Battery module and battery cabinet

Abstract

Battery cells (121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127) organized in an at least one column and at least two rows in a battery module (100A). Each row is separated from a neighboring row by an intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A) and a respective boundary ventilating channel (132, 135, 136) is arranged between each row and a wall (110) of the battery module (100A). The intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are can transport gaseous fluids (G) pass the battery cells, and are connected to at least one collector channel (131) allowing the gaseous fluids (G) to escape from the battery module (100A) via a cooling channel (130) and at least one external opening (141, 142). Each battery cell adjoins an inner wall member (241, 242) having at least one respective internal opening (251, 252, 253, 254, 255) toward the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A), which internal opening allows the gaseous fluids (G) to pass out to the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A). The internal openings (251, 252, 253, 254, 255) are organized in an alternating manner so that no pair of internal openings are positioned opposite to one another in the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A).

Description

[0001] Battery Module and Battery Cabinet

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to battery based storage of electric energy. Especially, the invention relates to a battery module according to the preamble of claim 1 and a battery cabinet arranged to accommodate such battery modules.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] The recent dramatic increase of renewable energy resources has resulted in a high demand for efficient battery solutions. Namely, many of the renewable energy resources, for instance those being solar, wind or wave based have an uncontrollable production of electric energy. Therefore, to meet the varying demand on the consumer side, an intermediate storage is needed, typically in the form of an electric battery.

[0006] Of course, it is desirable that such a battery has a high degree of efficiency. However, it is at least as important that the battery is safe, especially if it is intended for household use. Battery cells that overheat may release flammable gas, for example if so-called thermal runaway occurs. The overheating and the gas emissions may lead to explosions and other serious incidents. It is therefore key to avoid overheating the battery cells. Furthermore, it is advantageous to keep the battery cells cool to extend their lifespan. Various solutions are known to cool battery cells and / or to ventilate any gas escaping there from.

[0007] US 8,435,661 describes a battery pack for an electric vehicle, in which an introduction direction of a cooling gas is identical to a discharging direction thereof. The battery pack comprises: a plurality of battery cells arranged as being connected in series; a first cooling channel coupled to one end of the battery cells to control a flow of a cooling gas such that a cooling gas introduced from the outside is discharged between the battery cells; a second cooling channel coupled to the other end of the battery cells to control a flow of the cooling gas such that the cooling gas passing between the battery cells is discharged to the outside; and a flux control plate located in the second cooling channel to uniformly keep a flux of the cooling gas passing between the battery cells. The flux control plate includes: a blocking plate extending from an upper surface of the second cooling channel toward a lower surface thereof and preventing the cooling gas passing between the battery cells from being directly discharged to the outside; and a flow guide plate extending from one end of the blocking plate along a length direction of the second cooling channel. The flow guide plate guides a flow of the cooling gas such that the cooling gas passing between the battery cells is moved in a direction opposite to the introduction direction of the cooling gas and then discharged to the outside. The flow guide plate has a length in a range from 70 percent to 95 percent of a distance between battery cells located at the outermost positions, wherein the flow guide plate and the blocking plate have a width identical to a width of the second cooling channel. A distance between the flow guide plate and the upper surface of the second cooling channel is identical to a distance between the flow guide plate and a lower surface of the second cooling channel. The flow guide plate is extended in parallel with a length direction of the second cooling channel.

[0008] US 2021 / 0218087 reveals a battery module, which reduces the risk of secondary ignition or explosion and increases durability against external impacts. The battery module includes a plurality of secondary batteries respectively having a gas venting portion for discharging a gas generated therein to the outside at a predetermined pressure and arranged in a front and rear direction in two rows. A cooling member is included that has a body portion interposed between two rows of the plurality of secondary batteries and has a size corresponding to left and right sides of the plurality of secondary batteries. A gas discharge portion is provided to at least one of an upper portion and a lower portion of the body portion and has a gas discharge passage elongated from a front end to a rear end of the body portion.

