Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.
The Growing Appetite for Li-ion Batteries
According to a 2023 Statista report, the worldwide demand for lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries is anticipated to swell nearly sevenfold from 2022 to 2030, reaching 4.7 terawatt-hours by 2030.[1] This surge can be largely attributed to the escalating popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), which predominantly use Li-ion battery technology. Furthermore, the demand for portable electronics, energy storage systems, battery-operated tools, and material handling equipment are all helping to drive the market expansion.
Temperature Monitoring in Li-ion Battery Packs
The high charge and discharge rates (C-rate) demanded by EVs can precipitate hazardous temperature rises. Moreover, the sealed nature of Li-ion cells during manufacturing complicates the measurement of internal temperatures. The battery’s mechanical strains, charging protocols, current demands, and ventilation are additional elements that can culminate in heat buildup, necessitating enhanced thermal management solutions.
Littelfuse, a global leader in circuit protection, has introduced the TTape™ distributed temperature monitoring (DTM) device, specifically designed to revolutionize temperature monitoring in Li-ion battery packs. This innovative product offers advanced features that enhance the detection of localized cell overheating, ensuring greater safety and reliability in many of today’s battery-demanding applications.
In this week’s New Tech Tuesday, we’ll explore the key aspects of Littelfuse’s TTape, its integration capabilities, and its benefits to Li-ion battery pack safety.
The Newest Products for Your Newest Designs®
Littelfuse TTape is a state-of-the-art DTM device tailored to Li-ion battery packs. It is engineered to detect even the slightest temperature variations across the battery cells, providing real-time data to prevent potential thermal runaways. This is crucial for maintaining the safety and efficiency of battery-operated systems, from EVs to consumer electronics.
For example, localized cell overheating can trigger severe repercussions, including thermal runaway—a condition where escalating temperatures induce reactions that further elevate the temperature, potentially culminating in fires or explosions. Littelfuse’s TTape is designed to detect these hotspots early, enabling timely intervention.
Integration with Existing BMS Solutions
One of TTape’s remarkable attributes is its compatibility with existing battery management systems (BMSs) that utilize negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistors (Figure 1). This compatibility ensures a seamless integration process, avoiding the need for extensive modifications. TTape offers overtemperature monitoring for multiple cells or extensive areas with a singular microcontroller unit (MCU) input and can trigger the MCU to exit sleep mode during overtemperature events.
By integrating effortlessly with current BMS solutions, TTape amplifies the system’s overall efficiency, adding an extra safety layer without complicating the existing setup—a practical choice for manufacturers and engineers.
Traditional temperature monitoring systems often require calibration and the use of temperature look-up tables. TTape eliminates these requirements, providing accurate temperature readings without the need for additional steps. By removing the need for calibration and look-up tables, the device streamlines the temperature monitoring process. This efficiency translates to reduced maintenance and operational costs, benefiting the overall management of the battery system.
Application in Li-ion Battery Packs
Rapid response times are critical when it comes to Li-ion battery packs. The Littelfuse device is designed to deliver swift and accurate response temperature readings in less than one second, enabling immediate action in case of any irregularities.
The precise and timely detection of temperature variations provided by TTape plays a crucial role in preventing thermal runaway. This accuracy ensures the longevity and safety of the battery packs, protecting both the equipment and its users.
Tuesday’s Takeaway
Littelfuse’s TTape distributed temperature monitoring device represents a significant advancement in battery safety, offering unparalleled features that redefine industry standards. Its integration with existing BMS solutions, simplified installation process, and precise temperature measurement capabilities make it an indispensable tool for modern battery management, assuring a safer and more reliable future for battery-powered applications.
About the Author
Rudy is a member of the Technical Content Marketing team at Mouser Electronics, bringing 35+ years of expertise in advanced electromechanical systems, robotics, pneumatics, vacuum systems, high voltage, semiconductor manufacturing, military hardware, and project management. As a technology subject matter expert, Rudy supports global marketing efforts through his extensive product knowledge and by creating and editing technical content for Mouser’s website. Rudy has authored technical articles appearing in engineering websites and holds a BS in Technical Management and an MBA with a concentration in Project Management. Prior to Mouser, Rudy worked for National Semiconductor and Texas Instruments.
