Passive Ventilation System

Abstract

The battery thermal event management system includes a housing for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, one or more ventilation panels, at least one actuator for opening the one or more ventilation panels, and at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters. The battery thermal event management system further includes a detection system having a processor memory, with programming in the memory, and coupled to the housing. The programming causes the battery thermal event management system to detect the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor. The battery thermal event management system then determines whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a ventilation event. Furthermore, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system opens the one or more ventilation panels via the at least one actuator.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001]

[0002] The present subject matter relates to an example of efficient detection of thermal runaway events in a battery thermal event management system configured with multiple battery modules.

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 082,209, filed December 15, 2022, entitled "Passive Vent System," which is incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Battery thermal event management systems typically include a number of individual battery modules for supplying power, and in particular, these battery modules cooperate to supply direct current (DC) power to a power inverter, which then supplies it as alternating current (AC) to an end-use electrical device.

[0004]

[0004] Conventional electrochemical battery modules have a high energy density factor, storing a vast amount of potential energy in a relatively small space. The potential energy in an electrochemical battery has a tendency to develop in an exothermic reaction and therefore must be controlled and contained. When controlled, the potential energy is converted into electrical energy to power a target device, vehicle, or system. However, when the potential energy of an electrochemical battery is developed in an uncontrolled manner, the release of kinetic energy and flammable materials can occur.

[0005]

[0005] In particular, lithium-ion batteries that utilize lithium cathodes and lithium salts under pressure can behave in an uncontrolled manner and release flammable materials. If a compartment within a lithium-ion battery is punctured, the rapid transfer of charge from the battery cathode to the battery anode can cause the battery to expand and self-heat. An electrical short circuit within a lithium-ion battery can overheat, causing thermal runaway and potentially releasing flammable gases. Thermal runaway is a phenomenon in which a lithium-ion cell enters a state of uncontrolled self-heating. Other types of batteries, such as flow batteries, can also experience uncontrolled behavior and produce flammable gases under similar circumstances.

[0006]

[0006] While more robust construction can prevent and correct problems related to electrochemical cell punctures or exposure of electrochemicals to moist air, and improved wiring with appropriate safety redundancy can reduce the probability of electrical shorts, thermal runaway remains a problem. Electrochemical cells naturally generate heat during charging or discharging, and the simplest way to reduce the risk of thermal runaway in electrochemical cells is to make them less efficient. However, there remains a strong interest in maximally efficient electrochemical cells so that they can effectively compete with conventional, relatively energy-dense, relatively small-footprint energy sources, such as coal or oil-fired power plants. Prevention of thermal runaway events, or detection and suppression of thermal runaway events, remains the most important safety and performance goal in electrochemical cell thermal event management systems. Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0007] Therefore, there is room for further improvement in battery thermal event management systems and methods for detecting and mitigating thermal runaway events in energy storage systems incorporating such methods. The thermal runaway event detection technology disclosed herein can detect parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event via sensors to determine whether a thermal runaway event is indicated, and can further open a ventilation panel via an actuator to allow gas or fumes to escape from within the battery thermal event management system enclosure. Venting the gas or fumes during a thermal runaway event limits the flammable volume and pressure of the gas because the gas is released into the atmosphere rather than accumulating in an enclosed space.

[0008]

[0008] In a first example, a battery thermal event management system includes a housing for housing a plurality of battery modules and one or more ventilation panels. The battery thermal event management system also includes at least one actuator for opening the one or more ventilation panels and at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters. The battery thermal event management system further includes a detection system coupled to the housing. The detection system includes a processor coupled to the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor, and a memory. The memory is accessible to the processor and is programmed to configure the battery thermal event management system. First, the battery thermal event management system detects the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor. Second, the battery thermal event management system determines whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system opens the one or more ventilation panels via the at least one actuator.

[0009] In a second example, the method includes first detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event. Second, the method includes determining whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, the method includes, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure for housing a plurality of battery modules, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode.

[0010]

[0010] In a third example, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes thermal runaway event detection programming that, when executed, configures the battery thermal event management system to perform the following functions: First, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event; Second, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes determining whether the detected one or more parameters indicate a thermal runaway event; Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, the non-transitory machine-readable medium includes opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure for housing the plurality of battery modules, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode.

[0011] Additional objects, advantages and novel features of these examples will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by the production or operation of these examples. The objects and advantages of the subject matter may be realized and attained by means of the methodologies, instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0012]

[0012] The drawings illustrate, by way of example only and not by way of limitation, one or more implementations in accordance with the present concepts, in which identical reference numbers refer to the same or similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a semi-transparent isometric view of a battery thermal event management system implemented in a battery node with two ventilation panels on top of the battery node housing. [Figure 1B] 1B is a semi-transparent isometric view of the battery node of FIG. 1A including multiple battery elements of multiple battery modules. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a front view of the battery node of FIG. 1A with two ventilation panels in active element mode. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a detection system for a battery thermal event management system. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a semi-transparent isometric view of a battery thermal event management system implemented in a battery node with two ventilation panels on top of the battery node housing and six passive vents formed in the sides of the housing. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an energy storage system including multiple battery nodes. [Figure 5]1 is a flowchart illustrating a thermal runaway event detection protocol. Parts List 100 Battery Thermal Event Management System 101 Enclosure 102A-I Ventilation Panel 103A-B Actuator 104 Sensor 105 Detection System 107 Universal Power System (UPS) 110A-N Battery Node 120A-F Battery Element (e.g., Battery Rack) 122A-N Battery Cell 230 Processor 232 Network Interface 235 Memory 237 Thermal Runaway Event Detection Programming 239A-N Parameters 241 Passive Deflagration Panel Mode Settings 245 Gas or Smoke Volume Values ​​247 Thermal Runaway Event Threshold 291 Active Element Mode 293 Passive Deflagration Panel Mode 295 Gas or Smoke Volume 300 Battery Thermal Event Management System 301 Enclosure 400 Energy Storage System 402 Energy Source 404 Power Inverter 406 Connected Load 500 Thermal Runaway Event Detection Protocol DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014]

