Redundancy for battery protection

Abstract

The battery assembly includes an enclosure containing multiple battery cells and a sensor within the enclosure. The sensor is configured to measure parameters within the enclosure and generate a detection signal. The battery assembly further includes a processor within the enclosure, which is configured to process the detection signal and generate information related to the detection signal. A first communication link is configured to transmit a discrete signal from the enclosure to a system outside the enclosure indicating whether the detection signal indicates a fault condition. A second communication link is configured to transmit a digital signal containing the above information from the enclosure to the system. Therefore, transmitting a discrete signal over the first communication link and information related to the detection signal over the second communication link provides redundancy and improves the reliability of the battery assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to battery technology, and more particularly to the protection of battery packs.

Background Art

[0002]

[0002] Lithium ion batteries or Li-ion batteries are a type of rechargeable battery with a high energy density and generally no memory effect. These batteries can be used individually or together in groups that are packaged into battery packs. Li-ion batteries and battery packs are commonly used, for example, in portable electronic devices (such as cell phones), electric vehicles, and consumer cordless power tools. Li-ion battery technology is also used in military and aerospace applications.

[0003]

[0003] A lithium-ion cell provides an electric current when lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode through the electrolyte. When the cell is charged, lithium ions move in the reverse direction. In some examples, the positive electrode includes lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), or lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4 or Li2MnO3). The negative electrode generally includes, for example, graphite. The electrolyte may be a mixture of an organic carbonate and a lithium-ion complex. For example, the electrolyte may include ethylene carbonate or diethyl carbonate. Lithium-ion cells can have various form factors, including cylindrical, flat, pouch-type, and rigid plastic cases with threaded terminals. Cylindrical lithium-ion cells typically include a metal container that provides the primary structure to the cell and acts as the negative electrode. The container may be made from, for example, aluminum or steel. The electrode assembly includes a current collector sheet separated by a porous membrane wound into a cylindrical shape. The electrode assembly is placed in a container and functions as an electrical energy storage component. The current collector may contain copper or aluminum foil coated with an active material, and the porous membrane may be, for example, a polymer or ceramic. The electrolyte fills the remaining volume of the container and permeates the active material on the current collector and separator. To complete the cell and seal the electrode assembly within the container, a cap that acts as the positive electrode is crimped into place on the top of the can. Several important issues remain regarding operating the battery pack, such as lithium-ion battery packs. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0004] [Figure 1]

[0004] A battery assembly comprising a plurality of battery cells in an enclosure according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, wherein the battery assembly further comprises (i) a plurality of sensors for sensing a plurality of corresponding parameters relating to the battery cells and / or enclosure, and (ii) a processor in the enclosure, wherein data from one or more of the plurality of sensors is redundantly transmitted from the enclosure to a system outside the enclosure. [Figure 2A]

[0005] A plot showing the detection signal output by the outgas sensor of the battery assembly in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B]

[0006] A plot showing the detection signal output by the pressure relief sensor of the battery assembly in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C1]

[0007] A plot showing the detection signal output by the temperature sensor of the battery assembly in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C2]

[0008] A plot showing discrete signals generated by a comparator based on the detection signal in Figure 2C1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D1]

[0009] A plot showing the voltage detection signal output by the voltage sensor of the battery assembly in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2D2]

[0010] A plot showing a discrete undervoltage signal generated by a comparator based on the detection signal in Figure 2D1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E1]

[0011] Another plot showing the voltage sensing signal output by the voltage sensor of the battery assembly in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2E2]

[0012] A plot showing the discrete overvoltage signal generated by a comparator based on the detection signal in Figure 2E1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]

[0013] A diagram illustrating communication between a processor in a battery assembly and a system outside the enclosure, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]

[0014] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is at least partially similar to the battery assemblies of Figures 1 and 3, wherein in the battery assembly of Figure 4, one or more comparators receive corresponding one or more sensing signals directly from corresponding one or more sensors (for example, by bypassing a processor). [Figure 5]

[0015] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is at least partially similar to the battery assemblies of Figures 1, 3, and 4, wherein in the battery assembly of Figure 5, one or more comparators of the battery assembly are implemented by a processor located within the enclosure (for example, by software running within the processor). [Figure 6]

[0016] A battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown, which is at least partially similar to the battery assemblies of Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, wherein in the battery assembly of Figure 6, discrete signals are generated and transmitted over a dedicated communication link (for example, dedicated to transmitting discrete signals and not dedicated to transmitting digital data) by bypassing a processor. [Figure 7A]

[0017] Figure 1 shows a battery assembly along with the operation of a switch within the enclosure of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, where the switch is operable to disconnect multiple battery cells from an external load of the enclosure in response to the detection of a warning or failure event from the battery assembly. [Figure 7B]Figure 1 shows a battery assembly along with the operation of a switch within the enclosure of the battery assembly according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, where the switch is operable to disconnect multiple battery cells from an external load of the enclosure in response to the detection of a warning or failure event from the battery assembly. [Figure 8A]

[0018] A flowchart illustrating a method for operating the battery assembly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B]

[0019] A flowchart illustrating a method for operating the battery assembly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B in the event of (i) a failure in the communication link between the processor and the system, and / or (ii) a failure in the processor, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C]

[0020] A flowchart illustrating a method for operating the battery assembly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B in the event of (i) a failure in the communication link between the enclosure and an external system, and / or (ii) a failure in one or more of the comparators of the battery assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0005]

[0021] The figures illustrate various embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily drawn to a specific scale. Numerous variations, configurations, and other embodiments will become apparent from the embodiments for carrying out the invention described below.

[0006]

[0022] Methodologies and structures are disclosed for introducing redundancy in the processing and / or communication of data from sensors deployed within a battery assembly to a battery control system. According to some exemplary embodiments, the battery assembly comprises an enclosure and a plurality of battery cells within the enclosure. In some such embodiments, the battery assembly is a lithium-ion battery assembly, but other types of battery assemblies (such as lead-acid or hydrogen cells) may also benefit from the techniques described herein. For example, a plurality of sensors are deployed within the battery assembly to monitor one or more corresponding parameters within the battery assembly. Examples of sensors used include, for example, pressure relief sensors, gas release sensors, temperature sensors, voltage sensors, and / or other suitable sensors that may be deployed within the battery assembly to ensure the safe operation of the battery assembly. A processor is mounted within the battery assembly, where the processor receives sensing signals from the sensors and processes the sensing signals to generate digital information including data related to the sensing signals.

[0007]

[0023] In one example, one or more detection signals from one or more corresponding sensors may be discrete detection signals (for example, a gas release sensor may output a discrete detection signal indicating whether or not a gas release event has been detected). Such discrete detection signals provide indication of battery failure events (for example, a gas release event is a battery failure event). Some other detection signals may be analog detection signals (for example, a temperature sensor may output an analog detection signal indicating the temperature at a location within the battery assembly). In one example, a comparator receives the corresponding analog detection signal, compares that analog detection signal to a threshold value of the corresponding parameter, and generates the corresponding discrete detection signal. For example, a comparator may compare the temperature output of a temperature sensor to a temperature threshold value to generate the corresponding discrete detection signal indicating whether or not an overtemperature event has been detected.

[0008]

[0024] In some examples, the discrete detection signal is transmitted on a first communication link from the battery enclosure to a system external to the battery. In some such examples, such transmission of the discrete detection signal may bypass the processor and be transmitted independently of the operation of the processor. Also, in one example, digital information generated by software being executed by the processor (e.g., here, the digital information includes data related to the detection signal) is transmitted by the processor to a system external to the battery on a second communication link different from, for example, the first communication link described above. Thus, communicating data from the sensor to the system through two different and independent communication links provides redundancy and improves the reliability of the overall system.

[0009]

[0025] In some examples, the enclosure also includes a switch (such as a contactor) for selectively coupling a plurality of battery cells to a load external to the enclosure. The switch can be controlled by a system external to the enclosure and / or by a processor within the enclosure. In some such examples, during normal operation of the battery assembly (e.g., when no warning or fault events are detected), the switch is in a closed state, coupling the battery cells to the load. However, in response to the detection of a fault condition, the switch transitions to an open state, disconnecting the battery cells from the load, thereby reducing the likelihood of thermal runaway and, as a result, reducing the likelihood of fire hazard. Numerous variations and embodiments will become apparent in light of the present disclosure.

[0010] General Overview

[0026] As described above in this specification, several important issues remain regarding the operation of battery packs, such as lithium-ion battery packs. One challenge in lithium-ion battery technology is thermal management. An ongoing concern is the possibility of thermal runaway during the use, handling, and / or transport of lithium-ion batteries. Thermal runaway occurs when a series of self-sustaining exothermic side reactions lead to overall failure of the cell, and in some cases, fire and / or explosion. A battery cell subjected to thermal runaway may emit high-temperature gases, flames, and a high-speed ejection of molten particulate matter called ejecta. Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to thermal runaway due to the chemical properties of lithium-ion technology. Significant progress has been made over time to improve cell performance (e.g., reducing capacity fade, increasing available power, etc.), but the challenges of thermal runaway and its propagation remain. For example, the materials and construction of individual battery cells or battery packs can create localized hot spots or overheating that can lead to cell failure. Furthermore, excessively constraining battery cells can create large pressure gradients that lead to failure of mechanical components such as plates and fasteners surrounding the battery cells. Similarly, preventing ejection from escaping can lead to the instantaneous formation of localized hot spots, which can trigger thermal runaway in nearby battery cells. Structures and methodologies are needed to detect parameters within the battery assembly and to mitigate the propagation of thermal runaway in lithium-ion battery packs, for example, during battery failure events.

