Battery Current Sensor Abnormality Detection via Voltage Comparison
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensors in battery packs face challenges in accurately detecting abnormalities, leading to potential severe issues like explosions, due to malfunctions and the need for type-specific software development, which is costly and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect abnormality in current sensors by measuring and comparing voltage and current variations over time with reference values, eliminating the need for type-specific detection algorithms and improving reliability by identifying sensor malfunctions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional current sensors with detection functions are used, then abnormality detection capability is improved, but the system complexity and development costs increase due to type-specific software modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces voltage as an intermediary measurement to indirectly detect current sensor abnormalities. Instead of requiring complex detection functions within the current sensor itself, the system uses voltage measurements combined with charge/discharge quantity calculations to infer current sensor status, thereby reducing software complexity while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing measurements (voltage and charge/discharge quantity) to perform self-diagnosis of the current sensor. The controller leverages data already being collected for battery management to detect sensor abnormalities, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware or specialized software modules
2Measurement precision
If type-specific software modules are developed for different current sensor types, then detection accuracy is improved, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal detection method that works across different current sensor types without requiring type-specific software modules. By using voltage measurements and charge/discharge quantity calculations, the system achieves a one-size-fits-all approach to current sensor abnormality detection, eliminating redundant development work
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the detection parameters from direct current measurement analysis to voltage and charge/discharge quantity analysis. This parameter transformation allows the same detection algorithm to work with various current sensor types, as it relies on fundamental electrical relationships rather than sensor-specific characteristics
3Device complexity
If current sensor malfunction is not detected, then system simplicity is maintained, but severe problems such as battery pack explosion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of current sensor abnormalities before they can lead to severe problems. By continuously monitoring voltage and charge/discharge quantity relationships, the system can identify sensor malfunctions early and take preventive action, maintaining system simplicity while enhancing safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback mechanism where voltage measurements and charge/discharge quantity calculations continuously monitor current sensor performance. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of sensor abnormalities without adding complex hardware, balancing simplicity with safety
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for detecting abnormality of a current sensor operative to measure a charge or discharge current of a battery pack. The method comprises measuring current and voltage of the battery pack; and detecting abnormality of the current sensor by comparing variations in current and voltage over a predetermined time with a current reference value and a voltage reference value, respectively. According to the present invention, it is capable of improving reliability of the battery pack, and in case that the current sensor is out of order, of protecting the battery pack from dangerous accidents such as explosion.