Detection and Suppression of Thermal Events in Batteries
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CPS TECHNOLOGY HOLDINGS LLC
- Filing Date
- 2023-04-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-22
AI Technical Summary
Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to thermal runaway, which can lead to fires, explosions, and other safety hazards if not detected and mitigated promptly.
A suppression system that includes a container with sensors to detect thermal events, and a mechanism to release a suppressant material into the container to control the thermal event, thereby preventing further escalation.
The system effectively detects thermal runaway events in lithium-ion batteries and initiates actions to mitigate these events, preventing damage and ensuring safety.
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Abstract
Description
[Technical field]
[0001] The present disclosure relates to batteries, and in particular to event detection, warning, and suppression in batteries, such as, for example, lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. [Background technology]
[0002] Batteries are an integral part of many devices, including motor vehicles. Historically, motor vehicles were equipped with a single battery, e.g., a lead-acid battery, used to both start the vehicle's motor and power other systems of the vehicle, e.g., charging system, on-the-road operation, lighting, accessories, etc. More recently, electric vehicles and hybrid gasoline / electric vehicles (collectively referred to herein as electric vehicles or EVs) rely on one or more Li-ion batteries to power the electric motor that moves the vehicle's wheels, and also to provide energy to power other systems of the vehicle. Although batteries such as Li-ion batteries offer large storage and power delivery capacities, some battery technologies, such as Li-ion batteries, are susceptible to a scenario that results in a sudden increase in internal thermal temperature, sometimes referred to as "thermal runaway." This condition occurs when the amount of heat generated by the battery exceeds the amount of heat that can be dissipated to the surroundings. As the battery heats up, the situation worsens and accelerates. This can be the result of insufficient cooling, improper charging, battery failure and / or damage. If such a thermal runaway condition goes undetected, it can result in fires, explosions, and other undesirable consequences.
[0003] Of particular concern is a situation in which a Li-ion battery in a vehicle experiences a thermal runaway condition. In this scenario, the driver may not know that the condition is occurring, and driving under such conditions may cause an accident if the battery or batteries catch fire, explode, etc. Similarly, a Li-ion battery-powered vehicle that is involved in an accident may suffer battery damage during the accident, causing a thermal runaway condition and possible fire or explosion.
[0004] As another example, batteries may need to be transported from one location to another, e.g., for recycling, new installations, etc. In such cases, failure to detect and address a thermal event, such as a thermal runaway event, may be hazardous and result in injury to people involved in the transport and / or damage to the transport company's equipment. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods and systems for detecting a thermal event, such as a thermal runaway event, alerting to the occurrence of the event, and / or then initiating one or more actions to mitigate the thermal event.
[0006] According to one aspect, a suppression system is described. The suppression system includes a container having an interior space configured to receive a battery, and an event monitor. The container includes one or more bags containing a suppressant. The one or more bags are configured to release the suppressant into at least the interior space of the container based on one or more parameters and one or more control signals. The released suppressant is usable to control a battery event. The event monitor includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters that can be transmitted by the event monitor to a monitoring device to trigger one or more control signals.
[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more bags include one or both of a first bag and a second bag, the one or more parameters include a first parameter, and the container includes a valve coupled to the first bag and configured to open to release the inhibitor in the first bag when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and the one or more parameters include a second parameter, and the container includes a pin configured to pierce the second bag to release the inhibitor in the second bag when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold.
[0008] In some other embodiments, the suppressant material in the first bag and the second bag is released during the first release stage and the second release stage, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
[0009] In some embodiments, the valve includes one or more of: a first control signal of the one or more control signals triggering the valve to open to release the suppressant in the first bag, the opening of the valve being associated with a first exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery; the pin is configured to receive a second control signal of the one or more control signals triggering the pin to pierce the second bag to release the suppressant in the second bag; and the piercing of the second bag is associated with a second exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery.
[0010] In some other embodiments, the vessel includes an exhaust port configured to receive a third control signal of the one or more control signals that trigger the exhaust port to control a release of the released suppressant from the interior space, the release of the released suppressant being controlled by one or more of opening the exhaust port, closing the exhaust port, and adjusting a restriction of the exhaust port based on the one or more parameters.
[0011] In some embodiments, controlling the release of the released suppressor by the exhaust port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressor is exposed to the battery.
[0012] In some other embodiments, the suppression system further comprises first processing circuitry and a first communications interface, where one or both of the first processing circuitry are configured to determine one or more control signals based on the one or more parameters, and the first communications interface is configured to receive the one or more control signals based on the one or more parameters.
[0013]
[0006] In some embodiments, the event monitor further includes a second communication interface configured to transmit the one or more measured parameters, the transmission of the one or more measured parameters triggering the transmission of the one or more control signals.
[0014] In some other embodiments, the suppressor material is configured to flow through the interior space and absorb heat from one or more of the battery, the interior space, and the container.
[0015] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include one or more of a battery temperature, a pressure associated with the interior space, and a presence of a suppressor material, the battery event being a runaway event, and the released suppressor material controlling the thermal runaway event.
[0016] According to another aspect, a system includes a suppression system, an event monitor, and a monitoring device. The suppression system includes a container having an interior space configured to receive a battery. The container includes one or more bags containing a suppressor. The one or more bags are configured to release the suppressor into at least the interior space of the container based on the one or more parameters and the one or more control signals. The released suppressor is usable to control a battery event. The event monitor includes one or more sensors configured to measure the one or more parameters. The measured one or more parameters are transmittable by the event monitor to the monitoring device to trigger the one or more control signals. The monitoring device includes a user interface in communication with the event monitor and configured to display the one or more parameters.
[0017] In some embodiments, the suppression system includes one or more of: a first processing circuitry configured to trigger a release of suppressant material in at least one of the one or more bags; the event monitor includes a second processing circuitry in communication with the one or more sensors configured to cause transmission of a message including the one or more parameters to the monitoring device; and the monitoring device includes a third processing circuitry configured to do one or more of: receive the message; determine based on one or both of the one or more parameters and a difference in the one or more parameters that a battery event has occurred or a likelihood that the event will occur within a predetermined period of time; and cause transmission of one or more control signals to the suppression system to trigger a release of suppressant material in at least one of the one or more bags based on the determination that a battery event has occurred or a likelihood that the event will occur within a predetermined period of time.
