Optical Battery Fault Detection via Separator Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring battery health, particularly in lithium-ion batteries, are inadequate for continuous and in-situ detection of impending faults, as they often require interrupting battery operation and are not suitable for periodic monitoring throughout the battery's life cycle, compromising energy density and safety.
Innovation Solution
Integration of optical fibers and light sources within the battery cell to monitor the state of the separator, which changes light transmission characteristics based on fault conditions, allowing continuous monitoring of battery health without interfering with the battery's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery health monitoring methods are used, then battery operation can be monitored, but the monitoring requires interrupting battery operation and is not suitable for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical monitoring methods with optical monitoring. Light sources transmit light through the separator, and photodetectors detect changes in light transmission. This optical system allows continuous monitoring without interrupting battery operation, as optical signals do not interfere with electrochemical processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of light sources, transparent separators, and photodetectors. The separator itself acts as an optical waveguide, allowing light to pass through while detecting fault conditions. This intermediary optical system enables monitoring without direct electrical contact or interruption of battery operation.
2Productivity
If optical fibers and light sources are integrated within the battery cell, then continuous monitoring without interfering with battery operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the separator serve dual functions: its traditional role as an ion-conductive barrier between electrodes and a new role as an optical waveguide for light transmission. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate optical fibers and light sources, reducing device complexity while enabling continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the optical monitoring components (light sources, waveguides, detectors) with the existing battery separator structure. The separator is engineered to兼具 ion conduction and optical guidance properties, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated component.
3Measurement precision
If the separator is made transparent for optical transmission, then light transmission characteristics can indicate fault conditions, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the separator by controlling its refractive index and transparency characteristics. The separator material is selected or engineered to have specific optical properties that allow light transmission while maintaining ion conduction. Fault conditions are detected through changes in light transmission parameters rather than requiring extreme manufacturing precision.
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 continuous, non-invasive monitoring of battery health, detecting impending faults such as dendrite growth and chemical changes, thereby enhancing safety and maintaining energy density, applicable to various battery chemistries and types.
Implementation Method 1
a battery cell separator, located within the cell housing, formed of a light transmitting material that has light transmission characteristics that are a function of a state of impending faults of the battery cell
Implementation Method 2
OPTICAL WAVEGUIDE METHODS FOR DETECTING INTERNAL FAULTS IN OPERATING BATTERIES
Data Source
AI summary
Light is transmitted from a light source through or from a separator of a battery cell and received by one or more light detectors. The light that is normally transmitted through the separator is scattered, absorbed, wavelength-shifted or otherwise distorted by an impending fault in the vicinity of or within the separator. The change in light due to the impending fault is measured by a detector and a signal from the detector is processed to identify the impending fault so that a warning can be generated indicative of the impending fault. In particular, one or both of the light source and detector are enclosed within a battery cell housing.