Patent ID: 8168315
Filing Date: 2012-05-01
Classification: B60L,G01R,H01M,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting and responding to a cell failure of at least one cell of a plurality of cells comprising a battery pack, the method comprising the steps of: periodically monitoring an electrical isolation resistance of said battery pack; comparing said electrical isolation resistance to a preset resistance value; determining when said electrical isolation resistance falls below said preset resistance value, wherein said electrical isolation resistance falling below said preset resistance value is indicative of said cell failure; monitoring a battery pack temperature; determining when said battery pack temperature exceeds a preset temperature; determining if said electrical isolation resistance falling below said preset resistance occurs within a preset time period of said battery pack temperature exceeding said preset temperature; and performing a predetermined cell failure response if said electrical isolation resistance falling below said preset resistance value occurs within said preset time period of said battery pack temperature exceeding said preset temperature.