Abstract: Systems and methods of handling batteries are provided. In particular, a method for loading battery assemblies within a storage rack using a battery magazine system can be provided. The method can include loading battery assemblies within a battery magazine. The battery magazine can include a first and second sidewall and a traverse wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The battery magazine can be installed onto a base member using engagement features located on the battery magazine and a corresponding engagement feature located on the base member. Battery magazines can be stacked on top of each other to form battery magazine stacks to be loaded into a rack using a server lift. Each battery magazine can include a battery assembly configured to be received between the first and second sidewalls of the battery magazine. The battery assembly can further include at least one battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a heat flux assembly for an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a housing with a plurality of side walls that define an internal volume and a plurality of cells configured within the internal volume. The heat flux assembly includes a plurality of heat flux components configured for arrangement with the side walls of the housing of the energy storage device and one or more temperature sensors configured with each of the plurality of heat flux components. Thus, the temperature sensors are configured to monitor one or more temperatures at various locations in the plurality of heat flux components. The heat flux assembly also includes a controller configured to adjust a power level of each of the heat flux components as a function of the monitored temperature so as to reduce a temperature gradient or difference across the plurality of cells during operation of the energy storage device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an energy storage device having improved thermal performance. More specifically, the energy storage device includes a housing with side walls that define an internal volume. The side walls include bottom and front side walls, with the front side wall having an air inlet and outlet configured to circulate cooling air therethrough. The energy storage device also includes a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix within the internal volume atop the bottom side wall. Further, the cells define a top surface. Further, the energy storage device includes an exhaust manifold adjacent to the front side wall between at least a portion of the cells and the air inlet. Thus, the exhaust manifold is configured to direct airflow from the top surface towards the bottom side wall and then to the air outlet so as to provide an airflow barrier between cooling air entering the air inlet and the cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of an energy storage system are provided. More specifically, a time period of increased battery temperature attributable to, for instance, charging or discharging of the battery can be identified. A control system can be used to reduce the ambient temperature of a space associated with the battery energy storage devices in the time period prior to or immediately before the period of increased battery temperature. The ambient temperature can be maintained at a nominal ambient temperature at other times.

Abstract: Systems and methods of handling batteries are provided. In particular, a method for loading battery assemblies within a storage rack using a battery magazine system can be provided. The method can include loading battery assemblies within a battery magazine. The battery magazine can include a first and second sidewall and a traverse wall extending between the first and second sidewalls. The battery magazine can be installed onto a base member using engagement features located on the battery magazine and a corresponding engagement feature located on the base member. Battery magazines can be stacked on top of each other to form battery magazine stacks to be loaded into a rack using a server lift. Each battery magazine can include a battery assembly configured to be received between the first and second sidewalls of the battery magazine. The battery assembly can further include at least one battery.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for providing a cooling airflow to an energy storage system. The energy storage system can include one or more energy storage devices positioned within a defined thermal zone. The energy storage system can include a thermal control system configured to provide a cooling airflow to the one or more energy storage devices. The thermal control system can include a heat exchanging device configured to provide a cooled airflow to the defined thermal zone. The thermal control system can also include a moveable element configured to adjust a distribution of airflow within the defined thermal zone.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved energy storage system. The energy storage system includes an energy storage device having positive and negative terminals, a battery management system configured to monitor and control the energy storage device, and a power connector configured to electrically couple the battery management system with the energy storage device. The power connector includes a housing and positive and negative bus bars, each containing a positive and negative interface pin, respectively. The interface pins are operatively coupled to the positive and negative terminals of the energy storage device to form a power connection. The housing contains separate, opposing side walls defining an open passageway therebetween. Thus, the open passageway provides air cooling across the power connection.

Abstract: Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an improvement of an energy storage system. The energy storage system includes a power connector and a battery management system (BMS). The power connector includes a connector body having a first face and a second face which is disposed oppositely to the first face. A first terminal and a second terminal can be disposed on the first face. The first terminal and the second terminal can be configured to electrically couple the BMS to a positive conductor and a negative conductor to form a power connection, Moreover, a first current shunt can be disposed on the second face and electrically coupled to the first terminal, while the second current shunt can be disposed on the second face and electrically coupled to the second terminal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a heat flux assembly for an energy storage device. The energy storage device includes a housing with a plurality of side walls that define an internal volume and a plurality of cells configured within the internal volume. The heat flux assembly includes a plurality of heat flux components configured for arrangement with the side walls of the housing of the energy storage device and one or more temperature sensors configured with each of the plurality of heat flux components. Thus, the temperature sensors are configured to monitor one or more temperatures at various locations in the plurality of heat flux components. The heat flux assembly also includes a controller configured to adjust a power level of each of the heat flux components as a function of the monitored temperature so as to reduce a temperature gradient or difference across the plurality of cells during operation of the energy storage device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an energy storage device having improved thermal performance. More specifically, the energy storage device includes a housing with side walls that define an internal volume. The side walls include bottom and front side walls, with the front side wall having an air inlet and outlet configured to circulate cooling air therethrough. The energy storage device also includes a plurality of cells arranged in a matrix within the internal volume atop the bottom side wall. Further, the cells define a top surface. Further, the energy storage device includes an exhaust manifold adjacent to the front side wall between at least a portion of the cells and the air inlet. Thus, the exhaust manifold is configured to direct airflow from the top surface towards the bottom side wall and then to the air outlet so as to provide an airflow barrier between cooling air entering the air inlet and the cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the temperature of an energy storage system are provided. More specifically, a time period of increased battery temperature attributable to, for instance, charging or discharging of the battery can be identified. A control system can be used to reduce the ambient temperature of a space associated with the battery energy storage devices in the time period prior to or immediately before the period of increased battery temperature. The ambient temperature can be maintained at a nominal ambient temperature at other times.

Abstract: Example aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an improved energy storage system. The energy storage system includes a power connector and a battery management system (BMS). The power connector may include a connector body having a first face and an oppositely-disposed second face. A first terminal and second terminal can be disposed on the first face. The first and second terminals can be configured to electrically couple the battery management system to positive and negative conductors to form a power connection. Moreover, a first current shunt can be disposed on the second face and electrically coupled to the first terminal, while a second current shunt can be disposed on the second face and electrically coupled to the second terminal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an improved energy storage system. The energy storage system includes an energy storage device having positive and negative terminals, a battery management system configured to monitor and control the energy storage device, and a power connector configured to electrically couple the battery management system with the energy storage device. The power connector includes a housing and positive and negative bus bars, each containing a positive and negative interface pin, respectively. The interface pins are operatively coupled to the positive and negative terminals of the energy storage device to form a power connection. The housing contains separate, opposing side walls defining an open passageway therebetween. Thus, the open passageway provides air cooling across the power connection.