[0020] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth by way of example to provide a thorough understanding of the relevant teachings. However, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present teachings may be practiced without such details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and / or circuits have been described at a relatively high-level, without detail, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the present teachings.

[0015]

[0021] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any logical, physical, electrical, or optical connection, link, etc., by which signals or light generated or provided by one system element are conveyed to another coupled element. Unless otherwise described, coupled elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to each other, but may be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media that may modify, manipulate, or transport the light or signals.

[0016]

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, any and all measurements, values, ratings, positions, dimensions, sizes, and other specifications described herein and included in the claims that follow are approximate and not exact. Such quantities are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function to which they relate and with what is customary in the technical field to which they pertain. For example, unless otherwise specified, parameter values ​​and the like may vary by about ±10% from the stated amount. The terms "approximately" and "substantially" mean that parameter values ​​and the like vary by ±10% from the stated amount.

[0017]

[0023] The orientation of battery nodes, racks, elements, modules, or cells, associated components, and / or any complete device, such as an energy storage system incorporating battery nodes, racks, elements, modules, or cells, as shown in any of the figures, is provided by way of example only, for purposes of illustration and discussion. In operation for a particular battery thermal event management application, the battery nodes, racks, elements, modules, or cells may be oriented in any other direction, e.g., upright, sideways, or any other orientation, suitable for the particular application of the battery thermal event management system. Also, as used herein, any directional terms, such as left, right, front, rear, back, end, top, bottom, upper, lower, top, bottom, and side, are used by way of example only and are not limiting with respect to the direction or orientation of any energy storage system or battery node, rack, element, module, or cell, or components of the example energy storage systems or battery nodes, racks, elements, modules, or cells shown in the accompanying figures and described below.

[0018]

[0024] As used herein, the phrase "ventilation event" includes any event that requires ventilation of a volume by the battery thermal event management system 100, 300. A "ventilation event" may include a thermal runaway event, a high concentration of gas, smoke, or airborne particulate event, as well as a contamination event, a maintenance event, a testing event, a security event, a transportation event, or any event that an operator of the battery thermal event management system 100, 300 deems sufficient to require or justify ventilation of a volume managed by the battery thermal event management system 100, 300. Some ventilation events may be triggered in response to environmental stimuli experienced by sensors, and some ventilation events may be triggered by an operator making a decision based on data.

[0019]

[0025] FIG. 1A is a semi-transparent isometric view of the battery thermal event management system 100 implemented within a battery node 110A with two ventilation panels 102A-B on top of the battery node 110A housing 101. The battery node 110A is a battery structure that generally includes all of the components to facilitate charging with DC electricity, storing DC electricity in electrochemical form, and discharging to generate DC electricity. The battery node 110A may also include safety features and features that simplify the transportation and logistics of transporting and operating the battery node 110A. The battery node 110A may require other components to convert discharged DC to AC or to track or control charging and discharging, as shown in FIG. 4. Multiple battery nodes 110A-N may be coupled together to maximize efficient electrochemical storage of electricity.

[0020]

[0026] The contents of the battery node 110A are contained within the battery node 110A housing. The housing 101 may be metallic to protect the battery node 110A from puncture and impact damage, but the housing 101 may contain, throughout its structure, electrical conductors to facilitate the transfer of electricity or to direct stray electricity away from the battery modules 122A-N of the housing 101, electrical insulators to prevent the transfer of electricity into or out of the housing 101, thermal conductors to facilitate the transfer of heat out of or away from the housing 101 to avoid thermal runaway events, thermal insulators to prevent the transfer of heat into the housing 101, or hybrid configurable materials that can selectively generate, absorb, or block electricity or heat. While the housing 101 is shown as a rectangular cuboid, any shape with any number of sides is contemplated.

[0021]

[0027] The housing 101 includes two ventilation panels 102A-B at the top of the housing 101. The ventilation panels 102A-B can be any number of ventilation panels 102A-B and can be located on any side of the housing 101. The ventilation panels 102A-B are configured to be in one of at least two states: an active element mode 291 (see FIG. 2) and a passive deflagration panel mode 293 (see FIG. 2). The battery thermal event management system 100 is designed to keep the amount of gas (or smoke) within the battery node 110A housing 101 resulting from a thermal runaway event low enough to prevent the battery node 110A from becoming overly pressurized. When in the passive deflagration panel mode 293, the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed and function as deflagration panels, meaning that pressure alone will open the ventilation panels 102A-B. When in active element mode 291, ventilation panels 102A-B are open, allowing gases or fumes from battery modules 122A-N to escape to the atmosphere rather than accumulating within battery node 110A, thereby limiting the flammable volume of gases and the ignition effects of fumes.

