EV Battery Assessment Using Voltage and Temperature Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Firefighters face challenges in assessing and responding to emergency situations involving electric vehicle (EV) batteries, as many battery chemistries do not self-extinguish during overheating or combustion events, and some generate oxygen during thermal decomposition, making them difficult to extinguish.
Innovation Solution
A portable battery assessment tool that connects to an EV battery to receive signals and determine battery voltage stability, temperature fluctuations, or state-of-charge deviations. The tool generates a battery status based on safety thresholds and indicates the risk level to responders, allowing them to plan appropriate actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If firefighters use conventional fire assessment methods, then they can respond to traditional fires, but they cannot effectively assess EV battery fire risks due to unique battery chemistry properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from conventional fire assessment parameters to battery-specific parameters including voltage stability, temperature fluctuations, and state-of-charge deviations. The controller monitors these electrical and thermal parameters to generate accurate battery status assessments, enabling firefighters to evaluate EV battery risks using quantitative electrical metrics rather than traditional fire assessment methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/fire-based assessment methods with an electrical monitoring system. The battery assessment tool uses a controller to receive electrical signals from the battery, process voltage and temperature data, and generate digital battery status indicators. This substitution of electrical and computational methods for conventional mechanical fire assessment enables accurate evaluation of battery-specific fire risks.
2Speed
If firefighters approach EV batteries without assessment, then they can quickly reach the vehicle, but they expose themselves to unsafe conditions from undetected thermal runaway risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the battery assessment tool evaluate battery status before firefighters approach or interact with the EV battery. The controller performs rapid voltage stability, temperature fluctuation, and state-of-charge deviation assessments to generate a battery status indicator in advance, allowing firefighters to plan their approach based on pre-assessed safety conditions and avoid undetected thermal runaway risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback by providing real-time battery status information to firefighters through the assessment tool. The controller continuously monitors battery parameters and feeds back safety status indicators that guide firefighter decision-making. This feedback loop enables firefighters to adjust their response based on actual battery conditions rather than proceeding without information, balancing speed with safety.
3Measurement precision
If firefighters use detailed battery assessment procedures, then they can accurately determine fire risk, but they consume more time during emergency response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing a tiered assessment approach where the controller prioritizes monitoring critical parameters such as voltage stability and temperature fluctuations. The system provides sufficient assessment accuracy for safety decisions without requiring exhaustive analysis of all possible battery parameters. This selective monitoring of key parameters achieves adequate measurement precision while reducing assessment time compared to comprehensive detailed procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are provided for a battery assessment tool for an EV battery. The method of operating a battery assessment tool may comprise receiving, by a controller, a signal from the EV battery. The method may further comprise determining, by the controller, a battery voltage stability, a temperature fluctuation, or a state-of-charge deviation, based on the signal. The method may further include generating a battery status based on a battery safety threshold and at least one of the battery voltage stability, the temperature fluctuation, or the state-of-charge deviation. The method may further comprise indicating, by the battery assessment tool, the battery status of the EV battery. The method may provide information to firefighters, EMTs and other emergency personnel on the safety of the battery in a vehicle they are approaching.