us) United States 2) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2018/0040926 A1 oy oy ~ ey @ on) Keser et al. INDIRECT BATTERY PRESSURE Applicant + AG, Neubibers Inventors: Goran Keser, Munich (DE); Christopher Roemmé ayer, Munich (DE) Daniel Gernert, Taufkirchen (DE) Appl. Now 18/229,983 Filed: Aug. §, 20 16 Publication Classification Int. ¢ OiM 10/48 Goi. 90 HOLM 10/0825 HOIM 10/82 (2006.01) (2006.01) (2005.01) (2006.01), US 2018004092681 (43) Pub. Date: Feb. 8, 2018 moi 214 200501) ‘HOIM 1W04 (2006.01), (2) USC, cP HOIM 1048 (2013.01); HOIM 244 (2013.01); HOLM 100413 (2013.01); HOLM 10/0436 (2013.01); HOLM 1070525 (2013.01), HOLM 10/4285 (2013.01); HOLM 100825 (2013.01), GOIL 9/0041 2013.01), HOM 10486 (2013.01), HOIM 2200720 (2013.01) HOIM 2200/10 (2013.01) on ABSTRACT Embodiments described herein relate to battery cells and methods for measuring internal pressure in a batvery eel According to one embodiment, & battery cell includes aa interior space, in which a battery lecteolyte resides, and a housing that nly encloses the interior space. The battery cell further inches a gas-tight sealed measurement chamber, which is separated from the interior spoce by ‘deformable membrane, in. which a pressure sensor is amanged,Patent Application Publication Feb. 8,2018 Sheet 1 of 4. US 2018/0040926 A1 battery cell 1 separator 12. postive eectode 13 ~ | | _ negate etectoe 14 + — Fig. 1 ecto 11 battery cell 0s. erminal 15 eg. erminal 16 os. terminal 15 neg, terminal 18 Voatiremtrane 17 ae internal Pressure pea mr aes electrojyte 11, Fig. 2) Fig. 2 load current, Internal pressure charge pressure discharge time Fig. 3Patent Application Publication Feb. 8,2018 Sheet 2 of 4. US 2018/0040926 A1 measurement chamber 25 battery cell 1 presure sensor21 cap 20 ell membrane 17 (p:) cap 20 pos. terminal 15 neg. terminal 18 Pro — Pa col meribrane 17 (3) ae = internal pressure Pop cell membrane 17 __celhousing 10 Fig. 4 Fig. 4 © 45 40 6 . w £3 = 20 Ses io 3 a 0 1 2 3 4 5 pu pulabar Fig. 5Patent Application Publication Feb. 8,2018 Sheet 3 of 4 US 2018/0040926 A1 electronics 26 presure sensor 23 measurement chamber 25 a PoB 2 switch 22 cap 20 cell membrane 17 (pi) HE bn — Bus AV. ap - aemeien a os, ternal 15, neg. terminal 16 cell mehbrane 17 (9) - aa internal pressure eee Pop Od aaa my electrolyte 11 Fig. 61) Fig. 6 © piezo actuator 30 Ave 1B pce23) | sa measuerment chamber 25; rane 1 membrane 17° eit Fig. 7Patent Application Publication Feb. 8,2018 Sheet 4 of 4. US 2018/0040926 A1 16, temperature sensor 31 16 pressure sensor 24 call housing 10 measuerment chamber 25 ‘membrane 17 electrolyte 11. Fig. 8 separating @ the gas atmosphere enclosed in a measurement chamber ftom te interior space of }—_- $1 a battery cell by a deformable membrane ‘measuring pressure of the gas-atmosphere |—__ S2. enclosed in the measurement chamber, iting seetyprecauions dependenton | 3 measured pressure information (optional) i Fig. 9US 2018/0040926 AI INDIRECT BATTERY PRESSURE, MEASUREMENT TECHNICAL FIELD. [0001] | Fmbodiments described herein elate to the Held of| buttery technology: in parcular to the measurement of the Jnternal pressure of a battery eel BACKGROUND 0002] Batteries are used ina large variety of applications. For example, in electric vehicles lithium-ion hatteries are used, which include a large number of battery cells. When 1 battery cells loaded with a current (eg. during charging ‘and discharging eyeles) the internal pressure ofthe battery ‘ell changes. During use ofa battery the intemal pressure in the battery cells may vary as the number of eharying! discharging cycles increases. Aging may also lead to an increase of intemal pressure of the batery cell, An excess pressure may destroy the battey cell. Therefore, modera battery cells are usually equipped with various. safety mechanisms that may prevent destruction of the battery cells. Those safety mechanisms usually are aim at a con: trolled pressure release by a specific design of the cell housing, which may inelude pressure relieve valves, tearable membranes or the lke, Furthermore, so-called circuit inter rupt deviees (C1Ds) may be provided, which mechanically Jnterropr the Toad current flow Throngh the battery cel ia case ofan excess pressure. 10003] In order to be able to detect a critical state of @ battery’ cell, it may be desirable to oblain information of the internal pressure of the batery cell. The intemal pressure of a battery cell may be indicative ofthe State of Health (SOF) tnd the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery cell. Thus, information about the intemal pressure may be used for battery management SUMMARY, {0004} A battery cell with pressure measurement capabil- ‘ty is described herein. In accordance with one embodiment, the battery cell includes am interior space, in which a battery ‘electrolyte resides, and @ housing that gastghily encloses the interior space. The balery cell furher includes & gas tight sealed measurement chamber, which is separated from the interior space by a deformable membrane, ia which « pressure sensor is arranged [0005] Furthermore, a method for measuring intemal pres- sure in an interior space ofa battery eel, in which a battery ‘loctrolyte resides, is deseribod herein. In accordance to one ‘embosiiment the methox! includes measuring pressure of 8 lgss-aimosphere enclosed in a measurement chamber ‘wherein the measurement chamber is separated from the Jnterior space of the battery cell by a deformable membrane. