Battery Module Pressure Sensor for Thermal Runaway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery module monitoring systems rely on temperature sensors that only collect localized data, which may not detect thermal runaway until it is too late, as they do not account for pressure changes across the module, potentially leading to damage to multiple battery cells and the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor in the battery module to detect changes in pressure associated with each battery cell, connected to an electronic control unit that analyzes this data to identify abnormal conditions before they escalate, allowing for timely corrective action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are used to monitor battery cells, then temperature data can be collected, but the monitoring is limited to localized areas and may not detect thermal runaway until it is too late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressure as an intermediary parameter to detect thermal runaway conditions. Pressure sensors mounted on battery cell casings detect pressure changes that occur during thermal runaway, providing an indirect but more reliable detection method compared to direct temperature measurement. This intermediary approach allows detection of abnormal conditions before they escalate to full thermal runaway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring system into individual battery cell-level sensors rather than module-level monitoring. Each battery cell has its own pressure sensor, allowing localized detection of pressure changes specific to each cell. This segmentation enables precise identification of which cell is experiencing abnormal conditions, improving both monitoring precision and response time.
2Loss of information
If localized temperature sensors are deployed in each battery cell, then more comprehensive temperature data can be collected, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors serve multiple functions: detecting thermal runaway conditions, monitoring battery cell health status, and providing early warning signals. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each monitoring task, simplifying the overall sensor network while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from monitoring temperature parameters to monitoring pressure parameters. This parameter change simplifies the sensing requirements because pressure changes are more pronounced and easier to detect than temperature changes during thermal runaway events. The pressure-based approach provides equivalent or superior information with simpler sensor technology.
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 pressure sensor system enables early detection of potential malfunctions or thermal runaway, providing more effective monitoring than temperature sensors alone, allowing for proactive intervention to prevent damage to battery cells and the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect changes in pressure associated with each battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module for a vehicle is disclosed. The battery module includes a plurality of adjacent battery cells in a module housing, each battery cell including a battery case. The battery module further includes a pressure sensor on one of the battery cells or the module housing. The pressure sensor is configured to produce a signal indicative of a change in pressure associated with any of the battery cells. The battery module further includes an electronic control unit electronically connected to the pressure sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to determine the existence of an abnormal condition based on the signal.