In-situ fault detection apparatus and method for an encased energy storing device

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2000

OSTI ID:873145

Hagen, Ronald A ^[1]; Comte, Christophe ^[2]; Knudson, Orlin B ^[3]; Rosenthal, Brian ^[1]; Rouillard, Jean ^[4]

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1. Stillwater, MN
2. Montreal, CA
3. Vadnais Heights, MN
4. Saint-Luc, CA

An apparatus and method for detecting a breach in an electrically insulating surface of an electrically conductive power system enclosure within which a number of series connected energy storing devices are disposed. The energy storing devices disposed in the enclosure are connected to a series power connection. A detector is coupled to the series connection and detects a change of state in a test signal derived from the series connected energy storing devices. The detector detects a breach in the insulating layer of the enclosure by detecting a state change in the test signal from a nominal state to a non-nominal state. A voltage detector detects a state change of the test signals from a nominal state, represented by a voltage of a selected end energy storing device, to a non-nominal state, represented by a voltage that substantially exceeds the voltage of the selected opposing end energy storing device. Alternatively, the detector may comprise a signal generator that produces the test signal as a time-varying or modulated test signal and injects the test signal into the series connection. The detector detects the state change of the time-varying or modulated test signal from a nominal state, represented by a signal substantially equivalent to the test signal, to a non-nominal state, representative by an absence of the test signal.

• Research Organization: United States Advanced Battery Consortium, Dearborn, MI (US)
• DOE Contract Number: FC02-91CE50336
• Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (Saint Paul, MN); Hydro-Quebec Corporation (Montreal)
• Patent Number(s): US 6100702
• OSTI ID: 873145
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

in-situ
fault
detection
apparatus
method
encased
energy
storing
device
detecting
breach
electrically
insulating
surface
conductive
power
enclosure
series
connected
devices
disposed
connection
detector
coupled
detects
change
signal
derived
layer
nominal
non-nominal
voltage
signals
represented
selected
substantially
exceeds
opposing
alternatively
comprise
generator
produces
time-varying
modulated
injects
equivalent
representative
absence
storing device
detection apparatus
series connected
electrically insulating
electrically conductive
signal generator
insulating layer
fault detection
detector detects
energy storing
series connection
signal derived
substantially equivalent
storing devices
connected energy
insulating surface
power connection
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