[0022]

[0028] The battery node 110A includes at least one sensor 104. The sensor 104 is designed to detect certain parameters 239A-N (see FIG. 2) or phenomena that are indicative of a thermal runaway event. The parameters 239A-N or phenomena can include gases and gas pressure, or smoke, which can promote combustion, and the parameters 239A-N or phenomena can also include voltage, current, or temperature associated with the battery modules 122A-N, as excessively high voltage, low voltage, high current, or temperature can be evidence of an impending or occurring thermal runaway event.

[0023]

[0029] The sensors 104 are connected to the detection system 105 and send sensed parameter 239A-N or phenomenon data to the detection system 105. The detection system 105 can use the additional data to determine whether a thermal runaway event is imminent or has occurred, and then, based on that determination, place the ventilation panels 102A-B in an active element mode 291 or a passive deflagration panel mode 293.

[0024]

[0030] The ventilation panels 102A-B are hinged and each connected to an actuator 103A-B. The actuators 103A-B are controlled by a detection system 105. If the detection system 105 detects smoke or carbon monoxide (CO), a thermal runaway event is occurring or is imminent, and the detection system 105 opens the actuators 103A-B using power from a universal power system (UPS) 107 mounted on the battery node 110A. In doing so, the ventilation panels 102A-B enter active element mode 291. The actuators 103A-B can lock into place when power from the UPS 107 is removed, allowing the actuators 103A-B, and therefore the ventilation panels 102A-B, to remain open during a thermal runaway event even if power to the UPS 107 is lost. Upon conclusion of the thermal runaway event, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be manually closed. In some examples, if there is no loss of power to the UPS 107, the detection system 105 may be configured or instructed to close the ventilation panels 102A-B.

[0025]

[0031] FIG. 1B is an isometric view of a battery node 110A including multiple battery elements 120A-F of multiple battery modules 122A-N. The battery node 110A houses multiple battery elements 120A-F. The battery node 110A is both a physical collection of the battery elements 120A-F as well as a logical and electrical collection of the battery elements 120A-F; the battery node 110A physically houses the battery elements 120A-F, and the electrical performance of the battery elements 120A-F within the battery node 110A can be attributed to the battery node 110A itself. For example, if a battery element 120A can store 102 kilowatt-hours of energy and the battery node 110A includes six battery elements 120A-F, the battery node 110A can be understood and described as storing 612 kilowatt-hours of energy. The battery node 110A may include more or fewer battery elements 120A than shown in the figure.

[0026]

[0032] A given battery element 120A includes multiple battery modules 122A-N. Similar to the relationship between the battery node 110A and the included battery elements 120A-F, the battery element 120A is both a physical collection of battery modules 122A-N as well as a logical and electrical collection of battery modules 122A-N. As an example, if a battery module 122A can store 6 kilowatt-hours of energy and the battery element 120A includes 17 battery modules 122A-N, the battery element 120A can be understood and described as storing 102 kilowatt-hours of energy. The battery element 120A may include more or fewer battery modules 122A than shown in the figures.

[0027]

[0033] Because the battery element 120A is a logical and electrical collection of battery modules 122A-N, the collection is not defined by the physical structure or order of the battery modules 122A-N. Thus, the battery element 120A may alternatively be described as a battery rack, a battery subrack, or a battery array, where each of these terms (element, rack, subrack, array) is a category of battery element 120A, and the battery element 120A is a logical and electrical collection of battery modules 122A-N without explicitly considering the physical structure or order of the battery modules 122A-N. In some implementations, a finer level of encapsulation exists within the battery module 122A, which may be identified as battery cells within the battery module 122A, including prismatic, pouched, or cylindrical battery cells.

[0028]

[0034] The battery node 110A represents a single physical fixture whose maximum size may be limited by the mass or volume that a person, forklift, or vehicle can transport as a single, indivisible unit. The battery elements 120A or battery modules 122A within the battery node 110A represent organizational structures for organizing and stacking the battery cells within the battery node 110A. A battery cell is generally the largest manufacturing unit a battery manufacturer can produce that is capable of charging and discharging electricity at the chemical level. Battery cells are grouped into battery modules 122A, which represent the smallest unit a particular operator can remove or replace within the energy storage system 100; in instances where a single battery module 122A contains multiple battery cells, individual battery cells may be too small or sensitive to perform specialized maintenance in the field; instead, the entire battery module 122A is either repaired or replaced as a whole.

[0029]

[0035] 1C is a front view of the battery node of FIG. 1A with two ventilation panels 102A-B in active element mode 291. The ventilation panels 102A-B are open, allowing for the rapid exhaust of gases or fumes within the enclosure 101. Additionally shown is the front ventilation panel 102C, which is a louvered side panel that functions as both a passive vent and a door.

