Explosion mitigation system

Abstract

One variation of a system includes a set of electrode modules configured to install a battery storage container storing a set of battery cells, each electrode module configured to generate spark discharge at a pair of gapped electrodes to locally combust flammable gas accumulating proximal the electrode module during a fault event at a battery cell. This variation of the system also includes a discharge control module electrically coupled to the set of electrode modules via a set of ports and configured to: detect an ignition event within the battery storage container responsive to spark discharge at an electrode module in the set of electrode modules; set a frequency for spark discharge at the set of electrode modules in response to detection of the ignition event; and via the set of ports, trigger each electrode module to generate spark discharge at the frequency.

Description

FIRE-M05-PCTEXPLOSION MITIGATION SYSTEMCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 771,208, filed on 13-MAR-2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 736,953, filed on 20-DEC-2024, each of which is incorporated in its entirety by this reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This invention relates generally to the field of energy storage and, more specifically, to a new and useful explosion mitigation system in the field of energy storage.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0003] FIGURES 1A and 1B are schematic representations of a system;

[0004] FIGURES 2A and 2B are schematic representations of one variation of the system;

[0005] FIGURE 3 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system;

[0006] FIGURE 4 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system;

[0007] FIGURE 5 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system;

[0008] FIGURE 6 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system;

[0009] FIGURE 7 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system;

[0010] FIGURE 8 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system; and

[0011] FIGURE 9 is a schematic representation of one variation of the system.DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0012] The following description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments but rather to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use this invention. Variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples described herein are optional and are not exclusive to the variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples they describe. The invention described herein can include any and all permutations of these variations, configurations, implementations, example implementations, and examples.1, System

[0013] As shown in FIGURES 1A-9, an explosion mitigation system 100 includes: a set of electrode modules 110 configured to install a battery storage container storing aFIRE-M05-PCT set of battery cells that expel flammable gas (or “volatile gas”) during fault events at the set of battery cells; and a discharge control module 160 including a set of ports 162 configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules 110.

[0014] Each electrode module 110 in the set of electrode modules 110: includes a pair of gapped electrodes 112; and is configured to generate spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112 to locally combust flammable gas accumulating proximal the electrode module 110 during a fault event at a battery cell and to reduce a concentration of flammable gas within the battery storage container during the fault event at the battery cell.

[0015] The discharge control module 160 is configured to: detect an ignition event within the battery storage container responsive to spark discharge at an electrode module 110 in the set of electrode modules 110; set a frequency for spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 in response to detection of the ignition event; and, via the set of ports 162, trigger each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, to generate spark discharge at a pair of gapped electrodes 112 of the electrode module 110 at the frequency.1.1 _ Variation: Discrete Electrode + Ignition Coil Modules

[0016] As shown in FIGURES 1A-6, 8, and 9, one variation of the explosion mitigation system 100 includes: a set of electrode modules 110 configured to install in a battery storage container containing a set of battery cells; and a discharge control module 160 including a set of ports 162 configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules 110.

[0017] The set of electrode modules 110 includes: a first electrode module 110; and a second electrode module 110. The first electrode module 110 includes: a first pair of gapped electrodes 112 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the first pair of gapped electrodes 112; and a first ignition coil 114 configured to energize the first pair of gapped electrodes 112 to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes 112. The second electrode module 110 includes: a second pair of gapped electrodes 112 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the second pair of gapped electrodes 112; and a second ignition coil 114 configured to energize the second pair of gapped electrodes 112 to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes 112.

[0018] The discharge control module 160 is configured to, during a first time period: output a first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110, via theFIRE-M05-PCT set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes 112 at a first frequency; and output a second sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes 112 at the first frequency. The discharge control module 160 is further configured to, during a second time period, output a third sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module 110 at a third frequency, greater than the first frequency, responsive to detection of an ignition event within the battery storage container.1.2 _ Variation: Centralized Ignition Coil

[0019] As shown in FIGURE 7, one variation of the explosion mitigation system 100 includes: a set of electrode modules 110 configured to install in a battery storage container containing a set of battery cells; and a discharge control module 160 including a set of ports 162 configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules 110.

[0020] The set of electrode modules 110 includes: a first electrode module 110 including a first pair of gapped electrodes 112 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the first pair of gapped electrodes 112; and a second electrode module 110 including a second pair of gapped electrodes 112 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the second pair of gapped electrodes 112.

[0021] The discharge control module 160 includes an ignition coil 114 configured to convert a low- voltage power supply to a discharge-level voltage. The discharge control module 160 is configured to, during a first time period: supply a first sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil 114 to the first electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes 112 at a first frequency; and supply a second sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil 114 to the second electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes 112 at the first frequency. The discharge control module 160 is further configured to, during a second time period, supply a third sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil 114 to the first electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes 112 at a third frequency, greater than the first frequency, responsive to detection of an ignition event within the battery storage container.FIRE-M05-PCT1. Variation: Set of Electrode Modules + Ambient Condition Detection

[0022] As shown in FIGURE 1A-6, 8, and 9, one variation of the explosion mitigation system 100 includes: a set of electrode modules 110; a discharge control module 160 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly); and a set of ambient sensor groups 140 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gas concentration sensor per group).

[0023] The set of electrode modules 110 is configured to install within a battery storage container. Each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, includes: a pair of gapped electrodes 112 (e.g., an iridium spark plug); and an ignition coil 114 (e.g., a coil-on-plug ignition coil 114) configured to convert a voltage signal (e.g., 12 volts) to a high-voltage pulse that generates spark (or “electrical arc”) discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112.

[0024] Each ambient sensor group 140, in the set of ambient sensor groups 140: is coupled to or arranged adjacent an electrode module 110 in the set of electrode modules 110; and is configured to output a set of ambient signals representing localized environmental conditions (e.g., pressure fluctuations, gas concentrations, humidity levels) within the battery storage container proximal the electrode module 110.

[0025] The discharge control module 160 is configured to, for each electrode module 110 in the set of electrode modules 110: output a trigger signal (e.g., a discrete pulse signal) that drives spark discharge by the electrode module 110 according to a nominal frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz); read a feedback signal, representing voltage collapse corresponding to spark discharge by the pair of gapped electrodes 112, from the electrode module 110; and interpret an operating condition (e.g., stable, faulty) of the electrode module 110 based on the feedback signal.

[0026] Furthermore, the discharge control module 160 (or a local or remote, physical or virtual fire response controller coupled to the discharge control module 160) is configured to: automatically generate a first alert to repair an electrode module 110 in response to interpreting a faulty operating condition of the electrode module 110 based on a feedback signal received from the electrode module 110; and transmit the first alert to an operator.

[0027] The discharge control module 160 (or fire response controller) is further configured to: access a set of ambient signals output by the ambient sensor group 140 proximal the electrode module 110; and detect an ignition event (e.g., a hydrogen explosion) within the battery storage container and triggered by the electrode module 110 in response to a change in the set of ambient signals. In response to detecting the ignition event triggered by an electrode module 110, the discharge control module 160 (or fireFIRE-M05-PCT response controller) is also configured to: predict a location (e.g., a battery drawer, shelf address) within the battery storage container containing a damaged battery releasing hydrogen gas; generate a second alert to investigate the location within the battery storage container for the damaged battery; transmit the second alert to the operator; and output the trigger signal that drives spark discharge by the electrode module no according to an elevated frequency, greater than the nominal frequency, to reduce energy of subsequent ignition events triggered by the electrode module no.2. _ Applications

[0028] Generally, an explosion mitigation system 100 (hereinafter a “system”) is configured to dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge across a set of electrode modules 110, and configured to install within a battery storage container (e.g., solar farm battery storage container) to reduce explosion risk (e.g., uncontrolled hydrogen combustion) within the battery storage container. In particular, the explosion mitigation system 100 (or “the system 100”) is configured to install within a battery storage container and includes: a set of ambient sensor groups 140 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gas concentration sensor per group) configured to detect ambient conditions within the battery storage container; a set of electrode modules 110 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust (or “ignite”) flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container; and a discharge control module 160 configured to read signals output by the set of ambient sensor groups 140 and to trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge based on these signals.

[0029] The system 100 is configured to install within a battery storage container storing a set of battery cells that expel flammable gas during fault events (e.g., thermal runaway, internal short conditions, seal breach, or other mechanical or electrical faults at a battery cell). More specifically, during fault events, the expelled flammable gas can accumulate in localized regions (or “gas pockets”) within the battery storage container. Accordingly, the set of electrode modules 110 is: arranged in an array within the battery storage container to intersect a set of zones predicted to accumulate flammable gas expelled by the set of battery cells during fault events; and configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust (or “ignite”) flammable gas accumulating within the set of zones (or the battery storage container) during a fault event at a particular battery cell.

