The Boeing Company
Battery cell design for preventing internal short circuits from occurring and propagating using positive temperature coefficient (PTC) materials

Abstract:

A battery and related methods are described. The battery can include a plurality of battery cell segments. Each of the battery cell segments can include: a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) material whose resistance increases with temperature, an anode segment, a cathode segment, and one or more current limiters. The one or more current limiters of a battery cell segment are configured to conditionally electrically isolate the battery cell segment based on an occurrence of a short circuit within the battery cell segment. The battery can be used to store electrical power and/or provide electrical power to a load.