[0030]

[0036] 2 is a diagram of the detection system 105 of the battery thermal event management system 100. The detection system 105 collects parameter 239A-N data for all of the battery modules 122A-N in the battery thermal event management system 100. The parameters 239A-N may include a single temperature for the entire battery thermal event management system 100, multiple temperatures from different locations within the battery thermal event management system 100, or individual temperatures for some or all of the battery modules 122A-N, a single gas pressure, particulate matter per million (ppm) indicative of smoke, the overall voltage of the battery node 110A, or the individual voltages of some or all of the battery modules 122A-N. The parameters 239A-N may also include relevant measurements from outside the enclosure 101, such as temperature or ambient air pressure, to facilitate comparison and prevent false positives in determining a thermal runaway event.

[0031]

[0037] The detection system 105 includes a processor 230. The processor 230 operates to perform various operations, for example, according to instructions or programming executable by the processor 230. For example, such operations may include operations related to communication with various battery thermal event management system 100 elements, such as the actuators 103A-B or the sensor 104. While the processor 230 may be configured using hardwired logic, a typical processor is a general processing circuit configured by executing programming. The processor 230 includes elements structured and arranged to perform one or more processing functions, typically various data processing functions. While discrete logic components may be used, examples utilize components forming a programmable CPU. The processor 230 may include, for example, one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips incorporating electronic elements for performing the functions of a CPU. The processor 230 may be based on any known or available microprocessor architecture, such as a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) architecture using the ARM architecture, as commonly used in mobile devices and other portable electronic devices today. Of course, other processor circuits may be used to form the CPU or processor hardware. The illustrated example of processor 230 includes only one microprocessor for convenience, although multi-processor architectures may also be used. A digital signal processor (DSP) or field programmable gate array (FPGA) may be suitable alternatives for processor 230, but may consume more power as their complexity increases.

[0032]

[0038] Memory 235 is coupled to processor 230. Memory 235 is for storing data and programming. In this example, memory 235 may include flash memory (non-volatile or persistent storage) and / or random access memory (RAM) (volatile storage). RAM serves as short-term storage for instructions and data being handled by processor 230, e.g., as working data processing memory. Flash memory typically provides longer-term storage.

[0033]

[0039] Of course, other storage devices or configurations may be added to or substituted for the example storage devices or configurations. Such other storage devices may be implemented using any type of storage medium having computer- or processor-readable instructions or programming stored thereon, and may include, for example, any or all of the tangible memory of a computer, processor, etc., or associated modules.

[0034]

[0040] The detection system 105 may also include a network interface 232 coupled to the processor 230. The network interface 232 is configured to report thermal runaway event data, including parameters 239A-N and passive deflagration panel mode settings 241, from the battery node 110A to a network server. Additionally, the network interface 232 can collect performance data from the battery modules 122A-N if the battery modules 122A-N are equipped with a network interface.

[0035]

[0041] The detection system 105 may be implemented in a distributed manner, where the processor 230 may be divided into two or more processors with two or more memory devices 235. The processors 230 may operate in parallel or may be specialized to perform specific tasks. The memory 235 devices may store a complete copy of all thermal runaway event data or may be specialized to store specific data relevant to a particular processor 230. In one example, the detection system 105 is divided into a local grouping and a remote grouping. The local processor 230, local memory 235, and local network interface 232 may collect thermal runaway event data from the sensors 104, and the remote processor 230, remote memory 235, and remote network interface 232 may receive the collected data and perform analysis and decision-making.

[0036]

[0042] To facilitate the process of detecting and terminating a thermal runaway event, memory 235 includes several objects. In particular, thermal runaway event programming 237 is programming that implements thermal runaway event detection protocol 500.

[0037]

[0043] The parameters 239A-N, as previously described, are quantifications of physical phenomena that can assist in determining whether a thermal runaway event is imminent or occurring. The parameters 239A-N can include a single temperature for the entire battery thermal event management system 100, multiple temperatures from different locations within the battery thermal event management system 100, or individual temperatures for some or all of the battery modules 122A-N, a single gas pressure, parts per million by volume (ppmv) of particulate matter indicative of smoke, the overall voltage of the battery node 110A, or the individual voltages of some or all of the battery modules 122A-N. The parameters 239A-N can also include relevant measurements from outside the enclosure 101, such as temperature or ambient air pressure, to facilitate comparison and prevent false positives in determining a thermal runaway event.

[0038]

[0044] The passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 tracks whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are currently in passive deflagration panel mode 293 and are closed, or whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are not in passive deflagration panel mode 293 and are open. This embodiment may include a sensor to verify that the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed without including a sensor to verify that the ventilation panels 102A-B are partially or fully open. However, a sensor to determine whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are partially or fully open is contemplated. Because the passive deflagration panel mode 293, which is coordinated with the closed state of the ventilation panels 102A-B, is tracked, the detection system 105 does not need to track the active element mode 291 or whether the ventilation panels 102A-B are in an open state; i.e., the detection system 105 does not assume that the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed when the passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 is not set to closed, or the detection system 105 does not make an assumption about the openness of the ventilation panels 102A-B when the passive deflagration panel mode setting is not set to closed because the ventilation panels 102A-B may be blocked or damaged and therefore cannot be proven or relied upon by the detection system 105. The network interface 232 reporting the passive deflagration panel mode setting 241 to a networked server also facilitates identification, testing, and reset of the battery thermal event management system 100 after a thermal runaway event, particularly in implementations where the actuators 103A-B must be manually closed. The network interface 232 of the battery node 110A can notify nearby battery nodes 110A-N (see FIG. 4) to enter or prevent from entering active element mode 291 during a thermal runaway event within the battery node 110A. In some examples, evacuating operators of the energy storage system 400 (see FIG. 4) is a primary concern when a given battery node 110A begins a thermal runaway event.When the battery node 110A begins to ventilate, the emitted particulate matter rises and then enters nearby vented battery nodes 110B-N, potentially igniting those battery nodes 110B-N. Preventing nearby battery nodes 110B-N from venting can reduce the overall fire risk. Alternatively, venting adjacent battery nodes 110B-N can preemptively reduce the pressure differential between the adjacent battery nodes 110B-N or allow for effective spraying of fire retardant across and within the battery nodes 110A-N, reducing the overall fire risk.

