Wireless Sensor Network for Thermal Runaway Detection in Battery Packs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries in large series parallel arrangements are prone to violent failure during thermal events such as internal or external shorting and overcharging, with current containment methods being inadequate, relying on handheld fire extinguishers.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system equipped with distributed wireless sensors and RFID tags that communicate with a central electronic management system to monitor and control the operation of multiple energy storage and conversion devices, including lithium-ion batteries, capacitors, and flywheels, enabling early detection of thermal runaway through real-time parameter monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If lithium-ion batteries are connected in large series parallel arrangements to increase energy storage capacity, then the energy storage system can deliver larger amounts of energy over longer periods, but the system becomes more susceptible to violent thermal runaway events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery pack into multiple modular units, each equipped with independent sensors and containment features. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high energy storage capacity while isolating potential thermal runaway events to specific modules, preventing system-wide failure and improving overall reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional containment methods using handheld fire extinguishers are used, then the system has simple implementation, but the response time is too slow and containment is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-installing automated sensor systems and containment mechanisms within each battery module before deployment. The distributed temperature sensors continuously monitor conditions and trigger automated responses at the earliest signs of thermal runaway, eliminating the need for manual intervention and ensuring immediate containment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where distributed sensors continuously monitor temperature and other parameters, transmitting data to a central management system that automatically activates containment measures when thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid automated response without requiring human intervention.
3Reliability
If distributed wireless sensors are deployed to enable early detection of thermal runaway, then the system can provide early indicators for controlled intervention, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor network is segmented into distributed modular units, each responsible for monitoring a specific battery module. This segmentation reduces the complexity of managing a large centralized sensor network while maintaining comprehensive coverage and early detection capability across the entire energy storage system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs universal multi-functional sensor nodes that can detect multiple parameters (temperature, voltage, current) and communicate wirelessly. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture by using standardized components rather than specialized sensors for each parameter, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability.
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 enhances safety and reliability by providing early indicators of thermal runaway, allowing for controlled intervention and preventing destructive events in high-energy density battery packs, while enabling scalable and modular deployment of energy storage systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each device is equipped with one or more sensors and RFID tags to communicate sensor information wirelessly to a central electronic management system
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system having a multiple different types of energy storage and conversion devices. Each device is equipped with one or more sensors and RFID tags to communicate sensor information wirelessly to a central electronic management system, which is used to control the operation of each device. Each device can have multiple RFID tags and sensor types. Several energy storage and conversion devices can be combined.