Hydrogen-Permeable Battery Cell Membranes for Early Runaway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery systems lack effective early detection mechanisms for anomalies in battery cells that could lead to thermal runaway, and they do not efficiently manage hydrogen generated within the cells as they age.
Innovation Solution
The battery system incorporates hydrogen-permeable membranes in fluid communication with battery cells, allowing hydrogen to be selectively released while preventing other fluids from passing through. A hydrogen sensor detects the presence of hydrogen and communicates with a cell management unit to monitor concentration and rate of change, triggering control actions if thresholds are exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If battery cells are operated for extended periods and aged, then electrical energy storage capacity is maintained, but hydrogen gas accumulates within the cells creating safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts hydrogen gas from the battery cell interior by introducing a permeable membrane that selectively allows hydrogen to pass through while retaining other cell contents. The membrane acts as an extraction interface that continuously removes accumulated hydrogen during battery operation and charging cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The permeable membrane serves as an intermediary component between the battery cell interior and exterior environments. It mediates the interaction between hydrogen gas and the external atmosphere, allowing controlled hydrogen release while maintaining cell integrity and preventing uncontrolled gas release or thermal runaway.
2Reliability
If traditional battery monitoring systems are used, then basic electrical parameters are tracked, but early detection of thermal runaway anomalies is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of thermal runaway conditions by continuously monitoring hydrogen release rates through the membrane before actual thermal runaway occurs. The hydrogen sensor and controller detect abnormal hydrogen evolution during charging or operation, triggering early warnings and preventive actions before the battery enters a dangerous state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where hydrogen sensors continuously monitor hydrogen concentration outside the battery cell, and the controller receives real-time data about hydrogen release rates. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of monitoring thresholds and triggers appropriate responses based on the rate and amount of hydrogen detected, improving early anomaly detection accuracy.
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 enables early detection of battery cell anomalies, reduces the risk of thermal runaway, and allows for the safe management of hydrogen generated within the cells, thereby improving the overall safety and performance of the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydrogen-permeable membrane that is in fluid communication with the first cell interior... configured to selectively allow any hydrogen produced in the first battery cell to pass from the first cell interior through the first hydrogen-permeable membrane to outside of the first battery cell while substantially preventing other fluids from passing through
Data Source
AI summary
Battery systems including battery cells and hydrogen-permeable membranes are provided. In one example, a battery system includes a battery cell. The battery cell includes a cell enclosure disposed about a cell interior. At least one multi-layer stack is disposed in the cell interior and includes a cathode, an anode and a separator disposed therebetween. A hydrogen-permeable membrane is in fluid communication with the cell interior and is configured to selectively allow any hydrogen produced in the battery cell to pass from the cell interior through the hydrogen-permeable membrane to outside of the battery cell while substantially preventing other fluids from passing through the hydrogen-permeable membrane.