NOISE GENERATOR

The present disclosure is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include a first conduit coupled with the battery pack. The apparatus can include a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from the battery pack through the first valve at a first pressure. The apparatus can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at a second pressure. The second pressure can be greater than the first pressure. The apparatus can include a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit. The noise generating element can activate based on the second pressure.

INTRODUCTION

A vehicle can include various components that produce gas. For example, electric vehicles can include one or more batteries that produce gas.

SUMMARY

Under certain conditions, electric vehicle battery packs can generate gas. Systems and methods described herein can alert an occupant of a vehicle or a nearby bystander to the existence of gas generation. At least one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a mechanical noise generating system. The noise generating system can include a first conduit coupled with a portion of a battery pack and a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas flowing from the battery pack through the first conduit to pass at or above a first pressure. The noise generating system can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at or above a second pressure in which the second pressure is associated with a thermal event. The noise generating system can include at least one noise generating element to generate an audible sound based on the second pressure, in which the audible sound is detectable outside of the battery pack to indicate the thermal event.

At least one aspect is directed to an apparatus. The apparatus can include a first conduit coupled with a battery pack. The apparatus can include a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from the battery pack through the first valve at a first pressure. The apparatus can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at a second pressure. The second pressure can be greater than the first pressure. The apparatus can include a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit. The noise generating element can activate based on the second pressure.

At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include actuating, at a first pressure, a first valve coupled with a first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from a battery pack through the first valve. The method can include actuating, at a second pressure greater than the first pressure, a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The method can include activating a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit based on the second pressure.

At least one aspect is directed to an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle can include an apparatus. The apparatus can include a first conduit coupled with a battery pack. The apparatus can include a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from the battery pack through the first valve at a first pressure. The apparatus can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at a second pressure. The second pressure can be greater than the first pressure. The apparatus can include a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit. The noise generating element can activate based on the second pressure.

At least one aspect is directed to a battery pack system. The battery pack system can include a battery pack. The battery pack system can include an apparatus. The apparatus can include a first conduit coupled with the battery pack. The apparatus can include a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from the battery pack through the first valve at a first pressure. The apparatus can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at a second pressure. The second pressure can be greater than the first pressure. The apparatus can include a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit. The noise generating element can activate based on the second pressure.

At least one aspect is directed to a method. The method can include providing a system for a battery pack. The system can include a first conduit coupled with the battery pack. The system can include a first valve coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can allow gas to pass from the battery pack through the first valve at a first pressure. The system can include a second valve coupled with the first conduit and with a second conduit. The second valve can allow the gas to pass at a second pressure. The second pressure can be greater than the first pressure. The system can include a noise generating element coupled with the second conduit. The noise generating element can activate based on the second pressure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Following below are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and implementations of, methods, apparatuses, and systems of a noise generating element. The various concepts introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways.

The present disclosure is directed to at least one mechanical system for detecting a thermal event within a battery pack of a vehicle and alerting occupants of the electric vehicle of the thermal event. The system can include a first conduit (e.g., tube) coupled with a battery pack. The system can include a first valve and a second valve each coupled with the first conduit. The first valve can actuate at or above a first fluid pressure (e.g., to allow various gases to escape from the battery pack). The second valve can actuate at or above a second fluid pressure that is greater than the first fluid pressure (e.g., to allow gases associated with a thermal event to escape from the first conduit associated with the battery pack). The system can include a second conduit (e.g., tube) coupled with the second valve. The system can include a third valve coupled with the second conduit. The third valve can actuate with or after actuation of the second valve. The system can include a whistle that activates responsive to actuation of the third valve to generate an audible sound (e.g., via gas flowing through the whistle). The third valve can remain open at a third fluid pressure to cause the whistle to activate for a period of time. The system can additionally or alternatively include a plurality of projections coupled with a portion of the second conduit or with the second valve such that gas flowing through the second valve causes at least a portion of the plurality of projections to move relative to the second conduit or second valve to cause an audible sound (e.g., via the plurality of projections contacting one another or another portion of the system).

