Optical Fiber Gas Sensor for Lithium Ion Battery Thermal Runaway Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium ion batteries are prone to overheating, which can lead to combustion and fires, posing a risk to surrounding components, and existing fire suppression systems require early detection to be effective.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing fiber optic guides with optically responsive materials on their exterior surfaces to detect gases indicative of overheating or combustion, such as hydrogen fluoride and carbon dioxide, coupled with light sources and detectors for early detection and potential fire suppression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fire detection systems are used for lithium ion batteries, then detection capability is provided, but early detection sensitivity is insufficient leading to delayed fire suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/electrical fire detection systems with an optical detection system using fiber optic sensors. The fiber optic sensor detects thermal radiation and optical signals from the battery, converting thermal and optical energy into detectable signals. This substitution enables earlier and more sensitive detection of overheating conditions before combustion occurs, directly resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensor acts as an intermediary between the battery and the detection system. It is positioned in close proximity to the battery surface, allowing it to detect thermal radiation and optical signals emitted by the battery during overheating. This intermediary approach enables early detection of thermal anomalies before they lead to full combustion, improving both detection sensitivity and response time.
2Reliability
If fire suppression systems are installed for lithium ion batteries, then fire damage is reduced, but effectiveness depends on early detection which is currently inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic detection system performs preliminary detection of thermal radiation and optical signals from the battery before combustion occurs. By detecting early signs of overheating and thermal runaway, the system triggers fire suppression actions in advance, ensuring that suppression systems operate at the most effective moment. This preliminary detection action directly improves fire suppression effectiveness by eliminating detection delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system provides continuous feedback on the thermal and optical state of the battery. The fiber optic sensor monitors the battery surface for changes in thermal radiation and optical properties, feeding this information back to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables real-time monitoring and immediate triggering of suppression systems when abnormal conditions are detected, enhancing overall system reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional detection methods are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but false alarms increase reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors multiple optical and thermal parameters simultaneously using the fiber optic sensor, including thermal radiation intensity, wavelength distribution, and temporal patterns. By analyzing changes in these parameters rather than relying on single-threshold detection, the system can distinguish between normal battery operation, overheating, and actual fire conditions. This multi-parameter approach reduces false alarms while maintaining manageable system complexity through integrated optical sensing.
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 quick detection of lithium ion battery fires, reducing the risk of uncontrolled combustion and allowing for timely fire suppression while minimizing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
A first material is disposed on an exterior surface of the first optical guide in fluid communication with an exterior surface of the lithium ion battery. The first material is optically responsive to a first gas indicative of an overheat condition or combustion of the lithium ion battery.
Implementation Method 2
the first material comprises silica that is optically responsive to hydrogen fluoride
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed for protection of a lithium ion battery. The system includes a first light source and a first optical guide including first and second ends. The first optical guide is in optical communication with the light source at the first end of the first optical guide. A first material is disposed on an exterior surface of the first optical guide in fluid communication with an exterior surface of the lithium ion battery. The first material is optically responsive to a first gas indicative of an overheat condition or combustion of the lithium ion battery. A first light detector is in optical communication with the second end of the first optical guide.