, thereby directing them to its outlet and venting them into the environment. The sealed enclosure may contain at least one battery module within its interior.

[0015] In some examples, the interior of the process can be fluidically connected to the line via a passive one-way valve, wherein the selective allowing of gases in the interior of the sealed housing to enter the line includes configuring the one-way valve to open when a gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0016] In some examples, the interior of the process can be fluidically connected to the line via an electronically controlled valve, wherein the selective allowing of gases to enter the interior of the sealed housing into the line includes opening the electronically controlled valve with one or more processors when a gas pressure in the interior exceeds at least a first threshold value.

[0017] In some examples, the interior of the process can be fluidically connected to the line via a rupture disc, whereby the selective allowing of gases in the interior of the sealed housing to enter the line is configured to break the rupture disc when a gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0018] In some examples, the process may involve diluting the gases with the exhaust gas in the pipeline before a mixture of them is released into the environment.

[0019] In some examples, the procedure may involve supplying water to the outlet, through the conduit, and into the interior of the sealed enclosure via an emergency water access opening.

[0020] In some examples, it may be selectively allowed for the gases inside the sealed enclosure to enter the conduit in order to equalize the gas pressure between the interior and the conduit.

[0021] In some examples, allowing the passage of gases from the interior into the conduit can be carried out in response to a gas pressure within the interior exceeding a predetermined threshold, corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

[0022] A vehicle is provided which, in one example, comprises an internal combustion engine, an exhaust system with a duct configured to direct exhaust gases from the internal combustion engine to an outlet for release into an environment outside the vehicle, a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) with a housing containing an interior space and at least one battery module within the interior space, and a device fluidically connecting the interior space of the RESS to the exhaust system duct. The device can be configured to selectively allow gases within the interior space of the RESS to enter the duct and be directed to the outlet for release into the environment when the gas pressure within the interior space exceeds a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or actual thermal runaway event.

[0023] In some examples, the vehicle's device may be configured to act as an emergency water access opening, allowing water to be directed into the outlet, through the pipe, through the device, and into the interior.

[0024] In some examples, the vehicle's device may include a passive one-way valve, an electronically controlled valve, or a rupture disc configured to allow the passage of gases from the interior into the line when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds the specified threshold. Brief description of the drawings

[0025] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawings, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements: Fig. Figure 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle with a system for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway events according to an example; Fig. 2 is a first example of the system of Fig. 1 with a device for fluidic coupling of a rechargeable energy storage system with an exhaust system according to an example; Fig. 3 is a second example of the system of Fig. 1 with a device for fluidic coupling of a rechargeable energy storage system with an exhaust system according to an example; Fig. 4 is a third example of the system made up of Fig. 1 with a device for fluidic coupling of a rechargeable energy storage system to an exhaust system according to an example; and Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary procedure for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway events in accordance with an example. Detailed description

[0026] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit application and use. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any express or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction or the following detailed description.

[0027] Examples of the present description may be described herein in the form of functional and / or logical block components and various processing steps. Such block components may be implemented by any number of hardware, software, and / or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, in one embodiment of the present description, various integrated circuit components may be used, such as memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, lookup tables, or the like, which, under the control of one or more microprocessors or other embodiments, can perform a variety of functions.Furthermore, the person skilled in the art will recognize that the examples in this description can be used in conjunction with any number of systems and that the systems described here are merely examples of the present description.

[0028] For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to signal processing, data transmission, signaling, control, and other functional aspects of the systems (and the individual components of the systems) are not described in detail here. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the different elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in an example described here.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a vehicle 10 according to an example. In certain examples, the vehicle 10 comprises an automobile. The vehicle 10 includes a system that provides a fluidic connection between a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 30 and an exhaust system 23 to prevent and mitigate thermal runaway. Although the examples are discussed here with reference to the RESS 30, it can be assumed that the teachings disclosed herein are also applicable to other devices with sealed enclosures, e.g., enclosures that house vehicle battery modules not connected to a RESS.

