Battery Backup Switching for Thermal Runaway Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing temperature rise in batteries to prevent thermal runaway are inefficient, often leading to increased weight and size of batteries, and result in power interruptions when conventional backup storage systems are used.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system that includes a backup storage device, such as a supercapacitor or rechargeable battery, controlled by a smart algorithm to manage charging and discharging cycles, maintaining battery connection during charging and switching to backup storage at critical temperature thresholds to prevent thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional backup storage systems are used to prevent thermal runaway, then battery safety is improved, but weight and size of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct battery operation and backup storage operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. When temperature exceeds the threshold, the controller activates the backup storage device to supply power, thereby dynamically adapting the system configuration to prevent thermal runaway while minimizing the always-present backup capacity needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter (power source) based on temperature conditions. By monitoring temperature and switching the power supply configuration, the system maintains safety without requiring a permanently engaged backup storage system, thus reducing overall weight and size requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional backup storage systems are used to prevent thermal runaway, then battery safety is improved, but system size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between direct battery operation and backup storage operation based on real-time temperature monitoring. When temperature exceeds the threshold, the controller activates the backup storage device to supply power, thereby dynamically adapting the system configuration to prevent thermal runaway while minimizing the always-present backup capacity needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameter (power source) based on temperature conditions. By monitoring temperature and switching the power supply configuration, the system maintains safety without requiring a permanently engaged backup storage system, thus reducing overall weight and size requirements.
3Temperature
If cooling devices are used to remove heat through convection, then temperature control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of battery temperature and activates the backup storage device before thermal runaway occurs. By detecting temperature thresholds in advance and switching power sources proactively, the system prevents the need for intensive active cooling, thereby reducing overall energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the harmful effect of heat generation into a useful signal for system control. By monitoring temperature rise as it occurs and using it to trigger the backup storage activation, the system turns the thermal problem into a control mechanism that prevents thermal runaway without requiring energy-intensive cooling.
4Temperature
If thermal resistance control is used, then heat generation is reduced, but sudden temperature rise cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous temperature monitoring with feedback control. The controller receives real-time temperature data from sensors and dynamically adjusts the power supply configuration based on the measured temperature, enabling the system to respond to sudden temperature rises and prevent thermal runaway effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup storage device acts as an intermediary between the battery and the load. When temperature thresholds are exceeded, the backup storage device intervenes by taking over power supply duties, thereby mediating the thermal crisis and preventing direct thermal runaway in the battery.
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
Effectively prevents thermal runaway by controlling temperature rise through smart management of charging and discharging cycles, reducing the risk of battery damage and explosion while maintaining power supply, and minimizing weight and size increases.
Implementation Method 1
a battery and a load; a backup storage device; a second circuit path electrically coupling the battery and the backup storage device
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for measuring a temperature of the battery
Implementation Method 3
a first circuit path electrically coupling a battery and a load; a second circuit path electrically coupling the battery and the backup storage device
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management system comprises: a circuit path electrically coupling a battery and a load; a backup storage device; a first switch connecting the battery and the backup storage device; a second switch connecting the backup storage device and the load; a sensor for measuring a temperature of the battery; and a controller in electrical communication with the first switch, the second switch, and the sensor. The controller executes a program to: (i) activate the first switch to connect the battery and the backup storage device for charging the backup storage device for a charging period of time with power provided by the battery based on the temperature of the battery meeting a threshold, and (ii) activate the second switch to connect the backup storage device and the load for providing power to the load from the backup storage device after the charging period of time has expired.