FIG.1depicts is an example cross-sectional view100of an electric vehicle105installed with at least one battery pack110. Electric vehicles105can include electric trucks, electric sport utility vehicles (SUVs), electric delivery vans, electric automobiles, electric cars, electric motorcycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, electric passenger vehicles, electric passenger or commercial trucks, hybrid vehicles, high voltage (e.g., greater than 60 V) or low voltage (e.g., less than 60 V) electric vehicles, or other vehicles such as sea or air transport vehicles, planes, helicopters, submarines, boats, or drones (e.g., delivery drones), among other possibilities. The battery pack110can also be used as an energy storage system to power a building, such as a residential home or commercial building, or various devices, such as a computer or mobile device. Electric vehicles105can be fully electric or partially electric (e.g., plug-in hybrid) and further, electric vehicles105can be fully autonomous, partially autonomous, or unmanned. Electric vehicles105can also be human operated or non-autonomous. Electric vehicles105such as electric trucks or automobiles can include on-board battery packs110, battery modules115, or battery cells120to power the electric vehicles. The electric vehicle105can include a chassis125(e.g., a frame, internal frame, or support structure). The chassis125can support various components of the electric vehicle105. The chassis125can span a front portion130(e.g., a hood or bonnet portion), a body portion135, and a rear portion140(e.g., a trunk, payload, or boot portion) of the electric vehicle105. The battery pack110can be installed or placed within the electric vehicle105. For example, the battery pack110can be installed on the chassis125of the electric vehicle105within one or more of the front portion130, the body portion135, or the rear portion140. The battery pack110can include or connect with at least one busbar, e.g., a current collector element. For example, the first busbar145and the second busbar150can include electrically conductive material to connect or otherwise electrically couple the battery modules115or the battery cells120with other electrical components of the electric vehicle105to provide electrical power to various systems or components of the electric vehicle105.

FIG.2Adepicts an example battery pack110. Referring toFIG.2A, among others, the battery pack110can provide power to electric vehicle105. Battery packs110can include any arrangement or network of electrical, electronic, mechanical or electromechanical devices to power a vehicle of any type, such as the electric vehicle105. The battery pack110can include at least one housing205. The housing205can include at least one battery module115or at least one battery cell120, as well as other battery pack components. The housing205can include a shield on the bottom or underneath the battery module115to protect the battery module115from external conditions, for example if the electric vehicle105is driven over rough terrains (e.g., off-road, trenches, rocks, etc.) The battery pack110can include at least one cooling line210that can distribute fluid through the battery pack110as part of a thermal/temperature control or heat exchange system that can also include at least one cold plate215. The cold plate215can be positioned in relation to a top submodule and a bottom submodule, such as in between the top and bottom submodules, among other possibilities. The battery pack110can include any number of cold plates215. For example, there can be one or more cold plates215per battery pack110, or per battery module115. At least one cooling line210can be coupled with, part of, or independent from the cold plate215.

FIG.2Bdepicts example battery modules115. The battery modules115can include at least one submodule. For example, the battery modules115can include at least one top submodule220or at least one bottom submodule225. At least one cold plate215can be disposed between the top submodule220and the bottom submodule225. For example, one cold plate215can be configured for heat exchange with one battery module115. The cold plate215can be disposed or thermally coupled between the top submodule220and the bottom submodule225. One cold plate215can also be thermally coupled with more than one battery module115(or more than two submodules220,225). The battery submodules220,225can collectively form one battery module115. In some examples each submodule220,225can be considered as a complete battery module115, rather than a submodule.

The battery modules115can each include a plurality of battery cells120. The battery modules115can be disposed within the housing205of the battery pack110. The battery modules115can include battery cells120that are cylindrical cells, pouch cells, or prismatic cells, for example. The battery module115can operate as a modular unit of battery cells120. For example, a battery module115can collect current or electrical power from the battery cells120that are included in the battery module115and can provide the current or electrical power as output from the battery pack110. The battery pack110can include any number of battery modules115. For example, the battery pack can have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or other number of battery modules115disposed in the housing205. It should also be noted that each battery module115may include a top submodule220and a bottom submodule225, possibly with a cold plate215in between the top submodule220and the bottom submodule225. The battery pack110can include or define a plurality of areas for positioning of the battery module115. The battery modules115can be square, rectangular, circular, triangular, symmetrical, or asymmetrical. In some examples, battery modules115may be different shapes, such that some battery modules115are rectangular but other battery modules115are square shaped, among other possibilities. The battery module115can include or define a plurality of slots, holders, or containers for a plurality of battery cells120.

Battery cells120have a variety of form factors, shapes, or sizes. For example, battery cells120can have a cylindrical, rectangular, square, cubic, flat, or prismatic form factor. Battery cells120can be assembled, for example, by inserting a winded or stacked electrode roll (e.g., a jelly roll) including electrolyte material into at least one battery cell housing. The electrolyte material, e.g., an ionically conductive fluid or other material, can generate or provide electric power for the battery cell120. A first portion of the electrolyte material can have a first polarity, and a second portion of the electrolyte material can have a second polarity. The housing can be of various shapes, including cylindrical or rectangular, for example. Electrical connections can be made between the electrolyte material and components of the battery cell120. For example, electrical connections with at least some of the electrolyte material can be formed at two points or areas of the battery cell120, for example to form a first polarity terminal (e.g., a positive or anode terminal) and a second polarity terminal (e.g., a negative or cathode terminal). The polarity terminals can be made from electrically conductive materials to carry electrical current from the battery cell120to an electrical load, such as a component or system of the electric vehicle105.

