Battery cell carrier with temperature monitoring of received battery cells and stack of a plurality of battery cell carriers

Abstract

The invention relates to a battery cell carrier (S) comprising a carrier base (B) configured to receive battery cells (BAT) with a specified cell height (BH) in an ordered manner in a receiving volume (AV) and at specified receiving positions (P1-Pn) of the battery cell carrier (S). A circuit carrier (PCB) which occupies the surface of the carrier base is arranged between the carrier base and the battery cells. On a side of the circuit carrier facing the receiving volume, in particular bus-capable digital temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are arranged at the respective receiving positions in order to directly contact an oppositely received battery cell in a thermally conductive manner in order to detect the housing temperature of the battery cell. The temperature sensors are connected for data transmission to a bus interface (AN; OS, US) arranged on the battery cell carrier in order to output a respective temperature measurement value (T1-Tn) and / or in order to output a respective overtemperature warning (AL). The invention additionally relates to a stack (SP) of a plurality of such battery cell carriers.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Battery cell carriers with temperature monitoring of the mounted battery cells and stacks of multiple battery cell carriers

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The invention relates to a first and a second battery cell carrier, each comprising a support base designed for the orderly accommodation of battery cells, preferably with a predetermined cell height, within a receiving volume and at predetermined receiving positions of the respective battery cell carrier or support base. In particular, the first and second battery cell carriers comprise at least one side wall adjoining the support base, preferably a fully circumferential one, or at least one side strut adjoining the support base. The battery cells considered are, in particular, rechargeable battery cells containing a liquid electrolyte, preferably lithium-ion or sodium-ion battery cells, i.e., secondary cells or accumulators. However, in the following, the more technically common terms "battery" or "battery cell" are used synonymously with the technical terms "accumulator" or "accumulator cell."

[0005] The invention further relates to a first and second stack, each consisting of at least one such first or second battery cell carrier stacked on top of the other, optionally with a plate-shaped end element for closing the second battery cell carrier stacked on top.

[0006] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for the thermal monitoring of a plurality of battery cells, in particular a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells or sodium-ion battery cells, in a rack storage system.

[0007] Finally, the invention relates to a computer program for downloading onto a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone or a tablet.

[0008] Technical background

[0009] In hazardous areas, such as battery cell manufacturing plants, particularly those producing lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries, and in the electric vehicle industry, large production and storage areas are required for the manufacture and storage of battery cells. These battery cells can be cylindrical, prismatic (especially cuboid), or pouch cells. Up to one hundred such cylindrical cells can be housed in a battery cell tray for formatting and controlled aging at different temperatures. In technical terms, such a battery cell tray is also referred to as a tray. A single tray can hold approximately 10 to 20 prismatic or 20 to 50 pouch cells. Typically, four to six such battery cell trays are used.Trays are stacked on top of each other and temporarily stored in a designated storage compartment. The battery cell carriers can be housed in a rack or frame, or stacked directly on top of each other. In the latter case, this results in a stack of four to six battery cell carriers stacked directly on top of each other. The carriers themselves can be wire mesh boxes, trays, or baskets. They typically have a length of 80 cm to 120 cm, a width of 50 cm to 80 cm, and a height of 15 cm to 25 cm.

[0010] Since the battery cells stored in the battery cell carrier are not electrically monitored, external monitoring of the battery cells for potential fires is necessary. After a successful formatting and aging process, the individual battery cells are then assembled into battery modules with a large number of interconnected battery cells, usually with their own battery management system (BMS).

[0011] Early detection of fires and the resulting hazardous situations, as well as precise localization of the fire's location, is crucial in this industrial environment. To effectively prevent fire spread within a rack storage system, a stack or rack containing defective battery cells must be removed from the system as quickly as possible and stored in a secure emergency room. This is especially important because "thermally continuous" burning battery cells, particularly lithium-ion cells, can rapidly spread to neighboring cells and are virtually impossible to extinguish on-site. Unstable cells release gas shortly before this occurs, typically within a few minutes. This is known as an "off-gas" event.Even before this point, in the case of a damaged battery cell, the cell temperature and consequently the internal pressure of the battery cell increase progressively until, after reaching a maximum overpressure value, this is limited via a valve as an "off-gas event".

[0012] Modern rack storage systems, especially for the temporary storage of the aforementioned stacked battery cell carriers, comprise numerous racks or rows of racks. Automated high-bay racking systems are frequently used. These include multiple rows of high-bay racks, such as six to eight, each consisting of several horizontal levels and vertical bays. Such a rack storage system can have up to 30 levels or more and up to 50 bays or more. For example, with 20 levels and 50 bays, this results in 1000 storage locations per rack row.

[0013] Even for a single row of shelving used to store stacked battery cell carriers, thousands of point-source fire or smoke detectors would be required to monitor each storage compartment for fire. Furthermore, an entire racking system can have numerous rows of shelves, requiring the monitoring of several thousand to tens of thousands of storage compartments. Maintenance and functional testing in such environments are extremely complex and virtually impossible to perform during normal operation.

[0014] Alternatively, the smoke gases and smoke aerosols produced in a developing fire can be detected by means of an aspirating smoke detector (ASD). Such aspirating smoke detectors are known, for example, from WO 2008 / 138877 A1, EP 1 634 261 A1, EP 1 811 478 A1 and DE 10 2021 204 398 A1 of the applicant.

[0015] The very high temperatures that occur during the onset of a fire can alternatively be detected using linear heat detectors that are sensitive to a change in resistance across an ohmic resistance line when exposed to excessive temperature. Such a linear heat detector is known, for example, from WO 2009 / 115127 A1.

[0016] Summary and embodiments of the invention

[0017] Starting from this, one object of the present invention is to provide a first and second battery cell carrier which enables the detection of an overtemperature in the battery cells accommodated therein.

[0018] A further object of the invention is to provide a first and second stack of stacked first and second battery cell carriers, which enable the detection of overtemperature in the battery cells contained in the stack. A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved first and second system for the thermal monitoring of a plurality of battery cells contained in such stacks in a rack storage system.

[0019] Finally, it is an object of the invention to provide a computer program, in particular an app, for downloading onto a mobile communication device, especially a smartphone or a tablet.

[0020] The object of the invention is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0021] The object of the invention is solved by a (first) battery cell carrier in which a preferably one-piece circuit carrier, occupying a large part of the surface of the carrier base, is arranged between the carrier base and the battery cells to be accommodated.

[0022] On a side of the circuit carrier facing the receiving volume, a plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at the respective receiving positions in order to thermally contact a battery cell received on the opposite side to detect its housing temperature.

[0023] According to one alternative, the temperature sensors are bus-compatible digital temperature sensors. These are connected to a bus interface located on the battery cell carrier for data transmission of the respective (recorded) temperature measurement value and / or for issuing a respective over-temperature warning.

[0024] According to a second alternative, the temperature sensors are thermistors, such as NTCs, each of which is connected to a central temperature sensor unit on the circuit board. The central temperature sensor unit is connected to a bus interface located on the battery cell carrier for data transmission of the respective (detected) temperature reading and / or for issuing an over-temperature warning.

[0025] The particular advantage here is that, by means of a technically simple, preferably flat circuit carrier, i.e., a printed circuit board, a circuit board or a PCB, the housing temperature of all battery cells in the battery cell carrier can be individually monitored for an impermissible increase.

[0026] The bus-capable digital temperature sensors applied to the circuit carrier according to the first alternative enable a simple linear interconnection of the temperature sensors with each other, while simultaneously allowing simple addressed digital recording of the respective housing temperatures.

[0027] The advantageous arrangement of the battery cells at the predetermined mounting position in the battery cell carrier makes it advantageously possible to directly assign the housing temperature to the battery cells using the temperature sensors.

[0028] The object of the invention is further achieved by a (second) battery cell carrier, wherein a preferably one-piece circuit carrier, occupying a large portion of the carrier base, is arranged on an outer surface of the carrier base facing away from the receiving volume of the battery cell carrier. Furthermore, according to the invention, a plurality of temperature sensors are arranged at predetermined receiving positions on a side of the circuit carrier facing away from the carrier base in order to thermally contact a battery cell mounted opposite it for measuring its housing temperature. The predetermined receiving positions correspond to those of a further battery cell carrier, provided directly below the battery cell carrier for stacking, which is essentially identical in construction with respect to the ordered receiving of battery cells.

[0029] The temperature sensors are connected to a bus interface located on the battery cell carrier for the purpose of outputting a respective temperature reading and / or an over-temperature warning. The temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings are assigned to battery cells that can be accommodated in the additional battery cell carrier stacked directly below the main battery cell carrier.

[0030] According to a first alternative, the temperature sensors are bus-enabled digital temperature sensors that are connected to a bus interface located on the battery cell carrier for data transmission to output each (detected) temperature reading and / or to issue each over-temperature warning. The temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings are assigned to battery cells that can be accommodated in the additional battery cell carrier stacked directly below the main battery cell carrier. According to a second alternative, the temperature sensors are analog temperature sensors, in particular thermistors. The latter are connected to a central temperature sensor acquisition unit on the circuit board.The central temperature sensor acquisition unit is connected to a bus interface located on the battery cell carrier for data transmission of the respective temperature reading and / or over-temperature warning. The temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings are assigned to battery cells that can be accommodated in the additional battery cell carrier stacked directly below the main battery cell carrier.

