Systems and methods for electrically interfacing electrochemical cells and enhacing safety thereof

Abstract

Embodiments described herein relate to separator assemblies included in electrochemical cells and integrated circuits coupled thereto. A method of operating an electrochemical cell system can include measuring a first voltage between an anode and an interlayer by connecting the anode current collector to a first negative terminal and the interlayer to a first positive terminal. The method can further include measuring a second voltage between the cathode and the interlayer via connecting the cathode current collector to a second negative terminal from the plurality of negative terminals and connecting the interlayer to the first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals. The method can further include calculating the sum of the first voltage and the second voltage to derive a sum voltage. Based on a value of the sum voltage, the method further includes making a system control action or sending a diagnostic code.

Description

Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY INTERFACING ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLSAND ENHACING SAFETY THEREOFCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 756,604, titled “Systems and Methods for Electrically Interfacing Electrochemical Cells and Enhancing Safety Thereof,” and filed February 10, 2025, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments described herein relate to interfacing of integrated circuits with electrochemical cells, enhancing safety and control of electrochemical cells via external circuitry, and interface of electrochemical cells including an interlayer(s) with controllers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Current interrupt devices have been widely implemented in electrochemical cells and electrochemical cell systems. Such devices can be mechanical in nature, often utilizing pressure, temperature, current flow, and / or voltage to actuate a disconnection device. Additionally, single cell battery management systems have been used to measure voltage, current, and / or temperature to facilitate electrical switching device actuation, such as metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs), to stop current flow of the cell. However, such devices are often physically separated from the electrochemical cell by a significant distance. By implementing controls in closer proximity to the electrochemical cell components, cell operation can be more finely controlled.SUMMARY

[0004] Embodiments described herein relate to separator assemblies that include one or more interlayers included in electrochemical cells, and integrated circuits and controllers for interfacing with such electrochemical cells.

[0005] In some aspects, an electrochemical cell system can include a system controller including a plurality of positive terminals and negative terminals and an electrochemical cell.1330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089The electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator. A method of operating the electrochemical cell system can include measuring a first voltage between the anode and the interlayer by connecting the anode current collector to a first negative terminal of the plurality of positive terminals and the interlayer to a first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals, and measuring a second voltage between the cathode and the via connecting the cathode current collector to a second negative terminal from the plurality of negative terminals and connecting the interlayer to the first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals. The method can further include calculating the sum of the first voltage and the second voltage to derive a sum voltage. Based on a value of the sum voltage, the method further includes making a system control action or sending a diagnostic code. In some embodiments, the method can further include sensing the voltage between the anode and the cathode directly via a first measurement channel and sensing the voltage between the cathode and the interlayer via a second measurement channel. In some embodiments, the method can further include sensing the voltage between the anode and the cathode directly via a first measurement channel and sensing the voltage between the anode and the interlayer via a second measurement channel.

[0006] In some aspects, an electrochemical cell assembly can include an electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell includes an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers. The cell level controller includes a circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter between at least one of the cathode and the interlayer, or the anode and the interlayer, and in response to the electrical parameter being outside of a threshold value, alter the operation of the electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the cell level controller can include a circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter between the interlayer and at least one of the anode or the cathode, and in response to one or more electrical parameters being outside of a threshold value, alter the operation of the electrochemical cell.

[0007] In some aspects, a system can include a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell, each of the first and second electrochemical cells including an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers. The system can2330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089further include a system controller, the system controller including a plurality of positive terminals and negative terminals, the anode of the first electrochemical cell coupled to a first negative terminal of the plurality of negative terminals, the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell coupled to a first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals, and the cathode of the first electrochemical cell and the anode of the second electrochemical cells coupled in series to a second negative terminal of the system controller. In some embodiments, the system level controller can operably connect the first and second electrochemical cells in series.

[0008] In some aspects, a system can include a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell, each of the first and second electrochemical cells including an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers. The system can further include a system controller, the system controller including an interface to at least one of the first electrochemical cell or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the system can include a cell packaging configured to house the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, components of the system controller can be included inside a cell packaging that houses the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, components of the system controller can be included outside of the cell packaging that houses the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the system controller can include a switching device, a current interrupt device, and / or a current control device. In some embodiments, the switching device, the current interrupt device, and / or the current control device can be included inside the cell packaging. In some embodiments, the switching device, the current interrupt device, and / or the current control device can be included inside the cell packaging while additional components of the system controller can be external to the cell packaging.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell system, according to an embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly and a cell level controller, according to an embodiment.3330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0011] FIG. 2B is a visual representation of voltages described herein, according to an embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell system, according to an embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly and a cell level controller, according to an embodiment.

[0014] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly and a cell level controller, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an electrochemical cell system, according to an embodiment.|0016| FIG. 7 is an illustration of an electrochemical cell system, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method of operating an electrochemical cell assembly, according to an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments described herein include electrochemical cells with separator assemblies including interlayers, and their incorporation into integrated circuits. Embodiments described herein implement cell level control of electrochemical cells in close proximity to the electrochemical cells. Often, for cylindrical cells, a current interrupt device (CID) is implemented as a circular printed circuit board (PCB) mounted to the top of a cell. Other implementations include a PCB or flexible PCB packaged in the space between electrochemical cells. Such controllers can also include a circuit board mounted to a group of parallel electrochemical cells. For purposes of electronically interrupting current, such control systems can be implemented in any manner of traditional battery management systems (BMS).

[0019] Embodiments described herein can improve survivability of cell overcharge to higher voltage values (e.g., at least about 40 V). Cell level CID’s can also be used to monitor interlayers of electrochemical cells and react appropriately. System level BMS monitoring of electrochemical cells and appropriate reactions are also possible. Custom control devices described herein can be used for single cells integrating control circuits either internal to the cell packaging or externally to the cell packaging, depending on desired system configurations.4330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0020] Embodiments described herein include electrochemical cells with interlayers for protection of the electrochemical cells via a monitoring device of a single cell or multiple cells. Voltage limitations of cell monitoring devices in conventional CID systems in the current state of the art are about 20 V maximum. Embodiments described herein improve such system durability to at least 40 V for protection from the overcharge of such cells. Such an overvoltage threshold can damage cells that include a voltage limiting device that disconnects the cell electrodes. Electrically connecting the interlayers of electrochemical cells to such systems can improve the system’s durability at higher voltages. Such cells can be incorporated into BMS silicon devices (e.g., integrated circuit chips) for single cells or multicell devices. This can include, but is not limited to, the use of 1, 4, 8, 12, and / or 16-cell BMS monitoring or control devices.

[0021] In some embodiments, connections to an interlayer can be connected to cell voltage monitoring devices. In some embodiments, custom silicon devices that measure interlayers as a separate measurement from the cell voltage can be utilized. In some embodiments, a BMS can include an integrated BMS device or set of devices. In some embodiments, the BMS can include a cell monitoring and balancing device or set of devices.

[0022] Integrated BMS control can include devices or chip sets that incorporate both the monitoring of cell parameters, as well as the module and / or pack voltage. Such a BMS can include controls or signals to control a switching device(s) (e.g., a MOSFET). These devices can function independently of external microprocessors, with limited control, or can be fully controlled by the external microprocessors. These devices can react with predictable results and can be utilized in battery systems that include interlayers. Embodiments described herein can include connections between interlayers and cell channel inputs on such BMS devices and / or cell level controllers. Embodiments described herein can also include methods of custom modifications to devices to separate interlayer inputs from the cell measurement portion of the BMS and / or cell level controllers.|0023] Cell monitoring and balance devices can also be integrated into larger systems, in which an integrated circuit (IC) itself does not include the control functions for the charge and / or discharge control. Such types of ICs are often part of a “Chip Set” that is intended to function in conjunction with other devices that serve various function of the BMS. These can include power supply, one or more controllers having hardware and / or software that can perform various functions including controlling charge, discharge, cell balance, cell diagnostic, state of charge (SOC), and / or state of health, and / or a microprocessor. Some existing devices5330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089only include cell monitoring on the chip, and the data can be communicated via a data stream, or as a digital, analog, time-based, or frequency -based signal.

[0024] Other devices can be utilized in BMS systems and are described herein. These can include level shifting voltages through component networks (either as a switching array, current mirror, or voltage divider). Multi-channel analog dividers and multiplexer (MUX) devices intended to connect multiple analog channels to voltage measurement are described herein. Such devices can be connected differentially, in a series configurations, or in combination of series and common reference connections.

[0025] In some embodiments, interlayers described herein can have the same or substantially similar properties to those described in U.S. Patent No. 11,984,564 (“the ‘564 patent”), filed December 18, 2023 and titled, “Systems and Methods for Minimizing and Preventing Dendrite Formation in Electrochemical Cells,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, interlayers described herein can have the same or substantially similar properties to those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 746,845 (“the ‘845 application”), filed June 18, 2024 and titled, “Systems and Methods for Minimizing and Preventing Dendrite Formation in Electrochemical Cells,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0026] In some embodiments, electrodes described herein can include conventional solid electrodes. In some embodiments, electrodes described herein can include semi-solid electrodes. Semi-solid electrodes described herein can be made: (i) thicker (e.g., greater than 100 pm - up to 2,000 pm or even greater) due to the reduced tortuosity and higher electronic conductivity of the semi-solid electrode, (ii) with higher loadings of active materials, and (iii) with a simplified manufacturing process utilizing less equipment. These relatively thick semisolid electrodes decrease the volume, mass and cost contributions of inactive components with respect to active components, thereby enhancing the commercial appeal of batteries made with the semi-solid electrodes. In some embodiments, the semi-solid electrodes described herein are binderless and / or do not use binders that are used in conventional battery manufacturing. Instead, the volume of the electrode normally occupied by binders in conventional electrodes, is now occupied by: 1) electrolyte, which has the effect of decreasing tortuosity and increasing the total salt available for ion diffusion, thereby countering the salt depletion effects typical of thick conventional electrodes when used at high rate, 2) active material, which has the effect of increasing the charge capacity of the battery, or 3) conductive additive, which has the effect of increasing the electronic conductivity of the electrode, thereby countering the high internal6330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089impedance of thick conventional electrodes. The reduced tortuosity and a higher electronic conductivity of the semi-solid electrodes described herein, results in superior rate capability and charge capacity of electrochemical cells formed from the semi-solid electrodes. Since the semi-solid electrodes described herein, can be made substantially thicker than conventional electrodes, the ratio of active materials (i.e., the semi-solid cathode and / or anode) to inactive materials (i.e., the current collector and separator) can be much higher in a battery formed from electrochemical cell stacks that include semi-solid electrodes relative to a similar battery formed form electrochemical cell stacks that include conventional electrodes. This substantially increases the overall charge capacity and energy density of a battery that includes the semi-solid electrodes described herein.

