Li-Ion Battery Short Circuit Detection via DC Stimulus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries are prone to internal short circuits due to latent and operational defects, leading to thermal runaway and potential fires or explosions, which existing diagnostic tools fail to detect effectively in advance, posing safety hazards and leading to product recalls and avoidance in high-risk applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that alter the electrical state of the battery using direct current stimuli to trigger a time-varying response, measuring primary and secondary response parameters to determine the likelihood of a short circuit precursor condition, and implementing corrective measures to prevent hazards, such as altering the battery's state to an open-circuit or rest state, or applying cooling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional diagnostic tools are used to monitor battery safety, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and ability to detect short circuit precursors is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing diagnostic measurements before thermal runaway occurs. The system uses electrical stimuli to provoke responses that reveal latent defects early in the defect development process, allowing prevention before catastrophic failure. This is embodied in the method of applying current/voltage stimuli and analyzing the battery's response to detect precursors before they lead to thermal runaway.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the battery's electrical response to applied stimuli and using this information to assess safety status. The system measures voltage, current, and impedance responses, compares them against safe operating parameters, and provides feedback to determine whether the battery is safe or at risk of thermal runaway.
2Reliability
If existing monitoring methods are used, then the ease of operation is high, but the reliability of preventing thermal runaway is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the battery monitor its own safety through its electrical response to stimuli. The battery's inherent electrical characteristics and responses to applied currents/voltages provide the monitoring data, eliminating the need for complex external sensors or intervention. The system uses the battery's own electrical behavior as the diagnostic indicator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by applying controlled electrical stimuli (changes in current, voltage, or impedance) and measuring the battery's response parameters. By analyzing changes in electrical parameters before thermal runaway, the system can detect precursors. This involves deliberately changing electrical parameters to provoke diagnostic responses that reveal safety status.
3Loss of time
If no active monitoring is implemented, then the device complexity remains low, but the loss of time for detecting hazards is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by applying electrical stimuli at regular intervals or at key operational points (charging, discharging, resting) to continuously assess battery safety. This periodic probing allows timely detection of precursors without requiring constant complex monitoring, balancing detection speed with system simplicity.
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 short circuit precursors, allowing for preventative measures to mitigate thermal runaway and potential combustion events, thereby enhancing user safety and maintaining battery operation.
Implementation Method 1
altering an electrical state of the battery by application or removal of a direct current (DC) electrical stimulus to the battery so as to trigger a time-varying response; and measuring the time-varying response of the battery to the altered electrical state
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Method and system for monitoring the safety of a rechargeable Li-ion battery (LIB). An initial electrical state of the LIB is determined and altered by application or removal of DC electrical stimulus to trigger a time-varying response. The time-varying response of the LIB is measured, and at least one primary response parameter associated with the functional form of the measured response is extracted. At least one secondary response parameter is derived from the primary response parameter. A composite response parameter may be further derived from the primary response parameter and secondary response parameter. A likelihood of a short circuit precursor condition is determined in accordance with the primary response parameter, secondary response parameter and/or composite response parameter. Based on the determined likelihood, an alert of a potential short circuit derived hazard may be provided and/or a corrective measure to mitigate or prevent a short circuit derived hazard may be implemented.