Devices, systems, and methods for use with battery cells undergoing ripening

Abstract

A battery cell monitoring device is provided for use with a battery cell after initial charging when the battery cell is electrically coupled to the device and is experiencing aging in a controlled environment. The device repeatedly obtains voltage measurements of the battery cell at a sampling rate, calculates a rate of change in voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluating the obtained voltage measurement and the calculated rate of change using a model which contains at least one voltage-dependent function and is defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell, to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined aging stage that removes the battery cell from the controlled environment. Upon determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined ripening stage, the device generates a corresponding alert.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the fields of battery technology and energy cells. In particular, the disclosed embodiments relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for producing cells and batteries, and more particularly, for use with cells undergoing maturation. Background Art

[0002] Battery systems comprising a plurality of battery cells are used in a wide range of modern power applications. For example, battery systems are used in industrial applications (such as transportation, for example, to power electric vehicles and power grids) and commercial applications (for example, to power electronic devices, including laptop computers, mobile devices, medical devices, etc.). In view of the relatively high power requirements of such applications, battery systems typically include a plurality of battery cells coupled together in series, parallel, or a mixture of the two to achieve the required power output. The battery cells can be coupled together to form a battery pack, wherein the battery system can include one or more battery packs. A safe and efficient battery system requires good quality and consistent functional battery cells.

[0003] The production of battery cells, such as lithium-ion battery cells, involves multiple stages, including formation, aging, and shipping. During the formation stage, manufacturers subject the newly assembled battery cells to controlled charge and discharge cycles to prepare the battery cells for use. Once the battery cells leave the formation stage, their open circuit voltage (OCV) is measured and a visual inspection is performed. OCV is the voltage measured at the cell terminals of a battery cell when no load is connected to the battery cell and after the battery cell has relaxed for a certain period of time. After this, the aging stage begins. Aging is also known as aging.

[0004] The primary purpose of the aging phase is to allow the electrochemical processes that begin during the formation phase to stabilize (also referred to as "aging" throughout this disclosure), and once such processes have stabilized, to inspect the integrity of newly assembled battery cells and reject any fragile or defective battery cells before they are placed in service (e.g., before they are shipped to customers). However, after the aging phase, as defined by the battery cell manufacturer, has concluded, the electrochemical processes will continue for the duration of the battery cell's lifespan. In other words, after the electrochemical processes have stabilized, the battery cells continue to mature or age for the duration of their lifespan. During the aging phase, manufacturers typically store the battery cells in a manufacturing facility (e.g., on a shelf, typically in a controlled environment) for a certain period of time (which may be referred to as a "aging period"), during which the battery cells undergo aging / aging. The length of the aging period is such as to allow possible manufacturing defects or faults to manifest or become apparent in the battery cells while they are still at the manufacturing facility. During the aging storage period, the battery cells are not electrically connected, i.e., two of their terminals are floating relative to any external power source. The aging phase typically occurs at an elevated temperature (e.g., 40 degrees Celsius) to promote or accelerate electrochemical processes within the battery cell. Such elevated temperatures also increase the self-discharge of the battery cell, thereby facilitating easier identification of defects or failures in the battery cell, if any.

[0005] After the aging period, the cell's OCV is measured again. If the decrease in OCV from the measurement before the aging period to the measurement after the aging period is greater than a predetermined voltage (usually a threshold set by the cell manufacturer), the cell is rejected as unsuitable for service. The OCV inspection will reveal any cell with a self-discharge rate higher than that expected for a properly functioning cell. No significant change in cell characteristics throughout the aging period after the initial aging period indicates that the cell is functioning properly and is of good quality.

[0006] To evaluate the battery cells, other measurements can be taken and tests performed such as pulse testing, internal resistance measurement, optical inspection and leakage testing.

[0007] Those cells that are deemed good and functioning properly are then discharged or charged to their final shipping voltage for shipment.

[0008] The formation and maturation processes may be intertwined. In such cases, the battery cell will be partially formed, left for a period of time to mature, and then enter the final formation stage, followed by the final maturation stage. The partial formation stage and the maturation stage may be repeated before reaching the final formation stage and the maturation stage. Sometimes, these intertwined processes may include high temperature and low temperature aging / maturing processes. For example, a small amount of charge (formation) may be applied to the battery cell before the battery cell is allowed to be exposed to high temperature for aging (maturation) for a certain period of time. Then, another charge (formation) is applied to the battery cell before the battery cell is allowed to age (maturate) at low temperature for another period of time.

[0009] The aging phase is intended to allow defects such as excessive self-discharge rates, as well as electrolyte seal leaks, mechanical defects, and excessive internal resistance caused by a deformed solid electrolyte interface (SEI) layer to be detected before the battery cell leaves the manufacturer's facility. However, some defects take a long time (e.g., days or weeks) to manifest in the battery cell. Therefore, the aging period for battery cells is typically long, ranging from a few days to multiple weeks. The length of the aging (aging) phase or period can depend on the battery cell type, chemical composition, and the manufacturer's confidence and / or perception of the battery cell quality.

[0010] The maturation phase is one of the most dangerous stages in manufacturing due to the potential fire hazard posed by defective battery cells. Therefore, it typically takes place in fire-proof facilities with expensive fire suppression systems.

[0011] Therefore, the aging phase is typically one of the more expensive phases in battery cell production or manufacturing, particularly due to the need for large temperature-controlled and fireproof spaces and expensive equipment, both of which require long periods of time to allow the aging phase to be performed. Summary of the Invention

[0012] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell monitoring device (CMD) is provided, the CMD being used with a battery cell after charging when the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing maturation in a controlled environment. The CMD includes: a circuit system configured to perform operations such that the CMD repeatedly: obtains voltage measurements of the battery cell at a sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculates a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluates the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment, the model including one or more voltage-dependent functions. The circuit system is further configured to perform operations such that the CMD: generates a corresponding alarm upon determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0013] The one or more voltage dependency functions may include a function for defining a state of maturation of the battery cell, wherein a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level.

[0014] The function for defining the maturation state may include a range of a second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0015] The circuit system may be configured to, upon determining that the second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of second-order derivatives defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification, perform operations to cause the CMD to determine that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage.

[0016] The model may include a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in voltage of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is as expected.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, the model may include a voltage dependency function defining one or more voltage thresholds that, when exceeded by the voltage of the battery cell, indicate the presence of a manufacturing fault at the battery cell.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, the model may include a voltage dependency function defining a voltage variation that, when exhibited by the voltage of the battery cell, indicates the presence of a manufacturing fault at the battery cell.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, the model may include a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is as expected.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the model may include a voltage dependency function defining one or more rate-of-change thresholds, whereby when the rate of change of the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the rate-of-change threshold, the presence of a manufacturing fault is indicated.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, the model may include a voltage dependency function defining a variation of the rate of change of voltage, wherein the rate of change of voltage of the battery cell, when exhibiting the variation, indicates the presence of a manufacturing fault at the battery cell.

[0022] The model may include one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0023] The one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function may be time dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing aging and / or adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment.

[0024] The circuit system can be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to: obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage using corresponding sensors, wherein the battery cell has multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, wherein the model includes at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0025] The circuitry may be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements of different characteristics of the battery cell other than voltage.

[0026] The circuitry may be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements.

[0027] The CMD may be configured to be embedded in the battery cell.

[0028] The CMD may be configured to be attached to the battery cell.

[0029] The CMD may be configured to be subsequently removed from the battery cell.

[0030] The CMD may be configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0031] The CMD may include a memory.

[0032] The circuit system can be configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to store characteristic measurements obtained at the battery cell and resulting calculations in the memory of the CMD for subsequent retrieval by the CMD or a remote controller, including after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0033] The model may be stored in the memory of the CMD.