For example, the battery cell120can include a lithium-ion battery cells. In lithium-ion battery cells, lithium ions can transfer between a positive electrode and a negative electrode during charging and discharging of the battery cell. For example, the battery cell anode can include lithium or graphite, and the battery cell cathode can include a lithium-based oxide material. The electrolyte material can be disposed in the battery cell120to separate the anode and cathode from each other and to facilitate transfer of lithium ions between the anode and cathode. It should be noted that battery cell120can also take the form of a solid state battery cell developed using solid electrodes and solid electrolytes. Yet further, some battery cells120can be solid state battery cells and other battery cells120can include liquid electrolytes for lithium-ion battery cells.

FIG.3depicts an example perspective view of a system300of the vehicle105. For example, the system300can include at least one portion of the battery pack110or an apparatus310coupled with a portion of the battery pack110. The apparatus310can include one or more components to detect a thermal event within the battery pack110or alert an occupant of the vehicle105of the thermal event. The apparatus310can include a first conduit315coupled with at least a portion of the battery pack110. For example, the first conduit315can fluidly couple with a portion of the battery pack110(e.g., with a portion of the battery pack housing205) such that fluid can flow from within the housing205of the battery pack through the first conduit315. The first conduit315can include or can be any piping, channel, tube, duct, opening, aperture, or other element that can couple with a portion of the battery pack110to receive one or more gases (e.g., air, gas, combination of air or gas, pressurized air or gas, vapor, condensation, heated air or gas, liquids, combination of gas or liquid, or other fluids) from within a portion of the battery pack110. For example, the first conduit315can receive one or more gases produced from the battery cells120(e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, or various other gases). The one or more gases produced from the battery cells120can be produced as a result of normal operations of the vehicle105. For example, the gas can be produced as a result of battery cell charging or battery cell discharging. The gas can be produced before, during, or after operation of one or more components of the vehicle105. For example, the gas can be produced during charging of the vehicle105, while the vehicle105is being operated (e.g., driving), or after the vehicle105is turned off. The first conduit315can have various sizes, shapes, or configurations. The first conduit315can be cylindrical, rectangular, conical, spherical, any combination thereof, or another variation of shapes. The first conduit315can include at least one hollow portion for receiving the one or more gases.

The apparatus310can include at least one first valve320coupled with a portion of the first conduit315. The first valve320can be or can include various types of valves, flow regulators, or other devices such as, but not limited to, pressure relief valves (PRV), pressure safety valves (PSV), diaphragm valves, or other valve elements. The first valve320can fluidly couple with the first conduit315such that any fluid (e.g., liquid, gas) flowing through or within the first conduit315can potentially flow through, or engage with, the first valve320. The first valve320can allow gas to pass from the battery pack110through the first valve320at a first pressure. For example, the first valve320can be or can include a self-operating valve (e.g., a PRV) such that the first valve320is normally closed (e.g., not actuated or not allowing gas flow) and opens only when sufficient pressure of gas or other fluids develops across, adjacent, or otherwise near the valve320to actuate the first valve320.

The first pressure can be associated with gas emitted from the battery pack110during normal operation of the battery pack110. The first valve320or the first conduit315can form a portion of a ventilating or exhaust system of the battery pack110, as an example. For example, charging or discharging one or more battery cells120of the battery pack110can cause the battery cells120to release one or more gases. For example, the gases released from the battery cells120can apply about 100 kPa of pressure at the first valve320. The first valve320can actuate (and allow the gas to pass through the valve) at least at a pressure of 100 kPa or higher, such that the gas can flow through the first valve320and out of the battery pack110and the first conduit315. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The first pressure can be lesser or greater than 100 kPa. For example, the first pressure can be between 0 kPa and 50 kPa, between 0 kPa and 100 kPa, between 100 kPa and 200 kPa, or within another range. The first pressure can be 1 MPa, as another example.

The first pressure can be associated with a pressure differential of gas between an area that is exterior to the battery pack110(e.g., the ambient, the environment surrounding the battery pack110and the apparatus310) and an area that is at least partially interior to or coupled with the battery pack110(e.g., within the battery pack110, within a component of the apparatus310). For example, at the first valve320, the first pressure can be associated with a pressure difference between an interior side of the valve320(e.g., within the first conduit315) and an exterior side of the valve320(e.g., a side opposing the first conduit315). The first pressure can be a pressure of about 50 kPa. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The first pressure can be lesser or greater than 50 kPa. For example, the first pressure can be between 0 kPa and 50 kPa, between 50 kPa and 100 kPa, or within another range.

