Embedded Fiber Optic Cable for Battery Internal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery management systems rely on external parameters for determining state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH, leading to conservative overdesign due to incomplete understanding of battery state, which hampers the adoption of clean technologies like electric vehicles and power grid storage with inaccurate estimations.
Innovation Solution
Embedding fiber optic cables with optical sensors into the electrode material of electrochemical energy storage cells allows for real-time, in situ monitoring of internal parameters such as temperature, stress, and ion concentration, providing more accurate SOC and SOH assessments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external parameters (voltage, current, temperature) are used for battery management, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision of battery state is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic cable is embedded within the electrode material itself, nesting the sensing function inside the battery structure. This allows internal parameter monitoring without adding external sensing equipment, thereby improving measurement precision while avoiding increased system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical sensing methods with optical sensing using fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference issues and allows for more precise internal parameter measurement without requiring complex electrical connection systems
2Measurement precision
If MEMS temperature sensors are embedded in lithium-ion cells, then the temperature measurement precision is improved, but electromagnetic interference noise and dedicated analog wires are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electrical MEMS sensors with optical fiber sensors for temperature measurement. The optical sensing mechanism is immune to electromagnetic interference, eliminating the harmful EMI noise while maintaining measurement precision. No dedicated analog wires are needed as the optical signals are transmitted through the fiber optic cable
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable creates an electrically inert environment within the electrode, as optical signals are not affected by electromagnetic fields. This inert optical environment eliminates electromagnetic interference noise that plagues electrical sensing methods
3Reliability
If external parameter monitoring is used, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of battery state assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the fiber optic cable within the electrode material, the system gains reliable internal parameter data directly from the electrode itself. This embedded approach provides more trustworthy battery state assessment compared to external monitoring, without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded fiber optic sensors provide real-time feedback on internal electrode conditions such as temperature, stress, and ion concentration. This continuous internal feedback loop enables more reliable battery state assessment and early detection of degradation or failure modes
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
This approach enables more precise and timely monitoring of battery conditions, enhancing safety and cycle life by providing individual electrode information, reducing the risk of catastrophic failures and improving energy storage management systems.
Implementation Method 1
A portion of a fiber optic cable including at least one fiber optic sensor is positioned over a current collector layer of the electrochemical energy storage cell
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fabricating an electrochemical energy storage cell such as a battery or supercapacitor involves positioning a portion of a fiber optic cable that includes at least one optical fiber sensor over a current collector layer. The electrode material of the energy storage cell is deposited over the current collector layer and the fiber optic cable.