[0030] Therefore, the set of electrode modules 110 generates ignition events characterized by relatively low damage risk to the set of battery cells, as the ignition events are localized and low-energy and occur proximal to the accumulating flammable gas rather than spreading through the battery storage container. By selectively igniting theFIRE-M05-PCT accumulating flammable gas before the flammable gas reaches a hazardous concentration, the system 100 reduces a concentration of flammable gas within the battery storage container and, therefore, reduces energy of an imminent explosion event (e.g., a catastrophic explosion event). In particular, the system 100 interrupts formation of large, container-scale gas pockets and converts the flammable gas into a series of localized, low-energy ignition events, thereby limiting turbulence, restricting pressure buildup, and maintaining internal conditions below thresholds associated with destructive overpressure events.

[0031] Additionally, the discharge control module 160 can: detect a localized ignition event (e.g., a hydrogen explosion) triggered by spark discharge at an electrode module 110; predict an origin of this localized ignition event (e.g., battery drawer, shelf address) within the battery storage container; generate alerts for an operator to investigate the origin of the localized ignition event; and dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge of the electrode module 110 in response to detecting the localized ignition event to reduce energy (e.g., via gas dissipation) of subsequent ignition events triggered by the electrode module 110.2.1 _ Operating Condition

[0032] In one application, the system 100 includes: the set of electrode modules 110; and the discharge control module 160 (e.g., integrated into a fire response controller) configured to regulate spark discharge and monitor operational conditions across the set of electrode modules 110. In one example, each electrode module 110 includes: a pair of gapped electrodes 112; and an ignition coil 114 configured to convert a low-voltage signal (e.g., 12 Volts) to a high-voltage pulse that generates spark discharge by the pair of gapped electrodes 112. The discharge control module 160 is configured to, for each electrode module 110: output a trigger signal (e.g., a discrete pulse signal) that drives spark discharge at the electrode module 110 according to a nominal frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz); and read a feedback signal from the electrode module 110 representing voltage collapse corresponding to spark discharge by the electrode module 110.

[0033] By distributing individual ignition coils 114 across the set of electrode modules 110, the system 100 can: isolate electrode module 110 failures such that failure of a particular electrode module 110 does not compromise spark discharge capability at other electrode modules 110 within the battery storage container; achieve elevated peak spark frequencies at individual electrode modules 110; and maintain operational redundancy across the set of electrode modules 110 to reduce risk of catastrophic system failure during fault events at the set of battery cells.FIRE-M05-PCT

[0034] Furthermore, for each electrode module 110, the discharge control module 160 can then: interpret an operating condition (e.g., stable, faulty) of the electrode module 110 based on the feedback signal, such as based on detecting absence or presence of this feedback signal from the electrode module 110; automatically generate an alert to repair the electrode module 110 in response to interpreting a faulty operating condition of the electrode module 110; and output this alert to an operator. Therefore, the discharge control module 160 can: maintain real-time operational awareness of each electrode module 110; and generate visual (e.g., LED status indicator) and / or non- visual (e.g., an audible alarm or a transmitted notification) alerts to notify a user of fault conditions detected in the set of electrode modules 110.2.2 _ Ignition Events + Adjusting Frequency

[0035] In one application, the system 100 also includes the set of ambient sensor groups 140, each ambient sensor group 140: coupled to or arranged adjacent an electrode module 110; and configured to output a set of ambient signals representing localized environmental conditions (e.g., pressure fluctuations, gas concentrations, humidity levels) within the battery storage container proximal the electrode module 110. In one example, an ambient sensor group 140 can include: a pressure sensor (e.g., piezoelectric pressure sensors) configured to output pressure fluctuation data representing transient or sustained changes in pressure within the battery storage container; a gas concentration sensor (e.g., hydrogen gas sensors) configured to output gas concentration levels representing the presence and accumulation of flammable gases; and a humidity sensor (e.g., capacitive humidity sensors) configured to output relative humidity levels representing moisture concentration within the battery storage container.

[0036] Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can: access ambient signals (e.g., temperature readings, gas concentration levels, and humidity measurements) from a particular ambient sensor group 140; and detect an ignition event proximal a particular electrode module 110, such as based on temperature fluctuations, gas concentration changes, or humidity variations. For example, the discharge control module 160 can: read pressure values from a pressure sensor (e.g., a piezoelectric pressure sensor) arranged proximal the electrode module 110; and detect an ignition event proximal the electrode module 110 in response to identifying a characteristic pressure spike followed by an exponential pressure decay in the pressure values.

[0037] The discharge control module 160 can then: access or retrieve a known location of this electrode module 110 and a spatial map representing the battery storage container to predict a location (e.g., battery drawer) containing a damaged batteryFIRE-M05-PCT releasing hydrogen gas; and generate an alert for an operator to investigate the location for the damaged battery. Furthermore, in response to detecting the ignition event proximal the electrode module no, the discharge control module 160 can output a trigger signal that drives spark discharge by the electrode module 110 at an elevated frequency (i.e., greater than the nominal frequency) to reduce energy of subsequent ignition events triggered by the electrode module 110. For example, the discharge control module 160 can increase the nominal frequency of 100 Hertz to an elevated frequency of 150 Hertz.

[0038] Therefore, rather than maintain a constant frequency of spark discharge across electrode modules 110 arranged within the battery storage container, the discharge control module 160 can dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge across the set of electrode modules 110 to: sustain spark discharge at varying frequencies to dissipate gas concentration based on localized ignition events detected proximal an electrode module 110; compensate for absence of spark discharge from non-operational (or “faulty”) electrode modules 110; and reduce explosion risk (e.g., uncontrolled hydrogen combustion) within the battery storage container.3. _ Explosion Mitigation System

[0039] Generally, as shown in FIGURES 1A, 1B, and 9, the explosion mitigation system 100 (or “the system 100”) is configured to install within a battery storage container and includes: a set of ambient sensor groups 140 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, and a gas concentration sensor per group) configured to detect ambient conditions within the battery storage container; a set of electrode modules 110 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust (or “ignite”) flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container, such as responsive to a fault at a battery cell; and a discharge control module 160 configured to read signals output by the set of ambient sensor groups 140 and to trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge based on these signals.3.1 _ Electrode Modules

[0040] Generally, the system 100 includes a set of (e.g., ten, fifteen, twenty) electrode modules 110 configured to install within the battery storage container. In one implementation, the set of electrode modules 110 can be arranged within a particular battery storage container to intersect a set of zones predicted to accumulate flammable gas (or “gas pockets”) expelled by the set of battery cells. In particular, the set of electrode modules 110 can be arranged within the battery storage container to intersect a set of zones predicted to accumulate flammable gas expelled by the set of battery cells duringFIRE-M05-PCT fault events. For example, an electrode module 110 can be arranged within a zone located above a battery-cell group, along an exhaust pathway, or proximal a structural feature predicted to trap or retain flammable gas. For example, the system 100 can include: a first electrode module 110 arranged proximal an upper region of the battery storage container to intersect a zone predicted to accumulate rising flammable gas; and a second electrode module 110 arranged proximal a mid-height region between adjacent battery cells to intersect a horizontal accumulation zone.

[0041] In one implementation, each electrode module 110 can include: a pair of gapped electrodes 112 (e.g., a resistor-type spark plug) configured to generate a spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas (e.g., hydrogen gas) within the battery storage container; and an ignition coil 114 (e.g., a coil-on-plug ignition coil 114) configured to energize the pair of gapped electrodes 112 to generate spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112. Each electrode module 110 can be electrically coupled to a port 162 of the discharge control module 160 via a set of data lines including: a power line 176 configured to supply low-voltage power from the discharge control module 160 to the ignition coil 114; a signal line 172 configured to supply trigger signals from the discharge control module 160 to the ignition coil 114; a feedback line 174 configured to supply feedback signals from the electrode module 110 to the discharge control module 160; and a ground line 178 configured to electrically ground the electrode module 110.

[0042] In particular, the ignition coil 114 can be configured to convert low-voltage power (e.g., 12 Volts output from a power supply) to a high-voltage pulse to energize and drive spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112 responsive to a trigger signal from the discharge control module 160. For example, each electrode module 110 can further include a switch module (e.g., a solid-state switching circuit) configured to selectively ground the ignition coil 114 to induce the high-voltage pulse, such as at a frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz) of trigger signals supplied to the switch module (i.e., by the discharge control module 160).

