Systems, devices, and methods for leak detection using capillary tubes

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems, devices, and methods for leak detection using capillary tubes. In some examples, a leak detection device is described herein. In one or more example embodiments, a leak detection device includes a spill collector configured to collect a liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest. In one or more examples, a leak detection device alternatively or additionally includes a capillary including a first end configured to be submerged in a liquid of interest in a spill collector; and a second end configured to mechanically couple with a pressure sensor configured to measure an air pressure in the capillary. In one or more examples, a leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices electrically coupled with a pressure sensor, the one or more computing devices configured to utilize a measured air pressure in a capillary to differentiate a liquid of interest from another liquid.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Liquid leak detection devices can be used to detect various types of liquid leaks, such as leaks of battery pack coolant. Some detection devices use resistive sensors to detect leaks, such as coolant leaks. However, such detection devices can suffer from false alarms. For example, they may misinterpret water condensation as a coolant leak. Through effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been addressed through the development of solutions included in the disclosed embodiments, examples of which are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In some examples, a leak detection apparatus is described herein. In one or more example embodiments, the leak detection apparatus includes a spill collector configured to collect the liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest. In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes a capillary tube comprising a first end configured to be immersed in the liquid of interest in the spill collector; and a second end configured to be mechanically coupled to a pressure sensor configured to measure air pressure in the capillary tube. In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices electrically coupled to the pressure sensor, the one or more computing devices configured to utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid.

[0003] In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices, which are further configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest, wherein the characteristic parameter includes a viscosity difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid, and the characteristic parameter is determined using the measured air pressure in the capillary; and distinguish the liquid of interest from the other liquid using a capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, wherein the capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid is based on the characteristic parameter.

[0004] In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to: compare the measured air pressure in the capillary tube with an air pressure threshold; and determine the presence of the liquid of interest when the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is higher than the air pressure threshold.

[0005] In one or more examples, the leak detection device alternatively or additionally includes a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature probe configured to engage with at least one of the liquid of interest or another liquid in the spill collector, the temperature sensor being configured to measure the temperature in the spill collector using the temperature probe.

[0006] In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to utilize the measured temperature to change the air pressure threshold.

[0007] In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to: increase an air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is above a temperature threshold; and decrease the air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold.

[0008] In one or more examples, the leak detection apparatus alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to generate an alarm when the presence of the liquid of interest is determined.

[0009] In one or more examples, the liquid of interest is a coolant of the battery pack, the spill catcher is a bottom cover of the battery pack, and wherein the other liquid is at least one of water produced by condensation in the spill catcher, melted wax, or melted adhesive.

[0010] In some examples, a coolant leak detection system is described. In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system includes a spill collector configured to collect coolant leaked from a battery pack. In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes a capillary tube comprising: a first end configured to be immersed in the coolant when the coolant leaks in the spill collector; and a second end configured to be mechanically coupled to a pressure sensor configured to measure air pressure above the coolant in the capillary tube. In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices electrically coupled to the pressure sensor, the one or more computing devices configured to utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish between the coolant in the spill collector and another liquid.

[0011] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to: determine a characteristic parameter of the coolant, wherein the characteristic parameter includes a viscosity difference between the coolant and another liquid, and the characteristic parameter is determined using the measured air pressure in the capillary tube; and distinguish the coolant from the other liquid using a capillary rise difference between the coolant and the other liquid, wherein the capillary rise difference between the coolant and the other liquid is based on the characteristic parameter.

[0012] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to: compare the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to an air pressure threshold; and determine that coolant is present when the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is higher than the air pressure threshold.

[0013] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature probe configured to engage at least one of the coolant or another liquid in the spill collector, the temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature in the spill collector using the temperature probe.

[0014] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to utilize the measured temperature to vary the air pressure threshold.

[0015] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to: increase the air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is above a temperature threshold; and decrease the air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold.

[0016] In one or more example embodiments, the coolant leak detection system alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices further configured to generate an alarm when the presence of coolant is determined.

