Apparatus of detecting thermal runaway for electric vehicle

Abstract

A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery is disclosed. A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a battery module comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, each comprising a pouch body and electrode leads provided at both ends of the pouch body, provided inside an outer case; and a printed circuit board equipped with a gas sensor for detecting the amount of gas discharged from the battery cells.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery, and more specifically, to a thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery capable of detecting thermal runaway of a battery equipped in an electric vehicle in advance and notifying passengers. Background Technology

[0002] An electric vehicle is a vehicle that uses a battery engine powered by electrical energy output from a battery.

[0003] These electric vehicles have the advantage of producing no exhaust gas and very little noise because they use a battery formed as a single pack of multiple rechargeable and dischargeable cells as their main power source.

[0004] And a hybrid car is a vehicle that falls between an internal combustion engine car and an electric car, and is a vehicle that uses two or more power sources, for example, an engine and a battery engine.

[0005] As such, since the performance of the battery directly affects the performance of the vehicle that uses electric energy, a battery management system (60) is required to measure the voltage of each battery cell, the voltage and current of the entire battery, etc., to efficiently manage the charging and discharging of each battery cell, and to determine whether each battery cell is degraded so that the battery cell can be guaranteed to have maximum performance.

[0006] Recently, the use of lithium-ion batteries in such electric vehicles has been increasing. As a type of rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it has a multilayer structure comprising a positive electrode activated by various mixed oxides or olivine, a negative electrode activated by specific carbon, and a separator immersed in an organic electrolyte.

[0007] Under normal operating conditions, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy and stored during charging, and the stored chemical energy is converted into electrical energy during discharging. To explain in more detail, during charging, lithium in the positive electrode is ionized and moves layer by layer toward the negative electrode. During discharging, the ions move toward the positive electrode and return to their original compounds.

[0008] In these lithium-ion batteries, a condition known as self-heating can occur under extreme conditions of overvoltage, overcurrent, or overtemperature. Self-heating can cause the lithium-ion battery to enter a state of thermal runaway. Self-heating refers to a state in which the internal temperature of the battery cell rises due to the electrochemical structure within the cell.

[0009] If thermal runaway occurs inside a battery module, it can cause very dramatic and significant damage. When thermal runaway occurs, a very small amount of oxygen is generated, and the internal temperature can rise above 800 degrees Celsius.

[0010] If such a situation occurs, a fire may break out inside the vehicle, excessive gas may be generated, or the casing housing the lithium-ion battery cells may be destroyed. In particular, if a fire occurs, it can cause very serious harm to the driver inside the vehicle.

[0011] The matters described in this background technology section are written to enhance understanding of the background of the invention and may include matters that are not prior art already known to those skilled in the art to which this technology belongs. The problem to be solved

[0013] The present invention aims to solve the problems described above by providing a thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery that detects thermal runaway in the electric vehicle battery and warns the vehicle's occupants of the danger. means of solving the problem

[0014] A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned purpose may include: a battery module comprising a plurality of pouch-type battery cells, each comprising a pouch body and electrode leads provided at both ends of the pouch body, provided inside an outer case; and a printed circuit board equipped with a gas sensor for detecting the amount of gas emitted from the battery cells.

[0015] The printed circuit board on which the gas sensor is mounted can be installed at both ends of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0016] The gas sensor mounted on the printed circuit board can be installed adjacent to the pouch body and the electrode lead.

[0017] A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller that determines whether the battery cell is undergoing thermal runaway from the amount of gas of the battery cell transmitted through the printed circuit board; and a warning unit that generates an alarm to a passenger when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell.

[0018] A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to another embodiment of the present invention may include: a battery module comprising a plurality of prismatic type battery cells, each comprising a prismatic body and a venting portion provided at the top of the prismatic body, provided inside an outer case; and a printed circuit board equipped with a gas sensor for detecting the amount of gas discharged from the battery cells.

[0019] The printed circuit board on which the gas sensor is mounted can be installed on the top of the plurality of battery cell assemblies.

[0020] The gas sensor mounted on the printed circuit board can be installed adjacent to the venting hole provided in the rectangular body.

[0021] A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include a controller that determines whether the battery cell is undergoing thermal runaway from the amount of gas of the battery cell transmitted through the printed circuit board; and a warning unit that generates an alarm to a passenger when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell. Effects of the invention

[0023] According to the thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the present invention as described above, the amount of gas emitted from a battery cell is detected through a gas sensor, and the thermal runaway of the battery cell is predicted thereby, so as to provide information to the vehicle's occupants regarding whether danger has occurred. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] These drawings are for reference to explain exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and therefore, the technical concept of the present invention should not be interpreted as being limited to the attached drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a thermal runaway detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a battery cell and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 6 and FIGS. 7 are graphs illustrating a sensing signal according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail with reference to the attached drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the invention. However, the present invention may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0026] To clearly explain the present invention, parts unrelated to the explanation have been omitted, and the same reference numerals are used for identical or similar components throughout the specification.