[0039]

[0045] The gas or smoke amount value 245 is a quantified version of the gas or smoke amount 295 detected by the sensor 104. Quantifying the gas or smoke amount 295 into a gas or smoke amount value 245 in memory 235 facilitates comparison with a thermal runaway event threshold 247 in memory 235. If the gas or smoke amount 295 exceeds the thermal runaway event threshold 247, a thermal runaway event is determined to be imminent or has occurred, and the thermal runaway event detection programming 237 instructs the actuators 103A-B to place the ventilation panels 102A-B in active element mode 291.

[0040]

[0046] FIG. 3 is a semi-transparent isometric view of a battery thermal event management system 300 implemented in a battery node 110B with two ventilation panels 102A-B on the top of the battery node housing and six passive vents or ventilation panels 102D-I formed on the sides of the housing 301. The passive vents or ventilation panels 102D-I function similarly to ventilation panel 102C of FIG. 1C or like ventilation panels 102A-B in passive deflagration panel mode 293. Rather than pivoting on hinges when gas pressure within the housing exceeds a reasonable value, ventilation panels 102C-I may instead be louvered vents or interfaces, allowing gas to pass freely between the atmosphere and the interior of housing 301. However, the ventilation panels 102D-I may also be hinged and pivot about a hinge during excessive gas pressure, the hinge may connect at the top of the ventilation panels 102D-I or at the side of the ventilation panels 102D-I.

[0041]

[0047] The ventilation panels 102D-I, along with the structure and internal features of the housing 101, may resemble features presented in the energy storage system described in International Application No. PCT / US2021 / 30551, filed May 4, 2021, entitled "Energy Storage System with Removable, Adjustable, and Lightweight Plenums," the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0042]

[0048] 1-3 illustrate a battery thermal event management system 100 including a housing 101 for housing a plurality of battery modules 122A-N and a plurality of ventilation panels 102A-B operable in both an active element mode 291 and a passive deflagration mode 293. The battery thermal event management system 100 also includes at least one actuator 103A-B for opening the ventilation panels 102A-B and at least one sensor 104 for detecting one or more parameters 239A-N indicative of a thermal runaway event. Additionally, the battery thermal event management system 100 includes a detection system 105 coupled to the housing 101. The detection system 105 includes a processor 230 coupled to the at least one actuator 103A-B and the at least one sensor 104, and a memory 235 accessible to the processor 230. The memory 235 includes thermal runaway event detection programming 237 that, when executed, configures the battery thermal event management system 100 to perform the following functions: First, the battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N indicative of a thermal runaway event via the at least one sensor 104. Second, the battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a thermal runaway event, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens the ventilation panels 102A-B via the at least one actuator 103A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within the enclosure 101, thereby operating the ventilation panels 102A-B in an active element mode 291.

[0043]

[0049] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, the ventilation panels 102A-B are closed before being opened via at least one actuator 103A-B, thereby operating the ventilation panels 102A-B in a passive deflagration panel mode 293. The battery thermal event management system 100 is designed to maintain a low enough level of gas within the battery node 110A housing 101 resulting from thermal runaway to prevent the battery node 110A from becoming overly pressurized. When closed, the ventilation panels 102A-B function as deflagration panels (i.e., pressure alone opens the ventilation panels 102A-B). When open, the ventilation panels 102A-B allow gas in the battery cells 122A to escape to the atmosphere rather than accumulating within the housing 101, limiting the flammable volume of gas.

[0044]

[0050] The battery thermal event management system 100 may consist of two hinged panels 102A-B on top of the battery node 110A, each containing a single actuator 103A-B. If the fire alarm system or sensors 104 detect smoke or CO, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens the actuators 103A-B using power from a universal power system (UPS) 107 onboard each battery node 110A. The actuators 103A-B lock into place when power is removed, allowing the actuators 103A-B to remain open for the duration of the event, even if power is lost. At the conclusion of the event, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be manually closed at a fire control panel.

[0045]

[0051] The one or more parameters 293A-N may include one or more gases or fumes, or a voltage or temperature associated with the battery modules 122A-N.

[0046]

[0052] Further, detecting the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor 104 can include detecting an amount 295 of one or more gases or fumes within the enclosure 101. Determining whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event can include determining whether the detected amount 295 of the one or more gases or fumes exceeds a thermal runaway event threshold 247. Opening via the at least one actuator 103A-B can be based on the detected amount 295 of the one or more gases or fumes exceeding the thermal runaway event threshold 247. The thermal runaway event threshold 247 can include information regarding at least one of a predetermined temperature, a predetermined overvoltage, a predetermined undervoltage, and a predetermined overcurrent.