[0017] In some examples, the coolant is a coolant of the battery pack and the spill catcher is a bottom cover of the battery pack, and wherein the other liquid is at least one of water produced by condensation in the spill catcher, melted wax, or melted adhesive.

[0018] In one or more example embodiments, a leak detection method is described herein. In some example embodiments, the leak detection method includes a pressure sensor measuring air pressure in a capillary tube, wherein a first end of the capillary tube is configured to be immersed in a liquid of interest in a spill collector, the spill collector being configured to collect the liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest, and wherein the pressure sensor is mechanically coupled to a second end of the capillary tube. In some example embodiments, the leak detection method alternatively or additionally includes one or more computing devices electrically coupled to the pressure sensor to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid using the measured air pressure in the capillary tube.

[0019] In some example embodiments, the leak detection method alternatively or additionally includes: determining a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest, wherein the characteristic parameter includes a viscosity difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid, and the characteristic parameter is determined using air pressure in a capillary tube; and distinguishing the liquid of interest from the other liquid using a capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, wherein the capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid is based on the characteristic parameter.

[0020] In some example embodiments, the leak detection method alternatively or additionally includes comparing the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to an air pressure threshold; and determining that the liquid of interest is present when the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is above the air pressure threshold.

[0021] In some example embodiments, the leak detection method alternatively or additionally includes measuring a temperature in the spill collector using a temperature probe of a temperature sensor; and varying the air pressure threshold using the measured temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a liquid cooling system.

[0023] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a leakage detection device according to various embodiments.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a leakage detection device according to various embodiments.

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating one or more computing devices according to various embodiments.

[0026] Figure 5 Methods according to various embodiments are shown.

[0027] Figure 6 Methods according to various embodiments are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The phrases "in one embodiment," "according to one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in various embodiments," etc. generally mean that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic following the phrase may be included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, and may be included in more than one embodiment of the present disclosure (importantly, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment).

[0029] The word "example" or "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration," rather than limitation. Any implementation described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations.

[0030] If the specification states that a component or feature "may," "could," "might," "should," "will," "preferably," "likely," "typically," "optionally," "for example," "usually," or "might" (or other such language) be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have that characteristic. Such a component or feature may optionally be included in some embodiments, or it may be excluded.

[0031] The use of broader terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," and "composed essentially of." Use of the terms "optionally," "may," "possibly," "likely to," and the like with respect to any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required, or, alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives being within the scope of one or more embodiments. Additionally, reference to examples is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exclusive.

[0032] The term "computing device" refers to any computer, controller (such as a microcontroller), processor, circuit, and / or other executor of computer instructions embodied in hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination thereof that enables access to a wide range of functionality associated with one or more mobile devices, systems, and / or one or more communication networks. Non-limiting examples of computing devices include computers, controllers (such as microcontrollers), application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, personal computers, smartphones, laptop computers, fixed terminals, servers, networked devices, virtual machines, processors, multiple processors electrically coupled to each other and placed adjacent to each other, remotely located, in various groupings or clusters of one or more processors, and / or forming a cloud or process, etc. Additional examples of computing devices are provided herein.

[0033] As used herein, the terms "electrically coupled," "in electrical communication with," or "electrically connected" refer to two or more elements or components being electrically connected, directly or indirectly. For example, two or more elements or components may be connected by wire and / or wireless means such that signals, voltage / current, data, information, or any other electronic signal may be transmitted to and / or received from the elements or components. An electrical connection established via an electrical connector and / or port may be referred to as a wired connection.

[0034] The term "mechanically coupled" in this disclosure refers to two or more mechanical elements (such as, but not limited to, frames, surfaces, support units, joints, etc.) being physically connected in various ways, such as directly, through intermediate elements, and / or using fasteners, clasps, clamps, joints, pin joints, shafts, hinges, adhesives, etc. The term "mechanically coupled" can refer to any of movable, rotatable, rotatable, pivotable, fixed, and / or stationary mechanical couplings and / or any other similar types of mechanical couplings. In a non-limiting example, two components are mechanically coupled using a force, such as, but not limited to, magnetic force, force caused by air pressure, adhesive force, mechanical force, and / or other similar or related forces.

