Princeton University

John Cannarella

Craig B Arnold

Xinyi M Liu

An anomalous battery operating detection device, which includes a sensing unit capable of measuring mechanical properties of a battery, coupled to a processor for determining whether anomalous behavior has been detected. These devices measure a mechanical property, identifying a difference in the property, and based on that difference, making a determination of anomalous behavior. Non-mechanical properties may also be utilized when making the determination. Responsive actions can be taken once the anomalous behavior is detected. The battery can be intercalated, and may be a lithium-ion battery cell. Alternatively, the sensing unit may measure strain. In addition, more than one sensing unit may be utilized, or a separate light source may be introduced. The system may be configured to allow the processor to determine the potential for failure before the battery fails.

Device and method for mechanically detecting anomalous battery operation

Mechanical energy harvesting is an increasingly important method of providing power to distributed sensor networks where physical connection to a power source is impractical. Conventional methods use vibrations to actuate a piezoelectric element, coil/magnet assembly, or capacitor plates, thereby generating an electric current. The low charge-density of these devices excludes their application in low frequency and static load sources, with the lowest frequency reported devices limited to 10 Hz. These frequency limitations can be overcome by exploiting the piezoelectrochemical effect, a similar but physically distinct effect from the piezoelectric effect whereby an applied mechanical load alters the thermodynamics of an electrochemical reaction to produce a voltage/current. Piezoelectrochemical energy harvesters are expected to produce orders of magnitude more energy per load cycle than piezoelectrics and comparable power capabilities. These characteristics make piezoelectrochemical energy harvesters ideal for application in low-frequency and static loading scenarios for which conventional mechanical energy harvesting technology is poorly suited. Examples of such load sources include, but are not limited to, human footsteps, vehicular loads, and pressure vessels.

Device for harvesting mechanical energy through a piezoelectrochemical effect

A battery management system for use with a battery under test is disclosed. The system includes a container configured to hold the battery. The system also includes a stress/strain sensor. The container is configured to hold the battery in fixed relationship with respect to the stress/strain sensor. A processor is coupled to the stress/strain sensor, the processor being configured to measure the stress/strain on the battery and determine the state of health (SOH) of the battery based on the measured stress/strain and previously stored SOH relationship data for the battery. The processor may be configured to determine a state of charge (SOC) of the battery based on the measured stress/strain, the SOH of the battery and previously stored SOC relationship data for the battery.

Growing community of inventors

Princeton, NJ, United States of America

John Cannarella