Abstract: Battery packs for aircraft are provided, as are aircraft comprising such battery packs. One such battery pack comprises: a housing enclosing a plurality of battery cells; and an air channel. The air channel is connectable to an aircraft air inlet and an aircraft air outlet whereby, during flight of the aircraft, air enters the aircraft through the air inlet, passes through the battery pack air channel and exits the aircraft through the air outlet. At least a portion of a surface of the air channel is in thermal contact with the battery cells, whereby air flowing through the air channel exchanges heat with the battery cells through the surface of the air channel without entering the housing and contacting the battery cells.

Abstract: Methods for thermally regulating batteries of aircraft are provided. The aircraft comprises: an air inlet; an air outlet; a battery pack comprising battery cells; and an air channel in fluid communication with the air inlet and the air outlet, a surface of the air channel being in thermal communication with the battery cells whereby air flowing through the air channel exchanges heat with the battery cells through the surface of the air channel. The methods comprise: connecting an external supply of air to the air inlet of the aircraft; and delivering a flow of air through the air channel using the external supply of air. A kit comprising the aircraft and the external supply of air is also provided.

Abstract: An aircraft including a battery pack having a plurality of battery cells arranged to vent into a venting region of the battery pack. A path is defined between the venting region and an exterior of the aircraft, whereby thermal products vented by the cells can exit the aircraft via the path. In some embodiments, the venting region is or is in fluid communication with an air channel through which air flows from an aircraft air inlet to an aircraft air outlet. In other embodiments, the path joins the venting region and an opening in an external surface of the aircraft.

Abstract: Aircraft with battery thermal regulation systems, including: an aircraft air inlet and an aircraft air outlet; a battery pack including battery cells; and a battery thermal regulation system including a first air channel, a surface of which is in thermal communication with the battery cells so that air flowing through the first air channel exchanges heat with the cells through the surface; and an airflow device for driving an airflow. The battery thermal regulation system has a first and a second mode operation. In the first mode, the first air channel is fluidly connected with the aircraft air inlet and the aircraft air outlet whereby, during flight of the aircraft, air can enter the aircraft through the air inlet, flow through the first air channel and exit the aircraft through the air outlet. In the second mode, the airflow device drives an airflow through the first air channel.