[0018] In some other embodiments, the one or more bags include a first bag, where the one or more parameters include a first parameter, and the container includes one or both of the first bag and a second bag, where the first bag includes a valve coupled to the first bag and configured to open to release the inhibitor in the first bag when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and the one or more parameters include a second parameter, and the container includes a pin configured to pierce the second bag to release the inhibitor in the second bag when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold.
[0019] In some embodiments, the suppressant material in the first bag and the second bag is released during the first release stage and the second release stage, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
[0020] In some other embodiments, the valve includes one or more of: a first control signal of the one or more control signals triggering the valve to open to release the suppressant in the first bag, the opening of the valve being associated with a first exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery; the pin is configured to receive a second control signal of the one or more control signals triggering the pin to pierce the second bag to release the suppressant in the second bag, and the piercing of the second bag is associated with a second exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery.
[0021] In some embodiments, the container includes an exhaust port configured to receive a third control signal of the one or more control signals that trigger the exhaust port to control a release of the released suppressant from the interior space, the release of the released suppressant being controlled by one or more of opening the exhaust port, closing the exhaust port, and adjusting a throttle of the exhaust port based on the one or more parameters.
[0022] In some other embodiments, controlling the release of the released suppressor by the exhaust port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressor is exposed to the battery.
[0023] In some embodiments, the suppressor material is configured to flow through the interior volume and absorb heat from one or more of the battery, the interior volume, and the container.
[0024] In some other embodiments, the system further includes a fan configured to receive a fourth control signal of the one or more control signals, and the third processing circuitry is further configured to cause transmission of the fourth control signal that triggers the fan to be energized and to extract the released suppressant from the system.
[0025] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include one or more of the battery temperature, a pressure associated with the interior space, and a presence of a suppressor material; the battery event is a thermal runaway event; and the released suppressor material controls the thermal runaway event by at least causing the battery temperature to fall below a predetermined temperature threshold.
[0026] According to one aspect, a method is described in a system including a container, one or more bags, and a monitoring device. The container includes an interior space and is configured to receive a battery within the interior space and the one or more bags. The one or more bags include a suppressor usable to control a battery event. The monitoring device includes a user interface. The method includes measuring one or more parameters associated with the battery, transmitting the one or more parameters for display within the user interface, and triggering release of the suppressor into at least the interior space of the container based on the one or more parameters and the one or more control signals.
[0027] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a message to the monitoring device including the one or more parameters, determining a likelihood that a battery event has occurred or that the event will occur within a predetermined period of time based on one or both of the one or more parameters and a difference between the one or more parameters, and receiving one or more control signals from the monitoring device to trigger release of a suppressant material at least in one of the one or more bags based on the determination that a battery event has occurred or the likelihood that the event will occur within the predetermined period of time.
[0028] In some other embodiments, the one or more bags include one or both of a first bag and a second bag. The one or more parameters include a first parameter and a second parameter. The container includes one or both of a valve coupled to the first bag and a pin configured to pierce the second bag. The method further includes one or both of opening the valve to release the inhibitor in the first bag when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and piercing the second bag to release the inhibitor in the second bag when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold.
[0029] In some embodiments, the method includes releasing the suppressant material in the first bag and the second bag during the first release stage and the second release stage, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
[0030] In some other embodiments, the method further includes receiving a first control signal of the one or more control signals and opening a valve to release the suppressant in the first bag based on the first control signal; receiving a second control signal of the one or more control signals and triggering a pin to pierce the second bag to release the suppressant in the second bag based on the second control signal, the opening of the valve being associated with a first exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery; and the piercing of the second bag being associated with a second exposure period during which the released suppressant is exposed to the battery.
[0031] In some embodiments, the vessel includes an exhaust port configured to receive a third control signal of the one or more control signals, and the method further includes receiving the third control signal and triggering the exhaust port to control a release of the released suppressant from the interior space based on the third control signal, wherein the release of the released suppressant is controlled by one or more of opening the exhaust port, closing the exhaust port, and adjusting a restriction of the exhaust port based on the one or more parameters.
[0032] In some other embodiments, controlling the release of the released suppressor by the exhaust port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressor is exposed to the battery.
[0033] In some embodiments, the suppressor material is configured to flow through the interior volume and absorb heat from one or more of the battery, the interior volume, and the container.
[0034] In some other embodiments, the system further includes a fan configured to receive a fourth control signal of the one or more control signals, and the method further includes transmitting the fourth control signal and energizing the fan to extract the released suppressant from the system based on the fourth control signal.
[0035] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include one or more of the battery temperature, a pressure associated with the interior space, and a presence of a suppressor material; the battery event is a thermal runaway event; and the released suppressor material controls the thermal runaway event by at least causing the battery temperature to fall below a predetermined temperature threshold.
[0036] A more complete understanding of the embodiments described herein, along with their attendant advantages and features, will be more readily appreciated by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]
[0037] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is another block diagram of an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a containment system including a container constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exemplary system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flow chart of an exemplary process according to the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in a combination of apparatus components and process steps associated with a battery event (e.g., thermal event) monitoring, detection, and suppression system. In some embodiments, the system is implemented with one or more Li-ion batteries, but the embodiments are not limited to only Li-ion batteries. Accordingly, components of the systems and methods have been represented in the drawings, where appropriate, by conventional symbols, and only specific details relevant to an understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that will be readily understood by those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
[0039] As used herein, relative terms such as "first" and "second," "top" and "bottom," and the like, may be used merely to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.
[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Terms used herein should be interpreted to have a meaning that is not inconsistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and related art, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this specification.
[0041] In the embodiments described herein, the coupling term "in communication with" and the like may be used to indicate electrical or data communication that may be accomplished, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will understand that multiple components may interoperate and that modifications and variations in the accomplishment of electrical and data communication are possible.