[0034] According to aspects of the present disclosure, a battery cell monitoring system (CMS) is provided for use with a plurality of battery cells as they undergo maturation in a controlled environment after charging. The system comprises a plurality of control modules (CMDs), each of which is configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells. The CMS further comprises a controller in communication with the plurality of CMDs (such as those described throughout this disclosure), wherein each CMD is configured to transmit an alert to the controller upon determining that the corresponding battery cell has deviated from manufacturing specifications or reached a predetermined maturation stage.

[0035] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a battery cell monitoring system (CMS) is provided for use with a plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are undergoing aging in a controlled environment after charging. The CMS includes: a plurality of battery cell monitoring devices (CMDs), each CMD being configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells; and a controller communicating with the plurality of CMDs. Each of the plurality of CMDs includes a circuit system configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to: repeatedly obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculate a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and transmit the voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change to the controller. For each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the controller is configured to: evaluate received voltage measurements and rates of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment, the model including one or more voltage-dependent functions, and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0036] The model may be the same for the plurality of battery cells, where the battery cells are of the same type.

[0037] For each of the plurality of CMDs, the circuitry of the CMD may be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using a corresponding sensor, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage, and transmit the obtained one or more characteristic measurement results to the controller. The controller may be configured to evaluate the received one or more characteristic measurement results using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model including at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0038] For each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the circuitry of the CMD may be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain and transmit to the controller the one or more characteristic measurements of different characteristics of the battery cells other than voltage.

[0039] For each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the circuitry may be configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and transmit the one or more characteristic measurements to the controller. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate the disclosed embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0041] Figure 1 An example of a battery cell monitoring device according to some embodiments is shown.

[0042] Figure 2 An example of a method for monitoring the maturation stage of a battery cell according to some embodiments is presented.

[0043] Figure 3A Two exemplary voltage functions over time are depicted, corresponding to two battery cells of the same type undergoing aging.

[0044] Figure 3B Depicts the Figure 3A The voltage function over time shown corresponds to the rate of change of the voltage function over time.

[0045] Figure 4 An example of a method for monitoring the maturation stage of a battery cell according to some embodiments is presented.

[0046] Figure 5 Three exemplary functions of temperature over time are depicted, corresponding to three different pouch-type battery cells undergoing ripening.

[0047] Figure 6 Three exemplary functions of pressure over time are depicted, corresponding to three different pouch-type battery cells undergoing ripening.

[0048] Figure 7 Three exemplary functions of battery cell strain over time are depicted, corresponding to three different pouch-type battery cells undergoing ripening.

[0049] Figure 8 Three exemplary functions of battery cell mass over time are depicted, corresponding to three different pouch-type battery cells undergoing aging.

[0050] Figure 9 Methods for monitoring aging of battery cells are described according to some embodiments.

[0051] Figure 10 An example of a battery cell monitoring system for monitoring aging of battery cells in a controlled environment is depicted, according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] In the following description, certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent. It should be understood that, in the broadest sense, the present disclosure can be practiced without one or more features of these aspects and embodiments. It should also be understood that these aspects and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0053] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar parts or components. Although several exemplary embodiments and aspects are described herein, modifications, adaptations and other implementations are possible. For example, the parts and components shown in the drawings may be replaced, added to or modified, and the illustrative methods described herein may be modified by replacing, reordering, removing or adding steps to the disclosed methods. Therefore, the following detailed description is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, aspects and examples. Instead, the appropriate scope is defined by the appended claims.

[0054] Known implementations of the battery cell maturation phase, such as those discussed in the "Background" section of this document, present numerous problems for battery cell manufacturers. For example, some implementations introduce significant delays between the manufacture or assembly of battery cells and their shipment to allow the cells to mature before shipment. This means valuable assets are held back in the process, and any mass production issues can take weeks to identify.

[0055] Furthermore, the maturation storage area typically occupies a significant portion of the manufacturing facility floor, typically over 50% of the total floor space. To ensure fire safety within the manufacturing facility, the maturation storage area must be fireproofed and include a fire suppression system, which is typically expensive. Furthermore, since maturation typically occurs in a temperature (and sometimes humidity) controlled environment, the floor space used for cell maturation must also be temperature (and possibly humidity) controlled. These controlled environments are expensive to operate. Consequently, the floor space used for maturation storage areas is expensive to set up and operate.

[0056] Typically, battery cell manufacturers perform battery cell measurements at the beginning and end of a aging period predefined (or preset) by the battery cell manufacturer. This means that even if a particular defect manifests itself in a battery cell, the battery cell manufacturer will only be aware of the defect at the end of the aging period. In other words, detection of defects that appear before the end of the aging phase set by the battery cell manufacturer is delayed until the aging period is complete. As a result, manufacturers miss the opportunity to identify such defects early in the manufacturing process and correct production issues that may have caused such defects early in the manufacturing process, thereby allowing further production of defective battery cells.

[0057] At least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions for managing or monitoring the maturation of battery cells using a cell monitoring (or measurement) device (CMD) that can be used to address one or more of the shortcomings discussed above.

[0058] For example, by integrating a CMD with a battery cell or removably or permanently attaching a CMD to a battery cell to monitor a range of battery cell characteristics while the battery cell undergoes maturation in a controlled environment, battery cell defects can be identified before or after they manifest themselves. Such early identification of battery cell defects enables manufacturers to detect or predict battery cell failures during the maturation phase (including early in the maturation phase), thereby helping manufacturers identify problems in the battery cell production process early. Manufacturers then have the opportunity to prevent continued production of faulty battery cells and correct problems identified in the battery cell production process. This early identification of battery cell defects also provides manufacturers with an option to remove defective or fragile battery cells from the maturation phase as early as possible to make room for other battery cells.

[0059] Additionally, early identification of dangerous failures (such as those that could cause fires) and correcting the production process accordingly can help reduce the risk of catastrophic events during the maturation phase.

[0060] Furthermore, according to at least some of the disclosed embodiments, a CMD coupled to or attached to a battery cell is used to monitor the battery cell as it undergoes aging in a controlled environment, and corresponding data (e.g., collected and / or processed measurements of battery characteristics) is stored locally at the CMD. The use of such data allows for a reduction in the number of end-of-line tests required to assess the integrity of manufactured battery cells after the aging phase. This, in turn, reduces the capital equipment required for the aging phase.

[0061] In some embodiments, the CMD is associated with the corresponding battery cell for the duration of the battery cell's life. When the battery cell becomes part of a battery, the CMD can then be used as part of a battery management system (BMS), enabling connectivity between the battery cell and the BMS, including for communicating measurements obtained at the battery cell and / or analysis of such measurements.

[0062] In addition, at least some of the disclosed embodiments provide for ongoing or continuous monitoring of battery cells, which would allow battery cell manufacturers to advance portions of the maturation phase into other phases (such as shipping and / or storage). For example, according to at least some of the disclosed embodiments, once a battery cell reaches a state in which it has undergone sufficient electrochemical changes such that a manufacturing fault is unlikely to occur or exhibit thereafter (e.g., as determined and defined by the battery cell manufacturer using a function that defines the expected behavior of battery cell characteristics (e.g., preset thresholds for measurements of various battery cells) with a predefined confidence level), such battery cell can be removed from the controlled environment to continue maturation outside of the controlled environment (e.g., during shipping). Such early battery cell removal would allow the battery cell manufacturer to make room for other battery cells sooner and to ship the battery cells earlier than using the methods described in the background section of this document. This in turn speeds up throughput.