[0027] In some embodiments, the electrode materials described herein can be a flowable semi-solid or condensed liquid composition. In some embodiments, the electrode materials described herein can be binderless or substantially free of binder. A flowable semi-solid electrode can include a suspension of an electrochemically active material (anodic or cathodic particles or particulates), and optionally an electronically conductive material (e.g., carbon) in a non-aqueous liquid electrolyte. Said another way, the active electrode particles and conductive particles are co-suspended in an electrolyte to produce a semi-solid electrode. Examples of battery architectures utilizing semi-solid suspensions are described in International Patent Publication No. WO 2012 / 024499, entitled “Stationary, Fluid Redox Electrode,” and International Patent Publication No. WO 2012 / 088442, entitled “Semi-Solid Filled Battery and Method of Manufacture,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. In some embodiments, the electrodes described herein can include conventional electrodes, for example, electrodes including binders.

[0028] As used in this specification, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, the term “a member” is intended to mean a single member or a combination of members, “a material” is intended to mean one or more materials, or a combination thereof.

[0029] The term “substantially” when used in connection with “cylindrical,” “linear,” and / or other geometric relationships is intended to convey that the structure so defined is nominally cylindrical, linear or the like. As one example, a portion of a support member that is described as being “substantially linear” is intended to convey that, although linearity of the portion is desirable, some non-linearity can occur in a “substantially linear” portion. Such nonlinearity can result from manufacturing tolerances, or other practical considerations (such as,7330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089for example, the pressure or force applied to the support member). Thus, a geometric construction modified by the term “substantially” includes such geometric properties within a tolerance of plus or minus 5% of the stated geometric construction. For example, a “substantially linear” portion is a portion that defines an axis or center line that is within plus or minus 5% of being linear.

[0030] As used herein, the term “set” and “plurality” can refer to multiple features or a singular feature with multiple parts. For example, when referring to a set of electrodes, the set of electrodes can be considered as one electrode with multiple portions, or the set of electrodes can be considered as multiple, distinct electrodes. Additionally, for example, when referring to a plurality of electrochemical cells, the plurality of electrochemical cells can be considered as multiple, distinct electrochemical cells or as one electrochemical cell with multiple portions. Thus, a set of portions or a plurality of portions may include multiple portions that are either continuous or discontinuous from each other. A plurality of particles or a plurality of materials can also be fabricated from multiple items that are produced separately and are later joined together (e.g., via mixing, an adhesive, or any suitable method).

[0031] As used herein, the term “semi-solid” refers to a material that is a mixture of liquid and solid phases, for example, such as a particle suspension, a slurry, a colloidal suspension, an emulsion, a gel, or a micelle.|0032| FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell system 100, according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell system 100 includes an electrochemical cell assembly 110, a cell level controller 130, and a system controller 150. As shown, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 is operably coupled to the cell level controller 130, and the cell level controller 130 is operably coupled to the system controller 150. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 can be coupled directly to the system controller 150 without the cell level controller 130 therebetween.

[0033] The electrochemical cell assembly 110 includes at least one electrochemical cell. Each electrochemical cell can include an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator.

[0034] In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at8330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 can include no more than about 1,000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, no more than about 2 electrochemical cells. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of electrochemical cells are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 electrochemical cell and no more than about 1,000 electrochemical cells or at least about 10 electrochemical cells and no more than about 100 electrochemical cells), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 electrochemical cells. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells can be connected in series. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells can be connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cells can be connected both in series and in parallel. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 110 can be electrically coupled to an external load.

[0035] As shown, the cell level controlled s) 130 electrically and / or operationally connects the at least one electrochemical cell of the electrochemical cell assembly 110 to the system controller 150. In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 130 can include an IC that regulates movement of energy into and out of the electrochemical cell assembly 110, as well as within the electrochemical cell assembly 110. In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 130 can include an interlayer monitoring circuitry, current regulation circuitry, and / or overcharge protection circuitry. In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 130 can include instrumentation to discharge and / or disable one or more electrochemical cells from the electrochemical cell assembly 110. In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 1309330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089can include a switch, a pull-up resistor, a pull-down resistor, a voltage reference comparison unit, a voltage regulator, a transistor, a field-effect transistor (FET), a MOSFET, a contactor controller, a ground, a return, a voltage source, an amplifier, a comparator, a linear regulator, a DC-DC linear regulator, a Darlington transistor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cell level controller 130 can be incorporated into a flex circuit, as described in US Provisional Application No. 63 / 705,876, filed October 10, 2024, and entitled “Systems and Methods for Electrical Signal Conduction To Hermetically Sealed Electrochemical Cells,” the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 130 can include circuitry to enable and / or disable any number of the electrochemical cells of the electrochemical cell assembly 110. In some embodiments, the cell level controller(s) 130 can limit the input voltage to the electrochemical cell assembly 110. If the input voltage is too high or the voltage of the interlayer is too low, the cell level controller(s) 130 can shut down the electrochemical cell assembly 110. The cell level controller(s) 130 can be positioned in close proximity to the electrochemical cell assembly 110. In some embodiments, the outermost components of the cell level controller(s) 130 can be positioned within about 1 m, within about 90 cm, within about 80 cm, within about 70 cm, within about 60 cm, within about 50 cm, within about 40 cm, within about 30 cm, within about 20 cm, within about 10 cm, within about 9 cm, within about 8 cm, within about 7 cm, within about 6 cm, within about 5 cm, within about 4 cm, within about 3 cm, within about 2 cm, within about 1 cm, within about 9 mm, within about 8 mm, within about 7 mm, within about 6 mm, within about 5 mm, within about 4 mm, within about 3 mm, within about 2 mm, or within about 1 mm of the outermost reaches of the electrochemical cell assembly 110, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween.

[0037] In some embodiments, the cell level controller 130 can include a circuitry(ies) configured to monitor an electrical parameter between the interlayer and at least one of the anode or the cathode, and in response to one or more electrical parameters being outside of a threshold value, alter the operation of one or more electrochemical cells in the electrochemical cell assembly 110.

[0038] The system controller 150 can process signals from the cell level controller(s) 130. In some embodiments, the system controller 150 can include a BMS. In some embodiments, the system controller 150 can be electrically and / or operably coupled directly to the electrochemical cell assembly 110 (in an embodiment without the cell level controller(s) 130). In some embodiments, the system controller 150 can include multiple terminals (i.e., positive10330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089and negative terminals), to which the anodes, cathode, and / or interlayers of the electrochemical cell assembly 110 are electrically coupled. The inclusion of interlayers in the electrochemical cells can provide additional standoff voltage not present in conventional electrochemical cells, that the system controller 150 may be configured to interface with. In some embodiments, an anode can be coupled to a first negative terminal, an interlayer can be coupled to a first positive terminal, and a cathode can be coupled to a second negative terminal. A second anode from a second electrochemical cell can then be coupled to the second negative terminal in parallel to the cathode. In some embodiments, the system controller 150 can be electrically coupled to an external load.

[0039] In some aspects, the electrochemical cell system 100 can include a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell, each of the first and second electrochemical cells including an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, and a separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers. The electrochemical cell system 100 can further include the system controller 150, the system controller 150 including an interface to at least one of the first electrochemical cell or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 100 can include a cell packaging configured to house the first electrochemical cell and the second electrochemical cell.

[0040] In some embodiments, components of the system controller 150 can be included inside a cell packaging that houses the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, components of the system controller can be included outside of the cell packaging that houses the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the system controller 150 can include a switching device, a current interrupt device, and / or a current control device. In some embodiments, the switching device, the current interrupt device, and / or the current control device can be included inside the cell packaging. In some embodiments, the switching device, the current interrupt device, and / or the current control device can be included inside the cell packaging while additional components of the system controller can be external to the cell packaging.(0041] FIG. 2A is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell 210 that may be included in the electrochemical cell assembly 110 of FIG. 1, and a cell level controller 230, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the cell level controller 230 may be implemented as the cell level controller 130, respectively of FIG. 1. As shown, the electrochemical cell 21011330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089includes an anode 211 disposed on an anode current collector 212, a cathode 213 disposed on a cathode current collector 214, a first separator 215a disposed on the anode 211, a second separator 215b disposed on the cathode 213, with an interlayer 216 disposed between the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b. As shown, the cell level controller 230 includes an interlayer monitoring circuitry 232, a current regulation circuitry 234, and an overcharge protection circuitry 236. A positive and negative load are connected to the overcharge protection circuitry 236, and an “enable” functionality is connected to the overcharge protection circuitry 236 as well.

[0042] In some embodiments, the anode 211 can include a semi-solid anode. In some embodiments, the anode 211 can include a conventional solid anode (i.e., with a binder). In some embodiments, the cathode 213 can include a semi-solid cathode. In some embodiments, the cathode 213 can include a conventional solid cathode (i.e., with a binder).

