Early Warning Fault Indication System for Li Batteries

Several factors (such as overcharge, impact, manufacturing issues, etc.) can produce a failure in lithium batteries used by the U.S. Navy. When a fault occurs, the Li battery can release toxic and flammable gases which can start and feed a fire, cause significant equipment damage, and present catastrophic hazards to personnel safety. Early signals of a battery issue can occur internally. If detected early, the system can provide critical warnings of cell issues before they evolve into more hazardous problems. This proposal concerns the development of a early warning fault indication system for lithium batteries. The proposed system allows for extensive monitoring of individual cells at high speed in real-time. It will provide monitoring at the cell level of key precursors of battery fault, triggering an alarm when a precursor is detected, and identifying the cell having issues. During Phase I, feasibility of the device was demonstrated by exposure to repeated simulated ambient battery environmental conditions. During Phase II, a prototype will be developed, fabricated, tested, and deliver to the Navy.