The apparatus310can include at least one second valve325. The second valve325can couple with a portion of the first conduit315. For example, the first valve320can couple with a first portion of the first conduit315and the second valve325can couple with a second portion of the first conduit315. The first portion can be separate from or adjacent to the second portion. The second valve325can be or can include various types of valves, flow regulators, or other devices such as, but not limited to, pressure relief valves (PRV), pressure safety valves (PSV), diaphragm valves, or other valve elements. The second valve325can fluidly couple with the first conduit315such that fluid (e.g., liquid, gas) flowing through or within the first conduit315(e.g., gas produced from one or more components of the battery pack110) can potentially flow through, or engage with, the second valve325. The gas flowing through the second valve325can have one or more different features than the gas flowing through the first conduit315. For example, one or more molecules of the gas can exit the first conduit315through the first valve320and one or more different molecules of the gas can exit the first conduit315through the second valve325, such that the gas flowing through the second valve325can include one or more different features of the gas flowing through the first valve320. The second valve325can allow the gas to pass from the battery pack110through the second valve325at a second pressure. For example, the second valve325can be or can include a self-operating valve (e.g., a PRV) such that the second valve325is normally closed (e.g., not actuated or not allowing gas flow) and opens only when sufficient pressure of gas or other fluids develops across, adjacent, or otherwise near the second valve325to actuate the second valve325.

The second pressure can be associated with gas emitted from the battery pack110during a thermal event occurring at least partially within the battery pack110. For example, the temperature of one or more of the battery cells120of the battery pack110can cause the battery cells120to release gases. As an illustrative example, the gas released can apply about 300 kPa of pressure to the second valve325. The second valve325can actuate (and allow the gas to pass through the valve) at least at a pressure of 300 kPa or higher, such that the gas can flow through the second valve325and out of the battery pack110and the first conduit315. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The second pressure can be significantly lesser or significantly greater than 300 kPa. For example, the second pressure can be between 0 kPa and 50 kPa, between 0 kPa and 100 kPa, between 100 kPa and 200 kPa, or within another range. The second pressure can be 1 MPa, as another example.

The second pressure can be associated with a pressure differential of gas between an area that is exterior to the battery pack110(e.g., the ambient, the environment surrounding the battery pack110and the apparatus310) and an area that is at least partially interior to or coupled with the battery pack110(e.g., within the battery pack110, within a component of the apparatus310). For example, at the second valve325, the second pressure can be associated with a pressure difference between an interior side of the valve325(e.g., within the first conduit315) and an exterior side of the valve325(e.g., within the second conduit330, exterior to the second conduit330, or another area). The second pressure can be a pressure of about 50 kPa or greater. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The first pressure can be lesser or greater than 50 kPa. For example, the first pressure can be between 0 kPa and 50 kPa, between 50 kPa and 100 kPa, or within another range.

The second pressure can exceed the first pressure. For example, as described above, the first pressure can be the pressure of gas that causes the first valve320to actuate to release gas formed by one or more components of the battery pack110during normal operation (e.g., charging the battery cells120, discharging the battery cells120, operating one or more components of the vehicle105, or another operating). The second pressure can be the pressure of gas that causes the second valve325to actuate during a thermal event (e.g., heating of one or more battery cells, gas production, or another event). As gas can be caused by a thermal event, the second pressure (e.g., the second pressure threshold value) can be greater than the first pressure (e.g., the first pressure threshold value) during or subsequent to a thermal event. The first valve320can allow gas to pass through the first valve at the second pressure. For example, if the first pressure threshold is about 100 kPa, and the second pressure threshold is about 300 kPa, the first valve320can allow gas to pass at any pressure at or above 100 kPa (including 300 kPa). This example is for illustrative purposes only. The first and second pressure threshold values can be significantly lesser or significantly greater than the values provided in this example. For example, the first pressure can be between 0 kPa and 100 kPa, between 100 kPa and 200 kPa, or within another range. The second pressure can be between 0 kPa and 100 kPa, between 100 kPa and 200 kPa, or within another range. The first pressure can be about 1 MPa and the second pressure can above 1 MPa, as another example.

The second valve325can couple with a portion of a second conduit330. The second conduit330can include or can be any piping, channel, tube, duct, opening, aperture, or other element that can couple with a portion of the second valve325to receive one or more gases from a portion of the battery pack110. For example, the second conduit330can receive one or more gases produced from the battery cells (e.g., hydrogen, oxygen, or other various gases) as a result of a thermal event (e.g., upon actuation of the second valve325). The second conduit330can have various sizes, shapes, or configurations. The second conduit330can be cylindrical, rectangular, conical, spherical, any combination thereof, or another variation of shapes. The second conduit330can include at least one hollow portion to receive one or more gases.

