Modular battery system

Abstract

To provide a battery module, a battery system, and a method of connecting a first cell and a second cell of the battery module.SOLUTION: A battery module 100b comprises at least two battery cells 101 arranged to be coupled in series. Each battery cell included in each battery module is arranged to be removably coupled to an adjacent battery cell in the same battery module via an individual serial connection plate 103. Each battery cell included in each battery module is arranged to be removably coupled to the individual serial connection plate via an electrically conductive adhesive element 111.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1c

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a modular battery system. Specifically, embodiments of the present specification relate to a battery module and a modular battery system including one or more battery cells, and a method of manufacturing such a modular battery system.

Background Art

[0002] The recent increase in electrification, such as the development of electric vehicles, has led to a renewed effort to design and manufacture efficient and durable battery systems to meet the growing demand in the industry. For this purpose, many battery systems have been presented, each including a battery module with individual battery cells. However, conventional systems have multiple drawbacks such as short lifespan, service and maintenance issues, lack of flexibility and expandability, and recycling problems.

[0003] Therefore, in the field of battery systems, there is a need to develop more flexible, cost-effective, versatile, and expandable battery systems and methods that meet the needs of energy consumers.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a battery module, a juxtaposed battery module, a battery system, a battery pack, and a method including at least two battery cells that mitigate all or at least some of the drawbacks of currently known solutions. These and other objects are achieved by various aspects of the present disclosure defined in the appended independent claims. In this context, the terms exemplary or example are understood to serve as an example, instance, or illustration.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a battery module including at least two battery cells arranged to be connected in series, the battery module being configured to be removably connected to an adjacent first corresponding battery module by a first electrical connection portion. The battery module is further configured such that each battery cell included in the battery module can be removably connected to at least one battery cell included in an adjacent first and second battery module by at least one second electrical connection portion to an adjacent first corresponding battery module and to a further adjacent second corresponding battery module. The first electrical connection portion is a parallel electrical connection portion and is different from the at least one second electrical connection portion.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the battery module may further be configured to be removably connected to at least one external electrical load in parallel by a parallel electrical connection portion.

[0007] According to some exemplary embodiments, the battery module may further be configured to be removably connected to a battery management system (BMS) unit by at least one second electrical connection portion.

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the battery module may further include a positive battery module terminal and a negative battery module terminal. The battery module may further be configured to be removably coupled via the positive battery module terminal and the negative battery module terminal to a first electrical connection in parallel with an adjacent first corresponding battery module such that a current path can be formed between the positive and negative terminals of the first electrical connection. The battery module may further be configured to be removably coupled to an adjacent first corresponding battery module and to at least one second corresponding battery module adjacent thereto by at least one second electrical connection such that each battery cell included in the battery module can be removably coupled by at least one second electrical connection to at least one battery cell included in the adjacent first and second battery modules. Thus, at least one signal path may be formed between the battery module and the adjacent first and second battery modules via at least one second electrical connection, and the formed current path may be different from the formed at least one signal path.

[0009] Accordingly, the advantageous battery module, battery system, and method according to the present disclosure provide a non-exhaustive list of advantageous effects including the following. · A more expandable and flexible design of the battery module, battery system, and battery pack. · There is no need to stop operation and remove the battery pack or battery system for repair or upgrade, and maintenance and service of the battery module or battery pack can be easily performed at the individual battery cell level. This in turn contributes to improved economic and environmental sustainability. · Advantageous battery modules, battery packs, and battery systems offer the potential for more time - and cost - efficient battery pack recycling. For example, the automated disassembly stage of the recycling process can be easily applied to the disclosed battery packs. This is because it facilitates the separation of battery cells from all the connection and coupling elements within the module, other components of the battery pack, the battery system, and the external load. Also, the scalability process of the modular battery system results in a more predictable battery module design. · The solution proposed herein provides a cost - efficient, modular, and scalable solution, especially for small - scale manufacturers, offering the possibility of entering the electrification market considering affordable investment and risks.

