Battery Pack Gas Sensing Using Mie Scattering for Early Runaway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas sensing methods for battery packs are slow and prone to false positives, failing to accurately detect gas generation in a timely manner, which can lead to thermal runaway, fire, or explosion.
Innovation Solution
A battery pack equipped with a laser unit that utilizes Mie scattering to directly and rapidly detect gas using laser irradiation and reception, comparing light intensity with a reference value to determine gas generation, and triggering an alarm when a predetermined scattering ratio is exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gas sensors (heat sensor, smoke sensor) are used, then the device complexity is low, but the detection speed is slow and reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal gas sensing mechanisms (heat sensors, smoke sensors requiring physical gas entry) with an optical detection system using laser irradiation and Mie scattering measurement. This substitution enables rapid, non-contact detection of gas generation through light scattering properties, significantly improving detection speed and reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated laser units and receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces laser light as an intermediary medium to detect gas generation. The laser unit emits light that interacts with generated gas particles, and the receiver detects changes in light intensity or scattering patterns. This intermediary optical approach allows indirect but rapid detection of gas formation before thermal runaway occurs, improving reliability without requiring direct contact with hot or hazardous gases.
2Loss of time
If smoke sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the detection time is delayed causing thermal runaway to occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection by monitoring light scattering changes that occur when gas is generated but before thermal runaway fully develops. The laser unit continuously irradiates the battery pack interior, and the receiver detects early gas formation through Mie scattering effects, enabling warning signals to be issued before temperature rises to dangerous levels or thermal runaway occurs, thus preventing loss of time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical smoke sensor approach (requiring physical smoke entry and particulate detection) with optical laser-based Mie scattering detection. This substitution allows detection of gas phase changes at much earlier stages, reducing detection time and enabling preventive action before thermal runaway, thereby improving reliability of thermal runaway prevention.
3Speed
If optical fiber sensor is used, then the detection precision is improved, but the detection speed is reduced and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from complex optical fiber sensor systems and implements a simplified laser unit and receiver configuration. By removing unnecessary components and focusing on core Mie scattering detection principles, the system achieves both rapid detection speed and measurement precision. The laser directly irradiates the target area and the receiver immediately detects scattering changes, eliminating delays and error sources associated with optical fiber transmission and complex signal processing.
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 rapid and accurate detection of gas generation, reducing the risk of thermal runaway and explosion by providing timely warnings, thereby enhancing battery safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one laser unit disposed in the rack housing, the laser unit being configured to sense a gas using Mie scattering
Data Source
AI summary
A battery pack is capable of sensing the generation of a gas using Mie scattering, whereby it is possible to rapidly detect abnormality of the battery pack. In addition, whether a battery is abnormal is determined in consideration of a gas generation time as well as the generation of the gas, whereby it is possible to rapidly detect whether the battery is abnormal.