Apparatus and method for initiating thermal runaway in a battery

A method for initiating thermal runaway in a battery cell, the method comprising:

• providing a heating element in thermal contact with the battery cell for transferring heat to a region of the battery cell;
• providing heat transfer material between and in contact with both the heating element and the battery cell for improving thermal energy transfer between the heating element and the battery cell;
• providing an energy source electrically coupled to the heating element;
• and
• sending a current pulse through the heating element to generate a power pulse at the heating element to heat the region of the battery cell for initiating thermal runaway.

An apparatus for initiating thermal runaway in a battery cell, the apparatus comprising:

• means for converting electrical energy into heat positionable in thermal contact with the battery cell for transferring heat to a region of the battery cell;
• heat transfer material positionable between and in contact with both the means for converting electrical energy into heat and the battery cell for improving thermal energy transfer between the means for converting electrical energy into heat and the battery cell;
• means for providing energy electrically coupled to the means for converting electrical energy into heat;
• switching means for selectively sending a current pulse to the means for converting electrical energy into heat to generate a power pulse at the means for converting electrical energy into heat to heat the region of the battery cell for initiating thermal runaway.