[0010] In various exemplary embodiments, each battery cell included in each battery module may be arranged to be removably coupled to adjacent battery cells within the same battery module via individual series - connection plates. In some embodiments, each battery cell included in each battery module may be arranged to be removably coupled to individual series - connection plates via conductive adhesive elements.

[0011] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first electrical connection and / or at least one second electrical connection between a battery module and first and second adjacent battery modules may be formed via conductive elastics and / or spring - connection terminals.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a juxtaposed battery module is provided that includes a first battery module and a second battery module, each including at least two battery cells arranged such that the battery modules are connected in series. The first and second battery modules are configured to be removably coupled in parallel by a first electrical connection. The first and second battery modules are further configured to be removably coupled by at least one second electrical connection such that each battery cell included in each battery module is further removably coupled by at least one second electrical connection to at least one battery cell included in the other battery module. The first electrical connection is different from the at least one second electrical connection.

[0013] According to some embodiments, each of the first and second battery modules of the juxtaposed battery module may further include a positive battery module terminal and a negative battery module terminal. Each module may be configured such that a current path may be formed between the positive and negative terminals of the first electrical connection. Each module may further be configured such that at least one signal path may be formed between the first battery module and the second battery module via at least one second electrical connection, and the formed current path may be different from the at least one formed signal path.

[0014] In some embodiments, the juxtaposed module may further be configured to be removably coupled such that a current path may further be formed between each battery module and an external electrical load via the positive and negative battery module terminals by the first electrical connection in parallel with the external electrical load.

[0015] According to some exemplary embodiments, the juxtaposed battery modules may further be configured to be removably coupled by at least one second electrical connection to one or more other juxtaposed battery modules and / or single battery modules, whereby at least one signal path may further be formed between each two adjacent juxtaposed battery modules and / or between an adjacent juxtaposed battery module and a single battery module.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the juxtaposed battery modules and / or single battery modules may further be configured to be removably connectable by at least one second electrical connection to a battery management system (BMS) unit.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the juxtaposed battery modules and / or single battery modules may further be configured such that when removably coupled to the BMS unit, at least one signal path may further be formed between the juxtaposed battery modules and / or single battery modules and the BMS unit.

[0018] In various exemplary embodiments, each battery cell included in each of the first and second battery modules may be arranged to be removably coupled via an individual series connection plate to an adjacent battery cell within the same battery module. According to some embodiments, each battery cell included in each of the first and second battery modules may be arranged to be removably coupled via a conductive adhesive element to an individual series connection plate.

[0019] In some exemplary embodiments, the juxtaposed battery module is configured such that at least one second electrical connection may be formed via a conductive elastomer and / or spring connection terminal.

[0020] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a modular battery system comprising one or more battery modules arranged to be removably coupled to adjacent battery modules according to any one of the embodiments of the first aspect and / or the second aspect of the present disclosure. The modular battery system further comprises a battery management system (BMS) unit arranged to be removably coupled to the one or more battery modules.

[0021] According to a further fourth aspect, there is provided a method of connecting first and second battery modules, each module comprising at least two battery cells. The method comprises removably connecting in series at least two battery cells included in each of the first and second battery modules such that each battery cell included in each battery module is removably coupled via an individual series connection to an adjacent battery cell within the same battery module, and removably coupling the first battery module and the second battery module such that the first and second battery modules are removably coupled by a first electrical connection and / or at least one second electrical connection, wherein the first electrical connection is different from the at least one second electrical connection.

[0022] According to some exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises forming a current path between the first battery module and the second battery module via the first electrical connection, wherein the first electrical connection may be a parallel electrical connection. The method further comprises forming at least one signal path between the first battery module and the second battery module via at least one second electrical connection, wherein the formed current path may be different from the at least one formed signal path.

[0023] Further embodiments of various aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

[0024] Note that all embodiments, elements, features, and advantages related to the first aspect are equally applicable to the second, third, and fourth aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be further clarified in the following detailed description.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] Further objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not to scale.

