Abstract: A system for sequentially interconnecting battery modules of a battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack may comprise first, second and third battery modules. Each of the first, second and third battery modules includes a first power output terminal and a second power output terminal. Each of the first power output terminals is of a first polarity and the each of the second power output terminals is of a second, opposite polarity. The system comprises a control module for providing a control signal to sequentially interconnect the battery modules, a first interconnect controller electrically disposed between the first and second battery modules, and a second interconnect controller electrically disposed between the second and third battery modules. Each of the first and second interconnect controllers includes a contactor comprising a main contact, an auxiliary contact and an actuating coil for closing the respective main contact and auxiliary contact.

Abstract: A system for sequentially interconnecting battery modules of a battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack may comprise first, second and third battery modules. Each of the first, second and third battery modules includes a first power output terminal and a second power output terminal. Each of the first power output terminals is of a first polarity and the each of the second power output terminals is of a second, opposite polarity. The system comprises a control module for providing a control signal to sequentially interconnect the battery modules, a first interconnect controller electrically disposed between the first and second battery modules, and a second interconnect controller electrically disposed between the second and third battery modules. Each of the first and second interconnect controllers includes a contactor comprising a main contact, an auxiliary contact and an actuating coil for closing the respective main contact and auxiliary contact.

Abstract: For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.

Abstract: For a lithium-ion battery pack adapted to provide electrical power to a load via a conductor, a current shunt adapted to be disposed in series with the conductor is disclosed. The current shunt comprises one or more stacked leaves of an electrically conductive material such as nickel.

Abstract: For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.

Abstract: For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.

Abstract: For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for sequentially interconnecting battery modules of a battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack may comprise first, second and third battery modules. Each of the first, second and third battery modules includes a first power output terminal and a second power output terminal. Each of the first power output terminals is of a first polarity and the each of the second power output terminals is of a second, opposite polarity. The system comprises a control module for providing a control signal to sequentially interconnect the battery modules, a first interconnect controller electrically disposed between the first and second battery modules, and a second interconnect controller electrically disposed between the second and third battery modules. Each of the first and second interconnect controllers includes a contactor comprising a main contact, an auxiliary contact and an actuating coil for closing the respective main contact and auxiliary contact.

Abstract: For a battery system including a battery pack and a battery management system, the battery system having output battery terminals, a method and apparatus for preventing inadvertent connection and disconnection the output battery terminals from the battery pack is disclosed.

Abstract: A battery system with short circuit protection is disclosed. The battery system comprises a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal, and a battery pack coupled to the output terminals. The battery pack provides a substantially constant output voltage across the output terminals as the battery pack is substantially discharged. The battery system further comprises a battery management system and a voltage sensor coupled to the battery management system for providing a voltage signal to the battery management system representative of the output voltage across the positive output terminal and the negative output terminal. The battery system further comprises a switching device operatively coupled to the battery management system. The battery management system monitors the sensor signal and opens the switching device when the sensed voltage drops below a threshold voltage, disconnecting the battery pack from the output terminals.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a housing, one or more battery cells disposed within the housing, a power interface including one or more connectors, the one or more connectors configured to engage with an interface of an external device to at least one of charge the one or more battery cells and provide power from the one or more battery cells to the external device, and switching circuit. The switching circuit includes a limited flow circuit and a bypass circuit arranged in parallel between, and at least selectively electrically coupling, the one or more battery cells and the power interface. The limited flow circuit includes a resistor configured to at least selectively limit a current flow between the one or more battery cells and the power interface. The bypass circuit includes a switch configured to selectively place the one or more battery cells in direct electrical communication with the power interface.

Abstract: For a lithium-ion battery pack adapted to provide electrical power to a load via a conductor, a current shunt adapted to be disposed in series with the conductor is disclosed. The current shunt comprises one or more stacked leaves of an electrically conductive material such as nickel.