Temperature monitoring platform protects EV batteries

Littelfuse, Inc. has launched its TTape temperature monitoring platform, which the company calls a groundbreaking overtemperature detection platform for the management of Li-ion battery systems. The overtemperature detection solution offers a unique capability to detect overtemperature at every Li-ion cell in electric vehicle (EV) battery packs.

The solution is designed to help vehicle systems manage premature cell aging while reducing the risks associated with thermal runaway incidents. The advantage of localized cell overheating detection is quicker alerts to the battery management system (BMS), compared to traditional NTC setups, Littelfuse said.

(Source: Littelfuse, Inc.)

TTape can be used in a range of applications, including automotive EV/HEVs, commercial vehicles and energy storage systems (ESS). The distributed temperature monitoring capabilities improve the detection of localized cell overheating, which improves battery life and enhances the safety of battery installations.

One of the key features of TTape is its capability to monitor multiple cells with a single device, which alerts the BMS earlier in case of overtemperature. It has a response time of less than one second for quicker alerts to the potential of thermal runaway conditions. By initiating temperature management at an earlier state, TTape devices ensure that the battery pack is serviceable for an extended period, alerting the BMS sooner in overtemperature scenarios, Littelfuse said.

In addition, TTape can easily integrate with existing BMS without any calibration. Only one microcontroller (MCU) control unit is needed to integrate with the BMS systems.

“With no calibration or temperature lookup tables required, and only one MCU input needed, it integrates seamlessly with current BMS solutions alongside NTCs, delivering an enhanced detection of cell overheating,” said Tong Kiang Poo, Littelfuse’s global product manager, in a statement.

The TTape Distributed Temperature Monitoring Platform is available in tape and reel or box packaging, depending on the length required. Sample requests may be requested via authorized Littelfuse distributors worldwide. A video provides additional information about how the platform works.