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 10006} ‘The invention can be betler understood with refer fence 19 the following description and drawings. The com= ponents in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis Instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the Jnvention. Moreover, inthe figures, like refeeace numerals ‘designate coresponding parts. In the drawings [0007] FIG. 1s a schematic ilustmtion of am exemplary battery cel Feb. 8, 2018 [0008] FIG, 2A and FIG, 2B are a front view and a top view respectively of an exemplary battery cel including ‘warable membrane as a safety feature; the membrane rup- tures at a defined intemal pressure ofthe battery eel Us allowing for a controlled pressure release, [009] FIG. 3 isa diagram illustrating one example of the variation of the internal pressure ofa battery cell thoughout several chargingdischatging cycles. [0010] FIG. 4 and FIG. 4B are a font view and a tope view respectively of one example of a battery ell having pressure sensor arranged within a measurement chamber Separated from the interior of the battery cell by a mem- brane [0011] FIG. $isa diagram illustrating the relation between ‘change of the volume in the measurement chamber (due +0 bulging of the membrane) and intemal pressure of the battery eel [0012] FIG, 64 and FIG. 6B are front and top views respoctvely ofa further example of a battery cell having a presiure sensor arranged on a PCB within & measurement chamber. [0013] FIG. 7 is another example of a battery cell having f pressure sensor aanged in # gas tight measurement chamber. 0014} FIG. 8 is another example ofa battery cell havi pressure sensor arranged in a gas tight measuremes chamber as well as temperature sensor [0015] FIG. 9 is @ flow char illustrating one exemplary method for measuring intemal pressure of a hattery cel DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] Although the team “battery isa common term 10 describe an electrochemical storage system, international Industry standards differentiate between a “battery ell” (or simply “eell”) and a “batery". battery cell is a basic clectrchemical unit that includes the basie components, seh as electrades, separator diaphragm or simply separator And clectolye, FIG. 1 isa schematie illustration ofa battery fel 1, for example a lithium-ion eel, wherein the positive electrode (cathode while discharging) labelled 13, the negs- tive electrode (anode while dischanging) is labelled 14, the electrolyte included in the cell 1 is labelled 11 and the separators labeled 12, lathe example of a it el, ‘one cell is © eylindrial, prismatic or pouch wnt that pro- Vides an average potential difference ails terminals berwoen three and four volts, dependent on the eletrode materials and the electrolyte used in the cell. The nepative electrodes ‘may include, for example LiCoO,, LifePO,, LINiO, or LiMa,0,, while the postive electrode usually inelixdes araphite or copper. The electrolyte usually include lithium Salts such as such as LiPF,, LiBF, or LiClO, in an organie solvent, suc as ethylene carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, and ethyl carbonate. The construction and the eletro-chem try of batteries and particularly lithium-ion batteries are as stich known and thns not further explained herein, [0017] 1roverteated or overcharue, lithium-ion batteries ‘ay suffer thermal runaway and cell rupture. In extreme cases this ean lead (© an explosion, To reduce these risks, Iithiom-ion battery packs may inci failsafe circuitry that sisconnects the battery cells when is voltage is outside a safe range of, for example, 3.00 4.2 V per eel Lithium-ion cells may be very susceptible to degradation or damage ‘when operated ouside the specified voltage range, that is above a maximum voltage or below minimum voltageUS 2018/0040926 AI this voltage ange may rest in premature aging ofthe cells and frhermore esl in set risks de to ‘hemicalreetions inthe els, which may inter lia, lead to ‘an inereased intra pressure. Forma lihiuion cell (@g, noninal voigge 36 V, enol voltage 30°V) the minimum voltage may be, eg 2.7 V, while the maximum voltage may be 3.7 V {0018} In adtion to extreme contitons lke overheating and verchargng the inemal presureofa battery esl 3 ‘lithiunion bate x) may inercase whe the Batley is loaded with a coment (eg: during changing and discharge ing yeles) o a esl of aging, Ths the intra pressure im the baer calls may vary asthe numberof charging ‘ischamuing eyees increases ding vse ofthe batters. An excess pressure may destoy the battery ell, which may in the worst ease lat he batery catching fre or even oan ‘explosion. However, modem battery eels are usally ‘eqipped with safety mechanisms tht prevents an over pressurized hatery housing. As mentioned, those safety Iechanisms may aim at a contlled pressure release by @ Specific design of the cell housing (em by providing pres Stre relieve valves or tearable membranes it the wal of the housing) Adionally C1Ds may be used to mechanically terupt the load urtent ow thogh the batery cell a sof an excens prose. However, such CIDs conbate to inerease intra resistanee ofthe