[0027] In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for the convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown in the drawings, and the thickness has been enlarged to clearly represent various parts and regions.

[0029] Hereinafter, 0000 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a thermal runaway detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between a battery cell and a printed circuit board according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a battery module (1), a controller (70), and a warning unit (80).

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the battery module (1) may include a plurality of battery cells (10) and a printed circuit board (20) (PCB) inside an outer case (30).

[0033] The exterior case (30) may include a left cover (31), a right cover (32), an upper cover (35), a lower cover, a front cover (33), and a rear cover (34). The left cover (31), the right cover (32), the upper cover (35), the lower cover, the front cover (33), and the rear cover (34) are combined to form the exterior case (30), and the exterior case (30) is configured to surround the outer periphery of a plurality of battery cells (10), and a printed circuit board (20) is provided between the exterior case (30) and the plurality of battery cells (10).

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell (10) is of the pouch cell type and may include a pouch body (11) and electrode leads (12) provided at both ends of the pouch body (11).

[0035] The pouch body (11) accommodates an electrode assembly (not shown) and may be composed of a multilayer pouch film including a first resin layer / metal layer / second resin layer. The electrode lead (12) is electrically connected to the electrode assembly and electrically connected to the printed circuit board (20).

[0036] Since the pouch body (11) is heat-fused with the electrode lead (12) drawn out to the outside, the sealing performance of the area through which the electrode lead (12) passes may be compromised. Therefore, a sealant may be applied between the pouch body (11) and the electrode lead (12).

[0037] A plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked in the left-right direction, and a plurality of battery cells (10) are connected in parallel and / or series. A printed circuit board (20) may be provided at each end of the plurality of battery cells (10) stacked in the left-right direction. In an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery cells (10) stacked in the left-right direction is referred to as a battery cell assembly.

[0038] A gas sensor (51) for detecting the amount of gas emitted from a pouch-type battery cell (10) is mounted on a printed circuit board (20). In an embodiment of the present invention, the gas sensor (51) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided at both ends of a battery cell assembly, and may also be mounted on a separate sensor board (50) if necessary. The sensor board (50) is provided at both ends of the battery cell assembly together with the printed circuit board, and the sensor board (50) and the printed circuit board (20) may be electrically connected.

[0039] The gas sensor (51) detects the amount of gas emitted from the battery cell (10) and transmits it to a battery management system (60) electrically connected to a printed circuit board (20).

[0040] As explained above, in the case of a pouch-type battery cell (10), the bonding force between the pouch body (11) and the electrode lead (12) is relatively small, so the gas generated inside the pouch body (11) is discharged between the pouch body (11) and the electrode lead (12). Therefore, it is preferable that the gas sensor (51) mounted on the printed circuit board (20) be installed adjacent to the pouch body (11) and the electrode lead (12).

[0041] Each printed circuit board (20) provided at both ends of the battery cell assembly detects the voltage and temperature of each battery cell (10) and transmits them to the battery management system (60) (BMS: battery management system).

[0042] The battery management system (60) receives information about the battery detected by various types of sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, voltage sensor, etc.) through a printed circuit board (20), determines the status of multiple battery modules (1), and manages each battery module (1) to maintain an optimal state.

[0043] In particular, the battery management system (60) performs functions such as measuring the remaining capacity of the battery, maintaining the state of charge (SOC) of the battery at an appropriate level, and measuring and managing the temperature of the battery.

[0045] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the configuration of a battery cell according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 4, the battery module (1) may include a plurality of battery cells (10) and a printed circuit board (20) (PCB) inside an outer case (30).

[0047] The exterior case (30) may include a left cover (31), a right cover (32), an upper cover (35), a lower cover, a front cover (33), and a rear cover (34). The left cover (31), the right cover (32), the upper cover (35), the lower cover, the front cover (33), and the rear cover (34) are combined to form the exterior case (30), and the exterior case (30) is configured to surround the outer periphery of a plurality of battery cells (10), and a printed circuit board (20) is provided between the exterior case (30) (e.g., the upper cover (35)) and the plurality of battery cells (10).

[0048] In another embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell (10) is of the prismatic cell type, and a pair of electrodes and a venting portion (13) are formed on the upper part of the prismatic body (15).

[0049] When the battery cell (10) repeatedly charges and discharges, venting gas is generated inside the battery cell (10), and when the amount of venting gas exceeds a set amount, the venting gas inside the battery cell (10) is discharged to the outside through the venting section (13).