The first conduit315and the second conduit330can include various sizes or shapes. For example, the first conduit315and the second conduit330can differ in size or shape. The first conduit315and the second conduit330can include the same size or shape, as another example. In an illustrative example, the first conduit315can be approximately 5-200 mm long (e.g., in a direction parallel with the flow of gas) and the second conduit330can be approximately 5-200 mm long. This example is for illustrative purposes only. The first conduit315or the second conduit330can be significantly longer or significantly shorter than 5-200 mm long. For example, the first conduit315or the second conduit330can be about 0.5 mm long. The first conduit315or the second conduit330can be about 10 m long, as another example.

The apparatus310can include at least one noise generating element340. For example, the noise generating element340can be or can include any element that produces an audible or detectable sound (e.g., a sound detectable by one or more occupants of the vehicle105). The apparatus310, or another portion of the vehicle105, can include one or more components to amplify the sound produced by the noise generating element340. For example, the vehicle105can include an amplifier or a speaker coupled with a portion of the battery pack110or a portion of the apparatus310to amplify sound produced by the noise generating element340. For example, the apparatus310or another portion of the vehicle105can include a hollow tube coupled with one or more portions of the apparatus310(e.g., with a portion of the first conduit315, with the second conduit330, with a portion of the battery pack110) to propagate the sound towards an occupant of the vehicle105. As another example, the apparatus310may not include any amplifiers.

The noise generating element340can couple with at least a portion of the second conduit330. For example, the noise generating element340can couple with a third valve335that is fluidly coupled with the second conduit330. The noise generating element340can couple with in interior or exterior of the second conduit330, as another example. The noise generating element340can couple with a portion of the second valve325, as another example. The noise generating element340can activate (e.g., generate or produce an audible sound) based on the second pressure. For example, the noise generating element340can activate in response to actuation of the second valve at or above the second pressure value. As another example, the noise generating element340can activate in response to actuation of another component of the apparatus310(e.g., a third valve335described in greater detail below) based on the second pressure or another pressure value associated with or dependent on the second pressure (e.g., in response to the thermal event).

The noise generating element340can include a whistle, as shown in at leastFIG.3. For example, the whistle can be or can include any equipment, instrument, pipe, or apparatus that can produce sound from a stream of fluid (e.g., gas or liquid). The whistle can include at least one opening, aperture, or other feature for gas to flow through. For example, the whistle can couple with a portion of the third valve335such that the gas produced by one or more components of the battery pack110that flows through the second conduit330can flow through the third valve335and through at least a portion of the whistle to produce the audible sound. The gas flowing throughout one or more portions of the apparatus310(e.g., through the second conduit330, through the third valve335, or through the whistle) can have one or more different features than the gas flowing through the first conduit315, or through another portion of the apparatus310. For example, one or more molecules of the gas can exit the first conduit315through the first valve320and one or more different molecules of the gas can exit the first conduit315through the second valve325, such that the gas flowing through the second valve325can include one or more different features of the gas flowing through the first valve320. The third valve335can be or can include various types of valves, flow regulators, or other devices such as, but not limited to, pressure relief valves (PRV), pressure safety valves (PSV), diaphragm valves, or other valve elements. The third valve335can actuate at or above a third pressure. The third pressure can be greater than or equal to the second pressure (e.g., the pressure at which the second valve325actuates). The third pressure can be less than the second pressure. The third pressure can be the pressure value threshold of gas pressurizing the third valve335that causes the third valve335to actuate. For example, the third pressure can be the pressure value at which gas within the second conduit330pressurizes to a threshold that produces a constant flow of gas through the third valve335.

The third valve335can facilitate regulating the flow of gas flowing within the second conduit330. For example, the third valve335can actuate at the third pressure value threshold (e.g., at or above the third pressure) such that gas flows at least partially steadily (e.g., within a specific range of flow velocity) through a portion of the whistle to cause an audible sound (e.g., whistle, sough, screech, alarm, tone, vibration, ringing, static, racket, etc.). The whistle can include a variety of shapes, sizes, and other geometric features to produce a sound. The whistle can be made of various materials including metallic materials (e.g., aluminum, steel, copper, or other metallic materials) or non-metallic materials (e.g., plastic, rubber, or other non-metallic materials). The whistle can be sized and shaped based on a predetermined K-factor, location of the third valve335, or based on another component of the system300.