Baer. 10019} One afety mechanism, for example, may inside tearable membrane arranged inthe wall ofthe housing of te Battery cell. The housing and the membrane are gas-tight so that the membrane deforms athe intemal pressure inereass. The membrane designed t rape (Ceea¥ay) ‘when the intemal pressure exceeds a defined init and ate therfore also refered to a5 “tearaway tab” Thus, the membrane allows a controled pressure release once the inten pressure of the batery cll reaches @ dangers love. The walls of the cell hosing are gid as compared to the membrane, so dat essentially only the membrane is ‘deformed in cae ofan excess pres inthe interior of the battery cal The cooled presire release may avoid langeots explosion. This example is ilstated in FIG. 20 ‘and FIG. 2, wherein FIG. 2a isa rot view and FIG. 268 a comesponding top view. FIG. 2a and FIG. 2 iusates & Battery ce witha rigid el housing 10 and the positive (>) and negative (~) terminals 18,16 arranged onthe top srfoce ofthe hosing I should be noted, however, hat any other geometry orse-up ofthe batery es may also be apliabe. ‘The electrodes and the separator have been omit okey theillsiaton simple: FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b alo illustrate (eesally and plstically) deformable’ membrane 17 azrango ino side of the housing 10. The intemal pressure in the wait sealed hoosing 10 is denoted Daur 0020) FIG. 3 illstrates in timing diagram the mene toned variation of te internal presse in the interior of & ‘al housing 10 Uuoughout subsequent charging iscarsing ‘xcs. A postive lod cument indicated charging ofthe Battery cell wherein a negative Toad euretindiats dise chaning [0024] 1 may be desirable, however, to detest a ental state of a batery cell before an exsoss pressure leads 10 8 rupture (or tearaway) of the membrane Fortis purpose & pressure sensor may be arrange in the atery eal. The pressure Sensor may be configure 10 sense te itera pressure in the interior of the Baer eel and provide the Iessured pressure infomation to @ contol, Which may Feb. 8, 2018 inikate, based on the measured pressure information, p= cautions to avoid a further increase of internal pressure However, it has been observed that the chemicals (i.e. the electrolytes) in the battery cell give rise to corrosion of the integrated pressure sensor, which may degrade and event- ally destoy the pressure sensor. Furthermore, integration of the pressure sensor in the interior of the battery cell may ‘cause cracks and leakage particulary at higher pressures [022] FIGS. 4a and 44 illustrate one example ofa battery cell having a presture sensor 21, which is arranged Wit ‘a measurement chamber that is arranged in oF atthe housing 10 ofthe battery cel 1, but separated fom the interior of the battery cell by a (elastically and plastically) deformable ‘membrane 17. The “interior” ofthe battery eell 1 thereby refers to that space, in which the elecolye is located and ‘which is gas-tight sealed fom its surroundings (and from the ‘measurement chamber) by the housing 1 and the membrane 17, Similar to FIGS. 2a and 26, FIG. 4a isa front view and FIG, 46 a corresponding top view. Inthe present example, ‘4 measurement chamber 25 is formed by a cap 20 attached to the housing 10 of the battery cell 1. In the present ‘cxample, the membrane 17 and cap 20 (and thus the mea- sturetent chamber 25) are arranged between the postive terminal 18 and the negative terminal 16. However, the ‘membeane 17 may be formed in any other location in or at the housing 19 ofthe battery cell, wherein the membrane 17 js amanged such that it separates the atmosphere in the ‘measurement chamber 25 (eg. ar) from the interior of the battery cell 1 in which the electrolyte IL resides. [0023] As indicated in PIGS. 4a and 4, the membrane ‘bulges into the measurement chamber 25 when the intemal pressure in the interior of the battery eell 1 increases. For example, the volume Vyy available in the measurement chamber 25 is reduced by a diferential volume AV as the pressure Py inthe interior of the battery cell rises fro inially py 0 p,- Since dhe measurement chamber 25 is also _2n-tight, the reduction of volume by AV entails an increase Jn barometric pressure pyy 10M Pup 10 Pq Within the ‘measurement chamber. In ther words, the Membrane 17 “wansforms” a pressure change (e.g. from ny to) of the ‘internal pressure in the interior of the battery cell Tinto a corresponding pressure change (e.g. from py © p,) in the sreasurement chamber 25, [0024] The mentioned volume change AV of the volume Vip it the measurement chamber 25 may be analytically calculated using the ideal gas law. Accordingly, the product PirVy of (absolute) pressure pyy and volume Vyy equals mR."F, which is constant if temperature T and the mass of the gas are constant (Ris the spevitic yas constant), that is Pela mer o ‘When the volume of the mensurement chamber decreases by AV from Vigo t0 Vagus the pressure in the measurement chamber will increase’ from Pye 10 Py However, the product PPP @ Will remain constant ( in the current analysis). Substituting Pag Farr ®US 2018/0040926 AI in the above equation 2 yields: ” ° 0025] The differen (Ge. isa function off on the pressure difference Paas-Pave between the interior ofthe battery cell (pressure yyy) and the measurement chamber (pressure py) and the