Faraday Battery Challenge - 2018

Advanced battery thermal control and thermal run-away cascading prevention system using thermal phase change materials

We proposed an innovative electronic design of M-BRIC which would allow for thermal management of batteries and diagnostics performed on individual cell-level. We aimed to use low-cost thermal sensors on each cell for proactive battery management, so that we could improve the overall performance of the entire pack. 

This would be the ideal system for End-of-Life recycling and repurposing and it would allow for easier maintenance and servicing. It would prevent ‘bad’ cells from affecting the life of remaining functioning cells.

The design was intended to efficiently use new or recycled cells. Efficiency was improved through easier maintenance and replaceability of individual cells to maximise the life of the entire battery pack.

Our design utilised an individual cell-fuse setup for over-current, short, and thermal-runaway protection. The battery trays that hold cells together were structurally independent and had an outer casing for impact and movement protection. The external electrical-conductive contacts allowed the battery system to supply different voltages, eliminating the need for physical rearrangement of cells.

By the end of the project, the system served two functions:

1. Battery cooling and heating within operating temperature for optimal battery performance and longevity.

2. Preventing thermal runaway and thermal cascading effects during battery cell failure and temperature outside of operating temperature.