[0035] Battery packs have many technical applications, such as in electric vehicles (EVs), robotics, household and / or industrial equipment, energy distribution units, energy storage or emergency backup units for residential, healthcare, or commercial buildings, data servers, cellular base stations, etc. It is desirable to improve the safety and / or reliability of battery packs.

[0036] In some examples, high temperatures may raise safety concerns for the battery pack. In some examples, the temperature of the battery pack may increase due to the operation of the battery pack, for example, due to current flowing through internal conductive paths with resistance in the battery cells, or due to low charging or discharging efficiency of the battery cells in the battery pack. If the temperature increase is not controlled, it may lead to a dangerous condition in the battery pack, such as thermal runaway.

[0037] In order to regulate and maintain the temperature of the battery pack within safe operating limits, various types of temperature regulation systems, devices, and methods can be used. For example, a liquid cooling system can be used to regulate the temperature of the battery pack.

[0038] Now see Figure 1 , a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid cooling system 100 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. The liquid cooling system 100 can circulate a coolant (e.g., liquid coolant) through tubes 104 surrounding the battery cells 106 of a battery pack to regulate temperature. For example, coolant having a lower temperature enters the tube inlet 112. The coolant can absorb heat from the battery cells 106, and the coolant having a higher temperature can exit from the tube outlet 114.

[0039] However, due to perforations, holes, cuts, etc. in the tubes, coolant may leak from the tubes. Coolant leakage may cause the temperature in the battery pack to increase, which may have safety consequences as described above. In some examples, the increased temperature may reduce the efficiency of the battery pack. In some examples, the coolant may cause short circuits between battery cells, resulting in increased battery idling, which may reduce battery pack efficiency and / or cause a fire.

[0040] Various methods have been used to detect coolant leaks. For example, a resistance sensor may be placed in the battery pack where coolant may spill and / or accumulate due to a coolant leak, such as in a spill catcher (e.g., the bottom cover of the battery pack). When the resistance sensor detects a low resistance, this may be an indication of a leak. However, this method does not distinguish between a coolant leak and condensation in the same location where the resistance sensor is placed.

[0041] Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, systems, and apparatus for determining coolant leaks while reducing false alarms caused by condensation.

[0042] The coolant may spill in the battery pack, for example in a spill catcher of the battery pack. In various embodiments, the bottom cover of the battery pack may be the spill catcher.

[0043] In various embodiments, a capillary tube is inserted into the battery pack. The capillary tube can be a tube that causes coolant in the spill collector to rise due to a capillary effect. In various embodiments, the capillary effect refers to the rise of liquid in the capillary tube due to its viscosity. In various embodiments, one end of the capillary tube can be placed in the spill collector so that it is immersed in spilled coolant in the event of a leak. When a coolant leak occurs, for example, due to the capillary effect, the coolant can rise in the capillary tube.

[0044] In various embodiments, the diameter of the capillary tube is determined so that the capillary effect of interest is seen with liquids having a viscosity similar to that of the coolant. In example embodiments, because the viscosity of water is different from that of the coolant, the capillary tube will not have the same capillary effect on water as it does on the coolant. Therefore, in example embodiments, water (e.g., water resulting from condensation in a spill collector) will not have the same rise in the capillary tube as the coolant.

[0045] In various embodiments, coolant leakage is determined and distinguished from water accumulation in a spill collector due to a capillary effect on the coolant. In various embodiments, the capillary effect on the coolant due to the coolant's viscosity is determined to be a characteristic capillary effect of the coolant. Various embodiments utilize the characteristic capillary effect of the coolant to determine coolant leakage. For example, when water accumulates in a spill collector, there may be a low or negligible water rise compared to the rise of the coolant in the capillary tube.

