A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a casing configured to surround the battery cell stack; and a heat transfer member to cool or heat the battery cells. The heat transfer member is disposed between any two adjacent battery cells of the battery cell stack. The heat transfer member is spaced apart from the battery cells and is configured to move into contact with the battery cells to cool or heat the battery cells.

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked; a casing configured to surround the battery cell stack; and a heat transfer member to cool or heat the battery cells. The heat transfer member is disposed between any two adjacent battery cells of the battery cell stack. The heat transfer member is spaced apart from the battery cells and is configured to move into contact with the battery cells to cool or heat the battery cells.

Methods and systems are provided for preparing an energy receiving apparatus of a vehicle for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage prior to a vehicle reaching an energy replenishment station for receiving the increase. In one example, a method comprises preparing an energy receiving apparatus for receiving an increase in a level of energy storage while the vehicle is traveling to the energy replenishment station, in response to a vehicle operator confirming at the controller an intent to stop at the energy replenishment station to increase the level of energy storage at the energy receiving apparatus. In this way, a time-frame for increasing the energy level increase may be reduced as compared to situations where such preparations are not undertaken.

A battery module increases heat dissipation by causing electronic cooling to occur at a breakdown voltage or higher, a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack. The battery module includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells and lead junction parts in which respective leads of the battery cells are joined to each other includes a thermoelectric device in which a heat absorbing portion is located on surfaces of the battery cells which are located at both outsides among the battery cells in the battery cell assembly, which correspond to a side surface of the battery cell assembly; and a constant voltage device configured to divert a current of the battery module to the thermoelectric device when an overcharge of the battery module occurs, to electronically cool the battery module when the overcharge of the battery module occurs.

A battery module increases heat dissipation by causing electronic cooling to occur at a breakdown voltage or higher, a battery pack including the battery module and a vehicle including the battery pack. The battery module includes a battery cell assembly having a plurality of battery cells and lead junction parts in which respective leads of the battery cells are joined to each other includes a thermoelectric device in which a heat absorbing portion is located on surfaces of the battery cells which are located at both outsides among the battery cells in the battery cell assembly, which correspond to a side surface of the battery cell assembly; and a constant voltage device configured to divert a current of the battery module to the thermoelectric device when an overcharge of the battery module occurs, to electronically cool the battery module when the overcharge of the battery module occurs.

A battery module with a plurality of battery cells is disclosed, comprising a first temperature control member and second temperature control member, which are connected together directly thermally conductively in places, wherein the plurality of battery cells is connected directly thermally conductively with the second temperature control member and at least one switchably configured Peltier element connected thermally conductively with the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member is arranged between the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member, wherein a control device is configured to drive the at least one Peltier element in such a way that, when switched on, the at least one Peltier element transfers heat from the second temperature control member to the first temperature control member or heat from the first temperature control member to the second temperature control member.

A battery module with a plurality of battery cells is disclosed, comprising a first temperature control member and second temperature control member, which are connected together directly thermally conductively in places, wherein the plurality of battery cells is connected directly thermally conductively with the second temperature control member and at least one switchably configured Peltier element connected thermally conductively with the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member is arranged between the first temperature control member and the second temperature control member, wherein a control device is configured to drive the at least one Peltier element in such a way that, when switched on, the at least one Peltier element transfers heat from the second temperature control member to the first temperature control member or heat from the first temperature control member to the second temperature control member.

Provided is a battery module cooling system, comprising a graphene heat spreader element (preferably in the form of a film, sheet, layer, belt, band, etc.) configured to abut at least one of the battery cells; and a cooling means in thermal communication with the heat spreader element and configured to transport heat generated from the battery cell(s) through the heat spreader element to the cooling means when the battery cells are discharged. Also provided is a method of operating a battery cooling system, comprising: (a) bringing a graphene heat spreader element in thermal contact with a plurality of battery cells in a module and receiving heat therefrom; and (b) directing the heat to transport through the graphene heat spreader element to a cooling means which acts to remove the heat and keep the battery below a desired temperature.

A method for diagnosis of a temperature control means (30) of a battery pack (10) that comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) and a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperatures of the individual battery cells (20), the battery cells (20) being arranged side by side in the battery pack (10), in a longitudinal direction (12) of the battery pack (10), and mechanically connected to each another, and the battery cells (20) being arranged on the temperature control means (30) and mechanically and thermally connected to it. A battery management system, and/or a battery pack (10) may be configured to execute the method. A vehicle may be fitted with a battery pack that carries out the method.

A method for diagnosis of a temperature control means (30) of a battery pack (10) that comprises a plurality of battery cells (20) and a plurality of temperature sensors for measuring temperatures of the individual battery cells (20), the battery cells (20) being arranged side by side in the battery pack (10), in a longitudinal direction (12) of the battery pack (10), and mechanically connected to each another, and the battery cells (20) being arranged on the temperature control means (30) and mechanically and thermally connected to it. A battery management system, and/or a battery pack (10) may be configured to execute the method. A vehicle may be fitted with a battery pack that carries out the method.