Battery Packs to Widely Adopt Gas Sensors, According to IDTechEx Research Study
Advanced Gas Sensors Set to Dominate Battery Pack Safety
Gas sensors are poised to play a significant role in the future of battery pack safety, particularly in electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems. According to a new report by market intelligence firm IDTechEx, gas sensors are expected to account for over 50% of advanced sensor deployments in battery packs by 2036 [1].
These sensors, which include hydrogen, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, are critical safety tools. They enable early detection of battery cell degradation and impending thermal runaway events, which can lead to fires or explosions [1][3][5].
Hydrogen sensors, for instance, detect H₂ gas generated by electrolyte decomposition or side reactions inside lithium-ion cells [1][3][5]. Carbon dioxide sensors monitor CO₂ off-gassing, another chemical signature of cell breakdown and electrolyte decomposition during early-stage battery faults [1][3]. VOC sensors identify organic compounds released as battery materials degrade, offering additional diagnostic information about the battery state and potential hazards [1][3][5].
These sensors are integrated within battery packs using advanced monitoring techniques such as multipoint aspiration sampling and distributed sensor arrays to locate gas sources precisely [1]. The data from these sensors can trigger automated mitigation responses or alerts, improving safety beyond conventional temperature and voltage monitoring systems.
One of the key advantages of gas sensors is their ability to detect delayed thermal runaways occurring hours after vehicle use, a challenge for conventional sensors [3][5]. In fact, gas sensors can provide an early warning up to half an hour before a battery fire [2].
The battery pack gas sensor market is expected to exceed US$157.1 million by 2036 [4]. Major players in hydrogen sensing technology include Amphenol Advanced Sensors [6]. However, the adoption of gas sensors is expected to increase over the next decade, especially once regulations encourage their usage [7].
It's important to note that thermal management, including cooling systems, are used to prevent thermal runaway from propagating between cells. However, they are not always successful in containing thermal runaway events. The build-up of toxic and flammable gases in the battery pack enclosure can cause corrosion of battery pack packaging and components, as well as potential combustion, which can cause other cells to enter thermal runaway [3].
Cell venting is a safety measure that reduces cell pressure and prevents further cell damage and full thermal runaway. However, the build-up of toxic and flammable gases in the battery pack enclosure can lead to corrosion and potential combustion.
Other gas sensing technologies, such as hydrocarbon sensing and carbon monoxide sensing, are more niche and require the use of low-lifetime chemi-resistors [5].
For more information, see the associated report, "Advanced Battery Pack Sensors and Remote Monitoring 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets and Forecasts" [4].
References:
- IDTechEx, "Advanced Battery Pack Sensors and Remote Monitoring 2026-2036: Technologies, Markets and Forecasts"
- IDTechEx, "Battery Pack Gas Sensors: Early Warning for Battery Fires"
- IDTechEx, "The Role of Gas Sensors in Preventing Battery Fires"
- IDTechEx, "Advanced Battery Pack Sensors and Remote Monitoring 2026-2036"
- IDTechEx, "Gas Sensors for Battery Safety: A Comprehensive Guide"
- Amphenol Advanced Sensors, "Hydrogen Sensing Solutions"
- IDTechEx, "The Future of Gas Sensors in Battery Pack Safety"
- The integration of advanced data-and-cloud-computing technologies could potentially analyze the vast amount of data generated by battery pack gas sensors, leading to more efficient battery pack safety management and investment opportunities in these emerging technologies.
- While medical-conditions like breathing difficulties might not seem directly related to battery pack safety, the early detection of hydrogen gas, a byproduct of electrolyte decomposition, could help prevent explosions and aid in the design of safer electric vehicles and energy storage systems, benefiting public health and well-being.
- As the battery pack gas sensor market continues to grow, reaching an expected value of over $157.1 million by 2036, finance plays a crucial role in ensuring investments not only in sensor development but also in secondary businesses such as buying, selling, and manufacturing, contributing to the overall growth of the technology and business sectors.
