Battery Thermal Runaway Test Stand With Multi-Point Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test stands for evaluating materials in batteries during thermal runaway lack a standardized method for comparing thermal propagation, leading to non-comparable test results due to differing battery designs and test conditions.

Innovation Solution

A test stand with multiple temperature sensors arranged at different distances and heights within the battery housing, allowing for the comparison of temperature profiles and the evaluation of thermal propagation in a standardized manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are arranged at different positions and heights in the housing, then measurement precision and ability to evaluate thermal propagation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidtest stand complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test stand divides the measurement task into multiple segments by placing temperature sensors at different positions (first, second, third sensors at different heights and distances from the initiation cell). This segmentation allows comprehensive evaluation of thermal propagation in three-dimensional space, resolving the contradiction by making the complex measurement task manageable through structured division.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical dimension (height in Z direction) in addition to horizontal positioning (distances A1 and A2). The third temperature sensor measures temperature at a different height, adding dimensional complexity to the measurement system. This multi-dimensional approach improves measurement precision by capturing thermal propagation in three-dimensional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If standardized test conditions are implemented with multiple sensors, then reliability of test results is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result comparabilityVSAvoidtest stand manufacturing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The test stand design with standardized sensor positions and housing structure serves multiple purposes: it can evaluate different materials, test various battery configurations, and provide comprehensive thermal propagation data. This universal design improves reliability and comparability of results across different tests while maintaining reasonable manufacturing complexity through modular construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If temperature sensors are positioned at different distances from the initiation cell, then ability to detect thermal propagation dynamics is improved, but loss of time for test setup increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal propagation detection capabilityVSAvoidtest setup time
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensors are pre-positioned at optimized distances (A1 and A2) from the initiation cell during test stand assembly. This preliminary positioning ensures that when thermal runaway occurs, the sensors are already in the correct positions to capture thermal propagation dynamics at different stages, reducing setup time while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 a balanced evaluation of material performance and thermal propagation dynamics, providing a standardized framework for comparing test results across different battery designs and conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The individual battery cells, which are often designed as cylindrical battery cells, are arranged close together next to each other in a battery housing and connected in series and/or in parallel. Depending on the number and type of battery cells used, a battery can thus store an amount of energy that enables electric driving for several 100 km without intermediate charging.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

This thermal runaway of a battery cell can easily or quickly spread to neighbouring battery cells. This leads to a chain reaction, whereby the energy stored in the battery is released explosively. This explosive release of energy, which is also referred to as thermal propagation, can be accompanied by toxic gases and the formation of flames and sparks.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4432419B1Test stand with temperature sensors for evaluating a material intended for use in a battery and test method using the test stand
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP4432419B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4432419B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4432419B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a test stand (1) for evaluating a material to be used in a battery under conditions that may occur during a thermal runaway, the test stand (1) comprising a housing (10), wherein in an inner space (15) of the housing (10) at least one activatable initiation cell (31), a plurality of cylindrical battery cells (32, 33, 34, 35, 36) and the material to be evaluated being arranged in the interior space (15) or on the housing (10), a first temperature sensor (70a) and at least one second temperature sensor (70b) being arranged in the inner space (15), a distance A1 between the initiation cell (31) and the first temperature sensor (70a) and a distance A2 between the initiation cell (31) and the second temperature sensor (70b) being different from one another. The invention further relates to a test method using the test stand (1).