[0030] In various examples, vehicle 10 can be any type of automobile, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and it can have two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD) or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles or mobile platforms in certain examples.

[0031] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the exemplary vehicle 10 generally comprises a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is mounted on the chassis 12 and essentially encloses components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. The wheels 16-18 are each rotatably connected to the chassis 12 near a corner of the body 14.

[0032] The vehicle 10 further comprises a drive system 20, a transmission system 22, an exhaust system 23, and a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) 30. The drive system 20 comprises an internal combustion engine (e.g., a gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion engine). In some examples, the drive system 20 is a hybrid system comprising the internal combustion engine and an electric motor (e.g., a three-phase AC motor). The transmission system 22 is configured to transmit the power of the drive system 20 to the wheels 16, 18 according to selectable gear ratios. According to various examples, the transmission system 22 may comprise a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), a stepped automatic transmission, or another suitable transmission.

[0033] The exhaust system 23 can comprise various components for conveying exhaust gases from the combustion chambers of the internal combustion engine to an exhaust pipe for release to the environment outside the vehicle 10 (i.e., the atmosphere). For example, the exhaust system 23 can include a first line 24 (e.g., a pipe section) for receiving the exhaust gases from the engine and directing them to a resonator 28 for modifying the noise generated by the engine, as well as a second and a third line 25, 26 for directing the exhaust gases from the resonator 28 to a first and a second outlet 27, 29 (e.g., a first and a second tailpipe). In some examples, the exhaust system 23 can have fewer or more lines and / or include other components and systems that are described in Fig. 1 are not shown. For example, the exhaust system 23 can include one or more lines that guide the exhaust gases through aftertreatment devices of an emission control system (not shown). As another example, the exhaust system 23 can include one or more lines that guide the exhaust gases through one or more silencers before they exit the first and second outlets 27, 29. A further example is that the exhaust system 23 can function without the resonator 28.

[0034] The RESS 30 comprises one or more battery modules 31 ( Fig. 2-4) for storing and providing electrical power for an electric motor of the propulsion system 20, if present, and / or other systems connected to one or more electrical networks or systems on board the vehicle 10. The electrical system(s) may couple the RESS 30 with one or more accessories of the vehicle 10, e.g., audio equipment, lighting equipment, etc. In some examples, the battery modules 31 may comprise high-capacity lithium-ion batteries or other types of rechargeable batteries such as nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) or solid-state batteries. The battery modules 31 may be charged by the operation of the internal combustion engine, by a regenerative braking system, and / or by an external power supply. In various examples, the RESS 30 may include a sealed enclosure 33 ( Fig. 2 - 4) comprising the outer surface of the RESS 30 and providing an interior for storing the battery modules 31, as well as a mounting assembly 35 ( Fig. 2 - 4) within the interior, which secures the positions of the battery modules 31 within the interior. In some examples, the RESS 30 may include or be coupled with a cooling system configured to maintain the desired temperatures on or in the RESS 30.

[0035] With further reference to Fig. In this example, the system comprises a fluid connection between the interior of the RESS 30 and the exhaust system 23. In this example, a device 32 fluidically connects the interior to the resonator 28; however, it is understood that in other examples the device 32 can connect the RESS 30 to other parts of the exhaust system 23. The device 32 is configured such that gases in the interior can selectively enter the exhaust system 23 and are thereby directed to the first and / or second outlets 27, 29 for release into the environment. In this way, the system can reduce the probability of thermal runaway and / or mitigate its effects by removing unwanted gases from the interior. Typically, such gases can be flammable and have elevated temperatures far exceeding the normal operating temperature of the battery modules 31.Removing these gases can therefore lower the temperatures inside the housing 33 and thus reduce the probability of thermal runaway within it.

