Multiple-zone thermocouple battery module temperature monitoring system

A method of monitoring temperatures in multiple-zones in a battery module, comprising:

• measuring, via a first temperature sensor of a first temperature probe, a temperature of a first battery cell stratum at a first location in a battery module, wherein the first temperature probe is disposed in an area between three or more immediately adjacent battery cells at the first location;
• measuring, via a second temperature sensor of the first temperature probe, a temperature of a second battery cell stratum at the first location in the battery module, wherein the second temperature probe is disposed in the area between the three or more immediately adjacent battery cells at the first location;
• and
• determining, via a processor in communication with the first and second temperature sensors of the first temperature probe, a difference between the temperature measured for the first battery cell stratum and the temperature measured for the second battery cell stratum at the first location, wherein first ends of the three or more immediately adjacent battery cells are disposed at least partially within the first battery cell stratum at the first location, and wherein opposite second ends of the three or more immediately adjacent battery cells are disposed at least partially within the second battery cell stratum at the first location.

A battery module, comprising:

• an array of battery cells arranged in adjacent spaced apart series-connected rows, the rows spaced apart along a length of the battery module running from a first end to an opposite second end of the battery module, wherein all positive terminals for each battery cell in the array of battery cells are oriented facing a same direction;
• and
• a multiple-zone battery module temperature monitoring system, comprising:
• a first temperature probe disposed at a first location of the battery module in an area between three or more immediately adjacent battery cells in the array of battery cells, the first temperature probe comprising a first temperature sensor disposed adjacent to a first end of the first temperature probe and a second temperature sensor spaced apart from the first temperature sensor and disposed adjacent to a second end of the first temperature probe;
• and
• a processor that receives data from the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor of the first temperature probe, wherein the data from the first temperature sensor corresponds to a temperature measurement in a first region associated with first ends of the three or more immediately adjacent battery cells, and wherein the data from the second temperature sensor corresponds to a temperature measurement in a second region associated with opposite second ends of the three or more immediately adjacent battery cells.