Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of a system of battery strings is described. The system includes a current sensor for each of the battery strings, and a controller configured to compare the measured current with criteria to determine whether the battery is in a thermal runaway state. Prior to entering the thermal runaway state the battery current characteristics may indicate other less serious states. Warning messages are provided for selected events, and the battery string is disconnected from the remainder of the system when a thermal runaway state is encountered. The system may provide a local indication of status and may also interface with a communications network to provide for remote monitoring.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of mounting storage batteries are presented in which batteries in multiple tiers may be easily accessed for installation and servicing. A battery cabinet or relay rack has provision for multiple tiers of batteries spaced so that batteries may be inserted in each tier. The batteries are supported by a tray or other structure so that they are positioned to permit top access to the battery terminals mounted on the front or front to surfaces of the battery. Tiers are positioned further from the front of the relay rack as the height of the tier increases.

Abstract: A DC power supply system in which the resistance of a battery is measured. The voltage of the DC power supply is reduced such that the battery supplies some current to the load, and the voltage and current are measured. The voltage of the DC power supply is further reduced such that the battery supplies increased power to the load, and the voltage and current are measured. A resistance value is computed, and may be compared with various pre-established criteria. The battery resistance may also be measured by comparing the charging time of a known resistive-capacitive circuit with the charging time established at a prior measurement epoch.