Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by lithium-ion batteries, renowned for their high energy and power density. However, these batteries carry the inherent risk of thermal runaway, a chain reaction of exothermic events within the battery. As a result of this cascade effect, a rapid rise in internal temperature occurs, leading to a destabilization of the internal structure of the battery. Thermal runaway eventually results in battery failure, posing a significant safety risk and compromising the reliability of electric vehicles as a result of battery failure.
Thermal Runaway in an Electric Vehicle
Thermal runaway in a lithium-ion battery can damage the vehicle’s battery pack and the vehicle itself, and pose a serious risk to the occupants. Often triggered by a short circuit, overcharging, or other cell stress, thermal runaway occurs when a lithium-ion battery overheats. The excess heat triggers a chain reaction in the cell, generating gas that, if not mitigated, can spread to the rest of the battery pack, causing other cells to overheat and decompose. As the runaway progresses, the battery cells release flammable gases such as hydrogen, volatile hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and hazardous gases like hydrogen fluoride, carbon dioxide, dimethyl carbonate, and acetonitrile. Once thermal runaway begins, it is difficult to stop, often resulting in smoke and flames. Quick intervention can limit the impact on the battery pack and the rest of the vehicle. While many materials in the pack are designed to reduce fire propagation, the venting of gas from a cell creates a hazardous condition that must be identified and managed to prevent fire risks.
Next-Gen Vehicles Need Next-Gen Thermal Management Systems
As EVs and hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) increasingly outnumber fossil fuel-powered vehicles, effective thermal management systems are crucial for manufacturers. The future of electric vehicles hinges on providing safe, reliable, and affordable vehicles with manageable recharging and desirable features. Ensuring safety involves systems that prevent battery fire propagation and provide early detection of cell venting as part of active vehicle hazard mitigation.
Importance of Early Detection and Prevention
Safety is paramount in addressing thermal runaway challenges. Early detection and prevention are vital to avert catastrophic events. Beyond safety, early intervention ensures operational continuity, compliance with regulatory standards, and protection against financial risks associated with repairs, liabilities, and recalls. Proactive measures are essential for maintaining the reliability of lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles.
Thermal runaway sensing is crucial for real-time monitoring, significantly enhancing the reliability and safety of battery systems. Constant and vigilant sensor monitoring ensures that potential issues are promptly identified, enabling timely actions to avert safety risks and meet regulatory standards. These sensors are essential for adherence and certification.
DEP’s Innovative Battery Thermal Runaway Sensor
Leveraging expertise in gas and flame ionization, DEP’s innovative sensor excels in detecting ion signals coinciding with the early release of battery cell vent gases, offering unparalleled capability for swift identification of thermal runaway. DEP’s network of sensors stands out with exceptional performance, ensuring rapid response and high reliability in detecting gas venting during thermal runaway events. By mitigating the drawbacks associated with other sensing technologies, our sensor offers a robust and accurate solution for the early identification and prevention of thermal runaway incidents.
Advantages of DEP’s Battery Thermal Runaway Sensor
Cost Efficiency: Low cost due to fixed parts and the absence of optical lenses or catalysts.
Operational Principle: Detects charged ions in gases released, ensuring reliable detection.
Durability: Unaffected by vibrations, providing consistent performance over time.
Flexible Instrumentation: Can be installed both outside the battery cell or inside the pouch, offering versatile application options.
Rapid Response Time: Extremely fast response time of less than 10 milliseconds, enabling quick detection and action.
Accuracy: No false positives, ensuring dependable and accurate monitoring