[0046] In various embodiments, a pressure sensor determines the air pressure generated in the capillary tube when liquid rises in the capillary tube. In various embodiments, the air pressure is measured and used to determine whether the liquid rising in the capillary tube is coolant or another liquid with a different viscosity, such as water. In various embodiments, the pressure sensor is electrically coupled to one or more computing devices configured to determine a coolant leak and generate an alarm and / or a coolant leak detection signal when coolant rise is detected in the capillary tube. This allows example embodiments to distinguish between a coolant leak and the accumulation of other liquids, such as water, in a spill collector.

[0047] In various embodiments, leaks of coolant can be detected and / or distinguished from the accumulation of other liquids in the spill collector that may be used in the manufacture of the battery pack, such as wax, melted wax, adhesives, etc.

[0048] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to detect a liquid of interest. In various embodiments, the radius of the capillary is determined for the liquid of interest and utilizing the viscosity of the liquid of interest so that the amount of rise of the liquid of interest in the capillary is unique to the liquid of interest. Therefore, in exemplary embodiments, the air pressure generated in the capillary due to the rise of the liquid in the capillary is unique to the liquid of interest. In exemplary embodiments, the presence of the liquid of interest in the spill collector is determined by utilizing the unique air pressure generated in the capillary due to the rise of the liquid of interest in the capillary.

[0049] In various embodiments, the radius of the capillary is selected so that the capillary rise (h) of the liquid of interest is above a height threshold. The capillary rise (h) of the liquid is determined according to the following formula:

[0050] h=(2*T*cos(θ)) / (ρ*g*r)

[0051] where h is the capillary rise, T is the surface tension of the liquid, r is the radius of the capillary, ρ is the density of the liquid, g is the acceleration due to gravity, and θ is the contact angle.

[0052] In example embodiments, each liquid may have a unique capillary rise for a given temperature. For example, the viscosity of a liquid may change as the temperature of the liquid changes. In various embodiments, changes in viscosity due to temperature changes are considered in the detection of the liquid of interest.

[0053] In various embodiments, detection of the liquid of interest includes thermal compensation. For example, the determination of the liquid of interest is compensated based on temperature. In various embodiments, the presence of the liquid of interest is determined when the measured air pressure in the capillary sensor is above a threshold. In various embodiments, a pressure threshold for determining the presence of the liquid of interest is adjusted based on temperature. For example, as the temperature of the liquid in the spill collector increases, the pressure threshold increases, and as the temperature of the liquid in the spill collector decreases, the pressure threshold decreases.

[0054] Now see Figure 2 , a schematic diagram illustrating a leakage detection device 200 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0055] In various embodiments, the leak detection device 200 includes a spill collector 224. The spill collector 224 can be configured to collect the liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest. For example, the liquid of interest can be a coolant of the battery pack as described above, and the spill collector 224 can be the bottom cover of the battery pack.

[0056] In various embodiments, the leak detection device 200 includes a capillary tube 218. The capillary tube 218 includes a first end 234 that is configured to be immersed in the liquid of interest in the spill collector 224. For example, when coolant has leaked and accumulated in the spill collector 224, the first end 234 will be immersed in the coolant.

[0057] In various embodiments, the capillary tube 218 includes a second end 236. The second end 236 can be configured to mechanically couple with the pressure sensor 226. In various embodiments, the pressure sensor 226 is configured to measure the air pressure of the air 220 above the liquid 222 in the capillary tube.

[0058] In various embodiments, capillary tube 218 is positioned so that first end 234 is immersed in liquid collected in spill collector 224. As liquid collects in spill collector 224, due to the viscosity of the liquid, it rises in capillary tube 218. This rise of the liquid increases the air pressure of air 220 above liquid 222. In various embodiments, pressure sensor 226 is mechanically coupled to second end 236 of capillary tube 218 in an airtight manner.

