Embedded sensors for in-situ cell monitoring of batteries

• Main Author: Fortier, Aleksandra
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 07.11.2023
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRICITY; MEASURING; MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES; MEASURING QUANTITY OF HEAT; MEASURING TEMPERATURE; PHYSICS; PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSIONOF CHEMICAL INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY; TESTING; THERMALLY-SENSITIVE ELEMENTS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

The disclosed principles provide techniques for 3D fabrication of sensing systems embedded inside battery cells and provide cell parameter data for a comprehensive and robust battery management system. The disclosed principles provide online and real-time monitoring battery state-of-health down to the individual cell level of each battery using embedded sensors on one or more of the internal layers of a cell, such as the dielectric separators found in such battery cells. The implementation of the disclosed principles in individual battery cells therefore provides an increased likelihood to mitigate catastrophic failures in batteries. In addition, the disclosed fabrication processes for printing sensors directly on one or more of the components or layers within each individual battery cell significantly reduce manufacturing steps required by conventional battery management systems. The disclosed principles also provided for a unique silica-based ink for use in the 3D printing of such embedded cell sensing components.