Abstract: A battery cell connector for a battery module includes a set of arms linked to a base portion. An interconnect board for connecting a plurality of battery cells includes a circuit board and a plurality of the battery cell connectors. A battery module system includes a battery block that has a tray and a plurality of battery cells, and the interconnect board in mating relationships with the tray. A battery system includes first and second trays that support a first and second pluralities of battery cells, and the interconnect board having a plurality of the battery cell connectors linking the first and second pluralities of battery cells.

Abstract: A battery system employs a device for indicating micro-shorts occurring within one or more battery cells. The device detects whether a given battery cell or group of cells exhibits a transient electrical short circuit, such as a micro-short circuit, which can indicate a defect within the battery cell. The device receives a signal indicating the voltage of the given battery cell or group of cells, and compares the signal against a delayed version of the signal to detect the transient electrical short circuit. When a transient electrical short circuit is detected, the device outputs a corresponding fault signal to a battery management system (BMS), configured to monitor the battery cell. The BMS may then take further remedial action to prevent damage to the battery system.

Abstract: A device for indicating over-temperature of one or more battery cells includes a thermal sensor proximate to a battery cell, a controller in electrical communication with the thermal sensor, and a switch and resistor connected in series across the battery cell, which are controlled by the controller. The device detects whether a given battery cell or group of cells reaches a temperature over a threshold temperature. When the threshold is exceeded, the device causes the battery cell to exhibit a duty cycle of voltage change across the terminals of the battery cell. A battery management system (BMS) monitors the voltage of the battery cell and detects the duty cycle as an indication that a temperature fault in the form of a temperature over a threshold temperature has occurred.