Battery Leakage Detection Circuit for Precise Fault Localization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electric leakage detection technologies struggle to accurately determine the position of leakage in power source units with multiple connected power sources at a low cost and in a simplified manner, as they either require complex circuits or fail to pinpoint the specific location of leakage.

Innovation Solution

The method involves measuring the electric leakage voltage between a reference terminal and the leakage occurring position, calculating the electric leakage voltage V_L, and determining the position based on this voltage, which reduces the need for extensive circuitry across all power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple circuit blocks with switching elements are provided for each power source to detect electric leakage position, then the electric leakage occurring position can be determined, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric leakage position detection accuracyVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the detection functions of multiple power sources into a single detection circuit. By connecting the negative terminals of all power sources together and using one ground connection, the system detects electric leakage for the entire power source unit as a whole, eliminating the need for separate detection circuits for each power source while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single detection circuit serves multiple power sources simultaneously. The ground connection and detection mechanism are designed to work universally for the entire power source unit, allowing one circuit to perform the function that would otherwise require multiple dedicated circuits, thereby reducing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If a single detection circuit is used for the entire power source unit, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine the specific electric leakage occurring position is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit complexityVSAvoidelectric leakage position information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces potential difference values as intermediary measurements. By measuring the potential difference between the ground connection point and each power source's negative terminal, the system creates intermediate data points that enable position determination. These potential difference measurements serve as mediators that link the single detection circuit to multiple power sources, allowing position identification without requiring separate circuits for each source.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If circuit blocks are provided for each power source to detect electric leakage, then the electric leakage position can be identified, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric leakage position detection accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single detection circuit, reducing the total number of components required. By merging the ground connections and using a universal detection mechanism, the system eliminates redundant circuit blocks, directly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to detect and locate electric leakage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection circuit is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple power sources. This multi-functional design allows a single circuit to perform what would otherwise require multiple dedicated circuits, reducing component count and manufacturing complexity, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach allows for detailed and accurate detection of the electric leakage occurring position without the need for complex and costly circuitry, enabling efficient identification and repair of leaks in power source units.

Implementation Method 1

measuring a voltage generated from the electric leakage occurring position through the ground, thereby calculating an electric leakage voltage V_L which is an electrical potential difference between a reference terminal connected to a predetermined position of the power source unit and the electric leakage occurring position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference measurement: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentEP4191256B1Electric leakage detection method and circuit
Publication Date: 2024.12.18 PRIME PLANET ENERGY & SOLUTIONS INC
  • EP4191256B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4191256B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4191256B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The electric leakage detection method disclosed herein includes: total voltage measurement of measuring a total voltage Vt which is an electrical potential difference between a total positive terminal 14a open to be connectable with an external device and a total negative terminal 16a open to be connectable with the external device; electric leakage voltage measurement of measuring an electric leakage voltage VL which is an electrical potential difference between a reference terminal (the total negative terminal 16a) and the electric leakage occurring position (the third single battery 10C); and an electric leakage occurring position determination of determining the electric leakage occurring position by calculating a ratio (VL/Vt) of the electric leakage voltage VL to the total voltage Vt. This allows the number of single batteries between the reference terminal and the electric leakage occurring position to be estimated, and a detailed electric leakage occurring position to be determined.