mechs ‘al propertics of the membrane, i. SP Avasr © ‘One can se from equations (5) and (6) that there is a direct relationship between the internal pressure pz in the battery cell and the measured pressure py, in the measurement ‘chamber. That is, the differential volume AV’ depends on internal presture ps al Ue pressure Py, in Uke measure ment chamber depends on the differential volume AV (wherein py and Vy are known constant parameters). The Initial prestre pig" the measurement chamber may be ‘equal to, lower tha or greater than the ambient atmospheric pressure. [0026] _Various materials may be used to form the mem- brane 17 (soe FIG, 4a and FIG. 48) dependent on the application, Inthe present example, an aluminum membrane has boon used, FIG, & illustrates one exemplary relation between change ofthe volume inthe measurement chamber (due to bulging of the membrane) and internal pressure of the battery coll The relation of FIG. 8 has been obiained by simulation of a specific test deviee, which was used in @ feasibility study. For detemining the internal pressure Por Jn the interior of the battery cell the pressure py in the ‘easurement chamber is measured. Based on the messed pressure pyy the intemal pressure py ean be determined ther using a mathematical model (© se equations 1-6) oF using stored characteristic curves (eg. a look-up table) ‘When an excess pressure is detected, one or more safety mechanisms may be triggered such as, for example, inter rupting the load current flow through the battery cel. Accordingly, a separate mechanical CID is not needed 10027] |The pressure sensor may be nn integrated baromet- Fic pressure sensor, Which may be mounted on a printed reuit board such as, for example, nfineon's DS310 digital barometric pressure sensor chip which includes a capacitive sensor element and a digital serial interface. However, many ‘ther types of pressure sensors may also be applicable. By ‘appropriately de-signing the nominal volume Vy of the measurement chamber and the geometry (partictlatly the thickness) of the membrane the available measurement range of the pressure sensor may be adjusted fo the desied measurement range of intemal pressure of the battery cel The specific shape ofthe bulging membrane does not have ‘any substatial influence on the pressure measurement as ‘only the differential volume (caused by the bulging of the membrane) is responsible for a pressure change in the ‘measurement chamber. This may be an advantage as com- pared to a direct measurement ofthe bulging of the mem- brane, which may be accomplished, for example, using ‘capacitive or induetive proximity sensors, The later could Feb. 8, 2018 be used w measure the deformation of the membrane, ‘wherein the symmetry ofthe bulging may have an impact ox the measurement. [0028] The pressure sensor (see FIG. 4a and FIG. 48, sensor 21) may be arranged on & PCB, which may be ‘arranged inthe measurement chamber or which may be part of the bousing tht forms the measurement chamber, FIG. 6 illustrates @ further example of u battery cell, which bas @ sensor 21 arranged on a printed eireuit board (PCB) 3, whieh covers the eap 20 so that a sealed measurement ‘chamber 25 i formed in the interoe ofthe cap 20. In the depicted example, the PCB 23 may be regarded as part ofthe ap 20, wherein the PCB 23 covers housing ofthe measure- chamber 25, A gasket may be arranged between the PCB 23 and the side walls of the measurement chamber 25 {o ensure a gos-tjht sealing ofthe measurement chamber Funker digital and analog electronic components may be fmanged on the PCB 23 including electronic circuits (see TIG. 6 and FIG, 6b, electronics 26) for processing the pressure information provided by the pressure sensor 21 However, in other embodiments, the electronics 26 or pro- cessing the pressure information may be disposed outside the measurement chamber 28, while the pressure sensor is isposed within the measurement chamber 25. [029] As a farther safety feature a proximity sensor 22 ‘ay be provided in the measurement chamber 25, for ‘example, on the PCB 23. In one simple implementation, the sroximity sensor may be a mechanical switch that is di posed in the measurement chamber such dt the membrane 17 mechanically actuates the switch when bulging of the membrane due to increasing internal pressure py Reaches a defined amount. However, ay other type of proximity sensor (such as capacitive or inductive proximity sensors) ‘may also be applicable in alternative implementations. Gen- enlly the proximity sensor 22 may be configured 10 detect ‘when the bulge of the membrane 17 reaches a defined value ‘The proximity sensor 22 may trigger a safety mechanism (ea. disconnecting the oad from the battery) independent ‘rom the pressure measurement, which may be repaired as fn additional contribution 40 the function safety of the battery. In some applications such kind of redundancy may bbe neoded to comply. with applicable functional safety standaeds such as 15026262. The safety mechanism may ‘include initiating one or more safety precautions sch as isconnecting the load form the battery. [0030] Dependent on the application, the whole measure- ‘meat set-up may be provided redundant to increase fune- ‘ional safety. That is, two or more separate measurement chambers may be provided fora single artery