[0009] US 11 ,217,857 shows a system comprising one or more battery modules mounted in a rack assembly that has a structure which defines a cooling air pathway for flowing cooling air across the side and / or bottom of each battery module thereby cooling the battery module, or alternatively, across the energy calls in the battery module. The system further has a structure which defines a thermal runaway gas pathway for flowing thermal runaway gases from a battery module out of the system. The system structure is configured to ensure that the cooling air pathway and thermal runaway gas pathway are physically separated, thereby minimizing the risk of the thermal runaway gas substantially mixing with cooling air thereby potentially resulting in a spontaneous ignition and an explosion.

[0010] Thus, various solutions exist for handling battery heat and gas emissions. However, there is room for improvement of these solutions, especially with respect to the catastrophic chain reactions that may lead to thermal runaway.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to offer a solution that mitigates the risk of thermal runaway in a battery module.

[0013] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a battery module containing a plurality of battery cells that are organized in an array of at least one column and at least two rows. Each row is here separated from a neighboring row by an intermediate ventilating channel, and a respective boundary ventilating channel is arranged between each row and a wall of the battery module. The intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are configured to transport gaseous fluids pass the battery cells. The intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are connected to at least one collector channel, which is arranged to allow the gaseous fluids to escape from the battery module via at least one external opening in a cooling channel being in fluid connection with the at least one collector channel. Each row of battery cells is delimited from the intermediate and boundary ventilating channels by inner wall members. For each of the battery cells, the inner wall members comprise at least one respective internal opening toward the intermediate ventilating channel. The internal opening is adapted to allow any gaseous fluids from the battery cell to pass out into the intermediate ventilating channel. The internal openings are organized in an alternating manner such, that no pair of internal openings are positioned opposite to one another in the intermediate ventilating channel.

[0014] This battery module is advantageous because the alternating arrangement of the internal openings minimizes the risk that hot gas escaping from one battery cell overheats / ignites another battery cell in the battery module.

[0015] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the internal openings are configured to allow the gaseous fluids to flow bidirectionally between each of the at least two rows of battery cells and the intermediate ventilating channel. Thus, a largest possible cooling of the of battery cells is possible.

[0016] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery cells are organized in such a manner that a battery cell in a first row adjoining a first side of the intermediate ventilating channel is positioned with a positive pole toward the first side, and a battery cell in a second row adjoining a second side of the intermediate ventilating channel is positioned with a negative pole toward the second side. This arrangement of the battery cells is generally beneficial if at least some of the battery cells are coupled in parallel with one another. Namely, thereby the cabling between the battery cells can be made efficient.

[0017] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery cells are instead organized such that the cells in each row are positioned with the positive and negative poles arranged in an alternating manner, such that a particular battery cell arranged with its negative pole towards the intermediate ventilating channel is neighbored by at least one battery cell arranged with its positive pole towards the intermediate ventilating channel. This arrangement of the battery cells is generally beneficial if at least some of the battery cells are coupled in series with one another. Namely, thereby the cabling between the battery cells can be made efficient.

[0018] According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery cells are organized in such a manner that a battery cell in a first row adjoining a first side of the intermediate ventilating channel with its negative pole toward the first side is arranged opposite to a battery cell in a second row adjoining a second side of the intermediate ventilating channel, which opposing battery cell has its positive pole toward the second side. This further reduces the risk of chain reactions due to gas emission, since the gas is typically discharged from a particular end of a battery cell, say at the positive pole, where for example a CID (current interrupt device) is arranged.

[0019] According to a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention, for each of the battery cells adjoining a boundary ventilating channel, the inner wall members comprise at least one of the internal openings toward the intermediate ventilating channel, which at least one internal opening is adapted to allow the gaseous fluids to pass out into the boundary ventilating channel. Thereby, additional passageways for the gas are provided, which further reduces the risk of overheating in connection with any gas emissions from the battery cells.