[0043] As shown, the first separator 215a is disposed on the anode 211 while the second separator 215b is disposed on the cathode 213. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b (collectively referred to as “separators 215”) can be disposed on their respective electrodes during production of the electrochemical cell 210. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can be composed of polyethylene, polypropylene, high density polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polystyrene, a thermosetting polymer, hard carbon, a thermosetting resin, a polyimide, a ceramic coated separator, an inorganic separator, cellulose, glass fiber, a polyethylenoxide (PEO) polymer in which a lithium salt is complexed to provide lithium conductivity, NATION™ membranes which are proton conductors, or any other suitable separator material, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a can be composed of the same material as the second separator 215b. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a can be composed of a different material from the second separator 215b.

[0044] In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can have a porosity of at least about 10%, at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, at least about 30%, at least about 35%, at least about 40%, at least about 45%, at least about 50%, at least about 55%, at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, or at least about 90%. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can have a porosity of no more than about 95%, no more than about 90%, no more than about 85%, no more than about 80%, no more than about 75%, no more than about 70%, no more than about 65%, no12330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089more than about 60%, no more than about 55%, no more than about 50%, no more than about 45%, no more than about 40%, no more than about 35%, no more than about 30%, no more than about 25%, no more than about 20%, or no more than about 15%.

[0045] Combinations of the above-referenced porosity percentages of the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b are also possible (e.g., at least about 10% and no more than about 95% or at least about 20% and no more than about 40%), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can have a porosity of about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50%, about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%, or about 95%.

[0046] In some embodiments, the first separator 215a can have a different porosity from the second separator 215b. In some embodiments, the porosities of the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b can be selected based on the difference between the anolyte (i.e., electrolyte included and / or in contact with the anode 211) and the catholyte (i.e., electrolyte included and / or in contact with the cathode 213). For example, if the catholyte has a higher vapor pressure and faster evaporation properties than the anolyte, then the second separator 215b can have a lower porosity than the first separator 215a. The lower porosity of the second separator 215b can at least partially prevent the catholyte from evaporating during production.

[0047] In some embodiments, the first separator 215a can include a different material from the second separator 215b. In some embodiments, the materials of the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b can be selected to facilitate wettability of the first separator 215a with the anolyte and the second separator 215b with the catholyte. For example, an ethylene carbonate / propylene carbonate-based catholyte can wet a polyethylene separator better than a polyimide separator, based on the molecular properties of the materials. An ethylene carbonate / dimethyl carbonate-based anolyte can wet a polyimide separator better than a polyethylene separator. A full wetting of the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b can give way to better transport of electroactive species via the separators 215. This transport can be facilitated particularly well when the first separator 215a physically contacts the second separator 215b.

[0048] As shown, the electrochemical cell 210 includes two separators 215. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell 210 can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 separators 215. In some embodiments, a layer of liquid electrolyte (not shown) can be disposed13330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089between the first separator 215a and the second separator 215b. A layer of liquid electrolyte can promote better adhesion between the separators 215, and / or between the separators 215 and the interlayer 216 disposed therebetween.

[0049] In some embodiments, the first separator 215a, the second separator 215b, and the interlayer 160 can form a film (e.g., a laminated film). In some embodiments, the film can have a total thickness of at least about 5 pm, at least about 6 pm, at least about 7 pm, at least about 8 pm, at least about 9 pm, at least about 10 pm, at least about 15 pm, at least about 20 pm, at least about 25 pm, at least about 30 pm, at least about 35 pm, at least about 40 pm, or at least about 45 pm. In some embodiments, the film can have a total thickness of no more than about 50 pm, no more than about 45 pm, no more than about 40 pm, no more than about 35 pm, no more than about 30 pm, no more than about 25 pm, no more than about 20 pm, no more than about 15 pm, no more than about 10 pm, no more than about 9 pm, no more than about 8 pm, no more than about 7 pm, or no more than about 6 pm. Combinations of the above-referenced thicknesses are also possible (e.g., at least about 5 pm and no more than about 50 pm or at least about 10 pm and no more than about 40 pm), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the film can have a total thickness of about 5 pm, about 6 pm, about 7 pm, about 8 pm, about 9 pm, about 10 pm, about 15 pm, about 20 pm, about 25 pm, about 30 pm, about 35 pm, about 40 pm, about 45 pm, or about 50 pm.

[0050] In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can include a solid-state electrolyte sheet. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte sheet can replace the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can be made with a separator film. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can include a coating polymer, a spray polymer, and / or a print polymer. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can include a ceramic powder. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can be absent of a ceramic powder. In some embodiments, the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b can include a ceramic with a liquid electrolyte and / or a solid-state electrolyte.

[0051] The interlayer 216 can dissolve dendrites via voltage manipulation. In other words, current can be supplied to the interlayer 216, the anode 211 and / or the cathode 213 to create a potential difference between the interlayer 216 and the anode 211, or the interlayer 216 and the cathode 213 which dissolves dendrites that have formed in the interlayer 216. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a conductive layer. In some embodiments, the14330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089interlayer 216 can include a liquid electrolyte. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a solid-state electrolyte. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include electroconductive carbon (e.g., KETJENBLACK™), AA-stacked graphene, AB-stacked graphene, carbon, hard carbon, soft carbon, graphite, lithium iron phosphate (LFP), lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP), lithium manganese oxide (LMO), LiNiCb (LNO), nickel manganese cobalt (NMC), lithium nickel manganese oxide (LNMO), lithium cobalt oxide (LCO), Iron (III) fluoride (FeFs), sulfur, vanadium (V) oxide (V2O5), bismuth trifluoride (BiFs), iron (IV) sulfate (FeS2), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can create a physical block that prevents vertical growth of the dendrite, such that the dendrite is forced to grow horizontally.

[0052] In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include an intercalate cathode (e.g., LMOP, LNO, NMC, LFP, LNMO, LCO, and / or LMFP). In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a convertible cathode (e.g., FeFs, sulfur, V2O5, BiFs, FeS2). In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a high voltage bearable anode. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a traditional anode (e.g., hard carbon, graphite, and / or silicon). In some embodiments, the interlayer 160 can include a metal. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the metal alloy can include lithium, tin, aluminum, silver, and / or copper. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a metal oxide. In some embodiments, the metal oxide can include silicon oxide (SiO), zinc oxide (ZnO), copper oxide (C112O), lithium titanate (LTO), and / or titanium (IV) oxide (TiCh). In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a semi-solid electrode. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a coating, a spray, and / or a print polymer. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a ceramic powder. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a premade film with a solid-state electrolyte.

[0053] In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include conductive materials. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include allotropes of carbon including activated carbon, hard carbon, soft carbon, electroconductive carbon (e.g., KETJENBLACK™), carbon black, graphitic carbon, carbon fibers, carbon microfibers, vapor-grown carbon fibers (VGCF), fullerenic carbons including “buckyballs”, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), graphene, graphene sheets or aggregates of graphene sheets, and materials comprising fullerenic fragments, or any combination thereof.15330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0054] In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can include a solid-state electrode material. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte can include an oxide-based electrolyte. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte material can include lithium lanthanum zirconium oxide (LLZO), Lii.3Alo.3Tii.7(P04)3 (LATP), lithium phosphorus oxynitride (LiPON), li-ion conducting solid-state electrolyte ceramics (LLTO), and / or LLBOs-Li2SO4-Li2CO3 (LiBSCO). In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte material can include one or more oxide-based solid electrolyte materials including a garnet structure, a perovskite structure, a phosphate-based Lithium Super Ionic Conductor (LISICON) structure, a glass structure such as Lao.51Lio.34TiO2.94, Lii.3Alo.3Tii.7(P04)3, Lii.4Alo.4Tii.6(P04)3, Li?La3Zr20i2, Li6.66La3Zn.6Tao.40i2.9 (LLZO), 50Li4SiO4*50Li3BC>3, Li2.9PO3.3N0.46 (lithium phosphorousoxynitride, LiPON), Li3.6Sio.6Po.4O4, Li3BN2, Li3BO3-Li2SO4, and / or sulfide containing solid electrolyte materials including a thio-LISICON structure, a glassy structure and a glass-ceramic structure such as Lii.o7Alo.69Tii.46 P04)3, Lii.5Alo.5Gei.5(P04)3, LiioGeP2Si2 (LGPS), 30Li2S«26B2S3’44LiI, 63Li2S«36SiS2«lLi3PO4, 57Li2S«38SiS2«5Li4SiO4, 70Li2S*30P2S5, 50Li2S*50GeS2, Li7P3Sn, Li3.25P0.95S4, and Li9.54Sii.74Pi.44Sn.7Clo.3, and / or closo-type complex hydride solid electrolyte, LiBFL-Lil, LiBH4-LiNH2, LiBFLJLSs, Li(CBxHx+i)-LiI, Li(CB9Hio)-and / or Lil. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte material can be sulfide-based. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte can include lithium phosphorus sulfide (LPS), LiioGeP2Si2 (LGPS), lithium tin phosphorus sulfide (LSPS), and / or Li5.5PS4.5Cli,5 (LPSCI). In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte material can include a complex hydride solid electrolyte. In some embodiments, the solid-state electrolyte material can include LiBFL-Lil and / or LiBFLJLSs.

[0055] In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can be pre-coated onto the first separator 215a and / or the second separator 215b. In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can aid in identifying a contamination amount of lithium or another metal via a BMS. The BMS can then add more voltage and current to the interlayer 216 to dissolve the contamination. The BMS can keep the state of charge (SOC) of the interlayer 216 between a lower bound (e.g., about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, or about 40%, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween) and an upper bound (e.g., about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, or about 90%, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween). Keeping the interlayer 216 between a lower bound and an upper bound of voltage can aid in diminishing dendrite formation while the electrochemical cell 210 is not in use (i.e., via addition of voltage and / or current). In some embodiments, the interlayer 216 can16330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089include a tab (not shown) that can be used to monitor the voltage of the interlayer 216 while the electrochemical cell is hot pressed (e.g., via a two-sided hot press or a four-sided hot press with a jelly roll design to fit into a prismatic can).