[0063] In addition, at least some of the disclosed embodiments provide for ongoing (e.g., periodic, constant, or continuous) monitoring of battery cells, which would allow battery cell manufacturers to determine, in substantially real time (as it occurs), when a battery cell has sufficiently matured (the electrochemical processes initiated during the formation phase have sufficiently stabilized) such that the battery cell is less likely to subsequently exhibit a manufacturing failure. For example, by evaluating changes in the characteristics of a battery cell over time and comparing to modeled or exemplary behavior of battery cells of the same type, it can be determined to a certain extent whether the battery cell is likely to subsequently exhibit or exhibit a manufacturing failure. Thus, battery cell manufacturers no longer need to rely on preset maturation periods. Battery cells that are fairly mature or substantially mature can be identified and moved to the next stage in production in substantially real time. This again allows space to be made for other battery cells earlier in the production process, which in turn speeds up throughput.

[0064] In some embodiments, a CMD electrically coupled to a battery cell (e.g., electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the battery cell) is used to manage the aging process of the battery cell. The CMD is operable to measure characteristics of the battery cell undergoing aging in a controlled environment using a corresponding sensor or sensor system of the CMD. Such measurements are then evaluated by the CMD or a remote controller (or control system) to determine whether the battery cell has deviated from (e.g., violated) the manufacturing specifications of the battery cell, or whether it complies with (satisfies) the manufacturing specifications that define the expected progress of the battery cell through aging. A deviation of the battery cell from the manufacturing specifications (e.g., a characteristic measurement such as voltage is outside a predefined threshold (e.g., a voltage tolerance)) indicates that the battery cell exhibits symptoms of a battery cell having a manufacturing fault. The cell's compliance with manufacturing specifications (e.g., a certain cell characteristic (e.g., voltage rate) is within a certain predefined threshold (e.g., voltage rate tolerance)) indicates that the cell has reached (matured to) a state in which the cell is unlikely to exhibit a manufacturing fault, or in which the cell's maturation stage has been substantially completed (electrochemical processes initiated during formation have stabilized), and the cell can therefore be moved to the next stage, e.g., shipping. In either case, i.e., when a cell deviates from or meets manufacturing specifications, the cell can be removed from the controlled environment, thereby making room for the next cell. Furthermore, once a cell deviates from manufacturing specifications, the CMD or a third party (e.g., a controller) can analyze the corresponding measurements and related data to determine the likely cause of the fault, thereby enabling the cell manufacturer to correct the production process to prevent further production of similar faulty cells.

[0065] Figure 1 1 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary arrangement of CMD 100 according to some embodiments. CMD 100 includes a sensor system 110 , an evaluation system 120 , a processor system 122 (also referred to as a processing system), a communication system 124 , a storage device 126 , and a timer or clock 128 .

[0066] To monitor the status of battery cells while they are undergoing aging, the CMD 100 is electrically coupled to such battery cells. For example, the CMD 100 can be electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the battery cells (e.g., to obtain power) to support the functions of the CMD 100. In some embodiments, the CMD 100 is electrically coupled to the battery cells before the battery cells are placed in a controlled environment (e.g., a control room, a controlled room, a battery cell room) to undergo aging. In some of these embodiments, the CMD 100 remains electrically coupled to the battery cells for the duration of the battery cell's use or life (i.e., after the aging period as defined by the battery cell manufacturer).

[0067] In some embodiments, the CMD 100 is electrically coupled to the battery cell while the battery cell remains in the controlled environment and decoupled from the battery cell when the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment. For example, the CMD 100 may reside in the controlled environment or as part of a maturation infrastructure that includes a controlled environment, such as with other CMDs. In this case, the CMD 100 may be electrically coupled to the battery cell while it is placed in the controlled environment and subsequently decoupled from the battery cell once the battery cell is sufficiently matured or exhibits a fault, allowing the battery cell to be removed from the controlled environment. In embodiments where the CMD 100 is part of the maturation infrastructure, the CMD 100 may be used to continuously monitor the status of multiple battery cells as they are placed in and subsequently removed from the controlled environment. Additionally, if the maturation infrastructure includes multiple CMDs residing in the controlled environment, such CMDs may monitor the status of a corresponding plurality of battery cells also residing in the controlled environment, where each CMD 100 may be used to continuously monitor the status of multiple battery cells as they are placed in and subsequently removed from the controlled environment.

[0068] In some embodiments, although CMD 100 is electrically coupled to the battery cells to obtain measurements (e.g., voltage) at the battery cells, CMD 100 is connected to a separate power supply to support operation of CMD 100. That is, in such embodiments, CMD 100 does not draw power from the battery cells to support operation of CMD 100. For example, where CMD 100 is part of a mature infrastructure, the mature infrastructure itself may provide the power supply for operation of the CMD.

[0069] In some embodiments, the CMD 100 does not have a separate power supply. Instead, the CMD 100 draws power from the battery cell through an electrical coupling with the battery cell to support its operations or functions, as described throughout this disclosure. That is, the CMD 100 uses the electrical coupling with the battery cell to obtain measurements at the battery cell and support its operations, such as determining whether the battery cell is sufficiently matured to move to another production stage or exhibits a fault. Battery cell manufacturers can configure the CMD 100 to draw power from the battery cell for operation in order to facilitate continuous monitoring of the battery cell's condition, including after the battery cell leaves the controlled environment, to provide flexibility in the placement of the battery cell within the maturation infrastructure, and / or to reduce the coupling required to operate the CMD 100.

[0070] The power drawn from the battery cells by the CMD 100 to operate is relatively small relative to the expected self-discharge of the battery cells. Specifically, as discussed throughout this disclosure, the power consumption required for the CMD 100 to operate or function is expected to be at least an order of magnitude lower than the expected self-discharge of the corresponding battery cells. To reduce the power consumption of the CMD 100, in some embodiments, the CMD 100 is configured to operate under duty cycles such that the average power draw is significantly lower than a specified acceptable self-discharge current. As discussed elsewhere in this disclosure, the power consumption of the CMD 100 is expected and, therefore, can be taken into account when evaluating the corresponding battery cells and their status.

[0071] CMD 100 may be integrated with a battery cell, or may be permanently or removably attached to a battery cell or its components. For example, CMD 100 may be configured to attach to a flexible pouch of a pouch-type battery cell or to a housing of a pouch-type battery cell.

[0072] In some embodiments, CMD 100 is implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). CMD 100 in the form of an ASIC can be configured, for example, on a printed circuit, to be attached to a battery cell or a group of battery cells, such as to a housing of a battery cell or to one or more components or a group of battery cells, or to be combined or integrated with a battery cell or a group of battery cells.

[0073] The sensor system 110 measures characteristics related to the state of the battery cell being monitored by the CMD 100, such as physical characteristics of the monitored battery cell, electrical characteristics of the monitored battery cell, chemical characteristics of the monitored battery cell, environmental characteristics that affect the state of the battery cell (e.g., characteristics of a controlled environment), or any combination thereof. The sensor system 110 includes or is connected to a set of sensors 111 associated with the monitored battery cell and is configured to obtain measurement results of different characteristics of such battery cells using the sensors 111. The sensor system 110 may also include sensors configured to measure different characteristics of the environment of the battery cell (e.g., a controlled environment). In some embodiments, the CMD 100 does not measure characteristics of the environment of the battery cell, but instead receives such measurements from an external source (e.g., a controller 130).

[0074] The set of sensors 111 includes one or more voltage sensors 1141, which are configured to measure the voltage at the monitored battery cell. The set of sensors 111 may further include one or more temperature sensors 1142, which are configured to measure the temperature at the monitored battery cell (for example, the temperature of the monitored battery cell, the temperature of the surface of the monitored battery cell, or the temperature of the near environment (such as a controlled environment) of the monitored battery cell). The set of sensors 111 may also include one or more current sensors 1143, which are configured to measure the current flowing into or out of one or more monitored battery cells or a group of battery cells. The set of sensors 111 may include one or more sensors 1144, which are configured to measure other characteristics of one or more monitored battery cells, for example, one or more pressure sensors, one or more humidity sensors, or a combination thereof.