[0027]

Fig. 1a-1b

Fig. 1c

Fig. 1d

Fig. 2a-2b

Fig. 3a-3b

Fig. 4

Fig. 5

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] In the following detailed description, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. However, those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise indicated, the features of the various embodiments are interchangeable between the embodiments and can be combined in various other ways. Basic conventional techniques in electronics, sensor systems, signal processing, data communication systems, integrated circuit design, printed circuit board (PCB) design, and other components for implementing the present disclosure are considered readily available to those skilled in the art. The terms "first", "second", etc. used in this specification do not indicate order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another and assist the reader.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that the procedures, services, and functions described herein can be implemented using individual hardware circuits, software operating in conjunction with a programmed microprocessor or general-purpose computer, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs).

[0030] In the description of the following exemplary embodiments, the same reference numerals indicate the same or similar components.

[0031] Figure 1a shows a schematic perspective view of a battery module 100 according to some aspects and embodiments. The battery module 100 of this example comprises 14 battery cells 101 arranged to be coupled in series. A battery cell in this context is a rechargeable battery cell that can be repeatedly charged when depleted during the life of the battery module. On the other hand, in other examples and embodiments, the battery module may comprise at least two battery cells arranged to be coupled in series. In some embodiments based on the design requirements, intended use, and performance requirements of the battery module, the battery module may comprise 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 100, 120, 240, 360 or any suitable number of battery cells arranged to be coupled in series. The battery module 100 of Figure 1a comprises 14 cylindrical battery cells 101 arranged adjacent to each other and coupled by series electrical connections 102. In other examples, the battery cells may be of any suitable geometric shape such as prismatic cells or pouch cells. The battery cells may provide any suitable output voltage known in the art and customized according to the intended use. By coupling the battery cells in series, the desired voltage level can be adjusted and customized for each battery module 100. For example, by simply adjusting the number of battery cells connected in series in each battery module, it is possible to easily construct battery modules with varying output voltages to meet the various requirements from different consumers. The battery modules of the present disclosure have various application fields such as sustainable energy sources for electric vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, buses, boats, etc., and by providing battery modules having a customized number of battery cells based on such requirements, the various energy demands of different types and models of electric vehicles may be provided.

[0032] As also shown in the schematic side view of the battery module 100 of FIG. 1b, each battery cell 101 included in the battery module 100 is arranged to be removably coupled to an adjacent battery cell 101 within the battery module by a series electrical connection 102 via an individual series connection plate 103. Each battery cell 101 has a first end 101a and a second end 101b. For purposes of illustration only, in FIG. 1a, it is shown that the first end 101a and the second end 101b of the battery cell are arranged facing the front surface 100-F and the back surface 100-R of the battery module 100. Thus, FIG. 1b shows the front surface 100-F of the battery module 100.

[0033] Each series connection plate, such as plate 103a, comprises a first end portion 103-1 arranged to be removably coupled to the first end 101a of the first battery cell 101-1 included in the battery module 100. The series connection plate 103a also comprises a second end portion 103-2 arranged to be removably coupled to the first end 101a of the second battery cell 101-2 adjacent to the first battery cell 101-1 included in the same battery module. The second ends 101b of the first battery cell 101-1 and the second battery cell 101-2 are similarly removably coupled to the second ends 101b of each adjacent battery cell by respective individual series connection plates 103b, 103c. Also, similarly, all of the remaining battery cells within the battery module 100 of FIG. 1a are removably coupled to adjacent battery cells such that a series electrical connection is formed between all of the battery cells 101 included in the battery module 100.