cll, wherein each measurement chamber is coupled tothe interior ofthe battery cell by a membrane and equipped with a pressure sensor for messuring the pressure in the respective mcasure- ‘meat chamber. Dependent on the application the 160 oF ‘mone measurement chumbers may be identical or may be designed differently. [0031] FIG, 7 illustrates smother exemplary inplementa- ‘ion ofa battery cell 1 with a separate measurement chamber 25 for indirect measurement ofthe internal pressure Pc id the interior (whore the electrolyte Hf resides) of the oll housing 10. Inthe present example, the measurement cham- ber 28 is not formed by a cap 20 (as in the previous examples) but rather integrated in the cell housing 10 as shown in FIG. 8, Nevertheless, the measurement chamber 25 is coupled t the interior of the battery cell by theUS 2018/0040926 AI membrane 17. Like in the previous example any pressure change of the intemal pressure pyr i transformed in 3 respective change of te bulging of membrane 17 and thus jn a volume difference AV. As previously deseribal the pressure Pain the measurement chamber 25 depends on the Volume difference AV and thus indireely oa the internal pressure Pair In the present example, the initial volume Vg (ee equation 3} may be tuned by disposing an actuator 0 Such as, for example, piezo actuator inthe measurement ‘chamber. The actuator 30 can effect an additional volume ‘change AV, nd thus he intial or “nominal” volume ofthe measurement chamber 28 may be tuned by appropriately driving the eetator 0032] Similar to the example of FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, & PCB 23 may’ be used to cover the measurement chamber 25. ‘The PCB 23 may be glued to the housing 10 or fixed ‘otherwise o the housing. whereby the measurement cham- ber 25 is gasstightly sealed. Gaskets may be usd if neces- sary for a gas-tight sealing. The pressure sensor 21, the sctustor 30 and further electronic components (See. €.8. FIG. 62 and FIG. 65, elecionies 26) may also be mounted ‘on the PCB 23. In the depicted example, the PCB 23 forms the cover ofthe measurement chamber 28. However, i ua {emative embodiment a separate cover may'be used, while the PCB 23 is aranged within the measurement chamber 28. 10033] FIG. 8 illustrates another exemplary implementa- tion, which is essentially identical to the previous example ‘of FIG. 7 except that a temperature sensor 31 is disposed i the measurement chamber 25 in addition to pressure senso 21 and the piezo actuator 30 has been omitted. However, an alternative embodiment the temperature sensor 31 may be provided in addition to the piez> actuator 30. Measuring temperature of the gas atmosphere in the measurement ‘chamber allows for considering the temperature when cal~ culating the internal battery pressure iy. Por example, 3 pressure Pya(T,) may be measured in the measurement ‘chamber 23a measured temperature The mathematical model of ideal gases (see equations I and 2) changes as {ollows when considering temperature changes Pri Pa Daag REAT TS o ‘wherein the intial pressure pyq and the initial volume Vi ‘are measured at tempemtire Ty (@. 25° Celsius) and neste Pay, and Volume Vig (8. VaowAV) ate measured temperature T, 10034] FIG. 9 is a Mlow chart illustrating one exemplary ‘method for measuring internal pressure ofa battery eal. The internal pressure isthe pressure present in an interior space ‘ofa battery cell, in which in which a battery electrolyte resides (see, eg. FIG. 4a and FIG. 46, battery cell 1 ‘electrolyte 11). The measurement of the intemal pressure of the batter cell includes measuring pressure of @ gas-aimo- sphere (Gee FIG. 9, step $2), hich is enclosed by measurement chamber (see, eg, FIG, 4a and FIG. 4, ‘measurement chamber 25), wherein the measurement cham- bers separated from the interior space ofthe battery ell by 4 deformable membrane (see, eat. FIG. da and FIG. 4b, membeane 17, FIG. 9, step S1), Optionally, as mentioned above, safety precautions may be initiated dependent on the measured pressure information (see FIG. 9, Step $3). Addi tionally or alternatively to the safety pocautions, parameters describing the cnrent sae ofthe battery (e.g. SOFT, SOC) ‘may be determined based on the measured pressure infor ‘mation Feb. 8, 2018 [0035] Several aspects of the embodiments deseribed herein are summarized below, I is noted, however, that the following summary is not an exhaustive enumeration of ‘features but rather an exemplary selection of features which nay be important or advantageous in some applications ‘According to one embodiment, a battery ell includes an interior space, in which a battery electrolyte resides, and a Fhowsing that wasctightly encloses the inferior space. The Datvery cell luther inludes a gas-tight sealed measurement chamber, which is separated from the interior space by a ‘deformable mombeane, in. which a pressure sensor” is arranged (see, eg. FIGS. 4 and 6, pressure sensor 21). [036] In one embodiment the deformable membrane may ‘be aang! between the interior space of he battery cell and the measurement chamber, whertin the membrane is con- figured to bulge dependent on a pressure diflerence berwoon the interior space of the balery cel and the measurement chamber. This, the volume available in the measurement chamber depends on the bulging of the membrane. The ‘measurement chamber may inclide a gos atmosphere including sr, nitrogen or an inert gus. Any specific gas or gas ‘mixture may be used o tune the characteristics of the ofthe peasurement arrangement. Generally, the membrane may be configure to transform a pressure variation in the interior space of the battery cell into a pressure variation in the was atmosphere within the measuroment chamber (see, ©. FIGS. da, 4, 60 and 66, membrane 17), [0037] In some embodiments proximity sensor (proxim= ty detector) may be arranged in the meastrement chamber sich that it is actuated by the deformable membrane when the deformation of the deformable membrane reaches defined value (ee, eg. FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b, switch 22) The Duty cell may include a printed circuit bourd (PCB), on whieh the proximity sensor is mounted (see, 2. FIG. 6a and FIG. 66, PCB 21), as well as electronic circuitry that is arranged on the PCB and configured to detect whether the ‘deformable membrane aetuates the sviteh, Safety preca- ‘ions may be triggered when actuation of the proximity sensor is detected. The pressure sensor may also be mounted fon @ PCB (the same PCB on which the proximity sensor is ‘mounted or another PCB). Eleetwonic eieuitry may be provided to process pressure information provided by the pressure sensor, The PCBS) may be arranged within the ‘measurement chamber. Altematively, the PCB may be part of the housing (see, eg. FIG. 4a and FIG. 46, cap 22) tnelosing the measurement chamber. 0038] In some embodiments a temperature sensor may be isposed in the measurement chamber for measuring the ‘temperature of the gas atmosphere enclosed by the measure ment chamber. Together wih pressure information (eg. pressure py) provided by the pressure sensor the temper fore information (eg. temperature T,) provided by the Temperature sensor may be processed (eg. by a signal processor, a micro, controle, or any ater digital or analog circuitry) to obtain a valve representing te intemal pressure Pur it the interior space ofthe battery cll. However, the ‘emperature need not be considered in applications, in which the temperature does not change significantly. Additionally or altematively, at least one parameter of the battery cell (uch as, for example, state of health (SOH) andlor state of charge (S0C)) may be determined based on the measured pressure ofthe gas-atmosphere enclose inthe messtirement ehannber.US 2018/0040926 AI 10039] In some embodiments an actuator may be provided that is configured to tune the volume of the measurement ‘chamber. For example, sueh an actuator may be a pieao- ‘elecisie actuator, which changes its volume dependent on a drive voltage applied to the actustor. When used together with « temperature measurement as mentioned above, the ‘etuator may be deiven sueh thatthe effect of a temperature ‘change is substantially compensated [0040] Although the invention has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, alterations andor modifications may be made 0 the illus. trated examples without departing Irom the spirit and seape ‘of the appended claims. in particular regard to the various Tunetions performed by the above deseribed componeals oF structures (units, assemblies, deviees, circuits, systems, etc) the terms (including a reference toa “means") used 10 describe such components ate intended to comrespond— unless otherwise indicated —to any component or structure Which performs the specified funetion of the deseribed component (eg. that is functionally equivalent), even though not structarally equivalent to the disclosed structure, which performs the function inthe herein illsirated exem- play implementations of the invention [0041] In addition, while a particular feature ofthe inven- tion may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features ofthe other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given oF Particular application. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “including”, “includes”, “having”, “has”, “with”, or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description ‘and the claims, such terms are tended to be inclusive in 9 ‘manner similar tothe term “comprising”. 10042] The following examples demonstrate one or more aspects ofthis disclosure and may be combined in ay Way: [0043] Example 1. A battery cell comprising: [0045] an interior space, in which a battery electrolyte resides; 10045] housing (10) enclosing the interior space gas tightly 10046] gas-tight sealed measurement chamber (25), Which is separated fom the interior space by a deformable mmembeane (17); and [0047] pressure sensor (21) arranged inthe messurement ‘chamber (25). [0048] Example 2 The battery cell of example 1 [0049] wherein the deformable membrane (17) is arranged between the interior space of the battery cell and the ‘measurement chamber (28), the membrane being configured to bulge dependent on a pressure diference between the interior space of the batlery cell and the measurement ‘chamber, and the volume available in the measurement ‘chamber depending oa the bulging of the membrane, 10080] | Fxample 3, The battery cell of any of examples 1-2 ‘or combinations theroof, 10051] wherein the measurement chamber (26) includes 9 bas atmosphere. [0082] Example 4, The battery cell of claim any of ‘eximples 13 or combinations thereof, [0083] wherein the gas atmosphere inchides atleast one fair, nitrogen inet as. Feb. 8, 2018 [0054] Example 5. The battery cell ofany of examples 14 ‘or combinations thereof, [05S] wherein the membrane is configured to transform a presiure Variation in the interior space into a pressure variation in the gas atmosphere within the measurement chauber. [0056] Example 6, The battery cell of any of examples 1-5 fr combinations thereof, further comprising: [0057] a proximity sensor arranged in the measurement ‘chamber such that it is actuated by the deformable mem- brane when the deformation of the deformable membrane reaches a defined value [00S8) Example 7. The battery cell of any of examples 1-6 fr combinations thereof, wherein tke proximity sensor is @ ‘mechanical switch arranged such that itis aetuated when, due to bulging ofthe deformable membrane, the membrane touches the switch [0059] Example &. The battery cell of any of examples 1-7 fr combinations thereof, futher comprising: [0060] a printed circuit bound (PCB), on which the ‘mechanical switch sensor is mounted; [0061] electronic circuitry arranged on the PCB and con- figured to detect whether the deformable membrane actuates the mechanical switch and to trigger safety. precautions ‘when actuation ofthe mechanical switch is detected. [0062] Example 9. The battery cell of any of examples 1-8 fr combinations thereof, futher comprising: [0063] a printed cireut board (PCB), on which the pres- sure sensor is mounted; [0064] electronic circuitry arranged on the PCB and con- figured to process pressure information provided by the pressure sensor Example 10, The battery cell of example 8 or 9 or the PCB is amangod within the measure seat chamber oe wherein the PCH is part ofthe honsing closing the meawnrement chamber. [0067] Example 1. The batery cell of any of examples 1-10 ar combinations thro, furlice comprising {0068} temperature sensor arranged within the measure ‘ment chamber to measure the temperate ofa gas atmo- Sphere within the measurement chamber {0069} Example 12. The battery cell of any of examples 1-11 or combinations threo, urtier comprising [0070]. elecoonie circuitry configured to process pressure infomation provid bythe pressure sensor and emperstare information provided by the lemperatre sensor to obtain value representing the intemal pressure in the snteroe space othe battery eel [007] "Example 13. The battery cell of any of examples 1-12 or combinations thesof. farther comprising {0072} anactator configured tne a volume enlosed in the measurement chamber {0073} Example 14. The batery cll of example [0074] wherein the actuator is 8 pao actuator, which efhianges its volume dependent on dive voltage applied 10 the actator. (0075) Example 18. A method for measuring intemal reshue in am interior space of a batery ell, in which in ‘which a bateryeleewolste resides, the method comprising (0076) measuring pressor of ges-atmosphere enclosed na meastrement chamber the meanirement chamber being scarated fom the interior space of the batter cell by deformable membraneUS 2018/0040926 AI 10077] Example 16, The meta of example 1 10078) wherein the membrane ansorms presse varie tion inthe interior space into a pressore variation in th gs samosphere enelose inthe measurement chanbe. 10079] Example 17. Themethod of aay of examples 1416 ‘oF combinations thereof, 10080) wherein the deformable membrane bulges depen- ‘ent of presse dillereace betes the ilerior space of tho battery cell and the measurement chamb, the volume available in the measurement chamber this depending on the bulging of the membrane [0081] Example 18. Themetbod of any of examples 14-17 ‘or combinations ther, fuer eompesing {0082} uiaucrng, by the meabrane « proximity seasor ‘range in the measirement chamber, when the deforma thon ofthe deformable membrane reaches» defined value 10083) Example 19. Themethod of any of examples 18 ‘or combinations thereof, futher compesing 10084) iitxing safety precations dependent on mea Sued pressure information. {0088} Example 2. Themethod of any of examples 14-19 ‘or combinations thereof, further compesing [086] mcasring temperature of the git slmosphere ‘enclosa in the measurement chamber. 10087] Example 21. Themethod of any of examples 14-20 ‘or combinations ther, further comprising 10088} collating an internal pressure ia the interior space ‘of the battery cell hased on the measoed pressure of the ‘ps-slmosphere enclosed inthe measiroment chamber and the measured temperstre 10089] "Example 22. The method of any of examples 14-21 ‘or combinations thereof, fle eompesing 10090] collating an intemal pres inthe intcor space ‘of the battery cell hake on the measiredpresture of the {zasalmosphore enclosed inthe mcaroroment chamber. {91} Example 23. hemethod of any of examples 14-22 ‘or combinations thereof, further compesing 10092] determining te state of the membrane based onthe measured pressure ofthe gas-atmosphere enlosed in the measurement chamber, 10093} wherein estat of te membrane is one of asic stain plastic, and ultimate tensile strength reached [0094]. Example 24 Themethodof any of examples 14-23 ‘or combinations ther, fst compesing 10095] determining at least one paructr of the battery «ll based on the measured pressure of the gas-tmosphere fnclosod in the measurement chamber, 0096] wherein atleast one parameter i one of state of hal (SO) and state of charge (SOC). Wie eli: 1A battery ell comprising: an interior space, in which a hater electrolyte resides; 3 housing enclosing the interior space gas-tily 4 gastiah sealed measurement chamber, which is sepa- ‘ted fom the interior space By a deformable mem ‘rane; and 4 pressure sensor aranged in the measurement chamber. 