[0075] In some embodiments, CMD 100 may also include a balancing control circuit 125 having switches 127 to allow for controlled discharge of battery cells to balance the battery pack.

[0076] Depending on the implementation and specific needs of the battery cell manufacturer, a particular sensor 114 can be positioned: within the battery cell (e.g., within the battery cell housing, such as within the flexible pouch of a pouch-type battery cell); on the battery cell, its components, or its housing; at the battery cell, for example, adjacent to or otherwise close to the battery cell or the battery cell's corresponding CMD; or remote from the battery cell, depending on the physical, electrical, chemical, or environmental characteristic of the battery cell that the sensor 114 is configured to measure.

[0077] For example, a pressure sensor in the form of a gas pressure sensor can be integrated into the battery cell housing to measure the gas pressure within the battery cell housing. A pressure sensor in the form of a strain gauge can be positioned on the battery cell to monitor the deflection of the battery cell housing caused by changes in the internal pressure of the battery cell. A current sensor can be positioned at the monitored battery cell to measure the current flowing into, out of, or through the battery cell (e.g., electrically coupled to the battery cell terminals to measure their output). A voltage sensor can be positioned at the monitored battery cell or a group of monitored battery cells to measure the voltage across the terminals of the monitored battery cell or battery cell group. A temperature sensor can be integrated with the CMD 100 to measure the temperature of the near environment of the battery cell monitored by the CMD 100. Some sensors 114 can be located outside both the CMD 100 and the battery cell monitored by the CMD 100. For example, the CMD 100 can use a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the surrounding environment.

[0078] Each sensor 114 may be implemented as a combination of one or more sensing elements for measuring a corresponding physical, electrical, or chemical battery cell characteristic and signal conditioning circuitry that converts the output of the one or more sensing elements into an analog signal suitable for conversion by a digital-to-analog converter (ADC) 118. The signal conditioning circuitry may be collocated with the one or more sensing elements, or located elsewhere in the CMD 100, including external to the corresponding battery cell. For example, depending on the physical, electrical, chemical, or environmental characteristic that such sensing element is configured to measure, only the sensing element may be located within, on, or at the battery cell, while the corresponding signal conditioning circuitry may be located external to the corresponding battery cell.

[0079] In some embodiments, a set of sensors 111 includes one or more external sensors integrated with corresponding ADCs. In these embodiments, the ADCs provide corresponding measurements in digital form. Such measurements can be shared directly with evaluation system 120 and processor system 122, bypassing ADC 118.

[0080] Sensor system 110 may also include self-diagnostic sensors 112 to provide reference measurements. By comparing the reference measurements with corresponding measurements obtained by sensor 114 for a given stimulus, CMD 100 can determine whether the measurements obtained by sensor 114 are true to actual system operation or are distortions (e.g., due to internal issues with sensor 114).

[0081] Sensor system 110 also includes an ADC 118 for converting measurements obtained by sensors 112 and 114 into digital form, and a switch 116 (e.g., a multiplexer) for directing measurements from sensor 114 to ADC 118 for conversion. ADC 118 outputs the converted measurements to evaluation system 120, processor system 122, or both. In some embodiments, switch 116 is integrated into the structure of one or more ADCs 118. For example, ADC 118 may have multiple inputs for receiving sensor measurements.

[0082] like Figure 1 As shown, CMD 100 may include more than one ADC 118. CMD 100 may employ multiple ADCs 118 to implement parallel processing of measurements acquired by sensor system 110. For example, different ADCs may process measurements of different characteristics. Such parallel processing enables the acquisition and processing of time-synchronized measurements of different characteristics (e.g., voltage and current), thereby improving the efficiency of converting the measurements into digital form for processing by evaluation system 120.

[0083] Additionally or alternatively, CMD 100 may employ multiple ADCs 118 to introduce redundancy within CMD 100. This in turn enhances the functional safety of CMD 100, such as in the event that one of ADCs 118 fails.

[0084] The evaluation system 120 is operable to evaluate the received measurements to determine whether a battery cell monitored by the CMD 100 deviates from the manufacturing specifications 140 for the battery cell while undergoing maturation. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation system 120 is operable to evaluate the received measurements to determine whether the battery cell monitored by the CMD 100 has progressed successfully through maturation, meets manufacturing specifications, and reached a maturation stage at which the battery cell can be moved to the next production stage. For example, the evaluation system 120 may be operable to determine whether the battery cell has reached a maturation stage such that the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure if it continues to undergo the maturation process after reaching that stage is below a certain level. The level may be predetermined and may vary for different battery cells and / or manufacturers, depending, for example, on the specifics of the production process, the application in which the battery cell will be used, the type of battery cell, the costs associated with a battery cell exhibiting a failure, the costs associated with continued maturation of the battery cell in a controlled environment, and / or other considerations.

[0085] The evaluation system 120 uses a model 121 (also referred to as a cell model) to evaluate the received measurements. The evaluation system 120 may have one or more models 121 defined for the monitored battery cell according to its manufacturing specifications 140. The model 121 may include one or more functions that depend on one or more characteristics of the battery cell and / or the controlled environment (e.g., a voltage dependency function), enabling the evaluation system 120 to assess whether the battery cell is maturing as expected, deviating from the manufacturing specifications 140, or reaching a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell can be moved to the next production stage.

[0086] In some embodiments, evaluation system 120 is implemented in digital logic on an ASIC forming CMD 100. In such embodiments, the functionality of evaluation system 120 and battery cell model 121 is defined during the ASIC design phase.

[0087] In some embodiments, evaluation system 120 is implemented as a separate processor from processor system 122, with separate memory (not shown) and processing defined by firmware. In this embodiment, evaluation system 120 can take the form of a microprocessor or embedded processor. When evaluation system 120 is implemented as a separate processor, CMD 100 can be adapted to operate with a specific battery cell or type of battery cell after design and manufacturing. During the design or manufacturing of CMD 100, it is not necessary to know the battery cell chemistry or type to ensure full functionality of evaluation system 120.

[0088] Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation system 120 can be reprogrammed after being assembled with the battery cell, for example, by modifying one or more models (e.g., based on updated manufacturing specifications 140), or uploading a new model 121 defined based on new or updated manufacturing specifications 140, and / or modifying settings in the battery cell model 121, updating the battery cell model 121, or uploading a new battery cell model 121.

[0089] Thus, the CMD 100 can be used to continuously monitor multiple battery cells, including battery cells of different types or chemistries, without having to have in-depth knowledge of the types or chemistries that the CMD 100 will monitor. Instead, once the battery cells are electrically coupled to the CMD 100, the appropriate model 121 defined according to the manufacturing specifications 140 for the specific battery cells that the CMD 100 is to monitor can be uploaded or updated. For example, the CMD 100 can be included in the maturation infrastructure that hosts the battery cells during the maturation phase (rather than in the battery cells themselves) and can be reprogrammed (e.g., with updated models 121 with new parameters or uploaded new models) when battery cells of different cell types are placed into the maturation infrastructure and coupled to the CMD 100.

[0090] Additionally, as the CMD 100 observes the maturation of a particular type of battery cell, the manufacturing specifications 140, and thereby the battery cell models 121, may be updated. For example, particular parameters (such as thresholds or tolerances used by one or more models 121) may be improved as a battery cell manufacturer improves the corresponding parameters in the manufacturing specifications 140, e.g., based on data analysis of the maturation process of a particular type of battery cell over time.

[0091] In some embodiments, the evaluation system 120 is implemented using a combination of hardware and software. In such an embodiment, the process of the evaluation system can be designed using the digital logic of the ASIC forming the CMD 100, while the parameters to be used by the model 121 can be programmed into a locally stored table. This programming can be implemented using different methods. For example, during the production phase or before the CMD 100 is used with a specific battery cell, a metal layer mask made for the chemistry of the battery cell can be introduced into the CMD 100 to configure the CMD 100 to work with the battery cell. Another example is to introduce a one-time programmable memory (e.g., polysilicon fuses) into the CMD 100 during the production phase and program such memory with the relevant table before the CMD 100 is used with the battery cell. Yet another example is to load the chemistry-specific table by the processor system 122.

