Summary of Newly Developed Internal Temperature Sensor For Li-ion Battery Enables 5x Faster Charging
Researchers at the University of Warwick's WMG have created sensors to monitor internal temperature and electrode potential in Lithium batteries during normal operation. These devices use miniature reference electrodes and Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) protected by Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP). The technology aims to prevent overheating risks like gas formation and overcharging hazards such as lithium electroplating, potentially enabling five times faster charging speeds for automotive cells.
Parts used in the Internal Battery Sensor Project:
- Miniature reference electrodes
- Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG)
- Strain protection layer
- Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) outer coat
- In-situ reference electrode
- Optical fiber temperature sensor
Researchers at the University of Warwick in the UK have developed sensors which measure the internal temperature and electrode potential of Lithium batteries. The technology is being developed by the Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG) as a part of a battery’s normal operation. More intense testing, including evaluation for Faster Charging, has been conducted on standard commercially available automotive battery cells.
If a battery overheats it becomes a risk for critical damage to the electrolyte, breaking down to form gases that are both flammable and can cause significant pressure build-up inside the battery. On the other hand, overcharging of the anode can lead to Lithium electroplating, forming a metallic crystalline structure that can cause internal short circuits and fires. So, overcharging and overheating of a Li-ion battery is hugely damaging to the battery along with the user.
The researchers at Warwick developed miniature reference electrodes and Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) threaded through a strain protection layer. An outer coat of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) was applied over the fiber, ensuring chemical protection from the corrosive electrolyte. The end result is a sensor which has direct contact with all the key components of the battery. The sensor can withstand electrical, chemical and mechanical stress faced during the normal operation of the battery while still giving accurate temperature and potential readings of the electrodes.
The device includes an in-situ reference electrode coupled with an optical fiber temperature sensor. The researchers are confident that similar techniques can also be developed for use in pouch cells. WMG Associate Professor Dr. Rohit Bhagat said,
Read more: Newly Developed Internal Temperature Sensor For Li-ion Battery Enables 5x Faster Charging
- What do the new sensors measure inside Lithium batteries?
The sensors measure internal temperature and electrode potential. - How does overheating affect a battery electrolyte?
Overheating causes the electrolyte to break down into flammable gases that create significant pressure build-up. - Can this technology enable faster charging?
Yes, the technology enables evaluation for faster charging and may support 5x faster charging speeds. - What material protects the fiber from corrosive electrolytes?
An outer coat of Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP) ensures chemical protection. - What are the risks of overcharging a Li-ion anode?
Overcharging leads to Lithium electroplating which can form metallic crystalline structures causing internal short circuits and fires. - Does the sensor withstand mechanical stress?
Yes, the sensor can withstand electrical, chemical, and mechanical stress faced during normal battery operation. - Are these techniques applicable to pouch cells?
Researchers are confident that similar techniques can be developed for use in pouch cells. - Who developed this sensor technology?
The technology was developed by researchers at the University of Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG).
