Optical Fiber Sensor for Battery Pack Deformation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric and hybrid vehicles require accurate damage detection in energy storage modules to prevent accidents and ensure safe handling after impacts, as existing systems lack precision in assessing deformations caused by external forces.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage module with optical sensors comprising optical fibers attached to the enclosure walls, which detect alterations in optical signals due to deformations, allowing for precise location and severity assessment of impacts, and a control unit to provide warning signals if severity exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronic sensors are used to detect external physical impact, then damage detection capability is provided, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate deformation assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic sensors with optical sensors based on optical fibers. The optical fiber is attached to the inner side of the enclosure wall, and deformations of the wall cause corresponding deformations in the optical fiber, which alter the optical signal transmitted through the fiber. This substitution provides more precise deformation detection while being immune to electromagnetic interference, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability.
2Productivity
If battery cells are closely packed to reduce battery size, then productivity is improved, but the risk of damage and harmful factors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensing technology to monitor the enclosure wall for deformations. The optical fiber sensor attached to the inner side of the enclosure wall can detect even minor deformations caused by external impacts or internal pressure changes. This early detection capability allows for timely intervention, preventing minor damage from escalating into severe accidents, thus enabling safer close-packing of battery cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor provides continuous feedback about the structural integrity of the enclosure wall. When deformations are detected, the system can trigger warning signals or safety protocols, creating a feedback loop that monitors and responds to potential damage in real-time, thereby managing the risks associated with high-density battery packing.
3Ease of operation
If optical fiber is attached to the outer side of enclosure wall, then deformation detection is simplified, but false indications increase due to direct impact on optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attaching the optical fiber to the outer side of the enclosure wall, the patent inverts the approach by attaching it to the inner side. This reversal protects the optical fiber from direct external impacts while still allowing it to detect wall deformations through contact with the inner surface. The optical fiber remains shielded from mechanical damage while maintaining its sensing capability.
4Device complexity
If conventional sensors are used, then device complexity is reduced, but electromagnetic interference affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes electronic sensing systems with optical sensing systems. Optical fibers are inherently immune to electromagnetic interference, making them ideal for monitoring in environments with high electromagnetic fields such as those generated by power electronics in electric vehicles. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
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
The system effectively detects and assesses deformations in energy storage enclosures, reducing the risk of accidents by providing timely warnings and ensuring proper handling of damaged modules, while minimizing false indications and electromagnetic interference.
Implementation Method 1
the optical fiber is attached to an inner side of at least a first enclosure wall of the energy storage enclosure, the optical fiber is attached to the inner side along a distance of at least a portion of the inner side, the optical emitter being configured to emit an optical signal through the first optical fiber, and the optical receiver is configured to detect the optical signal transmitted through the first optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
the optical sensor is configured to detect an alteration of the optical signal, the alteration being indicative of a deformation of the first enclosure wall
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage module for a vehicle includes an energy storage enclosure adapted to accommodate an energy storage cell, the energy storage enclosure having an enclosure wall, an optical sensor including an optical fiber, an optical receiver and an optical emitter, the optical fiber attached to an inner side of a first enclosure wall along a distance of a portion of the inner side. The optical receiver is configured to detect an optical signal transmitted through the optical fiber, and the optical sensor is configured to detect an alteration of the optical signal being indicative of a deformation.