Detection of high voltage electrolysis of coolant in a battery pack

摘要

An apparatus and method providing for detecting and responding to high voltage electrolysis within an electric vehicle battery enclosure to limit possible excessive thermal condition of the battery cells and modules. The present invention includes embodiments directed towards detection algorithms and apparatus for promoting the use of voltage, current, humidity, temperature, and pressure sensors for the purpose of detecting high voltage electrolysis. Additionally, the present invention includes response processes and structures to address high-voltage electrolysis.

主权项

1. A detection system for high voltage electrolysis in a battery pack, comprising:
an enclosure including a plurality of electrically-coupled battery modules storing energy for the battery pack and a coolant distribution system disposed among and electrically isolated from said plurality of battery modules; a sensor system, coupled to said enclosure, configured to collect a plurality of data from said enclosure, wherein the sensor system includes at least a temperature sensor and the plurality of data include temperature readings over at least a specified time period; and a controller, coupled to said sensor system, configured to evaluate said plurality of data against one or more predetermined patterns associated with a possible high voltage electrolysis inside said enclosure, with said controller configured to indicate said possible high voltage electrolysis occurring within said enclosure when said plurality of data has a predetermined relationship to said one or more predetermined patterns; wherein said coolant distribution system uses a coolant solution having a mixture of a first liquid and a second liquid in a predetermined ratio to produce a first boiling point for said coolant solution, wherein boiling of said coolant solution changes said predetermined ratio to produce a second boiling point for said coolant solution higher than said first boiling point and wherein said second boiling point is about equal to a temperature sufficient to induce a thermal runaway condition for one or more battery modules of said plurality of battery modules; wherein said one or more patterns include a sustained rise in local battery temperature, within the specified time period, to within a predetermined range of the first boiling point.