Abstract: A battery module includes a housing. The battery module also includes a cell stack disposed in the housing and including a battery cell. The battery module also includes a force gauge in mechanical communication with the cell stack and configured to measure a force generated by a swelling of the cell stack. The battery module also includes a control module configured to receive data indicative of the force and to estimate a remaining usable life of the battery module based on the data.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal.

Abstract: A battery module includes a hermetically sealed battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly includes a housing and an electrochemical cell disposed in the housing, wherein the housing includes a fill hole configured to receive electrolyte into the battery cell assembly. The battery cell assembly also includes a seal disposed over the fill hole and ultrasonically welded to an annular portion of the housing around the fill hole.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided including, but not limited to, a can, an output terminal for outputting current generated within the can, an electrode assembly connected with the output terminal and which comprises a positive electrode and a negative electrode, electrolyte within the can, and a safety device provided within the can. The safety device is configured to interrupt or reduce electric current passing from the electrode assembly to the output terminal when temperature inside the can exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell is provided. The electrochemical cell includes, but is not limited to, a can, a cell element within the can, electrolyte within the can, and a first suppressant container including suppressant and disposed within a void defined within the can. The suppressant is separated from the electrolyte by the first suppressant container.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of electrochemical cells provided side-by-side one another and a thermal management feature extending substantially the length of the battery module. The thermal management feature is coupled to a first side of each of the electrochemical cells and includes a passage though which a thermal management fluid may pass and a heat sink provided within the passage to transfer heat between the electrochemical cells and the thermal management fluid.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell includes a housing and a lid coupled to the housing. The electrochemical cell also includes a first member conductively coupled to the housing and configured to act as a first terminal for the electrochemical cell. The electrochemical cell further includes a second member electrically insulated from the lid and configured to act as a second terminal for the electrochemical cell. A first portion of the second member extends through the lid and a second portion of the second member extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the first portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing properties of a workpiece and embedding a photonic sensor in metal are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, systems for sensing properties of a workpiece include an optical input, a photonic device, an optical detector, and a digital processing device. The optical input provides an optical signal at an output of the optical input. The photonic device is coupled to the workpiece and to the output of the optical input. The photonic device generates an output signal in response to the optical signal, wherein at least one of an intensity of the output signal and a wavelength of the output signal depends on at least one of thermal characteristics and mechanical characteristics of the workpiece. The optical detector receives the output signal from the photonic device and is configured to generate a corresponding electronic signal.