[0056] In some embodiments, the voltage between the anode 211 and the interlayer 216 (and / or the voltage between the anode 211 and the cathode 213) can be kept above a threshold (e.g., about 2 V, about 2.1 V, about 2.2 V, about 2.3 V, about 2.4 V, about 2.5 V, about 2.6 V, about 2.7 V, about 2.8 V, about 2.9 V, about 3 V, about 3.1 V, about 3.2 V, about 3.3 V, about 3.4 V, about 3.5 V, about 3.6 V, about 3.7 V, about 3.8 V, about 3.9 V, about 4 V, about 4.1 V, about 4.2 V, about 4.3 V, about 4.4 V, about 4.5 V, about 4.6 V, about 4.7 V, about 4.8 V, about 4.9 V, about 5 V, about 5.1 V, about 5.2 V, about 5.3 V, about 5.4 V, about 5.5 V, about 5.6 V, about 5.7 V, about 5.8 V, about 5.9 V, or about 6 V, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween). Keeping the cell voltage above a threshold can prevent dendrite formation. The inclusion of a high-stability salt in the electrolyte can facilitate the application of a high voltage (i.e., at least about 5 V) between the anode 211 and the interlayer 216.

[0057] At a low state of charge (SOC), the interlayer 216 can have a voltage lower than a voltage necessary to dissolve dendrites. In some embodiments, a BMS can be activated to provide extra voltage to the interlayer 216 to ensure the voltage is high enough for metal dissolution. If no extra power is available to deliver to the interlayer 160, cycling conditions can be narrowed (e.g., to about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, or about 20% SOC, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween) in order to limit the formation of dendrites. In some embodiments, the voltage between the anode 211 and the interlayer 216 can be kept above the threshold value by monitoring the potential of the anode 211 and the interlayer 216, and / or potential difference between the anode 211 and the interlayer 216, and controlling the SOC (i.e., by monitoring and adjusting the cycling). In some embodiments, the voltage between the anode 211 and the interlayer 216 can be maintained by keeping a fixed SOC (e.g., at least about 15%, at least about 20%, at least about 25%, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween).

[0058] As shown, the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232 is electrically coupled to the anode current collector 212, the cathode current collector 214, and the interlayer 216, and may be configured to monitor and / or regulate movement of electrical energy between the anode 211, the cathode 213, and the interlayer 216. For example, in some embodiments, the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232 may be configured to monitor a voltage between the interlayer 216 and the anode 211, and / or a voltage between the interlayer 216 and the cathode 213. In some embodiments, the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232 may be configured to shut down the17330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089electrochemical cell 210, or a corresponding electrochemical cell included in the electrochemical cell 210 (e.g., drain electrical energy from the corresponding electrochemical cell or the all cells included in the electrochemical cell 210) in response to the voltage between the interlayer 216 and the anode 211, and / or the voltage between the interlayer 216 and the cathode 213 being equal to or exceeding a threshold voltage. In some embodiments, the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232 can be configured to measure a first voltage between the anode current collector 212 (negative probe) and the interlayer 216 (positive probe), and / or a second voltage between the interlayer 216 (negative probe) and the cathode current collector 214 (positive probe). In some embodiments, the arithmetic sum of the first voltage and the second voltage can be used to indicate a measurement from the anode current collector 212 to the cathode current collector 214. This is represented by the following equation:A-DM-C=^A-DM + VQM-C Equation 1 Where VA-DMis the voltage difference between the anode current collector 212 and the interlayer 216; VDM-Cis the voltage difference between the interlayer 216 and the cathode current collector 214; and VA-DM-Crepresents the cell voltage of any cell in a string of cells.

[0059] If the voltage of the interlayer 216 is greater than the voltage of the anode 211, then VA-DMmay be displayed as a negative voltage. If the voltage of the interlayer 216 is greater than the voltage of the cathode 213, then VC-DMmay be displayed as a negative voltage. If the instrumentation is unable to measure negative voltages, the values can be displayed as 0 V or approximately 0 V. Measuring the interlayer 216 voltage against two separate cell voltage inputs may increase cost and component count. The negative voltage conditions described above can be created due to large disruptions in the voltage of the cathode 213 due to higher current flow through the electrochemical cell 210, which can cause the voltage of the interlayer 216 to be higher than the voltage of the cathode 213. This can cause the voltage of the interlayer 216 to read as 0 V or approximately 0 V. For example, discharge pulses at a rate of C / 4 can create such a condition. This can create a temporary voltage measurement error (e.g., about 0.1 V, about 0.2 V, about 0.3 V, about 0.4 V, or about 0.5 V, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween). Such an error is possible under normal usage profiles.|0060[ The current regulation circuitry 234 can be configured to interface the overcharge protection circuitry 236 with the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232, and may also be configured to regulate movement of electrical energy between the anode 211, the cathode 213, and the interlayer 216. In some embodiments, the current regulation circuitry 234 can include18330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089any components that regulates movement of energy. In some embodiments, the current regulation circuitry can include a bipolar transistor, an FET, a MOSFET, a DC-DC linear regulator, and / or any manner of discrete circuitry that controls the voltage or current into or out of the cell. The control of this circuitry can be configured to react to both cell voltage (i.e., the voltage between the anode 211 and the cathode 213) and the relative voltage of the interlayer-216 with respect to the anode 211 and / or the cathode 213. The interlayer monitoring circuitry 232 can use this data to control the current regulation circuitry 234. In some embodiments, the current limitation is based on controlling charge and discharge in an on / off configuration. However, there is no limitation in the way the current is controlled with the addition of more hardware, control systems, and / or power conversion. These additions can allow reduced, regulated current to flow. In some embodiments, modulation or change of the voltage / current level of the interlayer can be included. Implementations described herein are merely examples, and should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure. Other implementations of voltage threshold switching or current amplification are envisioned and should be considered as being encompassed by this disclosure.

[0061] The overcharge protection circuitry 236 may be configured to inhibit overcharge of the electrochemical cell 210. In some embodiments, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 can include a voltage reference comparison unit operably coupled to the anode 211, the cathode 213, and the interlayer 216. In some embodiments, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 can include a diode, a resistor, a transistor, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 can allow the input voltage of the electrochemical cell 210 to be at least about 10 V, at least about 15 V, at least about 20 V, at least about 25 V, at least about 30 V, at least about 35 V, at least about 40 V, at least about 45 V, at least about 50 V, at least about 55 V, or at least about 60 V.

[0062] In some embodiments, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 can be configured to limit transfer of an electrical energy to be equal to or below a threshold value. For example, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 may be configured to limit the voltage that is communicated to electrochemical cell 210 to be at most about 60 volts, at most about 50 volts, at most about 40 volts, at most about 30 volts, or at most about 20 volts, inclusive of all values therebetween. For example, recent regulatory changes are requiring electrochemical cell systems to receive up to 40 volts of input voltage. In such implementations, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 may be configured to limit voltages input to the electrochemical cell 210 to 40 volts or less (e.g., by using a DC-DC linear regulator to step down an input voltage19330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089or shut down communication of electrical energy to the interlayer monitoring circuitry 232). In other words, the overcharge protection circuitry 236 may be configured to allow an input voltage (e.g., charge voltage) provided to the cell level controller 230 to be above a threshold input voltage (e.g., a survivable voltage for the electrochemical cell 210, for example, greater than 40 V), and step down or limit an amplitude of the voltage that is permitted to the electrochemical cell 210 to be equal to or less than the threshold input voltage, thus inhibiting damage to the electrochemical cell 210 (e.g., by inhibiting overcharging of the electrochemical cell 210), or discontinue communication of the voltage to the electrochemical cell 210.

[0063] As shown, a positive load, a negative load (e.g., positive and negative leads, respectively of a load such as a motor, grid, an electrically powered equipment, etc.), and optionally, an enable switch are electrically coupled to the overcharge protection circuitry 236. In some embodiments, the positive load, the negative load, and the enable switch can be incorporated into a BMS. The negative load is electrically coupled to the anode 211 while the positive load is electrically coupled to the cathode 213. In some embodiments, the enable switch can be implemented as a function of the circuitry employed in the cell level controller 230 (e.g., for switching on load switches). In some embodiments, the enable switch may include a DC-DC regulator, as described herein.

[0064] As previously described, each electrochemical cell included in an electrochemical cell assembly (e.g., the electrochemical cell assembly 110) may be coupled to a dedicated cell level controller 230. Such an arrangement may be advantageous as it may enable monitoring and targeted shut down or otherwise, regulation of individual electrochemical cells 210 included in the electrochemical cell assembly, without shutting down the entire electrochemical cell assembly. In other embodiments, a single cell level controller 230 may be operatively coupled to each electrochemical cell included in the electrochemical cell assembly. In some embodiments, a plurality of cell level controllers 230 may be implemented with each of the plurality of cell level controllers 230 operatively coupled to a corresponding portion of the plurality of electrochemical cells 210 included in the electrochemical cell assembly.

[0065] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrochemical cell system 300 that may be implemented as the system controller 150 shown in system 100 of FIG. 1, according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell system 300 includes an electrochemical cell assembly 310 including electrochemical cells 310a, 310b, 310c (collectively referred to as electrochemical cells 310’), cell level controllers 330a, 330b, 330c (collectively referred to as cell level controllers 330), and a system controller 350. The system controller 350 includes a20330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089memory 352 with a cell parameter determination 352a, a processor 354, and an input / output 356. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 310, and the cell level controllers 330 can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cell assembly 110, (e.g., electrochemical cells 310’ may be substantially similar to the electrochemical cell 210), and the cell level controller 130, 230, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, respectively. Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cell assembly 310, and the cell level controllers 330 are not described in greater detail herein.

[0066] As shown, the electrochemical cells 310’ are electrically and operably coupled to the system controller 350 via the cell level controllers 330. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 300 can exclude the cell level controllers 330, such that the electrochemical cells 310’ are directly coupled to the system controller 350.