[0043] Additionally, in this implementation, each electrode module 110 is configured to output a feedback signal, via the feedback line 174, representing a current change (or absence of a current change) in the electrode module 110 during spark discharge generated responsive to the trigger signal. In one variation, the ignition coil 114 is configured to output a feedback signal representing voltage collapse across the ignition coil 114 during spark discharge by the pair of gapped electrodes 112. Thus, the set of electrode modules 110 can generate spark discharge at predefined or dynamically adjusted frequencies to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the batteryFIRE-M05-PCT storage container during fault events at the battery cells. By repeatedly generating these localized ignition events, the set of electrode modules no reduces a concentration of the flammable gas within the battery storage container and limits energy of an imminent explosion event (e.g., a catastrophic explosion event). .2 _ Environmental Sensors

[0044] In one implementation, the system 100 includes a set of ambient sensor groups 140 (or a “set of sensors 140”) arranged within the battery storage container and configured to output signals representing ambient conditions within the battery storage container. For example, each ambient sensor group 140 can include: a pressure sensor (e.g., a piezoelectric pressure sensor) configured to output pressure fluctuation data representing transient or sustained changes in internal container pressure (or “pressure changes”); a humidity sensor (e.g., a capacitive humidity sensor) configured to output relative humidity levels representing moisture concentration within the battery storage container; and a gas concentration sensor (e.g., a hydrogen gas concentration sensor) configured to output gas concentration levels representing presence and accumulation of flammable gases within the battery storage container.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can include one or more sensors 140 integrated with each electrode module 110. For example, each electrode module 110 can include a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a gas sensor, and / or a humidity sensor, each configured to output signals representing ambient conditions proximal the corresponding electrode module 110. Accordingly, these sensors 140 can output signals representing localized flammable-gas accumulation, thermal deviations, or moisture shifts at specific zones within the battery storage container.

[0046] Additionally or alternatively, the system 100 can include one or more sensors 140 (e.g., pressure sensors, temperature sensors, gas sensors, humidity sensors) electrically coupled to the discharge control module 160. In particular, these sensors 140 can output signals directly to the discharge control module 160 (e.g., via a communication line) representing localized flammable-gas accumulation, thermal deviations, or moisture shifts at specific zones within the battery storage container.3i3 _ Discharge Control Module

[0047] Generally, the system 100 includes a discharge control module 160 configured to couple to an external fire response controller or integrated into a fire response controller at the battery storage container. In particular, the discharge control module 160 is configured to read ambient-condition signals representing internalFIRE-M05-PCT container conditions and selectively coordinate spark discharge across the set of electrode modules 110.

[0048] In one implementation, the discharge control module 160 (e.g., a printed circuit board assembly) includes: a power supply (e.g., a step-down power supply) configured to output a nominal low-voltage signal (e.g., 12 Volts); a set of ports 162 (e.g., four-pin serial ports) configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules 110, such as via shielded high-voltage silicone-insulated cables with twisted-pair shielding; a local controller configured to process spark discharge control signals and monitor feedback signals from the set of electrode modules 110; and a set of relays (e.g., solid-state relays) configured to switch and isolate control signals (i.e., nominal low- voltage signals, trigger signals, feedback signals) between the local controller and the set of electrode modules 110 and block high-voltage transients generated by the set of electrode modules 110 from propagating to the local controller.

[0049] The discharge control module 160 is configured to, via a corresponding port for each electrode module 110: supply the nominal low-voltage signal (e.g., 12 Volts) to the electrode module 110 via a power line 176 of the port 162; supply a trigger signal at a nominal frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz) to the electrode module no via a signal line 172 of the port 162; receive a feedback signal from the electrode module 110 representing spark discharge by the pair of gapped electrodes 112 via a feedback line 174 of the port 162; and couple the electrode module 110 to a ground rail via a ground line 178 of the port 162.

[0050] Thus, the discharge control module 160 is configured to regulate sparkdischarge timing across the set of electrode modules 110 by generating trigger signals according to a discharge sequence. Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can independently control spark-discharge timing at each electrode module 110 and coordinate spark-discharge sequences across multiple electrode modules 110 to dissipate accumulating flammable gas in multiple zones of the battery storage container.

[0051] Additionally, the discharge control module 160 can access signals output by the set of sensors 140 and implement signal-analysis techniques (e.g., pressure-waveform analysis, gas-concentration trend detection, thermal-gradient mapping) to detect an ignition event proximal an electrode module 110 within the battery storage container. Responsive to detection of such an ignition event, the discharge control module 160 can adjust spark-discharge frequency, timing, or sequencing across the set of electrode modules 110 to address localized or container-wide gas-accumulation conditions, as described below.FIRE-M05-PCT3.3.1 Fault Detection: Discharge Feedback Signal

[0052] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can: detect absence of the discharge feedback signal (e.g., a null discharge feedback signal) received from a particular electrode module 110 (e.g., via a communication port); and, in response to detecting this absence of the discharge feedback signal, output a fault signal that indicates an operational anomaly (e.g., coil failure, wiring issue, or misfiring) for an electrode module 110.

[0053] In another implementation, the discharge control module 160 can: read a discharge feedback signal (e.g., a binary pulse signal representing spark discharge events) received at the communication port; detect a deviation in the discharge feedback signal frequency from the predefined spark frequency of the trigger signal; and, in response to detecting this frequency deviation, output a fault signal that indicates an operational anomaly (e.g., weak discharge, delayed sparking, or coil degradation) for an electrode module 110.

[0054] Thus, the discharge control module 160 can: monitor operational anomalies by analyzing discharge feedback signals received at the communication port for deviations from nominal spark frequency discharge; detect a faulty operating condition for a particular electrode module 110 in the set of electrode modules 110; generate an alert to repair this particular electrode module 110; and transmit this alert to an operator, such as by transmitting the alert to an operator device (e.g., computer system, tablet) accessed by the operator. Additionally or alternatively, the discharge control module 160 can include an indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode) configured to visually represent operational anomalies detected in the electrode module 110.3.3.2 Fault Detection: Power Fault + Current Fault

[0055] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can: read a voltage feedback signal, such as output by the power supply to verify continuous power delivery to the discharge control module 160; and, in response to detecting a voltage dropout condition (e.g., LOW state) in the voltage feedback signal, detect a power fault condition (e.g., power supply failure, voltage drop, or disconnected wiring) for the discharge control module 160. Thus, the discharge control module 160 can: detect a faulty power condition for the power supply of the discharge control module 160; generate an alert to repair the power supply; and transmit this alert to an operator. Additionally or alternatively, the discharge control module 160 can include an indicator (e.g., a light-emitting diode) configured to visually represent detected power faults at the discharge control module 160.FIRE-M05-PCT Fault Detection: Current Fault

[0056] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can: read a current feedback signal, such as output by a current sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) to verify continuous current supply to the set of electrode modules 110; and, in response to detecting a current dropout condition (e.g., LOW state) in the current feedback signal, interpret a current fault condition (e.g., circuit interruption, insufficient current delivery, or abnormal current draw) for the set of electrode modules 110. The discharge control module 160 can then implement methods and techniques described above to serve an alert to repair this power supply to the operator.4. Ambient Condition Detection + Nominal Spark Frequency

[0057] In one implementation, the discharge control module 160 can: set a nominal spark frequency (or “frequency”) for generating spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110; access or derive a discharge sequence defining an order for triggering each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, to generate spark discharge; and trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge, at the frequency, according to the discharge sequence.

[0058] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can access a predefined frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz), such as by reading a frequency selection input set via an input (e.g., a manual switch) on the discharge control module 160; and set the trigger signal (e.g., a discrete pulse signal) to drive spark discharge by the set of electrode modules 110 according to this predefined frequency. In another example, the discharge control module 160 can: receive a frequency control prompt (e.g., from a fire response controller) specifying a frequency (e.g., 150 Hertz) for the electrode module 110; and execute this frequency control prompt to drive spark discharge by the set of electrode modules 110 according to this defined frequency.

[0059] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can interface with a battery-management system configured to output operating parameters of the set of battery cells stored in the battery storage container. In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can access signals output by the battery-management system representing operating parameters of the set of battery cells, such as a battery temperature, a charge rate, a discharge rate, an average voltage, and / or a voltage variance of the set of battery cells.

[0060] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a charge rate of the set of battery cells; and set the nominal frequency proportional to the charge rate. Thus, during high charge rates (i.e., when batteries can release gas at elevated rates), theFIRE-M05-PCT set of electrode modules 110 can generate spark discharge at an elevated frequency to combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container at a rate commensurate with gas release by the set of battery cells.

