In regards to the power distribution panel issues, Boeing traced them back to a bad batch from the supplier. In addition to the three NH events, a UA 787 had the same problem and diverted to MSY. QR also reported a problem with a panel on a 787 delivery flight and AI experienced issues on some of their 787s, as well.
@saptzae
Detection of cell voltage or battery current transients is the only way to detect cell failure fast enough.
Which according to an earlier post on the 787 battery subsystem is something the Battery Management System does on a per-cell basis (in addition to monitoring the cell's temperature).
@FullWings
I think the BMS did detect a battery fault, as there was an EICAS alert to that effect around the time the APU shut down, according to the report.
And I believe I recall reading that the EICAS was alerting the flight crew of NH692 to issues with the voltage and temperature of the Ship's Battery.