Battery Cell Testing Plate for Clamped Surface Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for temperature testing of battery cells, such as using thermal imagers and thermocouples, are limited in their ability to measure temperatures when the cell is clamped in a pressure fixture, as they either block the view or damage the cell, respectively, preventing comprehensive temperature data acquisition across the cell's surface.
Innovation Solution
A testing plate with recesses containing temperature sensors, such as NTC thermistors, is used between the battery cell and pressure plates, allowing for uniform temperature measurement across the cell's surface, even when clamped, with electronic circuitry for data acquisition and display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermal imager is used to detect surface temperature, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the measurement fails when the thermal imager is blocked by the pressure fixture
Solution Approach 1:
A testing plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the pressure fixture and the battery cell. The testing plate includes multiple temperature sensors that contact the cell surface through recesses, allowing temperature measurement without requiring line-of-sight access like a thermal imager. This mediator enables temperature detection while the pressure fixture maintains its clamping function.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical measurement system (thermal imager) is replaced with a contact-based electrical measurement system (temperature sensors in the testing plate). This substitution allows temperature measurement to occur through direct physical contact via the testing plate, which can penetrate or contact the cell surface even when clamped by the pressure fixture, bypassing the line-of-sight limitation.
2Measurement precision
If a thermocouple is pasted onto the cell face engaged by the pressure fixture, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the thermocouple pierces the face and damages the cell
Solution Approach 1:
The testing plate serves as a mediator that distributes the measurement function across multiple temperature sensors positioned in recesses. Instead of a single thermocouple piercing the cell, multiple sensors contact the surface through the testing plate structure, enabling measurement without direct piercing of the cell face by individual sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing plate features recesses at specific locations where temperature sensors are positioned. These recesses provide localized contact points that allow sensor placement on the cell surface without requiring the sensor to pierce through the entire cell face. The local structural modification (recesses) enables measurement while preserving cell integrity.
3Measurement precision
If a thermocouple is used to measure temperature, then temperature data is obtained, but only the temperature at the outer edge of the cell can be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement function is segmented into multiple temperature sensors distributed across the testing plate. Each sensor measures temperature at a specific location, and collectively they provide temperature data across multiple areas of the cell surface. This segmentation transforms a single-point measurement system into a multi-point measurement system, expanding coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing plate performs multiple functions: it maintains electrical isolation between the pressure fixture and the cell, provides mechanical support for temperature sensors, and enables temperature measurement at multiple locations simultaneously. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive temperature monitoring across the cell surface while maintaining other testing requirements.
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 accurate and comprehensive temperature data acquisition across the battery cell's surface during testing, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods by providing a non-invasive and reliable measurement of temperature distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor located in each one of the plurality of recesses
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensors, such as NTC thermistors
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, temperature-testing apparatuses that each include a pair of spaced-apart pressure plates, a testing plate, and a pressure fixture. The testing plate may comprise a working face with a plurality of recesses that confronts a face of the battery cell being tested, a temperature sensor in each one of the plurality of recesses, and electronic circuitry in operative communication with each of the temperature sensors. In some embodiments, the pressure fixture is a constant-pressure mechanism. In some embodiments, the pressure fixture is a constant-gap pressure mechanism. Systems containing such temperature-testing apparatuses and methods of testing with such temperature-testing apparatuses are also disclosed.