High-voltage battery module with series-connected cells and internal relays

Abstract

A battery module is disclosed having a plurality of series-connected battery cells housed in and electrically isolated from the housing, with a first internal relay controlling the connection of the cells to the positive terminal and a second internal relay controlling the connection of the cells to the negative terminal. A control signal input is provided for controlling the relays. An embodiment is disclosed having an internal battery management system that controls the relays in response to a digital message. A modular battery pack is disclosed, consisting of multiple modules connected in parallel, each of which can be independently activated and deactivated. A method is provided for activating the individual modules.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The demand for converting various types of vehicles to electric propulsion is rapidly increasing. The electric drive train of such vehicles needs to operate at a high direct current (DC) voltage in order to achieve the highest performance and efficiency. Currently, systems operating at a nominal 400V DC are common, and high-performance designs using 800V or more DC are being commercialized.

[0002] The battery packs supplying power to such systems are also increasing in capacity. Packs exceeding 70KWh are now common, and some can supply currents of 2,000A or more. Such levels of power can pose a risk of threatening many lives during normal assembly and service operations, as well as during rescue operations by emergency responders when an electric vehicle is involved in a collision or other harmful event.

[0003] When exposed to moisture due to condensation, precipitation, or accidental flooding, it can cause a short circuit in the pack, leading to fire or explosion.

[0004] Large-capacity packs generally require a plurality of individual small cells, and groups of them are connected in parallel to obtain the desired current capacity, and then multiple groups are connected in series to obtain the desired voltage. Generally, a large number of cells are required, resulting in a significant weight and size. Therefore, vehicle battery packs are often composed of modules. The generally known battery module design is a fraction of the pack, with a size that is easy to handle and often has a module voltage of less than about 50V, which is considered not dangerous to human skin when touched, but higher voltage modules are also known.

[0005] A new trend in automotive battery design, exemplified by companies like Tesla, is moving away from modular structures to create monolithic battery packs composed directly of cells, which means they are not serviceable. While this may be feasible for mainstream automotive applications, this approach is undesirable for high-performance vehicles that are subjected to heavy use as part of normal driving.

[0006] In modular packs known in this art, lower-voltage modules are typically connected in series within the pack to achieve the desired pack voltage. The pack usually consists of a housing and safety devices housed inside, such as relays, fuses, battery management systems, current detectors, and insulation monitors. Generally, the safety devices are external to the modules, and to reduce cost and manufacturing complexity, only one set of safety devices is shared by all modules in the pack. These features ensure that the entire pack remains safe, provided it is not opened for maintenance and its integrity is not compromised by accidents or other adverse environmental factors such as water ingress.

[0007] Individual modules known in the art may have a lower voltage than the entire pack, but they feature groups of cells connected in parallel and therefore have a large current capacity, typically equivalent to the desired current capacity of the entire pack. This characteristic makes it impractical to add relays to each module due to the cost of high-current relays and the increased resistance that can be added when multiple modules are connected in series. Consequently, modules known in the art have external terminals that are always connected to the cells that make up the module. With high current capacity, short-circuiting the external terminals can release very large amounts of energy, increasing the risk of fire, serious injury, and potential damage to the module.

[0008] While not commonly practiced in vehicle battery packs, the parallel connection of high-voltage modules is known in the art. In U.S. Patent No. 10,333,328, granted to Hom et al., Hom teaches a multi-battery charging station in which multiple batteries are connected in parallel. Hom teaches a diode or electrical switch within each battery to manage the selective connection of each battery to a common power bus for charging. The object of the invention taught by Hom is to provide a method for connecting multiple batteries having different charge states to a common power bus. Hom does not assume the safe handling of individual batteries and therefore does not assume the isolation of both external terminals from the cells within the batteries. Hom does not assume the internal structure of each battery from a safety standpoint. However, the method taught by Hom for managing the dissimilar charge states of parallel-connected batteries is an example of known methods in the art for managing such states.

