Battery Pack Connection Abnormality Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles can catch fire due to abnormal electrical connections in battery packs, making it crucial to detect connection status without opening the pack, as loose connections increase resistance and heat, potentially igniting inflammable materials.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for detecting battery pack abnormalities by calculating the total voltage drop across connecting wires and determining abnormal connections based on resistance measurements, using a voltage detecting module, computing module, and determining module within a battery management system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the battery pack is opened to directly check the connection status of connecting wires, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system that measures voltage drops across battery cells and connecting wires without physical access to the connections. By using voltage as a mediator parameter, the system indirectly infers connection status, eliminating the need to open the battery pack while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically opening and inspecting connections with an electrical measurement system. By substituting direct mechanical inspection with voltage drop measurements and computational analysis, the system achieves connection status detection without physical access.
2Measurement precision
If the battery pack is opened to check connecting wires, then the measurement precision of connection status is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into distinct functional modules: voltage detection modules for measuring individual battery cell voltages, a computing module for calculating voltage drops and determining connection status, and a warning module for alerting users. This segmentation simplifies the overall system architecture and makes each component's function clear and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the detection system to perform multiple functions: detecting connection status of connecting wires, identifying abnormal battery cells, and providing warning signals. By creating a multi-functional system that handles various detection tasks through a unified approach, the patent avoids the need for separate specialized devices for each function.
3Reliability
If voltage detection and calculation methods are implemented, then the reliability of battery pack operation is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic detection by triggering the voltage measurement and analysis process at specific moments: when the battery pack is connected to a charger or power source, or when abnormal conditions are detected. This periodic action ensures reliable safety monitoring while minimizing continuous energy consumption by the detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the existing power flow through the battery pack during normal charging or discharging operations to perform the detection. The system uses the battery's own operational current to measure voltage drops, eliminating the need for separate high-power measurement equipment and reducing additional energy consumption.
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
Enables detection of loose connections and other abnormalities without opening the battery pack, preventing overheating and potential fires by assessing voltage drops and resistances, thus ensuring safer operation of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A first voltage drop between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery pack is detected. A first set of voltage drops between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of each battery cell in the battery pack is also detected.
Implementation Method 2
A first resistance of a connecting wire connecting the first battery cell and the second battery cell is calculated based on the first voltage drop, the second voltage drop and a current flowing through the battery pack during the charging or discharging period.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for detecting abnormality of a battery pack are disclosed. The battery pack includes multiple battery cells coupled in series via at least one connecting wire. A first voltage drop between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of the battery pack is detected. A first set of voltage drops between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of each battery cell in the battery pack is also detected. A total voltage drop across the at least one connecting wire in the battery pack is calculated based on an absolute difference between the first voltage drop and a sum of the first set of voltage drops. Whether the battery pack is abnormal is determined by assessing the total voltage drop across the at least one connecting wire with respect to a predetermined threshold.