[0036] The device 32 can contain various components configured to provide the functionality described above. In some examples, the device 32 may include one or more valves, rupture discs, or other components configured to maintain a fluid seal between the passenger compartment and the exhaust system 23 during normal operation of the vehicle 10, preventing exhaust gases from entering the passenger compartment, and to allow the passage of unwanted gases through the device 32 in response to certain predetermined conditions within the passenger compartment, such as exceeding one or more threshold values ​​for gas pressure within the passenger compartment.In such examples, the unwanted gases can be released in response to the gas pressure in the interior exceeding a threshold corresponding to a gas pressure indicating thermal runaway, or a threshold indicating the production of the unwanted gases but before the onset of thermal runaway. The device 32 can be passively controlled, actively controlled, or a combination thereof.

[0037] The Fig. Figures 2 to 4 show various, non-limiting examples of the device 32. It should be noted that these examples are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the system of Fig. 1 other configurations may exist, including various combinations of the in Fig. 2-4 components shown.

[0038] In the example of Fig. Figure 2 comprises a device 132, a passive one-way check valve. In this example, the one-way check valve includes a valve body with a first chamber 140, which is fluidically connected to the interior of the housing 33 via an inlet, and a second chamber 142, which is fluidically connected to the resonator 28 via an outlet. A connection (e.g., a seat) between the first and second chambers 140, 142 is releasably sealed by a check ball 144 (or disc). The check ball 144 is biased toward the first chamber 140 by a preload element 146 (e.g., a spring). In this arrangement, when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds the preload force of the preload element 146, the check ball 144 moves toward the outlet, thereby sealing the connection between the first and second chambers 140, 142.If the gas pressure inside subsequently falls below the preload force of the preload element 146, the return ball 144 moves towards the inlet and reseals the connection. The preload element 146 can be configured to provide a preload force corresponding to a predetermined threshold of the gas pressure inside the interior.

[0039] In the example of Fig. Figure 3 comprises a device 232, an electronically controlled valve. In this example, the valve comprises a valve body with a first chamber 240, which is fluidically connected to the interior of the housing 33 via an inlet, and a second chamber 242, which is fluidically connected to the resonator 28 via an outlet. A connection (e.g., a seat) between the first and second chambers 240, 242 is detachably sealed with a valve element 261, which can be moved relative to the connection by an actuator 262 to open and close the valve and thereby allow or prevent the passage of gases between the first and second chambers 240, 242.

[0040] A controller 250 can be provided to control the operation of the device 232, and at least one sensor 260 can be provided to monitor the status of the interior of the RESS 30. In such examples, the controller 250 is functionally coupled with the sensor 260 and the actuator 262. The sensor 260 can be configured to detect one or more states within the housing 33, such as the gas pressure and / or the temperature inside.

[0041] The controller 250 comprises at least one processor 252, a communication bus 254, and a computer-readable storage device or media 256. The processor 252 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 250. The processor 252 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors assigned to the controller 250, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer-readable device or medium 256 can comprise volatile and non-volatile memory in the form of read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and / or keep-alive memory (KAM).The computer-readable storage device or medium 256 can be implemented using any number of known storage devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (erasable PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined storage devices capable of storing data, some of which may represent executable instructions. The bus 254 is used to transmit programs, data, status, and other information or signals between the various components of the controller 250. The bus 254 can be any suitable physical or logical means of connecting computer systems and components. This includes, but is not limited to, direct, hard-wired connections, fiber optic technology, infrared, and wireless bus technologies.

[0042] The instructions can comprise one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by the processor 252, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor 260, perform logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms, and generate data based on the logic, calculations, procedures, and / or algorithms. Although in Fig. 3 where only one controller 250 is shown, the system can include any number of controllers 250 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and work together to process the sensor signals, perform logic, calculations, procedures and / or algorithms and generate data.

[0043] In some examples, a data storage device 258 may be provided to store data for use by the controller 250. The data storage device 258 may be any suitable type of storage device, including various types of random-access storage and / or other devices. In one example, the data storage device 258 comprises a program product from which a computer-readable storage device can receive a program that performs one or more examples of one or more methods described herein, such as the steps of the method described below in conjunction with Fig. 5 will be discussed. In another example, the program product may be stored directly in the storage device and / or one or more other disks and / or other storage devices and / or it may be accessed in some other way.

