Battery Module Arc Detection Using Frequency Spectrum Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a method and a battery system that can quickly detect the occurrence of electric arcing within a battery module and disconnect it from a load to prevent damage and ensure safety.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring the operation states of the battery module, generating operation signals, and analyzing these signals using a signal conditioning circuit to detect patterns indicative of arc-faults. Upon detection, a warning signal is generated to disconnect the battery module from the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional battery monitoring methods are used, then the battery system operates normally, but arcing and ionization events cannot be detected quickly enough to prevent damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of battery systemVSAvoiddetection time of arcing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies acoustic emission detection to identify arcing events by detecting vibration and acoustic signals generated during dielectric breakdown. Acoustic sensors monitor the battery module for characteristic sound frequencies that indicate arcing, enabling rapid detection of hazardous events before they cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional electrical monitoring methods with acoustic field detection. By using acoustic emission technology rather than traditional electrical parameter monitoring, the system can detect arcing events through sound wave analysis, providing faster and more reliable detection of dielectric breakdown.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If additional detection equipment is added to detect arcing, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection capability of arc-faultVSAvoidcomplexity of battery system
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates acoustic emission detection into the existing battery management system, allowing the same system to perform both conventional electrical monitoring and acoustic arcing detection. This multi-functional approach improves detection capability without requiring entirely separate monitoring systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses acoustic sensors as intermediary devices that detect arcing events through sound waves rather than direct electrical contact. This intermediary approach enables detection of dielectric breakdown without requiring complex direct measurement of the arc itself, simplifying the overall detection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for the rapid detection of arcing within the battery module, enabling swift disconnection from the load and preventing potential damage or safety hazards.

Implementation Method 1

checking, for at least one of the operation signals generated in step a), whether the operation signal comprises a pattern that indicates the possible occurrence of an arc-fault within the battery module

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency spectrum analysis:

Data Source

PatentEP4509847A1Arcing and ionization detection in automotive batteries by using frequency spectrum
Publication Date: 2025.02.19 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4509847A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4509847A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3(B)
  • EP4509847A1 patent drawingFigure 4(A)~4(B)

AI summary

The present disclosure refers to a method for detecting the occurrence of a dielectric breakdown in a battery module. The present disclosure further refers to a method for disconnecting a battery module from a load upon detection of a dielectric breakdown in a battery module. Also, the present invention is related to a battery system with a battery module, the battery system being configured for performing the disclosed method for detecting the occurrence of a dielectric breakdown in a battery module and/or being configured for performing the disclosed method for disconnecting a battery module from a load upon detection of a dielectric breakdown in a battery module. Also, the present disclosure is related to a vehicle comprising at least one battery system according to the disclosure.