[0009] A further drawback of module or pack structures utilizing groups of parallel-connected cells is the fact that if one cell in such a group experiences an internal short circuit—a known failure mode resulting from dendrite growth—all the current from all other cells in the group flows through the faulty cell. This can lead to rapid overheating, potentially resulting in explosion or fire. To mitigate this risk, individual cells are typically connected to a common busbar by soluble links. Soluble links have resistance and generate heat as the current increases. When enough heat is generated to melt the link, the connection is destroyed, permanently cutting off the current to the faulty cell. The main drawback of this method is that, under normal use, the inherent resistance of the soluble link results in unwanted heat generation and overall energy loss within the pack when operating at high current levels.

[0010] Another undesirable effect of having multiple cells connected in parallel within a module is that if one cell experiences excessive self-discharge, a known defect, all cells connected in parallel with it will discharge through the defective cell over time. This reduces the overall charge state of the group, which accounts for the maximum. Since it is common for multiple parallel groups to be connected in series to form a pack, the usable capacity of the entire pack at any given point in time, which accounts for the maximum, is limited by the charge state of the lowest group. This is due to the fact that energy is removed at the same rate from all parallel cell groups connected in series.

[0011] Over-discharging of the lowest group can lead to permanent damage to that group, and ultimately to the entire pack. Therefore, even if other groups remain at a high charge level, discharge must be stopped once the lowest group reaches its minimum allowable charge. Thus, in packs constructed according to currently practiced methods in this art, a single defective cell can effectively reduce the capacity of the entire pack. Repairing such packs is dangerous, requires specialized training and equipment, and is generally impractical.

[0012] As is common practice in this art, the design of vehicle battery packs involves engineering trade-offs between cost, manufacturing efficiency, and safety. Since cost and manufacturing efficiency are the highest priorities, safety is mostly considered in the context of the pack being installed in a vehicle and used under normal conditions. Vehicle battery packs known in this art are extremely dangerous if opened for maintenance or damaged in a collision or other adverse event. In such situations, handling the pack requires highly trained personnel and specialized equipment to prevent potentially serious injury, death, or fatality.

[0013] There is a demand for electric propulsion in a wide range of high-performance vehicles, including off-road vehicles, recreational vehicles, light vessels, and light aircraft. These vehicles are subjected to heavy use during normal driving, experience frequent collisions, and require extensive maintenance. Therefore, the designs and priorities employed in the manufacture of mainstream automotive battery packs are not practical for these applications.

[0014] What is needed in the field of vehicle batteries is a vehicle battery module design that can be handled safely without specialized training or equipment, does not pose a risk if damaged by adverse events, allows for the economical and practical construction of high-voltage, high-current battery packs, ensures gradual degradation of assembled packs, allows for easy and economical maintenance of packs without specialized training or equipment, and minimizes the risk of fire and energy loss during operation. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0015] A first objective of the present invention is to provide a high-voltage battery module suitable for use in vehicles that can be safely handled and transported without requiring specialized training or equipment. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a module pack design that is fault-tolerant, exhibits gradual degradation in the event of cell or module failure, and allows general users to quickly replace failed or discharged modules without requiring specialized training or equipment. Yet another objective is to provide a high-voltage module that minimizes the risk of hazards in the event of damage caused by collision, submersion, or other adverse events. [Means for solving the problem]

[0016] To achieve the objective, the battery module of the present invention comprises a housing containing a plurality of series-connected cells electrically isolated from the housing. Positive and negative electrical terminals are provided, and both terminals are electrically isolated from the housing and from the plurality of cells. A first normally-open electrical relay is provided to electrically connect the positive side of the series-connected cells to the positive terminal. A second normally-open electrical relay is provided to connect the negative side of the series-connected cells to the negative terminal. Many types of relays, including electromechanical and solid-state types, are known in the art.

[0017] The potential can only exist between the negative and positive terminals of the module when both relays are closed simultaneously, and current can only flow under that condition. The relays are actuated via a connection between the module and an external control bus.

[0018] In some embodiments, relay operation is achieved by supplying an external operating voltage to the relay via a control bus. In other embodiments, relay operation is controlled by a battery management system within the module housing in response to electronic messages received by the control bus. Battery management systems that receive messages from a control bus are well known in the art.

[0019] In its initial state, when both relays are inactive, the module is in a safe state. An external short circuit between the positive and negative terminals, or between either terminal and the housing, will not create a dangerous condition. Furthermore, even if the module is physically damaged by a penetrating object that causes a short circuit between the series-connected cells and the housing, a dangerous condition will not occur because both the positive and negative terminals are electrically isolated from both the housing and the series-connected cells.

