Thermo-Resistive Battery Cell Housing for Thermal Runaway Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for accurate monitoring of temperature states in battery cells and for fast alerts in case of thermal events such as thermal runaway in battery systems used in electric or hybrid vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-sensitive housing for battery cells is developed, featuring a case with a coating that includes a temperature-sensitive material with a temperature-dependent electrical resistance. This housing is integrated into a battery module and a battery system, which includes an evaluation unit to detect deviations in electrical resistance and generate alerts when thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature monitoring methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and response speed to thermal events are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the housing structure with temperature sensing functionality by integrating a temperature-sensitive coating directly onto the battery cell housing. This merging of structural and sensing functions eliminates the need for separate temperature sensors and their associated mounting structures, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The housing itself serves the dual purpose of protection and temperature monitoring. The temperature-sensitive coating on the housing automatically detects temperature changes through its own material properties (electrical resistance changes with temperature), allowing the housing to monitor its own thermal state without requiring external sensing components
2Speed
If traditional thermal event detection methods are used, then the system remains simple, but the response time to thermal runaway is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature-sensitive coating is pre-applied to the battery cell housing during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-detect thermal monitoring system before the battery is put into service. This preliminary integration ensures that thermal events are detected as soon as they occur, improving response speed without requiring complex post-installation monitoring systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or electronic temperature sensors with a material-based sensing approach. The temperature-sensitive coating uses inherent material properties (electrical resistance changes) to detect temperature, substituting complex sensor mechanics with a simpler material response that provides faster thermal event detection
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
The solution enables accurate monitoring of battery cell temperatures and rapid detection of thermal events, enhancing safety and managing battery lifetime effectively.
Implementation Method 1
the coating includes a temperature-sensitive material having a temperature-dependent electrical resistance
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure refers to a temperature-sensitive housing for a battery cell. The present disclosure is further related to a battery module having several battery cells accommodated in the temperature-sensitive housing according to the present disclosure. Also, the disclosure is related to a battery system using the battery module, the battery system allowing for an accurate monitoring of the temperature state of the battery cells. Moreover, the present disclosure relates to a method for detecting a thermal event occurring in a battery cell equipped with a temperature-sensitive housing.