THERMAL RUNAWAY DETECTION OF AUTOMOTIVE TRACTION BATTERIES EMPLOYING FORCE-SENSING RESISTOR (FSR) PRESSURE SENSOR

A detection device for detecting a thermal runaway condition in a rechargeable automotive traction battery that includes a closed traction battery housing for receiving at least a plurality of rechargeable electrochemical energy cells. The detection device includes a force-sensing resistor. The force-sensing resistor has flexible substrates separated by a spacer member and a vent outlet. The vent outlet is fluidically connectable to an exterior space of the traction battery housing if the force-sensing resistor is located inside the traction battery housing. At least one of the flexible substrates is operatively connectable to an interior space of the traction battery housing if the force-sensing resistor is located outside the traction battery housing.