[0044] With renewed reference to Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the controller 250 can continuously or periodically receive signals from the sensor 260 indicating a condition such as the gas pressure inside the housing 33. The controller 250 can monitor the signals and compare the displayed current gas pressures with one or more pre-programmed threshold values. If the controller 250 determines that the criteria for one or more of the threshold values ​​are met, the controller 250 can send control signals to the actuator 262 to open and / or close the valve by moving the valve element 261 relative to the connection between the first and second chambers 240, 242. In some examples, one or more of the threshold values ​​may correspond to the gas pressure associated with the production of the unwanted gas and / or thermal runaway.

[0045] In the example of Fig. Figure 4 comprises a device 332, a body with a first chamber 340, which is fluidically connected to the interior of the housing 33 via an inlet, and a second chamber 342, which is fluidically connected to the resonator 28 via an outlet. A rupture disc 341 is arranged between the first and second chambers 140, 142 and fluidically separates them. The rupture disc 341 is a disposable diaphragm that ruptures or fails at a predetermined differential pressure. The pressure at which the rupture disc 341 ruptures is referred to here as the burst pressure. In this arrangement, the rupture disc 341 bursts when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds the burst pressure of the rupture disc 341, thus enabling a fluid connection between the first and second chambers 140, 142. The rupture disc 341 can be configured to generate a burst pressure that corresponds to a predetermined threshold value of the gas pressure in the interior.

[0046] In some examples, the RESS 30 can have one or more vent openings 37 ( Fig. 2-4) which are configured to allow gases generated therein to be released into the ambient atmosphere. In such examples, the vent openings 37 can be flow-sealed and configured so that the gas can only escape through them when the gas pressure inside exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example, the vent openings 37 can contain or be fluidically connected to a rupture plate or a pressure relief valve.If the RESS 30 includes the vent openings 37, the device 32 can be configured to allow the passage of unwanted gases from the interior to the exhaust system 23 in response to a first threshold for the interior gas pressure, and the vent openings 37 can be configured to allow the passage of unwanted gases from the interior to the environment in response to a second threshold for the interior gas pressure, the first threshold being lower than the second threshold. This means that when unwanted gases are generated in the interior, these gases can be released by the device 32 before escaping through the vent openings 37.

[0047] This arrangement can offer several advantages, such as reducing the risk of vehicle damage and ensuring passenger safety in emergency situations. In particular, the unwanted gases can be flammable and reach high temperatures. When exposed to the environment, these unwanted gases can spontaneously ignite under certain conditions, meaning they can ignite without an external ignition source, such as a flame or spark.

[0048] By routing the unwanted gases through the exhaust system 23 before their release into the environment, the gases can expand and their temperature decrease, thereby significantly reducing the probability of spontaneous combustion upon release. If the unwanted gases mix with the exhaust gases (which are likely to have a low oxygen content), the unwanted gases can be diluted before release, further reducing the probability of spontaneous combustion upon release. Therefore, in some examples, the device 32 can be fluidically coupled to the exhaust system 23 at a point sufficiently upstream of its outlet(s) to modify the gases passing through it (e.g., dilute them, reduce their temperature, etc.).), to prevent or reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion when released into the environment via the exhaust outlet(s). In some examples, the engine of vehicle 10 may be arranged to start or continue running during a thermal runaway in order to generate the exhaust gases and thereby dilute the unwanted gases before their release.

[0049] In some examples, the exhaust system 23 is configured to release the unwanted gases through one or more outlets at the rear of the vehicle 10, e.g., via one or more tailpipes. Such an arrangement can offer additional safety benefits for passengers in emergency situations.