[0059] In various embodiments, the leak detection apparatus 200 includes one or more computing devices 232. The one or more computing devices 232 may be electrically coupled to the pressure sensor 226. In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish a liquid of interest from another liquid. For example, water may form and accumulate in the spill collector 224 due to condensation. However, due to the different viscosities of water and coolant, they rise to different levels in the capillary tube 218, resulting in different air pressures in the air 220. For example, coolant may rise higher in the capillary tube 218 than water, resulting in a higher air pressure. In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to determine the presence of coolant in the first end 234 of the capillary tube. Therefore, a coolant leak may be detected when the measured air pressure exceeds an air pressure threshold.

[0060] In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to determine a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest. In various embodiments, the characteristic parameter includes and / or is based on the viscosity of the liquid of interest. In various embodiments, the characteristic parameter includes and / or is based on the difference between the liquid of interest (e.g., coolant) and another liquid (e.g., water) and is determined using air pressure in a capillary tube.

[0061] In various embodiments, one or more computing devices 232 are configured to utilize the capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid. In various embodiments, the capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid is determined by utilizing the measured air pressure and / or the change in the measured air pressure. In various embodiments, the capillary rise difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid is based on a characteristic parameter. In various embodiments, the characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest is determined by utilizing the viscosity of the liquid of interest.

[0062] In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to compare the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to an air pressure threshold. The one or more computing devices 232 can be configured to determine that the liquid of interest is present when the measured air pressure in the capillary tube 218 is above the air pressure threshold.

[0063] In various embodiments, the leak detection device 200 includes a temperature sensor 228. The temperature sensor 228 may include a temperature probe 230. The temperature probe 230 may be configured to engage with, contact with, or be inserted into at least one of the liquid of interest or another liquid in the spill collector 224. In various embodiments, the temperature sensor 228 is configured to measure the temperature in the spill collector 224 using the temperature probe 230. For example, the temperature sensor 228 measures the temperature of the coolant and / or water accumulated in the spill collector 224.

[0064] The viscosity of a liquid can change based on the liquid's temperature. For example, as the temperature of a liquid increases, the viscosity of the liquid can decrease, and vice versa. This change in viscosity can alter the capillary effect on the liquid. For example, a liquid with a lower viscosity can rise higher in a capillary tube than when the temperature is lower.

[0065] To account for changes in viscosity and capillary effects based on temperature, in various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are further configured to change the air pressure threshold using the measured temperature. For example, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to increase the air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is above the temperature threshold. In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 232 are configured to decrease the air pressure threshold when the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold.

[0066] Now see Figure 3 , a schematic diagram illustrating a leak detection system 300 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0067] In various embodiments, the leak detection system 300 determines a leak in a battery pack, for example, with a reference Figure 1 In various embodiments, the leak detection system 300 includes a spill collector. In various embodiments, the spill collector is a bottom cover 304 of the battery pack. For example, the battery pack may be used in an electric vehicle, and the bottom cover 304 is the bottom cover of the battery pack of the electric vehicle.

[0068] In various embodiments, the spill collector is configured to collect the liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest. For example, the liquid of interest is a coolant used to reduce and / or regulate the temperature of the battery pack, as previously described. In the event of a coolant leak, the coolant accumulates in the spill collector 306.

[0069] In various embodiments, the leak detection system 300 includes a capillary tube 218. The capillary tube can include a first end configured to be immersed in the liquid of interest in the spill collector and a second end configured to be mechanically coupled to a pressure sensor 308. In various embodiments, the pressure sensor is configured to measure air pressure in the capillary tube.

[0070] In various embodiments, one or more computing devices are electrically coupled to the pressure sensor. The one or more computing devices can be configured to utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid. For example, the one or more computing devices can distinguish coolant from water (e.g., resulting from condensation in the spill collector 306), melted wax and / or melted adhesive, or any other liquid that can be generated in the spill collector 306. In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices can use any of the techniques or methods described above to determine the presence of the liquid of interest and / or to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid in the spill collector 306.

[0071] Now refer to Figure 4 , a schematic diagram illustrating one or more computing devices 406 in communication with a pressure sensor 402 and / or a temperature sensor 416 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0072] In various embodiments, some or all of the one or more computing devices 406 can be placed locally or near (e.g., within the same housing) or remotely (e.g., outside of) the pressure sensor 402 and / or the temperature sensor 416. In various embodiments, the one or more computing devices 406 can be placed within another housing.

