Capacitor Bus Bar Temperature Detection for Thermal Runaway Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional capacitor modules face challenges in accurately detecting overheated states due to the thermistor being distant from the central capacitor element, which is the hottest and inefficient at radiating heat, leading to potential thermal runaway.
Innovation Solution
A capacitor design with a temperature detection element positioned on the central electrode terminal of the bus bar, ensuring direct contact and accurate temperature detection of the hottest capacitor elements, preventing thermal runaway.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermistor is placed in the extending part of the bus bar separated from the current route, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the measurement precision of temperature detection deteriorates because the thermistor is distant from the central capacitor element
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection element is integrated directly onto the contact part of the bus bar that contacts the central capacitor element, merging the detection function with the electrical connection structure. This eliminates the need for a separate extending part and achieves both accurate temperature monitoring and electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar contact part serves as an intermediary that simultaneously performs electrical connection and temperature detection functions. By placing the temperature detection element on this intermediary component that is in direct contact with the capacitor element, the system achieves accurate temperature measurement without requiring additional complex structures.
2Reliability
If the thermistor is placed far from the central capacitor element, then the ease of operation is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of temperature monitoring deteriorates due to inability to detect overheated state accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection element is combined with the bus bar contact structure, creating an integrated component that performs both electrical connection and temperature monitoring. This merging ensures reliable temperature detection at the critical location without requiring separate monitoring structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature detection element is positioned in advance at the contact part of the bus bar, enabling early detection of temperature rise in the central capacitor element before thermal runaway occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures reliable monitoring without requiring complex post-installation adjustment mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the temperature detection element is placed on the contact part of the bus bar, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases and ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection element is integrated into the bus bar contact part, combining two functions (electrical connection and temperature detection) into a single component. This merging reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the assembly process, countering the expected increase in manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus bar contact part is designed to serve multiple functions: electrical connection and temperature detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components and their associated mounting procedures, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high measurement precision.
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 precise detection of overheated states, effectively preventing thermal runaway by placing the temperature detection element in close proximity to the central capacitor elements, ensuring timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature detection element is disposed on the contact region... enabling accurate detection of an overheated state of capacitor elements
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitor includes a capacitor element group, a first bus bar, a second bus bar, a case, a filling resin, and a temperature detection element. The capacitor element group includes a plurality of capacitor elements. The first and second bus bars are connected to electrodes of the plurality of capacitor elements. The case accommodates a capacitor unit in which the capacitor element group is connected to the first and second bus bars. The case is filled with the filling resin, and the filling resin is cured in the case. The first bus bar includes a contact region that is in contact with at least one capacitor element in the plurality of capacitor elements at a side close to an aperture of the case, the at least one capacitor element being positioned at a center of the capacitor element group. The temperature detection element is disposed on the contact region.