[0034] The in-line connection plate 103 is a conductive connection means configured to conduct current and may be made of several conductive materials such as metals like copper and titanium, conductive polymers, and organic materials such as graphite. Each battery cell 101 included in each battery module 100 is arranged to be removably coupled to an individual in-line connection plate 103 via a conductive adhesive element 111, as shown in an example of FIG. 1c showing an exploded perspective view of two juxtaposed battery modules 100a, 100b each having cells removably coupled by conductive adhesive elements 111. Further, battery modules 100a and 100b may also be removably coupled by conductive adhesive elements 111 to form a juxtaposed battery module 200 according to several embodiments described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2b. For example, as shown in the battery system 300 of FIGS. 3a to 3b, removable connections between battery modules, battery modules 100, 200 and other components such as BMS units 120a, 120b may also be realized by conductive adhesive elements 111. However, it will be apparent that other types of conductive connection means such as welding or soldering couplings may be used by those skilled in the art. It is understood, however, that by using the advantageous conductive adhesive element 111 of the present disclosure, not only can the use of welding or soldering be reduced when forming a battery module or battery pack 400, but also the disadvantages of thermal degradation of conventional soldering / welding couplings can be easily prevented. This may in turn contribute to the lifespan of the battery module and the battery pack 400 comprising the battery module according to the present disclosure. Further, by using a removably connectable conductive adhesive, the recycling process of the battery module and the battery pack can be automated since the separation of the removably coupled components can be performed, for example, by applying a separating force at the junction between the module and the cell. This provides the advantage that the components can be more easily disassembled by robotics applying cleavage or peeling stress at the junction between the module and the cell during the recycling process.Using a conductive adhesive eliminates the thermal stress on the battery cell and eliminates the unknown factor of thermal degradation in the assembly process of the battery module and battery pack according to the present disclosure.

[0035] The battery cells included in the battery module 100 are mechanically fixed in place by being arranged in a battery pack 400 including a plurality of battery modules 100, 200 as shown in FIG. 4 with a battery module holder element 105 or the like (not shown) as shown in FIG. 1b to provide mechanical integrity to the battery system. In some aspects and embodiments, the battery pack includes a housing 410 for mechanically supporting the battery module and the battery cells.

[0036] In some embodiments, each battery module 100 further includes a positive battery module terminal 106 and a negative battery module terminal 107 as shown in FIGS. 1a to 1b. Thus, the battery module 100 is configured to be removably connected in parallel to at least one external load "Z" via the positive and negative battery module terminals, for example as shown in FIG. 1b. The negative battery module terminal 107 is also configured to be connectable to a reference point such as a ground (GND) reference point shown in FIG. 1d, to an equivalent electrical circuit of at least one battery module 100 having six battery cells 101 according to the present disclosure. The at least one external load "Z" may be any type of energy consumer coupled to the battery module 100. In FIG. 1b, the at least one external load "Z" includes external loads Z1, Z2, Z3. However, in various embodiments, each battery module may be connectable to one ("Z1") or multiple ("M" external loads "Z M ", etc.). In a modular battery system such as the battery system 300 in FIGS. 3a to 3b where "N" battery modules 100 are connected to each other and each battery module is connected to "M" external loads, the number of external loads for the number of modules "N" is "Z MNIt can be expressed as "」, where "N" and "M" are integers. In some embodiments, all modules may be connected to the same number of external loads. In some embodiments, the positive and negative battery module terminals are formed by the series connection plate 103. In the examples of FIGS. 1a and 1b, the terminal plates 106 and 107 include openings 108 configured to be removably connected to at least an external load. FIG. 1b shows an example where the universal connector 108a is disposed in the opening 108 of each plate 106, 107 to removably couple the battery module 100 to at least one external load "Z". Those skilled in the art clearly recognize that there are various approaches for connecting the battery module 100 to an external load, such as soldering, welding, bolting, conductive adhesive elements, spring-type connections, etc., but the details are omitted herein for brevity.