[0092] although Figure 1 While the evaluation system 120 is shown as a separate component, in some embodiments the evaluation system 120 is integrated with the processor system 122 .

[0093] The evaluation system 120 receives as input one or more measurements associated with the monitored battery cell and evaluates such measurements using one or more models 121 defined based on the manufacturing specifications 140 of the monitored battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specifications 140 while undergoing maturation (e.g., incurring a manufacturing fault), or whether it complies with the manufacturing specifications 140 and reaches a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell can be moved to the next production stage (e.g., a state where the electrochemical processes initiated during battery cell formation have stabilized and the battery cell is less likely to exhibit or manifest a manufacturing fault). For example, the predetermined maturation stage can be defined as a maturation state of the battery cell where the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level, which can be based on the confidence level sought by the battery cell manufacturer as to whether the battery cell is likely to exhibit or manifest a manufacturing fault thereafter.

[0094] Evaluation system 120 uses model 121 to evaluate the received measurements to determine whether the battery cell has deviated from manufacturing specifications 140, or has successfully reached a stage of maturation at which point the battery cell can be removed from the controlled environment, and outputs the evaluation results. In some embodiments, determining that the battery cell has not deviated from manufacturing specifications 140 indicates that the maturation process is proceeding as expected. Evaluation system 120 continues to analyze subsequent measurements obtained at the battery cell to monitor the maturation of the battery cell until the battery cell reaches a stage at which it can be removed from the controlled environment due to successful maturation or because it exhibits a manufacturing fault.

[0095] Based on the manufacturing specifications 140 of the monitored battery cell, the model 121 may include one or more functions defined for or dependent upon one or more characteristics of the battery cell and / or one or more characteristics of the controlled environment monitored by the CMD 100. More than one function may be defined for a single battery cell characteristic. A single function may be defined for multiple characteristics of a battery cell or for a combined characteristic of a battery cell and a controlled environment. The model 121 defined for a battery cell based on the manufacturing specifications 140 may be a simple or complex estimation model, including but not limited to a numerical model, an analytical model, an empirical model, or any combination thereof.

[0096] A simple model defined according to the manufacturing specification 140 may include functions that define limits (or thresholds or tolerances) against which the measurements of the characteristic of the battery cell are checked to determine whether they conform to or deviate from the manufacturing specification 140, for example, whether one or more measurements exceed one or more of the predefined limits, for example, are above or below one of the predefined limits, are outside the predefined limits, or are within the predefined limits. A more complex battery cell model may include functions that model the expected changes in one or more measurements over time, and / or set different thresholds (tolerances) for one or more battery cell characteristics (e.g., voltage) based on measurements of another one or more battery cell characteristics (e.g., temperature).

[0097] The functions included in model 121 can define one or more of the following, or any combination thereof: a baseline for the expected behavior, changes, and / or corresponding one or more characteristics of a well-functioning battery cell as it progresses through maturation; a baseline for the expected behavior, changes, and / or corresponding characteristics of a well-functioning battery cell that has reached a state where the battery cell is unlikely to exhibit or exhibit a manufacturing fault, for example, as determined by the manufacturer based on previous testing of the same type of battery cell; and / or a baseline for behavior, changes, and / or corresponding characteristics that indicate a battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault as it progresses through maturation. A function can define the change in a particular characteristic over time. A function can include a tolerance that defines an acceptable deviation from the defined function that does not rise to the level of a battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault. A function can set one or more thresholds, exceeding which indicates that a battery cell exhibits a manufacturing fault.

[0098] Different models 121 may correspond to different manufacturing specifications 140 and may be operable to separately evaluate the state of different types of battery cells according to such manufacturing specifications. Additionally or alternatively, the evaluation system 120 may employ one or more models 121, each operable to evaluate different battery cell characteristics or different combinations of battery cell characteristics of the same monitored battery cell. In the latter case, the characteristic measurements of the battery cell may need to be evaluated according to all such models before the evaluation system 120 can determine whether the battery cell has successfully reached a predetermined maturation stage (at which point it can be removed from the controlled environment), and evaluating the characteristic measurements of the battery cell according to one of such models may result in a determination that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specifications 140.

[0099] In some embodiments, one or more battery cell models 121 may be adapted or introduced to facilitate identification of the cause or type of manufacturing fault exhibited by a battery cell. For example, once the evaluation system 120 determines that a monitored battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification 140, the evaluation system 120 may employ such one or more battery cell models 121 to detect the cause or type of manufacturing fault that caused the battery cell to deviate from the manufacturing specification 140. The one or more battery cell models receive as input the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell collected by the CMD 100, evaluate such measurement results using parameters (e.g., thresholds or tolerances) and / or simple or complex evaluation models (e.g., numerical models, analytical models, empirical models, or any combination thereof) to determine possible manufacturing faults, and output the evaluation results.

[0100] The one or more cell models 121 may include one or more numerical cell models, one or more analytical cell models, one or more empirical models, or any combination thereof. The one or more cell models 121 may include one or more simple models, one or more complex models, or a combination of both. A simple cell model may check one or more input measurements against one or more predefined limits (or thresholds) and flag a fault when one or more measurements exceed one or more of the predefined limits (e.g., above or below one of the predefined limits, outside of the predefined limits, or within the predefined limits). A more complex cell model may first process the one or more measurements, for example, by determining one or more derivative measurements and comparing such derivative measurements to one or more thresholds (predefined limits), and then apply filters, algorithms, or both to determine a fault. A more complex model may also or alternatively set different thresholds for one or more cell characteristics (e.g., voltage) based on measurements of another one or more cell characteristics (e.g., temperature), and, alternatively, define expected changes in one or more cell characteristics over time during the maturation phase.

[0101] The manufacturing specifications 140 and the battery cell model 121 can be implemented using software, firmware, hardware, or a mixture thereof. For example, checks for thresholds or limits can be implemented in hardware using analog or digital comparators, while the thresholds or limits themselves can be set and changed by software or firmware. Another example is a manufacturing specification or battery cell model that is designed to integrate the signal from a current sensor over time to provide a coulomb (ampere-second) count. Signal integration can be implemented in digital hardware (e.g., using a digital integrator) or in software (e.g., using the arithmetic capabilities of a processor).

[0102] CMD 100 may implement various levels of self-testing and self-diagnostics to identify system faults. These include, but are not limited to, checking ADC operation, checking analog multiplexer (MUX) operation, error correction circuitry on random access memory (RAM) and flash memory, stack overflow detection, cyclic redundancy checks (CRCs) on message packets, open circuit detection, a watchdog reset system in the event of a lockup or uncontrolled operation, identifying communication failures between subcomponents of CMD 100, or any combination thereof.

[0103] The processor system 122 generally controls the operation of the CMD 100 and its communication with a third party (such as a central controller) or external devices or external systems (for example, a BMS (not shown)). The processor system 122 includes at least firmware for executing a CPU, RAM, and a clock.

[0104] In some embodiments, the processor system 122 takes the form of a microcontroller. Additionally or alternatively, the processor system 122 may include a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an embedded processor, or the like, or may be integrated into a system on a chip (SoC). In some embodiments, the processor system 122 includes a processor from The processor system 122 may also be based on an ARM architecture, a mobile processor, or the like.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor system 122 can be powered down when not in use. The processor system 122 can then be restarted using a signal received from the evaluation system 120 , the communication system 124 , or the timer or clock 128 .

