Dr. Emily Hao Jianzhong

Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors are highly sensitive to variations of strain and temperature, with resolution of 1 micro-strain and 0.1 ºC respectively, which translate to Bragg wavelength changes. FBG sensors offer many advantages over conventional electronic sensors, such as EMI/RFI immunity, multiplexing capability, light weight, small size, corrosion resistance, and easy surface mounting/embedding into various types of materials.

Quantification of local strain, heat generation and associated impedances for various polarization phenomena become essential for long cycle life for batteries. We can use fiber optics sensor internally/externally within batteries to quantify local strain and temperature.

Current state-of-the-art FBG sensors in battery cell monitoring include 1) external/internal mounting at various pre-designated locations on the surface/inside pouch cells, and 2) embedding along the centre line of the cylindrical cell, using traditional acrylate fiber FBG sensors.  

In proper contrast to this, we aim to leverage on I2R’s FBG sensing, physics-based modelling and machine learning capabilities to build new capabilities based on existing research works, and provide optimized time and space differentiated strain and/or temperature measurement data as additional inputs to predict the state of health and remaining useful life of a battery.