[0037] In some aspects and embodiments, the battery module 100 is configured to be removably connected to several other adjacent battery modules, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1d or 3a - 3b. FIG. 1c shows an equivalent electrical circuit of battery modules 100a, 100b, 100c arranged to be removably connected to each other. In the context of the present disclosure, being removably connectable or removably coupled means that elements and components such as battery modules 100, 100a, 100b, 100c can be arranged to be repeatedly and reversibly attached to and / or detached from other battery modules, other components and elements, external electrical loads, battery management systems (BMS), etc. Coupled, connected, connectable, attachable, attached in the context of the present disclosure may be used to indicate that battery modules and / or other components or elements within the scope of the present disclosure can be understood to be physically and / or electrically joined to each other. Thus, based on a particular system design, intended use, or performance requirements for supplying energy to an energy consumer system, one battery module can be configured to be connectable to one or more battery modules. Thus, a battery module can be repeatedly and reversibly attached to other battery modules to create a plurality of battery modules, or repeatedly and reversibly detached from other battery modules or other components within a battery system. A battery module may be removably attached to other battery modules, for example, to increase the energy capacity of a battery system configured to store electrical energy and supply it to an energy consumer. Similarly, a battery module may be removably removed for purposes such as repair, maintenance, recycling, etc. Thus, a multi - purpose and universal modular battery system can be realized without the need to redesign the battery system for each individual energy consumer having different energy level requirements.

[0038] Returning to the example of FIG. 1d, battery modules 100a, 100b, and 100c are arranged adjacent to each other. Battery modules 100a, 100b, and 100c are corresponding, i.e., similar, battery modules having six similar battery cells 101 arranged such that all are connected in series. The battery cells of module 100a may also be referred to as "Cell 1 to Cell 6" or simply "C1 to C6". The battery cells of battery modules 100b and 100c may similarly be referred to as "C7 to C12". It will be understood that symbols such as "C" or "Cell" used for the battery cells function as identifiers in this specification to distinguish some elements from each other. Battery module 100a is configured to be removably connected to an adjacent first corresponding battery module 100b by a first electrical connection portion 106, and the first electrical connection portion 106 is a parallel connection portion. Battery module 100a includes a positive battery module terminal 106 and a negative battery module terminal 107, and is configured to be removably coupled in parallel to an adjacent first corresponding battery module 100b having a positive battery module terminal 106 and a negative battery module terminal 107 via the positive battery module terminal 106 and the negative battery module terminal ings 107 by the first electrical connection portion 106. When battery module 100a is removably connected in parallel to the first corresponding battery module 100b and an external load "Z1", a current path 104 is formed between the positive terminal 106 and the negative terminal 107 of the first electrical connection portion 106 between the two modules 100a, 100b. The negative terminals 107 of both battery modules 100a, 100b are removably connected to a reference point "GND".

[0039] In some embodiments, the parallel electrical connection between battery modules 100a, 100b and an external electrical load "Z1" may be at least partially formed by a first electrical connection 104 between battery module 100a and a first corresponding adjacent battery module 100b. When battery module 100a and / or battery module 100b is removably connected to at least one external load "Z1", a current path 104 is also formed between the battery module and the external electrical load. In various aspects and embodiments such as the example of FIG. 1d, battery module 100a is further removably connected to an adjacent first corresponding battery module 100b and a further adjacent second corresponding battery module 100c by at least one second electrical connection 110a-c different from the first electrical connection 106, such that each battery cell included in battery module 100a is further removably connectable to at least one battery cell included in adjacent first battery module 100b and second battery module 100c by at least one second electrical connection 110a-c. Battery module 100a is removably coupled to an adjacent first corresponding battery module 100b and a further adjacent second corresponding battery module 100c by at least one second electrical connection 110a-c such that each battery cell included in battery module 100a is further removably connectable to at least one battery cell included in adjacent first battery module 100b and second battery module 100c by at least one second electrical connection 110a-c, and at least one signal path 110a-c is formed between battery module 100a and adjacent first battery module 100b and second battery module 100c via at least one second electrical connection 110a-c. Thus, the formed current path 104 is different from the formed at least one signal path 110a-c.