[0042] Referring now to the drawing figures, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, FIGS. 1 and 2 show a battery thermal event monitoring, detection and suppression system 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the system 10 may include a battery 12, e.g., a Li-ion battery, including an event monitor 14. A suppression system 16 is coupled to or proximate one or more batteries 12 such that the suppression system 16, when triggered, can thermally suppress a thermal event in the battery 12. Although only one suppression system 16 and one battery 12 are shown, it is understood that more than one battery 12 and suppression system 16 may be implemented. The event monitor 14 may be proximate, within, or coupled to the suppression system 16 (e.g., a housing for the suppression system 16). Additionally, the system 10 may also include one or more monitoring devices 18.
[0043] The monitoring device 18 communicates with the event monitor 14 and / or the suppression system 16. In some embodiments, the communication is wireless and may be based on known wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular, BLUETOOTH, and the like.
[0044] In some embodiments, the battery 12 (with event monitor 14) and suppression system 16 may be contained within (or include) a single package, such as a shipping box, such as a shipping box used to ship the battery 12 to a recycling processing center. Such a box may be shipped empty to a person returning the battery 12 for recycling. For example, a shipping box may include an interior space for placing the suppression system 16 and the battery 12 within the box, such that when the box is sealed, the suppression system 16 will eventually come into contact with the battery 12 or will be close enough to the battery 12 to allow the suppression system 16 to address a detected thermal event within the battery 12.
[0045] In operation, a transportation vehicle driver, or an operator associated with the transportation company, may use the monitoring device 18 to be alerted to an event associated with the battery 12 being monitored by the event monitor 14. If a predetermined parameter threshold (e.g., a temperate threshold) is reached, the monitoring device 18 may alert a user and / or trigger the suppression system 16 to perform one or more actions (e.g., to cool the battery 12). The suppression system 16 may cool the battery 12 via techniques such as cooling and / or the ejection of fire-extinguishing chemicals, cooling air, and the like. In some embodiments, the suppression system 16 may be configured to suppress thermal events for Li-ion batteries up to 2.5 kWh or larger.
[0046] Figure 2 is a more detailed block diagram of the elements of Figure 1. System 10 includes an event monitor 14, a suppression system 16, and a monitoring device 18. In some embodiments, event monitor 14 may be incorporated within or attached to battery 12 and / or suppression system 16. Although one of each element is shown, it is understood that more than one of each element may be implemented. Event monitor 14 may be formed as an integrated circuit and / or small package and implemented to monitor one or more components (e.g., cells) of battery 12. Event monitor 14 may include processing circuitry 20, sensors 22, a communications interface 24, and software 26. Processing circuitry 20 may include a processor and memory (not shown). In particular, in addition to or instead of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 20 may include integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores, and / or FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and / or ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) adapted to execute instructions. The processor may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache, and / or buffer memory, and / or RAM (Random Access Memory), and / or ROM (Read-Only Memory), and / or optical memory, and / or EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Additionally, the memory may be configured as a storage device.
[0047] The event monitor 14 may include a sensor 22 or other device used to measure one or more parameters. For example, the sensor 22 may be a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature (e.g., of the battery 12 or of a portion of the battery 12 such as a battery cell, the exhaust of the battery 12, etc.), a pressure sensor to measure a pressure (e.g., to detect a pressure increase as a result of the release of the suppressor 32), a suppressor detection sensor configured to detect the presence of a material (e.g., to detect that the material has been released), or any other type of sensor. The sensor 22 may be periodically read by the processing circuitry 20. The event monitor 14 may include a communication interface 24 that allows it to directly / indirectly communicate with any component / device of the system 10. For example, the communication interface 24 may be configured to at least set up and maintain a wireless / wired connection with any component / device of the system 10, such as the suppression system 16 and / or the monitoring device 18. The communication interface 30 may be formed as or include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.
[0048] The event monitor 14 further has software 26 (which may include software applications) stored internally, for example in memory. The software 26 may include any software / programs configured to perform the steps / processes of the present disclosure, for example, measuring temperature and reporting the temperature to the monitoring device 18 and / or triggering the suppression system 16. In some embodiments, the event monitor 14 may have a predetermined maximum temperature or rate of heat rise at which the event monitor 14 may itself trigger (directly or indirectly) the suppression system 16 to cool the battery 12.
[0049] Processing circuitry 20 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by event monitor 14. The memory is configured to store data and / or files, such as temperature data and / or other information / data described herein. In some embodiments, software 26 may include instructions that, when executed by processing circuitry 20, cause the processor and / or processing circuitry 20 to perform the processes described herein with respect to facility event monitor 14.
[0050] The system 10 further includes a suppression system 16 that includes hardware 28. The hardware 28 may include a suppressor 32 and processing circuitry 36. The suppressor 32 may be any chemical agent or mechanism that may be expelled / released and / or used to actively cool the battery 12 when exposed to (e.g., in contact with, in proximity to) the battery for an exposure period (i.e., the duration that the suppressor is exposed to the battery 12). The processing circuitry 36 may include a processor 38 and memory 40. In particular, in addition to or in lieu of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 36 may include integrated circuit mechanisms for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores, and / or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and / or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) adapted to execute instructions. Processor 38 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 40, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache, and / or buffer memory, and / or RAM (random access memory), and / or ROM (read only memory), and / or optical memory, and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory). Additionally, memory 40 may be configured as a storage device.
[0051] The hardware 28 of the suppression system 16 may include a communication interface 30 that allows it to communicate directly / indirectly with any component / device of the system 10. For example, the communication interface 30 may be configured to at least set up and maintain a wireless / wired connection with any component / device of the system 10, such as the event monitor 14 and / or the remote monitoring device 18. The communication interface 30 may be formed as or include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The suppression system 16 may include its own power source, e.g., a battery, (not shown), to enable performance of the functions described herein.