The whistle can activate for a period of time. For example, the third valve335can regulate the flow of gas flowing through the second conduit330such that gas flows steadily through the third valve335, and at least partially through a portion of the whistle, such that the whistle causes a detectable sound for a period of time (e.g., 1 second, 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 5 minutes, or another period of time). The whistle can activate for as long as gas is produced from the thermal event within the battery pack110, for example. For example, the whistle can activate at or above the second pressure value. In other words, the whistle can activate (e.g., produce a detectable sound) as long as gas flows from the battery pack110and through the second conduit330(or through the third valve335).

The whistle can produce a sound that is audible outside of the battery pack110. For example, the whistle can produce a sound that is audible to a human ear such that one or more occupants of the vehicle105, one or more occupants in a nearby vehicle, or one or more people positioned near the vehicle105, can hear or detect the sound. For example, the whistle can cause a sound in a frequency range from about 15 Hz to 20 kHz. The whistle can produce a sound that is detectable by a machine or by a human ear. For example, the whistle can cause a sound in a frequency range of 0 to 15 Hz. As another example, the whistle can cause a sound up to 150 dB (e.g., anywhere from 0 dB to 150 dB). As described herein, the noise generating element340or another portion of the vehicle105can include an amplifier or a speaker coupled with a portion of the battery pack110or a portion of the apparatus310to amplify sound produced by the noise generating element340(e.g., the whistle) such that the sound produced by the whistle can be heard outside of the battery pack110by a human ear.

The first valve320, the second valve325, and the third valve335can include various sizes or shapes. For example, the first valve320, the second valve325, and the third valve335can differ in size or shape. The first valve320, the second valve325, and the third valve335can include the same size or shape.

FIG.4depicts an example perspective view of the system300. As shown in at leastFIG.4, the noise generating element340can include at least one projection coupled with the second conduit330. The projections can couple with an internal portion of the second conduit330. For example, the projections can be formed with an internal portion (e.g., a hollow portion that receives gas) of the second conduit (e.g., formed during manufacturing of the second conduit330). The projections can couple with an internal portion of the second conduit330by one or more fasteners, welded joints, adhesives, or other components, as another example. The projections can couple with one or more portions of the second valve325coupled with the second conduit330, as yet another example.

The projections can be or can include one or more extensions, plates, tabs, discs, sheets, rods, strips, or other components that can couple with a portion of the second conduit330such that gas flowing through or within the second conduit330(e.g., with or after actuation of the second valve325) can cause at least one of the projections to move relative to the second conduit330. For example, the projections can at least partially rotatably couple with an interior section of the second conduit330such that gas flowing through the interior section of the second conduit330causes at least one projection to move, vibrate, or rotate relative to the second conduit330to cause an audible sound.

The noise generating element340can include a plurality of projections (e.g., 3 projections, 5 projections, 10 projections, 15 projections, more than 15 projections, or another amount of projections) such that gas flowing through an interior section of the second conduit330causes at least one projection to move, rotate, or vibrate or engage with (e.g., contact) a portion of another projection or with a portion of the second conduit330to create an audible sound. The projections can be made from a variety of metallic materials or non-metallic materials including, but not limited to, aluminum, steel, copper, ceramic, plastic, or other materials. For example, the projections can be plates, strips, or sheets of metal coupled with an end portion of the second conduit330, as shown in at leastFIG.4, such that the flow of gas through or within the second conduit330causes the metal plates to contact one another (e.g., due to vibrations of the strips caused by the flow of gas) and create an audible sound (e.g., rattling, clashing, or another sound).

The projections can produce a sound that is audible outside of the battery pack110. For example, the projections can produce a sound such that is audible by a human ear such that one or more occupants of the vehicle105, or one or more people positioned near the vehicle105, can hear or detect the sound. For example, the projections can cause a sound in a frequency range from about 15 Hz to 20 kHz. The projections can produce a sound that is detectable by a machine or by a human ear. For example, the projections can cause a sound in a frequency range of 0 to 15 Hz. As another example, the projections can cause a sound up to 150 dB (e.g., anywhere from 0 dB to 150 dB). As described herein, the noise generating element340or another portion of the vehicle105can include an amplifier or a speaker coupled with a portion of the battery pack110or a portion of the apparatus310to amplify sound produced by the noise generating element340(e.g., the projections) such that the sound produced by the projections can be heard outside of the battery pack110by a human ear.