[0031] The thermistors described in the previous embodiments are, in particular, NTCs (for Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistors), i.e., so-called thermistors. Such NTCs are cost-effective and can be easily applied to the circuit carrier. Alternatively, the thermistors can also be PTCs (for Positive Temperature Coefficient Thermistors) or temperature-dependent resistors. Furthermore, the central temperature sensor unit can, in particular, have a plurality of temperature inputs that are multiplexed to an analog-to-digital converter or connected to a plurality of analog-to-digital converters for converting the acquired analog temperature measurement signals output by the thermistors into corresponding digital temperature values. Preferably, the central temperature sensor unit comprises one or more microcontrollers. The aforementioned thermistors are two-terminal devices.Preferably, one of the two poles is connected to a reference potential of the circuit carrier. The other pole of each thermistor is then preferably connected via a conductor track on the circuit carrier to a temperature measurement input of the central temperature sensor mounting unit.

[0032] The particular advantage here lies in the fact that, using a technically simple circuit carrier – i.e., a printed circuit board (PCB) – the housing temperature of each individual battery cell in the battery cell carrier stacked directly below can be monitored for impermissible increases. Because this alternative design measures the housing temperature at the top of the battery cells, more precise and faster temperature measurement is possible. This is because, in the case of a damaged or "continued" battery cell, the heat generated inside rises due to thermal convection and is first detected at the top of the battery cell housing with a correspondingly high temperature increase, which can then be measured by the respective temperature sensor.As previously described, the bus-compatible digital temperature sensors applied to the circuit carrier enable simple line-based interconnection of the temperature sensors while simultaneously allowing for simple, addressable digital acquisition of the respective housing temperatures. The orderly placement of the battery cells in their designated positions within the battery cell carrier stacked directly below advantageously allows for housing temperature measurement that can be directly attributed to the individual battery cells.

[0033] The term "to a large extent" here refers to both previously described battery cell carriers, meaning that the area of ​​the circuit carrier comprises at least 75%, preferably at least 85%, of the area of ​​the carrier base. Recesses such as holes, openings, and slots within the circuit carrier are not included in the area calculation.

[0034] The bus-enabled digital temperature sensors mentioned in the previously described battery cell carriers are cost-effective and have a small component size (e.g., 1.0 mm x 0.8 mm). Examples of bus-enabled digital temperature sensors include the TMP104 or TMP114 from Texas Instruments, the TC77 from Microchip, or the LM71A from National Semiconductor. Because the temperature values ​​acquired by such bus-enabled digital temperature sensors are internally converted into digital temperature readings and then output via a digital data interface or bus interface to a connected bus line, measurement distortion due to EMC coupling into a connected line or due to ohmic losses in the line itself is eliminated. Such bus-enabled digital temperature sensors can incorporate circuit logic, such as...An electronic switching device (finite state machine) in the form of a Moore or Mealy automaton, or a microcontroller, and a digital data interface are required. Such a microcontroller allows, for example, preliminary evaluations to be performed in the temperature sensor, such as metrological calibration or prioritized output, e.g., an over-temperature warning when a previously defined, stored reference temperature is exceeded.

[0035] The following also applies to both previously described alternatives of the battery cell carrier according to the invention:

[0036] "Thermally conductive contact" or "direct thermally conductive contact" refers to a form-fitting connection between a temperature sensor and the housing of a battery cell. In the simplest case, one side or outer surface of the temperature sensor rests directly against the housing of an opposing battery cell without any air gap.

[0037] The support base can be composed of several parts or segments that together form the entire support base. Preferably, the support base of the battery cell carrier has a plurality of distributed primary ventilation openings or slots, similar to a wire mesh box. However, at least some of the primary ventilation openings or slots can also be located outside the support base's designated mounting positions for the battery cells. This allows for natural ventilation of the battery cells, advantageously preventing the formation of local "heat pockets" within the battery cell carrier and thus potentially distorting the measurement of the individual battery cell casing temperature.

[0038] - In larger battery cells, especially prismatic battery cells or pouch battery cells, several distributed temperature sensors can be arranged to detect the casing temperature of each battery cell.

[0039] - Second ventilation openings or ventilation slots may also be incorporated or present in the circuit carrier outside the areas intended for thermal contact with the battery cells.

[0040] - The first and second ventilation openings or ventilation slots are preferably arranged in alignment with each other, so that a continuous ventilation flow caused by thermals can be established through the first and second ventilation openings or ventilation slots in the battery cell carrier.

[0041] - The circuit carrier can have at least one continuous recess adjacent to the respective temperature sensors, such that the respective temperature sensor remains connected to the rest of the circuit carrier for data transmission only via one, two, three, or four remaining bridges, in order to largely thermally decouple the respective temperature sensor from the circuit carrier. "Largely" here means that the heat transfer from the remaining circuit carrier to the respective temperature sensor is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, compared to a respective temperature sensor that is completely mounted on the circuit carrier without adjacent recesses. - The respective bus-compatible digital temperature sensor can, for example, be the TMP104 type from Texas Instruments, which includes a SMAART Wire Interface for connection to a serial bus line. It can also be the TMP111 type from Texas Instruments, which has a 2C-Bus interface for connection to a serial line 2 C-Bus line included.

[0042] - The bus-enabled digital temperature sensors can each also include another digital sensor unit, such as an integrated optical smoke detection unit, such as the ADPD-188BI type from Analog Devices, a humidity sensor unit for detecting a relative humidity value, a gas sensor unit for detecting a concentration value of a hazardous gas, such as a CO sensor unit, a CO2 sensor unit, a hydrogen sensor unit and the like, or an air pressure sensor unit for detecting an air pressure value.

[0043] - For example, a bus-compatible digital sensor of type SHT21 from the manufacturer Sensirion is known, which includes a temperature sensor unit, a humidity sensor unit, and a PC bus interface for connection to a serial line. 2The C-bus line includes this bus-enabled digital sensor, which is configured to output a detected temperature value and a detected humidity value to the I2C bus line.

[0044] The term "bus-compatible digital temperature sensors" as used below also includes extended bus-compatible digital temperature sensors that may incorporate additional digital sensor units, such as a humidity sensor, a gas sensor (e.g., CO, CO2, or H2), or an air pressure sensor. The sensor values ​​acquired from these additional sensors can then be read by a bus master via the same bus line.

[0045] - The bus-capable digital temperature sensors can also be wireless sensors, such as those based on a Bluetooth, ZigBee or Thread standard.

[0046] - The bus-enabled digital temperature sensors can be configured, as an alternative or additional feature to acquiring and outputting a temperature value, to automatically issue an over-temperature warning on the bus line when a predefined or specified reference temperature value is exceeded, for example, by outputting a priority identifier on the bus line. This significantly reduces data traffic on the bus line, which is typically avoided by cyclically reading all bus-enabled digital temperature sensors on a circuit carrier. Two or more reference temperature values ​​can also be predefined for an over-temperature warning for the temperature sensors. This allows for advantageous adaptation to an ongoing formatting or aging process at different ambient temperatures. The reference temperature value to be set can be, for example,via a connection point connected to the bus line of the battery cell carrier in a storage compartment of the battery cell carrier stored there.

[0047] Similarly, a central temperature sensor acquisition unit can be configured, in addition to acquiring and outputting a temperature value, to automatically issue an over-temperature warning on the bus line when a predefined or specified reference temperature value is exceeded, for example by outputting a priority identifier to the bus line.

[0048] Bus-enabled digital temperature sensors typically comprise a sensor chip and, optionally, additional electrical or electronic components for connecting the sensor chip to a bus line. The sensor chip can be located on the side of a circuit carrier that faces the battery cells housed in the battery cell carrier for measuring their respective housing temperatures, or that is in contact with these battery cells. Alternatively, the sensor chip of the respective bus-enabled digital temperature sensors can be located on the opposite side of the circuit carrier, i.e., away from the battery cells.In this case, the respective sensor chip is preferably thermally connected via one or more vias to the opposite side of the circuit carrier, where a battery cell is then connected to measure its housing temperature. This advantageously protects the sensitive sensor chip of the respective temperature sensors on the side of the circuit carrier facing away from the battery cells.

[0049] In one embodiment of the first and second battery cell carriers, the bus-enabled digital temperature sensors are connected to the bus interface of the battery cell carrier via a common, optionally multiplexed, bus line. This is advantageous, for example, when a large number of battery cells, such as 64 to 256 cells, are provided for installation in a single battery cell carrier. The use of multiplexer modules or so-called "expanders" allows for an expansion of the address space of the bus-enabled digital temperature sensors to be addressed. This makes it advantageously possible to address all bus-enabled digital temperature sensors on a single circuit carrier for the acquisition of their respective temperature readings and / or a corresponding over-temperature warning via the bus line.

[0050] In one embodiment, the battery cell carrier comprises at least one side wall adjoining the carrier base, preferably a fully circumferential one, or at least one side strut adjoining the carrier base. The bus interface comprises a first electrical contact element, in particular a plug or a socket. The first electrical contact element is arranged on the side wall or the carrier base of the battery cell carrier, in particular pointing away from it. A second electrical contact element, structurally and electromechanically matched to it, can then be easily connected to the first electrical contact element as the counterpart of a connection point. The temperature values ​​and / or over-temperature warnings detected by the temperature sensors can then be received via the connection point and forwarded to a higher-level central unit, such as a control center, for further processing.The connection point can also be used to detect over-temperature warnings issued by the central temperature sensor units and forward them to a higher-level control center. Such a connection point is preferably located on the rear or side wall of a storage compartment intended for storing the battery cell carrier.

