Passive RFID Tags for Wireless Battery Cell Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for temperature measurement in battery modules are time-consuming and costly due to the manual connection of resistive negative temperature coefficient sensors via cables and connectors, and they lack energy efficiency and security against signal interception.
Innovation Solution
A battery module using passive RFID tags attached to battery cells to measure temperature wirelessly, with a short operating range that eliminates the need for cables and connectors, reduces energy consumption, and enhances security by limiting the signal range within a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If NTC sensors are connected via cables and connectors, then temperature measurement is achieved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables and connectors) with a wireless RFID-based temperature measurement system. The RFID tags attached to battery cells communicate temperature data wirelessly to the BMS, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and significantly reducing production time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary between the battery cells and the BMS. These tags serve as wireless mediators that carry temperature information without requiring direct physical connections, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate measurement and production efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If NTC sensors are connected via cables and connectors, then temperature measurement is achieved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (cables and connectors) with a wireless RFID-based temperature measurement system. The RFID tags attached to battery cells communicate temperature data wirelessly to the BMS, eliminating the need for physical cable connections and significantly reducing production time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive RFID tags that can be easily attached to battery cells. These disposable or reusable tags are much cheaper than the combination of NTC sensors, cables, and connectors, thereby reducing overall production costs while maintaining measurement functionality.
3Ease of operation
If RFID tags use long operating range, then wireless communication is improved, but energy consumption increases and security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a localized wireless communication system where RFID tags and receivers are positioned in close proximity within the battery module housing. This local quality approach enables effective wireless communication with minimal energy consumption, as the tags do not need to transmit over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by limiting the RFID communication range to only what is necessary within the battery module. Instead of enabling full long-range communication capability, the system is configured to operate effectively only at short distances, thereby conserving energy while maintaining adequate wireless communication functionality.
4Ease of operation
If RFID tags use long operating range, then wireless communication is improved, but security against signal interception decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a localized wireless communication system where RFID tags and receivers are positioned in close proximity within the battery module housing. This local quality approach enables effective wireless communication with minimal energy consumption, as the tags do not need to transmit over long distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of wireless signal interception into a benefit by deliberately limiting the communication range. The short operating range, which might seem to restrict functionality, actually enhances security by creating a natural barrier against external interception, thus turning a limitation into a security advantage.
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 reduces production costs and time, enhances energy efficiency, and improves security by eliminating the need for cables and connectors, while ensuring safe and efficient temperature measurement within the battery module.
Implementation Method 1
The RFID tags may be passive RFID tags configured to harvest energy supplied by the radio frequency receiver(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A battery module includes: a plurality of battery cells; a printed circuit board arranged within a short distance to the battery cells; a passive radio frequency identification tag; and a radio frequency receiver on the printed circuit board. The radio frequency identification tag is attached to at least one of the battery cells and is configured to measure a temperature of the at least one battery cell to which it is attached. The radio frequency identification tag is configured to harvest energy supplied by the radio frequency receiver and to wirelessly send temperature signals corresponding to the temperature of the at least one battery cell within an operating range limited to the short distance. The radio frequency receiver is configured to wirelessly supply energy to the radio frequency identification tag and to receive the temperature signal sent by the radio frequency identification tag.