The projections can include various sizes, shapes, or orientations. For example, the projections can extend at an angle relative to one another (e.g., such that at least two projections are not parallel). As another example, the projections can extend at an angle relative to the second conduit330or relative to the second valve325(e.g., such that at least one projection is not parallel with a central axis of the second conduit330or second valve325). The projections can include a rectangular shape. The projections can include various other shapes including, but not limited to, cylindrical shapes, triangular shapes, or another variation of shape. For example, the projections can include a rectangular shape, a square shape, a serpentine shape, a symmetrical or asymmetrical shape, a circular shape, a spherical shape, an evenly weighted shape or an unevenly weighted shape, any combination thereof, or another type of shape.

The projections can couple directly with a portion of the battery pack110. For example, the projections can couple with a portion of the battery pack housing205. The projections can be formed with the battery pack housing205(e.g., formed during manufacturing of the housing205), as an example. The projections can be coupled with the battery pack housing205post-manufacturing of the housing205, as another example. For example, the projections can couple with one or more portions of the battery pack110through welding, adhesives, fasteners, clamps, clips, or other elements. The projections can extend at least partially into an opening or aperture of the battery pack housing205such that gas exiting the battery pack housing205causes the projections to move, vibrate, rotate, or otherwise engage one another to cause an audible sound.

FIG.5depicts an example top view of the system300having the whistle (e.g., as shown inFIG.3) andFIG.6depicts a top view of the system300having the one or more projections (e.g., as shown inFIG.4). The system300can include more than one noise generating element340. For example, the system300can include both the whistle and the projections. The whistle and the projections can couple with the second conduit330. For example, the whistle can couple with the third valve335coupled with the second conduit330. The projection can couple with the second valve325, the second conduit330, or with the third valve335, as another example. Both the whistle and the projections can activate based on the second pressure (e.g., during a thermal event of the battery pack110).

The apparatus310can position at various locations of the battery pack110. For example, the apparatus310can position along a side of the battery pack110(e.g., along a side of the battery pack110such that at least one portion of the apparatus310extends in an outward direction relative to a side of the vehicle105). As another example, the apparatus310can position along a top or bottom section of the battery pack110, such that at least a portion of the apparatus310extends in an upward or downward direction relative to the vehicle105. The vehicle105can include a plurality of apparatuses310. For example, the vehicle105can include a first apparatus310, or at least one component of the apparatus310, coupled with a first portion of the battery pack110and at least one second apparatus310, or at least a second component of the apparatus310, coupled with a second portion of the battery pack110. For example, a first apparatus310can position about adjacent to a first battery module115and a second apparatus310can position about adjacent to a second battery module115within the battery pack110.

The position of the apparatus310relative to the battery modules115of the battery pack110can vary. For example, the first conduit315can position substantially near to one or more modules115of the battery pack110(e.g., within 10 mm, within 50 mm, within 100 mm, or within another distance). The first conduit315can position substantially distant from (e.g., at least 100 mm away from, at least 250 mm away from, or another distance) one or more modules115of the battery pack110, as another example. These examples are for illustrative purposes only. The battery pack110, the system300, and various components thereof can vary significantly in size. For example, the first conduit315can be positioned within 1 mm of a battery module115. The first conduit315can be positioned within 5 m of a battery module115, as another example. The first conduit315can be positioned more than 5 m away from a battery module115, as another example.

At least one of the first pressure threshold value, the second pressure threshold value, or the third pressure threshold value can depend on, or be associated with, the location of the apparatus310relative to one or more components of the battery pack110. For example, the first pressure threshold value can be greater when the first conduit315is positioned substantially close to a battery module115(e.g., when the first conduit315is positioned anywhere between 1 mm and 100 mm away from a battery module115, between 100 mm and 200 mm away, or within another range) than when the first conduit315is positioned substantially far from a battery module115(e.g., when the first conduit315is positioned more than 10 mm away, more than 100 mm away, or another distance away from the battery module115). The first pressure threshold value can be lesser when the size of the battery pack housing205is large (e.g., 10% larger than one or more battery modules115, 20% larger than one or more battery modules115, or another size) as compared to when the size of the battery pack housing205is small (e.g., 1% larger than one or more battery modules115, 5% larger than one or more battery modules115, or another size). The first pressure threshold value can be greater when the size of the first conduit315is large (e.g., 10% smaller than the housing205of the battery pack110, 20% smaller than the housing205of the battery pack110, or another size) as compared to when the size of the first conduit315is small (e.g., 90% smaller than the housing205of the battery pack110, 80% smaller than the housing205of the battery pack110, or another size).

The size or shape of the first valve320, the second valve325, or the third valve335can depend on, or be associated with, the location of the apparatus310relative to one or more components of the battery pack110or the pressure threshold values. For example, the first valve320can be larger (e.g., between 100 and 200 mm, between 200 and 300 mm, or within another range) when the first conduit315is positioned close to a battery module115(e.g., within 1 mm, within 10 mm, within 100 mm, or within another distance of the battery module115) than when the first conduit315is positioned far from a battery module115(e.g., within 200 mm, within 300 mm, or within another distance of the battery module115). As another example, the first valve320can vary in size dependent on the first pressure value, the second valve325can vary in size dependent on the second pressure value, or the third valve335can vary in size dependent on the third pressure value.