[0051] The bus interface can, for example, be mounted on an edge strip of the circuit carrier, soldered there, and electrically connected to the individual bus lines. Alternatively, the bus interface can also be arranged on at least one side wall adjacent to the base of the carrier, preferably a fully circumferential one, or on a side strut adjacent to the base of the carrier, and have a connector at the end of its connecting cable that can be plugged onto or into a structurally compatible mating connector on the circuit carrier. The mating connector is then electrically connected to the individual bus lines.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the battery cell carrier comprises at least one side wall adjoining the carrier base, preferably a fully circumferential one, or at least one side strut adjoining the carrier base. The bus interface comprises a first electrical contact element and, as a counterpart, a second electrical contact element. The first electrical contact element is preferably a plug or a socket, and the second electrical contact element is preferably a socket or a plug. The bus interface is thus designed in two parts.

[0053] The first and / or second electrical contact element is arranged on the side wall adjacent to the base of the battery, preferably a fully circumferential one, or on a side strut adjacent to the base of the battery. Preferably, a side strut is arranged at each corner of the base of the battery, and optionally one or more side struts are arranged in between. The dimensions of the side wall and the struts, together with the height of the base of the battery, determine the overall height of the first and second battery cell carriers and thus the stacking height for such a battery cell carrier.

[0054] The first and second electrical contact points are connected in parallel. The bus line is thus connected in parallel to both the first and second electrical contact points, forming a spur line. The first and second electrical contact points are spaced apart and aligned relative to each other in the stacking direction to allow for the formation of a common bus interface.The two electrical contact parts are spaced apart and arranged in such a way that the first electrical contact part can be contacted with a second electrical contact part of a battery cell carrier stacked directly below it, which is essentially identical in construction, and that the second electrical contact part can be contacted with a first electrical contact part of a battery cell carrier stacked directly above it, which is essentially identical in construction.

[0055] The particular advantage lies in the fact that by stacking identical or essentially identical battery cell carriers on top of each other, a single bus line is formed from a circuit perspective. All temperature sensors, possibly via the central temperature sensor mounting units, are accessible via this bus line on the circuit carriers of the stacked battery cell carriers. This can preferably be achieved, since it always occurs at the same stack position, either via the (lower) first electrical contact point of the bottommost battery cell carrier as the first line end of the common bus interface, or via the (upper) second electrical contact point of the topmost battery cell carrier as the second line end of the common bus interface. Furthermore, a bus master, e.g., a microcontroller, can be installed on the respective circuit carrier.The bus master, in the form of a microcontroller, is located between the bus line on the circuit board and the bus interface. Acting as a battery cell carrier controller or a tray controller, the bus master can, on the one hand, organize and control data transmission on the connected, stub-type bus line with the bus-enabled digital temperature sensors connected there, and on the other hand, function as a bus participant on the common bus line. The bus master can also be configured, for example, to perform a translation of the bus systems and their bus protocols, such as the translation of a... 2 The C-Bus system with the connected bus-compatible digital temperature sensors is connected to a CAN bus via the common bus interface. Such a bus master can also be integrated into a microcontroller, for example, with a central temperature sensor acquisition unit.

[0056] According to another embodiment of the first and second battery cell carrier, the temperature sensors are bus-capable digital temperature sensors, which are connected to the bus interface of the battery cell carrier via a common ring bus line.

[0057] The term "ring bus line" refers to a bus line of a battery cell carrier that is looped through in a ring shape. These battery cell carriers are then connected in series in a stack of battery cell carriers, linked to the common ring bus line. The bus interface comprises a first contact element and a second electrical contact element as its counterpart. The first electrical contact element is electrically connected to the first end of the ring bus line, and the second electrical contact element is electrically connected to the second end of the ring bus line. The first and second electrical contact elements are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the stacking direction to allow the loop-through of the ring bus line to a ring bus line of a battery cell carrier of essentially identical or identical construction directly below or above it, thus potentially forming a common bus interface.The two electrical contact elements are spaced apart and arranged such that a first electrical contact element can be contacted with a second electrical contact element of a battery cell carrier stacked directly below it, and that a second electrical contact element can be contacted with a first electrical contact element of a battery cell carrier stacked directly above it. The particular advantage lies in the fact that, from a circuit-technical perspective, stacking structurally or type-identical, or essentially structurally or type-identical, battery cell carriers creates a single ring bus line through which all bus-compatible digital temperature sensors on the circuit carriers of the stacked battery cell carriers are accessible via data transmission. Otherwise, this embodiment is identical to the previous embodiment.Up to several hundred or even several thousand such temperature sensors can be connected to the common bus line or the common ring bus line.

[0058] In relation to the previous embodiments, the counterpart or connector part of the bus interface of a battery cell carrier can, for example, be mounted on an edge strip of the circuit carrier, soldered there, and electrically connected to the individual bus lines. The other part of the bus interface of a battery cell carrier, i.e., the connector part or counterpart, can then be electrically contacted directly with the individual bus lines on the circuit carrier via a connecting line, such as solder pads. Alternatively, the other part of the bus interface can have a connector at the end of its connecting line that can be plugged onto or into a structurally compatible connector counterpart on the circuit carrier. The connector counterpart is electrically connected to the individual bus lines.

[0059] According to a further preferred embodiment of the first and second battery cell carriers, an elastic, thermally conductive thermal pad is arranged on at least one temperature sensor mounted on the circuit carrier, and preferably on all temperature sensors, in order to directly and thermally contact an opposing battery cell for measuring its respective housing temperature. This enables a positive-locking and at the same time highly thermally conductive contact between a temperature sensor and an opposing battery cell. This allows for fast and very accurate measurement of the housing temperature of an adjacent battery cell.

[0060] Such a thermal pad has, in particular, a thermal conductivity of at least

[0061] The thermal conductivity is 1 W / m K, preferably at least 3 W / m K. Alternatively or additionally, the thermal pad has a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm. The thermal pad is preferably made of an electrically insulating material. Furthermore, such a thermal pad has a Shore A hardness of 10 to 30, particularly 15 to 25. Preferably, such a thermal pad is made of a plastic, particularly a polymer, and preferably a silicone. Thermally conductive materials, especially those designed to bridge air gaps and improve thermal conductivity, are available, for example, from the manufacturer Henkel in their GAP-PAD portfolio.

[0062] In an advantageous embodiment, the first and second battery cell carriers according to the invention have a radio device arranged on the battery cell carrier. The radio device comprises a bus connection for wired connection to the bus interface of the battery cell carrier. Preferably, the bus connection of the radio device is connected via a connecting cable with an attached connector to a first electrical contact point or to the counterpart of the bus interface of the battery cell carrier. The radio device is configured for data communication with a counterpart, in particular with a radio-based connection point, which is preferably arranged or mounted in a respective storage compartment of a rack storage system.

[0063] This advantageously enables contactless data transmission between the radio device on the battery cell carrier and the radio-based connection point. The data transmission can be based, for example, on a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Thread, NFC, or WLAN standard. However, in the case of a radio-based connection point based on the NFC standard, this connection point is not configured to transmit significant electrical energy or power to the radio device on the battery cell carrier according to the invention via an inductively coupled path.

[0064] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the first and second battery cell carriers each have a radio communication device arranged on the battery cell carrier. The radio communication device comprises a bus interface for wired connection to the bus interface of the battery cell carrier. Preferably, the bus interface of the radio communication device is connected via a connecting cable with a connector to a first electrical contact point or to the counterpart of the bus interface of the battery cell carrier. The radio communication device is configured for possible data communication with a remote station via inductive coupling and, additionally, for the possible reception of electrical energy from the remote station via inductive coupling, in particular with a radio-based, inductively coupled connection point. The radio communication device preferably includes an electrical energy storage device for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy.This enables not only contactless data transmission between the radio device on the battery cell carrier and the radio-based connection point, but also electrical energy or power transmission from the connection point to the radio device on the battery cell carrier via an air interface in the form of magnetic field energy. The electrical energy then coupled out in the radio device via an inductive connection serves to power the radio device itself, as well as the bus-compatible digital temperature sensors and, if applicable, other electrical and electronic components on the circuit board of the respective battery cell carrier, which are electrically connected to the bus interface or the common bus interface via the radio device's connection cable. The data and energy transmission via an inductive connection can, for example,based on an NFC standard, an ISO / IEC 15693 standard or an ISO / IEC 14443 standard.

[0065] The object of the present invention is further achieved by a (first) stack of at least two stacked (first) battery cell carriers. In particular, the battery cell carriers are designed for the orderly accommodation of battery cells with a predetermined cell height. The battery cell carriers preferably all have the same stacking height. The respective circuit carriers are arranged on the respective battery cell carrier in such a way that, after the battery cell carriers are stacked on top of each other, they, with their temperature sensors arranged thereon, make direct thermal contact with the respective opposing battery cells.

[0066] The object of the invention is further achieved by a (second) stack consisting of at least one, preferably at least two, stacked (second) battery cell carriers and a preferably plate-shaped end element for terminating the topmost stacked battery cell carrier. The battery cell carriers, or the at least one battery cell carrier, have the same stack height. The respective circuit carriers are arranged on the respective battery cell carrier in such a way that, after the battery cell carriers are stacked, their temperature sensors make direct thermal contact with the opposing battery cells.The termination element has on an outer side opposite the battery cell carrier stacked directly below it a circuit carrier, preferably in one piece and occupying a large part of the surface of the termination element, which is arranged in such a way as to be adapted to the predetermined cell height of the battery cells of the underlying battery cell carrier, so that these with their temperature sensors make direct thermal contact with the respective opposite battery cells after the termination of the underlying battery cell carrier.