[0050] For example, existing RESS systems may be configured to release unwanted gases through vents underneath the vehicle. This can expose passengers to unwanted gases when exiting the vehicle. However, if the unwanted gases are released into the environment at the rear of the vehicle (10), as is the case in several examples discussed here, the likelihood of passengers being exposed to unwanted gases can be reduced.

[0051] In general, the enclosures of existing RESS units are configured to be fluidically sealed. In the event of thermal runaway, reactions within the enclosure can lead to an internal fire. Due to the fluid-tight design of existing RESS units, it can be difficult for emergency responders to extinguish the fire inside. Therefore, in some examples, device 32 can function as a water access port through which water can be introduced into the interior in an emergency.

[0052] For example, an emergency crew can direct a stream of water from a hose into the outlet(s) of the exhaust system 23 (e.g., an exhaust pipe). This stream of water can flow through the exhaust system 23, through the device 32, and into the interior of the housing 33. In some examples, the device 32 may already establish a flow connection through it in response to the generation of unwanted gases in the interior. In some examples, the device 32 may be configured to allow water to enter the interior even if the device 32 remains closed. Various methods can be used to provide such functionality. For example, the pressure of the water flowing from a hose may be significantly higher than the pressure required to penetrate the device 32. Alternatively, the device 32 may be actively controlled to allow water to flow through it.

[0053] In the example of Fig. 2. The device 132 can be modified to include a second check valve oriented in the opposite direction to the check valve shown in the figure. The second check valve can be equipped with a preload element whose preload force exceeds the normal operating gas pressure in the exhaust system 23 but is less than the fluid pressure generated by the water flow from a hose. Alternatively, the device 132 can be modified to include a rupture disc with a burst pressure configured to remain intact during normal operation and to rupture in response to the water flow.

[0054] In the example of Fig. 3. The electronically controlled valve of the device 232 can be opened manually by a user command or automatically by the controller 250, provided the device 232 remains sealed. In some examples, the valve element 261 can be configured to rupture in response to the fluid pressure generated by the water flow from a hose. In other examples, the device 232 can be modified to include a rupture disc with a burst pressure configured to remain intact during normal operation and to rupture in response to the water flow.

[0055] In the example of Fig. 4. The rupture disc 341 can be configured to break in response to the fluid pressure created by the flow of water from a hose, which is likely to be significantly higher than the burst pressure required to release the unwanted gases inside.

[0056] In some examples, the device 32 may be configured to release gases from the interior for reasons unrelated to thermal runaway. For example, the device 32 may be configured to release gas from the interior into the exhaust system 23 to allow pressure equalization between the interior of the housing 33 and the exhaust system 23. Such pressure equalization may be advantageous under various conditions, such as when the vehicle 10 drives over a pothole or when the vehicle 10 rapidly changes altitude. In such examples, the device 32 may include a one-way valve configured to allow the passage of gas from the interior to the exhaust system 23 when the gas pressure is significantly lower than that associated with potential or active thermal runaway. In the specific example of Fig. 4 The control 250 can be configured to allow the passage of gases through the valve to equalize the pressure between the interior and the exhaust system 23.

[0057] Now, with reference to Fig. 5 and with continued reference to the Fig. Figure 1-4 shows a flowchart of a Method 400 for preventing and / or mitigating thermal runaway in a RESS or other enclosure, which, for example, includes one or more battery modules, as provided by the system of Fig. 1 is carried out according to various examples. As can be seen from the present description, the sequence of procedure 400 is not limited to that in Fig. The sequential execution shown in step 5 is limited, but can be executed in one or more varying sequences, depending on applicability and in accordance with the present description.

[0058] In one example, process 400 may begin at 410. In 412, process 400 may involve exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine of a vehicle being directed through a duct to an outlet for discharge into an environment outside the vehicle. In 414, process 400 may involve gases in an interior space of a sealed enclosure of a device, such as the enclosure 33 of the RESS 30, being selectively able to enter the duct and thereby be directed to the outlet and discharged into the environment. In some examples, the gases are discharged when the gas pressure in the interior space exceeds a threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway. In some examples, the gases are released in response to a rapid pressure change within the interior space. For example, the gases may be released to equalize the gas pressure between the interior space and the duct.In case 416, method 400 can optionally include the supply of water to the outlet, through the pipe, and into the interior of the sealed housing via an emergency water access opening that fluidically connects the sealed housing and the pipe. Method 400 can end at 418.