[0073] In various embodiments, one or more computing devices 406 utilize a communication interface 412 to communicate with the pressure sensor 402 and / or the temperature sensor 416 or various other components of the leak detection apparatus or system (such as a display, a vehicle control system, an alarm system, etc.) via a wired and / or wireless medium 414. The wired medium 414 can be via any physical connection of conductive material, such as utilizing a wire, a slip ring, a linear sliding electrical connection, etc. The wireless medium 414 may include at least one of: General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee, wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, and / or any other wireless protocol.

[0074] Typically, term computing equipment, computer, system, device, entity and / or similar words used interchangeably herein can refer to, for example, one or more computers, computing entities, desktop computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, notebook computers, laptop computers, distributed systems, information kiosks, input terminals, servers or server networks, blade servers, gateways, switches, processing equipment, processing entities, controllers, control systems, set-top boxes, relays, routers, network access points, base stations etc., and / or any combination of the equipment or entities suitable for performing functions described herein, operations and / or processes. Such functions, operations and / or processes can include, for example, transmitting, receiving, operating, processing, displaying, storing, determining, creating / generating, monitoring, evaluating, comparing and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein. In one embodiment, these functions, operations and / or processes can be performed to data, content, information and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein. One or more computing devices 406 can include any computing device, including, for example, a mobile device manipulation and / or processing device configured to perform one or more steps / operations of one or more methods or technologies described herein. In some embodiments, the one or more computing devices 406 may include and / or be associated with one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), desktop computers, laptop computers, servers, cloud computing platforms, controller systems, etc. In some example embodiments, the one or more computing devices 406 may be configured to receive and / or transmit image processing instructions, data, etc. between one or more leak detection apparatuses or systems and / or components thereof to perform one or more steps / operations of one or more leak detection manipulation and / or processing techniques or methods described herein.

[0075] The one or more computing devices 406 may include or be in communication with one or more processing elements 408 (also referred to as processors, processing circuits, digital circuits, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein) that communicate with other elements within the one or more computing devices 406, for example, via a bus. It should be appreciated that the processing element 408 may be embodied in a variety of different ways.

[0076] For example, processing element 408 may be embodied as one or more complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), microprocessors, multi-core processors, co-processing entities, application specific instruction set processors (ASIPs), microcontrollers, and / or controllers. Furthermore, processing element 408 may be embodied as one or more other processing devices or circuits. The term circuitry may refer to a complete hardware implementation or a combination of hardware and a computer program product. Thus, processing element 408 may be embodied as an integrated circuit, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), a hardware accelerator, a digital circuit, or the like.

[0077] Thus, it should be understood that processing element 408 may be configured for specific purposes or configured to execute instructions stored in volatile or non-volatile media or otherwise accessible by processing element 408. Thus, whether configured by hardware or by a computer program product, or by a combination thereof, when configured accordingly, processing element 408 may be capable of performing steps or operations according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0078] In one embodiment, one or more computing devices 406 may also include one or more memory elements 410, or communicate with the one or more memory elements. One or more memory elements 410 may include non-volatile and / or volatile media. For example, memory element 410 may include non-volatile media (also referred to as non-volatile storage, memory, memory storage, memory circuit, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein). In one embodiment, the non-volatile storage or memory may include one or more non-volatile storage or memory media, including but not limited to a hard disk, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, MMC, SD memory card, memory stick, CBRAM, PRAM, FeRAM, NVRAM, MRAM, RRAM, SONOS, FJG RAM, millipede memory, racetrack memory, etc.

[0079] As will be appreciated, non-volatile storage or memory media may store a database, a database instance, a database management system, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, byte code, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc. The terms database, database instance, database management system, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein may refer to a collection of records or data stored in a computer-readable storage medium using one or more database models, such as a hierarchical database model, a network model, a relational model, an entity-relationship model, an object model, a document model, a semantic model, a graph model, etc.

