Battery Module Liquid Probe Layout for Underside Leak Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-voltage storage systems, such as those in electric vehicles, face challenges in reliably detecting and managing liquids within the battery module due to limited installation space and inefficiencies in sensor placement and wiring, which can lead to battery failure or damage.
Innovation Solution
A battery module with a liquid sensor integrated on its outer side, featuring a measuring probe that extends downwards to detect liquids effectively, reducing wiring effort and allowing for efficient detection of liquids at the underside where they typically collect, while also enabling connection to heat sinks or cooling means without complex integration into cooling structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple liquid detection sensors are strategically placed throughout the battery system, then liquid detection reliability is improved, but installation space requirements increase and wiring effort becomes very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single integrated sensor unit. The measuring probe integrates liquid level detection, liquid presence detection, and temperature measurement capabilities into one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and their associated wiring harnesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to perform multiple functions: detecting liquid levels, detecting liquid presence/absence, and measuring temperature. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If sensors are placed on the upper side of battery cells to detect liquid, then detection capability is provided, but liquid detection is unreliable because liquid collects on the base due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing sensors on the upper side of battery cells as in conventional systems, the patent inverts the sensing approach by placing the measuring probe on the lower side/base of the battery module where liquid naturally accumulates due to gravity, ensuring reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring probe leverages the natural gravitational flow of liquid to its own location. By positioning the sensor at the lowest point of the battery housing base, the system uses gravity itself to deliver liquid to the sensing point, eliminating the need for active pumping or complex liquid transport mechanisms.
3Temperature
If cooling system components are integrated inside the battery housing, then thermal management efficiency is improved, but the risk of liquid leakage into the battery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection capabilities by positioning the measuring probe to detect liquid accumulation before it can reach critical levels that would damage battery cells. The sensor provides early warning that enables preventive action before harmful effects occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit provides continuous feedback about liquid presence and temperature conditions to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring and immediate response to potential liquid leakage events, allowing the system to adapt its operation to prevent damage.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module for an energy storage arrangement. The battery module has an underside for arrangement on a housing base of a battery housing, an upper side opposite the underside with respect to a first direction, at least one outer side that is different from the underside and the upper side, and at least one liquid sensor by which a liquid can be detected. In doing so, the liquid sensor has a measuring probe which is arranged on the outer side of the battery module and extends downwards in the direction of the underside of the battery module.