[0052] The restraint system 16 further includes software 42 (which may include a software application 46) stored, for example, internally in the memory 40 or stored in an external memory (e.g., a database, a storage array, a network storage device, etc.) accessible by the restraint system 16 via an external connection. The software application 46 may include any software / program configured to perform the steps / processes of the present disclosure, such as triggering the release of the restraint 32. Additionally, the software application 46 may execute and / or be included directly as part of the software 42 and / or the restraint system 16. The software application 46 may be virtualized and / or execute externally to the restraint system 16 and / or any of the components of the restraint system 16, thereby providing a trigger signal to cause the release of the restraint 32 when triggered to do so.
[0053] The processing circuitry 36 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the suppression system 16. The processor 38 corresponds to one or more processors 38 for performing the functions of the suppression system 16 described herein. The memory 40 is configured to store data and / or files, for example data / information generated by the suppression unit 50 and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 42 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 38 and / or the processing circuitry 36, cause the processor 38 and / or the processing circuitry 36 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the suppression system 16. For example, the processing circuitry 36 of the suppression system 16 may include the suppression unit 50 used to analyze a date received from the monitoring device 18 and / or the event monitor 14 to trigger the release of the suppression material 32. Further, processing circuitry 36 may include a control unit 52 that may be configured to receive one or more inputs and / or generate one or more outputs (e.g., control signals) that can be used to control one or more components (e.g., valves, pins, etc.) of system 10.
[0054] The system 10 further includes a monitoring device 18 including hardware 58. The monitoring device 18 can be any portable device, such as a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc., such as may be carried by a driver of a transport vehicle carrying the battery 12 or an operator of a vehicle having the battery 12. The monitoring device 18 can also be any computing device, e.g., a desktop computer, a server, located at a monitoring center that communicates with the event monitor 14 and / or the suppression system 16. The processing circuitry 66 can include a processor 68 and memory 70. In particular, in addition to or in lieu of a processor, such as a central processing unit, and memory, the processing circuitry 66 can include integrated circuitry for processing and / or control, e.g., one or more processors and / or processor cores, and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) adapted to execute instructions. Processor 68 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) memory 70, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache, and / or buffer memory, and / or RAM (random access memory), and / or ROM (read only memory), and / or optical memory, and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory). Additionally, memory 70 may be configured as a storage device.
[0055] The hardware 58 of the monitoring device 18 may include a communication interface 60 that allows it to communicate directly / indirectly with any component / device of the system 10. For example, the communication interface 60 may be configured to at least set up and maintain a wireless / wired connection with any component / device of the system 10, such as the event monitor 14 and / or the suppression system 16. The communication interface 60 may be formed as or include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The monitoring device 18 may include its own power source, e.g., a battery, to enable performance of the functions described herein.
[0056] The monitoring device 18 further includes software 82 (which may include a software application 86) stored, for example, internally in the memory 70 or in an external memory (e.g., a database, a storage array, a network storage device, etc.) accessible by the monitoring device 18 via an external connection. The software application 86 may include any software / program configured to perform the steps / processes of the present disclosure, for example, monitoring parameter readings (e.g., temperature readings) received from the event monitor 14 and generating and sending a message to the suppression system 16 to trigger release of the suppression device 32. Additionally, the software application 86 may execute and / or be included directly as part of the software 82 and / or the monitoring device 18. The software application 86 may be virtualized and / or execute external to the monitoring device 18 and / or any of the components of the monitoring device 18, whereby a message to trigger release of the suppression device 32 is generated. The software application 86 may also include a user interface 88 operable to present data, such as temperature data received from the event monitor 14, to a user and / or activate a display (not shown) of the monitoring device 18 to allow the user to trigger the transmission of a message to the suppression system 16 to release the suppression material 32. In some embodiments, the user interface may indicate in an indication that a predetermined parameter (e.g., temperature) and / or rate of parameter change (e.g., rate of temperature change) within the battery 12 has been reached and that the processing circuitry 66 has automatically generated and sent a message to the suppression system 16 that triggers the release of the suppression material 32.
[0057] The processing circuitry 66 may be configured to control and / or cause any of the methods and / or processes described herein to be performed, for example, by the monitoring device 18. The processor 68 corresponds to one or more processors 68 for performing the functions of the suppression system 16 described herein. The memory 70 is configured to store data and / or files, for example, data / information generated by the analysis / alert engine 74 and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 82 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 68 and / or the processing circuitry 66, cause the processor 68 and / or the processing circuitry 66 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the monitoring device 18. For example, the processing circuitry 66 of the monitoring device 18 may include an analysis / alarm engine 74 that is used to analyze data received from the event monitor 14 and / or the suppression system 16 regarding parameters associated with the battery 12 (e.g., temperature and / or rate of temperature change) to, for example, trigger the release of the suppression system 16 and / or receive confirmation from the suppression system 16 that the suppression system 16 has released the suppression system 16. Additionally, the processing circuitry 66 may include a control unit 76 that may be configured to receive one or more inputs and / or generate one or more outputs (e.g., control signals) usable to control one or more components of the system 10 (e.g., extractors, fans, etc.).
[0058] In some embodiments, the display of the monitoring device 18 may indicate the temperature of the battery 12 in color, such as blue for temperatures not exceeding a predetermined value (to indicate a normal battery temperature) and red for temperatures exceeding a predetermined value (to indicate an abnormal battery temperature). Alarm icons may also be provided on the display of the monitoring device 18, with different colors used to indicate the absence or presence of an alarm (thermal event) condition. A vibration alert may also be provided to the user (the monitoring device 18 may be equipped with a vibration element) when a thermal event is detected.
[0059] Briefly, in operation, the event monitor 14 monitors a parameter (e.g., temperature) of the battery 12 (and / or the internal space, container, etc.). The parameter, such as temperature and / or rate of temperature change, and / or an indication that either of these has exceeded a predetermined value, is provided to the monitoring device 18 and / or suppression system 16. The monitoring device 18 receives the parameter from the event monitor 14 and provides the information to a user, e.g., via a display. For example, if a thermal event is detected, e.g., if the temperature and / or rate of temperature change exceeds a predetermined value(s), the monitoring device 18 triggers the release of suppression material 32 on the surface of the battery 12, thereby causing a decrease in the temperature of the battery 12, and / or sends a message to the suppression system 16 to prevent / suppress a fire, explosion, etc.