[0067] As shown, the electrochemical cell assembly 310 includes 3 electrochemical cells 310’. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 310 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 electrochemical cell assemblies 310. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 310 can include no more than about 1,000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, no more than about 2 electrochemical cell assemblies 310. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of electrochemical cells are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 electrochemical cells 310’ and no more than about 1,000 electrochemical cells 310’ or at least about 10 electrochemical cells 310’ and no more than about 100 electrochemical cells 310’), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 310 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200,21330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 electrochemical cells 310’.

[0068] As shown, the electrochemical cell system 300 includes 3 cell level controllers 330. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 300 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 cell level controllers 330. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 300 can include no more than about 1,000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, no more than about 2 cell level controllers 330. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of electrochemical cells are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 electrochemical cell assembly 310 and no more than about 1,000 cell level controllers 330 or at least about 10 cell level controllers 330 and no more than about 100 cell level controllers 330), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 300 can include about 1, about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 cell level controllers 330. In some embodiments, the number of cell level controllers 330 may be equal to the number of electrochemical cells 310’.

[0069] As shown, the system controller 350 includes negative, positive, and interlayer terminals for connections to anodes, cathodes, and interlayers, respectively. In some embodiments, the interlayers can be connected to existing positive or negative terminals, such that custom terminal manufacturing on the system controller 350 is not necessary. For example, an anode of a first electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310a) can be coupled to a first negative terminal, an interlayer of the first electrochemical cell (e.g., the22330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089electrochemical cell 310a) can be coupled to a first positive terminal, and a cathode of the first electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310a) and an anode of a second electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310b) can be coupled in series to a second negative terminal. Further, an interlayer from the second electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310b) can be coupled to a second positive terminal, and a cathode of the second electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310b) and an anode of a third electrochemical cell (e.g., the electrochemical cell 310c) can be coupled in series to a third negative terminal. As noted above, such circuitry can save cost and component count. For example, such an implementation may allow interface of the electrochemical cells 310’ that each have three electrical connections, i.e., a cathode, an anode, and an interlayer connection, with the system controller 350 that includes only a positive and negative terminal (e.g., for coupling with conventional electrochemical cells that only have a cathode and an anode connection), without making any modifications (e.g., hardware changes) to the system controller 350, thus saving cost.(0070] In some embodiments, one or more system controllers 350 can interpret interlayers as under-voltage cells when connected to the system controller 350 as if the electrochemical cells 310a, 310b, 310c were multiple cells connected in series. These voltages can be utilized to determine (e.g., calculate or infer) the correct cell voltages (e.g., via Equation 1) via an external microprocessor. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can register undervoltage faults. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can refrain from incorporating cell overvoltage and undervoltage detection. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can be incorporated into a cell monitor without onboard control functions. Eliminating overvoltage and undervoltage faults on the cell level sensing system can allow the connection of the interlayer to standard battery monitoring ICs.

[0071] Sensing of voltages of interlayers is possible via traditional BMS system, but such measurements can induce voltage errors with a large negative dV / dt. A negative offset can be induced with normal drive cycles, but such an offset is limited by the circuitry of the BMS (e.g., to about 0.5 V to about 0.7 V). With the system controller 350, the risk of creating a long term undervoltage condition is low and can be accounted for in the system controller 350 by limiting or stopping current flow. Cell measurement IC’s can allow the measurement of a negative voltage and allow the corrected cell voltages to be calculated in the system controller 350. These measurement methods can preserve a simplified connection. Embodiments23330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089described herein can include methods of connection and calculation of the interlayer parameters in both standard and custom IC implementations.

[0072] In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can be physically and / or operatively coupled to the cell level controllers 330. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can be physically and / or operatively coupled to the electrochemical cell assembly 310. The system controller 350 is configured to control operations of the electrochemical cell assembly 310, for example, transmit various operational or calibration signals to the electrochemical cell assembly 310, receive various sensing signals from the cell, and / or analyze the received signals to diagnose the cell assembly 310 (e.g., monitor dendrite formation and connectivity issues). The system controller 350 can also interface the electrochemical cells 310a, 310b, 310c to external controllers through the input / output 356. In some embodiments, the input / output 356 can include one or more interfaces (e.g., controller area network (CAN), system management bus (SMBUS), inter-integrated circuit (I2C), universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter (UART), ModBus and / or other conducted, or communication interfaces) using wireless methods (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, or other non-conductive methods independent of the protocol used in the wireless system, and / or via digital signals to give control signals).

[0073] While described herein as being configured to perform certain operations, the system controller 350 can be configured to perform any operations as described with respect to the method 10 shown in FIG. 8, or any other method described herein. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 is configured to perform a calibrating electrical transfer between a first electrode (e.g., the anode 211 or cathode 213, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A) and a second electrode (e.g., the anode 211 or cathode 213, as described above with reference to FIG. 2A) of the electrochemical cells 310’. In some implementations, the calibrating electrical transfer includes an initial charge of the electrochemical cells 310’. In some implementations, the calibrating electrical transfer includes an initial discharge of the electrochemical cells 310’. In some embodiments, the calibration of the signal can be based on data or functions stored in the memory 352 for the use of diagnosis of dendrite formation over time. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can diagnose dendrite formation. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can react or respond to the diagnosis of a dendrite formation.

[0074] In some embodiments, the system controller 350 is configured to determine a plurality of calibration voltage differences between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the24330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089cathode) and the interlayer. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 is configured to determine a baseline parameter based on the calibration voltage differences. The baseline parameter may include an equation, an algorithm, a table, a plot, a curve, a digital filter, an analog filter, or any other suitable baseline parameter, or any suitable combination thereof, that relates to the baseline charge / discharge performance of the electrochemical cell assemblies 310. In some implementations, the baseline parameter is approximated by the equation:vt= A7(l — ef / T) Equation 2 Where vt is a time-dependent voltage difference between the first electrode and the interlayer, AV is an applied voltage difference between the first electrode and the interlayer, t is time, and T is an RC time constant. While Equation 2 is useful in estimating a response curve, it may not fully simulate the response curve of the interlayer behavior. Other, more complex calculations, methods, algorithms, equations, tables, plots, or models can be used to better define the behavior.

[0075] The system controller 350 may be configured to perform an operational electrical transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The operational electrical transfer may include a subsequent charge of one or more electrodes of the electrochemical cell, for example, when the calibrating electrical transfer includes an initial charge of one or more electrodes of the electrochemical cells 310’, or the operational electrical transfer may include a subsequent discharge of one or more electrodes of the electrochemical cells 310’, for example, when the calibrating electrical transfer includes an initial discharge of one or more electrodes of the electrochemical cells 310’. In some embodiments, the baseline electrical transfer and the operational electrical transfer are executed via a constant voltage source. In some embodiments, the first electrical transfer and the subsequent electrical transfers are executed via a variable frequency voltage source. In some embodiments, the first electrical transfer and the subsequent electrical transfers can be executed via a switched load, relative to a passive device, or any method of active load application.

[0076] The system controller 350 may also be configured to determine a plurality of operational voltage differences between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The system controller 350 may also be configured to determine an operational parameter related to operation of the electrochemical cells 310’ based on the operational voltage differences. The operational parameter may also include an equation, an algorithm, a table, a plot, a curve, a digital filter, an analog filter, or any other suitable baseline parameter,25330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 can employ artificial intelligence (Al), Al training, machine learning, and / or similar technologies that relate to the operational charge / discharge performance of the electrochemical cells 310’.

[0077] The system controller 350 may be configured to diagnose a performance issue with the electrochemical cell assembly 310 based on the baseline parameter and the operational parameter. For example, if the electrochemical cell assembly 310 is under normal operating conditions the operational parameter may be substantially similar to the baseline parameter (e.g., within + 10% of the baseline parameter such as baseline parameter curve). However, a difference in the operational parameter relative to the baseline parameter which is outside normal error bounds may indicate an issue with electrochemical cell assemblies 310 performance or the presence of a dendrite forming. In some implementations, the difference between the baseline parameter and the operational parameter are characterized by a difference between the computed RC time constant of the baseline parameter and a computed RC time constant of the operational parameter. In some implementations, the system controller 350 may be configured to diagnose the performance issue with the electrochemical cells 310’, for example, configured to evaluate an average deviation between the baseline parameter and the operational parameter. In some implementations, the performance issue includes a lack of electrical connectivity between a testing circuit and the interlayer.

[0078] In some implementations, the calibrating electrical transfer is a first calibrating electrical transfer, the plurality of calibration voltage differences are a first plurality of calibrating voltage differences, the baseline parameter is a first baseline parameter, the operational electrical transfer is a first operational electrical transfer, the plurality of operational voltage differences are a first plurality of operational voltage differences, and the operational parameter is a first operational parameter. In such implementations, the system controller 350 may be configured to cause a first stimulation of the interlayer via at least one of a pullup (e.g., a pullup resistor disposed between the interlayer and the cathode) or a pulldown (e.g., a pulldown resistor disposed between the interlayer and the anode). The system controller 350 may be configured to perform a second calibrating electrical transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode (e.g., between the anode and the cathode), and determine a second plurality of calibration voltage differences between the first electrode and the interlayer. In some embodiments, the system controller 350 may also determine a second baseline parameter based on the second plurality of calibration voltage differences. The system controller 350 may also be configured to perform a second stimulation that may be the same or substantially26330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089similar to the first stimulation, to the interlayer. In some embodiments, stimulation of the reference electrode can be by any means suitable for the use of diagnosing the response characteristic, as described above and with reference to the ‘564 patent, and the ‘845 application. Embodiments described herein can include methods to alter the voltage of the interlayer or current passing through the interlayer.

[0079] The system controller 350 may also be configured to perform a second operational electrical transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and determine a plurality of second operational voltage differences between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The system controller 350 may determine a second operational parameter based on the plurality of second operational voltage differences, and based on a difference between the second baseline parameter and the second operational parameter, diagnose a performance issue with the electrochemical cells 310’. In some implementations, the performance issue includes at least one of a connection issue in the electrochemical cells 310’ or a dendrite formed in the first electrode (e.g., in the anode) or a corresponding one of the electrochemical cells 310’.