[0040] The inventors have noticed that by separating the current path 104 formed between the battery module 100 and at least one external load "Z1" from at least one signal path 110a-c formed between battery modules 100a-c, the aspect of energy supply from the battery module to the external load can be separated from the aspects of control and measurement between the battery modules. In other words, the battery module 100 is configured to be removably coupled to the external load "Z MN " via the positive and negative battery module terminals 106, 107 by means of the parallel connection part 106. In this way, the number of battery modules removably coupled in parallel to the external load can be increased according to the energy demand of the consumer, i.e., the external load "Z MN ", and thus a modular dimension is brought to the battery system with multiple battery modules 100. This advantageous objective is achieved without the need to change the battery module design for each energy consumer with different energy level requirements and specific applications. This objective is rather achieved by introducing a general-purpose battery module (battery cells connected in series within each module) that provides a predetermined voltage value, installing a plurality of these general-purpose battery modules in parallel to supply current, and providing the energy level required for each consumer. Furthermore, by separating the current path 104 of the external load (which can also be called the power path 104) from at least one signal path 110a-c, signal measurement between the modules and maintenance of the battery module are significantly facilitated. The signal path measures the parameters of the battery module in the idle state and / or runtime state and at least one external load "Z MNIt is configured to be used to supply real-time information on the performance of the battery system 300 without the need to disconnect the current supply path 104 to the "". By separating the signal paths, when an indicator of a failure or malfunction is returned in the parameter measurement of a specific battery module among a plurality of battery modules connected in parallel, that specific battery module can be easily identified. In some embodiments, the differential voltage between each pair of a single path may be measured to identify the faulty module.

[0041] Furthermore, when a faulty battery module is identified, since the battery module and the load are installed in parallel using separate current paths 104, it can be disconnected from the external load without affecting the voltage level supplied to the load. In some embodiments, for example, when the battery system is fully assembled, current measurement may be used to detect which battery module is damaged. When the identified faulty battery module is disconnected from the current / power path 104 of the battery system, the voltage can be measured to find the faulty cell within the identified faulty module. Additionally or alternatively, the voltage drop of the battery system in use can be compared with the voltage drop at the previously measured current, and the difference between the measured values can be checked and used as a failure indicator.

[0042] This feature reduces the adverse effects of battery module maintenance in conventional systems, where battery modules are connected in series to provide the voltage level of the energy consumer. In conventional systems, even if the issue of signal measurement between modules is ignored, when a faulty battery module is identified, to remove and repair such a faulty battery module, the entire battery system needs to be disconnected from the energy consumer, interrupting the energy supply process. However, with the advantageous solution of the present disclosure, the possibility of hot-swapping battery modules during the execution of the battery system 300 is achieved without affecting the supplied voltage and without interrupting the operation of the energy consumer.

[0043] Figures 2a through 2b show a perspective view of a juxtaposed battery module 200 and an equivalent electrical circuit of the juxtaposed module 200, according to some aspects and embodiments. In this example, the juxtaposed battery module 200 includes a first battery module 100a and a second battery module 100b, and each battery module includes at least two battery cells 101 (e.g., C1 through C6 for module 100a and C7 through C12 for module 100b, six cells per module in this example) arranged to be coupled in series in a manner similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 1a through 1d. The first and second battery modules may be configured to be removably coupled in parallel by a first electrical connection 106. The first electrical connection 106 is formed by removably connecting the positive and negative terminals 106a, 107a of the first battery module 100a to the corresponding positive and negative terminals 106b, 107b of the second battery module 100b. Further, the first and second battery modules may be further removably coupled such that each battery cell included in each battery module is further removably coupled to at least one battery cell included in the other battery module by at least one second electrical connection 110a - c. The first electrical connection 106 may be different from at least one second electrical connection 110a - c.

[0044] Further, the juxtaposed battery module 200 is configured such that the first and second modules are removably coupled and a current path 104 is formed between the positive terminals 106a, 106b and the negative terminals 107a, 107b of the first electrical connection 106. Each module may be further configured such that at least one signal path 110a - c may be formed between the first battery module and the second battery module via at least one second electrical connection 110a - c. Accordingly, the formed current path 104 may be different from at least one formed signal path 110a - c.