[0059] The systems and methods disclosed herein offer several advantages over certain existing systems and methods. For example, releasing gases from the interior of a RESS into the environment through the vehicle's exhaust system can prevent or mitigate thermal runaway, promote optimal RESS operation (e.g., by pressure equalization), reduce the likelihood of spontaneous combustion of the gases upon contact with the environment, reduce the likelihood of vehicle damage, enhance passenger safety, and / or provide water access to the interior for emergency response teams.

[0060] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be recognized that a large number of variants exist. The exemplary embodiment or embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or design of the disclosure in any way.

[0061] Rather, the foregoing detailed description is intended to provide the person skilled in the art with a practical guide for implementing the exemplary embodiment or embodiments. It is understood that various modifications to the function and arrangement of the elements can be made without departing from the scope of disclosure as set forth in the attached claims and their statutory equivalents.

Claims

[1] System for a vehicle, comprising: a conduit configured to receive exhaust gases from an internal combustion engine of the vehicle and to direct the exhaust gases to an outlet in order to release them into an environment outside the vehicle; a sealed enclosure with an interior space and at least one battery module in the interior space; and a device that fluidically connects the interior of the sealed housing and the conduit, wherein the device is configured to selectively allow gases within the interior to enter the conduit and thereby be directed to its outlet and released into the environment. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a passive one-way valve configured to allow passage of gases from the interior into the line when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the device comprises an electronically controlled valve and a controller with one or more processors, wherein the controller is configured to open the electronically controlled valve by means of the one or more processors in order to allow passage of gases from the interior into the line when a gas pressure inside the interior exceeds at least a first threshold value. [4] System according to claim 1, wherein the device includes a rupture disc configured to break and thereby allow passage of gases from the interior into the line when the gas pressure in the interior exceeds a predetermined threshold. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the device is configured to selectively allow passage of gases from the interior into the conduit to equalize the gas pressure between the interior and the conduit, or in response to the gas pressure in the inner conduit exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event. [6] Methods for a vehicle, comprising: Guiding exhaust gas produced by an internal combustion engine of the vehicle through a pipe to an outlet for release into an environment outside the vehicle; and Selectively allowing gases to enter the conduit within an interior of a sealed enclosure and thereby be directed to its outlet and released into the environment, wherein the sealed enclosure contains at least one battery module within the interior. [7] Method according to claim 6, wherein the interior space is fluidically connected to the conduit via: a passive one-way valve, comprising selectively allowing gases within the interior of the sealed housing to enter the line, and configuring the one-way valve to open in response to a gas pressure within the interior exceeding a predetermined threshold; an electronically controlled valve, wherein the selective allowing of gases within the interior of the sealed housing to enter the line, the opening of the electronically controlled valve with a control comprising one or more processors, in response to a gas pressure within the interior exceeding at least a first threshold value; or a rupture disc comprising selectively allowing gases within the interior of the sealed housing to enter the conduit, and configuring the rupture disc to rupture in response to a gas pressure within the interior exceeding a predetermined threshold. [8] The method of claim 6, further comprising diluting the gases with the exhaust gas in the pipeline before a mixture thereof is released into the environment. [9] Method according to claim 6, further comprising supplying water to the outlet, through the conduit and into the interior of the sealed housing via an emergency water access opening. [10] Method according to claim 6, wherein the selective allowing of the gases within the interior of the sealed housing to enter the conduit is carried out to equalize the gas pressure between the interior and the conduit, or in response to the gas pressure within the interior exceeding a predetermined threshold corresponding to a potential or active thermal runaway event.

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