As the future seems to be all-electric, engineering companies have been creating new technologies that can aid electric vehicle (EV) owners. Over at Metis Engineering’s facility, the company has developed a new battery safety sensor called the Cell Guard.
Cell Guard
The Cell Guard is a sensor that provides accurate and detailed information on the health of a lithium-ion battery pack. Among the parameters it keeps track of include volatile organic compounds (VOCs), pressure changes, humidity, and dew point. It also has an optional accelerometer that records shock loads.
With that being said, the technology is more comprehensive than current battery cell monitoring systems (BMS), which typically come with temperature and voltage sensors only.
The sensor relays the data over a configurable CAN interface to a control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit). It can warn drivers instantly that cell venting has occurred. Moreover, the sensor can cut the circuit to the battery pack for the system to cool down, preventing thermal runaway.
It can be useful for maintaining EV battery packs
Despite the comprehensive system of Cell Guard, the technology is offered up to ten times cheaper than alternatives.
“With Cell Guard, we are revolutionizing the way batteries are monitored and managed in EVs and Energy Storage Systems,” said Metis Engineering Managing Director Joe Holdsworth.
“Cell Guard not only greatly improves battery health and longevity. It also provides customers with valuable and detailed information on used EV battery condition, which is something that is currently lacking and would transform the market,” added Holdsworth.
Here in the Philippines, the EV market is still in its early stages. The Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, and Nissan LEAF are among the EV models offered by mainstream automakers. Chinese car brands such as BYD and Jetour are also looking to make a noise in this segment.
The Cell Guard can help the EV market grow as it can radicalize the resale market of used EVs by giving buyers the necessary information on battery pack conditions.
See more car technologies at Philkotse.com.