[0020] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, at least one of the at least one cooling channel contains at least one of the at least one external opening in the form at least one aperture and / or at least one outlet. The at least one aperture is adapted to allow gaseous fluids to pass bidirectionally between the at least one cooling channel and the ambient air. The at least one outlet is adapted to exclusively allow the gaseous fluids from the at least one cooling channel to escape into the ambience. Thus, for example, in an initial stage of an overheating scenario when a battery cell discharges gas, the gaseous fluid in the battery module expanding due to the temperature elevation may be expelled from the battery module via the at least one aperture. Then, at a later stage of overheating, gaseous fluid expanding in the battery module may be discharged via the at least one outlet while cooling air is sucked into the battery module through the at least one aperture. Consequently, gas emissions from the battery cells may be handled in a highly efficient manner.

[0021] Preferably, the at least one outlet is provided with a blow-out fuse configured to prevent through-passage of gaseous fluids in an inactivated state. In response to an elevation of a pressure level in the at least one cooling channel above a threshold level, the blow-out fuse assumes an activated state in which gaseous fluids are allowed to pass the blow-out fuse through the at least one outlet. Thereby, it can be ensured that exclusively the at least one aperture expels gas in the initial stage of overheating.

[0022] For example, the blow-out fuse may contain a membrane member arranged to cover the at least one outlet in the inactivated state. The membrane member is configured to break if the pressure level in the at least one cooling channel is elevated above the threshold level. As a result, gaseous fluid may escape from the at least one cooling channel out from the battery module via the at least one outlet.

[0023] According to a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery module contains a printed circuit board. Here, a first set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a first side of the printed circuit board, and a second set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a second side of the printed circuit board. This design is beneficial, since it enables the battery module to be physically compact and renders the cabling to the battery cells efficient.

[0024] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery module includes at least one compartment containing control circuitry configured to control and / or monitor the operation of the battery module. Such combination of battery cells and control circuitry in the battery module renders the overall handling of the battery module very user friendly, for example if a number of battery modules are arranged in a common battery cabinet.

[0025] According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery module contains a temperature sensor configured to register a temperature value representing a temperature of the battery module. The temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the control circuitry.

[0026] Preferably, the control circuitry is configured to obtain the temperature value and an interruption signal indicating that at least one battery cell in said plurality of battery cells has failed. In response to receiving the interruption signal and the temperature value exceeding a threshold level, the control circuitry is further configured to generate an alarm signal indicative of the gaseous fluids being detected in the battery module. The alarm signal, in turn, may be employed to control the operation of the battery module itself as well as other battery modules included in the same installation, for example so that battery modules are shut off, or by other means become deactivated.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a battery cabinet arranged to accommodate two or more instances of the proposed battery module. The battery cabinet also contains a master control module configured to monitor the battery modules by receiving at least one signal generated by these battery modules when accommodated in the battery cabinet. Thus, for example, in response to gas and / or heat problems in one battery module, the master control module may take measures to reduce the risk that other battery modules are affected by these problems.

[0028] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the battery cabinet has a compartment configured to receive the gaseous fluids escaping from any of the at least two instances of the battery module. The compartment is in fluid connection with the at least one external opening of each of the battery module accommodated in the battery cabinet. Thereby, gas emissions from any of the battery modules may be handled safely and efficiently.

[0029] Further advantages, beneficial features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 shows a battery module according to one embodi- ment of the invention;

[0033] Figures 2-4 show details of the battery module illustrating how gaseous fluids may be transported through the battery module according different embodiments of the invention; and

[0034] Figures 5-6 show a perspective view and a side view respectively of a battery cabinet accommodating a plurality of the proposed battery modules.

[0035] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] In Figure 1 , we see a battery module 100A according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0037] The battery module 100A contains a plurality of battery cells ex- emplified by reference numerals 121 , 122, 123, 124, 125, 126 and 127 respectively. The battery cells are organized in an array of at least one column and at least two rows. In Figure 1 , the battery module 100A has four rows and two columns of battery cells, where the battery cell 121 is included in the first row of the first column, the battery cell 122 is included in the second row of the first column, the battery cell 123 is included in the third row of the first column, the battery cell 124 is included in the fourth row of the first column, the battery cell 125 is included in the first row of the second column, the battery cell 126 is included in the second row of the second column, and the battery cell 127 is included in the third row of the second column.