[0011]

[0027] Therefore, techniques for forming a battery assembly are described herein in which sensor data from the battery assembly is redundantly processed and communicated to mitigate or reduce safety hazards such as thermal runaway in the battery assembly and the resulting risk of fire. For example, the sensor data is processed and communicated using two independent data paths to the control system, thereby increasing data processing and communication redundancy in the battery assembly and reducing catastrophic failures and the resulting risk of thermal runaway and fire within the battery assembly.

[0012]

[0028] In one embodiment, the battery assembly includes an enclosure that is substantially airtight and a plurality of battery cells within the enclosure. In some examples, the battery cells can be lithium-ion battery cells, although other types of battery cells (such as lead-acid battery cells or hydrogen cells) can also benefit from the techniques described herein.

[0013]

[0029] The battery assembly enclosure includes several sensors. In one example, the sensors include gas release sensors and / or pressure relief sensors. For example, during a battery cell failure operation, the battery cells may release gas (referred herein to as "outgassing" of the battery cells), examples of such released gas are described below herein. Such released gas may increase the gas pressure within the battery enclosure, contributing to thermal runaway and fire hazards, and causing structural damage to the enclosure. In one embodiment, a pressure relief device is installed within the enclosure. In one example, the pressure relief device is a burst disk device, but other types of pressure relief devices may be used instead. The pressure relief device is configured to release gas pressure from the enclosure in response to the gas pressure exceeding a threshold due to gas release from one or more battery cells during a failure condition, for example, by rupture of the diaphragm of the burst disk.

[0014]

[0030] In some embodiments, a pressure relief sensor within an enclosure is configured to output a pressure relief detection signal indicating such a pressure relief event. For example, the pressure relief detection signal may be a discrete signal having a first state indicating normal conditions for the pressure relief device and a second state indicating a rupture or burst of the pressure relief device, for example, a pressure release failure event.

[0015]

[0031] In some embodiments, a gas release sensor within an enclosure is configured to detect a gas release within the enclosure, for example, due to a failure condition of one or more battery cells. The gas release sensor is configured to output a gas release detection signal, which may be a discrete signal having a first state indicating a normal condition (e.g., the detected gas release is 0 or less than a threshold ppm level) and a second state indicating a gas release failure event (e.g., the detected gas release is equal to or higher than a threshold ppm level).

[0016]

[0032] In one example, the multiple sensors include one or more temperature sensors located in one or more locations within an enclosure. In one example, the temperature sensing signal is an analog signal indicating the measured temperature. In one example, a comparator receives the analog temperature sensing signal, compares it to a threshold temperature value, and generates a corresponding discrete temperature sensing signal indicating whether an overtemperature event has been detected. For example, the discrete temperature sensing signal may have a first state indicating normal conditions (e.g., a temperature below the threshold temperature) and a second state indicating an overtemperature fault event.

[0017]

[0033] In one example, multiple sensors include voltage sensors for monitoring the output voltage of a battery assembly (or monitoring the interval voltage of a battery assembly). In one example, the voltage sensing signal is an analog signal indicating the measured voltage. In one example, a comparator receives the analog voltage sensing signal and compares it to a high threshold voltage and a low threshold voltage to generate a corresponding discrete overvoltage sensing signal indicating whether (1) an overvoltage event occurs, where the voltage is higher than the high threshold voltage, and a corresponding discrete undervoltage sensing signal indicating whether (2) an undervoltage event occurs, where the voltage is lower than the low threshold voltage. For example, the discrete overvoltage sensing signal may have a first state indicating a normal condition (e.g., a voltage lower than the high threshold voltage) and a second state indicating an overvoltage fault event (e.g., a voltage higher than the high threshold voltage). Similarly, the discrete undervoltage sensing signal may have a first state indicating a normal condition (e.g., a voltage higher than the low threshold voltage) and a second state indicating an undervoltage fault event (e.g., a voltage lower than the low threshold voltage).

[0018]

[0034] In some embodiments, the processor within the enclosure is configured to receive and process the outputs of various sensors. In one example, the processor (for example, software running within the processor) is configured to process the outputs of various sensors and generate digital information indicating the sensor outputs.

[0019]

[0035] In one example, the comparator described above is implemented by the processor (for example, the comparator is a software comparator). In another example, the comparator is separate from the processor. For example, the comparator may receive an analog sensing signal from a sensor by bypassing the processor. Therefore, in such an example, even if the processor fails for some reason, such a processor failure may not affect the operation of the comparator.

[0020]

[0036] Therefore, as described above, two types of sensor data are currently available: (i) discrete detection signals generated by the sensor and comparator, and (ii) digital information generated by the processor software. Both discrete detection data and digital information indicate possible fault events detected by the sensor. Furthermore, the digital information may include other types of information, such as the actual temperature and / or voltage detected by the corresponding sensor, the level of detected gas release, and / or other relevant information contained in the sensor data.

[0021]

[0037] In some embodiments, discrete sensing signals generated by the sensor and comparator are transmitted from the enclosure to an external system (for example, outside the enclosure) over a first communication link. In some such embodiments, the discrete sensing signals are transmitted from the sensor and comparator by bypassing the processor. For example, appropriate circuitry (such as a communication interface or multiplexer and / or another suitable component) transmits the discrete sensing signals from the sensor and comparator to the external system over the first communication link by bypassing the processor.

[0022]

[0038] Meanwhile, the processor transmits software-generated digital information over a second communication link distinct from the first communication link. For example, the first communication link might be a discrete-signal bus (adapted to transmit discrete signals, for instance), while the second communication link might be a digital bus, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus.

[0023]

[0039] Therefore, communicating sensor data from the enclosure to an external system through two independent and distinct communication paths (such as discrete sensing signals transmitted over a first communication link and software-generated digital information transmitted over a second communication link) improves the reliability and redundancy of informing the external system of the status of various parameters and failure conditions of the battery assembly, for example. For instance, if the processor fails for any reason (e.g., due to software overheating, shutdown, and / or other software and / or hardware problems), the external system will continue to receive discrete sensing signals. Similarly, if the transmission of discrete sensing signals fails for any reason, the processor will continue to provide software-generated digital information to the external system.

[0024]

[0040] In some examples, the enclosure also includes a switch for selectively coupling multiple battery cells to an external load. In some such examples, the switch may be a contactor. The switch may be controlled by an external system and / or by a processor within the enclosure. For example, the system and / or processor generate one or more control signals to control the operation of the switch.

[0025]

[0041] During normal operation of the battery assembly (for example, when no gas release or pressure release event is detected), the switch is in the closed state, coupling the battery cells to the load. However, in response to the detection of a battery failure event (for example, indicated by discrete sensing signals and / or software-generated digital information), the switch transitions to the open state, disconnecting the battery cells from the load. For example, in response to the detection of a gas release event, pressure release event, over-temperature event, under-voltage event, and / or over-voltage event, one or more control signals generated by the system and / or processor instruct the switch to transition to the open state. Therefore, when one or more such failure events are detected, the battery is not loaded (by the switch transitioning to the open state), thereby reducing the possibility of thermal runaway and, consequently, the possibility of fire hazard.

[0026]

[0042] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, these various techniques may be used individually or in combination to mitigate or eliminate thermal runaway propagation in battery pack assemblies. Numerous variations and embodiments will become apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0027]

[0043] As used herein, the term “approximately” indicates that the listed value may change slightly, or otherwise be within an acceptable tolerance, as long as the change does not result in a non-conformity of the process or device. For example, for some elements, the term “approximately” may refer to a variation of ±0.1%, while for others, the term “approximately” may refer to a variation of ±1%, ±10%, or any point within that range. Similarly, as used herein, terms defined in the singular are intended to include those terms defined in the plural, and vice versa.

[0028]

[0044] References to numerical ranges herein explicitly include each number (including decimals and integers) that is encompassed by that range. For illustrative purposes, references to the ranges “at least 50” or “at least about 50” herein include integers such as 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and decimals such as 50.1, 50.2, 50.3, 50.4, 50.5, 50.6, 50.7, 50.8, 50.9, and so on. In further examples, references herein to the range “less than 50” or “about less than 50” include integers such as 49, 48, 47, 46, 45, 44, 43, 42, 41, 40, and decimals such as 49.9, 49.8, 49.7, 49.6, 49.5, 49.4, 49.3, 49.2, 49.1, 49.0, and so on.

[0029]

[0045] As used herein, the terms “substantially” or “substantial” are equally applicable when used in a negative, implied sense to refer to the complete or near-complete absence of a measure, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, a surface that is “substantially” flat is either perfectly flat or nearly flat, having the same effect as if it were perfectly flat.