[0106] The communication system 124 enables the processor system 122 to communicate with external parties, such as a central controller or an external device or system. In some embodiments, the communication system 124 includes one or more components for enabling communication between the CMD 100 and an external device or system, such as a transceiver, a receiver, a transmitter, or a combination thereof. The communication system 124 can support wireless communication, for example, using Or Near Field Communication (NFC) protocol.Alternatively or additionally, the communication system 124 may support a wired connection to the controller, such as USB, CANbus, parallel bus, or another type of wired connection suitable for the purpose.

[0107] Processor system 122 uses communication system 124 to share the status of the monitored battery cell with an external system (e.g., a controller). For example, when CMD 100 determines that a monitored battery cell meets or deviates (meets or violates, respectively) its manufacturing specifications, CMD 100 can issue an alarm to remove the monitored battery cell. Once it is determined that the monitored battery cell deviates from manufacturing specifications 140, CMD 100 can also share the results of the fault determination after evaluation system 120 completes the evaluation of the measurement results.

[0108] In some embodiments, the CMD 100 time-shifts (e.g., delays) its communication of the status of the monitored battery cells, including the status of the monitored battery cells, including any detected faults and associated fault data. For example, once the evaluation system 120 determines that the monitored battery cells meet or deviate from the manufacturing specifications 140, the CMD 100 delays communication of the result until a predetermined time or until the CMD 100 receives a corresponding request from an external device or system, rather than sharing the result.

[0109] To enable such time shifting, the processor system 122 stores data related to the status of the monitored battery cells, possibly any faults detected by the evaluation system 120, and related measurements at the storage device 126 for subsequent retrieval, along with timing information indicating when the corresponding fault was detected or when the measurement was collected. The processor system 122 can then retrieve the relevant data from the storage device 126 and share the retrieved data with a third party (e.g., a controller or external system or device) via the communication system 124 for subsequent analysis.

[0110] The storage device 126 is a memory including one or more storage devices for storing measurement results and related data collected by the CMD 100 at the monitored battery cells, such as the evaluation results of the evaluation system 120. The one or more storage devices may include, but are not limited to, flash memory (e.g., NOR flash or NAND flash), static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), and / or any other suitable storage device.

[0111] The data stored in the storage device 126 to capture the state of the battery cells monitored by the CMD 100 over time (which may be referred to in this disclosure as battery cell state data) includes a state indicator (which indicates whether the monitored battery cell is within or deviating from its manufacturing specifications) and related data (such as when the CMD 100 detected a change in state and a timestamp of the measurement that caused the change in state). The battery cell state data may also include measurements taken at the monitored battery cell when no change in state is detected, derivatives of such measurements, or both, as well as information indicating the timing of when the evaluation system 120 or the processor system 122 receives the measurement from the sensor system 110.

[0112] In some embodiments, the status indicator takes the form of a flag or designated bit (eg, a “0” or “1” designated bit) to indicate whether CMD 100 complies with or deviates from manufacturing specifications 140 .

[0113] Figure 2 Depicted is a method 200 for monitoring or managing the maturation stage of a battery cell, according to some embodiments. The method 200 may be performed by a CMD 100 electrically coupled to a battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing maturation in a controlled environment after charging.

[0114] For a cell that matures as expected (i.e., according to the corresponding manufacturing specifications), the voltage of the cell first decreases immediately after the cell is formed (at the beginning of the maturation phase), then levels off after a certain period of time, and then remains stable. Therefore, after this period of time, the rate of change of the voltage approaches zero, i.e. This indicates that the cell is functioning well and has a low self-discharge rate. However, if the cell voltage continues to decrease rather than leveling off, or if the rate of change in voltage fails to approach zero after this period, it indicates a high self-discharge rate and, therefore, indicates that the cell has experienced a manufacturing fault. A high self-discharge rate may be due to, but is not limited to, increased internal resistance, improper SEI formation, underfill or overfill of the electrolyte, or a leak or internal short circuit.

[0115] As described above, the method 200 uses the expected voltage changes during the maturation phase as a basis for monitoring or managing the maturation phase of the battery cell. Although the method 200 is described as relying solely on voltage measurements to monitor or manage the maturation phase of the battery cell, in addition to the voltage measurements, one or more other battery cell characteristics may be measured and used to monitor or manage the maturation phase of the battery cell. These are described elsewhere in this document, for example with reference to Figure 4-10 .

[0116] The method 200 begins at step 205 where the CMD 100 obtains one or more voltage measurements of the battery cells. For example, the CMD 100 may use the voltage sensor 1141 to measure the voltage of the battery cells.

[0117] At step 210, CMD 100 calculates the rate of change of the voltage relative to the sampling rate of the measured voltage based on the obtained voltage measurements. For example, CMD 100 may use the last two or more consecutive voltage measurements to determine the rate of change.

[0118] At step 215, CMD 100 compares the voltage measurement of the battery cell to the voltage tolerance predefined for the battery cell by manufacturing specification 140. For example, manufacturing specification 140 may define the voltage tolerance as the minimum voltage that the battery cell can reach by discharging during the maturation phase. During the maturation phase, if the battery cell discharges below the minimum voltage, it means that the battery cell deviates (violates) the manufacturing specification and is therefore considered to exhibit a manufacturing fault.

[0119] For example, reference Figure 3A , this figure depicts two voltage dependency functions, namely functions 335 and 340 of voltage over time, which respectively correspond to two battery cells A and B of the same type undergoing maturation. The two battery cells A and B have the same starting voltage point, namely they have been charged to an initial voltage 305 of 3.2 V during the formation phase.

[0120] After the formation phase, at the beginning of the maturation phase, i.e., time period [t0, t1], the voltages of both cells A and B decrease. As reflected by functions 340 and 335, respectively, the voltage of cell B decreases more dramatically than the voltage of cell A over the same time period. However, since the voltages of neither cell A nor cell B drop below the minimum threshold or the tolerance 310 of 3.1V during time period [t0, t1], neither cell has deviated from manufacturing specifications.

[0121] During the next period [t1, t2] of the maturation phase, the voltage of cell A has plateaued (as reflected by function 335), while the voltage of cell B continues to decrease (as reflected by function 340). However, since the voltages of both cell A and cell B have not fallen below the minimum threshold or tolerance 310 during period [t1, t2], neither cell has deviated from manufacturing specifications.

[0122] Then, during the ripening period [t2, t n ], the voltage of cell A has remained stable (as reflected by function 335), while the voltage of cell B continues to decrease further (as reflected by function 340), eventually falling below the minimum tolerance or threshold 310. Therefore, although cell A remains stable throughout the entire period [t0, t n ] matured as expected, thereby producing a battery cell that meets the manufacturing specifications. Battery cell B did not mature as expected, and finally in the period [t2, t n ] exceeds the minimum voltage threshold 310 during the period and thereby deviates from manufacturing specifications. This indicates that battery cell B exhibits a manufacturing fault and is unsuitable for its intended use.

[0123] Back to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the voltage tolerance or threshold (e.g., minimum voltage 310) used at step 215 is time-dependent and changes as the battery cell progresses through the maturation stage. In these embodiments, the manufacturing specification may define the voltage tolerance as a function over time (e.g., a continuous function), a selection of specific values ​​corresponding to different points in time, a range, etc. In other words, depending on how far the battery cell has progressed through the maturation stage, the voltage measurement of the battery cell may be compared to different values ​​of the voltage tolerance or threshold.

[0124] Additionally or alternatively, the voltage tolerance or threshold used at step 215 may depend on environmental characteristics, such as the temperature and / or humidity of the controlled environment in which the battery cells are undergoing aging.

