In a significant stride towards enhancing battery safety and monitoring, researchers have developed an advanced ultrasound imaging system that promises to revolutionize the way we assess the health of lithium batteries. This innovative system, based on a fiber optic ultrasound sensor, could have profound implications for the energy sector, particularly in ensuring the safe and efficient use of lithium batteries.
The research, led by Geng Chen from the School of Optical and Electronic Information at Huazhong University of Science and Technology in Wuhan, China, has been published in the journal “Opto-Electronic Science.” The system’s core lies in its Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) structure, which is composed of a glass plate and an optical fiber pigtail. This design grants the system an impressive sensitivity of 558 mV/kPa at 500 kHz, with a noise equivalent pressure (NEP) of just 63.5 mPa. The system’s frequency response is equally remarkable, maintaining a sensitivity higher than 13.1 mV/kPa across a frequency range from 50 kHz to 1 MHz.
One of the most compelling aspects of this research is its practical application. The team demonstrated the system’s capabilities by imaging three commercial lithium-ion ferrous phosphate/graphite (LFP||Gr) batteries, successfully determining the state of health (SOH) for each. “This technology allows us to monitor the internal changes of lithium batteries in real-time, providing crucial data for assessing their safety and performance,” Chen explained.
The implications for the energy sector are substantial. As lithium batteries continue to power everything from electric vehicles to renewable energy storage systems, ensuring their safe and efficient operation is paramount. This ultrasound imaging system could play a pivotal role in this endeavor, offering a non-invasive and highly accurate method for monitoring battery health.
Moreover, the system’s superior resolution of 0.5 mm enables it to capture intricate details, such as the wetting process of anode-free lithium metal batteries (AFLMB). This capability was highlighted in the research, where the formation process of a pouch cell was analyzed, and a gas-related “unwetting” condition was discovered. “Our system not only monitors the health of batteries but also provides insights into their formation and potential issues, such as gas buildup,” Chen added.
Looking ahead, the commercialization of this technology is on the horizon. By integrating sensor arrays and artificial intelligence, the system could become a standard tool in battery manufacturing and maintenance. This advancement could lead to safer, more efficient batteries, ultimately benefiting the entire energy sector.
In summary, this research represents a significant leap forward in battery health monitoring. With its high sensitivity, superior resolution, and practical applications, the fiber optic ultrasound imaging system developed by Chen and his team could shape the future of lithium battery safety and performance. As the energy sector continues to evolve, such innovations will be crucial in meeting the growing demand for reliable and sustainable power sources.