[0047]

[0053] Additionally, the enclosure 101 may include at least one door configured to operate as one of the ventilation panels 102C. The at least one actuator 103A-B may be configured to include a spring-loaded mechanism or to include an electrically powered mechanism.

[0048]

[0054] In some embodiments, the ventilation panels 102A-I include first ventilation panels 102A-B formed on the top of the housing 301 and second ventilation panels 102C-I formed on the side of the housing 101. The first ventilation panels 102A-B can include two hinged panels 102A-B on the top of the housing, and the second ventilation panels 102C-I can include four hinged panels, such as the ventilation panels 102A-B, on the side of the housing 101. The first ventilation panels 102A-B can include at least one panel 102A actuated by a linear actuator, and the second ventilation panels 102C-I can include at least one ventilation panel 102C that is a spring-loaded side panel. The second ventilation panels 102C-I can also include at least one ventilation panel 102C that is a louvered side panel. In another embodiment, the ventilation panels 102A-B, D-I include six passive vents 102D-I formed on both sides of the housing 301 and two passive vents 102A-B formed on the top of the housing 301. The two passive vents 102A-B on the housing 301 are structurally identical to the ventilation panels 102A-B on the housing 101, except that when the ventilation panels 102A-B on the housing 101 are controlled, the two passive vents 102A-B on the housing 301 are not controlled by the actuators 103A-B.

[0049]

[0055] The ventilation panels 102A-I can operate as deflagration panels (as if in passive deflagration panel mode 293) when any of the ventilation panels 102A-N is closed or partially open with a pressure differential (PSID) between 0.1 and 2.0, preferably between 0.3 and 0.7, inside the enclosure 101 higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the enclosure 101. When fully open, the ventilation panels 102A-B can mitigate the risk of explosion from a thermal runaway event in one of the battery modules 122A-N by opening to active element mode 291 when a sufficient amount of CO2 or smoke is detected. CO2 can be detected as parts per million by volume (ppmv) in the air within the enclosure 101 by an air quality tester-configured sensor 104, and smoke density can be determined using a laser-configured sensor 104. Once the ventilation panels 102A-B are fully open, the ventilation panels 102A-B may be pre-configured to lock into place when power is removed and remain open for the duration of a thermal runaway event. Upon termination of the thermal runaway event, the open ventilation panels 102A-B may be manually closed, or the detection system 105 may be configured to close the open ventilation panels 102A-B when it detects the termination of the thermal runaway event.

[0050]

[0056] Furthermore, if the detection system 105 detects that the concentration of one or more gases or fumes has reached a predetermined level stored in the thermal runaway event threshold 247, the detection system 105 can control at least one actuator 103A-B to open the ventilation panels 102A-B to prevent the one or more gases or fumes from accumulating within the enclosure 101.

[0051]

[0057] Additionally, the ventilation panels 102A-B can be configured to open simultaneously when gas pressure generated by one or more gases or fumes within the enclosure 101 reaches a predetermined level stored in the thermal runaway event threshold 247, thereby allowing the one or more gases or fumes to escape outside the enclosure 101.

[0052]

[0058] Still further, at least one actuator 103A-B can use power from a universal power system (UPS) 107 attached to the enclosure 101. At least one actuator 103A-B can lock into place when power is removed, allowing the corresponding panel 102A-B to remain open for the duration of a thermal runaway event, even if power is lost. Upon termination of the thermal runaway event, the open ventilation panels 102A-B can be manually closed, or the detection system 105 closes the open ventilation panels 102A-B when it detects the termination of the thermal runaway event.

[0053]

[0059] 1-3 also show a battery thermal event management system 100 including a housing 101 for housing a plurality of battery modules 122A-N and one or more ventilation panels 102A-B. The battery thermal event management system also includes at least one actuator 103A-B for opening the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B and at least one sensor 104 for detecting one or more parameters 239A-N. Furthermore, the battery thermal event management system 100 includes a detection system 105 coupled to the housing 101. The detection system 105 includes a processor 230 coupled to the at least one actuator 103A-B and the at least one sensor 104, and a memory 235. The memory 235 is accessible to the processor 230 and is programmed to configure the battery thermal event management system 100. First, the battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N via the at least one sensor 104. Second, the battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a ventilation event, the battery thermal event management system 100 opens one or more ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B.

[0054]

[0060] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, each ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B is operable in a passive deflagration panel mode 293. Each ventilation panel 102A is closed before being opened via the at least one actuator 103A, thereby allowing each ventilation panel 102A to operate in the passive deflagration panel mode 293. In other examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, each ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B functions as a passive deflagration panel when not operating in the active element mode 291.

[0055]

[0061] In some examples of the battery thermal event management system 100, each ventilation panel 102A of the one or more ventilation panels 102A-B is operable in an active element mode 291. Opening each ventilation panel 102A via at least one actuator 103A to allow one or more gases or fumes 295 to escape from within the enclosure 101 thereby causes each ventilation panel 102A to operate in the active element mode 291. In some examples, each ventilation panel 102A can operate in both the active element mode 291 and a passive deflagration mode 293.

[0056]

[0062] One or more parameters 239A-N may be parametric indicators of a thermal runaway event.

