Method of Withdrawing Heat from a Battery Pack
Granted: June 21, 2012
Application Number:
20120153901
A method for withdrawing heat from a battery pack is provided, wherein the heat is transferred from at least one electrode of each cell comprising the battery pack, via an electrically and thermally conductive tab, through a current collector plate and through a thermal interface layer to a temperature control panel that is coupled to an external temperature control system.
FILL PORT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY ENCLOSURE
Granted: May 10, 2012
Application Number:
20120111444
An apparatus and method providing for coolant agent ingress of a high energy density battery enclosure during an internal thermal event. A solution includes a specialized battery enclosure and, in some embodiments, an associated vehicle structure providing a normally closed, pressure activated fill port. Preferably the fill port is positioned so an operator of the fill port is clear from any hot gases exiting from the enclosure.
PERFORATION APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY ENCLOSURE
Granted: May 10, 2012
Application Number:
20120111445
A perforation tool for a battery enclosure system of a vehicle battery pack, comprising: an engaging tip configured to mechanically breach a thermal-control-agent-retaining enclosure of a traction battery pack including a plurality of interconnected batteries with the enclosure reinforced for mechanical protection of the batteries when installed in an electric vehicle; a port for receiving a thermal-control agent having a pressure in a range of about 5-100 psi; and a housing, coupled to…
Battery Pack Overcharge Protection System
Granted: May 3, 2012
Application Number:
20120105015
An overcharge protection device (OPD) is provided that may be used alone, or in combination with conventional charging protection systems, to protect a battery pack from the occurrence of a potentially damaging overcharging event. The OPD is designed to be coupled to, and interposed between, the terminals of the battery pack. During normal system operation, the OPD has no effect on the operation of the charging system or the battery pack. During an overcharging event, if overcharging is…
EFFICIENT LEAD ACID BATTERY CHARGING
Granted: April 26, 2012
Application Number:
20120098501
An apparatus and method for improving use efficiencies of lead-acid batteries, and more particularly to 12V external lead-acid batteries used in vehicles of all types, load-leveling installations, and backup power applications. A method includes the steps of: a) determining a state of charge (SOC) for a lead-acid battery; b) comparing the SOC against a predetermined charge zone, the charge zone having an upper bound no more than about 90% maximum charge and more preferably no more than…
AC CURRENT CONTROL OF MOBILE BATTERY CHARGERS
Granted: April 19, 2012
Application Number:
20120091953
A charging system and method that improves utilization of available AC power during onboard charging of energy storage systems of electric vehicles. An onboard charging method for an energy storage system of an electric vehicle, the method using an AC power source, includes a) establishing a maximum DC charging current for the energy storage system responsive to a control signal indicating real-time available current/power from the AC source; and b) controlling a charging system to…
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR EXTENDING LIFETIME FOR RECHARGEABLE STATIONARY ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES
Granted: February 23, 2012
Application Number:
20120046795
A flexible management system and method for efficiently operating energy storage devices to extend the lifetime and decrease costs includes (a) determining an active energy consumption period for the energy storage device; (b) determining an inactive energy consumption period for the energy storage device; (c) operating the energy storage device in a usage mode during the active energy consumption period; and (d) operating the energy storage device in a storage mode during the inactive…
Method for Optimizing Battery Pack Temperature
Granted: February 23, 2012
Application Number:
20120046815
A method for limiting the adverse effects of temperature on the electrical energy storage system (ESS) of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off is provided. In general, whether or not coolant is circulated through a coolant loop coupled to the ESS depends on the difference between the ambient temperature and a preset temperature, the preset temperature typically corresponding to the temperature of the ESS.
Efficient Dual Source Battery Pack System for an Electric Vehicle
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041627
A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery…
Efficient Dual Source Battery Pack System for an Electric Vehicle
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041626
A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery…
Efficient Dual Source Battery Pack System for an Electric Vehicle
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041625
A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery…
Electric Vehicle Extended Range Hybrid Battery Pack System
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041624
A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second…
Charge Rate Modulation of Metal-Air Cells as a Function of Ambient Oxygen Concentration
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041623
A system and method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
Charge Rate Modulation of Metal-Air Cells as a Function of Ambient Oxygen Concentration
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120041622
A system and method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
Hazard Mitigation Through Gas Flow Communication Between Battery Packs
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120040255
A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a non-metal-air battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the event is directed into the metal-air cells of a metal-air battery pack. The metal-air cells provide a large thermal mass for absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers, bystanders, first…
Collection, Storage and Use of Metal-Air Battery Pack Effluent
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120040253
A system and method for collecting, storing and using the oxygen-rich effluent generated when charging a metal-air battery pack is provided.
Hazard Mitigation Within a Battery Pack Using Metal-Air Cells
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120040212
A system and method for mitigating the effects of a thermal event within a battery pack is provided in which the hot gas and material generated during the thermal runaway of at least one non-metal-air cell of a plurality of non-metal-air cells is directed through one or more metal-air cells, the metal-air cells absorbing at least a portion of the thermal energy generated during the event before it is released to the ambient environment. As a result, the risks to vehicle passengers,…
Thermal Energy Transfer System for a Power Source Utilizing Both Metal-Air and Non-Metal-Air Battery Packs
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120040210
A power source comprised of a metal-air battery pack and a non-metal-air battery pack is provided, wherein thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack is used to heat the non-metal-air battery pack. In one aspect, a thermal energy transfer system is provided that controls the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack. In another aspect, the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack is…
Electric Vehicle Extended Range Hybrid Battery Pack System
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120038314
A power source comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack) is provided, wherein the second battery pack is only used as required by the state-of-charge (SOC) of the first battery pack or as a result of the user selecting an extended range mode of operation. Minimizing use of the second battery pack prevents it from undergoing unnecessary, and potentially lifetime limiting, charge cycles. The second…
SELECTIVE CURE OF ADHESIVE IN MODULAR ASSEMBLIES
Granted: February 16, 2012
Application Number:
20120037310
The system includes a module fixture supporting a plurality of elements, the module fixture defining a plurality of bonding wells with each bonding well accepting a first portion of one or more of the elements with the module fixture including one or more apertures communicated with one or more of the bonding wells with the bonding wells having a nominal depth; and a dispensing system, coupled to the module fixture, for dispensing a high-wettability adhesive into each the bonding well…