The system300can include at least one additional conduit or other component to facilitate releasing gas through the apparatus310. For example, the apparatus310or the battery pack110can include one or more hoses, ducts, tubes, or other elements to facilitate releasing gas from within the battery pack housing205.

FIG.7depicts an example illustration of a method700of generating a noise. The method700can include actuating the first valve320, as depicted in act705. For example, the first valve320can actuate at or above the first pressure value. The first valve320can actuate due to gas flowing through the first conduit315and pressurizing the first valve320fluidly coupled with the first conduit315at or above the first pressure value. The first pressure value can be associated with pressure of gas flowing through the first conduit315during normal operation of the battery pack110(or the vehicle105). For example, the first pressure value can be associated with pressure of gas flowing through the first conduit315caused by charging the battery cells120, discharging the battery cells120, operating the vehicle105, or another operating condition.

The method700can include actuating the second valve325, as depicted in act710. For example, the second valve325can actuate at or above the second pressure value. The second valve325can actuate due to gas flowing through the first conduit315and pressurizing the second valve325fluidly coupled with the first conduit315at or above the second pressure value. The second pressure value can be associated with pressure of gas flowing through the first conduit315during or outside of normal operation of the battery pack110(or the vehicle105). For example, the second pressure value can be associated with pressure of gas flowing through the first conduit315caused by heating of one or more portions of the battery pack110(e.g., one or more battery cells120). The second pressure value can be associated with a thermal event (e.g., heating) of one or more portions of the battery pack110.

The method700can include activating the noise generating element340, as depicted in act715. For example, the apparatus310can include a second conduit330fluidly coupled with the second valve325to receive the gas flowing through the second valve325. The noise generating element340can couple with the second conduit330, or with a component coupled with the second conduit330, such that the noise generating element340creates an audible sound during the thermal event (e.g., upon actuation of the second valve325). The noise generating element340can include a whistle (e.g., an instrument to produce sound caused by air flowing through the instrument). The apparatus310can include a third valve335to regulate the flow of gas through the whistle such that the whistle can activate for a period of time. The noise generating element can include one or more projections (e.g., extensions, tabs, protrusions, plates, slabs, strips, etc.) that vibrate or move due to gas flowing through the second conduit330.

FIG.8depicts an example illustration of a method800. The method800can include providing the system300, as depicted in act805. For example, the system300can include the first conduit315coupled with a portion of the battery pack110. The system300can include the first valve320fluidly coupled with the first conduit315such that the first valve320can release gas from within the first conduit315at or above a first pressure (e.g., caused by gas pressurizing the first valve320). The system300can include the second valve325fluidly coupled with the first conduit315such that the second valve325can release gas from within the first conduit315at or above a second pressure (e.g., caused by gas pressurizing the second valve325). The second pressure can exceed the first pressure. For example, the first valve320can actuate at a pressure value that is lower than the threshold pressure value of the second valve325. The second pressure can be associated with the release of gas caused by a thermal event of the battery pack110. The system300can include a second conduit330fluidly coupled with the second valve325. The system300can include one or more noise generating elements340coupled with the second conduit330or with the second valve325. For example, the system300can include a whistle coupled with the second conduit330by a third valve335that regulates flow of gas through the whistle. The system300can include a plurality of projections coupled with the second conduit330or with the second valve325that vibrate or move due to flow of gas within the second valve325or second conduit330. The whistle or the projections can cause an audible sound to alert an occupant of the vehicle105of the thermal event.

Modifications of described elements and acts such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations can occur without materially departing from the teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed can be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements can be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions can be altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions can also be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the disclosed elements and operations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the apparatus310can be configured in various other components or systems, such as a combustion engine or another gas-releasing system. The apparatus310can apply to any vehicle operating mode including during driving, parking, charging (e.g., AC or DCFC), or various other modes. Further relative parallel, perpendicular, vertical or other positioning or orientation descriptions include variations within +/−10% or +/−10 degrees of pure vertical, parallel or perpendicular positioning. References to “approximately,” “substantially” or other terms of degree include variations of +/−10% from the given measurement, unit, or range unless explicitly indicated otherwise. Coupled elements can be electrically, mechanically, or physically coupled with one another directly or with intervening elements. Scope of the systems and methods described herein is thus indicated by the appended claims, rather than the foregoing description, and changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are embraced therein.