[0080] Additionally or alternatively, the memory element 410 may include volatile memory. For example, one or more computing devices 406 may also include or communicate with volatile media (also referred to as volatile storage, memory storage, memory circuitry, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein). In one embodiment, the volatile storage or memory may also include one or more volatile storage or memory media, including, but not limited to, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, FPM DRAM, EDO DRAM, SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, DDR2 SDRAM, DDR3 SDRAM, RDRAM, TTRAM, T-RAM, Z-RAM, RIMM, DIMM, SIMM, VRAM, cache memory, register memory, and the like.

[0081] As will be appreciated, volatile storage or memory media may be used to store at least portions of databases, database instances, database management systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, bytecodes, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc., that are executed by, for example, processing element 408. Thus, databases, database instances, database management systems, data, applications, programs, program modules, scripts, source code, object code, bytecodes, compiled code, interpreted code, machine code, executable instructions, etc. may be used to control certain aspects of the operation of one or more computing devices 406 with the assistance of processing element 408 and an operating system.

[0082] As noted, in one embodiment, the one or more computing devices 406 may also include one or more communication interfaces 412 for communicating with various computing entities, such as by transferring data, content, information, and / or similar terms used interchangeably herein, which may be transmitted, received, manipulated, processed, displayed, stored, etc. Such communications may be performed using a wired data transmission protocol, such as Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Digital Subscriber Line (DSL), Ethernet, Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay, Data over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS), or any other wired transmission protocol. Similarly, one or more computing devices 406 may be configured to communicate via a wireless external communications network using any of a variety of protocols, such as General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), CDMA2000 1X (1xRTT), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Evolution Data Optimized (EVDO), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, 802.16 (WiMAX), Ultra Wideband (UWB), Infrared (IR) protocol, Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol, Wibree, Bluetooth protocol, Zigbee, wireless Universal Serial Bus (USB) protocol, and / or any other wireless protocol.

[0083] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more computing devices 406 may perform various steps of various methods for detecting and / or distinguishing leaks of a fluid of interest.

[0084] Now see Figure 5 , a schematic diagram illustrating a method 500 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] In various embodiments, method 500 measures air pressure in a capillary tube (e.g., capillary tube 218 or capillary tube 316) in block 502. In various embodiments, method 500 measures air pressure using a pressure sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 226 or pressure sensor 308 as previously described).

[0086] In various embodiments, the first end of the capillary tube is configured to be immersed in the liquid of interest in a spill collector (e.g., spill collector 224 or spill collector 306). In various embodiments, the spill collector is configured to collect the liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest. For example, the spill collector is configured to collect coolant from a leak of coolant in a battery pack, such as, for example, Figure 1 As shown in .

[0087] In various embodiments, the pressure sensor is mechanically coupled to the second end of the capillary tube. In various embodiments, the pressure sensor is mechanically coupled to the second end of the capillary tube in a gas-tight manner.

[0088] In various embodiments, method 500 utilizes the measured air pressure in the capillary to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid in block 504. In various embodiments, method 500 utilizes one or more computing devices electrically coupled to the pressure sensor to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid.

[0089] Now see Figure 6 , a schematic diagram illustrating method 600 is provided according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0090] In various embodiments, the method 600 determines a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest in block 602. The characteristic parameter may include a viscosity difference between the liquid of interest and another liquid and is determined using air pressure in a capillary tube.

[0091] In various implementations, method 600 utilizes a difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid to distinguish the liquid of interest from the other liquid in block 604. The difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid can be based on a characteristic parameter.

[0092] In various embodiments, the method 600 compares the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to an air pressure threshold value at block 606. In various embodiments, the method 600 determines that the liquid of interest is present at block 608 when the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is above the air pressure threshold value.

[0093] In various embodiments, in block 610, method 600 measures the temperature in the spill collector using a temperature probe of a temperature sensor at block 610. In various embodiments, in block 612, method 600 uses the measured temperature at block 612 to change an air pressure threshold.

