Fire alarm on board

Fire alarm on board

The current sensor module measures the current and simultaneously records the temperature of the vehicle battery. Both values ​​are of great importance as input variables for battery management. The sensor protects the battery from overcurrent while maintaining battery properties by limiting aging effects. Integrated either in the so-called Battery Disconnect Unit or in the battery itself, the current sensor module provides the two crucial pieces of information for the battery protection function and reliable range monitoring. To meet strict functional safety requirements, the current sensor module is designed as a dual-channel sensor that measures current independently by integrating shunt and Hall technology in a compact, single unit.

The lithium-ion battery of an electric car is usually housed in the underbody, where its weight contributes to a low center of gravity and where it is well protected by the vehicle's structure - with two possible exceptions: At high speeds, objects such as stones or tension straps can be kicked up and damage the underbody. At low speeds, contact with the ground during a parking maneuver can also cause damage. That's why electric vehicles are equipped with a large and often heavy cover that protects the battery compartment from the bottom. However, if a collision occurs, the driver must decide for himself whether the vehicle needs to be checked in a workshop. “This is not a satisfactory situation because the visibility under the car is poor and a trained eye is needed to assess the actual damage,” says Johannes Clemm, Managing Director of Continental Safety Engineering International in Alzenau. To remedy this and enable easier underbody protection, Continental has developed pressure sensor-based battery impact detection. The system detects and classifies underbody impacts or intrusions to warn the driver when the integrity of the battery may have been compromised. This allows the car owner to take precautions before a faulty battery could later ignite. “In addition, battery impact detection identifies the area of ​​damage so that battery management can drain the cells in that area to avoid a fire hazard,” adds Clemm.