[0080] In some implementations, the system controller 350 may also be configured to cause a change in a resistance of a circuit connecting the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode to the interlayer). The system controller 350 may be configured to cause a second calibrating electrical transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode (e.g., between the anode and the cathode), and determine a second plurality of calibration voltage differences between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The system controller 350 may be configured to determine a second baseline parameter based on the second plurality of calibration voltage differences. The system controller 350 may cause a second stimulation to be performed on the interlayer, which may be the same or substantially similar to the first stimulation. The system controller 350 may also be configured to cause a second operational electrical transfer between the first electrode and the second electrode, and determine a plurality of second operational voltage differences between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The system controller 350 may be configured to determine a second operational parameter based on the plurality of second operational voltage differences, and based on a difference between the second baseline parameter and the second operational parameter, diagnose a performance issue with the electrochemical cell assemblies 310. These actions are not limited to long term connection and signal stimulation, as they can be performed at any frequency or duty cycle as is suitable for diagnosis of the electrochemical cell system27330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089300. Data collection and evaluation are also not limited to voltage threshold and time base measurements. Measurements and evaluations can be performed based on frequency domain, a curve, an equation, Al, or any other suitable method or parameter.|0081| While FIG. 3 illustrates a particular embodiment of the system controller 350, any other suitable controller configured to perform the operations described herein may be used. The system controller 350 includes a processor 354, a memory 352, and an input / output (I / O) interface 356. The processor 354 may be implemented as a general -purpose processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 352 (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), Flash Memory, hard disk storage, etc.) stores data (e.g., operating parameter data) and / or computer code (e.g., operating parameter filtering or processing algorithms, etc.) for facilitating at least some of the various processes described herein. The memory 352 may include tangible, non-transient volatile memory, or non-volatile memory. The memory 352 may include a non-transitory processor 354 readable medium having stores programming logic that, when executed by the processor 354, controls the operations of the system controller 350. In some arrangements, the processor 354 and the memory 352 form various processing circuits described with respect to the system controller 350.|0082] The VO interface 356 is structured for sending and receiving data (e.g., over a communication network) from the system controller 350. Accordingly, the I / O interface 356 can include any of a cellular transceiver (for cellular standards), local wireless network transceiver (for 802.1 IX, ZigBee, BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, or the like), wired network interface, a combination thereof (e.g., both a cellular transceiver and a Bluetooth transceiver), and / or the like.

[0083] In some embodiments, the system controller 350 may include various circuitries or modules configured to perform the operations of the system controller 350. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the system controller 350 includes a cell parameter determination 352a. In some configurations, the cell parameter determination 352a, is embodied as machine or computer-readable media (e.g., stored in the memory 352) that is executable by a processor, such as the processor 354. As described herein and amongst other uses, the machine-readable media (e.g., the memory 352) facilitates performance of certain operations of the cell parameter determination 352a to enable reception and transmission of data. For example, the machine-28330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089readable media may provide an instruction (e.g., command, etc.) to, e.g., acquire data. In this regard, the machine-readable media may include programmable logic that defines the frequency of acquisition of the data (or, transmission of the data). Thus, the computer readable media may include code, which may be written in any programming language including, but not limited to, Java or the like and any conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer readable program code may be executed on one processor or multiple remote processors. In the latter scenario, the remote processors may be connected to each other through any type of network (e.g., CAN bus, wireless network, etc.). In some embodiments, the processor 354 can at least partially apply neural networks and / or similar types of networks.

[0084] In some configurations, the cell parameter determination 352a may be embodied as one or more circuitry components including, but not limited to, processing circuitry, network interfaces, peripheral devices, input devices, output devices, sensors, etc.100851 In some embodiments, the cell parameter determination 352a may take the form of one or more analog circuits, electronic circuits (e.g., integrated circuits (IC), discrete circuits, system on a chip (SOCs) circuits, microcontrollers, neural networks etc.), telecommunication circuits, hybrid circuits, and any other type of “circuit.” In this regard, the cell parameter determination 352a may include any type of component for accomplishing or facilitating achievement of the operations described herein. For example, a circuit as described herein may include one or more transistors, logic gates (e.g., NAND, AND, NOR, OR, XOR, NOT, XNOR, etc.), resistors, multiplexers, registers, capacitors, inductors, diodes, wiring, and so on.

[0086] Thus, the cell parameter determination 352a may also include programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices or the like. In this regard, the cell parameter determination 352a may include one or more memory devices for storing instructions that are executable by the processor(s) of the cell parameter determination 352a. The one or more memory devices and processor(s) may have the same definition as provided below with respect to the memory 352 and the processor 354.

[0087] In the example shown, the system controller 350 includes the processor 354 and the memory 352. The processor 354 and the memory 352 may be structured or configured to execute or implement the instructions, commands, and / or control processes described herein with respect to the cell parameter determination 352a. Thus, the depicted configuration29330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089represents the aforementioned arrangement in which the cell parameter determination 352a is embodied as machine or computer-readable media. However, as mentioned above, this illustration is not meant to be limiting as the present disclosure contemplates other embodiments such as the aforementioned embodiment the cell parameter determination 352a or at least one circuit of the cell parameter determination 352a is configured as a hardware unit. In some embodiments, the cell parameter determination 352a can be implemented as part of a real time control method, an offline parametric method, cloud, internet of things (IOT), or any other suitable implementation or combinations thereof. All such combinations and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the one or more processors may be shared by multiple circuits (e.g., cell parameter determination 352a) may comprise or otherwise share the same processor and / or device which, in some example embodiments, may execute instructions stored, or otherwise accessed, via different areas of memory (i.e., either onboard or off via cloud and / or IOT services).[0088| The cell parameter determination 352a is configured to receive sensing signals from the electrochemical cell assemblies 310, and process the sensing signals. In some embodiments, cell parameter determination 352a may also be configured to filter the sensing signals using hardware or software filters (e.g., low pass filters, high pass filters, band pass filters, Fourier transform filters, band stop filter, notch filter, comb filter, all pass filter, cut-off frequency filter, roll off filter, transition band filter, ripple filter, any other suitable filter or a combination thereof) configured to filter noise from the sensed signals.

[0089] In embodiments in which the system controller 350 includes the cell parameter determination 352a, the cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to analyze the processed potential difference signals and determine one or more operating parameters of the electrochemical cell assemblies 310 (e.g., any of the operating parameters described herein) from the processed sensing signals. The I / O interface 356 is configured to generate an operating parameter signal indicative of the processed operating parameters and / or the operating parameter values obtained therefrom. The operating parameter signal may be communicated to the remote server via a communication network.[0090[ The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to generate a calibration transfer signal configured to cause the calibrating electrical or electrochemical transfer to be performed between the first electrode and the second electrode, as described herein. The cell parameter determination 352a may also be configured to generate an operational transfer signal30330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089configured to cause the operational electrical or electrochemical transfer to be performed between the first electrode and the second electrode, as described herein.

[0091] The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to receive a first potential difference signal that corresponds to a plurality of calibrating voltage differences determined between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to determine a baseline parameter based on the plurality of calibrating voltage differences, as described herein, and generate a baseline parameter signal indicative of the baseline parameter.

[0092] The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to receive a second potential difference signal that corresponds to a plurality of operational voltage differences determined between the first electrode (e.g., the anode or the cathode) and the interlayer. The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to determine an operational parameter based on the plurality of operational voltage differences, as described herein, and generate an operational parameter signal indicative of the operational parameter.

[0093] The cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to receive the baseline parameter signal and operational parameter signal, interpret the signals to determine the baseline parameter and the operational parameter, and diagnose a performance issue with the electrochemical cell assemblies 310 based on the baseline parameter and the operational parameter, as described herein.

[0094] In some embodiments, the cell parameter determination 352a may be configured to receive a first voltage selectively measured between the anode and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell 310a via the first negative terminal and the first positive terminal of the system controller 350, and receive a second voltage selectively measured between the cathode and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell 310a via the second negative terminal and the first positive terminal of the system controller 350. The cell parameter determination 352a may also be configured to determine a cell voltage of the first electrochemical cell 310a based on the first voltage and the second voltage (e.g., by determining an arithmetic sum of the first and second voltages).

[0095] In some embodiments, the cell parameter determination 352a may also be configured to receive a third voltage selectively measured between the anode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via the second negative terminal and the second positive terminal of the system controller 350, and receive a fourth voltage selectively measured31330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089between the cathode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via the third negative terminal and the first positive terminal of the system controller 350, and determine a cell voltage of the second electrochemical cell based on the third voltage and the fourth voltage (e.g., by determining an arithmetic sum of the third and fourth voltages).

[0096] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly 410 and a cell level controller 430, according to an embodiment. Also shown are integrated circuits 440a, 440b, 440c, 440d (collectively referred to as integrated circuits 440), resistors Rl, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, diode DI, capacitor Cl, ground GND, and transistors QI, Q2, Q3, Q4. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 410 and the cell level controller 430 can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cell assembly 310 and the cell level controller 330, as described above with reference to FIG. 3. Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cell assembly 410 and the cell level controller 430 are not described in greater detail herein.

[0097] In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440a can include a DC-DC linear regulator. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440b can include a switch. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440c can include a switch. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440d can include a voltage reference comparison. The interlayer (not shown) of the electrochemical cell assembly 410 can be connected via a Darlington pair (i.e., transistors Q3 and Q4) to the integrated circuit 440d to amplify the current to a level that actuates the input of the integrated circuit 440d. The Darlington pair can also set a predictable voltage threshold for actuation relative to the cathode voltage. Such an implementation can provide an automatic disable function of the electrochemical cell assembly 410 in the event an internal dendrite forms in the electrochemical cell assembly 410. In some embodiments, additional interface circuits can be placed between the electrochemical cell assembly 410 and the integrated circuit 440d.