[0030] architecture

[0046] Figure 1 shows a battery assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, comprising a plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n in an enclosure 101, wherein the battery assembly 100 further comprises (i) a plurality of sensors 116a, ..., 116P for sensing a plurality of corresponding parameters related to the battery cells 102 and / or the enclosure 101, and (ii) a processor 104 in the enclosure 101, wherein data from one or more of the plurality of sensors 116a, ..., 116P is redundantly transmitted from the enclosure 101 to a system 180 located outside the enclosure 101.

[0031]

[0047] In some examples, the walls of enclosure 101 are made of metal, and in some other examples, the walls of enclosure 101 are made of non-metal. In one example, the walls of enclosure 101 are a combination of metal and non-metal. In one example, enclosure 101 is substantially airtight. In one example, enclosure 101 is completely airtight or sealed. In another example, enclosure 101 has several openings to allow enclosure 101 and battery cells 102a, ..., 102n to "breathe," for example, to gradually exchange air or gas with the surroundings (e.g., the space outside enclosure 101).

[0032]

[0048] In one embodiment, each battery cell 102 may comprise any suitable type of battery cell. For example, each battery cell 102 may comprise a lithium-ion battery cell, but battery cell 102 may comprise another suitable type, such as a lead-acid battery cell or a hydrogen cell. In one example, multiple battery cells 102a, ..., 102n may be connected in series and / or parallel. In one example, battery cells 102a, ..., 102n may be of suitable size and may have any suitable shape or form factor. In one embodiment, each battery cell 102 contains an electrolyte in a corresponding container, but the electrolyte and the container of battery cell 102 are not shown in Figure 1.

[0033]

[0049] In one example, the battery cell 102 may fail due to, for example, overcharging, overvoltage, undervoltage, overheating, excessive discharge, and / or other appropriate reasons. In one embodiment, sensors 116a, ..., 116P monitor P corresponding parameters within the enclosure 101. In one embodiment, sensors 116a, ..., 116P are located within the enclosure 101, as shown in Figure 1. However, in another example, one or more sensors may be located outside the enclosure, for example, attached to the outer surface of the enclosure 101.

[0034]

[0050] Sensors 116a, ..., 116P may be of an appropriate type. Several exemplary types of sensors are described below herein. However, other appropriate types of sensors, such as those used in battery cell enclosures and / or for battery cell protection, may also be possible.

[0035]

[0051] In one example, sensor 116a is a gas release sensor 116. In one example, gas release from a battery cell (sometimes called off-gassing) may occur during the initial stages of a battery failure. When gas release from a battery cell occurs, if no measures are taken to correct the cause of the failure, the battery cell may progress to thermal runaway and may even ignite suddenly. In one example, gas release may result from vapors of the battery cell electrolyte and / or (one or more) other gases generated within the battery cell due to failure conditions within the battery cell, for example. In such an example, such vapors and / or gases may be released from the battery cell. Examples of gases released from a battery cell, such as in a lithium-ion battery cell, include hydrogen, methane, ethane, methylene, propylene, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and / or organic carbonates. In one example, the gases released from a battery cell may depend on the electrolyte and / or other materials used within the battery cell, as well as the type of battery cell (e.g., a lithium-ion battery cell, or another suitable type of battery cell).

[0036]

[0052] In one embodiment, the gas release sensor 116a is configured to detect gas release events in one or more battery cells among a plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n. For example, the gas release sensor 116a is mounted near a battery cell 102 and monitors the gas space within the enclosure 101. The gases (one or more) monitored by the gas release sensor 116a may be based on the type of battery cell 102 used in the assembly 100. For example, if the battery cell 102 comprises a lithium-ion battery cell, the gas release sensor 116a may monitor lithium-ion battery electrolyte vapor and / or other gases potentially generated by such a battery cell during a failure condition. The gas release sensor 116a may detect gas from the battery cell 102 at, for example, a parts per million (ppm) level detection threshold.

[0037]

[0053] In one embodiment, the gas release sensor 116a outputs a detection signal 117a. When the gas release sensor 116a detects a gas leak of at least a threshold amount (e.g., a threshold ppm level) from one or more battery cells 102 (e.g., detects a gas release event), the detection signal 117a indicates such detection. For example, when a gas release event is detected, the detection signal 117a changes from a first signal level to a second signal level.

[0038]

[0054] Figure 2A shows a plot illustrating a detection signal 117a output by a gas release sensor 116a of the battery assembly 100 of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The X-axis of the plot in Figure 2A represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot in Figure 2A represents the detection signal 117a. For example, when no gas release event is detected (e.g., the detected gas release is 0 or at least less than the threshold gas release level), the gas release sensor 116a may output a detection signal 117a at a first voltage V1 (e.g., 0.50V DC). When a gas release event is detected (e.g., the detected gas release is equal to or higher than the threshold gas release level), the gas release sensor 116a may output a detection signal 117a at a second voltage level V2 (e.g., 3.0V DC). Thus, the detection signal 117a provides indication of a gas release event.

[0039]

[0055] A gas release event may be a warning or fault condition of the battery assembly 100. For example, in response to the detection of a gas release event, the system 180 and / or processor 104 may suspend the operation of the battery assembly 100 as described below.

[0040]

[0056] In one embodiment, during a gas release event, the gas pressure inside the enclosure 101 increases, for example, due to a failure condition in one or more battery cells, such as the evaporation of the electrolyte in one or more of the battery cells 102a, ..., 102n. In one example, a gas release sensor 116a detects a gas release event, etc., and indicates such detection through the detection signal 117a (for example, by increasing the detection signal 117a from voltage V1 to voltage V2, see Figure 2A). As described below, precautionary measures may be taken (for example, by the processor 104 and / or system 180) to correct the conditions causing the gas release event (for example, by shutting down the battery cells 102a, ..., 102n). However, in one example, gas release detection and / or such corrective measures may be insufficient or not timely, and the gas pressure inside the enclosure 101 may rise. Such rising gas pressure may cause thermal runaway, fire hazard, and / or structural damage to the enclosure 101.

[0041]

[0057] Therefore, in one embodiment, the enclosure 101 includes a pressure relief device 108, where sensor 116b is a pressure relief sensor 116b configured to detect pressure release events caused by the pressure relief device 108. For example, the pressure relief device 108 in the enclosure 101 releases gas pressure from the enclosure 101 in response to, for example, the gas pressure in the enclosure 101 exceeding a threshold pressure value. In one example, the pressure relief device 108 is a burst disk or rupture disk mounted on the wall of the enclosure 101. The burst disk or rupture disk is a pressure relief safety device that protects the system 100 from overpressure and the resulting fire hazard and / or structural damage. For example, the pressure relief device 108 has a non-re-closing sacrificial portion, which is a single-use membrane or diaphragm. The diaphragm will fail or rupture if the pressure inside the enclosure 101 exceeds a predetermined differential pressure between the inside and the surroundings. For example, when the gas pressure inside the enclosure 101 exceeds a threshold pressure, the diaphragm will fail or rupture (referred to herein as a pressure release event), thereby rapidly releasing gas from inside the enclosure 101 and thereby releasing or reducing the gas pressure inside the enclosure 101. For example, when the pressure relief device 108 is activated or ruptures, it reduces the pressure inside the enclosure 101 within a relatively small amount of time (e.g., within a few seconds, milliseconds, or microseconds). In one example, if the diaphragm bursts, it may not be resealable, and the pressure relief device 108 may become inoperable until the diaphragm is repaired or replaced.

[0042]

[0058] In one embodiment, the pressure relief sensor 116b detects a pressure release event caused by the pressure relief device 108. For example, the pressure relief sensor 116b outputs a detection signal 117b indicating a pressure release event. In one example, the pressure relief sensor 116b can be integrated with the pressure relief device 108. For example, a rupture of the diaphragm of the pressure relief device 108 can be detected by the pressure relief sensor 116b.

[0043]

[0059] Figure 2B shows a plot illustrating a detection signal 117b output by a pressure relief sensor 116b of the battery assembly 100 of Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the detection signal 117b. For example, when no pressure release event is detected, the pressure relief sensor 116b may output a detection signal 117b at a first voltage Va (e.g., 0.50V DC). When a pressure release event is detected, the pressure relief sensor 116b may output a detection signal 117b at a second voltage level Vb (e.g., 3.0V DC). Thus, the detection signal 117b provides indication of a pressure release event.

[0044]

[0060] A pressure release event may be a warning or fault condition in the battery assembly 100. For example, in response to the detection of a pressure release event, the system 180 and / or processor 104 may suspend the operation of the battery assembly 100 as described below.

[0045]

[0061] Note that detection signals 117a and 117b are discrete signals. For example, each of detection signals 117a and 117b has two states. For example, as shown in Figure 2A, a low value of detection signal 117a implies that no gas release event (e.g., warning or fault condition) has been detected, and a high value of detection signal 117a implies that a gas release event (e.g., warning or fault condition) has been detected. Similarly, as shown in Figure 2B, a low value of detection signal 117b implies that no pressure relief event (e.g., warning or fault condition) has been detected, and a high value of detection signal 117b implies that a pressure relief event (e.g., warning or fault condition) has been detected.