[0020] In the module of the present invention, since all cells are connected in series, an internal short circuit in one or more cells, such as due to dendrite growth, will not cause a dangerous condition or thermal runaway.

[0021] A method is disclosed for operating a relay by responding to messages for a specified period. If no new message is received within that time, the relay is kept in an inactive state until a valid activation message is received. The method of the present invention ensures that in the event of external system failures or communication losses, such as those that can occur in collisions or other harmful situations, the module quickly becomes safe and remains in a safe state until it is intentionally activated.

[0022] Since the method of the present invention requires a certain flow of timely activation messages to operate the relay, it is highly unlikely that the module will accidentally or inadvertently become unsafe by activating both relays during handling, storage, or transportation.

[0023] The present invention will now be described with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale with each other. Like reference numerals designate corresponding components throughout several of the figures.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a battery module using an electromechanical relay. [Figure 2] It is an explanatory diagram of an embodiment of a battery module using a battery management system and a solid state relay. [Figure 3] An embodiment of a battery pack having a plurality of modules is shown. [Figure 4] An embodiment of a module having a current limiting path is shown.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] One embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1, which is the most basic embodiment of the present invention. The battery module 10 includes a housing 100, a plurality of cells 400 connected in series, a positive terminal 200, and a negative terminal 300. In an initial configuration, all of the above components are electrically insulated from all others, there is no potential outside the pack, and no current flows even if any of the components are connected by an external electrical short.

[0026] The disclosed systems and methods for fixing the battery module 10 will be more deeply understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. The detailed description and figures provide examples of various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed examples can be modified, corrected, and changed without departing from the scope of the inventions described herein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications and design considerations, but for the sake of brevity, each variation contemplated is not described individually in the following detailed description.

[0027] Throughout the following detailed description, various examples related to the system and method of the battery module 10 are provided. The related features in the examples may be the same, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake of brevity, the related features are not repeatedly described in each example. Instead, the use of the related feature name serves as a clue to inform the reader that the feature with the related feature name may be similar to the related feature in the previously described example. The functions specific to a given example are described in that particular example. The reader needs to understand that a given feature need not be the same as or similar to the specific depiction of the related feature in any given figure or example.

[0028] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, the following definitions apply.

[0029] "Substantially" means to more or less conform to the specific dimensions, range, shape, concept, or other aspect modified by the term, but the features and components do not need to conform exactly. For example, an object that is "substantially cylindrical" means that the object resembles a cylinder, but may deviate by one or more dimensions from a true cylinder.

[0030] "To include," "to contain," and "to have" (and their uses) are interchangeable to mean "to include," but not necessarily limiting, and are open-ended terms not intended to exclude any additional elements or method steps not explicitly stated.

[0031] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are used to distinguish or identify different members of a group, etc., and are not intended to indicate a sequential, chronological, or numerical limitation.

[0032] "Combined" means permanently or releasably connected, either directly or indirectly through intervening components.

[0033] "Communicatively coupled" means that an electronic device is communicatively connected to another electronic device, either directly or indirectly via a communication network 108, by a wireless or wired-based connector. "Controllable coupled" means that an electronic device controls the operation of another electronic device.

[0034] The "operation message," "operation command," and "operation voltage" are interchangeable to indicate the control signals received via the control bus connection to trigger the operation of a relay contained within the module by a mechanism suitable for a particular embodiment of the module.

[0035] The battery module 10 shown in Figure 1 further comprises an electromechanical relay 500 configured to electrically connect the positive end of a series-connected cell 400 to a positive terminal 200 when the relay 500 is activated. Further provided is an electromechanical relay 600 configured to electrically connect the negative end of a series-connected cell 400 to a negative terminal 300 when the relay 600 is activated.

[0036] In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1, two series-connected cells 400 are shown. In other embodiments, any suitable number of cells 400 may be connected in series within the battery module 10.