[0067] In comparison to the previous stack embodiment, the plate-shaped end element serves to compensate for the lack of monitoring of the battery cell housing temperatures in the topmost stacked battery cell carrier. The plate-shaped end element, as well as the circuit carrier arranged on the end element, again feature a plurality of distributed, preferably aligned, first and second ventilation openings or slots. At least some of the first and second ventilation openings or slots are located outside the areas designated for contacting the battery cells in the battery cell carrier stacked directly below.

[0068] Referring to the two previously described stacks of battery cell carriers, stacking them on top of each other ensures precise thermal contact between the temperature sensors on the circuit carriers and the opposing battery cells. Typically, the battery cell carriers are also designed in such a way that their respective bases and surrounding side walls or struts interlock precisely when stacked.

[0069] Furthermore, stacking the battery cell carriers in the two stacks advantageously creates a single bus line from a circuit perspective, or, in the case of bus-enabled digital temperature sensors, a single ring bus line. All temperature sensors on the circuit carriers of the stacked battery cell carriers are then accessible via this single bus line. This can be achieved via the (upper) second electrical contact point of the topmost stacked battery cell carrier, which serves as the second end of the common bus line, or, in the case of bus-enabled digital temperature sensors, as the common ring bus line. Alternatively, this can be achieved via the (lower) first electrical contact point of the bottom stacked battery cell carrier, which serves as the first end of the common bus line, or, in the case of bus-enabled digital temperature sensors, as the common ring bus line.In the latter case, a connection point in a storage compartment, serving as the counterpart for data communication with the temperature sensors, can preferably be located at the same stack position. At this same stack position, the (lower) first electrical contact point of the bottommost stacked first or second battery cell carrier is located as a common bus interface for connecting the connection point to the (lower) first electrical contact point of the common bus line, or, in the case of bus-compatible digital temperature sensors, to the common ring bus line. Preferably, after the first or second stack has been inserted, the connection point in the storage compartment is located in close proximity to the (lower) first electrical contact point of the bottommost stacked battery cell carrier.

[0070] Preferably, the connection point in each storage compartment includes a storage compartment radio device. This device is configured for data communication with a radio device of a stored stack via inductive coupling and for transmitting electrical energy to the radio device via inductive coupling. The radio device of each stored stack comprises a bus interface for connecting to the common bus interface of the bottommost stacked battery cell carrier and preferably an electrical energy storage device for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy.

[0071] Referring to the two previously described stacks of battery cell carriers, it is advantageous to attach elastic thermal pads to the temperature sensors mounted on the circuit carriers. This allows for the compensation of minor deviations in the dimensions of the battery cells and / or, for example, the grid cage of the respective battery cell carriers when stacking them on top of each other.

[0072] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by a (first) system for the thermal monitoring of a plurality of battery cells, in particular a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells or sodium-ion battery cells, in a rack storage system. The rack storage system comprises a plurality of storage compartments arranged in levels and bays. The latter are provided for storing such first and second stacks, each with battery cell carriers stacked on top of each other. The system has, in at least some of the storage compartments, preferably in all storage compartments, one or a single connection point, which is provided for data communication with a common bus interface formed by the stacking of such battery cell carriers of the respective stored stack. The common bus interface is connected to the looped bus line or...In the case of bus-compatible digital temperature sensors, the system is connected to the looped ring bus line of the first or second stack of battery cell carriers. The system is configured to output the temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings received from each connection point, originating from the respective temperature sensors of the stacked battery cell carriers within a stack, possibly together with a respective storage compartment identifier and / or stack level identifier, to a higher-level control center or a so-called management station.

[0073] Instead of a storage compartment identifier, a combination of shelf bay and shelf level can also be used to ensure the unambiguous assignment of a storage compartment within a racking system. Typically, a storage compartment identifier also uniquely encodes the position of the storage compartment within the racking system.

[0074] The storage compartment identifier assigned to a respective connection point can be stored electronically in an electronic control unit of the respective connection point, such as a multi-digit number that encodes the level and the field in the rack storage system.

[0075] The stack level identifier assigned to each battery cell carrier can be determined, for example, by the electronic control unit (microcontroller) of a connected terminal. The control unit can be configured to divide the bus address received from the common bus interface of the first or second stack by a querying or reporting temperature sensor by a predefined, equal maximum number of battery cells per battery cell carrier. The integer quotient can then be assigned a stack level identifier. The received, typically sequential, bus address is assigned to a respective temperature sensor, which outputs a measured temperature value and / or an over-temperature warning to the common bus interface.For example, if a battery cell carrier has 100 mounting positions for battery cells, the respective temperature sensors at these mounting positions can be assigned bus addresses from 0 to 99. If, for example, the stacked battery cell carriers each include a switch-on delay for sequentially switching an applied electrical supply voltage to the battery cell carrier stacked above or below, the bus addresses can be assigned sequentially across all temperature sensors in the first or second stack. The sequentially switched supply voltage is provided from the connection point for the electrical supply of the temperature sensors.

[0076] If exactly one temperature sensor is provided for each battery cell to be accommodated in a battery cell carrier, then a bus address assigned to a temperature sensor can be directly assigned to the corresponding location within the battery cell carrier. Thus, a temperature sensor with the assigned bus address 5 can be directly assigned to location 5 on the battery cell carrier.

[0077] The electrical connection of the connection point in the respective storage compartment to the common bus interface of the first or second stack can be made, for example, via a connection cable.

[0078] Such a system according to the invention can also be referred to as a thermal monitoring system or a fire alarm system.

[0079] The particular advantage of the (first) system according to the invention lies in the fact that all stacked battery cell carriers of a first or second stack can be thermally monitored via a single bus interface on the first or second stack.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the first system, the connection point in each storage compartment has a storage compartment radio device, wherein the storage compartment radio device is configured for possible data communication with a radio device of a stored stack via inductive coupling and for possible transmission of electrical energy to the radio device, also via inductive coupling. The radio device of each stored stack comprises a bus interface for connection to the common bus interface of the bottommost stacked battery cell carrier and preferably an electrical energy storage device for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy.

[0081] This enables not only contactless data transmission between the radio device on the battery cell carrier and the radio-based connection point, but also electrical energy or power transmission from the connection point to the radio device on the battery cell carrier via an air interface in the form of magnetic field energy. The electrical energy then coupled out in the radio device via an inductive connection is used to power the radio device itself, as well as the bus-compatible digital temperature sensors and, if applicable, other electrical and electronic components on the circuit board of the respective battery cell carriers, which are electrically connected to the common bus interface via the radio device's connection cable.

[0082] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by a (second) system for the thermal monitoring of a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells in a rack storage system. The rack storage system again comprises a plurality of storage compartments arranged in levels and bays. The storage compartments are provided for storing first and second stacks according to the invention, each with battery cell carriers stacked one above the other. The second system has connection points in at least some of the storage compartments, each of which is provided for signal and / or data connection to a bus interface of a respective battery cell carrier of a stored stack.The second system is designed to output the temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings received from the respective connection points in a respective storage compartment, originating from the respective temperature sensors of a battery cell carrier, possibly together with a respective storage compartment identifier and / or stacking level identifier, to a higher control center.

[0083] The storage compartment identifier assigned to the connection points in a storage compartment can be stored electronically, for example, in an electronic control unit of the respective connection point or in a common electronic control unit for all connection points, such as a multi-digit number that encodes the level and the field in the rack storage system.

[0084] The stack level identifier assigned to the connection points in a storage compartment can be stored electronically in an electronic control unit of the respective connection point according to the attached stack position.

[0085] In one embodiment, the control unit is a fire alarm control panel. The control unit can also be referred to as a panel. The control unit is typically connected to the respective connection points of the rack storage system via one or more wired rack buses, in particular via one or more wired fire alarm bus systems. The control unit is further connected to the higher-level control center for forwarding the received temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings, along with a respective storage compartment identifier and / or a respective stack level identifier.

[0086] Finally, the object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for downloading onto a mobile communication device, in particular a smartphone or a tablet. Such a computer program is also called an app and is typically downloaded from a so-called "app store". The computer program comprises commands which, when executed by a microprocessor of the mobile communication device, cause the microprocessor to perform the following steps:

[0087] - Connecting the mobile communication device to a cloud infrastructure via an IP data connection, in particular in response to user input, wherein the cloud infrastructure is connected to a central unit of a thermal monitoring system according to the invention via a (second) IP data connection,

[0088] - Receiving temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings from battery cells stored in the rack storage system, possibly together with a respective rack identifier of the rack storage system and together with a respective storage compartment identifier and / or stack level identifier from the cloud infrastructure, and

[0089] - Outputting the received temperature readings and / or over-temperature warnings for a user-selectable battery cell carrier or for a battery cell carrier with a reported over-temperature warning on a display of the mobile communication terminal, preferably in the form of a graphical representation of a battery cell carrier or as a so-called "heatmap" for a battery cell carrier with a correspondingly visualized temperature distribution of the stored battery cells.

[0090] Exemplary embodiments of the drawing

[0091] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description can each be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. Elements with the same function and mode of operation are each provided with the same reference numerals in Figures 1 to 12. These show schematically:

[0092] FIG 1 shows a sectional view through an exemplary first battery cell carrier according to the invention,

[0093] FIG 2 shows a top view of the exemplary first battery cell carrier according to FIG 1,

[0094] FIG 3 shows a sectional view through an exemplary second battery cell carrier according to the invention,

[0095] FIG 4 shows a top view of the exemplary second battery cell carrier according to FIG 3, FIG 5 shows a sectional view through an exemplary first stack of four first battery cell carriers according to the invention,

[0096] FIG 6 shows a sectional view through an exemplary second stack of four second battery cell carriers and termination element according to the invention.