[0057]

[0063] Further, in some examples, memory 235 includes thermal runaway event detection programming 237, and execution of the thermal runaway event detection programming by processor 230 configures battery thermal event management system 100 to perform functions. First, battery thermal event management system 100 detects one or more parameters 239A-N via at least one sensor 104. Second, battery thermal event management system 100 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a ventilation event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicating a ventilation event, battery thermal event management system 100 opens one or more ventilation panels 102A-B via at least one actuator 103A-B.

[0058]

[0064] 4 is an isometric view of an energy storage system 400. The energy storage system 100 includes multiple battery nodes 110A-N with a detection system 105. The battery nodes 110A-N include batteries of any existing or future reusable battery technology, including lithium-ion batteries or flow batteries. The battery nodes 110A-N, collectively and individually, can supply and discharge DC electricity to an external load, as well as receive and charge DC electricity from an external power source. The detection system 105 can operate completely independently, completely centrally, or some combination of independent and centralized operation.

[0059]

[0065] To facilitate the supply and receipt of DC, the battery nodes 110A-N are connected to one or more power inverters 404. The power inverters 404 are configured to normalize the power input to and power output from the battery nodes 110A-N. When the battery nodes 110A-N supply DC, the power inverters 404 convert the DC to AC for use by the connected loads 406, normalize the DC from the battery nodes 110A-N to the connected loads 406, or simply pass the DC from the battery nodes 110A-N to the connected loads. Additionally, when the battery nodes require DC, the power inverters convert the AC to DC from the energy source 402, normalize the DC from the energy source 402 to the battery nodes 110A-N, or simply pass the DC from the energy source 402 to the battery nodes 110A-N.

[0060]

[0066] The power inverter is shown with separate lines to the energy source 402 and the connected load 406; separate lines may be preferable in scenarios where the energy source 402 is inconsistent, such as a wind- or solar-based energy source 402. In such scenarios, power from the energy source 402 is pushed through a unidirectional power inverter 404 to the battery nodes 110A-N, which then either charge or discharge and provide consistent energy to the connected load 406 through another unidirectional power inverter 404. However, the connected load 406 and energy source 402 may be connected on the same line to the power inverter 104 through a bidirectional power inverter 404; in scenarios where the energy source 402 is complex and connected to the connected load 406, such as a power grid with consuming devices, a single connection to an energy storage system may absorb energy generated by the energy source 102 in excess of the demand of the connected load 406 or supply energy to the connected load 406 beyond the capacity of the energy source 402.

[0061]

[0067] The power inverter 404 may also include power converters to facilitate normalization of input or output wattage or voltage to provide a consistent output and protect the battery nodes 110A-N, the energy source 402, or the connected load 406 from damage.

[0062]

[0068] Energy source 402 may be any suitable system for generating electrical energy, such as a turbine or photovoltaic cell. Connected load 406 may include a power grid or a smaller local load, such as a backup power system for a facility, such as a hospital, manufacturing site, residence, or other suitable facility.

[0063]

[0069] Generally, the battery nodes 110A-N of the energy storage system 400 connected to an inverter 404 or group of inverters 404 operate in coordination to either supply and discharge power to a connected load 406 or receive and charge power from an energy source 402. Further methods and systems related to managing and maintaining the battery nodes 110A-N of the energy system 400 are disclosed in U.S. Application No. 17 / 810,983, filed July 6, 2022, entitled "Cell and Rack Performance Monitoring System and Method," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064]

[0070] 5 is a flow chart illustrating a thermal runaway event detection protocol 500. The battery thermal event management system 100 implements the thermal runaway event detection protocol 500 to detect and terminate a thermal runaway event in the battery node 110A.

[0065]

[0071] To detect a thermal runaway event at battery node 110A, in step 505, thermal runaway event detection protocol 500 detects one or more parameters 239A-N indicative of a thermal runaway event via at least one sensor 104. In step 510, thermal runaway event detection protocol 500 determines whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. Upon determining in step 515 that a thermal runaway event is occurring, thermal runaway event detection protocol 500 opens, via at least one actuator 103A-B, multiple ventilation panels 102A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within enclosure 101, which houses multiple battery modules 122A-N.

[0066]

[0072] 5 illustrates a method that includes first detecting, via at least one sensor 104, one or more parameters 239A-N indicative of a thermal runaway event. Second, the method includes determining whether the detected one or more parameters 239A-N indicate a thermal runaway event. Third, based on the detected one or more parameters indicating a thermal runaway event, the method includes opening, via at least one actuator 103A-B, the plurality of ventilation panels 102A-B to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within the enclosure 101 for housing the plurality of battery modules 122A-N, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode 291.

[0067]

[0073] The scope of protection is limited only by the claims which follow. That scope is intended to encompass all structural and functional equivalents, and should be so interpreted, as broad as consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims when interpreted in light of this specification and the following prosecution history. None of the claims are intended, and should not be interpreted, to encompass subject matter that does not meet the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 103 of the U.S. Act. Any unintended inclusion of such subject matter is hereby disclaimed.

[0068]

[0074] Except as immediately stated above, nothing described or shown is intended to, or should be construed to, cause a disclaimer of any component, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or equivalent, whether claimed or not.

