LI-ION BATTERY MONITOR

摘要

A Li-Ion monitor includes a combustible vapor sensor positioned in air flow communication with the exterior of a hermetically sealed Li-Ion battery cell to detect combustible vapor escaping therefrom. Detection of the vapor indicates that an overheat or fire situation may be impending. Where the Li-Ion battery cell is immersed in liquid, the combustible vapor sensor is in air flow communication with a surface of the liquid. Alternatively, or additionally, an electrolyte sensor can be immersed in or otherwise in fluid flow communication with the liquid to detect electrolyte escaping from the cell which electrolyte would, if exposed to air, become a combustible vapor.

主权项

1. A method of monitoring a hermetically sealed battery cell having an exterior and an interior, the interior normally being sealed off from the exterior and containing a chemistry which, in operation, can generate combustible vapors if exposed to air should any of the chemistry exit to the exterior of the cell, the method comprising positioning a combustible vapor sensor outside of the cell in air flow communication with the exterior of the cell so as to sense combustible vapors escaping from the cell in operation thereof.