[0097] FIG 7 shows a circuit diagram of a bus line connected in parallel in an exemplary stack with a common bus interface according to the invention,

[0098] FIG 8 shows a circuit diagram of a ring bus line connected in an exemplary stack with a common bus interface according to the invention,

[0099] FIG 9 shows an inductive coupling of a bus interface to a connection point according to the invention,

[0100] FIG 10 shows a radio connection of a bus interface to a connection point according to the invention,

[0101] FIG 11 shows an example of a thermal monitoring system for a rack storage system according to the invention, and

[0102] FIG 12 shows another example of a thermal monitoring system for a rack storage system according to the invention.

[0103] Detailed description of the exemplary implementations

[0104] FIG. 1 shows a sectional view through an exemplary first battery cell carrier S according to the invention, and FIG. 2 shows a corresponding top view of this battery cell carrier S. The battery cell carrier S shown, which is also referred to as a tray, comprises a carrying basket or a wire mesh box G with a side wall W that completely surrounds the carrier and abuts a support base B of the battery cell carrier S. Instead of a surrounding side wall W, side struts ST can also abut the support base B. H denotes a support height of the battery cell carrier S. In the present example, a maximum of 55 cylindrical battery cells BAT with a uniform cell height BH can be accommodated at predetermined receiving positions P1-Pn of the battery cell carrier S within a defined receiving volume AV of the battery cell carrier S. On an inner side IS of the carrying basket G, or...According to the invention, a one-piece circuit carrier PCB, which occupies a large portion of the surface of the support base B, is arranged between the base of the wire mesh box and the battery cells BAT to be accommodated. AS denotes an outer surface of the carrier G or wire mesh box. Furthermore, on a side of the circuit carrier PCB facing the receiving volume AV, a plurality of bus-compatible digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn are arranged at their respective mounting positions P1-Pn to thermally contact a battery cell BAT mounted opposite, enabling the measurement of its housing temperature. To improve the thermally conductive contact, an elastic, thermally conductive thermal pad WP is arranged on each of the temperature sensors TS1-TSn. The thermal pads WP shown have a thermal conductivity of at least 1 W / m K and a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 5 mm.The thermal pads WP show an exemplary square profile with a maximum edge length of 2 cm, preferably 1 cm.

[0105] Furthermore, according to the invention, the bus-capable digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn shown are connected to a bus interface AN arranged on the battery cell carrier S shown, for the purpose of outputting a respective temperature measurement T1-Tn and / or an overtemperature warning AL. L denotes a pin or socket connector which is connected on one side to the conductor tracks of a bus line BUS and on the other side to the bus interface AN via a connecting line V. The conductor tracks electrically connect the temperature sensors TS1-TSn to each other.A bus master (shown as a dashed line in FIG. 2), acting as a tray controller, can also be applied between the bus interface AN and the line-connected temperature sensors TS1-TSn to reduce communication and, in particular, data throughput between the numerous connected temperature sensors TS1-TSn and the bus interface AN. The bus interface AN is typically configured as a plug or socket and is intended for electrical and / or data connection to a terminal in a storage compartment of a rack storage system.

[0106] In this example, the support base B is formed from a single piece and has a plurality of distributed first ventilation openings OF. This allows for natural ventilation of the battery cells BAT. The formation of local "heat pockets" in the battery cell carrier S and a potentially distorted measurement of the housing temperature of the individual battery cells BAT are thus avoided. The first ventilation openings OF shown are located at least outside the mounting positions P1-Pn of the support base B intended for receiving the battery cells BAT. FIG. 2 further shows a plurality of second ventilation openings BO with an exemplary circular cross-section. These are preferably also located outside the areas P1-Pn intended for thermal contact with the battery cells BAT or are already recessed.It is particularly advantageous if the first and second ventilation openings OF, BO are arranged in alignment with each other, so that a continuous ventilation flow caused by thermals can be established through the first and second ventilation openings OF, BO in the battery cell carrier S.

[0107] The abbreviation AH also denotes spacers, such as the sleeve shown here. These are inserted or plugged into geometrically aligned recesses AU in the PCB circuit carrier and serve as spacers between the battery cells BAT and at their designated mounting positions P1-Pn. The alignment of the recesses AU with the inner cross-section of the spacers AH ensures continuous ventilation to the battery cell carrier S above.

[0108] FIG 3 shows a sectional view through an exemplary second battery cell carrier R according to the invention and FIG 4 shows a corresponding top view of this battery cell carrier R.

[0109] In contrast to the first embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the circuit carrier PCB, which occupies a large part of the surface of the support base B, is now arranged on an outer surface AS of the support base B facing away from the receiving volume AV of the battery cell carrier R. The circuit carrier PCB is thus located below the support base B of the battery cell carrier R. Furthermore, according to the invention, a plurality of bus-capable digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn are now arranged on a side of the circuit carrier PCB facing away from the support base B at the respective predetermined receiving positions P1-Pn in order to thermally contact a battery cell BAT mounted opposite it for measuring its housing temperature.In this case, however, the specified receiving positions P1-Pn correspond to those of a further battery cell carrier R, identical in construction with respect to the orderly receiving of battery cells BAT, which is provided directly below the battery cell carrier R for stacking.

[0110] Furthermore, according to the invention, the temperature sensors TS1-TSn are again connected to a bus interface AN arranged on the second battery cell carrier R for data transmission, in order to output a respective temperature measurement value T1-Tn and / or to output a respective over-temperature warning AL. The temperature measurement values ​​T1-Tn and / or the over-temperature warnings AL are assigned to battery cells BAT, which are located in this further battery cell carrier R stacked directly below the battery cell carrier R.

[0111] The particular advantage lies in the fact that, by means of a circuit carrier, the casing temperature of each individual battery cell in the battery cell carrier stacked directly below can be monitored for an impermissible increase. Because the casing temperature is measured at the top of the battery cells, a more precise and at the same time very fast temperature measurement is possible, since in the case of a damaged or "continued" battery cell, the heat generated inside rises due to thermal convection.

[0112] In FIGS. 2 and 4, an optional bus master TBC is shown with a dashed line, positioned between the BUS bus line on the PCB and the bus interface AN. The bus master TBC can function as a battery cell carrier controller or "tray controller," organizing and controlling data transmission on the connected BUS bus line (implemented as a spur line) and the bus-enabled digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn. It can also act as a bus participant on the shared BUS bus line. The bus master can, for example, be configured to perform a translation of the bus systems and their bus protocols, such as the translation of a 2 The C-Bus system with the connected bus-compatible digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn is connected to a CAN bus on the side of the common bus interface AN'. Such a bus master TBC can be implemented by a microcontroller.

[0113] FIG. 5 shows a sectional view through an exemplary first stack SP, SPS consisting of four first battery cell carriers S1-S4 according to the invention. For better understanding of the invention, the topmost first battery cell carrier S4 is shown slightly spaced from the battery cell carrier S3 below it. The battery cell carriers S1-S4 shown all have the same stacking height H. The respective circuit carriers PCB are arranged on or in the respective battery cell carrier S1-S4 in such a way that, after the battery cell carriers S1-S4 are stacked on top of each other, these circuit carriers PCB, with their temperature sensors TS1-TSn arranged thereon, (automatically) make thermally conductive contact with the respective opposing battery cells BAT. SE1-SE4 denotes the corresponding stacking levels of the stacked battery cell carriers S1-S4.For improved heat conduction and tolerance compensation, elastic thermal pads WP are arranged between the respective temperature sensors TS1-TSn and the batteries BAT. The bus interfaces AN shown in FIG. 5 each comprise a first electrical contact element US in the form of a plug and a second electrical contact element OS in the form of a socket. The first and second electrical contact elements US, OS of each battery cell carrier S1-S4 are connected in parallel. The bus line BUS of each battery cell carrier S1-S4 is thus connected in parallel to each first electrical contact element US and each second electrical contact element OS, forming a stub line. In FIG. 5, this is achieved by a connecting line V between the first and second electrical contact elements US, OS in the respective circuit carrier PCB.The electrical contact elements US and OS shown are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the stacking direction to potentially form a common bus interface AN'. In particular, the first and second electrical contact elements US and OS are spaced apart and arranged such that, firstly, a first electrical contact element US can be contacted with a second electrical contact element OS of a directly stacked, essentially identical battery cell carrier S, and secondly, a second electrical contact element OS can be contacted with a first electrical contact element US of a directly stacked, essentially identical battery cell carrier S.

[0114] The data acquisition of all temperature sensors TP1-TPn connected to the bus line BUS can preferably be carried out, since at always the same stacking position SE1-SE4, via the (lower) first electrical contacting part US of the bottommost stacked battery cell carrier S1 as the first line end of the common bus interface AN' or via the (upper) second electrical contacting part OS of the topmost stacked battery cell carrier S4 as the second line end of the common bus interface AN'.

[0115] FIG. 6 shows a sectional view through an exemplary second stack SPR consisting of four second battery cell carriers R1-R4 and a termination element AR according to the invention. The plate-shaped termination element AR is provided for terminating the topmost stacked battery cell carrier R4. For clarity, the termination element AR is arranged slightly spaced from the topmost stacked second battery cell carrier R4. The termination element AR shown has a circuit carrier PCB on an outer surface AS opposite the battery cell carrier R4 stacked directly below it. In the installed state, the PCB would be arranged such that it is aligned with the predetermined cell height BH (see FIG. 2) of the battery cells BAT of the underlying battery cell carrier R4, such that their temperature sensors TS1-TSn make thermally conductive contact with the respective opposite battery cells BAT.To improve heat conduction and compensate for tolerances, elastic thermal pads WP are arranged between the respective temperature sensors TS1-TSn and the batteries BAT.