[0061] In another example, the discharge control module 160 can: detect a pressure within the battery storage container (e.g., via a pressure sensor arranged within the battery storage container); access a battery temperature exhibited by the set of battery cells; and set the nominal spark frequency proportional to the pressure and inversely proportional to the battery temperature. Therefore, when a battery cell exhibits elevated temperatures and pressures, which can indicate a developing fault at the battery cell, the discharge control module 160 can increase the spark frequency to reduce accumulation of flammable gas within the battery storage container during fault development.

[0062] In one implementation, the discharge control module 160 can: access or derive a discharge sequence defining an order for triggering each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, to generate spark discharge; and trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge according to this discharge sequence. For example, the discharge control module 160 can define the discharge sequence to trigger each electrode module 110 sequentially at offset times to distribute power load across the discharge control module 160. Alternatively, the discharge control module 160 can define the discharge sequence to trigger multiple electrode modules 110 simultaneously.

[0063] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can: output a first sequence of trigger signals to a first electrode module 110, via a first port, to generate spark discharge at a first pair of gapped electrodes 112 at the nominal spark frequency; and output a second sequence of trigger signals to a second electrode module 110, via a second port, to generate spark discharge at a second pair of gapped electrodes 112 at the nominal spark frequency. Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge at consistent frequencies across the battery storage container to uniformly combust flammable gas throughout the battery storage container.5. _ Ignition Event Detection

[0064] Generally, during operation, the discharge control module 160 can: detect conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity, gas concentration, internal pressure) within the battery storage container based on signals output by the set of sensors 140; and selectively trigger the set of electrode modules 110 to generate spark discharge at a particular frequency based on these conditions.FIRE-M05-PCT

[0065] In one implementation, as shown in FIGURES 2B and 5, the discharge control module 160 can detect an ignition event, within the battery storage container, responsive to spark discharge at a particular electrode module 110. In particular, the discharge control module 160 can detect the ignition event proximal the electrode module 110 based on changes in ambient sensor data, such as read from a set of (i.e. , one or more) sensors 140 integrated with or arranged proximal the electrode module 110. For example, the discharge control module 160 can: access or receive a set of ambient signals from a set of sensors 140 proximal the electrode module 110; and implement signal analysis techniques (e.g., pressure waveform analysis, gas concentration trend detection, and thermal gradient mapping) to detect an ignition event (e.g., localized hydrogen combustion) proximal the electrode module 110.

[0066] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a first pressure signal output by a first pressure sensor integrated with a first electrode module 110; access a second pressure signal output by a second pressure sensor integrated with a second electrode module 110; and detect the ignition event proximal the first electrode module 110 and remote from the second electrode module 110 based on a first magnitude of a first pressure change proximal the first electrode module 110 and a second magnitude of a second pressure change proximal the second electrode module 110. In particular, the discharge control module 160 can detect the ignition event proximal the first electrode module 110 and remote from the second electrode module 110 in response to: presence of a first increase in air pressure of a first magnitude indicated in the first pressure signal; and presence of a second increase in air pressure of a second magnitude, less than the first magnitude, indicated in the second pressure signal. For example, by comparing magnitudes of pressure changes detected at multiple pressure sensors integrated with the set of electrode modules 110, the discharge control module 160 can: estimate proximity of the ignition event to each electrode module 110 within the set of electrode modules 110; selectively increase frequency of spark discharge at electrode modules 110 proximal the ignition event at elevated frequencies; and maintain reduced frequencies at electrode modules 110 remote from the ignition event to conserve power and reduce unnecessary spark discharge in regions of the battery storage container exhibiting lower explosion risk.

[0067] In another example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a timeseries of pressure fluctuations from a pressure sensor (e.g., a piezoelectric pressure sensor) arranged proximal the electrode module 110; and detect an ignition event proximal the electrode module 110 in response to the timeseries of pressure fluctuations exhibiting a transient overpressure event followed by an exponential pressure decay. InFIRE-M05-PCT another example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a time series of gas concentration levels from a gas concentration sensor (e.g., a hydrogen gas concentration sensor) arranged proximal the electrode module 110; and detect an ignition event proximal the electrode module 110 in response to the timeseries of gas concentration levels exhibiting a decrease in flammable gas concentration.

[0068] In yet another example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a timeseries of humidity levels from a humidity sensor (e.g., a capacitive humidity sensor) arranged proximal the electrode module 110; and detect an ignition event proximal the electrode module 110 in response to the timeseries of humidity levels exhibiting a rapid humidity drop correlated with elevated temperature and pressure fluctuations.

[0069] Therefore, the discharge control module 160 can: monitor localized environmental conditions proximal the set of electrode modules 110 based on real-time sensor data output by the set of sensors 140; and detect local combustion events proximal the set of electrode modules 110 based on this real-time sensor data.6. _ Ignition Event Response

[0070] Generally, the discharge control module 160 can: detect an ignition event within the battery storage container based on ambient sensor data output by the set of sensors 140; and, in response to detecting this ignition event, trigger a mitigation response, such as adjusting frequency, activating fire suppression systems, triggering ventilation mechanisms, and / or initiating an emergency shutdown to reduce explosion risk within the battery storage container.6.1 _ Selective Frequency Increase

[0071] In one implementation, in response to detecting an ignition event proximal a particular electrode module 110, the discharge control module 160 can: automatically output a trigger signal that drives spark discharge by the electrode module 110 at an elevated frequency (e.g., 150 Hertz), greater than the nominal frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz), such as to reduce energy of subsequent ignition events generated by the electrode module 110.

[0072] In one example, the set of electrode modules 110 includes a first electrode module 110 and a second electrode module 110 including integrated pressure sensors configured to output signals representing pressures proximal the corresponding electrode module 110. In this example, during a first time period, the discharge control module 160 can: output a first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at a first pair of gapped electrodesFIRE-M05-PCT 112 at a first frequency; and output a second sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at a second pair of gapped electrodes 112 at the first frequency.

[0073] The discharge control module 160 can then: access a signal output by a pressure sensor integrated with the first electrode module 110; and detect the ignition event proximal the first electrode module 110 based on a pressure represented in the signal. In response to detecting the ignition event proximal the first electrode module no, the discharge control module 160 can: during a second time period, output a third sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module 110 at a second frequency, greater than the first frequency. During the second time period, the discharge control module 160 can further output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110 to generate spark discharge at the second electrode module 110 at the first frequency responsive to detection of the ignition event proximal the first electrode module 110.

[0074] In one example, the first electrode module 110 can include a first gas concentration sensor configured to output a first gas concentration signal representing a first concentration of flammable gas (or “volatile gas”) proximal the first electrode module 110. Similarly, the second electrode module 110 can include a second gas concentration sensor configured to output a second gas concentration signal representing a second concentration of flammable gas proximal the second electrode module 110. In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can: access the first gas concentration signal output by the first gas concentration sensor; access the second gas concentration signal output by the second gas concentration sensor; detect the first concentration of flammable gas proximal the first electrode module 110 based on the first gas concentration signal; and detect the second concentration of flammable gas proximal the second electrode module 110 based on the second gas concentration signal.

[0075] In this example, during a first time period, the discharge control module 160 can: output a first set of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110 at a first frequency proportional to the first concentration of flammable gas; and output a second set of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110 at a second frequency proportional to the second concentration of flammable gas. In particular, in response to the second concentration of flammable gas exceeding the first concentration of flammable gas, the discharge control module 160 can output the second set of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110 at the second frequency greater than the first frequency such that the second electrode module 110 generates spark discharge at an elevated frequencyFIRE-M05-PCT commensurate with elevated gas concentration proximal the second electrode module no.

[0076] Therefore, by integrating a pressure sensor at the electrode modules 110 to detect a localized ignition event from a transient overpressure signal, the discharge control module 160 can selectively increase frequency at the first electrode module 110 proximal the ignition event at an elevated frequency, such as exceeding frequency increases at other electrode modules 110 within the battery storage container, to mitigate elevated explosion risk in this region.6.2 _ Global Frequency Increase

[0077] In one variation, in response to detecting an ignition event within the battery storage container, the discharge control module 160 can automatically output trigger signals that drive spark discharge by each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, at an elevated frequency to rapidly combust remaining flammable gas throughout the battery storage container.