[0094] In various implementations, when the measured temperature is above the temperature threshold, method 600 increases the air pressure threshold. In various implementations, when the measured temperature is below the temperature threshold, method 600 decreases the air pressure threshold.

[0095] In various embodiments, method 600 uses one or more computing devices to perform various steps, such as determining characteristic parameters, distinguishing a liquid of interest from another liquid, comparing a measured air pressure to an air pressure threshold, determining the presence of a liquid of interest, changing an air pressure threshold, generating outputs and / or alarms, and the like.

[0096] In various embodiments, method 600 generates an alert when the presence of a liquid of interest is determined. In various embodiments, the liquid of interest is a coolant in the battery pack. In various embodiments, the spill collector is a bottom cover of the battery pack. In various embodiments, the other liquid is at least one of water generated by condensation, melted wax, or melted adhesive in the spill collector.

[0097] Although the example methods depict a particular order of operations, this order may be changed without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, some of the depicted operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order that does not substantially affect the functionality of the routine. In other examples, different components of the example devices or systems that implement the routines may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a particular order.

[0098] Numerous modifications and other embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A leakage detection device, comprising: a spill collector configured to collect a liquid of interest from a leak of the liquid of interest; A capillary tube, comprising: a first end configured to be submerged in the liquid of interest in the spill collector; and a second end configured to mechanically couple with a pressure sensor configured to measure air pressure in the capillary tube; and One or more computing devices are electrically coupled to the pressure sensor, the one or more computing devices configured to utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid.

2. The leak detection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the one or more computing devices are further configured to: determining a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest, wherein the characteristic parameter comprises a viscosity difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, and the characteristic parameter is determined using the measured air pressure in the capillary tube; and The liquid of interest is distinguished from the other liquid by utilizing a difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, wherein the difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid is based on the characteristic parameter.

3. The leak detection apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more computing devices are further configured to: comparing the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to an air pressure threshold; and When the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is above the air pressure threshold, the presence of the liquid of interest is determined.

4. The leak detection device according to claim 3 further includes a temperature sensor, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature probe configured to engage with at least one of the liquid of interest or the other liquid in the spill collector, and the temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature in the spill collector using the temperature probe.

5. The leak detection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the one or more computing devices are further configured to: When the measured temperature is higher than a temperature threshold, increasing the air pressure threshold; and When the measured temperature is lower than the temperature threshold, the air pressure threshold is lowered.

6. The leak detection device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid of interest is a coolant of a battery pack, the spill collector is a bottom cover of the battery pack, and wherein the other liquid is at least one of water produced by condensation, melted wax, or melted adhesive in the spill collector.

7. A leakage detection method, comprising: a pressure sensor measuring air pressure in a capillary tube, wherein a first end of the capillary tube is configured to be immersed in a liquid of interest in a spill collector configured to collect the liquid of interest from leakage of the liquid of interest, and wherein the pressure sensor is mechanically coupled to a second end of the capillary tube; as well as One or more computing devices electrically coupled to the pressure sensor utilize the measured air pressure in the capillary tube to distinguish the liquid of interest from another liquid.

8. The leakage detection method according to claim 7, further comprising: determining a characteristic parameter of the liquid of interest, wherein the characteristic parameter comprises a viscosity difference between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, and the characteristic parameter is determined using the air pressure in the capillary tube; and The liquid of interest is distinguished from the other liquid by utilizing a difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid, wherein the difference in capillary rise between the liquid of interest and the other liquid is based on the characteristic parameter.

9. The leakage detection method according to claim 8, further comprising: comparing the measured air pressure in the capillary tube with an air pressure threshold; as well as When the measured air pressure in the capillary tube is above the air pressure threshold, the presence of the liquid of interest is determined.

10. The leakage detection method according to claim 9, further comprising: measuring the temperature in the spill collector using a temperature probe of a temperature sensor; as well as The air pressure threshold is changed using the measured temperature.

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