Cell-Level Hydrogen Sensing for Li-Ion Thermal Runaway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional technologies are limited in sensing small amounts of hydrogen gas produced by individual battery cells, which hinders early detection of thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A thermal runaway detection and control device equipped with palladium-based nano sensors mounted on individual battery cells, capable of detecting hydrogen concentrations between 20 and 400 ppm, and controlling charging/discharging switches based on detected hydrogen levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gas sensing technologies are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to detect small amounts of hydrogen gas from individual battery cells is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into individual cell units, each equipped with its own sensor module. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on detecting hydrogen gas from a single battery cell, improving detection sensitivity for small amounts of gas while keeping each individual sensor module relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs palladium-based nano sensors with specific nanoscale properties tailored for hydrogen detection. These sensors have enhanced local sensitivity to hydrogen gas at the nanoscale level, enabling detection of trace amounts (20-400 ppm) without requiring complex system-level configurations.
2Reliability
If sensors are mounted on individual battery cells, then early detection of thermal runaway is enabled, but the device structure and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a modular sensor module design that can be independently mounted on each battery cell. This segmentation allows for standardized, repeatable installation procedures and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the increased number of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules are designed to be pre-assembled and pre-calibrated units that can be directly mounted on battery cells before integration into the battery pack. This preliminary preparation reduces on-site installation complexity and ensures proper positioning for optimal detection reliability.
3Reliability
If hydrogen concentration monitoring is implemented for individual cells, then thermal runaway can be prevented, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a closed-loop feedback system where hydrogen concentration measurements from individual battery cells directly control the charging/discharging switches of those same cells. This cell-level feedback mechanism enables targeted safety control without requiring complex system-wide control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Each battery cell effectively monitors and controls its own safety through the integrated sensor and switch system. The cell-level autonomy reduces the burden on the central control system, allowing simpler overall control architecture while maintaining high safety reliability.
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 early detection of thermal runaway by monitoring hydrogen concentrations and controlling individual battery cells, thereby preventing thermal runaway and improving battery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
palladium-based nano sensors mounted on individual battery cells... capable of detecting hydrogen concentrations between 20 and 400 ppm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermal runaway of lithium-ion battery detection and control device including: sensor modules for detecting and monitoring hydrogen concentrations of battery cells and each having a palladium-based nano sensor and a communication unit; and a battery cell controller for turning on and off charging/discharging switches of the battery cells according to the hydrogen concentrations detected through the sensor modules and variations in the hydrogen concentrations according to time, wherein the palladium-based nano sensor detects the hydrogen concentration between 20 and 400 ppm.