[0045] Similarly, the juxtaposed module 200 also ensures that the current path 104 is further connected to at least one external electrical load "Z" via the positive and negative battery module terminals by means of the first electrical connection 106, such that MN the current path 104 is formed between each battery module 100a, 100b and at least one external electrical load "Z". MN The juxtaposed module 200 may be further configured to be removably coupled in parallel to at least one external electrical load "Z".

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 3a to 3b, the juxtaposed battery module 200 may also be configured to be removably coupled by means of at least one second electrical connection 110a-c to one or more other juxtaposed battery modules 200 and / or single battery modules 100, whereby at least one signal path 110a-c is further formed between each two adjacent juxtaposed battery modules and / or between an adjacent juxtaposed battery module and a single battery module. This is also indicated by the dashed lines 110a-c extending across the entire battery system 300 between adjacent juxtaposed battery modules 200 and / or single battery modules 100.

[0047] In some embodiments and aspects, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3b, the juxtaposed battery module 200 or single battery module 100 may also be configured to be removably connectable by means of at least one second electrical connection 110a-c to battery management system (BMS) units 120a, 120b. In some aspects and embodiments, the battery module may also be connected to the BMS units 120a, 120b via one or more parallel connections 106.

[0048] The battery modules 100, 200 and the BMS units 120a, 120b may be configured to be coupled to a common GND reference point that can be used for signal measurement between the modules.

[0049] The BMS units 120a, 120b shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b may be arranged to be removably connected to a plurality of modules within the battery system 300 at both ends of the module chain. However, in some embodiments, only one BMS unit may be arranged within the battery system 300. The BMS unit may be implemented by known techniques such as an integrated circuit included within a PCB board that can be removably attached and connected to the battery module.

[0050] The juxtaposed battery modules 200 and / or the single battery module 100 may further be configured such that when removably coupled to the BMS unit, at least one signal path 110 (e.g., 110a - c) may be further formed between the juxtaposed battery modules and / or between the single battery module and the BMS units 120a, 120b.

[0051] As shown from FIGS. 3a to 3b, in various aspects and embodiments, a modular battery system 300 is also provided that includes one or more battery modules such as a single battery module 100 and / or juxtaposed battery modules and / or combinations thereof arranged to be removably coupled, and battery management system (BMS) units 120a, 120b arranged to be removably coupled to the one or more battery modules 100, 200.

[0052] In various aspects and embodiments, such as the embodiments from FIGS. 1a to 1b, FIGS. 2a to 2b, and FIGS. 3a to 3b, the first electrical connection and / or at least one second electrical connection between the battery module and the adjacent first and second battery modules and / or BMS unit may be formed via a conductive elastic and / or spring connection terminal 130. The number of connection terminals 130 used to removably couple the various components may depend on the intended requirements and applications and may be disposed at any suitable number or location within the battery system to provide electrical and mechanical coupling between the components. The connection terminal 130 may then be removably coupled to a conductive adhesive element 111 that provides the aforementioned advantages.

[0053] FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a method 500 for connecting a first battery module 100 (e.g., 100a or 100b or 100c) having at least two battery cells 101 per module and a second battery module (e.g., 100a, 100b, or 100c). The method includes removably coupling in series at least two battery cells included in each of the first and second battery modules such that each battery cell included in each battery module is removably coupled to an adjacent battery cell within the same battery module via an individual series connection 102 (501). The series connection 102 may be realized by a series connection plate 103 in various embodiments. The method further includes removably coupling the first battery module and the second battery module such that the first and second battery modules are removably coupled by a first electrical connection 106 and / or at least one second electrical connection 110 (e.g., 110a, 110b, 110c), wherein the first electrical connection 106 is different from the at least one second electrical connection 110.