[0098] In some embodiments, an amplifier, a comparator, or any suitable circuitry can be placed between the electrochemical cell assembly 410 and the integrated circuit 440d in order to interface the voltage level of the interlayer to the voltage or current input into the integrated circuit 440d. In some embodiments the circuit 440d can be referenced to the cell anode. In some embodiments, the Darlington pair has multiple functions. A first function can include setting a voltage threshold for actuation of the integrated circuit 440d. A second function can include amplifying the drive current for smaller systems that include one or more interlayers.32330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0099] In some embodiments, a custom integrated circuit can interface with the interlayer of the electrochemical cell assembly 410 that can allow for a separate input to connect the interlayer and maintain the reference voltage measurement of the interlayer. In some embodiments, the interlayer can have any of the properties described in the ‘564 patent.

[0100] In some embodiments, the integrated circuits 440a, 440b, 440c can employ charge FET control of an existing single cell control circuit. Such a method can allow the input voltage of the electrochemical cell assembly 410 to be large (e.g., at least about 20 V, at least about 25 V, at least about 30 V, at least about 35 V, at least about 40V, at least about 45 V, at least about 50 V, at least about 55 V, or at least about 60 V, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween). In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440a can include a DC-DC regulator. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440a can include a switch, or any other suitable device. In some embodiments, the integrated circuit 440a can be altered to allow for higher input voltages.[01011 FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of an electrochemical cell assembly 510 and a cell level controller 530, according to an embodiment. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assembly 510 and the cell level controller 530 can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cell assembly 410 and the cell level controller 430, as described above with reference to FIG. 4. Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cell assembly 510 and the cell level controller 530 are not described in greater detail herein. In some embodiments, the assembly shown in FIG. 5 can include the same circuitry as the assembly shown in FIG. 4, but without integrated circuits. As shown, the electrochemical cell assembly 510 is coupled to the cell level controller 530 via resistors R1 and R2, capacitor Cl, transistors QI, Q2, and ground GND. As shown, the transistors QI and Q2 form a Darlington pair interfacing the electrochemical cell assembly 510 and the cell level controller 530. An important benefit of the circuit as demonstrated in FIG. 5 is that the circuit can be co-located inside the cell packaging for many types of cells. This can allow the cells to be switched on and off internal to the cell package from a controls system. In some embodiments, only the switching circuitry may be located within the cell packaging (e.g., with the cell assembly 510). The switching circuitry can include BJT, MOSFET, contactor, relay, and / or any suitable components.

[0102] FIG. 6 is an illustration of an electrochemical cell system 600, according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell system 600 includes electrochemical cell assemblies 610a, 610b, 610c, 610d, 610e (collectively referred to as electrochemical cell assemblies 610), cell level controllers 630a, 630b, 630c, 63 Od, 63 Oe (collectively referred to as33330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089cell level controllers 630), and a system controller 650. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assemblies 610, the cell level controllers 630, and the system controller 650 can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cell assemblies 110, the cell level controllers 130, and the system controller 150, as described above with reference to FIG.1. Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cell assemblies 610, the cell level controllers 630, and the system controller 650 are not described in greater detail herein.

[0103] In some embodiments, interlayers (not shown) of the electrochemical cell assemblies 610 can be electrically coupled to the system controller 650 via the cell level controllers 630. In some embodiments, the interlayers can be coupled to existing cell voltage inputs of the system controller 650. In some embodiments, the system controller 650 can include negative, positive, and interlayer terminals for connections to anodes, cathodes, and interlayers, respectively. In some embodiments, the interlayers of the electrochemical cell assemblies 610 can be connected to existing positive or negative terminals, such that custom terminal manufacturing on the system controller 650 is not necessary. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assemblies 610 can be coupled to the system controller 650 and / or the cell level controllers 630 in the same or a substantially similar manner to those described above with respect to FIG. 3.

[0104] As shown, the electrochemical cell system 600 includes 5 electrochemical cell assemblies 610. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 electrochemical cell assemblies 610. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include no more than about 1,000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, or no more than about 2 electrochemical cell assemblies 610. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers34330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089of electrochemical cell assemblies 610 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and no more than about 1,000 or at least about 10 and no more than about 100), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 electrochemical cell assemblies 610.

[0105] As shown, the electrochemical cell system 600 includes 5 cell level controllers 630. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, or at least about 900 cell level controllers 630. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include no more than about 1,000, no more than about 900, no more than about 800, no more than about 700, no more than about 600, no more than about 500, no more than about 400, no more than about 300, no more than about 200, no more than about 100, no more than about 90, no more than about 80, no more than about 70, no more than about 60, no more than about 50, no more than about 40, no more than about 30, no more than about 20, no more than about 10, no more than about 9, no more than about 8, no more than about 7, no more than about 6, no more than about 5, no more than about 4, no more than about 3, or no more than about 2 cell level controllers 630. Combinations of the above-referenced numbers of cell level controllers 630 are also possible (e.g., at least about 1 and no more than about 1,000 or at least about 10 and no more than about 100), inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween. In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell system 600 can include at least about 1, at least about 2, at least about 3, at least about 4, at least about 5, at least about 6, at least about 7, at least about 8, at least about 9, at least about 10, at least about 20, at least about 30, at least about 40, at least about 50, at least about 60, at least about 70, at least about 80, at least about 90, at least about 100, at least about 200, at least about 300, at least about 400, at least about 500, at least about 600, at least about 700, at least about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 cell level controllers 630.35330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0106] FIG. 7 is an illustration of an electrochemical cell system 700, according to an embodiment. As shown, the electrochemical cell system 700 includes electrochemical cell assemblies 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d, 710e (collectively referred to as electrochemical cell assemblies 710), cell level controllers 730a, 730b, 730c, 73 Od, 73 Oe (collectively referred to as cell level controllers 730), and a system controller 750. As shown, the system controller 750 includes memory components 752a, 752b, 752c, 752d, 752e (collectively referred to as memory components 752) and processors 754a, 754b, 754c, 754d, 754e (collectively referred to as processors 754). The electrochemical cell system 700 further includes temperature sensors 745a, 745b (collectively referred to as temperature sensors 745). In some embodiments, the electrochemical cell assemblies 710, the cell level controllers 730, the system controller 750, the memory components 752, and the processors 754 can be the same or substantially similar to the electrochemical cell assemblies 310, the cell level controllers 330, the system controller 350, the memory 352, and the processor 354, as described above with reference to FIG. 3. Thus, certain aspects of the electrochemical cell assemblies 710, the cell level controllers 730, the system controller 750, the memory components 752, and the processors 754 are not described in greater detail herein.|0107| As shown, the interlayers of the electrochemical cell assemblies 710 interface with the system controller 750 via the cell level controllers 730. As shown, the anodes and the cathodes of the electrochemical cell assemblies 710 interface directly with the system controller 750. In some embodiments, an integrated circuit in one or more of the cell level controllers 730 can operate in a voltage monitor mode, in which no automatic action is taken by the integrated circuit based on a cell voltage input. In standard integrated circuits, such an implementation would include the addition of interlayer and / or cathode voltage channels to read cell voltage. However, embodiments described herein include no such additional voltage channels, as the interlayer voltage can be monitored via existing voltage channels. In some embodiments, the cell level controllers 730 can include resistor pull-ups and / or resistor pulldowns. In some embodiments, cell balance circuits can be modified to allow a cell balance to function properly in existing integrated circuits.

[0108] In some embodiments, integrated circuits incorporated into the cell level controllers 730 can include a custom integrated circuit, into which the interlayer connections to the cell level controllers 730 and / or the system controller 750 have been implemented. In some embodiments, the reference for the interlayers in the integrated circuit can reference the voltage of the interlayer relative to the anode or to the cathode as a basic implementation. In some36330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089embodiments, the inputs for the integrated circuit can reference the interlayer to the UC ground / return / VSS / VDD, or any suitable reference, depending on the architecture of the IC. In some embodiments, current measurement inputs can be integrated into IC(s) of the cell level controllers 730. In some embodiments, current sense, switch / FET / contactor control, fault outputs, onboard diagnostic mechanisms, offboard processors, onboard processors, hardware, and / or firmware can be incorporated into the IC(s) of the cell level controllers. The interlayers of the electrochemical cell assemblies 710 can be used for monitoring and / or control of the system controller 750.

[0109] In use, the temperature sensors 745 monitor the temperature of the IC(s) of the cell level controllers 730. Temperature can be used as an additional input to software controlling the system controller 750. For example, the system controller 750 can implement a discharge or of charge movement in response to a temperature anomaly as sensed by the integrated circuits.

[0110] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a method 10 of operating an electrochemical cell assembly, according to an embodiment. The method 10 can be implemented in a system, in which an interlayer is used as a cell voltage input (e.g., for BMS measurement devices). As shown, the method 10 includes measuring a first voltage between an anode current collector and an interlayer via a first negative terminal and a first positive terminal at step 11, measuring a second voltage between a second negative terminal and the first positive terminal at step 12, and adding the first voltage to the second voltage to derive a sum voltage at step 13. The method 10 optionally includes measuring a third voltage between an anode current collector of a second electrochemical cell and an interlayer of a second electrochemical cell via second negative terminal and a second positive terminal at step 14. The method 10 optionally includes measuring a fourth voltage between the cathode current collector of the second electrochemical cell and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via a third negative terminal and the first positive terminal at step 15. At step 16, the method 10 includes making a system control action and / or sending a diagnostic code based on the value of the sum voltage.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method 10 can include sensing the voltage between the anode and the cathode directly via a first measurement channel and sensing the voltage between the cathode and the interlayer via a second measurement channel. In some embodiments, the method can include sensing the voltage between the anode and the cathode directly via a first measurement channel and sensing the voltage between the anode and the interlayer via a second measurement channel.37330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089