[0060] As mentioned above, the containment system 16 may be included in the packaging mechanism to allow the battery 12 to be returned to the manufacturer / recycler for safe recycling.
[0061] 3 illustrates an exemplary containment system 16. In this non-limiting example, the containment system 16 includes a container 100 (and / or an event monitor 14). The container 100 includes a container cover 101 and a container housing 103. The container cover 101 can be coupled to the container housing 103, e.g., the container cover 101 is releasably coupled to the container housing to allow, e.g., (A) the container 100 to be opened (by removing the container cover 101), (B) the battery 12 to be inserted into the container housing 103, and (C) the container 100 to be closed (by coupling the container cover 101 to the container housing 103). In some embodiments, after the battery 12 is installed in the container 100, the container cover 101 is releasably sealed to the container housing 103, e.g., for transporting the battery 12 to a recycling processing center. The event monitor 14 can be near, within, or coupled to the container 100 of the containment system 16. The event monitor 14 may be configured to measure one or more parameters associated with the battery 12 and / or the container 100 to detect one or more events, such as a thermal runaway event.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary system 10 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 10 may include an event monitor 14, and / or a suppression system 16, and / or a monitoring device 18. The suppression system 16 may include a container 100 configured to receive the battery 12 within an interior space 102 and be sealed for transporting the battery 12, for example, to a recycling facility or to a battery manufacturer. The event monitor 14 may be adjacent to, within, or coupled (removably or permanently) to the container 100 of the suppression system 16. The container 100 may include one or more bags 104 (i.e., containers) configured to contain the suppression material 32. In a non-limiting example, the container 100 may include bags 104a, 104b, and 104c. Each bag 104 may be configured to contain the suppression material 32 and release the suppression material 32 using one or more release mechanisms. The bag 104a may include a bag seal 105. The bag seal 105 may be configured to seal the bag 104a to contain the suppressor 32 within the bag 104a, for example, when a predetermined condition is met. The bag seal 105 may be further configured to open when the predetermined condition is exceeded. For example, the bag seal 105 may be configured to open when a temperature associated with the bag 104a and / or the battery 12 and / or the interior space 102 (e.g., gas within the interior space) exceeds a predetermined parameter threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold). When the bag seal 105 opens, the suppressor 32 is released (as released suppressor 34) into the interior space 102.
[0063] In some embodiments, the bag 104b may be coupled to a valve 106 (and / or an actuator). The valve 106 may be configured to receive a control signal 108 (e.g., from the event monitor 14, the suppression system 16, the monitoring device 18) that triggers the valve 106 to open and / or close (and / or adjust its restriction) the valve 106. When the valve 106 is open (and / or adjusts its restriction), the suppression material 32 is released (as released suppression material 34) into the interior space 102. Additionally, the container 100 may include a pin 110 (and / or an actuator) that may be configured to move in a first direction toward the bag 104c, e.g., to puncture the bag 104c, and in a second direction (e.g., opposite the first direction) to retract the pin 110, e.g., to allow the suppression material 32 to be released (as released suppression material 34) from the punctured bag 104c (e.g., via a perforation on the bag caused by the pin 110) into the interior space 102. The pin 110 may be configured to receive a control signal 112 (e.g., from the event monitor 14, the suppression system 16, the monitoring device 18) to trigger the pin 110 to move and puncture the bag 104c.
[0064] The released suppressor 34 may be configured to flow within the interior space and / or to control battery events, such as by absorbing heat, such as that emitted by the battery 12 (and / or any other components of the battery 12). For example, the released suppressor 34 may be in physical contact with the battery 12 and provide a heat exchange function to cool the battery 12 to a predetermined threshold. Additionally, the container 100 may be sealed, and the container 100 includes a container cover 101 and a container housing 103 sealed to the container cover 101. The container 100 may further include one or more exhaust ports 114 that may be configured to open, close, or adjust the restriction, such as to control the contact time between the released suppressor 34 (within the interior space 102) and the battery 12 based on the control signal 120.
[0065] Although bags 104a, 104b, and 104c are shown, the disclosure is not so limited, for example, container 100 may include any amount and / or type of bags 104. In some embodiments, the placement of bags 104 relative to batteries 12 (and their components) may be determined by the type, size, specifications, inhibitor properties, container properties, shipping information, recycling requirements, etc. of batteries 12 (or battery components).
[0066] In a non-limiting example, the event monitor 14 includes one or more sensors 22 (e.g., sensors 22a, 22b, 22c). Additionally, the battery 12 may include an exhaust port 116 that may be configured to be in fluid communication with any other components of the battery 12, such as the battery housing interior space, the battery cells, the battery management system, and the like. The sensor 22a (e.g., a temperature sensor, a thermocouple, and the like) may be coupled to the exhaust port 116 of the battery 12 and configured to measure a parameter (e.g., temperature) of a gas present and / or exiting and / or entering the exhaust port 116, for example, to measure the temperature of the battery 12. The sensor 22b (e.g., another temperature sensor, a thermocouple, and the like) may be coupled to one or more components (e.g., the battery housing, the cells) of the battery 12 and measure a parameter (e.g., temperature) of the battery 12. Additionally, the sensor 22c may be configured to measure a parameter associated with the interior space 102 (e.g., the temperature or pressure of the gas in the interior space 102, the presence of a predetermined gas).
[0067] In another non-limiting example, the event monitor 14 may be configured to determine (e.g., via one or more sensors 22) that a parameter associated with the battery 12 has reached or exceeded a parameter threshold (e.g., a temperature threshold). The event monitor 14 may be configured to transmit a message to the monitoring device 18 (and / or the suppression system 16), the message including the parameter value, the threshold, and an indication indicating that the determined parameter has exceeded the parameter threshold. The monitoring device 18 may be configured to receive the message and use the parameter value, threshold, and / or indication to determine whether an event associated with the battery 12 (e.g., such a thermal event) has occurred or has a likelihood of occurring within a predetermined period of time. For example, the monitoring device 18 may determine that a parameter (e.g., temperature) has reached or exceeded a parameter threshold. That is, the monitoring device 18 may determine that an event has occurred. The monitoring device 18 may also be used to determine a parameter difference (e.g., parameter (p2) at time 2 minus parameter (p1) at time 1 and / or to determine a parameter difference / time period (t) (e.g., (p2-p1) / t). Additionally, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to determine multiple parameter values over time (e.g., a mathematical curve with respect to time).