[0050] A plurality of battery cells (10) are stacked in the left-right direction, and a plurality of battery cells (10) are connected in parallel and / or series. A printed circuit board (20) may be provided on the top of the plurality of battery cells (10) stacked in the left-right direction.

[0051] A gas sensor (51) for detecting the amount of gas emitted from a rectangular type battery cell (10) is mounted on a printed circuit board (20). In another embodiment of the present invention, the gas sensor (51) may be mounted on a printed circuit board provided at both ends of a battery cell assembly, and may also be mounted on a separate sensor board (50) if necessary. The sensor board (50) is provided at the top of the battery cell assembly together with the printed circuit board, and the sensor board (50) and the printed circuit board (20) may be electrically connected.

[0052] The gas sensor (51) detects the amount of gas emitted from the battery cell (10) and transmits it to a battery management system (60) electrically connected to a printed circuit board (20).

[0053] As explained above, in the case of a rectangular type battery cell (10), the venting gas generated inside the battery cell (10) is discharged to the outside through the venting section (13). Therefore, it is preferable that the gas sensor (51) mounted on the printed circuit board (20) be installed adjacent to the venting section (13).

[0054] Each printed circuit board (20) provided on the top of the battery cell assembly detects the voltage and temperature of each battery cell (10) and transmits them to the battery management system (60) (BMS: battery management system).

[0055] The battery management system (60) receives information about the battery detected by various types of sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, voltage sensor, etc.) through a printed circuit board (20), determines the status of multiple battery modules (1), and manages each battery module (1) to maintain an optimal state.

[0056] In particular, the battery management system (60) performs functions such as measuring the remaining capacity of the battery, maintaining the state of charge (SOC) of the battery at an appropriate level, and measuring and managing the temperature of the battery.

[0058] Meanwhile, the controller (70) can determine whether the battery cell (10) is thermally runaway from the amount of gas of the battery cell (10) transmitted from the printed circuit board (20) through the battery management system (60).

[0059] To this end, the controller (70) may be equipped with one or more processors that operate according to a set program, and said set program is configured to perform each step of the method for detecting thermal runaway of a battery cell (10) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] When the battery cell (10) operates normally, the sensing signal (e.g., resistance value) detected by the sensing module changes within a certain range (see FIG. 6).

[0061] However, when thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (10), the amount of venting gas discharged from inside the battery cell (10) increases, and the sensing signal (e.g., resistance value) detected by the gas sensor (51) increases rapidly (see FIG. 7). Through this, the controller (70) can determine that thermal runaway is occurring in the battery cell (10).

[0062] If thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell (10), the controller (70) can generate an alarm to the occupants of the vehicle through the warning unit (80). The warning unit (80) may be a center fascia or a speaker provided in the vehicle.

[0063] Thermal runaway may occur in the battery cell (10), causing an excess amount of venting gas to be generated in the battery cell (10) and a fire may occur in the battery cell (10). A very dangerous situation may occur for passengers in the vehicle due to a series of fires in the vehicle caused by the fire in the battery.

[0064] Accordingly, by detecting the amount of venting gas emitted from the battery cell (10) through the gas sensor (51), if it is predicted that a thermal runaway will occur in the battery cell (10), the controller (70) can notify the occupants of the vehicle through the warning unit (80), thereby protecting the occupants from the thermal runaway of the battery cell (10) and the resulting fire in the vehicle.

[0065] Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the claims, the detailed description of the invention, and the attached drawings, and it is obvious that such modifications also fall within the scope of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0066] 1: Battery module 10: Battery cell 11: Pouch body 12: Electrode Lead 15: Rectangular body 16: Electrode 17: Banting Department 20: Printed circuit board 30: External case 31: Left cover 32: Right cover 33: Front cover 34: Rear cover 35: Upper cover 36: Lower cover 50: Sensor board 51: Gas sensor 60: Battery Management System 70: Controller 80: Warning section

Claims

Claim 1 A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery comprising: a battery module including a plurality of pouch-type battery cells provided inside an outer case and including a pouch body and electrode leads provided at both ends of the pouch body; and a printed circuit board equipped with a gas sensor for detecting the amount of gas discharged from the battery cells; wherein the printed circuit board detects the voltage and temperature of each of the battery cells, the printed circuit board is installed at both ends of the plurality of battery cell assembly, and the gas sensor mounted on the printed circuit board is installed adjacently between the pouch body and the electrode leads. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 delete Claim 4 A thermal runaway detection device for an electric vehicle battery according to claim 1, further comprising: a controller that determines whether the battery cell is undergoing thermal runaway from the amount of gas of the battery cell transmitted through the printed circuit board; and a warning unit that generates an alarm to a passenger if thermal runaway occurs in the battery cell. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 delete Claim 8 delete

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