[0046]

[0062] In one example, in addition to the descriptions relating to Figures 2A and 2B, the detection signals 117a and / or 117b may also include additional data from the corresponding sensors 116a and 116b, respectively. For example, in addition to (or instead of) the high and low levels shown in Figure 2A, the detection signal 117a may also include the concentration (e.g., in ppm levels) of one or more gas emissions detected by sensor 116a. Similarly, in one example, in addition to (or instead of) the high and low levels shown in Figure 2B, the detection signal 117b may also include the gas pressure experienced by the pressure relief device 108.

[0047]

[0063] In one example, sensor 116c is a temperature sensor for detecting or monitoring the temperature of one or more locations within the enclosure 101. For example, sensor 116c may detect the temperature of one or more locations within the processor 104, near or inside one or more of the battery cells 102a, ..., 102n, and / or another suitable location within the enclosure 101. In one example, the detection signal 117c generated by sensor 116c indicates the measured temperature.

[0048]

[0064] Figure 2C1 shows a plot of a detection signal 117c output by the temperature sensor 116c of the battery assembly 100 in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2C2 shows a plot of a discrete signal 119c generated by the comparator 118c based on the detection signal 117c in Figure 2C1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049]

[0065] For example, the enclosure 101 includes several comparators 118c, ..., 118P, each corresponding to a sensor 116c, ..., 116P. In one example, each of the comparators 118c, ..., 118P is configured to receive a corresponding detection signal 117, compare the detection signal 117 to one or more corresponding thresholds, and generate a corresponding discrete signal 119. For example, comparator 118c receives a detection signal 117c from sensor 116c, compares the detection signal 117c to a corresponding threshold (e.g., threshold temperature T1), and generates a corresponding discrete detection signal 119c based on the comparison. Comparator 118d receives a detection signal 117d from sensor 116d, compares the detection signal 117d to two corresponding thresholds (described below), and generates two corresponding discrete detection signals 119d1 and 119d2 based on the comparison. Similarly, the comparator 118P receives a detection signal 117P from the sensor 116P, compares the detection signal 117P with a corresponding threshold, and generates a corresponding discrete detection signal 119P based on the comparison.

[0050]

[0066] Note that there are no comparators 118a or 118b corresponding to the detection signals 117a and 117b from sensors 116a and 116b, respectively. This is because, in one example, the detection signals 117a and 117b are essentially discrete signals, each having two states (see Figures 2A and 2B), such as a normal state and a warning or fault state. Therefore, in one example, there may not be a separate comparator to convert the detection signals 117a and 117b into corresponding discrete signals.

[0051]

[0067] However, in some other examples, unlike in Figure 2A, the detection signal 117a may not be a discrete signal. In some such examples, the detection signal 117a may indicate the ppm level of gas release instead of detecting a gas release event. In some such examples, the comparator may compare the ppm level of gas release to a threshold ppm level to generate a corresponding discrete detection signal. When the ppm level is below the threshold ppm level, the discrete detection signal may be in a first state indicating normal functioning of the battery assembly 100 (for example, as far as gas release is concerned). If the ppm level is above the threshold ppm level, the comparator may transition the discrete detection signal to a second state indicating a gas release event, similar to the detection signal 117a in Figure 2A, for example.

[0052]

[0068] Next, referring to Figure 2C1, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the detection signal 117c, which increases with increasing temperature (for example, proportionally, substantially linearly, or non-linearly, depending on the type of temperature sensor used) and decreases with decreasing temperature. In the example in Figure 2C1, at time ta, the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature T1, which is reflected in the detection signal 117c.

[0053]

[0069] Next, referring to Figure 2C2, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the discrete temperature detection signal 119c. In one embodiment, comparator 118c receives a detection signal 117c from sensor 116c indicating the detected temperature, compares the detected temperature with a threshold temperature T1, and generates a corresponding discrete temperature detection signal 119c. When the temperature level is below the threshold temperature T1, the discrete temperature detection signal may be in a first state (labeled as “normal state” in Figure 2C2) indicating the normal functioning of the battery assembly 100 (for example, as far as temperature is concerned). When the temperature exceeds the threshold temperature level T1 at time ta (see Figure 2C1), comparator 118c transitions the discrete temperature detection signal 119c to a second state (labeled as “warning / fault state” in Figure 2C2) indicating that an over-temperature event has occurred.

[0054]

[0070] An overtemperature event may be a warning or failure condition of the battery assembly 100. For example, in response to the detection of an overtemperature event, the system 180 and / or processor 104 may suspend the operation of the battery assembly 100 as described below.

[0055]

[0071] In one example, sensor 116d is a voltage sensor that measures the voltage generated by one or more of the battery cells 102a, ..., 102n. For example, sensor 116d measures the voltage output by the battery assembly 100. Figure 2D1 shows a plot of voltage detection signal 117d output by voltage sensor 116d of the battery assembly 100 in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2D2 shows a plot of discrete undervoltage signal 119d1 generated by comparator 118d based on detection signal 117d in Figure 2D1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056]

[0072] In one embodiment, the sensor 116d and the corresponding comparator 118d monitor the voltage output by the battery assembly 100 to detect, for example, overvoltage or undervoltage conditions. Figures 2D1 and 2D2 relate to detecting an undervoltage condition, where the voltage falls below a low threshold voltage VL. Referring now to Figure 2D1, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the detection signal 117d, which increases or decreases (for example, proportionally, substantially linearly, or nonlinearly, depending on the type of sensor used) with each increase or decrease in the detected voltage. In the example of Figure 2D1, at time tb, the voltage falls below the low threshold voltage VL, which is reflected in the detection signal 117d.

[0057]

[0073] Referring to Figure 2D2, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents a discrete undervoltage detection signal 119d1 indicating a possible undervoltage. In one embodiment, comparator 118d receives a voltage detection signal 117d indicating a detected voltage, compares the detected voltage with a low threshold voltage VL, and generates a corresponding discrete undervoltage detection signal 119d1. When the voltage level is above the threshold low voltage VL, the discrete undervoltage detection signal is in a first state (labeled as “Normal State” in Figure 2D2) indicating the normal functioning of the battery assembly 100 (for example, as far as undervoltage is concerned). When the voltage falls below the threshold low voltage VL at time tb (see Figure 2D1), comparator 118d transitions the discrete undervoltage detection signal 119d1 to a second state (labeled as “Warning / Fault State” in Figure 2D2) indicating that an undervoltage event has occurred.

[0058]

[0074] Figure 2E1 shows another plot showing the voltage detection signal 117d output by the voltage sensor 116d of the battery assembly 100 in Figure 1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 2E2 shows a plot showing the discrete overvoltage signal 119d2 generated by the comparator 118d based on the detection signal 117d in Figure 2E1, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0059]

[0075] Figures 2E1 and 2E2 relate to the detection of an overvoltage condition when the voltage exceeds a high threshold voltage VH. Referring to Figure 2E1, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the detected signal 117d. In the example in Figure 2E1, at time tc, the voltage exceeds the high threshold voltage VH, which is reflected in the detected signal 117d.

[0060]

[0076] Next, referring to Figure 2E2, the X-axis of the plot represents time, and the Y-axis of the plot represents the discrete overvoltage detection signal 119d2 indicating the possible overvoltage output by the battery assembly. In one embodiment, comparator 118d receives a voltage detection signal 117d indicating the detected voltage, compares the detected voltage with a high threshold voltage VH, and generates the corresponding discrete overvoltage detection signal 119d2.

[0061]

[0077] Therefore, in one example, and as shown in Figure 1, the same comparator 118d compares the detected voltage to both a low threshold voltage VL and a high threshold voltage VH. However, in another example, two different voltage comparators may be used, one for comparing the detected voltage to the low threshold voltage VL and the other for comparing the detected voltage to the high threshold voltage VH.

[0062]

[0078] Referring again to Figure 2E2, when the voltage level is below the threshold high voltage VH, the discrete overvoltage detection signal 119d2 is in a first state (labeled as “Normal State” in Figure 2E2) indicating the normal functioning of the battery assembly 100 (for example, as far as overvoltage is concerned). When the voltage exceeds the threshold high voltage VH at time tc (see Figure 2E1), the comparator 118d causes the discrete overvoltage detection signal 119d2 to transition to a second state (labeled as “Warning / Fault State” in Figure 2E2) indicating that an overvoltage event has occurred.

[0063]

[0079] Overvoltage and undervoltage events may be warning or fault conditions for the battery assembly 100. For example, in response to the detection of an overvoltage or undervoltage event, the system 180 and / or processor 104 may suspend the operation of the battery assembly 100, as described below.

[0064]

[0080] Accordingly, examples of the pressure relief sensor 116a, the gas release sensor 116b, the temperature sensor 116c, and the voltage sensor 116d have been described above in this specification. In one example, the battery assembly may include any other suitable sensors (one or more) for sensing parameters relating to the safety and / or normal operation of the battery. Thus, for example, the battery assembly 100 may include any other suitable type of sensor (one or more). For example, in addition to (or instead of) one or more of the sensors described above, the battery assembly 100 may include additional sensors such as a current sensor (for example, which can be used in combination with a corresponding comparator to monitor overcurrent conditions), a humidity sensor (for example, which can be used in combination with a corresponding comparator to monitor overhumid conditions), and / or any other suitable type of sensor (one or more) used within the battery assembly.

