Single-Sided Voltage Leakage Detection in Traction Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive power systems lack effective methods for detecting voltage leakage in traction batteries, which can lead to inefficient energy use and potential battery damage.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a traction battery with a battery voltage sensor and a controller that determines resistance values using a battery test circuit with a sensing resistor and an intermittent resistor, where the controller inhibits battery operation if resistance values fall below a predetermined threshold, indicating a voltage leak.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a testing module is used to detect voltage leakage by connecting to both positive and negative terminals, then voltage leakage detection is achieved, but the system complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the detection function from a complex dual-terminal testing module and implements it within the existing battery management system using only the positive terminal connection. The controller utilizes the battery voltage sensor and test circuit components already present in the system, eliminating the need for separate testing modules and reducing installation complexity while maintaining voltage leakage detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The battery voltage sensor and controller are designed to perform multiple functions: normal voltage monitoring, state of charge calculation, and voltage leakage detection. The test circuit components (sensing resistor, intermittent resistor, switch) are integrated into the existing battery management infrastructure, allowing the same hardware to serve both operational and diagnostic purposes without requiring dedicated leakage detection equipment
2Reliability
If resistance values are continuously monitored to detect voltage leaks, then battery protection is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic voltage leakage detection by controlling the switch to alternately connect and disconnect the intermittent resistor at predetermined intervals. The controller activates the test circuit only during specific monitoring periods rather than continuously, thereby detecting resistance changes indicative of voltage leaks while minimizing energy consumption during non-critical periods
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with threshold resistance values that indicate voltage leakage conditions. During periodic monitoring, the controller compares measured resistance values against these predetermined thresholds to quickly determine whether leakage is present, enabling rapid protection responses without requiring continuous complex analysis or high energy expenditure
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 solution allows for the detection and prevention of voltage leaks in traction batteries, ensuring efficient energy use and extending battery life by inhibiting operation when leakage is detected.
Implementation Method 1
The circuit has a voltage sensor configured to determine a voltage value of a sensing resistor
Implementation Method 2
The circuit has an actuatable switch configured to selectively attach and detach an end of an intermittent resistor within circuit such that the circuit has an open resistance value corresponding to the switch being in an open state and a closed resistance value corresponding to the switch being in a closed state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle battery system includes a traction battery having positive and negative terminals, and resistive circuitry including a first resistor electrically connected between one of the terminals and a common ground, a switch, and a second resistor that can be selectively electrically connected between the one of the terminals and the first resistor via the switch. The vehicle battery system also includes a controller that opens and closes the switch, and inhibits charge of the traction battery according to changes in voltage across the second resistor due to opening and closing of the switch.