Battery Environmental Sensing for Damage Detection in Swap Fleets
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery swap systems, the inability to accurately assess the environmental conditions of batteries while they are on loan leads to inadequate management and potential damage, as the external environment of loaned batteries cannot be ascertained, making it difficult to determine their usability and require proper maintenance.
Innovation Solution
Integration of external and internal environment information acquisition components within the battery, such as temperature, humidity, and sunlight sensors, which transmit data to an information processing device for real-time analysis, allowing for accurate determination of battery state and usage, enabling proper management and decision-making regarding inspection, repair, or disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If batteries are loaned out to users in a battery swap system, then battery utilization and system productivity are improved, but the ability to monitor and manage battery environmental conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The battery is equipped with self-monitoring capabilities through integrated sensors that automatically track environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, sunlight) during the loan period. The battery independently collects and transmits this data to the management system, eliminating the need for continuous external monitoring while the battery is with the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where environmental condition data collected by sensors on the battery is continuously transmitted to the management system. This enables real-time monitoring and assessment of battery conditions even when loaned out, allowing for proactive management decisions based on actual environmental exposure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the battery to monitor environmental conditions, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it not only stores energy but also houses environmental sensors, communication modules, and data processing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring devices and integrates monitoring capabilities directly into the battery housing.
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are strategically positioned at specific locations within the battery housing where they can most effectively detect relevant environmental conditions. For example, temperature sensors are placed near heat-generating components, and sunlight sensors are positioned on exterior surfaces most exposed to solar radiation.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A battery (10) comprises a case (17), an external environment information acquisition component (11b), and an internal environment information acquisition component (11a). The case (17) houses one or more cells (12). The external environment information acquisition component (11b) acquires specific external environment information (such as temperature and amount of sunlight) on the outside of the case (17). The internal environment information acquisition component (11a) acquires specific internal environment information (such as temperature and humidity) on the inside of the case (17).