[0065]

[0081] Figure 1 shows that comparators 118c, ..., 118P receive detection signals 117c, 117d, ..., 117P, respectively, through processor 104, and transmit the generated discrete detection signals 119c, 119d, ..., 119P to the processor. However, in some other examples, at least some of the comparators 118c, ..., 118P may receive the corresponding detection signals 117c, 117d, ..., 117P, respectively, directly from sensors 116c, 116d, ..., 116P, as described below.

[0066]

[0082] Referring again to Figure 1, in one embodiment, the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P and the discrete detection signals 117c, ..., 117P may be received by a processor 104, also located in the enclosure 101. In one example, the processor 104 is a microcontroller. Although not shown, in one example, the processor 104 is coupled to a communication chip for communicating with, for example, sensors 116a, ..., 116P, comparators 118c, ..., 118P, and / or system 180. In one embodiment, the processor 104 is coupled to a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 105, such as a memory 105 or data storage device 105, also located in the enclosure 101. In one embodiment, the non-temporary computer-readable storage medium 105 stores instructions or code that, when executed by the processor 104, cause the processor 104 to perform actions to protect the battery assembly 100 from various hazards, as described herein. In one embodiment, the processor 104 and / or memory 105 are located on a printed circuit board (PCB), which is mounted inside an enclosure 101.

[0067]

[0083] In one embodiment, the processor 104 receives detection signals 117a, ..., 117P and discrete detection signals 117c, ..., 117P, and transmits the detection signals 117a, 117b (which are inherently discrete), discrete detection signals 117c, ..., 117P, and / or related information over one or more communication links 184 to a system 180 outside the enclosure 101.

[0068]

[0084] Figure 3 shows communication between a processor 104 of a battery assembly 100 and a system 180 located outside the enclosure 101, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Figure 3, the processor 104 is coupled to the system 180 via a first communication link 184a and a second communication link 184b. Thus, the communication link 184 in Figure 1 comprises at least the first communication link 184a and the second communication link 184b in Figure 3.

[0069]

[0085] In one embodiment, the processor 104 transmits its detection signals 117a, 117b and discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P (which are inherently discrete) over the communication link 184a. For example, the processor 104 does not modify or process the detection signals 117a, 117b and discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P (which are inherently discrete), but simply retransmits or forwards these discrete signals to the system 180 over the communication link 184a as they were received from the sensors 116a, 116b and comparators 118c, 118d, ..., 118P. In one example, the retransmission of these discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P may be performed by processor 104 and / or by dedicated hardware circuitry (not shown) coupled to processor 104 to receive and retransmit these discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P.

[0070]

[0086] Therefore, communication link 184a transmits discrete signals (for example, on and off states, or "0" and "1" states, or signals having two states as shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C2, 2D2, and 2E2). In one example, the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P transmitted over communication link 184a include analog signals, such as analog discrete signals.

[0071]

[0087] In one example, the processor 104 may also transmit information 304 related to the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P to the system 180, for example, over the communication link 184b, as shown in Figure 3. In one example, the communication link 184b is a digital bus, such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, but the communication link 184b may use another suitable communication protocol.

[0072]

[0088] For example, processor 104 processes detection signals 117a, ..., 117P and / or discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P to generate information 304. For example, appropriate software running within processor 104 processes detection signals 117a, ..., 117P and / or discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P to generate information 304.

[0073]

[0089] The processor 104 transmits the information 304 to the system 180 over the communication link 184b. For example, the information 304 may include bits of digital data indicating the output of various sensors.

[0074]

[0090] For example, in the gas release detection signal 117a, information 304 may include the concentration of the gas release, the type of gas release detected, and / or other relevant information about the gas release event. In one example, in the pressure relief detection signal 117b, information 304 may include a timestamp when the pressure relief event occurred, the corresponding pressure that triggered the pressure relief event, and / or other relevant information about the pressure relief event.

[0075]

[0091] For example, in the case of a temperature sensing signal 117c, information 304 may include the actual detected temperature, a temperature profile over time, the rate of temperature rise, and / or other relevant information about the detected temperature. For example, a temperature sensor 116c may measure the temperature at multiple locations within the battery assembly 100 (for example, it may have two or more underlying temperature sensors). If any of these temperatures exceeds a threshold temperature T1, the discrete temperature sensing signal 119c may transition to a “warning / fault state,” but it may not identify which of the multiple locations has a temperature above the threshold temperature, and / or may not identify the actual temperature. In contrast, information 304 may identify the temperature of each of such multiple locations.

[0076]

[0092] In one example, with a voltage detection signal 117d, information 304 may include the actual detected voltage and / or other relevant information about the detected voltage. For example, a voltage sensor 116d may measure the voltages of multiple groups of battery cells in a battery assembly 100. In one example, if any of these voltages fall below (or above) a threshold low voltage VL (or threshold high voltage VH), a discrete undervoltage detection signal 119d1 (or discrete overvoltage detection signal 119d2) may transition to a “warning / fault condition,” but may not identify which group of cells has the undervoltage (or overvoltage) condition. In contrast, information 304 may, in one example, identify the actual voltage of each such group of battery cells.

[0077]

[0093] Therefore, discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P (each having two corresponding states, e.g., a normal state and a warning / fault state) provide basic warnings regarding fault (or warning) states of the battery assembly and are analog and / or discrete signals generated by sensors 116a, 116b and comparators 118c, ..., 118P, respectively. On the other hand, in one example, information 304 provides rich data on various aspects of various parameters of the battery assembly 100. For example, information 304 is digital data generated by processor 104 (e.g., by software running within the processor) based on the sensing signals 117a, ..., 117P.

[0078]

[0094] Therefore, system 180 receives sensor data from enclosure 101 via two independent and distinct communication paths, namely, receiving discrete signals on communication link 184a and digital information 304 on communication link 184b. If processor 140 fails for any reason (e.g., overheating or a software problem), processor 104 may not be able to generate information 304 from the sensing signals 117a, ..., 117P. However, processor 104 may still be able to maintain a basic level of operation and still be able to transmit discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P on communication link 184a. Similarly, if one of communication links 184a or 184b fails, the other communication link 184a or 184b may still be able to notify system 180 of the battery status. Therefore, communicating sensor data from the enclosure 101 to the system 180 via two independent and different communication paths improves the reliability and redundancy of informing the system 180 about the status of various parameters of the battery assembly 100, for example.

[0079]

[0095] Figure 4 shows a battery assembly 400 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is at least partially similar to the battery assembly 100 of Figures 1 and 3, wherein in the battery assembly 400 of Figure 4, one or more comparators 118c, ..., 118P receive corresponding sensing signals 117c, 117d, ..., 117P, respectively, directly from the corresponding sensors 116c, 116d, ..., 116P (for example, by bypassing the processor 104).

[0080]

[0096] Therefore, in one example, in the battery assembly 400 of Figure 4, the sensor 116i (where i=c, ..., P) sends the corresponding detection signal 117i to the corresponding comparator 118i (by bypassing, for example, the processor 104), the comparator 118i generates the corresponding discrete signal 119i, and sends that discrete signal 119i (for example, to the processor) for transmission of the discrete signal 119i to the system 180 over the communication link 184a. Thus, in this example, even if the processor 104 is not functioning, the sensor and comparator can generate the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P and send those discrete signals to the system 180 (assuming, for example, that the processor 104 can retransmit the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P to the system 180 over the communication link 184a).

[0081]

[0097] Similar to Figure 3, in Figure 4, system 180 receives sensor information via two paths: namely, discrete signals on communication link 184a and digital information 304 on communication link 184b. If processor 140 fails for any reason (e.g., overheating or a software problem), it may not be able to generate information 304 from the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P. However, comparators 118c, ..., 118P can still function because they receive the corresponding detection signals 117c, ..., 117P directly from sensors 116a, ..., 116P, respectively. Also, processor 104 may be able to maintain a certain basic level of operation and still be able to retransmit the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P on communication link 184a. Similarly, if one of the communication links 184a or 184b fails, the other communication link 184a or 184b may still be able to notify the system 180 of the battery status. This improves the reliability and redundancy of notifying the system 180 of the status of various parameters of the battery assembly 100.

[0082]

[0098] Figure 5 shows a battery assembly 500 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is at least partially similar to the battery assemblies 100 and 400 of Figures 1 and 4, respectively, where, in the battery assembly 500 of Figure 5, one or more comparators 118c, ..., 118P of the battery assembly are implemented by a processor 104 located in an enclosure 101 (for example, by software running within the processor 104). Thus, in the battery assembly 500, a sensor 116i (where i=c, ..., P) sends a corresponding sensing signal 117i to the processor 104, which then implements the corresponding comparator 118i, for example, through software. Thus, the comparator 118 in Figures 1 and 4 is a hardware-based comparator, while the comparator 118 in Figure 5 is implemented using software.