[0038] The fourth row of the second column holds a compartment 1 13 containing a control circuitry configured to control and / or monitor the operation of the battery module 100A. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1 , similar compartments are also included in the first and fourth rows of the first column in the form of 111 and 112 respectively.

[0039] Each of the rows is separated from a neighboring row by an intermediate ventilating channel 133, 134 and 135A respectively, and a respective boundary ventilating channel 132, 135B and 136 respectively is arranged between each row and a wall 110 of the battery module 110. The intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are configured to transport gaseous fluids G pass the battery cells. The intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are in fluid connection with at least one collector channel 131 , which is arranged to receive the gaseous fluids G, and forward the gaseous fluids G to a cooling channel 130 from which the gaseous fluids G are allowed to escape from the battery module 100A via at least one external opening 141 and 142 respectively. In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 , the collector channel 131 is configured to receive gaseous fluids G from the intermediate ventilating channels 133, 134 and 135A and the boundary ventilating channels 132, 135B and 136, and forward the gaseous fluids G to a cooling channel 130, which, preferably in turn, is further fluidly connected to the external openings 141 and 142.

[0040] In other words, the cooling channel 130 may include one or more of the external openings 141 and 142, which, in turn, may be represented by an aperture 141 and outlet 142 respectively. The aperture 141 is here adapted to allow gaseous fluids to pass bidirectionally between the cooling channel 130 the ambient air A, while the outlet 142 is adapted to exclusively allow the gaseous fluids G from the at least one cooling channel 130 to escape out into the ambience, or into a dedicated compartment of a battery cabinet as will be discussed below.

[0041] The different functionality of the aperture 141 and the outlet 142 are advantageous because in an initial stage of an overheating scenario when a battery cell, say 224, discharges gas, the gaseous fluids G in the battery module 100A that expand due to the temperature elevation may be expelled from the battery module 100A via the aperture 141. Should the overheating continue, the further heated gaseous fluids G expanding in the battery module may be discharged via the outlet 142 while, at the same time, cooling air is sucked into the battery module through the aperture

[0042] 141. Consequently, gas emissions from the battery cells in the battery module 100A may be handled very efficiently.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the invention, the outlet 142 is provided with a blow-out fuse 145, e.g. including a membrane member covering the outlet 142, which is configured to prevent through-passage of gaseous fluids G in an inactivated state, i.e. when no battery cell is overheated and / or the above-mentioned initial stage of overheating prevails. In response to an elevation of a pressure level in the collector channel 131 and / or the cooling channel 130 above a threshold level, the a blow-out fuse 145 is configured to assume an activated state in which gaseous fluids G are allowed to pass the blow-out fuse 145 through the outlet

[0044] 142. For example, the membrane member may be configured to break if the pressure level in the collector channel 131 and / or the cooling channel 130 is elevated above the threshold level.

[0045] Referring now to Figure 2, each row of battery cells is further delimited from the intermediate 133, 134 and 135A and boundary ventilating channels 132, 135B and 136 by inner wall members, here exemplified by 241 and 242 respectively. For each of the battery cells, the inner wall members 241 and 242 include at least one respective internal opening, exemplified by 251 , 252, 253, 254 and 255 respectively in Figure 2. The internal openings 251 , 252, 253, 254 and 255 are directed toward the intermediate ventilating channel 133, and each internal opening 251 , 252, 253, 254 and 255 is adapted to allow the gaseous fluids G to pass out to the intermediate ventilating channel 133. Thus, and gas emitted from a battery cell may escape into the intermediate ventilating channel 133. In particular, the internal openings 251 , 252, 253, 254 and 255 are organized in an alternating manner such that no pair of internal openings are positioned opposite to one another in the intermediate ventilating channel 133. As a result, the risk is minimized that hot gas escaping from one battery cell over- heats / ignites another battery cell in the battery module 100A, which lowers the risk of the chain reactions that may lead to thermal runaway.