[0078] In one example, a pressure sensor is arranged within the battery storage container and configured to output signals representing pressures within the battery storage container. In this example, during a first time period, the discharge control module 160 can: output a first sequence of trigger signals to a first electrode module 110 at a first frequency; and output a second sequence of trigger signals to a second electrode module 110 at the first frequency. The discharge control module 160 can then: access a signal output by the pressure sensor; and detect the ignition event within the battery storage container based on a pressure represented in the signal. In response to detecting the ignition event within the battery storage container, the discharge control module 160 can, during a second time period: output a third sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module 110 at a second frequency, greater than the first frequency, and proportional to the pressure; and output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module 110 at the second frequency.

[0079] Accordingly, when an ignition event occurs within the battery storage container and triggers unpredictable movement of flammable gas throughout the battery storage container, the discharge control module 160 can increase spark frequency at each electrode module 110 across the set of electrode modules 110 to rapidly combust flammable gas throughout the battery storage container.FIRE-M05-PCT6. Operator Alerts and Ignition Magnitude

[0080] In one variation, as shown in FIGURES 4 and 8, in response to detecting an ignition event proximal a particular electrode module 110, the discharge control module 160 can: automatically generate an alert to investigate the location within the battery storage container predicted to contain a damaged battery releasing hydrogen gas; transmit this alert to an operator, such as by displaying this alert and the predicted location containing the damaged battery at an operator device associated with the operator; and output a trigger signal that drives spark discharge by the particular electrode module 110 at an elevated frequency (e.g., 150 Hertz) to reduce energy of subsequent ignition events triggered by the electrode module 110.

[0081] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can detect an ignition event within the battery storage container based on a set of pressures represented in a time series of signals output by a pressure sensor (e.g., integrated with an electrode module 110, arranged within the battery storage container). In response to detecting the ignition event, the discharge control module 160 can estimate a location of the ignition event based on: the set of pressures and timestamps represented in the time series of signals; and locations of the set of pressure sensors within the battery storage container. The discharge control module 160 can then implement methods and techniques described above to serve an alert to an operator to investigate the location of the ignition event.

[0082] In another example, the discharge control module 160 can: access a topological model representing the battery storage container; annotate an electrode module 110 location within the topological model corresponding to the electrode module 110 that triggered the ignition event; estimate the location (e.g., a battery module housing or battery rack segment) within the battery storage container containing a damaged battery based on gas concentration gradients and known airflow patterns within the container; and annotate this predicted location within the topological model to highlight the area requiring operator investigation. The discharge control module 160 can then implement methods and techniques described above to serve this alert and the annotated map to the operator.

[0083] In another example, the system 100 further includes a set of (i.e., one or more) gas concentration sensors 140 arranged within the battery storage container and configured to output a time series of signals representing a set of gas concentrations within the battery storage container. In this example, the discharge control module 160 can: estimate a rate of release of flammable gas into the battery storage container basedFIRE-M05-PCT on the set of gas concentrations represented in the time series of signals; calculate a risk score for an explosion event (e.g., a catastrophic explosion event) within the battery storage container based on the rate of release of flammable gas; and generate the alert further including the risk score. Therefore, after an ignition event occurs, the discharge control module 160 can track escalating flammable gas levels via the set of gas concentration sensors 140 to estimate leak rate and calculate an explosion risk score for inclusion in the alert to the operator.

[0084] Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can: notify an operator of the origin of detected ignition events by generating an alert that identifies the electrode module 110 location and the predicted source of flammable gas accumulation within the battery storage container; and increase frequency of spark discharge at the particular electrode module 110 to dissipate accumulated gas concentrations and reduce risk of an explosion event (e.g., a catastrophic explosion event) within the battery storage container.6.4 _ Gas Venting

[0085] In one variation, the system 100 further includes: a vent 180 arranged on the battery storage container and operable in a closed position to enclose the battery storage container and an open position to vent flammable gas from the battery storage container; and a vent actuator 182 configured to actuate the vent 180 to the open position responsive to detection of the ignition event within the battery storage container. In this variation, in response to detecting an ignition event proximal a particular electrode module 110, the discharge control module 160 can trigger the vent actuator 182 to transition the vent 180 to the open position to vent flammable gas from an interior of the battery storage container to the atmosphere.

[0086] In one variation, the system 100 further includes: a pressure sensor arranged within the battery storage container and configured to output a pressure signal representing air pressures within the battery storage container; a gas concentration sensor arranged within the battery storage container and configured to output a gas concentration signal representing a concentration of hydrogen gas within the battery storage container; the vent arranged on the battery storage container; and a vent actuator configured to actuate the vent to the open position.

[0087] In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can: access the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor; detect a first ignition event within the battery storage container based on a first increase in air pressure indicated in the pressure signal; and record a first timestamp associated with the first ignition event. The discharge control module 160 can then: detect a second ignition event within the battery storage containerFIRE-M05-PCT based on a second increase in air pressure indicated in the pressure signal; record a second timestamp associated with the second ignition event; and calculate a time interval between the first ignition event and the second ignition event based on the first timestamp and the second timestamp.

[0088] Additionally, the discharge control module 160 can: access the gas concentration signal output by the gas concentration sensor; and detect a gas concentration within the battery storage container exceeding a threshold concentration (e.g., 4% hydrogen by volume, 10% hydrogen by volume) based on the gas concentration signal. In response to the time interval between the first ignition event and the second ignition event being less than a threshold time interval (e.g., five seconds, ten seconds, thirty seconds) and the gas concentration exceeding the threshold concentration, the discharge control module 160 can trigger the vent actuator to actuate the vent to the open position.

[0089] In another variation, the system 100 further includes a pressure-relief vent 184 arranged on the battery storage container and configured to open responsive to an internal pressure within the battery storage container exceeding a threshold pressure. In this variation, the system 100 can include an electrode module 110 arranged proximal the pressure-relief vent 184 and configured to locally combust flammable gas accumulating proximal the pressure-relief vent 184 to: direct pressure generated by the ignition event toward the pressure-relief vent 184; and reduce turbulence from the ignition event within the battery storage container.

[0090] Therefore, by arranging an electrode module 110 proximal the pressurerelief vent 184, the system 100 can trigger ignition events proximal the vent such that pressure generated by the ignition event is directed outward through the pressure-relief vent 184 rather than through the interior of the battery storage container, thereby reducing turbulence of the ignition event within the battery storage container.7. _ Electrode Module Failure Protocols

[0091] Generally, in addition to adjusting frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 in response to detecting ignition events within the battery storage container, the discharge control module 160 can: monitor operational status of the set of electrode modules 110; and, based on operational status of the set of electrode modules 110, trigger a mitigation response, such as adjusting frequency of spark discharge at operational electrode modules 110, activating fire suppression systems, triggering ventilation mechanisms, and initiating an emergency shutdown to reduce explosion risk within the battery storage container.FIRE-M05-PCT

[0092] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can detect faulty electrode modules 110 and modulate (e.g., increase) frequency of operational electrode modules 110, such as to prevent conditions within the battery storage container that may result in uncontrolled combustion of flammable gas (or explosion risk) within the battery storage container. For example, the discharge control module 160 can detect failure to generate spark discharge or an operational anomaly (e.g., coil failure, wiring issue, misfiring, weak discharge, delayed sparking, or coil degradation) at an electrode module 110 based on: absence of a feedback signal (e.g., a null feedback signal) received from the electrode module 110 responsive to a trigger signal; or a deviation, represented in a feedback signal (e.g., a binary pulse signal representing occurrence of spark discharge), from the nominal frequency of the trigger signal.

[0093] In one implementation, the discharge control module 160 can: detect a faulty operating condition in a particular electrode module 110, such as failure to generate spark discharge due to a coil fault; and, in response to detecting this faulty operating condition, terminate operation of the faulty electrode module 110 and increase frequency of spark discharge at the operational electrode modules 110 from the nominal frequency (e.g., 100 Hertz) to an elevated frequency (e.g., 150 Hertz) to compensate for failure at the faulty electrode module 110. For example, when a particular electrode module 110 fails to generate spark discharge, the discharge control module 160 can automatically increase frequency of spark discharge at the nearest operational electrode module 110 to combust flammable gas accumulating in regions of the battery storage container proximal the failed electrode module 110.

