Vehicle Battery Insulation Detection and Coolant Valve Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety devices for vehicle battery systems do not effectively mitigate the consequences of a coolant leak, which can lead to short circuits, electrolysis, and severe damage due to the use of electrically conductive coolants.
Innovation Solution
A safety device with a system for detecting insulation resistance between battery components and a reference potential, utilizing shut-off valves to interrupt the heat transfer medium circuit when insulation resistance falls below a limit value, preventing further damage by stopping the flow of heat transfer medium to the leak point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the heat transfer medium circuit remains open and operational, then continuous cooling of battery cells is maintained, but coolant leakage can cause short circuits and severe damage to the battery system
Solution Approach 1:
The insulation resistance detection device continuously monitors the electrical insulation status of the heat transfer medium circuit before a leak can cause damage. When insulation resistance falls below the threshold, the system proactively closes the shut-off valve to isolate the battery system from the external coolant circuit, preventing short circuits and electrolysis before they can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The shut-off valve acts as an intermediary component between the battery system and the external heat transfer medium circuit. It provides a mechanical isolation point that can be activated by the control device based on insulation resistance measurements, thereby mediating between the need for continuous cooling and the risk of coolant-induced damage.
2Reliability
If the shut-off valve is activated to block coolant flow, then further damage from leakage is prevented, but heat dissipation from the battery cells is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback control mechanism where the insulation resistance detection device continuously monitors electrical insulation status and provides real-time information to the control device. When insulation resistance drops below the threshold, the control device automatically activates the shut-off valve to close, isolating the battery system. This feedback loop ensures that the shut-off action is taken only when necessary, maintaining optimal cooling during normal operation while providing protection when leaks are detected.
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
This solution efficiently reduces the risk of battery system damage by quickly identifying and isolating the leak, minimizing heat transfer and preventing further damage, even in critical applications like mining vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
a device for detecting an insulation resistance between parts of the battery system that are electrically conductively connected to at least one cell and a reference potential
Implementation Method 2
at least one first shut-off valve, the heat transfer medium being able to circulate in at least one circuit, and the circuit being able to be interrupted by the first shut-off valve
Implementation Method 3
a device for supplying and/or dissipating heat from and/or to the cells by means of a liquid heat transfer medium
Implementation Method 4
If a high-voltage component of the battery system comes into contact with the coolant leak, electrolysis of the coolant occurs, which is accompanied by strong heating and vapor formation within the battery system
Data Source
AI summary
Safety device (1) for a vehicle, comprising a battery system with a plurality of cells (8), an electronic unit (13), a device for detecting an insulation resistance (RISO) between parts of the battery system electrically connected to at least one cell (8) and a reference potential (B), a device for supplying and/or removing heat to and/or from the cells (8) by means of a liquid heat transfer medium, and a first shut-off valve (10.1), wherein the heat transfer medium is circulating in at least one circuit (11), and wherein the circuit (11) can be interrupted by the first shut-off valve (10.1), wherein the electronic unit (13) is configured to actuate the first shut-off valve (10.1) from an open position to a closed position upon detection of a fall below a limit value (RISOmin) of the insulation resistance (RISO).