[0046] According to one embodiment of the invention, the internal openings 251 , 252, 253, 254 and 255 are configured to allow the gaseous fluids G to flow bidirectionally between each of the at least two rows of battery cells and the intermediate ventilating channel 133 and 134. This namely enhances the battery module’s 100A overall passing of cooling air pass the battery cells.

[0047] Alternatively, or additionally, for each of the battery cells adjoining a boundary ventilating channel 132 and 136 respectively, the inner wall members 241 and 242 may also have one or more of the internal openings 251 , 252, 253, 254 and / or 255 toward the intermediate ventilating channel 133 and 134. Analogous to the above, these internal openings are adapted to allow the gaseous fluids G to pass out to the boundary ventilating channel 133 and 134.

[0048] As mentioned above, the battery module 100A may include one or more compartments containing a control circuitry, e.g. 111 , 112 and 113, which control circuitry is configured to control and / or monitor the operation of the battery module 100A. It is beneficial to co-locate such control circuitry with the battery cells and in the battery module 100A, since this typically facilitates the overall handling of the battery module 100A, for example if a number of battery modules are arranged in a common battery cabinet because no separate installation or cabling is needed besides inserting the battery module itself in the battery cabinet.

[0049] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of the invention where a temperature sensor 160 is included in the battery module 100A, for instance in the cooling channel 130. The temperature sensor 160 is configured to register a temperature value representing a temperature of the battery module 100A, and the temperature sensor 160 is communicatively connected to the control circuitry in one or more of the compartments 111 , 112 and 1 13.

[0050] The control circuitry, in turn, is preferably configured to obtain the temperature value and an interruption signal indicating that at least one battery cell has failed. Here, the interruption signal may originate from a respective voltage measurement over each battery cell being reported to the control circuitry, which voltage measurement detects that the CID of a battery cell triggered, for example by returning a positive or negative diode voltage over the battery cell in question. In response to receiving the interruption signal and the temperature value exceeding a threshold level, control circuitry is further configured to generate an alarm signal S indicative of the gaseous fluids G being detected in the battery module 100A. The alarm signal S, in turn, may result in that the battery module 100A is shut off / deactivated, and possibly that any battery modules being co-located with the module 100A are shut off / deactivated. Referring again to Figure 2, we see an embodiment of the invention where the battery cells 221 , 222, 223, 224, 225 and 226 are organized in such a manner that a battery cell, here 221 , 222 and 223, in a first row adjoining a first side of the intermediate ventilating channel 133 is positioned with a positive pole + toward the first side, and a battery cell, here 224, 225 and 226, in a second row adjoining a second side of the intermediate ventilating channel 133 is positioned with a negative pole - toward the second side. Such an arrangement is beneficial if at least a group of battery cells in the battery module 100A are connected in parallel with one another, since this renders the cabling efficient.

[0051] Figure 3 shows a portion of the battery module 100A in Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the invention. Here, the battery cells 221 , 222, 223, 224, 225 and 226 are instead organized such that the cells in each row with the positive and negative poles are arranged in an alternating manner, such that a particular battery cell, say 222, is arranged with its negative pole - towards the intermediate ventilating channel 133 is neighbored by at least one battery cell, here 221 and 223 respectively, that is arranged with its positive pole + towards the intermediate ventilating channel 133. Such an arrangement is beneficial if at least a group of battery cells in the battery module 100A are connected in series with one another, since this renders the cabling efficient.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the battery cells 221 , 222, 223, 224, 225 and 126 are further organized in such a manner that a battery cell, say 222, in the first row adjoining the first side of the intermediate ventilating channel 133 with its negative pole - toward the first side is arranged opposite to a battery cell, here 225, in the second row adjoining the second side of the intermediate ventilating channel 133, which opposing battery cell 225 has its positive pole + toward the second side. This is generally beneficial in terms of reducing the risk of chain reactions due to gas emission, since the gas is typically discharged from a particular end of a battery cell, say at the positive pole +, where the CID usually is located. Figure 4 shows a portion of the battery module 100A according to one embodiment of the invention, where the battery module 100A contains a PCB (printed circuit board) 400. Here, a first set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a first side of the PCB 400 and a second set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a second side of the PCB 400. For example, the battery cells in the first set, in turn, may be organized in a first number of groups 410, 411 , 412, 413, 414 and 415 respectively on the first side of the PCB 400. Analogously, the battery cells in the second set may be organized in a second number of groups 416 and 417 respectively on the second side of the PCB 400. Thus, a physically compact design of the battery module 100A may be combined with efficient cabling to the battery cells. On each side of the PCB 400, the battery cells are separated from one another by intermediate and boundary ventilating channels, which are further connected to at least one collector 131 and 431 as described above. Thus, referring again to Figure 1 , the battery cell 121 is included in the group 410, the battery cell 122 is included in the group 411 , the battery cell 123 is included in the group 412, the battery cell 125 is included in the group 413, the battery cell 126 is included in the group 414 and the battery cell 126 is included in the group 415.