[0068] Further, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to determine that a parameter, a parameter value, a parameter differential, or any of a plurality of parameter values corresponds to a battery event or condition (e.g., a normal battery condition or an abnormal battery condition such as a thermal runaway). For example, the monitoring device may receive one or more messages including data such as a parameter value (e.g., a temperature value) from the event monitor 14, determine a parameter differential (e.g., a temperature rise per unit time), and determine that the parameter differential corresponds to an abnormal event having occurred or likely to occur in the battery 12 because the parameter differential exceeds a tolerance value when compared to the parameter differential corresponding to the normal event.
[0069] Similarly, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to compare a first curve (e.g., a function, plot, mathematical curve, etc.) including a plurality of parameter values (e.g., sampled by the event monitor 14) to a second curve, where the first curve corresponds to a normal condition of the battery 12 over time and the second curve corresponds to an abnormal condition of the battery 12 over time. The comparison of the curves may include determining a similarity or deviation between the two curves (or portions thereof) to determine whether an abnormal condition has occurred or is likely to occur.
[0070] In some embodiments, the monitoring device 18 may be configured to transmit one or more control signals, such as control signals 108, 112 to trigger the release of the suppressor 32 (e.g., as released suppressor 34) into the interior space 102 for cooling the battery 12. The exhaust port 114 may be configured as a check valve (or any other valve controlled by the monitoring device 18) to control the release of the released suppressor 34 outside the container 100. The monitoring device 18 may be further configured to detect that the suppressor 32 has been released (e.g., based on information associated with the position of the valve 106, the pin 110, the presence of the released suppressor 34 (detected by the sensor 22c), parameter values, etc.) and may be configured to transmit a control signal 122 to a fan 118 (e.g., an extractor) configured to extract the released suppressor 34 outside the system 10. In some embodiments, the fan 118 may be configured to extract the battery gas (e.g., via the exhaust ports 116, 114) based on, for example, the detection of the type of gas sensed by the sensor 22. In some embodiments, the exhaust port 114 may be ducted directly to the exterior, for example, configured to release the released suppression material 34 to the exterior without the use of a fan 118 .
[0071] In another example, the owner of the battery 12 decides to ship the battery 12 for recycling. The battery 12 is inserted into a container 100 (e.g., a battery transport container) that includes one or more bags 104 (which may include one or more of the bags 104 configured as bag 104a, the bags 104 configured as bag 104b, and / or the bags 104 configured as bag 104c). The container 100 is releasably sealed (e.g., a container cover is sealed to the container housing) and includes an exhaust port 114 (e.g., initially closed). That is, the inserted battery 12 is stored in the interior space 102 of the container 100. The sensor 22a of the event monitor 14 measures the temperature of the gas present in the exhaust port 116 of the battery 12, and / or the sensor 22b measures the temperature of the bottom of the housing of the battery 12. At time t1, a first temperature (T1) consistent with a normal state of the battery 12 is measured by the sensor 22a. However, during shipping, e.g., at time t2, the internal temperature of battery 12 increases at a first rate, e.g., corresponding to an impending thermal runaway event. Sensor 22a measures a second temperature (T2) at t2. Event monitor 14 transmits the measured temperature to monitoring device 18, which determines the temperature delta per unit time, i.e., (T2-T1) / (t2-t1), and compares the temperature delta to a baseline value (e.g., associated with a normal event for battery 12) to determine whether suppressor material 32 should be released.
[0072] When the container 100 includes one or more bags configured as the bag 104, the suppressant 32 is released by reaching a second temperature (i.e., triggering the bag seal 105 to open). When the container 100 includes one or more bags configured as either the bag 104, 104c, the release of the suppressant 32 may be triggered by the monitoring device 18. That is, when the temperature delta per unit time exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., associated with a current or impending thermal runaway event), the monitoring device 18 transmits a control signal 108 or a control signal 112 to trigger the release of the suppressant 32 (as released suppressant 34).
[0073] The presence of the released suppressor 34 in the interior space 102 may be detected by the sensor 22c, and an indication of the presence of the released suppressor 34 may be transmitted to the monitoring device 18. The indication may be used as confirmation of the release as well as to control the time of the release of the suppressor 34 in the interior space 102 (and / or in contact with the battery 12). For example, the time the released suppressor 34 is in contact with the battery 12 may be controlled by the monitoring device 18 (and / or the suppression system 16) as well as by changing the state (e.g., closed, open, throttled) of the exhaust port 114. A closed exhaust port 114 may be used to extend the time the released suppressor is in the interior space 102. An open exhaust port 114 may be used to speed the release of the released suppressor 34 from the interior space 102. A throttled exhaust port 114 may be used to dynamically adjust the time the released suppressor 34 is in contact with the battery 12. The status of the exhaust port 114 may be based on other parameters, such as the characteristics of the battery 12, the suppressor 32, the interior space 102, shipping conditions, and the like.
[0074] Further, the fan 118 may be energized by sending a control signal 122 to the fan 118 based on information associated with the control signals 108, 112, 120, the presence detected by the sensor 22c, the temperature measured by the sensors 22a, 22b, etc. Additionally, information corresponding to any of the parameters measured by the sensor 22, the control signals 108, 112, 120, 122, the valve 106, the position or state corresponding to the pin 110, etc. may be displayed via the user interface 88 shown in FIG. 2 to alert the driver of the truck in which the battery 12 is being transported. In some embodiments, the user interface 88 may be used to manually trigger the release of the retarder 32.