[0094] In one example, during a first time period, a first electrode module 110 can output a feedback signal representing absence of a current change in the first electrode module 110 responsive to a trigger signal. In this example, the discharge control module 160 can: detect failure to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module 110 responsive to the trigger signal based on absence of the current change represented in the feedback signal; and, in response to detecting failure to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module 110, generate an alert indicating failure at the first electrode module 110 and including a location of the first electrode module 110 and serve the alert to an operator. During a second time period succeeding the first time period, the discharge control module 160 can further output a sequence of trigger signals to a second electrode module 110 at a new frequency greater than the nominal frequency. Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can: detect absence of spark discharge at the first electrode module 110; generate an operator alert responsive to detection of thisFIRE-M05-PCT failure; and increase frequency of spark discharge at other electrode modules no to compensate for failure at the first electrode module no. Therefore, the discharge control module 160 can dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge across the set of operational electrode modules 110 in response to interpreting a faulty operating condition in a particular electrode module 110 to mitigate risk of accumulated gas concentrations and uncontrolled combustion within the battery storage container.8. _ Ambient Sensor Failure Protocols

[0095] In one variation, in addition to monitoring operational status of the set of electrode modules 110, the discharge control module 160 can: monitor operational status of the set of ambient sensor groups 140; and, based on operational status of the set of ambient sensor groups 140, trigger a mitigation response, such as adjusting frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 to reduce explosion risk within the battery storage container during periods of reduced ambient condition visibility.

[0096] In particular, in this variation, the discharge control module 160 can detect faulty ambient sensor groups 140 and increase frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 to prevent conditions within the battery storage container that may result in uncontrolled combustion of flammable gas within the battery storage container. For example, the discharge control module 160 can detect failure of a sensor 140 (e.g., a pressure sensor, a gas concentration sensor, a humidity sensor) in an ambient sensor group 140 based on: absence of a signal received from the sensor 140 over a predefined duration (e.g., ten seconds, one minute); or a deviation, represented in a signal output by the sensor 140, from an expected signal pattern (e.g., a flatline signal, a signal exceeding physical limits).

[0097] In one example, during a first time period the discharge control module 160 can: detect a nominal operating condition within the battery storage container based on a first signal output by a sensor 140 in an ambient sensor group 140; and output a first sequence of trigger signals to an electrode module 110 at the nominal frequency responsive to detection of the nominal operating condition. During a second time period, the discharge control module 160 can then detect absence of a second signal from the sensor 140. In response to detecting absence of the second signal from the sensor 140, the discharge control module 160 can output a second sequence of trigger signals to the electrode module 110 at a new frequency greater than the nominal frequency. Therefore, by monitoring signals output by sensors 140 in the set of ambient sensor groups 140, the discharge control module 160 can detect sensor failures and automatically increase frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 to compensate forFIRE-M05-PCT reduced visibility of ambient conditions within the battery storage container during sensor failure.

[0098] In another example, the discharge control module 160 can: detect absence of signals from multiple sensors 140 across different ambient sensor groups 140 within the battery storage container; and, in response to detecting absence of signals from these multiple sensors 140, increase frequency of spark discharge at each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, to an elevated frequency exceeding the nominal frequency. The discharge control module 160 can further generate an alert indicating sensor failures and including locations of the failed sensors 140 within the battery storage container and serve this alert to an operator. Accordingly, the discharge control module 160 can dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge across the set of electrode modules 110 in response to interpreting faulty operating conditions in the set of ambient sensor groups 140 to mitigate risk of undetected gas accumulation and uncontrolled combustion within the battery storage container.9. _ Frequency Maintenance During Nominal Conditions

[0099] In one variation, as shown in FIGURES 2A and 3, the discharge control module 160 can: detect a set of nominal operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperatures within a target range) within the battery storage container during an initial time window based on signals output by the set of sensors 140; detect absence of an ignition event during the initial time window; and access a set of feedback signals output by the set of electrode modules 110 and representing occurrence of spark discharge at each electrode module 110 during the initial time window. In response to detecting the set of nominal operating conditions, absence of an ignition event, and presence of feedback signals indicating occurrence of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110, the discharge control module 160 can then output a new sequence of trigger signals to each electrode module 110 at the nominal frequency.

[0100] Therefore, by confirming successful spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 and absence of ignition events during nominal operating conditions, the discharge control module 160 can maintain the nominal frequency of spark discharge rather than unnecessarily increasing frequency, thereby reducing energy consumption and mechanical wear on the set of electrode modules 110.10. _ Variation: Centralized Ignition Coil

[0101] In one variation, as shown in FIGURE 7, the system 100 includes: a set of electrode modules 110 configured to install within the battery storage container and eachFIRE-M05-PCT including a pair of gapped electrodes 112 configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the pair of gapped electrodes 112; and a discharge control module 160 including an ignition coil 114 configured to convert a low-voltage power supply to a discharge-level voltage and a set of ports 162 configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules 110. In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can supply discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil 114 to the set of electrode modules 110, via the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at each electrode module 110 rather than supplying low-voltage trigger signals to individual ignition coils 114 integrated with each electrode module 110.

[0102] In particular, each electrode module 110, in the set of electrode modules 110, can electrically couple to the discharge control module 160 via a port 162 in the set of ports 162 to receive discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil 114. The discharge control module 160 can then: supply a discharge-level voltage from the ignition coil 114 to an electrode module 110, via a port 162 in the set of ports 162, to generate spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112; and detect a current change at the port 162 during spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes 112 responsive to the dischargelevel voltage to confirm occurrence of spark discharge at the electrode module 110.

[0103] In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can implement methods and techniques described above to: detect ignition events within the battery storage container and increase frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 in response to detecting these ignition events; detect electrode module 110 failures and compensate by increasing frequency of spark discharge at operational electrode modules 110; detect ambient sensor failures and increase frequency of spark discharge at the set of electrode modules 110 during periods of reduced ambient condition visibility; and maintain the nominal frequency of spark discharge during nominal operating conditions. Therefore, by centralizing the ignition coil 114 within the discharge control module 160 and distributing discharge-level voltages to the set of electrode modules 110, the system 100 can reduce complexity of each electrode module 110 while retaining the capability to dynamically adjust frequency of spark discharge across the set of electrode modules 110 responsive to detected conditions within the battery storage container.11. _ Variation: Primary + Secondary Discharge Control Modules

[0104] In one variation, as shown in FIGURE 6, the system 100 can include: multiple sets of electrode modules 110 configured to install within a battery storage container or across multiple battery storage containers; a primary discharge control module 160; and a set of secondary discharge control modules 160 coupled to the primaryFIRE-M05-PCT discharge control module 160 and configured to control spark discharge at the multiple sets of electrode modules 110 based on commands received from the primary discharge control module 160.

[0105] In one example, the system 100 includes: a first set of electrode modules 110 configured to install within a first battery storage container and electrically coupled to the primary discharge control module 160; a second set of electrode modules 110 configured to install within a second battery storage container; and a second discharge control module 160 coupled to the primary discharge control module 160 via a control port and including a second set of ports 162 configured to electrically couple to the second set of electrode modules 110. In this example, the primary discharge control module 160 can output a sequence of timing signals to the second discharge control module 160 via the control port. The second discharge control module 160 can then, based on the sequence of timing signals, output sequences of trigger signals to the second set of electrode modules 110 via the second set of ports 162.

[0106] Therefore, by coupling multiple discharge control modules 160 to a primary discharge control module 160, the discharge control module 160 can synchronize spark discharge across multiple sets of electrode modules 110 distributed across multiple battery storage containers while centralizing ignition event detection and frequency adjustment logic within the primary discharge control module 160.12. _ Variation: Critical Explosion Risk

[0107] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can: calculate an explosion risk score based on ambient signals read from the set of sensors 140 (e.g., gas concentration levels, pressure fluctuations, and temperature variations); and, in response to the explosion risk score exceeding a threshold risk score (e.g., a predefined value derived from gas concentration, pressure, and temperature data), identify a critical explosion risk condition proximal a particular electrode module 110 that indicates an increased probability of uncontrolled combustion based on the ambient signals. More specifically, the discharge control module 160 can implement probabilistic modeling techniques (e.g., Bayesian inference, weighted risk assessment, and anomaly detection algorithms) to calculate this explosion risk score based on historical sensor data trends, real-time ambient sensor signals, and predefined hazard thresholds.

