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 an early warning fault indication system (EWFIS) for lithium batteries. The proposed system will allow 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. As part of the Phase I, feasibility of the device will be demonstrated by exposure to repeated simulated ambient battery environmental conditions. During the Phase I Option, the initial layout of the prototype to be built in the Phase II will be performed. During the Phase II, a prototype will be developed, fabricated, tested, and deliver to the Navy.