US 11,784,359 B2
Thermal runaway detection methods and warning systems
Yue-Yun Wang, Troy, MI (US); Jian Gao, Auburn Hills, MI (US); Jeremie Dernotte, Shelby Township, MI (US); and Scott E. Parrish, Farmington Hills, MI (US)
Assigned to GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed by GM Global Technology Operations LLC, Detroit, MI (US)
Filed on Aug. 3, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/392,609.
Prior Publication US 2023/0040212 A1, Feb. 9, 2023
Int. Cl. H01M 10/48 (2006.01); H01M 10/42 (2006.01); B60L 58/26 (2019.01)
CPC H01M 10/482 (2013.01) [B60L 58/26 (2019.02); H01M 10/425 (2013.01); H01M 10/486 (2013.01); H01M 2010/4278 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
17. A system for detecting thermal runaway of a cell, comprising:
a controller having at least one computer, with the at least one computer individually having:
at least one processor; and
at least one memory storing instructions, such that the at least one processor is programmed to:
confirm an automobile vehicle stop;
measure a cell voltage of multiple cells of a battery pack of the automobile vehicle at a predetermined sample rate;
identify a cell short by a cell voltage decrease and a start of cell voltage modulation;
identify if a power spectrum exceeds a predetermined threshold following initiation of the cell short;
indicate, a battery cell thermal runaway event in response to a cell threshold temperature being reached;
initiate an alarm after the threshold temperature is reached;
calculating a derivative of the cell voltage of individual ones of the multiple cells calculated with respect to time;
calculating a fast fourier transform power spectrum calculated applying the derivative of the cell voltage of the multiple cells with respect to time;
calculating a released energy calculated by applying the power spectrum; and
initiating the alarm when the power spectrum exceeds a predetermined threshold following initiation of the cell short; and
initiate an action following the initiation of the alarm including at least one of:
release a battery pack pressure;
communicate a warning via a smart phone to a vehicle operator; and
contact an emergency service.