[0108] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can: derive a weighted risk factor for each environmental variable contributing to explosion risk by aggregating real-time ambient sensor signals (e.g., gas concentration levels, pressure fluctuations, and temperature variations) and historical sensor data trends; implement a probabilisticFIRE-M05-PCT risk assessment model (e.g., Bayesian network analysis) to correlate deviations in ambient sensor signals with predefined explosion risk thresholds; and derive a composite probability value representing probability of uncontrolled combustion that increases in response to rising gas concentration levels, rapid pressure fluctuations, and abnormal temperature variations. Accordingly, in response to this composite probability value exceeding a threshold probability value (e.g., 85%), the discharge control module 160 can detect a critical explosion risk proximal a particular electrode module 110 within the battery storage container. In response to this explosion risk exceeding a threshold explosion risk, the discharge control module 160 can terminate operation of the electrode module 110 and trigger an intervention response to mitigate explosion hazards, such as by triggering ventilation systems, triggering pressure relief mechanisms, and halting electrode module 110 operation.1 . _ Variation: Predicting Damaged Battery

[0109] In one variation, the discharge control module 160 can: detect an ignition event proximal a particular electrode module 110; and, in response to detecting this ignition event, predict a location (e.g., battery drawer, shelf address) within the battery storage container containing a damaged battery releasing hydrogen gas based on a spatial map representing the battery storage container, known locations of each electrode module 110 within the battery storage container, and ambient sensor data from the set of sensors 140.

[0110] In one example, the discharge control module 160 can: access temperature values from a temperature sensor arranged proximal each battery module within the battery storage container; log historical temperature trends to identify temperature increases at particular battery module locations; and correlate logged temperature increases with ignition event timing to predict a damaged battery releasing hydrogen gas. In this example, the discharge control module 160 can then: read a timeseries of temperature values from temperature sensors distributed across the battery storage container; identify a battery module exhibiting a sustained temperature increase (e.g., 10 °C above normal operating conditions) prior to the ignition event; and predict the identified battery module as the damaged battery by correlating the sustained temperature increase with hydrogen accumulation patterns proximal the electrode module 110 prior to the ignition event triggered by the electrode module 110.

[0111] Therefore, the discharge control module 160 can: predict a location of a damaged battery within the battery storage container by analyzing ignition event data, historical temperature trends, and gas accumulation patterns proximal an electrodeFIRE-M05-PCT module 110; and generate an alert identifying the predicted location of the damaged battery to prompt an operator to manually inspect the damaged battery.14. _ Variation: Battery Management System + Status Signals

[0112] In one variation, the system 100 further includes a battery management system configured to monitor operating conditions within the battery storage container. In this variation, the discharge control module 160 can output status signals to the battery management system at predefined intervals (e.g., every second, every five seconds, every ten seconds) to indicate operational status of the discharge control module 160 and the set of electrode modules 110 to the battery management system.

[0113] In particular, during a first time period, the discharge control module 160 can broadcast a first status signal, representing a nominal operating status of the set of electrode modules 110, to the battery management system. The battery management system can then: receive the first status signal from the discharge control module 160; and detect the nominal operating status of the set of electrode modules 110 based on the first status signal. During a second time period succeeding the first time period, the discharge control module 160 can broadcast a second status signal to the battery management system to indicate continued nominal operation of the discharge control module 160 and the set of electrode modules 110.

[0114] During a third time period succeeding the second time period, the battery management system can then detect absence of a third status signal from the discharge control module 160. In response to detecting absence of the third status signal during an expected time window, the battery management system can: interpret a fault event at the discharge control module 160 based on absence of the third status signal; generate an alert indicating the fault event at the discharge control module 160; and serve the alert to an operator. Therefore, by broadcasting periodic status signals to the battery management system, the discharge control module 160 can communicate operational status to a higher-level monitoring system such that catastrophic failure of the discharge control module 160 triggers emergency alerts to the operator. i . _ Disclaimer

[0115] The systems and methods described herein can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated with the application, applet, host, server, network, website, communication service, communication interface,FIRE-M05-PCT hardware / firmware / software elements of a user computer or mobile device, wristband, smartphone, or any suitable combination thereof. Other systems and methods of the embodiment can be embodied and / or implemented at least in part as a machine configured to receive a computer-readable medium storing computer-readable instructions. The instructions can be executed by computer-executable components integrated by computer-executable components integrated with apparatuses and networks of the type described above. The computer-readable medium can be stored on any suitable computer readable media such as RAMs, ROMs, flash memory, EEPROMs, optical devices (CD or DVD), hard drives, floppy drives, or any suitable device. The computer-executable component can be a processor but any suitable dedicated hardware device can (alternatively or additionally) execute the instructions.

[0116] As a person skilled in the art will recognize from the previous detailed description and from the figures and claims, modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of this invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims

FIRE-M05-PCTCLAIMSI claim:

1. A system comprising:• a set of electrode modules: o configured to install in a battery storage container containing a set of battery cells; and o comprising:□ a first electrode module comprising:• a first pair of gapped electrodes configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the first pair of gapped electrodes; and• a first ignition coil configured to energize the first pair of gapped electrodes to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes; and□ a second electrode module comprising:• a second pair of gapped electrodes configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the second pair of gapped electrodes; and• a second ignition coil configured to energize the second pair of gapped electrodes to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes; and• a discharge control module: o comprising a set of ports configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules; and o configured to:□ during a first time period:• output a first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes at a first frequency; and• output a second sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes at the first frequency; and□ during a second time period:FIRE-M05-PCT• output a third sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module at a third frequency, greater than the first frequency, responsive to detection of an ignition event within the battery storage container.

2. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising a pressure sensor: o arranged within the battery storage container; and o configured to output a pressure signal representing air pressures within the battery storage container; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o during the second time period:□ detect presence of the ignition event within the battery storage container based on an increase in air pressure indicated in the pressure signal; and□ output the first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module and the second sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module at the third frequency in response to detecting presence of the ignition event.

3. The system of Claim 1:• wherein the first electrode module further comprises a first pressure sensor configured to output a first pressure signal representing air pressures proximal the first electrode module;• wherein the second electrode module further comprises a second pressure sensor configured to output a second pressure signal representing air pressures proximal the second electrode module; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o access the first pressure signal output by the first pressure sensor; o detect the ignition event proximal the first electrode module in response to presence of a first increase in air pressure indicated in the first pressure signal; o in response to detecting presence of the ignition event, estimate a location of the ignition event based on a first location of the first pressure sensor and a second location of the second pressure sensor; o generate an alert comprising a description of the location of the ignition event;FIRE-M05-PCT o serve the alert to an operator; and o during the second time period:□ output the first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module at the third frequency in response to detecting presence of the ignition event proximal the first electrode module.

4. The system of Claim 3, wherein the discharge control module is configured to:• access the second pressure signal output by the second pressure sensor;• detect the ignition event proximal the first electrode module and remote from the second electrode module: o in response to presence of the first increase in air pressure of a first magnitude indicated in the first pressure signal; and o in response to presence of a second increase in air pressure of a second magnitude, less than the first magnitude, indicated in the second pressure signal; and• during the second time period: o output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second electrode module at a fourth frequency, less than the third frequency, in response to detecting presence of the ignition event remote from the second electrode module.

5. The system of Claim 3:• further comprising a gas concentration sensor: o arranged within the battery storage container; and o configured to output a gas concentration signal representing a concentration of hydrogen gas within the battery storage container; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o estimate a rate of release of hydrogen gas into the battery storage container based on the gas concentration signal; o calculate a risk score for an explosion event within the battery storage container based on the rate of release of flammable gas; and o generate the alert further comprising the risk score.

6. The system of Claim 1:FIRE-M05-PCT• wherein the first electrode module further comprises a first gas concentration sensor configured to output a first gas concentration signal representing a first concentration of flammable gas proximal the first electrode module;• wherein the second electrode module further comprises a second gas concentration sensor configured to output a second pressure signal representing a second concentration of flammable gas, greater than the first concentration of flammable gas, proximal the second electrode module; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o detect the first concentration of flammable gas proximal first module based on the first gas concentration signal; o detect the second concentration of flammable gas proximal second module based on the second gas concentration signal; and o during the first time period:□ output the first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module at the third frequency proportional to the first concentration of flammable gas; and□ output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second electrode module at a fourth frequency greater than the third frequency and proportional to the second concentration of flammable gas.

7. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising a first set of communication lines electrically coupling the first electrode module to a first port in the set of ports and comprising: o a first power line; and o a first set of data lines;• wherein the first ignition coil in the first electrode module is configured to convert low- voltage power received from the discharge control module, via the first power line, to a first high-voltage pulse to energize the first pair of gapped electrodes responsive to receipt of a first trigger signal, in the first sequence of trigger signals, from the discharge control module via the first set of data lines; and• wherein the first electrode module is further configured to: o in response to detecting discharge of the first ignition coil, through the first pair of gapped electrodes, responsive to the first trigger signal:FIRE-M05-PCT□ return confirmation of discharge of the first ignition coil, through the first pair of gapped electrodes, to the discharge control module via the first set of data lines.