[0053] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a battery cabinet 500 accommodating multiple instances of the proposed battery modules in the form of 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H respectively. Figure 6 shows the battery cabinet 500 in a side view.

[0054] The battery cabinet 500 has a door 510 and a housing 520, and contains a master control module 635, which is configured to monitor the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H by receiving at least one signal generated by the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H when accommodated in the battery cabinet 500. For example, based on said signals, the master control module 635 may control how electric energy is stored in and discharged from dif- ferent battery modules depending on the prevailing production and demand conditions.

[0055] The master control module 635 may also obtain the alarm signal S, and in response thereto, control one or more of the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H to be shut off / deactivated. Alternatively, the alarm signal S may be communicated directly between the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H to cause the shut off / deactivation effect, i.e. without passing any master control module 635.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the invention, the battery cabinet 500 contains a compartment 620 configured to receive the gaseous fluids G escaping from any of the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and / or 100H. Via a set of passages 610, the compartment 620 is in fluid connection with the external opening 141 and / or 142 of each of the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H when accommodated in the battery cabinet 500. Consequently, any gaseous fluids G from the battery cells in one or more of the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H will remain in the cabinet 500. For convenient installation of the battery modules 100A, 100B, 100C, 100D, 100E, 100F, 100G and 100H, the master control module 635 and the compartment 620 may be arranged in a rear section of the cabinet 500, i.e. opposite to the door 520.

[0057] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0058] The term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. The term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word “or” is not to be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes referred to as “XOR”). On the contrary, expressions such as “A or B” covers all the cases “A and not B”, “B and not A” and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0059] It is also to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable.

[0060] The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1. A battery module (100A) comprising: a plurality of battery cells (121 , 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127) organized in an array of at least one column and at least two rows, wherein each row is separated from a neighboring row by an intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A) and a respective boundary ventilating channel (132, 135B, 136) is arranged between each row and a wall (1 10) of the battery module, which intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are configured to transport gaseous fluids (G) pass the battery cells, which intermediate and boundary ventilating channels are connected to at least one collector channel (131 , 431 ) arranged to allow the gaseous fluids (G) to escape from the battery module (100A) via a cooling channel (130) and at least one external opening (141 , 142), wherein each row of battery cells is delimited from the intermediate and boundary ventilating channels by inner wall members (241 , 242), and, for each of said battery cells, the inner wall members (241 , 242) comprise at least one respective internal opening (251 , 252, 253, 254, 255) toward the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A), which internal opening is adapted to allow the gaseous fluids (G) to pass out to the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134), characterized in that the internal openings (251 , 252, 253, 254, 255) are organized in an alternating manner such that no pair of internal openings are positioned opposite to one another in the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A).

2. The battery module (100A) according to claim 1 , wherein the internal openings (251 , 252, 253, 254, 255) are configured to allow the gaseous fluids (G) to flow bidirectionally between each of the at least two rows of battery cells and the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A).