[0112] Step 11 includes measuring a first voltage between the anode current collector and the interlayer via the first negative terminal and the first positive terminal. In some embodiments, the anode current collector can be coupled to the first negative terminal. In some embodiments, the interlayer can be coupled to the first positive terminal. In some embodiments, the anode current collector and the interlayer can be parts of a first electrochemical cell, and the first electrochemical cell can be incorporated into an electrochemical cell assembly with multiple electrochemical cells.10113] Step 12 includes measuring the second voltage between the second negative terminal and the first positive terminal. In some embodiments, the second negative terminal can be coupled to a cathode current collector of the first electrochemical cell. Step 13 includes adding the first voltage to the second voltage to derive a sum voltage. In some embodiments, the method 10 can include detecting a dendrite (e.g., a dendrite that may grow in the anode and / or penetrate into a separator of the electrochemical cell to contact an interlayer therein, as described herein) based on the values of the first voltage and the second voltage. In some embodiments, the method 10 can include characterizing or determining one or more issues, problems, and / or abnormalities in the interlayer based on the values of the first voltage and the second voltage. In some embodiments, the method 10 can including adjusting the transfer of charge to mitigate issues detected in the interlayer based on the values of the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0114] Step 14 is optional and includes measuring the third voltage between the anode current collector of the second electrochemical cell and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the measurement can be via a second negative terminal coupled to the anode current collector of the second electrochemical cell and a second positive terminal coupled to the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell. Step 15 is optional and includes measuring the fourth voltage between the cathode current collector of the second electrochemical cell and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the cathode current collector of the second electrochemical cell can be connected to the third negative terminal and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell can be connected to the first positive terminal. Measuring additional voltages of an additional cell can allow for additional actions to be taken affecting the operation of the additional electrochemical cells.|0115| Step 16 includes making a system control action and / or sending a diagnostic code based on the sum voltage. In some embodiments, the system control action and / or the38330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089diagnostic code can be based on the sum voltage being less than or equal to a threshold voltage value. In some embodiments, the system control action can include transferring charge within the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell to maintain the sum voltage above the threshold value. In some embodiments, the system control action can include discharging the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell. In some embodiments, the diagnostic code can be sent to a user, such that the user can manually decide what action to take with regards to the first electrochemical cell and / or the second electrochemical cell.

[0116] In some embodiments, the method 10 can include performing the aforementioned actions across multiple electrochemical cells (e.g., about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 20, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, about 200, about 300, about 400, about 500, about 600, about 700, about 800, about 900, or about 1,000 electrochemical cells, inclusive of all values and ranges therebetween).

[0117] Various concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which at least one example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, embodiments may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative embodiments. Put differently, it is to be understood that such features may not necessarily be limited to a particular order of execution, but rather, any number of threads, processes, services, servers, and / or the like that may execute serially, asynchronously, concurrently, in parallel, simultaneously, synchronously, and / or the like in a manner consistent with the disclosure. As such, some of these features may be mutually contradictory, in that they cannot be simultaneously present in a single embodiment. Similarly, some features are applicable to one aspect of the innovations, and inapplicable to others.

[0118] In addition, the disclosure may include other innovations not presently described. Applicant reserves all rights in such innovations, including the right to embodiment such innovations, file additional applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, and / or the like thereof. As such, it should be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functional, features, logical, operational, organizational, structural, topological, and / or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the embodiments or limitations on equivalents to the embodiments. Depending on39330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089the particular desires and / or characteristics of an individual and / or enterprise user, database configuration and / or relational model, data type, data transmission and / or network framework, syntax structure, and / or the like, various embodiments of the technology disclosed herein may be implemented in a manner that enables a great deal of flexibility and customization as described herein.

[0119] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.101201 As used herein, in particular embodiments, the terms “about” or “approximately” when preceding a numerical value indicates the value plus or minus a range of 10%. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limit of that range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the disclosure. That the upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges can independently be included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the disclosure, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the disclosure.|O121| The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0122] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the40330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the embodiments, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e., “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the embodiments, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0123] As used herein in the specification and in the embodiments, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0124] In the embodiments, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.|0125| While specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been outlined above, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the embodiments set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.41330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089Where methods and steps described above indicate certain events occurring in a certain order, those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure would recognize that the ordering of certain steps may be modified and such modification are in accordance with the variations of the invention. Additionally, certain of the steps may be performed concurrently in a parallel process when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above. The embodiments have been particularly shown and described, but it will be understood that various changes in form and details may be made.330305908

Claims

1. Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-3089CLAIMS1. A method of monitoring an electrochemical cell system, the electrochemical cell system including a system controller comprising a plurality of positive terminals and negative terminals and an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell including an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator, the method comprising:measuring a first voltage between the anode and the interlayer by connecting the anode current collector to a first negative terminal of the plurality of positive terminals and the interlayer to a first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals;measuring a second voltage between the cathode and the interlayer via connecting the cathode current collector to a second negative terminal from the plurality of negative terminals and connecting the interlayer to the first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals;calculating a sum of the first voltage and the second voltage, resulting in a sum voltage; andbased on a value of the sum voltage, making a system control action or sending a diagnostic code.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the electrochemical cell system further includes a second electrochemical cell, the second electrochemical cell including an anode disposed on an anode current collector, a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, a first separator disposed on the anode, a second separator disposed on the cathode, and an interlayer disposed between the first separator and the second separator.

3. The method of claim 2, further comprising:selectively measuring a third voltage between the anode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via the second negative terminal and a second positive terminal;selectively measuring a fourth voltage between the cathode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via a third negative terminal and the first positive terminal; and determining a sum voltage of the second electrochemical cell based on the third voltage and the fourth voltage.43330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-30894. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:maintaining the sum voltage above a threshold value via a circuit.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the circuit includes a resistor pullup to the cathode.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein changing a rate of charge transfer between the anode and the cathode includes discontinuing energy transfer between the anode and the cathode.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein making the system control action includes stepping down a voltage between the anode and the cathode via a DC-DC regulator.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:detecting a dendrite based on the values of the first voltage and the second voltage.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising:characterizing an issue in the interlayer based on the values of the first voltage and the second voltage.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising:adjusting transfer of charge in the electrochemical cell system to mitigate the issue.

11. An electrochemical cell assembly, comprising:an electrochemical cell, including:an anode disposed on an anode current collector;a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector; anda separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers; and a cell level controller electrically coupled to the anode, the cathode, and the interlayer, the cell level controller including a circuitry configured to:monitor an electrical parameter between at least one of the cathode and the interlayer, or the anode and the interlayer, andin response to the electrical parameter being outside of a threshold value, alter an operation of the electrochemical cell.44330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-308912. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 11, wherein altering the operation includes discharging the electrochemical cell.

13. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 12, wherein:the circuitry is a first circuitry, andthe cell level controller further includes a second circuitry configured to be coupled to an external load.

14. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 13, wherein the second circuitry is further configured to:monitor a value of an electrical energy being communicated to the electrochemical cell via the cell level controller; andadjust the value of the communicated electrical energy based on a threshold input electrical energy value.

15. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 14, wherein the second circuitry is further configured to:discontinue communication of the electrical energy to the electrochemical cell in response to the value of the electrical energy exceeding the threshold input electrical energy value.

16. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 14, wherein:the electrical energy includes a voltage, andthe second circuitry includes a DC-DC linear regulator for voltage conversion.

17. The electrochemical cell assembly of any one of claims 13-16, wherein the second circuitry is configured to be electrically coupled to a battery management system.

18. The electrochemical cell assembly of any one of claims 13-17, further comprising: a third circuitry configured to electrically interface the first circuitry to the second circuitry.

19. The electrochemical cell assembly of claim 18, wherein the third circuitry includes at least one current amplifier.45330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-308920. The electrochemical cell assembly of any one of claims 11-19, further comprising a cell packaging, wherein the electrochemical cell and the cell level controller are disposed in the cell packaging.

21. A system, comprising:a first electrochemical cell and a second electrochemical cell, each of the first and second electrochemical cells, including:an anode disposed on an anode current collector,a cathode disposed on a cathode current collector, anda separator assembly including an interlayer between two separator layers; and a system controller, including:a plurality of positive terminals and negative terminals,the anode of the first electrochemical cell coupled to a first negative terminal of the plurality of negative terminals,the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell coupled to a first positive terminal of the plurality of positive terminals, andthe cathode of the first electrochemical cell and the anode of the second electrochemical cell coupled in series to a second negative terminal of the system controller.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein:the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell is coupled to a second positive terminal; andthe cathode of the second electrochemical cell is coupled to a third negative terminal of the system controller.

23. The system of claim 22, further configured to:selectively measure a first voltage between the anode and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell via the first negative terminal and the first positive terminal;selectively measure a second voltage between the cathode and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell via the second negative terminal and the first positive terminal; and determine a cell voltage of the first electrochemical cell based on the first voltage and the second voltage.46330305908Agent’s File Ref. 24MT-208 / 01WO 314552-308924. The system of claim 23, further configured to:selectively measure a third voltage between the anode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via the second negative terminal and the second positive terminal;selectively measure a fourth voltage between the cathode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell via the third negative terminal and the first positive terminal; and determine a cell voltage of the second electrochemical cell based on the third voltage and the fourth voltage.

25. The system of any one claims 21-24, further comprising:a first cell level controller electrically coupled to the anode, the cathode, and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell and configured to electrically couple the first electrochemical cell to the system controller, the cell level controller including a circuitry configured to:monitor a first electrical parameter between at least one of the cathode and the interlayer, or the anode and the interlayer of the first electrochemical cell, andin response to the first electrical parameter being outside of a threshold, alter an operation of the first electrochemical cell.

26. The system of claim 25, further comprising:a second cell level controller electrically coupled to the anode, the cathode, and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell and configured to electrically couple the second electrochemical cell to the system controller, the cell level controller including a circuitry configured to:monitor a second electrical parameter between at least one of the cathode and the interlayer, or the anode and the interlayer of the second electrochemical cell, andin response to the second electrical parameter being outside of a threshold, alter the operation of the second electrochemical cell.

27. The system of any one of claims 21-26, wherein the system controller includes a switching device, the switching device located inside the first electrochemical cell.47330305908

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