[0125] At step 220, CMD 100 compares the calculated rate of change of voltage to a rate of change tolerance predefined for the battery cell by manufacturing specifications 140. For example, manufacturing specifications 140 may define a rate of change tolerance or threshold as one or more of: a rate of change of the maximum voltage that the battery cell may experience through discharge at the beginning of the maturation period; a rate of change of the maximum voltage that the battery cell may experience through discharge as the battery cell's voltage levels off; or a rate of change of the maximum voltage that the battery cell may experience through discharge once the battery cell's voltage stabilizes. A rate of change of voltage that exceeds such a rate of change tolerance at corresponding times during the maturation phase may indicate that the battery cell has deviated from the manufacturing specifications and, thus, exhibits a manufacturing fault.

[0126] For example, reference Figure 3B , this figure depicts two voltage dependence functions, namely, Figure 3A The functions 345 and 350 of the rate of change of voltage over time for the corresponding battery cells A and B are discussed.

[0127] As reference Figure 3A As discussed, after the formation phase, at the beginning of the maturation phase, i.e., the period [t0, t1], the voltages of both cells A and B decreased, with the voltage of cell B decreasing more dramatically than the voltage of cell A. This is reflected by functions 350 and 345, respectively, which indicate that the rate of change of the voltage of cell B during the period [t0, t1] did not change significantly, remaining below -0.4 (function 350), while the rate of change of the voltage of cell A during the period [t0, t1] decreased from approximately -0.4 to approximately -0.1 (function 345).

[0128] In the next period [t1, t2], the rate of change of the voltages of both cells A and B has stabilized. However, while the rate of change of the voltage of cell A is close to and approaches zero (between -0.1 and 0), the rate of change of the voltage of cell B is still large, at about -0.4. Figure 3A As shown, these correspond to the voltage of battery cell A leveling off, while the voltage of battery cell B continues to decrease over the same period.

[0129] Finally, in the period [t2, t n ], the rate of change of the voltage of both battery cells A and B remains stable. The rate of change of the voltage of battery cell A is close to zero. This corresponds to the voltage of battery cell A remaining stable during the same period, as shown in Figure 3A Therefore, the battery cell A is n ] matures as expected, thereby producing battery cells that meet manufacturing specifications.

[0130] In contrast, although the rate of change of the voltage of battery cell B remains stable, it never reaches or approaches zero, but remains steadily high. This corresponds to the fact that the voltage of battery cell B continues to decrease during the same period, as shown in FIG. Figure 3A This means that cell B exhibits a high self-discharge rate that deviates from or violates manufacturing specifications, which in turn indicates that cell B is unsuitable for its intended use.

[0131] Back to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the rate of change tolerance or threshold defined by the manufacturing specification 140 is time-dependent and changes as the battery cell progresses through the maturation stage. That is, at step 220, the rate of change of voltage calculated based on the voltage measurement of the battery cell can be compared to different rate of change tolerances or thresholds depending on how far into the maturation stage the battery cell has entered. In some embodiments, the manufacturing specification 140 defines a rate of change tolerance after the voltage of the battery cell has stabilized. In some embodiments, the manufacturing specification 140 can define a time-dependent rate of change tolerance throughout the maturation process (e.g., a high rate of change would be acceptable immediately after formation), where the voltage of the battery cell is expected to decay rapidly, and a lower rate of change tolerance as the battery cell progresses through maturation.

[0132] Based on the comparison results of steps 215 and 220, CMD 100 determines whether the battery cell meets or deviates from the manufacturing specification 140. For example, if the voltage of the battery cell is higher than the voltage tolerance (V cell >V min ), and the rate of change of voltage is close to zero ( ), CMD 100 may determine that the battery cell has met the manufacturing specifications 140 and that the battery cell has therefore reached a stage where manufacturing failures are unlikely to occur thereafter. Figure 3A and 3B This situation is described, involving the period [t2, t n ] when the battery cell A. If the voltage of the battery cell is higher than the voltage tolerance (V cell >V min ), but the rate of change of voltage is above zero (dV / dt>0), CMD 100 may determine that the battery cell has not yet met the manufacturing specification 140 and continues to undergo aging. Figure 3A and 3B This situation is described, involving battery cells A and B during the period [t0, t2]. If the voltage of the battery cell is lower than the voltage tolerance (V cell <V min ), CMD 100 may determine that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification 140. For example, referring to Figure 3A and3B This situation is described, involving the period [t2, t n ] when battery cell B.

[0133] If the comparison indicates that the battery cell does not conform to the manufacturing specification 140 (step 225) or deviates from the manufacturing specification 140 (step 230), the method 200 returns to step 205 so that the CMD 100 can obtain one or more additional voltage measurements of the battery cell. In this manner, the method 200 repeats steps 205 to 230 for the battery cell in a controlled environment until the CMD 100 determines that the battery cell has conformed to or deviated from the manufacturing specification 140 predefined for the battery cell.

[0134] In some embodiments, the loop of steps 205 to 230 is repeated at regular time intervals (eg, every second or every few seconds). In some embodiments, the loop of steps 205 to 230 is repeated at regular measurement increments (eg, 0.1 mV each).

[0135] If the comparison results of steps 215 and 220 indicate that the battery cell complies with the manufacturing specification 140 (step 225) or deviates from the manufacturing specification 140 (step 230), method 200 continues to step 235, where the CMD 100 generates a corresponding alarm, such as an alarm for removing the battery cell from the controlled environment. For example, the CMD 100 may send a corresponding signal (e.g., a signal containing an alarm) to a central controller (e.g., controller 130) to collect such data from multiple CMDs 100 monitoring the corresponding battery cell. The signal may indicate whether the battery cell complies with or deviates from the manufacturing specification 140. In some embodiments, the alarm may be accompanied by corresponding voltage measurements and voltage rate calculations. Such data may allow a controller or other party to adjust the manufacturing specification 140 for similar battery cells, or to narrow down or identify the cause of a manufacturing fault exhibited in a battery cell and prevent further production of the faulty battery cell. In some embodiments, if CMD 100 is configured to determine a manufacturing fault upon determining that a battery cell deviates from or violates manufacturing specifications, the alert may be accompanied by data identifying or describing the manufacturing fault identified by CMD 100 .

[0136] Figure 2 The order of steps 210 to 230 shown is not fixed and may vary. For example, step 215 may be performed before step 210 or after step 220, or in parallel with one or more of steps 210 and 220; step 230 may be performed before step 225 and / or step 220, etc. As another example, steps 220 and 225 may be combined into a single step. Similarly, steps 215 and 230 and / or steps 220 and 230 may be combined into a single step.

[0137] although Figure 2 While the method 200 is described as relying solely on voltage measurements to monitor or manage the maturation stage of a battery cell, one or more other battery cell characteristics may also be measured (or determined) and employed in addition to the voltage measurements. Figure 4 A process 400 is depicted for use within a method for monitoring or managing the maturation phase of a battery cell, such as method 200. Specifically, process 400 provides for monitoring battery cell characteristics in addition to battery cell voltage. Multiple processes 400 may be employed within the method for monitoring or managing the maturation phase of a battery cell to monitor different battery cell characteristics. Battery cell characteristics that may be used to monitor and / or manage the maturation phase, in addition to battery cell voltage, include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: internal resistance, temperature, pressure, strain or stress, or weight of the battery cell.

[0138] Process 400 begins at step 405 where CMD 100 obtains one or more measurements of cell characteristics of a battery cell. For example, CMD 100 may use a corresponding sensor from a set of sensors 111, such as temperature sensor 1142, current sensor 1143, or another sensor 1144.