[0075] In some embodiments, the bags 104 are opened at different times (i.e., the bags are caused to release suppressor material at different release stages) based on the measured parameters. For example, the first bag 104a may be opened at a first temperature (e.g., at a first time), and based on further measurements of the temperature, the monitoring device 18 may determine that additional suppressor material 32 may need to be released by the second bag 104b to further cool the battery 12. Therefore, the monitoring device 18 triggers the second bag 104b to open at the second time. Similarly, the monitoring device 18 may determine that even more suppressor material 32 may need to be released by the third bag 104c to cool the battery 12. In such a case, the monitoring device 18 triggers the third bag 104c to open at the third time. That is, the time at which the release of the suppressor 32 is released may vary and / or may be determined based on more factors such as suppressor characteristics, battery characteristics, interior space characteristics, container characteristics, historical data, and / or measurements (e.g., battery parameters), etc.
[0076] In other embodiments, similar steps may be performed when the battery 12 is used in vehicles, aircraft, infrastructure, etc.
[0077] In some embodiments, the container 100 is closed (e.g., without being sealed) such that when the suppressant 32 is released, the released suppressant 34 can be released to the outside of the container 100 by squeezing between the container cover and the housing and exiting to the outside (e.g., the exhaust port 114 is not used). For example, the container 100 can be closed by fastening the cover to its housing with a zipper, and the released suppressant 34 can be released to the outside through openings in the zipper and other openings between the container cover 101 and the container housing 103.
[0078] In some embodiments, the released suppressor 34 flows through one or more ducts to predetermined locations in the battery 12, such as locations (e.g., cells) determined to have an increased temperature, predetermined locations (e.g., cells) where thermal runaway is more likely to occur, etc.
[0079] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary process (e.g., implemented in system 10). The system includes a container 100, one or more bags 104, and a monitoring device 18. The container 100 includes an interior space 102 and is configured to receive a battery 12 within the interior space 102 and one or more bags 104. The one or more bags 104 include a suppressor 32 that can be used to control a battery event. The monitoring device 18 includes a user interface 88. The method includes measuring one or more parameters associated with the battery 12 (block S100), transmitting the one or more parameters for display within the user interface 88 (block S102), and triggering release of the suppressor 32 into at least the interior space 102 of the container 100 based on the one or more parameters and one or more control signals (block S104).
[0080] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a message to the monitoring device 18 including the one or more parameters, determining a likelihood that a battery event has occurred or that the event will occur within a predetermined time period based on one or both of the one or more parameters and a difference between the one or more parameters, and receiving one or more control signals from the monitoring device 18 to trigger release of the suppressant 32 of at least one of the one or more bags 104 based on the determination that a battery event has occurred or the likelihood that the event will occur within the predetermined time period.
[0081] In some other embodiments, the one or more bags 104 include one or both of a first bag 104a and a second bag 104b. The one or more parameters include a first parameter and a second parameter. The container 100 includes one or both of a valve 106 coupled to the first bag 104a and a pin configured to pierce the second bag 104b. The method further includes one or both of opening the valve 106 to release the inhibitor 32 in the first bag 104a when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and piercing the second bag 104b to release the inhibitor 32 in the second bag 104b when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold.
[0082] In some embodiments, the method includes releasing the suppression material 32 in the first bag 104a and the second bag 104b during a first release stage and a second release stage, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
[0083] In some other embodiments, the method further includes receiving a first control signal 108 of the one or more control signals, opening the valve 106 to release the suppressor 32 in the first bag 104a based on the first control signal 108, receiving a second control signal 112 of the one or more control signals, and triggering a pin to pierce the second bag 104b to release the suppressor 32 in the second bag 104b based on the second control signal 112, the opening of the valve 106 being associated with a first exposure period during which the released suppressor 34 is exposed to the battery 12, and the piercing of the second bag 104b being associated with a second exposure period during which the released suppressor 34 is exposed to the battery 12.
[0084] In some embodiments, the vessel 100 includes an exhaust port configured to receive a third control signal 120 of the one or more control signals, and the method further includes receiving the third control signal 120 and triggering the exhaust port to control a release of the released suppressant 34 from the interior space 102 based on the third control signal 120. The release of the released suppressant 34 is controlled by one or more of opening the exhaust port, closing the exhaust port, and adjusting a throttle of the exhaust port based on one or more parameters.
[0085] In some other embodiments, controlling the release of the released suppressor 34 by the exhaust port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressor 34 is exposed to the battery 12 .
[0086] In some embodiments, the suppressor material 32 is configured to flow through the interior space 102 and absorb heat from one or more of the battery 12 , the interior space 102 , and the container 100 .
[0087] In some other embodiments, the system further includes a fan 118 configured to receive a fourth control signal 122 of the one or more control signals, and the method further includes transmitting the fourth control signal 122 and energizing the fan 118 to extract the released suppressant 34 from the system based on the fourth control signal 122.
[0088] In some embodiments, the one or more parameters include one or more of the battery temperature, the pressure associated with the interior space 102, and the presence of the suppressor material 32, the battery event being a thermal runaway event, and the released suppressor material 34 at least controls the thermal runaway event by causing the battery temperature to fall below a predetermined temperature threshold.
[0089] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are beneficial in that at least a condition, such as thermal runaway, associated with the battery 12 can be detected and one or more actions taken to address the condition, for example, by automatically releasing the inhibitor 32 to cool the battery 12 and prevent or control potential damage and injury.
[0090] It is understood that all specifications shown and described herein are non-limiting examples for implementations of the battery 10 and cells 14 constructed in accordance with the principles of the disclosure provided herein. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present embodiments are not limited to those specifically shown and described herein above. In addition, it should be noted that, unless otherwise noted to the contrary, all of the accompanying drawings are not to scale. Various modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings and the appended claims.
Claims
1. It is a suppression system, A container having an internal space configured to receive a battery, wherein the container is A container comprising one or more bags containing a suppressing material, wherein the one or more bags are configured to release the suppressing material into at least the internal space of the container based on one or more parameters and one or more control signals, and the released suppressing material is usable to control battery events, An event monitor comprising one or more sensors configured to measure one or more parameters, wherein the measured one or more parameters can be transmitted by the event monitor to a monitoring device and triggers one or more control signals, A suppression system equipped with the following features.