[0116] UK refers to a circumferential collar or ridge on the underside of the plate-shaped end element AR as well as on the underside of the second battery cell carriers R1-R4. These serve to ensure their flush and guided interlocking "from above" and to mechanically protect the temperature sensors TS1-TSn when an end element AR and the second battery cell carriers R1-R4 are placed down.

[0117] FIG 7 shows a circuit diagram of a bus line BUS connected in parallel in an exemplary stack SP with a common bus interface AN' according to the invention. In the right part of FIG 7, bus-capable digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn are connected by way of example to a 2C-Bus is connected as a bus line. M represents a first reference potential, in particular a ground potential; VDD a second reference potential, in particular a positive DC supply voltage; SGL a digital clock signal; and SDA a digital data signal. 2 The C-Bus is used to read digital temperature measurements (TSP) and / or a corresponding over-temperature warning (AL). In this example, a tray controller (TBC) mounted on the PCB serves as the... 2 C-Busmaster. The tray controller TBC is also configured to output the acquired digital temperature measurements TSP and / or respective over-temperature warnings AL to the common bus interface AN'.

[0118] Furthermore, the tray controller TBC is configured, as an example, to switch the positive supply voltage VDD through to the subsequent tray controller TBC by means of an electronic switching element, in order to sequentially connect the bus line BUS to the subsequent tray controller TBC, after the address assignment by the tray controller TBC for the bus-enabled digital temperature sensors TS1-TS connected to the tray controller TBC has been completed. With the sequential connection starting from the common bus interface AN' on the lowest battery cell carrier S1, R1, continuous address assignment across all bus-enabled digital temperature sensors TS1-TS in the entire stack SP is advantageously possible. The aforementioned electronic switching element can also be integrated into the tray controller TBC. FIG. 8 shows a circuit diagram of a ring bus line BUS with a common bus interface AN' connected in an exemplary stack SP according to the invention.In this case, all bus-compatible digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn are automatically connected in series to form a ring bus line BUS by stacking all battery cell carriers S1, S2; R1, R2 on top of each other. The bus line BUS is itself a bus line of a 1. 2 C-Buses or bus systems. Since in the present case the bus master is provided as the counterpart to the common bus interface AN' by a connection point AP in a storage compartment LF of a rack storage system RL (see FIG 11), the sequential activation of the ring bus line BUS is carried out here by a switch-on delay EV of a battery cell carrier S1 , S2; R1, R2.

[0119] FIG 9 shows an inductive coupling of a common bus interface AN' of a stack S with battery cell carriers S1, S2 to a connection point AP in a storage compartment LF of a rack storage system RL according to the invention. A radio device FE is attached to the battery cell carrier S1 shown at the bottom, which includes a bus connection BA for connecting the bus connection BA to the common bus interface AN on the battery cell carrier S1. The bus connection BA itself is connected via a connecting cable AK together with a connector to the first electrical contact point US of the common bus interface AN' of the battery cell carrier S1. The radio device FE is configured for possible data communication with a counterpart AP, here the connection point AP in the storage compartment LF, via an inductively coupled path, and for possible reception of electrical energy from the counterpart AP, also via an inductively coupled path.The connection point AP shown is therefore a radio-based, inductively coupled connection point AP with advantageously contactless energy and data transmission.

[0120] The temperature measurements TSP of the battery cells BAT in the stack S and / or of over-temperature warnings AL received from the connection point AP are then, if necessary, forwarded together with a storage compartment identifier FK determined by the connection point AP via a connected wired shelf bus RB of the inventive system BMA for thermal monitoring of a large number of battery cells BAT to a higher central unit Z of the monitoring system BMA for further processing.

[0121] Furthermore, the radio device FE features an electrical energy storage device ES, in particular a battery, for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy. The buffered electrical energy can then be advantageously used for the electrical power supply for the sequential connection of the bus line BUS and for the automatic address assignment across all connected bus-compatible digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn, even during the assembly of a stack SP from battery cell carriers S. This allows a stack SP to be immediately stored in a designated storage compartment LF with connection point AP after assembly.The storage of a stack of SP shall be carried out in such a way that the radio interface FE of the lowest battery cell carrier S1 of the stored stack of SP is opposite the radio-supported, inductively coupling connection point AP in the storage compartment LF via an air interface of a maximum of 10 cm, in particular a maximum of 1 cm.

[0122] FIG 10 shows a wireless connection of a bus interface AN, AN' to a connection point AP according to the invention. In contrast to the previous FIG 9, data transmission preferably takes place based on a WLAN or Bluetooth standard and consequently not via inductively coupled paths. The energy storage device ES serves only to supply power for the wireless transmission.

[0123] FIG 11 shows an example of a thermal monitoring system (BMA) for a rack storage system (RL) according to the invention, in particular for detecting and locating one or more overheated battery cells (BAT) stored in the rack storage system (RL). Preferably, such a thermal monitoring system (BMA) is a fire alarm system proven for such purposes. The rack storage system (RL) shown has, by way of example, four levels (E), numbered from bottom to top (E1 to E4). Furthermore, the exemplary rack storage system (RL) has three bays (F) or columns, numbered from F1 to F3. Stacks (SP) of battery cell carriers (S1-S4; R1-R4) with different stack heights are stored in the storage compartments (LF) shown. In one of the storage compartments (LF) on the third level (E3) and in the first bay (F1), a fire event with at least one defective and overheated battery (BAT) is represented, by way of example, by a flame symbol.NF designates a storage compartment LF that is intended for alternative storage and does not need to be monitored by the fire alarm system (BMA). RW designates a rear wall of the storage compartments LF. For clarity, the load-bearing structures of the racking system RL, such as shelves and beams, are not shown. Storage compartments LF can also be loaded from both sides of the rack with a stack SP containing battery cell carriers S, R. In this case, storage compartments LF can be assigned two storage compartment numbers.

[0124] In the simplest case, the storage bin number consists of a combination of the level position and the field position, such as the digit pair 03-20 for level 3 and bin 20. The assignment of a storage bin from a level position and a field position can also be done using a table, which is stored electronically, for example, in the higher-level central unit.

[0125] According to the invention, the BMA monitoring system has a connection point AP in each of the storage compartments LF. This connection point is preferably provided for automatic signal and / or data connection to a common bus interface AN' formed by the stacking of the battery cell carriers S, R of the respective stored stack SP. Furthermore, according to the invention, the BMA monitoring system is configured to output the temperature readings TSP and / or over-temperature warnings AL received from a respective connection point AP, originating from the respective temperature sensors TS of the stacked battery cell carriers S, R of a stack SP, optionally together with a respective storage compartment identifier LK and / or stack level identifier TK, to a higher-level control center MS. The respective storage compartment identifier LK can be, for example,be stored in an electronic memory of an electronic processing unit of a respective connection point AP.

[0126] Furthermore, the depicted monitoring system (BMA) comprises a central unit (Z) and, in the case of a fire alarm system (BMA), a fire alarm control panel (Z). The latter is connected to the respective connection points (AP) of the racking system (RS) via one or more wired rack buses (RB), in particular via one or more wired fire alarm buses. The central unit (Z) is connected to the aforementioned higher-level control center (MS) for forwarding the received temperature readings (TSP) and / or over-temperature warnings (AL), along with a respective storage compartment identifier (LK) and / or a stacking level identifier (TK).

[0127] This means that, in the event of an overtemperature or fire reported by central Z, the control center MS is advantageously aware not only of the recorded battery temperature of a "thermally leaking" battery cell BAT, but also of its exact location within the rack storage system RL. Measures can then be taken immediately on-site to remove the relevant stack SP, including the battery cell carrier S, R containing the defective battery cell BAT, from storage compartment LF before a fire originating from the defective battery cell BAT can spread to neighboring battery cells BAT.

[0128] Furthermore, the relevant battery cell carrier S, R can be advantageously isolated from the others, and ideally, the defective battery cell BAT can be removed from the known receiving position P1-Pn within the battery cell carrier S, R. This location is determined by the shelf number reported by the central unit Z, based on a shelf identifier RK in the case of multiple rack storage systems RL connected to the central unit Z; by the reported storage compartment number, based on a storage compartment identifier LK, within the relevant rack storage system RL; by the reported stack position of the relevant battery cell carrier S, R, based on the stack level or tray identifier TK within the stored stack SP; and by the determined receiving position P1-Pn of the defective battery cell BAT within the relevant battery cell carrier S, R, based on the previously assigned address of a connected temperature sensor TS1-TSn at the corresponding receiving positions P1-Pn.

[0129] In the example shown in FIG 11, the wired shelf bus RB runs in a linear and meandering pattern along the storage compartments LF of the rack storage system RL. In the simplest case, a connection point AP in the respective storage compartment LF is a bus participant on a common detector line of a fire alarm bus RB in the case of a fire alarm system (FAS).

[0130] The central unit Z in FIG 11 can also be configured to forward the data RK, FK, TK, T1-Tn, AL reported by the connection points AP to a cloud infrastructure CLOUD. The latter can provide a cloud service application CSA for further processing and evaluation of the reported data RK, FK, TK, T1-Tn, AL. MEM denotes working memory provided in the cloud infrastructure CLOUD, and DB denotes a database provided by the cloud infrastructure CLOUD for storing the received data RK, FK, TK, T1-Tn, AL. IP2 denotes a (second) IP data connection between a gateway GW of central unit Z and the cloud infrastructure CLOUD.

