Battery modules having an integrated battery management system with swelling/pressure detectors, and applications thereof
Provided is a battery module and battery rack having enhanced fire safety features. The battery module includes a swelling/pressure sensor that detects swelling of a battery cell. An output signal of the sensor is used to halt operation of a battery rack/battery system containing the battery module and prevent charging and discharging of the battery module. In an embodiment, the battery module uses an AC-to-AC power supply to provide AC frequency power for balancing battery cells of the battery module. In an embodiment, the battery rack includes an internal water fire suppression system that provides battery cooling in the event of a battery cell fire to prevent the spread and/or reigniting of the fire.
1 . A battery module, comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a pressure assembly, in contact with at least one of the plurality of battery cells, comprising:
a first plate and a second plate, at least one of the first plate and the second plate being configured to move due to swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and
a plurality of springs, in contact with the first plate and the second plate, configured to apply a force to the first plate and the second plate; and
a sensor configured to detect the swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells.
2 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises a first flexible section having one of a circular shape and an oval shape, and
wherein a first strain gauge is attached to the first flexible section.
3 . The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the first flexible section comprises plastic.
4 . The battery module of claim 2 , wherein the sensor comprises a second flexible section,
wherein a second strain gauge is attached to the second flexible section, and
wherein the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge are electrically connected in series.
5 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of springs comprise one of die springs and leaf springs.
6 . The battery module of claim 5 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one leaf spring having a strain gauge attached to a surface of the leaf spring.
7 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is coupled to the first plate of the pressure assembly.
8 . The battery module of claim 1 , further comprising:
a battery management circuit board, coupled to the sensor, configured to receive an output from the sensor in response to the swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells.
9 . The battery module of claim 8 , wherein the battery management circuit board is configured to generate a digital value for the output from the sensor.
10 . The battery module of claim 1 , wherein the pressure assembly further comprises a plate inhibitor configured to inhibit movement of a bottom portion of the first plate or the second plate while permitting movement of a top portion of the first plate or the second plate.
11 . A battery module, comprising:
a plurality of battery cells;
a pressure assembly in contact with at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the pressure assembly comprising:
a first plate and a second plate, at least one of the first plate and the second plate comprising a first surface in contact with at least one of the plurality of battery cells, the first surface being configured to move due to swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells; and
a plurality of springs, in contact with the first plate and the second plate, configured to apply a force to the first plate and the second plate; and
a sensor configured to detect the swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells.
12 . The battery module of claim 11 , wherein the sensor is further configured to detect movement of the first surface due to the swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells.
13 . The battery module of claim 11 , wherein the sensor comprises a first flexible section having one of a circular shape and an oval shape, and
wherein a first strain gauge is attached to the first flexible section.
14 . The battery module of claim 13 , wherein the first flexible section comprises plastic.
15 . The battery module of claim 13 , wherein the sensor further comprises a second flexible section,
wherein a second strain gauge is attached to the second flexible section, and
wherein the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge are electrically connected in series.
16 . The battery module of claim 11 , wherein a movement of the first surface applies a force to a spring from among the plurality of springs.
17 . The battery module of claim 16 , wherein the spring comprises one of a die spring and a leaf spring.
18 . The battery module of claim 17 , wherein the sensor comprises another leaf spring.
19 . The battery module of claim 11 , further comprising:
a battery management circuit board, coupled to the sensor, configured to receive an output from the sensor in response to the swelling of the at least one of the plurality of battery cells.
20 . The battery module of claim 19 , wherein the battery management circuit board is further configured to generate a digital value for the output from the sensor.