[0037] A control bus connection 700 is further provided. In this embodiment, both relays 500 and 600 are activated by applying an external control voltage and / or current to the control bus connection 700, thereby electrically connecting the internal series-connected cells 400 to the positive terminal 200 and the negative terminal 300. The applied control voltage and / or current is referred to herein as the control signal input. A complete coupling voltage of the multiple series-connected cells exists between the negative and positive terminals, and current can flow when an external load is connected between the terminals.

[0038] Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 2. Its function is similar to that of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, but with the following differences and enhancements. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, two series-connected cells 400 are shown. In other embodiments, any suitable number of cells 400 may be connected in series in the battery module 10.

[0039] A battery management system 900 is shown in Figure 2, and the system is configured to control both solid-state relays 500 and 600. The battery management system 900 is connected to a control bus connection 700 and is configured to receive digital messages via the control bus connection 700 (referred to herein interchangeably as a digital communication port). The digital messages are referred herein as control signal inputs. Many examples of using such buses, including a Control Area Network (CAN) bus, are known in the art. In some embodiments, the control bus may be wireless, such as Bluetooth, and the control bus connection 700 may be an antenna.

[0040] A visual indicator 910, which may be of the light-emitting diode (LED) type, may be further optionally provided to indicate battery status information, such as the operating status indicating when the solid-state relays 500 and 600 are activated, and therefore to indicate when voltage is present across terminals 200 and 300. The visual indicator 910 may be included in alternative embodiments, such as the non-limiting exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 1.

[0041] Similar to the embodiments described earlier, in the initial configuration, the relay is deactivated, and all externally accessible components are electrically isolated from each other and from multiple series-connected cells. The relay is activated by the battery management system in response to the receipt of a valid activation message via the control bus.

[0042] Figure 3 shows that multiple modules 10 are connected in parallel to the positive power bus 20 and the negative power bus 30 by connectors 25. The structure of the power bus and connectors are well known in the art, and many types can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0043] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 further provides a pack controller 40 connected to each of the multiple modules 10 by a control bus connection 70. Many types of controllers and control buses are known in the art, with the CAN bus being particularly common.

[0044] The unique configuration of the module of the present invention facilitates the adoption of new and unique methods, particularly prioritizing operational safety. A method for operating the module of the present invention is disclosed herein and shown in Figure 5.

[0045] A key aspect of the module of the present invention is that the module is in a safe state unless both relays 500 and 600 are deactivated and specifically commanded to be activated by a control bus located outside the module 10. The method of the present invention takes advantage of this aspect and specifies that in response to an activation command received in step A (Figure 5), relays 500 and 600 activate only for a short predetermined activation duration set in step D in response to the information contained in the activation command.

[0046] As conceptually shown in Figure 5, the first relay 500 is activated in step B, and the second relay 600 is activated in step C. Steps B and C may be performed simultaneously or sequentially, depending on the embodiment. In some embodiments, further safety and status checks may be performed as part of steps B and C, between those steps, or following those steps. Many types of such checks may be used in various embodiments, such as insulation monitoring and overcurrent / voltage detection.

[0047] If a new valid action command is received before the set duration expires, the process proceeds to step D and the method is repeated.

[0048] If no new activation command is received by the module before the expiration of the predetermined operating duration set in step D, the relay is deactivated, and the module is kept in a safe state until a new valid activation command is received.

[0049] When high-voltage modules are connected to a power bus, it can be advantageous to limit the maximum current that is allowed to flow. For example, when a large capacitive load is connected to a power bus, the inrush current required to charge the capacitors to the module voltage can be excessive unless specifically limited.

[0050] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein can be employed to limit the current by setting the active period to a very short operating duration, allowing for a longer deactivation duration following a short current spike. Inductors can be employed to mitigate the current. Any suitable pulse width modulation may be used in various embodiments and is facilitated by module 10 of the present invention. The duration of the operating duration can be set in some embodiments based on a threshold voltage, which may be defined proportionally to the difference between the power bus voltage and the module voltage. This method results in a very short operating duration when the voltage difference is large, and the operating duration is gradually increased until the voltages are substantially equal, at which point the operation becomes substantially constant by setting an operating duration longer than the time interval during which command messages are transmitted. The operation control of relays 500, 600 facilitates this unique and improved method of controlling module 10.