[0054] In some aspects and embodiments, the method may further include forming a current path 104 (505) between a first battery module and a second battery module via a first electrical connection that is a parallel electrical connection, and forming at least one signal path 110 (e.g., 110a, 110b, 110c) (507) between the first battery module and the second battery module via at least one second electrical connection. Thus, the formed current path 104 may be different from the at least one formed signal path 110.

[0055] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described, and the term "a" or "an" before an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Further, reference numerals do not limit the scope of the claims, the disclosure may be implemented at least in part by both hardware and software, and some "means" or "units" may be represented by the same hardware item.

[0056] The figures may show a particular order of features, elements, or method steps, but the order of the steps may be different from that shown. Also, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations will depend on the selected software and hardware systems and the designer's choices. All such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, software implementations may be realized using standard programming techniques for performing various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps using rule-based logic and other logic. The embodiments mentioned and described above are shown by way of example only and do not limit the present disclosure. Other solutions, uses, purposes, and functions within the scope of the present disclosure claimed in the patent embodiments described below should be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A battery module comprising at least two battery cells arranged to be coupled in series, each battery cell included in each battery module is arranged to be removably coupled to an adjacent battery cell within the same battery module via a separate series connection plate; The battery modules are arranged such that each battery cell included in each battery module is removably coupled to the respective series connection plate via a conductive adhesive element.

2. the battery module is configured to be removably connectable to an adjacent first corresponding battery module by a first electrical connection; the battery module is further configured to be removably connectable to the adjacent first corresponding battery module and the further adjacent second corresponding battery module by at least one second electrical connection, such that each battery cell included in the battery module is further arranged to be removably connectable to at least one battery cell included in the adjacent first and second battery modules by the at least one second electrical connection; 10. The battery module of claim 1, wherein the first electrical connection is a parallel electrical connection and is different from the at least one second electrical connection.

3. 3. The battery module of claim 1 or 2, wherein the battery module is further configured to be removably connectable in parallel to at least one external electrical load by parallel electrical connections.

4. The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the battery module is further configured to be removably connectable to a battery management system (BMS) unit via the at least one second electrical connection.

5. the battery module further comprises a positive battery module terminal and a negative battery module terminal, and is configured to be removably coupled in parallel to the adjacent first corresponding battery module via the positive battery module terminal and the negative battery module terminal by the first electrical connection such that a current path is formed between the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first electrical connection; the battery module is further configured to be removably coupled to the adjacent first corresponding battery module and the adjacent second corresponding battery module by the at least one second electrical connection, such that each battery cell included in the battery module is further connected to at least one battery cell included in the adjacent first and second battery modules by the at least one second electrical connection, and at least one signal path is formed between the battery module and the adjacent first and second battery modules via the at least one second electrical connection; The battery module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the formed current path is different from the formed at least one signal path.

6. 3. The battery module according to claim 2, wherein the first electrical connection and / or the at least one second electrical connection between the battery module and the adjacent first and second battery modules is formed via conductive elastic and / or spring connection terminals.

7. One or more battery modules according to claim 1 or 2 arranged to be removably coupled; a battery management system (BMS) unit arranged to be removably coupled to the one or more battery modules; A modular battery system.

8. 1. A method for connecting first and second battery cells of a battery module having at least two battery cells, comprising: removably coupling (501) the at least two battery cells included in the battery module in series such that each battery cell included in the battery module is arranged to be removably coupled to an adjacent battery cell in the same battery module via a respective series connection plate; Each battery cell in the battery module is arranged to be removably coupled to the respective series connection plate via a conductive adhesive element.

9. 9. The method of claim 8, comprising removably coupling (503) a first battery module and a second battery module, each having at least two battery cells, such that the first and second battery modules are removably coupled by a first electrical connection and at least one second electrical connection different from the first electrical connection.

10. forming a current path between the first battery module and the second battery module via the first electrical connection, the first electrical connection being a parallel electrical connection (505); forming (507) at least one signal path between the first battery module and the second battery module via the at least one second electrical connection; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the formed current path is different from the formed at least one signal path.

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