8. The system of Claim 1:• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o during the second time period:□ output a third trigger signal, in the third sequence of trigger signals, to the first electrode module; and□ detect failure of the first electrode module to generate spark discharge in response to absence of receipt of confirmation of discharge of the first ignition coil, through the first pair of gapped electrodes, from the first electrode module within a threshold time window of transmission of the third trigger signal; and o during a third time period succeeding the second time period:□ in response to detecting failure of the first electrode module to generate spark discharge:• output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second electrode module at a fourth frequency greater than the third frequency.

9. The system of Claim 1:• wherein the first electrode module is: o arranged within the battery storage container to intersect a first zone, within the battery storage container, predicted to accumulate flammable gas expelled by a first battery cell, in the set of battery cells, during a first fault event at the first battery cell; and o configured to, via spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes, generate a first ignition event, characterized by relatively low damage risk to the first battery cell, to combust flammable gas accumulating within the first zone; and• wherein the second electrode module is: o arranged within the battery storage container to intersect a second zone, within the battery storage container, predicted to accumulate flammable gas expelledFIRE-M05-PCT by a second battery cell, in the set of battery cells, during a second fault event at the second battery cell; and o configured to, via spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes, generate a second ignition event, characterized by relatively low damage risk to the second battery cell, to combust flammable gas accumulating within the second zone.

10. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising: o a pressure sensor:□ arranged within the battery storage container; and□ configured to output a pressure signal representing air pressures within the battery storage container; o a gas concentration sensor:□ arranged within the battery storage container; and□ configured to output a gas concentration signal representing a concentration of hydrogen gas within the battery storage container; o a vent:□ arranged on the battery storage container; and□ operable in:• a closed position to enclose the battery storage container; and• an open position to vent flammable gas from the battery storage container; and o a vent actuator configured to actuate the vent to the open position; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o access the pressure signal output by the pressure sensor; o detect the ignition event within the battery storage container in response to presence of an increase in air pressure indicated in the pressure signal; o access the gas concentration signal output by the gas concentration sensor; o detect the gas concentration within the battery storage container exceeding a threshold concentration based on the gas concentration signal; and o trigger the vent actuator to actuate the vent to the open position in response to□ the increase in air pressure, indicated in the pressure signal, exceeding a threshold increase; and□ the gas concentration exceeding the threshold concentration.FIRE-M05-PCT11. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising a pressure-relief vent: o arranged on the battery storage container proximal the first electrode module; and o configured to:□ open responsive to an increase in local internal pressure within the battery storage container resulting from ignition of flammable gas by the first electrode module; and□ to release combustion products from the battery storage container.

12. The system of Claim 1, wherein the discharge control module is configured to:• during the first time period: o access a first charge rate of the set of battery cells from a battery-management system configured to output operating parameters of the set of battery cells; and o set the first frequency, proportional to the first charge rate, for spark discharge at the first electrode module; and• during a fourth time period: o access a fourth charge rate, greater than the first charge rate, of the set of battery cells from the battery-management system; and o set a fourth frequency, greater than the first frequency and proportional to the fourth charge rate, for spark discharge at the first electrode module.

13. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising: o a second set of electrode modules:□ configured to install in a second battery storage container; and□ comprising:• a third electrode module; and• a fourth electrode module; and o a second discharge control module:□ coupled to the discharge control module via a control port; and□ comprising a second set of ports configured to electrically couple to the second set of electrode modules;FIRE-M05-PCT• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o during the first time period:□ output a sequence of timing signals to the second discharge control module, via the control port, at the first frequency; and• wherein the second discharge control module is configured to, based on the sequence of timing signals: o output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the third electrode module via the second set of ports; and o output a fifth sequence of trigger signals to the fourth electrode module via the second set of ports.

14. The system of Claim 1:• further comprising a sensor configured to output: o a first signal representing ambient conditions within the battery storage container during the first time period; and o a second signal representing ambient conditions within the battery storage container during the second time period; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o during the first time period:□ detect a nominal operating condition within the battery storage container based on the first signal output by the sensor; and□ output the first sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module at the first frequency responsive to detection of the nominal operating condition within the battery storage container; o during the second time period:□ detect the ignition event within the battery storage container based on the second signal; and□ output the third sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module at the third frequency responsive to detection of the ignition event within the battery storage container; and o during a third time period:□ detect absence of a third signal from the sensor; and□ output a fourth sequence of trigger signals to the first electrode module to generate spark discharge at the first electrode module at a fourthFIRE-M05-PCT frequency, greater than the first frequency, responsive to absence of the third signal from the sensor.

15. A system comprising:• a set of electrode modules: o configured to install in a battery storage container containing a set of battery cells; and o comprising:□ a first electrode module comprising a first pair of gapped electrodes configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the first pair of gapped electrodes; and□ a second electrode module comprising a second pair of gapped electrodes configured to generate spark discharge to locally combust flammable gas accumulating within the battery storage container proximal the second pair of gapped electrodes; and• a discharge control module: o comprising:□ an ignition coil configured to convert a low-voltage power supply to a discharge-level voltage; and□ a set of ports configured to electrically couple the set of electrode modules to the ignition coil; and o configured to:□ during a first time period:• supply a first sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil to the first electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes at a first frequency; and• supply a second sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes at the first frequency.

16. The system of Claim 15:FIRE-M05-PCT• further comprising a first pressure sensor configured to output a first pressure signal representing air pressures proximal the first electrode module; and• wherein the discharge control module is configured to: o access the first pressure signal output by the first pressure sensor; o detect an ignition event proximal the first electrode module in response to presence of a first increase in air pressure indicated in the first pressure signal; and o during a second time period:□ in response to detecting the ignition event proximal the first electrode module:• supply a third sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil to the first electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the first pair of gapped electrodes at a third frequency greater than the first frequency.

17. The system of Claim 15, wherein the discharge control module is configured to:• detect failure of the first electrode module to generate spark discharge within a threshold time window of transmission of a first discharge-level voltage, in the first sequence of discharge-level voltages, to the first electrode module; and• in response to detecting failure of the first electrode module to generate spark discharge: o retrieve a location description of the first electrode module within the battery storage container; o generate an alert:□ indicating failure at the first electrode module; and□ comprising a location description of the first electrode module within the battery storage container; o serve the alert to an operator; and o during a second time period succeeding the first time period:□ supply a third sequence of discharge-level voltages from the ignition coil to the second electrode module, via the set of ports, to generate spark discharge at the second pair of gapped electrodes at a second frequency greater than the first frequency.

18. The system of Claim 15:FIRE-M05-PCT• further comprising a battery management system configured to monitor operating conditions within the battery storage container;• wherein the discharge control module is further configured to: o during the first time period:□ broadcast a first status signal, representing a nominal operating status of the set of electrode modules, to the battery management system; and• wherein the battery management system is configured to: o during the first time period:□ receive the first status signal from the discharge control module; and□ detect the nominal operating status of the set of electrode modules based on the first status signal; and o during a third time period:□ detect absence of a second status signal from the discharge control module;□ interpret a fault event at the discharge control module based on absence of the second status signal from the discharge control module; and□ in response to interpreting the fault event at the discharge control module:• generate an alert indicating the fault event at the discharge control module; and• serve the alert to an operator.

19. The system of Claim 15, wherein the discharge control module is configured to:• during the first time period: o access a first temperature of the set of battery cells from a battery-management system configured to output operating parameters of the set of battery cells; and o set the first frequency, proportional to the first temperature, for spark discharge at the first electrode module; and• during a second time period: o access a second temperature, greater than the first temperature, of the set of battery cells from the battery-management system; and o set a second frequency, greater than the first frequency and proportional to the second temperature, for spark discharge at the first electrode module.FIRE-M05-PCT20. A system comprising:• a set of electrode modules: o configured to install a battery storage container storing a set of battery cells that expel flammable gas during fault events at the set of battery cells; and o each electrode module in the set of electrode modules:□ comprising a pair of gapped electrodes; and□ configured to generate spark discharge at the pair of gapped electrodes to:• locally combust flammable gas accumulating proximal the electrode module during a fault event at a battery cell; and• reduce a concentration of flammable gas within the battery storage container during the fault event at the battery cell; and• a discharge control module: o comprising a set of ports configured to electrically couple to the set of electrode modules; and o configured to:□ detect an ignition event within the battery storage container responsive to spark discharge at an electrode module in the set of electrode modules;□ set a frequency for spark discharge at the set of electrode modules in response to detection of the ignition event; and□ via the set of ports, trigger each electrode module, in the set of electrode modules, to generate spark discharge at a pair of gapped electrodes of the electrode module at the frequency.

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