[0051] In other embodiments, it may be desirable to provide a separate current-limiting path within module 10. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 4. A third relay 800 is provided to make connections between multiple cells connected in series with one of the external terminals by the current-limiting circuit 850. The current-limiting circuit includes a current-limiting impedance 860 (which may consist of a resistor). Either the positive or negative terminal may be connected in this manner. In the non-limiting embodiment shown in Figure 5, the current-limiting circuit 850 is shown to be connected to the negative terminal 300. The current-limiting circuit 850 may be any known type, including a resistor, inductor, switching regulator, or the like.

[0052] In embodiments utilizing a current limiting path, control of the current limiting circuit 850 is provided to select between a limited current path or an all-current path. In embodiments utilizing a battery management system and a digital control bus, this control of the current limiting circuit 850 may be managed by communicating a control signal having information contained within an actuation command. Embodiments utilizing an electromechanical relay may typically provide another current limiting actuation circuit within the control bus connection 700. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figure 4, the control signal is conceptually shown as being provided by the battery management system. In other embodiments, the control signal to the current limiting circuit 850 may be provided separately by another controller in the vehicle.

[0053] The method of the present invention improves safety in a novel way by requiring each of the multiple modules 10 to receive a new activation command before the expiration of the activation duration set in response to the previous activation command, in order to maintain an activated state. As a result of a malfunction in the controller 40 or loss of communication via the control bus 70, all connected modules may be automatically deactivated when the last set activation duration expires.

[0054] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting, and other embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosures herein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0055] It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the battery module 10 are merely possible examples of the invention. Many variations and modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

[0056] Furthermore, the above disclosures encompass several distinct inventions, each possessing independent utility. While each of these inventions is disclosed in a specific form, numerous variations are possible, and therefore, the specific embodiments disclosed and shown above are not considered in an exclusive sense. The subject matter of the present inventions includes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of the various elements, features, functions and / or characteristics disclosed above and that are indispensable to those skilled in the art relating to such inventions. Where this disclosure or any subsequent claims describe an element ("a" element), a "first" element, or any such equivalent term, this disclosure or claim should be understood to include one or more such elements, and not to require or exclude two or more such elements.

[0057] The applicants(s) reserve the right to file claims relating to combinations and subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are considered novel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations of features, functions, elements and / or properties may be claimed in this application or related applications through amendments to those claims or the presentation of new claims. Such amendments or new claims shall be considered within the scope of the subject matter of the inventions described herein, regardless of whether they are directed to the same or different inventions, and whether they differ in scope from, are broader, narrower, or equal to, the original claims.

Claims

1. A battery module, wherein the battery module is A housing in which a plurality of series-connected battery cells are housed, and the plurality of series-connected battery cells are electrically isolated from the housing, Positive terminal and, Negative terminal and, A first relay connected to the positive terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the positive terminal of the battery module, wherein the first relay controls the connection to the positive terminal of the plurality of series-connected battery cells, A second relay connected to the negative terminal of a second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the negative terminal of the battery module, wherein the second relay controls the connection of the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the negative terminal, A control bus connection that provides control signal inputs for operating the first relay and the second relay, wherein the control bus connection is electrically isolated from the plurality of series-connected battery cells, Equipped with, In response to the first relay and the second relay receiving the control signal input, the plurality of series-connected battery cells are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module. The battery module further comprises a battery management system, and the battery management system further comprises a digital communication port. The battery management system is configured to control the first relay and the second relay in response to a message received by the digital communication port. The battery management system is configured to communicate a first message to the first relay and the second relay via the digital communication port. The battery management system is configured such that, in response to the first relay receiving the first message, it activates the first relay to connect the first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the positive terminal of the battery module. The battery management system is configured such that, in response to the second relay receiving the first message, it activates the second relay and connects the second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the negative terminal of the battery module. The battery management system is configured to set the operating duration based on the information contained in the first message received. The battery management system is configured to set the operating period based on the information contained in the received second message when it receives a new second message before the expiration of the operating period. The battery management system is configured to check whether the operating period has expired. The battery management system is configured to deactivate the first relay and the second relay in order to disconnect the plurality of series-connected battery cells from both the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module in response to the expiration of the operating period of the battery module.

2. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first relay and the second relay are electromechanical.

3. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the first relay and the second relay are solid-state relays.

4. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the battery management system is configured to transmit battery status information via the digital communication port.

5. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a third relay, the third relay controlling the connection between the plurality of series-connected battery cells and at least one of the terminals via a current limiting circuit.

6. The battery module according to claim 1, further comprising a visual indicator that responds to the operating status of at least one of the relays.

7. The battery module according to claim 1, wherein the control bus connection is an antenna for wirelessly receiving control inputs.

8. A method for operating a battery module, wherein the battery module is Multiple battery cells connected in series, Positive terminal and, Negative terminal and, A first relay connected to the positive terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the positive terminal of the battery module, wherein the first relay controls the connection of the plurality of series-connected battery cells to a first of the terminals, A second relay connected to the negative terminal of a second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the negative terminal of the battery module, wherein the second relay controls the connection of the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the second of the terminals, A battery management system having a digital communication port, the battery management system configured to control the first relay and the second relay, Equipped with, The aforementioned method, The first message communicated from the battery management system via the digital communication port is received by the first relay and the second relay, In response to receiving the first message, the first relay is activated to connect the first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the positive terminal of the battery module, In response to receiving the first message, the second relay is activated to connect the second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the negative terminal of the battery module, The operation duration is set based on the information contained in the first message received, If a new second message is received before the expiration of the aforementioned operating continuation period, the operating continuation period is set based on the information contained in the received second message. To confirm whether the aforementioned operating period has expired, In response to the expiration of the aforementioned operating period, the first relay and the second relay are deactivated in order to disconnect the plurality of series-connected battery cells from both the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module. Methods that include...

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the operating duration is set in response to the measured voltage between the negative terminal and the positive terminal of the battery module exceeding a threshold voltage.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the battery module further comprises a visual indicator, and activating the first relay further comprises setting the visual indicator in response to the activation status of the first relay.

11. A modular battery pack, wherein the modular battery pack is Multiple battery modules, A positive bus bar, Negative busbar and Control bus and Equipped with, Each of the aforementioned plurality of battery modules is The casing and A plurality of series-connected battery cells housed within the aforementioned housing, wherein the plurality of series-connected battery cells are electrically insulated from the housing, Positive terminal and, Negative terminal and, A first relay connected to the positive terminal of a first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the positive terminal of the battery module, wherein the first relay controls the connection of the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the positive terminal, A second relay connected to the negative terminal of a second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells, and connected to the negative terminal of the battery module, the second relay controls the connection of the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the negative terminal, A control bus connection that provides control signal inputs for operating the first relay and the second relay, the control bus connection being electrically isolated from the plurality of series-connected battery cells, Furthermore, The positive terminal of each of the plurality of battery modules is connected to the positive busbar. The negative terminal of each of the aforementioned battery modules is connected to the negative busbar. Each of the control signal inputs of the plurality of battery modules is connected to the control bus. In response to the first relay and the second relay receiving the control signal input, the plurality of series-connected battery cells are connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module. Each of the aforementioned plurality of battery modules further comprises a battery management system, and the battery management system further comprises a digital communication port. The battery management system is configured to control the first relay and the second relay in response to a message received by the digital communication port. The battery management system is configured to communicate a first message to the first relay and the second relay via the digital communication port. The battery management system is configured such that, in response to the first relay receiving the first message, it activates the first relay to connect the first battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the positive terminal of the battery module. The battery management system is configured such that, in response to the second relay receiving the first message, it activates the second relay and connects the second battery cell among the plurality of series-connected battery cells to the negative terminal of the battery module. The battery management system is configured to set the operating duration based on the information contained in the first message received. The battery management system is configured to set the operating period based on the information contained in the received second message when it receives a new second message before the expiration of the operating period. The battery management system is configured to check whether the operating period has expired. A modular battery pack in which the battery management system is configured to deactivate the first relay and the second relay in order to disconnect the plurality of series-connected battery cells from both the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the battery module in response to the expiration of the operating period.

12. The modular battery pack according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules further comprises a third relay, the third relay controlling the connection between the plurality of series-connected battery cells and at least one of the terminals via a current limiting circuit.

13. The modular battery pack according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of battery modules further comprises a visual indicator that responds to the operating status of at least one of the relays.

Images