Thermal Runaway Detection Circuit Using Dual Sensor Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battery safety measures for preventing thermal runaway, such as lithium-ion batteries in vehicles, are prone to false positives and unnecessary downtime due to the lack of reliable detection systems for imminent thermal runaway events.
Innovation Solution
A thermal runaway detection circuit comprising a processing circuit connected to first and second sensor circuits via electric conduits arranged at an over-pressure relief path, which generates a thermal runaway indication based on data from these sensors, reducing the risk of false alarms by monitoring independent data intervals and impedance control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal management systems and battery management systems are implemented to prevent thermal runaway, then safety is improved, but false positives occur causing unnecessary downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensor circuits (first sensor circuit and second sensor circuit) that monitor different parameters. A thermal runaway indication is only generated when both sensors simultaneously indicate thermal runaway, dividing the detection function into separate monitoring channels to reduce false positives while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
Electric conduits are positioned as intermediaries along the over-pressure relief path between the battery and the processing circuit. These conduits serve as both electrical connection elements and thermal indicators - if thermal runaway occurs, the conduits are exposed to extreme conditions that cause detectable changes in their electrical properties, providing an additional verification layer before triggering alarms
2Reliability
If existing detection systems are used to monitor battery temperature, then thermal runaway detection is provided, but false positives are generated reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple sensor circuits monitoring different parameters rather than a single detection method. The processing circuit requires simultaneous indication from both sensor circuits before generating a thermal runaway indication, segmenting the detection approach to eliminate false positives
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors changes in electrical parameters of the conduits (electrical conductivity, impedance) that occur when exposed to thermal runaway conditions. By detecting parameter changes in the conduits themselves rather than just temperature, the system achieves more accurate detection with fewer false alarms
Data Source
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AI summary
A thermal runaway detection circuit (100) is presented. The thermal runaway detection circuit (100) comprises a processing circuit (110), a first electric conduit (121) configured to connect the processing circuit (110) to a first sensor circuit (201) and a second electric conduit (122) configured to connect the processing circuit (110) to a second sensor circuit (202). A portion (121') of the first electric conduit (121) and a portion (122') of the second electric conduit (122) between the processing circuit (110) and the respective sensor circuit (201, 202) are configured to be arranged at an over pressure relief path (205) of a battery device (200). The processing circuit (110) is configured to obtain first data via the first electric conduit (121) and second data via the second electric conduit (122), and generate a thermal runaway indication (101) based on the first data and the second data.