[0083]

[0099] Figure 6 shows a battery assembly 600 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is at least partially similar to the battery assemblies 100, 400, and 500 of Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, wherein in the battery assembly 600 of Figure 6, discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, ..., 119P are generated and transmitted over a dedicated communication link 184a by bypassing the processor 104 (for example, dedicated to transmitting discrete signals and not dedicated to transmitting digital data). For example, similar to Figure 4, in the battery assembly 600 of Figure 6, one or more comparators 118c, ..., 118P receive corresponding detection signals 117c, 117d, ..., 117P, respectively, directly from the corresponding sensors 116c, 116d, ..., 116P by bypassing the processor 104. Comparators 118c, ..., 118P generate corresponding discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P.

[0084]

[0100] Subsequently, the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P are transmitted directly to the system 180 over the communication link 184a (or through a communication circuit, or multiplexer, and / or other suitable component, not shown in Figure 6) by bypassing the processor 104, for example. Thus, the processor does not play a role in the generation and / or transmission of the discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P. Rather, sensors 116a and 116b generate the discrete signals 117a and 117b and transmit them to the system 180 over the communication link 184a by bypassing the processor 104, for example. Similarly, comparators 118c, ..., 118P generate discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P, for example, and transmit them to system 180 over communication link 184a by bypassing processor 104.

[0085]

[0101] As also shown, the processor 104 receives the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P, generates information 304 related to the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P, and transmits the information 304 related to the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P to the system 180, for example, over the communication link 184b.

[0086]

[0102] Therefore, in the example in Figure 6, there are two independent redundant circuits for transmitting data from sensors 116a, ..., 116P to system 180: a first that bypasses processor 104 and a second that utilizes processor 104. When processor 104 is operating as intended, system 180 receives detailed information 304 related to detection signals 117a, ..., 117P from processor 104 on communication link 184b, as well as discrete signals indicating fault or warning on communication link 184a. In the unlikely event that processor 140 fails for any reason (e.g., overheating or a software problem), system 180 continues to receive fault warnings on communication link 184a. Similarly, if communication link 184a is inoperable for any reason, system 180 continues to receive information 304 from processor 104 on communication link 184b. This improves the reliability and redundancy of notifying the system 180 of the status of various parameters of the battery assembly 100, as well as of any potential warnings or failures in the battery assembly 100.

[0087]

[0103] Figures 7A and 7B show the battery assembly 100 of Figure 1 along with the operation of a switch 704 within the enclosure 101 of the battery assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, where the switch 704 is operable to disconnect a plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n from an external load 750 of the enclosure 101 in response to the detection of a warning or failure event from the battery assembly 100.

[0088]

[0104] Note that Figures 7A and 7B show the specific locations and operations of comparators 118c, ..., 118P, similar to those in Figure 1. In one example, Figures 7A and 7B may be modified to incorporate the teachings from Figures 3 to 6 described above in this specification. For example, the locations and operations of comparators 118c, ..., 118P in Figures 7A and 7B may be modified to be similar to those described with respect to Figures 3 to 6. Similarly, the descriptions of communication links 184a and 184b in Figures 3 to 6 may, in one example, also be applicable to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0089]

[0105] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, switch 704 connects battery cells 102a, ..., 102n to an external load 750 located outside the enclosure 101. In one example, switch 704 is a contactor, for example, a device for making and breaking electrical circuits. Load 750 can be any suitable type of load that receives DC power from battery cells 102a, ..., 102n.

[0090]

[0106] Figures 7A and 7B show that battery cells 102a, ..., 102n are in series with load 750, but this is not necessarily the case. For example, the first battery cell could be in parallel with the second battery cell, and this parallel combination could be in series with the third battery cell. Any other suitable series / parallel combination of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n may also be possible.

[0091]

[0107] The connection between battery cells 102a, ..., 102n and load 750 is through switch 704. Therefore, when switch 704 is closed (e.g., in Figure 7A), load 750 is coupled to battery cells 102a, ..., 102n. When switch 704 is open (e.g., in Figure 7B), load 750 is disconnected from battery cells 102a, ..., 102n.

[0092]

[0108] Figure 7A shows the closed state of switch 704 during normal operation of the battery assembly 100, for example, when no battery warning or fault is detected. Examples of such battery warnings or faults include gas release events, pressure release events, overvoltage or undervoltage events, overtemperature events, and / or other fault events related to the battery assembly. In one embodiment, such a battery warning or fault may be indicated by (i) detection signals 117a, 117b and discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P communicated over communication link 184a, and / or (ii) software-generated digital information 304 communicated over communication link 184b. Figure 7B shows the open state of switch 704 when, for example, some such battery warning or fault is detected.

[0093]

[0109] In one embodiment, the switch 704 is controlled by one or more of the control signals 708, 712, and 716. Figures 7A and 7B show three control signals 708, 712, and 716, but the battery assembly 100 may have any single control signal 708, 712, and 716, or any two or all three, depending on the implementation configuration of the battery assembly 100.

[0094]

[0110] In one example, the control signal 708 is generated and sent by the system 180 to the switch 704, for example, by bypassing the processor 104. Thus, the control signal 708 may be sent from the system 180 to the enclosure 101 and the switch 704 using a different communication link than the communication links 184a and 184b described with respect to Figures 1 to 6. In another example, the control signal 708 may be sent from the system 180 to the enclosure 101 and the switch 704 using communication link 184a, for example, see Figure 6, which bypasses the processor 104.

[0095]

[0111] For example, system 180 may receive detection signals 117a, 117b and discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P on communication link 184a, as described with respect to Figures 1 to 6, and / or information 304 on communication link 184b. During normal operation of battery assembly 100 (for example, when no battery warning or fault is detected), control signal 708 may indicate switch 704 to be in a closed state, as seen in Figure 7A, so that load 750 receives power from battery cells 102a, ..., 102n through switch 704.

[0096]

[0112] In one embodiment, in response to detection signals 117a, 117b, discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P, and / or information 304 indicating one or more battery warnings and / or failure events, the system 180 may change the state of control signal 708 to indicate to switch 704 to switch from a closed state to an open state, as seen, for example, in Figure 7B. When switch 704 is in the open state, the load 750 is disconnected from battery cells 102a, ..., 102n by switch 704. Since battery cells 102a, ..., 102n are now disconnected from load 750, they are not currently loaded, which eliminates or reduces the likelihood of thermal runaway and fire hazards due to one or more reasons that caused the detected battery warnings and / or failure events.

[0097]

[0113] In one example, control signal 712 is generated and transmitted by system 180 to switch 704 through processor 104. Thus, control signal 708 is transmitted directly by system 180 to switch 704 (for example, by bypassing processor 104), while control signal 712 is transmitted by system 180 to switch 704 through processor 104. For example, control signal 712 is transmitted by system 180 to processor 104 through communication links 184b and / or 184a described above, and then processor 104 transmits control signal 712 to switch 704. In one example, system 180 may transmit either control signal 708 or control signal 712, or both, to switch 304.

[0098]

[0114] In one example, the control signal 716 is generated, for example, based on the processor 104 analyzing and receiving the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P and / or discrete detection signals 119c, ..., 119P, and transmitted by the processor 104 to the switch 704. The operation of the control signal 716 may be at least partially similar to the operation of the control signal 308 described above.

[0099]

[0115] Therefore, either or both of the processor 104 or the system 180 may control the switch 704 using, for example, one or more of the control signals 708, 712, and / or 716. In one embodiment, and as described above, the system 180 may automatically control the switch 704 through the control signals 708 and / or 712.

[0100]

[0116] In another example, user 701 may interact with system 180 to be informed of possible battery warnings and / or failure events (for example, based on data received by system 180 on communication links 184a, 184b). In one embodiment, there may be a manual override that can be used by user 701 to disable the automatic control of switch 704, and user 701 may manually control switch 704, for example, through system 180.

[0101]

[0117] For example, the battery assembly 100 may be installed in vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), including personal vehicles such as scooters, cars, motorcycles, or trucks; commercial vehicles such as trucks or buses; marine vehicles such as boats, unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) or submarines; or military vehicles such as tanks, self-propelled artillery, or troop carriers. For example, the battery assembly 100 may be installed in aircraft such as airplanes or helicopters; unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); missile systems; spacecraft; or other electric aircraft.

[0102]

[0118] For example, if the battery assembly 100 is installed in a vehicle (such as an aircraft), the battery assembly 100 must comply with various stringent standards applicable to such a careful installation. Such an installation of the battery assembly 100 may require a low probability of thermal runaway and / or failure of the battery assembly 100 and, consequently, a low probability of fire hazard. In one embodiment, the independent use of dual communication links 184a and 184b can improve the reliability and redundancy of the notification system to inform the system 180 of potential battery warnings and / or failures, as also described above. Sending out such battery warning and / or failure events in a timely manner and taking automatic measures such as opening switch 704 makes it possible to prevent or reduce the probability of thermal runaway events and, consequently, the potential fire hazard in the battery assembly 100.

[0103]

[0119] Figure 8A shows a flowchart illustrating a method 800 for operating the battery assembly of Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In method 804, power is supplied from a plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n located within the enclosure 101 to a load 750 outside the enclosure 101 through a switch 704, for example, as shown in Figure 7A. For example, in Figure 7A, the switch 704 is in the closed position, thereby supplying power from the plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n to the load 750.