2. The one or more bags mentioned above A first bag, wherein one or more of the parameters include a first parameter, and the container is coupled to the first bag and includes a valve configured to open to release the suppressing material from the first bag when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and A second bag, wherein one or more of the parameters include a second parameter, and the container includes a pin configured to puncture the second bag to release the inhibitor from the second bag when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold. The suppression system according to claim 1, comprising one or both of the above.
3. The suppression system according to claim 2, wherein the suppressing material of the first bag and the second bag is released between the first release step and the second release step, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
4. The valve is configured to receive a first control signal from among one or more control signals that triggers the valve to open in order to release the suppressing material from the first bag. The opening of the valve is associated with a first exposure period during which the released inhibitor is exposed to the battery. The pin is configured to receive a second control signal from one or more control signals that trigger the pin to perforate the second bag in order to release the suppressing material from the second bag, and The perforation of the second bag is associated with a second exposure period during which the released inhibitor is exposed to the battery. The suppression system according to claim 2, comprising one or more of the following.
5. The suppression system according to claim 1, wherein the container includes a discharge port configured to receive a third control signal from one or more control signals that trigger the discharge port to control the release of the released suppressant from the internal space, and the release of the released suppressant is controlled by one or more of the following based on one or more parameters: opening the discharge port, closing the discharge port, or adjusting the throttle of the discharge port.
6. The suppression system according to claim 5, wherein the control of the release of the suppressed material by the discharge port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressed material is exposed to the battery.
7. The suppression system further includes a first processing circuit mechanism and a first communication interface, The first processing circuit mechanism is configured to determine one or more control signals based on one or more parameters, and The first communication interface is configured to receive one or more control signals based on one or more parameters. The suppression system according to claim 1, comprising one or both of the above.
8. The suppression system according to claim 1, further comprising a second communication interface configured to transmit the measured one or more parameters, wherein the transmission of the measured one or more parameters triggers the transmission of the one or more control signals.
9. The suppression system according to claim 1, wherein the suppression material is configured to flow through the internal space and absorb heat from one or more of the battery, the internal space, and the container.
10. The one or more parameters include one or more of the following: battery temperature, pressure associated with the internal space, and the presence of the suppressing material. The aforementioned battery event is a thermal runaway event, and The released suppressing material controls the thermal runaway event. The suppression system according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the following.
11. It is a system, It is a suppression system, A container having an internal space configured to receive a battery, wherein the container is A container comprising one or more bags containing a suppressing material, wherein the one or more bags are configured to release the suppressing material into at least the internal space of the container based on one or more parameters and one or more control signals, and the released suppressing material is usable to control battery events, It is an event monitor, An event monitor includes one or more sensors configured to measure one or more of the aforementioned parameters, wherein the measured one or more parameters can be transmitted to a monitoring device by the event monitor, and the event monitor triggers one or more of the aforementioned control signals. A suppression system comprising, The monitoring device communicates with the event monitor, A system including a user interface configured to display one or more of the aforementioned parameters.
12. The suppression system is a first processing circuit mechanism, The system includes a first processing circuit mechanism configured to trigger the release of the suppressing material from at least one of the one or more bags. The event monitor is a second processing circuit mechanism that communicates with one or more sensors, The system includes a second processing circuit mechanism configured to trigger the transmission of a message containing one or more parameters to the monitoring device. The monitoring device is a third processing circuit mechanism, Receiving the aforementioned message, Based on one or more of the aforementioned parameters and the difference between the aforementioned parameters, it is determined that the battery event has occurred or that the event is likely to occur within a predetermined time period, and Based on the determination that the battery event has occurred, or the probability that the event will occur within the predetermined time period, the transmission of one or more control signals to the suppression system to trigger the release of the suppression material from at least one of the one or more bags, It comprises a third processing circuit mechanism configured to perform one or more of the following: The system according to claim 11, comprising one or more of the following.
13. The one or more bags mentioned above A first bag, wherein one or more of the parameters include a first parameter, and the container is coupled to the first bag and includes a valve configured to open to release the suppressing material from the first bag when the first parameter reaches or exceeds a first parameter threshold, and A second bag, wherein one or more of the parameters include a second parameter, and the container includes a pin configured to puncture the second bag to release the inhibitor from the second bag when the second parameter reaches or exceeds a second parameter threshold. The system according to claim 11, comprising one or both of the above.
14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the suppressing material of the first bag and the second bag is released between the first release step and the second release step, respectively, based on one or more parameters.
15. The valve is configured to receive a first control signal from among one or more control signals that triggers the valve to open in order to release the suppressing material from the first bag. The opening of the valve is associated with a first exposure period during which the released inhibitor is exposed to the battery. The pin is configured to receive a second control signal from one or more control signals that trigger the pin to perforate the second bag in order to release the suppressing material from the second bag, and The perforation of the second bag is associated with a second exposure period during which the released inhibitor is exposed to the battery. The system according to claim 13, comprising one or more of the following.
16. The system according to claim 11, wherein the container includes a discharge port configured to receive a third control signal from one or more control signals that trigger the discharge port to control the release of the discharged suppressant from the internal space, and the release of the discharged suppressant is controlled by one or more of the following based on one or more parameters: opening the discharge port, closing the discharge port, and adjusting the throttle of the discharge port.
17. The system according to claim 16, wherein the control of the release of the suppressed material by the discharge port controls a third exposure period during which the released suppressed material is exposed to the battery.
18. The system according to claim 11, wherein the suppressing material is configured to flow through the internal space and absorb heat from one or more of the battery, the internal space, and the container.
19. The system further comprises a fan configured to receive a fourth control signal from among the one or more control signals, and the third processing circuit mechanism, The system according to claim 11, wherein the fan is further configured to cause the transmission of a fourth control signal that is energized and triggers the extraction of the discharged suppressant from the system.
20. The one or more parameters include one or more of the following: battery temperature, pressure associated with the internal space, and the presence of the suppressing material. The aforementioned battery event is a thermal runaway event, and The released suppressing material controls the thermal runaway event by, at least, lowering the battery temperature to below a predetermined temperature threshold. The system according to claim 11, comprising one or more of the following.