Battery Pack Gas and Infrared Detection for Early Fire Suppression
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Battery packs in vehicles are prone to gas leaks and fire events due to failing battery cells, which can lead to explosions and are difficult to detect and suppress effectively with existing systems.
Innovation Solution
A gas and flame detection system comprising a battery module with a gas detector and an infrared detector connected to a controller, which generates alarm levels based on gas concentrations and infrared radiation levels, triggering a fire suppressant release and alerting the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a battery cell fails and leaks gas, then fire events and explosions may occur, but existing detection systems cannot effectively detect and suppress these events in time
Solution Approach 1:
The gas detector is configured to detect gas leaks at early stages before fire events occur. The system performs preliminary detection of hazardous conditions (gas accumulation) and triggers alarm signals before the situation deteriorates into fire or explosion, enabling preventive action rather than reactive response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fire suppressant system as an intermediary between detection and fire occurrence. When gas accumulation reaches critical levels or fire is detected by the infrared detector, the suppressant is automatically released to intervene and prevent fire development, acting as a protective mediator in the hazard chain
2Measurement precision
If existing detection systems are used, then the structure remains simple, but the ability to detect gas leaks and fire events accurately is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a gas detector and an infrared detector into a single integrated detection system. The gas detector monitors for leaked gases from failing cells, while the infrared detector simultaneously monitors for fire events. Both detectors are electrically connected to the same controller, merging detection functions to achieve comprehensive monitoring with coordinated control
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions: it receives signals from both the gas detector and infrared detector, processes alarm level return signals from both sensors, and controls the fire suppressant release. This multi-functional design achieves high detection accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
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 system enables early detection and suppression of fire events in battery packs, reducing the risk of explosions and damage by accurately sensing gas leaks and infrared radiation, and effectively releasing a fire suppressant to cool and extinguish fires.
Implementation Method 1
a gas detector configured to sense a concentration value of one or more gases
Implementation Method 2
an infrared detector configured to sense a level of infrared radiation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A system for detecting gas leakage and/or a fire event within a battery pack includes a battery pack (24), a controller (144), a gas detector (124), and an infrared detector (140). The battery pack comprises a plurality of cells which may be subject to a gas leakage or a fire. The gas detector is configured to read a concentration value of one or more gases. The infrared detector is configured to read a level of infrared radiation. The gas detector and the infrared detector are configured to transmit alarm level signals to a controller. The controller is configured to output a first or second alarm level in response to the concentration value of gas. The controller is configured to output a third alarm level in response to the level of infrared radiation. Emergency response procedures may be implemented based on the level of gas leakage or infrared radiation within the battery pack indicated.