[0069]

[0075] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the ordinary meanings ascribed to such terms and expressions in relation to their corresponding respective fields of study and research, unless a particular meaning is specifically stated herein. Relative terms such as first and second may be used solely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between such entities or operations. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," or other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising or including a list of elements or steps does not include only those elements or steps, but may also include other elements or steps not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "a" or "an" does not, without further constraints, exclude the presence of additional identical elements in a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0070]

[0076] Furthermore, in the foregoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features are grouped together in various instances for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed instances require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, protected subject matter lies in less than all features of any single disclosed instance. Accordingly, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as separately claimed subject matter.

[0071]

[0077] While the foregoing has set forth what is believed to be the best mode and / or other examples, it is understood that various modifications may be made therein and that the subject matter disclosed herein may be embodied in a variety of forms and examples and may be applied in numerous applications, only a few of which are described herein. It is intended by the following claims to claim all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of the concepts.

Claims

1. a housing for accommodating a plurality of battery modules; one or more ventilation panels; at least one actuator for opening the one or more ventilation panels; at least one sensor for detecting one or more parameters; a detection system coupled to the housing; 1. A battery thermal event management system comprising: a processor coupled to the at least one actuator and the at least one sensor; a memory accessible to said processor; the memory includes: sensing the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of a ventilation event; opening the one or more ventilation panels via the at least one actuator based on the detected one or more parameters indicating the ventilation event; a battery thermal event management system configured to:

2. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein each ventilation panel of the one or more ventilation panels is operable in a passive deflagration panel mode.

3. 3. The battery thermal event management system of claim 2, wherein the respective ventilation panels are closed prior to being opened via the at least one actuator, thereby operating the respective ventilation panels in the passive deflagration panel mode.

4. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein each ventilation panel of the one or more ventilation panels is operable in an active element mode.

5. 5. The battery thermal event management system of claim 4, wherein opening the respective ventilation panels via the at least one actuator to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within the enclosure thereby causes the respective ventilation panels to operate in the active element mode.

6. The battery thermal event management system of claim 4 , wherein each said ventilation panel is operable in a passive deflagration panel mode.

7. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more parameters are parametric indicators of a thermal runaway event.

8. The battery thermal event management system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more parameters include the one or more gases or fumes.

9. The battery thermal event management system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more parameters include a voltage or a temperature associated with the battery module.

10. the memory includes thermal runaway event detection programming; Execution of the thermal runaway event detection programming configures the battery thermal event management system to: sensing the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the ventilation event; opening the one or more ventilation panels via the at least one actuator based on the detected one or more parameters indicating the ventilation event; The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , configured to:

11. detecting the one or more parameters via the at least one sensor includes detecting an amount of the one or more gases or smoke within the enclosure; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the thermal runaway event includes determining whether the detected amount of the one or more gases or fumes exceeds a thermal runaway event threshold; the opening via the at least one actuator is based on the detected amount of the one or more gases or fumes exceeding the thermal runaway event threshold. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 .

12. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the enclosure includes at least one door configured to operate as one of the ventilation panels.

13. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is configured to include a spring-loaded mechanism.

14. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is configured to include an electrically powered mechanism.

15. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the ventilation panels include a first ventilation panel formed on a top of the housing and a second ventilation panel formed on a side of the housing.

16. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the thermal runaway event threshold includes information regarding at least one of a predetermined temperature, a predetermined overvoltage, a predetermined undervoltage, and a predetermined overcurrent.

17. 2. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation panels act as deflagration panels when all of the ventilation panels are closed or partially open by opening at a pressure differential (PSID) between 0.1 and 2.0, and when fully open, reduce the risk of explosion from the thermal runaway event of one of the battery modules.

18. 2. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1, wherein when the detection system detects that a concentration of the one or more gases or fumes has reached a predetermined level, the detection system controls the at least one actuator to open the ventilation panel to prevent the one or more gases or fumes from accumulating within the enclosure.

19. 2. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1, wherein the ventilation panels are configured to simultaneously open when gas pressure generated by the one or more gases or fumes within the enclosure reaches a predetermined level, thereby allowing the one or more gases or fumes to escape outside the enclosure.

20. The battery thermal event management system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator uses power from a general-purpose power system attached to the housing.

21. 21. The battery thermal event management system of claim 20, wherein the at least one actuator locks into place when the power is removed, allowing the corresponding panel to remain open during the thermal runaway event even when the power is lost.

22. 22. The battery thermal event management system of claim 21, wherein the opened ventilation panel is manually closed upon termination of the thermal runaway event.

23. 22. The battery thermal event management system of claim 21, wherein the detection system detects the termination of the thermal runaway event, and the detection system closes the opened ventilation panel.

24. detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the thermal runaway event; based on the detected one or more parameters indicating the thermal runaway event, opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure for housing a plurality of battery modules, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode; A method comprising:

25. Thermal runaway event detection programming 10. A non-transitory machine-readable medium, comprising: detecting, via at least one sensor, one or more parameters indicative of a thermal runaway event; determining whether the detected one or more parameters are indicative of the thermal runaway event; based on the detected one or more parameters indicating the thermal runaway event, opening, via at least one actuator, a plurality of ventilation panels to allow one or more gases or fumes to escape from within an enclosure for accommodating a plurality of battery modules, thereby operating the ventilation panels in an active element mode; 1. A non-transitory machine-readable medium configured to:

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