Battery Capacitance Monitoring for Early Outgassing Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rechargeable batteries, particularly Lithium-ion and Lithium Polymer batteries, experience battery swell due to outgassing, leading to physical deformation and increased fire hazards, with existing detection methods failing to detect swell early enough to prevent damage and extend battery life.

Innovation Solution

A battery management system (BMS) that utilizes capacitive characteristics to detect outgassing by measuring capacitance values between the battery's electrodes, allowing for early detection and implementation of alternate charging modes to mitigate swelling and prolong battery life without requiring additional hardware.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing detection methods are used to monitor battery swell, then detection capability is limited, but early detection precision and timing are insufficient to prevent damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection precisionVSAvoiddetection timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by continuously monitoring capacitance values before significant swell occurs. The system detects early-stage outgassing by measuring capacitance changes between battery electrodes, enabling preventive action before physical deformation becomes severe or dangerous

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical detection methods with electrical field-based capacitance measurement. By measuring capacitance values between electrodes, the system detects gas accumulation and swell trends without physical contact or mechanical sensors, achieving earlier and more precise detection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If battery charging continues without intervention, then productivity is maintained, but battery swell and fire hazards increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging continuityVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring capacitance values during charging and adjusting charging parameters accordingly. When capacitance changes indicate outgassing, the system provides feedback to reduce charging current or terminate charging, preventing dangerous swell while maintaining safe charging operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making charging parameters adjustable and responsive to real-time battery conditions. The system dynamically modifies charging current based on capacitance measurements, transitioning from static charging to adaptive charging that responds to battery health status

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If additional hardware is added to detect battery swell, then detection capability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection capabilityVSAvoidhardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using existing battery electrodes and capacitance measurement circuitry for dual purposes: normal battery operation and swell detection. The same electrical components serve both charging functions and diagnostic functions, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by utilizing the battery's own electrical structure for self-diagnosis. The battery electrodes and internal electrical fields provide the measurement basis for detecting outgassing and swell conditions without requiring external sensing components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables early detection of battery swelling, preventing physical damage and extending battery life by adjusting charging parameters, thereby reducing the risk of fire hazards and improving device reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a capacitance circuit to measure a capacitance value between the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentUS20240402258A1Methods, systems, articles of manufacture and apparatus to manage battery outgassing conditions

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 INTEL CORP

AI summary

Systems, apparatus, articles of manufacture, and methods are disclosed to manage battery outgassing conditions. An example apparatus includes an enclosure having a first conductive surface located proximate to an outer boundary of the enclosure, a second conductive surface located a first distance from the first conductive surface, a capacitance circuit coupled to the first conductive surface and the second conductive surface, and a charge control circuit to control an input signal to the second conductive surface and a third conductive surface based on an output of the capacitance circuit.