US 12,306,047 B2
System and method for monitoring a multi-cell rechargeable energy storage device
Ryan P. Hickey, Austin, TX (US); Kristopher A. Thor, Novi, MI (US); and David R. Clark, Grosse Pointe Woods, MI (US)
Assigned to GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Mar. 17, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/697,029.
Prior Publication US 2023/0296448 A1, Sep. 21, 2023
Int. Cl. G01K 11/00 (2006.01); B60L 58/10 (2019.01); G01K 3/00 (2006.01); G01K 11/22 (2006.01); G01R 27/16 (2006.01)
CPC G01K 11/22 (2013.01) [B60L 58/10 (2019.02); G01K 3/005 (2013.01); G01R 27/16 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A monitoring system for a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) including a plurality of battery cells, the monitoring system comprising:
a heat transfer plate thermally coupled to the plurality of battery cells;
a sensor arranged to monitor the heat transfer plate, wherein the sensor arranged to monitor the heat transfer plate comprises an ultrasonic sensor; and wherein the ultrasonic sensor is arranged to monitor a wave attenuation in the heat transfer plate, wherein the wave attenuation correlates to a temperature in the heat transfer plate;
a controller, in communication with the sensor; and
the controller including an instruction set, the instruction set being executable to:
monitor, via the sensor, a parameter of the heat transfer plate,
detect a thermal runaway event when the parameter of the heat transfer plate exceeds a threshold, and
communicate the thermal runaway event to a battery controller.