[0131] In the lower right part of FIG. 11, a mobile communication device (MOB) is shown, connected via a (first) IP data connection IP1 to the central unit Z or via a (third) IP data connection IP3 to the cloud infrastructure CLOUD, to receive the aforementioned data RK, FK, TK, T1-Tn, AL and display it to a user on a DSP display of the MOB. The MOB is preferably a smartphone or a tablet. The two IP data connections IP1 and IP2 can be based on a WLAN, GSM, or Bluetooth standard. In this example, an over-temperature warning AL is displayed to a user on the MOB's DSP display. This warning originates from an overheated battery cell BAT located in shelf 4, in field 1, on shelf level 3, and in tray 2.The exact position of the battery cell BAT within the relevant battery cell carrier S, R is graphically represented and shows the relevant point with a temperature indication of 75°C.

[0132] FIG 12 shows an example of a thermal monitoring system (TMS) for a rack storage system (RL) according to one embodiment. FIG 12 differs from FIG 11 only in that, in a storage compartment (LF), a connection point (AP) is available for each stack position (SE1-SE4) of a stored stack (SP) with battery cell carriers (S, R). In this way, the temperature readings (T1-Tn) and / or over-temperature warnings (AL) for each individual battery cell carrier (S, R) of a stack (SP), as described in FIGS 1 to 4, can be separately acquired via the respective connection point (AP) and forwarded to the connected rack bus (RB).

[0133] In summary, the invention relates to a battery cell carrier S comprising a support base B configured for the orderly receiving of battery cells BAT with a predetermined cell height BH in a receiving volume AV and at predetermined receiving positions P1-Pn of the battery cell carrier S. A circuit carrier PCB, occupying the area of ​​the support base B, is arranged between the support base B and the battery cells BAT. On a side of the circuit carrier PCB facing the receiving volume AV, bus-capable digital temperature sensors TS1-TSn are arranged at the respective receiving positions P in order to directly make thermally conductive contact with a battery cell BAT held opposite, for the purpose of measuring its housing temperature.The temperature sensors TS1-TSn are connected to a bus interface AN; OS, US located on the battery cell carrier S for the purpose of outputting a respective temperature measurement T1-Tn and / or an overtemperature warning AL. The invention also relates to a stack SP consisting of a plurality of such battery cell carriers.

[0134] Reference symbol list

[0135] AH spacer, spacer sleeve, crossbar

[0136] AK connection cable

[0137] AL Over-temperature warning level, fire alarm, heat alarm

[0138] AN bus interface

[0139] AN' common bus interface

[0140] AP connection point, connection option

[0141] AP' common connection point

[0142] APP App, Application

[0143] AR upper end element, end cover

[0144] AS outer side of the support base

[0145] AU recess, cutout for spacers

[0146] AV recording volume

[0147] B Support base, base of the wire basket

[0148] BA bus connection

[0149] BAT battery cell

[0150] BH cell height of a battery cell

[0151] Fire alarm monitoring system

[0152] BO, OF ventilation openings

[0153] BUS Bus line, ring bus line, l 2 C-Bus

[0154] CLOUD Cloud Infrastructure

[0155] CSA Cloud Service Application

[0156] DB database

[0157] DSP display, screen, touchscreen

[0158] E, E1-E3 level, shelf level

[0159] EN magnetic field energy, energy

[0160] EV power-on delay

[0161] ES Energy storage, battery, accumulator

[0162] F, F1-F3 field, shelf field, column, row

[0163] FE radio equipment

[0164] FK specialist identification, warehouse specialist identification, specialist ID

[0165] FM radio module

[0166] G Wire basket, wire box, carrying basket

[0167] GW Gateway

[0168] H Beam height, box height, stacking grid IP1-IP3 IP data connection

[0169] IS inside of the support base

[0170] L connector counterpart, pin header, socket strip

[0171] LF storage compartment, storage space

[0172] M mass, reference potential

[0173] MAP Heatmap, graphical representation

[0174] MEM storage, cloud storage

[0175] MOB communication device, handset, smartphone

[0176] MS Control Center, Management Station

[0177] NF unavailable storage compartment

[0178] OS (upper) second electrical contact part, socket, plug

[0179] PCB (printed circuit board), circuit carrier, circuit board

[0180] P1-Pn recording position, battery number

[0181] R, R1-R4 second battery cell carrier, tray

[0182] RB Regalbus, bus system

[0183] RK shelf identifier, shelf ID

[0184] RL racking system, high-bay warehouse

[0185] RW back panel of a storage compartment

[0186] S, S1-S4 first battery cell carrier, tray

[0187] SCL bus signal, l 2 C-Bus signal, clock signal

[0188] SDA bus signal, l 2 C-Bus signal, data signal

[0189] SE1-SE4 Stacking level

[0190] SP, SPS, SPR stack, battery cell carrier stack, tray stack

[0191] ST side strut

[0192] TBC Busmaster, Microcontroller, Tray Controller

[0193] TK Stack Level Identifier, Tray Identifier, Tray ID

[0194] T1-Tn temperature readings per battery cell carrier

[0195] TS, TS1-TSn (digital) temperature sensor, thermistor, NTC

[0196] TSP temperature readings per stack

[0197] UK wraparound collar, stirrup

[0198] US (lower) first electrical contact part, plug, socket

[0199] VDD (positive) supply voltage

[0200] W side wall of the wire basket

[0201] WP thermal conducting element, (plastic) thermal pad

[0202] Z Fire alarm control panel, central evaluation unit

Claims

Patent claims 1. Battery cell carrier (S), comprising a carrier base (B) configured for the orderly receiving of battery cells (BAT) in a receiving volume (AV) and at predetermined receiving positions (P1-Pn) of the battery cell carrier (S), characterized in that - that a preferably one-piece circuit carrier (PCB) covering a large part of the surface of the carrier base (B) is arranged between the support base (B) and the battery cells (BAT) to be accommodated, - that on a side of the circuit carrier (PCB) facing the receiving volume (AV) a plurality of temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are arranged at the respective receiving positions (P1-Pn) in order to thermally contact a battery cell (BAT) received on the opposite side to detect its housing temperature, and - that the temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are bus-capable digital temperature sensors that are connected to a bus interface (AN; OS, US) arranged on the battery cell carrier (S) for the purpose of outputting a respective temperature measurement (T1-Tn) and / or for the output of a respective over-temperature warning (AL), or - that the temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are analog temperature sensors, in particular thermistors, preferably NTC, which are each connected to a central temperature sensor unit on the circuit carrier (PCB) for signal transmission, wherein the central temperature sensor unit is connected to a bus interface (AN; OS, US) arranged on the battery cell carrier (S) for data transmission to output a respective temperature measurement value (T1-Tn) and / or to output a respective over-temperature warning (AL).

2. Battery cell carrier (R), comprising a carrier base (B) configured for the orderly receiving of battery cells (BAT) in a receiving volume (AV) and at predetermined receiving positions (P1-Pn) of the battery cell carrier (R), characterized in that - that a circuit carrier (PCB) is arranged on an outer side (AS) of the carrier base (B) that is directed away from the receiving volume (AV) of the battery cell carrier (R) and that covers a large part of the surface of the carrier base, - that on a side of the circuit carrier (PCB) facing away from the substrate (B) a plurality of temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are arranged at the respective predetermined mounting positions (P1-Pn) in order to thermally contact a battery cell (BAT) mounted opposite it for measuring its housing temperature, wherein the predetermined mounting positions (P1-Pn) correspond to those of a directly below the Battery cell carrier (R) intended for stacking, corresponds to a further battery cell carrier (R) of identical construction with respect to the orderly receipt of battery cells (BAT), - that the temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are bus-capable digital temperature sensors that are connected to a bus interface (AN; OS, US) arranged on the battery cell carrier (R) for the purpose of outputting a respective temperature measurement (T1-Tn) and / or for the output of a respective over-temperature warning (AL), or - that the temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are thermistors, in particular NTCs, each of which is connected to a central temperature sensor unit on the circuit board (PCB) for signaling purposes, wherein the central temperature sensor unit is connected to a bus interface (AN; OS, US) arranged on the battery cell carrier (R) for data transmission of a respective temperature measurement value (T1-Tn) and / or for outputting a respective over-temperature warning (AL), and - that the temperature readings (T1-Tn) and / or the over-temperature warnings (AL) are assigned to battery cells (BAT) that can be received in the further battery cell carrier (R) stacked directly below the battery cell carrier (R).

3. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the bus-capable digital temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are connected to the bus interface (AN) of the battery cell carrier (S, R) via a common, optionally multiplexed bus line (BUS).

4. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery cell carrier (S, R) comprises at least one side wall (W) adjoining the carrier base (B), preferably a fully circumferential side wall (W), or at least one side strut (ST) adjoining the carrier base (B), wherein the bus interface (AN) comprises a first electrical contacting part, in particular a plug or a socket, and wherein the first electrical contacting part is arranged on the side wall (W) or on the carrier base (B) of the battery cell carrier (S, R), in particular pointing away from it.

5. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery cell carrier (S, R) comprises at least one side wall (W) adjoining the carrier base (B), preferably a fully circumferential side wall (W), or at least one side strut (ST) adjoining the carrier base (B), wherein the bus interface (AN) comprises a first electrical contacting part (US) and, as a counterpart, a second electrical contacting part (OS), wherein the first electrical contacting part (US) and the second electrical contacting part (OS) are connected in parallel to each other, wherein the bus line (BUS) is connected in parallel to the first electrical contacting part (US) and to the second electrical contacting part (OS) is switched on, and wherein the first electrical contacting part (US) and the second electrical contacting part (OS) are spaced apart and aligned with each other in the stacking direction in such a way as to allow the possible formation of a common bus interface (AN') that the first electrical contacting part (US) can be contacted with a second electrical contacting part (OS) of a substantially identical battery cell carrier (S, R) stacked directly below it, and that the second electrical contacting part (OS) can be contacted with a first electrical contacting part (US) of a substantially identical battery cell carrier (S, R) stacked directly above it.

6. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of claims 1 to 3, - wherein the battery cell carrier (S, R) comprises at least one adjacent, preferably fully circumferential, side wall (W), - wherein the bus-capable digital temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) are connected to the bus interface (AN) of the battery cell carrier (S, R) via a common ring bus line (BUS), - wherein the bus interface (AN) comprises a first electrical contacting part (US) and, as a counterpart, a second electrical contacting part (OS), wherein the first electrical contacting part (US) is electrically connected to a first conductor end of the ring bus line (BUS) and wherein the second electrical contacting part (OS) is electrically connected to a second conductor end of the ring bus line (BUS), and - wherein the first electrical contacting part (US) and the second electrical contacting part (OS) for looping through the ring bus line (BUS) to a ring bus line (BUS) of a battery cell carrier (S, R) stacked directly below or above, of essentially identical construction, are spaced apart in the stacking direction and aligned with each other for the possible formation of a common bus interface (AN') such that a first electrical contacting part (US) can be contacted with a second electrical contacting part (OS) of a battery cell carrier (S, R) stacked directly below, and that a second electrical contacting part (OS) can be contacted with a first electrical contacting part (US) of a battery cell carrier (S, R) stacked directly above.

7. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein an elastic, thermally conductive thermal pad (WP) is arranged on at least one of the temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) arranged on the circuit carrier (PCB) in order to detect the respective housing temperature of a battery cell (BAT) mounted opposite it. to contact thermally conductive surfaces, wherein the respective thermal pad (WP) in particular has a thermal conductivity of at least 1 Watt / m K and a thermal pad thickness in the range of 0.5 to 5 mm.

8. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of the preceding claims, with a radio device (FE) arranged on the battery cell carrier (S, R), wherein the radio device (FE) comprises a bus connection (BA) for wired connection of the bus connection (BA) to the bus interface (AN) of the battery cell carrier (S, R), and wherein the radio device (FE) is configured for possible data communication with a counterpart (AP), in particular with a radio-based connection point (AP).

9. Battery cell carrier (S, R) according to one of the preceding claims, with a radio device (FE) arranged on the battery cell carrier (S, R), wherein the radio device (FE) comprises a bus connection (BA) for connecting the bus connection (BA) to the bus interface (AN) of the battery cell carrier (S, R), wherein the bus connection (BA) is connected to a first electrical contacting part (US) of the bus interface (AN) of the battery cell carrier (S, R) via a connecting cable together with a connecting plug, wherein the radio device (FE) is configured for possible data communication with a remote station (AP) via an inductively coupled path and for possible reception of electrical energy from the remote station (AP) also via an inductively coupled path, in particular with a radio-supported, inductively couplingable connection point (AP),and wherein the radio device (FE) preferably comprises an electrical energy storage device (ES) for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy.

10. Stack (SP, SPS) of at least two stacked battery cell carriers (S) according to claim 1 in conjunction with one of claims 3 to 9, wherein the battery cell carriers (S) are designed for the orderly receiving of battery cells (BAT) with a predetermined cell height (BH), wherein the battery cell carriers (S) have the same stacking height (H) and wherein the respective circuit carriers (PCB) are arranged on the respective battery cell carrier (S) in such a way as to be aligned with a predetermined cell height (BH) of the received battery cells (BAT) such that, after the battery cell carriers (S) have been stacked on top of each other, these (PCB) with their temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) arranged therein make thermally conductive contact with the respective opposite battery cells (BAT).

11. Stack (SP, SPR) comprising at least one stacked battery cell carrier (R) according to claim 2 in conjunction with one of claims 3 to 9 and comprising a plate-shaped termination element (AR) for terminating the topmost stacked battery cell carrier (R), - wherein the battery cell carriers (R) have the same stacking height (H), wherein the respective circuit carriers (PCB) are arranged on the respective battery cell carrier (R) in such a way as to be aligned with the specified cell height (BH) of the battery cells (BAT) being received, such that after the battery cell carriers (R) are stacked on top of each other, these (PCB) with their temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) arranged thereon make thermally conductive contact with the respective opposite battery cells (BAT), and - wherein the termination element (AR) has on an outer side (AS) opposite the battery cell carrier (R) stacked directly below it a preferably one-piece circuit carrier (PCB) which occupies a large part of the surface of the termination element (AR) and which is arranged in such a way as to match the predetermined cell height (BH) of the battery cells (BAT) of the battery cell carrier (R) below it, so that these with their temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) make thermally conductive contact with the respective opposite battery cells (BAT) after the battery cell carrier (R) below has been closed.

12. System (BMA) for the thermal monitoring of a large number of battery cells (BAT), in particular a large number of lithium-ion or sodium-ion battery cells, in a rack storage system (RL), - wherein the rack storage system (RL) comprises a plurality of storage compartments (LF) arranged in levels (E) and fields (F), - wherein the storage compartments (LF) are provided for storing stacks (SP) according to claim 10 or 11 with battery cell carriers (S, R) stacked on top of each other, - wherein the system (BMA) has a connection point (AP) in at least one part of the storage compartments (LF) which is provided for signal and / or data connection with a common bus interface (AN') formed by stacking the battery cell carriers (S, R) of the respective stored stack (SP) on top of each other, - wherein the system (BMA) is configured to output the temperature measurements (TSP) and / or overtemperature warnings (AL) received from a respective connection point (AP) originating from the respective temperature sensors (TS) of the stacked battery cell carriers (S, R) of a stack (SP), possibly together with a respective storage compartment identifier (LK) and / or stack level identifier (TK), to a higher control center (MS).

13. System (BMA) according to claim 12 in conjunction with a battery cell carrier (S, R) according to claim 9, - wherein the connection point (AP) in a respective storage compartment (LF) has a storage compartment radio device, wherein the storage compartment radio device is configured for possible data communication with a radio device (FE) of a stored stack (SP) via an inductively coupled path and for possible transmission of electrical energy to the radio device (FE) via an inductively coupled path, and - wherein the radio device (FE) of each stored stack (SP) comprises a bus connection (BA) for connecting to the common bus interface (AN') of the lowest stacked battery cell carrier (S, R) and preferably an electrical energy storage device (ES) for buffering the inductively coupled electrical energy.

14. System (BMA) for the thermal monitoring of a large number of battery cells (BAT), in particular a large number of lithium-ion battery cells, in a rack storage system (RL), - wherein the rack storage system (RL) comprises a plurality of storage compartments (LF) arranged in levels (E) and fields (F), - wherein the storage compartments (LF) are provided for storing stacks (SP) according to claim 10 or 11 with battery cell carriers (S, R) stacked on top of each other, - wherein the system (BMA) has connection points (AP) in at least some of the storage compartments (LF), each of which is intended for signal and / or data connection of a respective connection point (AP) with a bus interface (AN) of a respective battery cell carrier (S, R) of a stored stack (SP), and - wherein the system (BMA) is configured to output the temperature readings (T1-Tn) and / or overtemperature warnings (AL) received from the respective connection points (AP) in a respective storage compartment (LF) originating from the respective temperature sensors (TS1-TSn) of a battery cell carrier (S, R), possibly together with a respective storage compartment identifier (LK) and / or stack level identifier (TK), to a higher control center (MS).

15. System (BMA) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, comprising a central unit (Z), in particular a fire alarm control panel, wherein the central unit (Z) is connected to the respective connection points (AP) of the rack storage system (RL) via one or more wired rack buses (RB), in particular via one or more wired fire alarm buses, - wherein the central unit (Z) is connected to the higher-level control center (MS) via an IP data connection (IP2), and / or - wherein the central unit (Z) is connected to a cloud infrastructure (CLOUD) via an IP data connection (IP3), in each case for forwarding received temperature measurements (T1-Tn) and / or over-temperature warnings (AL) from the battery cells (BAT) stored in the rack storage system (RL), possibly together with a respective rack identifier (RK) of the rack storage system (RL) and together with a respective storage compartment identifier (LK) and / or stack level identifier (TK).

16. Computer program (APP) for downloading onto a mobile communication device (MOB), in particular a smartphone or tablet, comprising commands which, when the computer program (APP) is executed by a microprocessor of the mobile communication device (MOB), cause the microprocessor to perform the following steps: - Connecting the mobile communication device (MOB) to a cloud infrastructure (CLOUD) via an IP data connection (IP3), in particular in response to user input, wherein the cloud infrastructure (CLOUD) is connected to a central unit (Z) of a thermal monitoring system (BMA) according to claim 15 via an IP data connection (IP2), - Receiving temperature readings (T1-Tn) and / or over-temperature warnings (AL) from battery cells (BAT) stored in the rack storage system (RL), possibly together with a respective rack identifier (RK) of the rack storage system (RL) and together with a respective storage compartment identifier (LK) and / or stack level identifier (TK) from the cloud infrastructure (CLOUD), and - Outputting the received temperature readings (T1-Tn) and / or over-temperature warnings (AL) to a user-selectable battery cell carrier (S, R) or to a battery cell carrier (S, R) with a reported over-temperature warning (AL) on a display (DSP) of the mobile communication terminal (MOB), preferably in the form of a graphical representation (MAP) of a battery cell carrier (S, R).

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