3. The battery module (100A) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the battery cells (221 , 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) are organized in such a manner that a battery cell (221 , 222, 223) ina first row adjoining a first side of the intermediate ventilating channel (133) is positioned with a positive pole (+) toward the first side, and a battery cell (224, 225, 226) in a second row adjoining a second side of the intermediate ventilating channel (133) is positioned with a negative pole (-) toward the second side.

4. The battery module (100A) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the battery cells (221 , 222, 225, 226) are organized such that the cells in each row are positioned with the positive and negative poles (+, -) arranged in an alternating manner, such that a particular battery cell (222) arranged with its negative pole (-) towards the intermediate ventilating channel (133) is neighbored by at least one battery cell (221 , 223) arranged with its positive pole (+) towards the intermediate ventilating channel (133).

5. The battery module (100A) according to claim 4, wherein the battery cells (221 , 222, 223, 224, 225, 226) are organized in such a manner that a battery cell (222) in a first row adjoining a first side of the intermediate ventilating channel (133) with its negative pole (-) toward the first side is arranged opposite to a battery cell (225) in a second row adjoining a second side of the intermediate ventilating channel (133), which opposing battery cell (225) has its positive pole (+) toward the second side.

6. The battery module (100A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, for each of said battery cells adjoining a boundary ventilating channel (132, 136), the inner wall members (241 , 242) comprise at least one of the internal openings (251 , 252, 253, 254, 255) toward the intermediate ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A), which at least one internal opening is adapted to allow the gaseous fluids (G) to pass out to the boundary ventilating channel (133, 134, 135A).

7. The battery module (100A) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the cooling channel (130) comprises at least one of the at least one external opening (141 ,142) in the form of at least one of: at least one aperture (141 ) adapted to allow gaseous fluids to pass bidirectionally between the cooling channel (130) and the ambient air (A), and at least one outlet (142) adapted to exclusively allow the gaseous fluids (G) from the cooling channel (130) to escape into the ambience.

8. The battery module (100A) according to claim 7, wherein the at least one outlet (142) is provided with a blow-out fuse (145) configured to prevent through-passage of gaseous fluids (G) in an inactivated state; and in response to an elevation of a pressure level in the cooling channel (130) above a threshold level, assume an activated state in which gaseous fluids (G) are allowed to pass the blow-out fuse (145) through the at least one outlet (142).

9. The battery module (100A) according to claim 8, wherein the blow-out fuse (145) comprises a membrane member arranged to cover the at least one outlet (142) in the inactivated state, and which membrane member is configured to break if the pressure level in the cooling channel (130) is elevated above the threshold level.

10. The battery module (100A) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a printed circuit board (400), and a first set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a first side of the printed circuit board (400) and a second set of the plurality of battery cells is arranged on a second side of the printed circuit board (400).11 . The battery module (100A) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one compartment (111 , 112, 113) containing a control circuitry configured to control and / or monitor the operation of the battery module (100A).

12. The battery module (1 OOA) according to claim 11 , compri-sing a temperature sensor (160) configured to register a temperature value representing a temperature of the battery module (100A), which temperature sensor (160) is communicatively connected to the control circuitry.

13. The battery module (100A) according to claim 12, wherein the control circuitry is configured to: obtain the temperature value and an interruption signal indicating that at least one battery cell in said plurality of battery cells has failed, and in response to receiving the interruption signal and the temperature value exceeding a threshold level, generating an alarm signal (S) indicative of the gaseous fluids (G) being detected in the battery module (100A).

14. A battery cabinet (500) arranged to accommodate at least two instances of the battery module (100A) according to any one of the preceding claims, which the battery cabinet (500) comprises: a master control module (635) configured to monitor the at least two instances of the battery module (100A) by receiving at least one signal generated by the at least two instances of the battery module (100A) when accommodated in the battery cabinet (500).

15. The battery cabinet (500) according to claim 14, comprising: a compartment (620) configured to receive the gaseous fluids (G) escaping from any of the at least two instances of the battery module (100A), which compartment (620) is in fluid connection (610) with the at least one external opening (141 , 142) of each of the at least two instances of the battery module (100A) when accommodated in the battery cabinet (500).

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