2. The batery cel of elim 1, ‘whorin the double menbrae is ranged berseen the interior space of the battery cell andthe meacire- ‘ment chamber, the membrane Being configured to bulge dependent ona presse diferece between the interior Space ofthe battery cell and the measurement chamber, Feb. 8, 2018 ‘andthe volume available in the measurement chamber depending on the bulging of the membrane 3. The battery cel ofelaim 1, ‘wherein the measurement chamber includes a gas atmo- sphere 4. The battery cell of claim 3, ‘wherein the gas atmosphere includes atleast one of is, nitrogen, inert gas, ‘5. The battery cell of claim 3, ‘wherein the membrane is configured to transform a pres sure variation in the inferior space into a pressure ‘variation inthe gas atmosphere within the measurement chamber, 6. The battery cell of claim 1 further comprising: 4 proximity sensor arranged in the measurement chamber Such that itis actuated by the deformable membrane svtien the deformation of the deformable membrane reaches a defined value 7. The battery cell of claim 6, wherein the proximity sensor is a mechanical switch arranged such that it is actuated when, due (bulging of the deformable membrane, the membrane touches the swith, ‘8. The battery cell of claim 6 further comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB), on whieh the mechanical Sovtch Sensor is mounted clecttonie circuitry arranged on the PCB and configured to detect whether the deformable membrane actates the mechanical switch and to trigger safety precautions When actuation of the mechanical switeh is detected 9. The battery cell of claim 1 farther compri a printed ciruit board (PCB), on which the pressure Sensor is mounted; electronic circuitry arranged on the PCB and configured to process pressure information provided by the pres 16, The battery cell of claim &, wherein the PCB is arranged within the measurement chamber of wherein the PCH is part of the housing ‘enclosing the measurement chamber. 11. The battery cell of elaim 1 further comprising 4 temperature sensor arranged within the measurement chamber to measure the temperature of @ gas atmo~ sphere within the measurement chamber. 12, The battery cell of elaim 11 further comprising: clecttonic circuitry configured to process pressure infor: mation provided by the pressure sensor and tempera ture information provided by the temipemture sensor to ‘obtain a valve representing the internal pressure in the interior space of the battery cel, 13. The battery cell of claim 1 further comprising: ‘an actuator configured to Tune a volume enclosed in the measurement chamber. 14. The battery cell of claim 13, ‘wherein the actuator is a piezo actuator, which changes its volume dependent on a drive voltage applied to the saetnator 15. A method for measuring intemal pressure in an interior space of battery cell, in which in which a battery electrolyte resides, the method comprising ‘measuring pressure of a gas-atmosphere enclosed in a measurement chamber, the mieisurement chamber being separated frm the interior space ofthe batter cell by a deformable membrane,US 2018/0040926 AI 16. The method of clan 18, wherein the membrane transfomns a pressure variation in the interior space into a pressure variation in the gas atmosphere enclosed in the measurement chamber 17. The method of elsim 18, ‘wherein the deformable membrane bulges dependent on 2 pressure difference between the inferior space of the ‘attery col andthe measurement chamber, the volume available in the measurement chamber this depending fn the bulging of the membrane. 18, The method of claim 18, further eomprsing: triggering, by the membrane, a proximity sensor arranged in the measurement chamber, whea the deformation of the deformable membrane reaches a defined vale, 19, The method of ‘sure information 20, The method of claim 15 further comprising: ‘measuring tempemture ofthe gas atmosphere enclosed in the measurement chamber, Feb. 8, 2018 21, The method of claim 16 further comprising: «alculating an internal pressure in the interior space of the battery’ cell based on the measured pressure of the _znvatmosphere enclosed inthe measurement chamber ‘and the measured temperature 22, The method of claim 15 further comprising: ‘calculating an interoal pressure in the interior space of the ‘aitery cell based on the measured pressire of the ‘essaimosphere enclosed in the measurement chamber. 23. The method of claim 15 further comprising: otemnining the state of the membrane based on the measured pressure of the gas-atmosphiere enclosed in the measurement chamber wherein the state ofthe plastic, and ultimate 24, The metbod of claim 15 further comprising: detemnining at least one parameter of the battery cell Tred on the measured presse of the gas-atmosphere ‘enclosed jn the measurement chamber, wherein at least one parumeter is one of. state of health (SOH) and state of change (SOC),