[0104]

[0120] Method 800 continues from 804 to 808. In 808, sensors 116a, ..., 116P each generate detection signals 117a, ..., 117P, as described above in this specification. Also in 808, comparators 118c, ..., 118P receive the corresponding detection signals and each generate discrete detection signals 117c, ..., 117P, as described above in this specification.

[0105]

[0121] Method 800 continues in 808 to 812. In 812, data related to the detection signals is transmitted by a battery assembly (for example, one of battery assemblies 100, 400, 500, or 600) and to a system 180 located outside the enclosure 101. For example, the battery assembly transmits to the system 180 (i) discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P over communication link 184a, and (ii) software-generated digital information 304 related to the detection signals 117a, ..., 117P over communication link 184b.

[0106]

[0122] For example, in the battery assembly 100 in Figures 1 and 3, discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P are transmitted to the system 180 over the communication link 184a by the processor 104. On the other hand, in the battery assembly 600 in Figure 6, discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P are transmitted to the system 180 over the communication link 184a by bypassing the processor 104. Information 304 is also transmitted to the system 180 over the communication link 184b by the processor 104.

[0107]

[0123] Method 800 proceeds to 812 through 816, where the processor 104 and / or system 180 detect whether a battery warning and / or fault event has occurred, based on monitoring discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P and / or information 304, for example.

[0108]

[0124] If the result in 816 is "no" (for example, no battery warning and / or fault event was detected), method 800 loops back in 816, where processor 104 and / or system 180 continue performing detection. Note that the operations in 804, 808, 812, and 816 are performed continuously during the normal or normal operation of the battery assembly 100 until, for example, a positive detection is made in 816.

[0109]

[0125] If the answer in 816 is "yes" (for example, a battery warning and / or fault event is detected), method 800 proceeds from 816 to 820. In 820, switch 704 disconnects several battery cells 102a, ..., 102n from the load 750, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 7B. For example, one or more of the control signals 708, 712, 716 control the operation of switch 704 in response to the detection in 816, as described with respect to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0110]

[0126] It should be noted that the processes in Method 800 are presented in a specific order for ease of explanation. However, one or more of the processes may be carried out in a different order or not be carried out at all (and thus may be arbitrary) according to some embodiments. Numerous variations of Method 800 and the techniques described herein will become apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0111]

[0127] Figure 8B shows a flowchart illustrating a method 850 for operating the battery assemblies of Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B in the event of (i) a failure in the communication link 184b between the processor 104 and the system 180, and / or (ii) a failure in the processor 104, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112]

[0128] Method 850 in Figure 8B comprises processes 804, 808, and 812, which are the same as the corresponding processes in Method 800 in Figure 8A, and therefore the relevant description above is equally applicable here.

[0113]

[0129] Method 850 in Figure 8B proceeds from 812 to 814. At 814, a failure occurs in communication link 184b and / or in processor 104. The failure may be due to any reason, such as overheating of processor 104, a software problem, shutdown of processor 104, and / or any suitable reason (one or more) that could cause a failure in communication link 184b and / or processor 104. Therefore, system 180 ceases receiving information 304 from processor 104 over communication link 184b. However, also at 814, system 180 continues to receive and monitor detection signals 117a, 117b, and discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P, which are received by system 180 over communication link 184a, as also described above in this specification.

[0114]

[0130] Method 800 proceeds from 814 to 816a, where system 180 detects whether a battery warning and / or fault event has occurred, based on monitoring discrete signals 117a, 117b, 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P, for example. In an example where processor 104 has failed, processor 104 cannot perform the detection in 816a. In another example, if processor 104 is at least partially operational, processor 104 (for example, in addition to system 180, or instead of system 180) may perform the detection in 816a.

[0115]

[0131] If the answer in 816a is "No" (for example, no battery warnings and / or fault events were detected), method 800 loops back in 816a, where system 180 (and, if at least partially operational, processor 104) continues to perform detection.

[0116]

[0132] If the answer in 816a is "yes" (for example, a battery warning and / or fault event is detected), method 800 proceeds from 816a to 820a. In 820a, switch 704 disconnects a number of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n from the load 750, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 7B. For example, if processor 104 is inoperable, system 180 issues control signals 708 and / or 712 to cause switch 704 to open in response to the detection in 816a, as described with respect to Figures 7A and 7B. In another example, if processor 104 is at least partially operational, processor 104 may issue control signal 716 to cause switch 704 to open in response to the detection in 816a, as described with respect to Figures 7A and 7B, in addition to or instead of system 180.

[0117]

[0133] It should be noted that the processes in Method 850 are presented in a specific order for ease of explanation. However, one or more of the processes may be carried out in a different order or not be carried out at all (and thus may be arbitrary) according to some embodiments. Numerous variations of Method 850 and the techniques described herein will become apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0118]

[0134] Figure 8C shows a flowchart illustrating a method 870 for operating the battery assembly shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7A, and 7B in the event of (i) a failure in the communication link 184a between the enclosure 101 and the system 180, and / or (ii) a failure in one or more of the comparators 118c, ..., 118P of the battery assembly, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119]

[0135] Method 870 in Figure 8C comprises processes 804, 808, and 812, which are the same as the corresponding processes in Method 800 in Figure 8A, and therefore the relevant description above is equally applicable here.

[0120]

[0136] Method 800 proceeds from 812 to 815. In 815, a failure occurs in communication link 184a and / or in one or more of the comparators 118c, ..., 118P. Therefore, one or more of the discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, ..., 119P may not be generated. Therefore, system 180 ceases receiving one or more of the discrete detection signals 119c, 119d1, 119d2, 119e, ..., 119P and relies at least partially on information 304 for fault event detection. Therefore, in 815, system 180 continues to monitor information 304 received on communication link 184b.

[0121]

[0137] Method 800 proceeds from 815 to 816b, where the system 180 and / or processor 104 detect whether a battery warning and / or failure event has occurred, for example, based on monitoring information 304. If the answer in 816b is "no" (for example, no battery warning and / or failure event was detected), method 800 loops back in 816b, where the system 180 and / or processor 104 continue performing detection.

[0122]

[0138] If the answer in 816b is "yes" (for example, a battery warning and / or fault event is detected), method 800 proceeds from 816b to 820b. In 820b, switch 704 disconnects a plurality of battery cells 102a, ..., 102n from the load 750, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 7B in this specification. For example, processor 104 and / or system 180, in response to the detection in 816b, issue corresponding control signals 708, 712, and / or 716 to cause switch 704 to open, as described with respect to Figures 7A and 7B.

[0123]

[0139] It should be noted that the processes in Method 870 are presented in a specific order for ease of explanation. However, one or more of the processes may be carried out in a different order or not be carried out at all (and thus may be arbitrary) according to some embodiments. Numerous variations of Method 870 and the techniques described herein will become apparent in light of this disclosure.

[0124] Further exemplary embodiments

[0140] The following examples relate to further embodiments, from which numerous substitutions and configurations will become apparent.

[0125]

[0141] Example 1. A battery assembly comprising an enclosure containing multiple battery cells, a sensor within the enclosure, a processor within the enclosure configured to measure parameters within the enclosure and generate a detection signal, a first communication link configured to transmit a discrete signal from the enclosure to a system outside the enclosure indicating whether the detection signal indicates a fault condition, and the processor configured to process the detection signal and generate information related to the detection signal, and a second communication link configured to transmit a digital signal from the enclosure to the system containing information related to the detection signal.

[0126]

[0142] Example 2. The battery assembly according to Example 1, wherein the sensor is a first sensor, the parameter is a first parameter, the detection signal is a first detection signal, the discrete signal is a first discrete signal, and the information is first information, wherein the battery assembly further comprises a second sensor in an enclosure, the second sensor is configured to measure a second parameter in the enclosure and generate a second detection signal, wherein the processor is configured to process the second detection signal and generate second information relating to the second detection signal, wherein the first communication link is configured to transmit a second discrete signal from the enclosure to the system indicating whether the second detection signal indicates a fault condition, wherein the second communication link is configured to transmit a digital signal from the enclosure to the system containing second information relating to the second detection signal.

[0127]

[0143] Example 3. The battery assembly according to Example 1 or 2, wherein the first communication link is an analog communication link between the processor and the system, and the second communication link is a digital communication link between the processor and the system.

[0128]

[0144] Example 4. A battery assembly as described in any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the second communication link is a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus between the processor and the system.

[0129]

[0145] Example 5. The battery assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 4, further comprising a comparator configured to compare a detection signal with a parameter threshold and generate a discrete signal based on the comparison.

[0130]

[0146] Example 6. The battery assembly described in Example 5, where the comparator is part of the processor.

[0131]

[0147] Example 7. The battery assembly described in Example 5 or 6, wherein the first communication link is between the comparator and the system, bypassing the processor, and the second communication link is a digital communication link between the processor and the system.

[0132]

[0148] Example 8. A battery assembly described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the information related to the detection signal includes the values ​​of parameters.

