Abstract: This patent application is directed to thermal management systems of vehicles with an electric powertrain. More specifically, the battery system and one or more powertrain components and/or cabin climate control components of a vehicle share the same thermal circuit as the battery module through which heat can be exchanged between the battery module and one or more powertrain or climate control components as needed.

Abstract: A battery pack includes an enclosure containing a plurality of battery modules. A cooling system disposed among and electrically isolated from the plurality of battery modules uses a coolant solution that is a first mixture of a first liquid and a second liquid in a predetermined ratio to produce a first boiling point. Boiling of the coolant solution changes the predetermined ratio to produce a second boiling point that is higher than the first boiling point and that is sufficient to induce a thermal runaway condition for the plurality of battery module. A sensor monitors at least one operational characteristic of the plurality of battery modules and a controller determines a possible high voltage electrolysis within the enclosure based upon the at least one operational characteristic. A remediation system is responsive to the possible high voltage electrolysis to decrease risks associated with the possible high voltage electrolysis when operated.

Abstract: Solid state energy storage systems and devices are provided. A solid state energy storage devices can include an active layer disposed between conductive electrodes, the active layer having one or more quantum confinement species (QCS), such as quantum dots, quantum particles, quantum wells, nanoparticles, nanostructures, nanowires and nanofibers. The solid state energy storage device can have a charge rate of at least about 500 V/s and an energy storage density of at least about 150 Whr/kg.

Abstract: An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the individual battery cells and modules. A microprocessor-implemented response system for high voltage electrolysis in a battery pack an evaluator to monitor, using the microprocessor, a high voltage electrolysis flag indicative of a possible high voltage electrolysis within an enclosure including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack and a coolant distribution system disposed among and electrically isolated from the plurality of battery modules; and a remediation system, coupled to the enclosure and responsive to the possible high voltage electrolysis when the evaluator detects a likelihood of the possible high voltage electrolysis, to decrease risks associated with the possible high voltage electrolysis when operated.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrochemical devices and materials thereof. More specifically, embodiments set forth herein provide a low-porosity electrode that includes large particles and small particles. The large particles include electrochemically active material. The small particles include ion conductive electrolyte materials. In some examples, the large particles and small particles are characterized by a dispersity of no higher than 0.5. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: Provided herein are energy storage device cathodes with high capacity electrochemically active material including compounds that include iron, fluorine, sulfur, and optionally oxygen. Batteries with active materials including a compound of the formula FeFaSbOc exhibit high capacity, high specific energy, high average discharge voltage, and low hysteresis, even when discharged at high rates. Iron, fluorine, and sulfur-containing compounds may be ionically and electronically conductive.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to battery systems. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure provide a nanostructured conversion material for use as the active material in battery cathodes. In an implementation, a nanostructured conversion material is a glassy material and includes a metal material, one or more oxidizing species, and a reducing cation species mixed at a scale of less than 1 nm. The glassy conversion material is substantially homogeneous within a volume of 1000 nm3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to battery systems. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a battery system having a first battery group and a second battery group. The first battery group and the second battery group can share a single housing, or be positioned within separate housings. The first battery group and the second battery group can each have a plurality of cells configured in parallel, and the two groups can be electrically integrated. When operating at a low temperature, the first battery group is configured to provide electrical energy to a heating module that selectively heats up one or more segments of the second battery group. In addition, the first battery group also provides energy for initial operation of an electric vehicle or equipment. Once the selected segments of the battery group are heated up to an operating temperature, the selected segments supply electrical power to the vehicle or equipment and charge the first battery group.

Abstract: 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 responders and property are limited.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to battery systems. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure provide a nanostructured conversion material for use as the active material in battery cathodes. In an implementation, a nanostructured conversion material is a glassy material and includes a metal material, one or more oxidizing species, and a reducing cation species mixed at a scale of less than 1 nm. The glassy conversion material is substantially homogeneous within a volume of 1000 nm3.

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to battery systems. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a battery system having a first battery group and a second battery group. The first battery group and the second battery group can share a single housing, or be positioned within separate housings. The first battery group and the second battery group can each have a plurality of cells configured in parallel, and the two groups can be electrically integrated. When operating at a low temperature, the first battery group is configured to provide electrical energy to a heating module that selectively heats up one or more segments of the second battery group. In addition, the first battery group also provides energy for initial operation of an electric vehicle or equipment. Once the selected segments of the battery group are heated up to an operating temperature, the selected segments supply electrical power to the vehicle or equipment and charge the first battery group.

Abstract: 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 responders and property are limited.

Abstract: This patent application is directed to thermal management systems of vehicles with an electric powertrain. More specifically, the battery system and one or more powertrain components and/or cabin climate control components of a vehicle share the same thermal circuit as the battery module through which heat can be exchanged between the battery module and one or more powertrain or climate control components as needed.

Abstract: Provided are battery packs and interface modules for electrically interconnecting electrochemical cells in the packs and for providing heat distribution with the packs. An interface module interfaces one side of all electrochemical cells in a battery pack. The interface module may have a substantially planar shape such that the space occupied by the module in the battery pack is minimal. Most, if not all, conductive components of the interface module may be formed from the same sheet of metal. In some embodiments, the interface module includes multiple bus bars such that each bus bar interconnects two or more terminals of different electrochemical cells in the battery pack. Each bus bar may have a separate voltage sense lead extending from the bus bar to a connecting portion. The bus bars may be flexibly supported within the module. The interface module may also include multiple thermistors disposed on different bus bars.

Abstract: Described in this patent application are devices for energy storage and methods of making and using such devices. In various embodiments, blocking layers are provided between dielectric material and the electrodes of an energy storage device. The block layers are characterized by higher dielectric constant than the dielectric material. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to battery systems. More specifically, embodiments of the disclosure provide a nanostructured conversion material for use as the active material in battery cathodes. In an implementation, a nanostructured conversion material is a glassy material and includes a metal material, one or more oxidizing species, and a reducing cation species mixed at a scale of less than 1 nm. The glassy conversion material is substantially homogeneous within a volume of 1000 nm3.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to electrochemical devices and materials thereof. More specifically, embodiments set forth herein provide a low-porosity electrode that includes large particles and small particles. The large particles include electrochemically active material. The small particles include ion conductive electrolyte materials. In some examples, the large particles and small particles are characterized by a dispersity of no higher than 0.5. There are other embodiments as well.

Abstract: A 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.

Abstract: The disclosure set forth herein is directed to battery devices and methods therefor. More specifically, embodiments of the instant disclosure provide a battery electrode that comprises both intercalation chemistry material and conversion chemistry material, which can be used in automotive applications. There are other embodiments as well.