SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FAIL-SAFE BATTERY PROTECTION INDEPENDENT FROM BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Methods and systems for charging a battery string while protecting against overcharging. One system includes: a pair of disconnect devices; a power distribution bus which is electrically connected to a battery string via the disconnect devices; a battery charger connected to supply battery power to the power distribution bus for charging the battery string; a module monitoring unit configured to sense individual battery cell voltages during charging; a first processor configured to activate one disconnect device to open when the sensed individual battery cell voltages indicate overcharging; a plurality of sensors connected to sense a full-string voltage measured across the battery string and first and second half-string voltages measured across first and second half-strings of the battery string; and a second processor connected to receive sensor data during charging. The second processor is configured to independently activate the second disconnect device to open when the sensor data indicates continued overcharging.