[0133]

[0149] Example 9. A battery assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a voltage monitor, the detection signal indicates the voltage of one or more battery cells among a plurality of battery cells, and the fault condition is one of overvoltage or undervoltage, where the monitored voltage is one of either a first threshold or a second threshold, respectively.

[0134]

[0150] Example 10. A battery assembly as described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature inside the enclosure, and the failure condition is an over-temperature condition when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold.

[0135]

[0151] Example 11. A battery assembly as described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a pressure relief sensor, the detection signal indicates whether a pressure relief device within the enclosure has released gas pressure from the enclosure, and the failure condition is a pressure release event caused by the pressure relief device.

[0136]

[0152] Example 12. A battery assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the sensor is a gas release sensor configured to detect gas release events in one or more battery cells among a plurality of battery cells, and the failure condition is a gas release event detected by the gas release sensor.

[0137]

[0153] Example 13. A battery assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 12, further comprising a switch in the enclosure, wherein a plurality of battery cells are coupled to a circuit outside the enclosure via the switch, and wherein the switch is configured to disconnect the plurality of battery cells from the circuit outside the enclosure in response to receiving a control signal generated in response to discrete signals and / or information indicating a fault condition.

[0138]

[0154] Example 14. A method for operating a battery assembly, the method comprising: outputting a detection signal by a sensor located within an enclosure containing a plurality of battery cells in response to monitoring parameters within the enclosure; generating a discrete signal by a comparator based on the detection signal; generating information related to the detection signal by a processor located within the enclosure; transmitting the discrete signal to a system outside the enclosure over a first communication path bypassing the processor; and transmitting the information to the system over a second communication path and by the processor.

[0139]

[0155] Example 15. The method of Example 14, wherein generating a discrete signal comprises comparing a detection signal with a parameter threshold by a comparator, and generating a discrete signal based on the comparison.

[0140]

[0156] Example 16. The method according to Example 14 or 15, further comprising continuing to transmit information to the system on a second communication path in response to the inability to transmit a discrete signal to the system, or continuing to transmit a discrete signal to the system on a first communication path and by bypassing the processor in response to the inability to transmit information to the system.

[0141]

[0157] Example 17. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein outputting a detection signal comprises outputting a detection signal indicating the voltage of one or more battery cells among a plurality of battery cells, and generating a discrete signal comprises generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a fault condition, the fault condition being one of overvoltage or undervoltage, where the voltage is one of either a first threshold or a second threshold, respectively.

[0142]

[0158] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein outputting a detection signal comprises outputting a detection signal indicating the temperature inside the enclosure, and generating a discrete signal comprises generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, the failure condition being an overtemperature condition when the detected temperature exceeds a threshold.

[0143]

[0159] Example 19. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein outputting a detection signal comprises outputting a detection signal indicating whether a pressure relief device in an enclosure has released gas pressure from the enclosure, and generating a discrete signal comprises generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, the failure condition being a pressure release event caused by the pressure relief device.

[0144]

[0160] Example 20. The method according to any one of Examples 14 to 16, wherein outputting a detection signal comprises outputting a detection signal indicating whether a gas release event has occurred in one or more battery cells of a plurality of battery cells, and generating a discrete signal comprises generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, the failure condition being a gas release event detected by the sensor.

[0145]

[0161] Example 21. A battery assembly comprising an enclosure, a plurality of battery cells within the enclosure, a sensor for generating a detection signal based on monitoring parameters associated with the plurality of battery cells, a comparator for comparing the detection signal with a parameter threshold and generating a discrete signal based on the comparison, and a processor for receiving the detection signal and generating digital data based on the detection signal, wherein the battery assembly (i) transmits a discrete signal from the comparator to a system outside the enclosure, and (ii) transmits digital data from the processor to a system outside the enclosure.

[0146]

[0162] Example 22. The battery assembly described in Example 21, wherein the battery assembly transmits discrete signals from the comparator to the system by bypassing the processor.

[0147]

[0163] The above description of exemplary embodiments is provided for illustrative and illustrative purposes only. It is not exhaustive or limiting the disclosure to the exact forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is limited not by this detailed description but by the claims appended to this specification. Future applications claiming priority to this application may claim the disclosed subject matter in different ways and may generally include any set of one or more limitations disclosed or otherwise shown herein in various ways.

Claims

1. An enclosure containing multiple battery cells, A sensor inside the enclosure, and the sensor is configured to measure parameters inside the enclosure and generate a detection signal. A processor located within the enclosure, the processor configured to process the detection signal and generate information related to the detection signal, A first communication link configured to transmit a discrete signal from the enclosure to a system outside the enclosure indicating whether the detection signal indicates a fault condition, A second communication link configured to transmit a digital signal containing the information related to the detection signal from the enclosure to the system. A battery assembly comprising the above features.

2. The sensor is the first sensor, the parameter is the first parameter, the detection signal is the first detection signal, the discrete signal is the first discrete signal, the information is the first information, and here the battery assembly is The enclosure further comprises a second sensor configured to measure a second parameter within the enclosure and generate a second detection signal. Herein, the processor is configured to process the second detection signal and generate second information related to the second detection signal. Herein, the first communication link is configured to transmit a second discrete signal from the enclosure to the system indicating whether the second detection signal indicates a fault condition. Herein, the second communication link is configured to transmit the digital signal containing the second information relating to the second detection signal from the enclosure to the system. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

3. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first communication link is an analog communication link between the processor and the system, and the second communication link is a digital communication link between the processor and the system.

4. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second communication link is a controller area network (CAN) bus between the processor and the system.

5. A comparator configured to compare the detection signal with the threshold value of the parameter and generate the discrete signal based on the comparison. The battery assembly according to claim 1, further comprising:

6. The battery assembly according to claim 5, wherein the comparator is part of the processor.

7. The first communication link is located between the comparator and the system, bypassing the processor, The second communication link is a digital communication link between the processor and the system. The battery assembly according to claim 5.

8. The battery assembly according to claim 1, wherein the information related to the detection signal includes the value of the parameter.

9. The sensor is a voltage monitor, and the detection signal indicates the voltage of one or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells. The aforementioned fault condition is one of overvoltage or undervoltage, where the monitored voltage is either lower than a first threshold or higher than a second threshold, respectively. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

10. The sensor is a temperature sensor configured to detect the temperature inside the enclosure, The aforementioned failure condition is an over-temperature condition where the detected temperature exceeds a threshold. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

11. The sensor is a pressure relief sensor, and the detection signal indicates whether the pressure relief device in the enclosure has released gas pressure from the enclosure. The failure condition is a pressure release event caused by the pressure relief device. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

12. The sensor is a gas release sensor configured to detect a gas release event from one or more of the plurality of battery cells, The aforementioned failure condition is a gas release event detected by the gas release sensor. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

13. The enclosure further comprises a switch, wherein the plurality of battery cells are coupled to a circuit outside the enclosure via the switch. Herein, the switch is configured to disconnect the plurality of battery cells from the circuit outside the enclosure in response to receiving a control signal generated in response to the discrete signal and / or information indicating a fault condition. The battery assembly according to claim 1.

14. A method for operating a battery assembly, wherein the method is In response to monitoring parameters within an enclosure containing multiple battery cells, a sensor within the enclosure outputs a detection signal. Based on the aforementioned detection signal, a comparator generates a discrete signal. The processor within the enclosure generates information related to the detection signal, Transmitting the discrete signal to a system outside the enclosure via a first communication path that bypasses the processor, Transmitting the information to the system via a second communication path and by the processor. A method that includes [a certain feature].

15. To generate the aforementioned discrete signal, The comparator compares the detection signal with the threshold value of the parameter, Based on the above comparison, the discrete signal is generated. The method according to claim 14, comprising:

16. In response to the inability to transmit the discrete signal to the system, the information is continued to be transmitted to the system on the second communication path, or In response to the inability to transmit the aforementioned information to the system, the discrete signal continues to be transmitted to the system over the first communication path and by bypassing the processor. The method according to claim 14, further comprising one of the following.

17. Outputting the detection signal includes outputting the detection signal indicating the voltage of one or more battery cells among the plurality of battery cells, The generation of the discrete signal includes generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, The fault condition is one of overvoltage or undervoltage, where the voltage is either lower than a first threshold or higher than a second threshold. The method according to claim 14.

18. Outputting the aforementioned detection signal includes outputting the aforementioned detection signal indicating the temperature inside the enclosure, The generation of the discrete signal includes generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, The aforementioned failure condition is an over-temperature condition where the detected temperature exceeds a threshold. The method according to claim 14.

19. Outputting the aforementioned detection signal includes outputting the detection signal indicating whether the pressure relief device in the enclosure has released gas pressure from the enclosure, The generation of the discrete signal includes generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, The failure condition is a pressure release event caused by the pressure relief device. The method according to claim 14.

20. Outputting the detection signal includes outputting a detection signal indicating whether a gas release event has occurred in one or more of the plurality of battery cells, The generation of the discrete signal includes generating a discrete signal indicating whether the detection signal indicates a failure condition, The aforementioned failure condition is a gas release event detected by the sensor. The method according to claim 14.

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