[0139] At step 410, CMD 100 evaluates the obtained measurement results according to the manufacturing specifications corresponding to the battery cell. Specifically, CMD 100 can evaluate the obtained measurement results relative to the corresponding one or more tolerances defined by the manufacturing specifications of the battery cell. In some embodiments, the obtained measurement results can be directly compared with one or more corresponding tolerance thresholds. In some embodiments, the obtained measurement results are processed before being compared with one or more corresponding tolerance thresholds. For example, two or more measurement results can be processed to determine the rate of change of the battery cell characteristics, which can then be compared with one or more corresponding tolerance thresholds. The measurements can be continuous, or can be selected to be separated by specific time intervals, regardless of whether additional measurements are taken during such time intervals. In some embodiments, the measurement results of the battery cell characteristics are plotted over time and compared with one or more corresponding tolerance maps and / or models that define the behavior of the battery cell characteristics during the maturation stage when the battery cell is matured as expected.

[0140] If it is determined at step 415 that the obtained measurement results do not meet the tolerances set by the manufacturing specifications, for example, exceeding a specific tolerance value, the process continues to step 420, where it is determined whether the battery cell meets or fails its manufacturing specifications. At step 420, data related to the determined failure is output by process 400. For example, such data can be stored internally in a memory of the CMD, output within a method for monitoring or managing the maturation phase, and / or shared with an external entity.

[0141] If, at step 415, it is determined that the obtained measurements meet the tolerances set by the manufacturing specifications (e.g., do not exceed the corresponding tolerances), the process continues to step 425 to determine whether the battery cell has matured sufficiently to move to the next stage of manufacturing or otherwise reach a predefined stage, as described with reference to method 200. If the battery cell has matured sufficiently to move to the next stage of manufacturing, process 400 continues to step 430. At step 430, it is determined that the battery cell has passed its manufacturing specifications based on the evaluated battery cell characteristics, and corresponding data is output by process 400. For example, such data can be stored internally in a memory of the CMD, output within a method for monitoring or managing the maturation stage, and / or shared with an external entity. If the battery cell has not yet reached the predefined maturation stage, process 400 returns to step 405 to obtain further measurements of the battery cell characteristics.

[0142] Process 400 can be used to monitor or evaluate various characteristics of a battery cell. These include, but are not limited to, the cell's internal resistance, temperature, pressure, strain or stress, and weight. Non-limiting examples of how these characteristics can be used to determine whether a battery cell has failed or passed a maturation stage using process 400 will now be discussed in turn.

[0143] temperature

[0144] When a battery cell is matured as expected (e.g., according to its manufacturing specifications), the temperature of the battery cell should not differ from the temperature of the controlled environment in which the battery cell is undergoing maturation outside of an acceptable tolerance. The temperature of the controlled environment may vary during the maturation period, for example to accelerate the stabilization of electrochemical processes that begin within the battery cell during formation of the battery cell. When the temperature of the controlled environment changes, the temperature of the battery cell should similarly change. The acceptable tolerance between the temperature of the controlled environment and the temperature of the battery cell is typically specified in the corresponding manufacturing specifications. As the battery cell progresses through maturation, the acceptable tolerance may vary, depending on the temperature of the controlled environment, or whether the temperature of the controlled environment is undergoing a change. A change in the battery cell temperature relative to the temperature of the controlled environment that exceeds the acceptable tolerance may indicate a short circuit in the battery cell.

[0145] For example, reference Figure 5 , this figure depicts three functions of temperature over time, namely functions 505A, 505B and 505C, respectively, of the same type and in the period [t0, t end ] corresponds to three battery cells A, B, and C undergoing aging within the cell. Function 510 represents the temperature of the controlled environment in which battery cells A, B, and C are undergoing aging, while functions 515A and 515B represent the boundaries of the acceptance tolerance of temperature changes. Figure 5 While the acceptable tolerance does not change with the temperature of the controlled environment, in some embodiments, the acceptable tolerance may change. For example, as the battery cell ages, the acceptable tolerance may decrease (e.g., as time approaches t end As the temperature of the controlled environment changes, functions 515A and 515B will move closer to function 510 (for example, functions 515B and 515A will move further apart when function 510 reflects a change in temperature from 20 degrees to 30 degrees). Additionally or alternatively, for the same point in time, the delta between tolerance function 515A and controlled environment temperature function 510 may be different from the delta between tolerance function 515B and controlled environment temperature function 510, e.g., a greater tolerance may be allowed when the battery cell temperature is below the controlled environment temperature than when the battery cell temperature is above the controlled environment temperature, and vice versa.

[0146] like Figure 5 As shown, the temperature of all battery cells A, B, and C at time t0 is approximately the same as the temperature of the controlled environment, i.e., about 20 degrees. As battery cells A, B, and C undergo aging, their respective temperatures begin to differ from the temperature of the controlled environment in different ways. For example, the temperature of battery cell A represented by function 505A generally follows the temperature of the controlled environment represented by function 510 and remains within the acceptance tolerance defined and depicted by functions 515A and 515B. When the temperature of the controlled environment changes, the degree of change in the temperature of battery cell A relative to the temperature of the controlled environment is greater than the degree of change in the temperature of battery cell A relative to the temperature of the controlled environment when the temperature of the controlled environment is constant (i.e., when the temperature of the controlled environment changes from 20 degrees to 30 degrees relative to when it remains at 20 degrees or 30 degrees). However, since the temperature of battery cell A varies throughout the aging period [t0, t end ] remains within acceptable tolerances, so based on the temperature analysis, battery cell A is considered to have passed the maturation stage.

[0147] Regarding cell B, the temperature of cell B, depicted by function 505B, initially generally follows the temperature of the controlled environment, depicted by function 510, but soon exceeds the acceptable tolerance defined and depicted by function 515B and then continues to rise. This temperature change in cell B indicates a short circuit within the cell, which causes heat generation within the cell. This cell behavior has the potential to be catastrophic; for example, it could cause the cell to enter a state of thermal runaway, the effects of which would be dangerous and costly. Therefore, based on the temperature analysis, cell B is deemed to have not reached the mature stage.

[0148] Regarding cell C, the temperature of cell C, as depicted by function 505C, initially generally follows the temperature of the controlled environment, as depicted by function 510. However, when the temperature of the controlled environment enters the period [t0, t end ] while the temperature of cell C remained constant at approximately 20°C while the temperature rose from 20°C to 30°C approximately halfway through the aging period. Such a shift in the cell temperature readings could indicate a problem with the control environment or with the internal temperature sensor of cell C. In this case, cell C could also be considered to have failed the aging stage based on the temperature analysis.

[0149] Figure 5 The temperature and tolerance values ​​depicted are exemplary only. Actual values ​​may vary depending on the chemistry, form, or state of the particular battery cell, the desired progression or timeline of the maturation phase, implementation details or limitations, etc. All or some of these parameters may be defined by the corresponding manufacturing specifications.

[0150] Back to Figure 4 When applying such a process to assess the temperature of a battery cell, CMD 100 obtains a measurement of the temperature of the battery cell at step 405. Also at step 405, CMD 100 may receive data indicating the temperature of the controlled environment. For example, CMD 100 may receive actual measurements of the controlled environment temperature that correspond in time to the battery cell temperature measurements obtained by CMD 100. In some embodiments, CMD 100 may instead provide data defining the temperature and its change during the maturation period (e.g., as a function of time) to control the temperature of the controlled environment. Such data may be set and shared with CMD 100 before the maturation phase begins, or updated as the maturation phase progresses.

[0151] Unless previously provided, CMD 100 may also receive tolerance data or updates to previously received tolerance data. In some embodiments, tolerance data is provided for the duration of the maturation phase. In some embodiments, tolerance data may be updated based on temperature analysis as the battery cell progresses through maturation. However, in some embodiments, tolerance data may be updated based on temperature analysis during maturation of other battery cells of the same type and / or undergoing maturation in the same controlled environment.

[0152] At step 410, CMD 100 evaluates the temperature measured at the battery cell by comparing the measured temperature to the temperature of the controlled environment (e.g., measured or predetermined) using a corresponding tolerance value. If, at step 415, the variance (e.g., absolute difference) of the measured value of the battery cell temperature and the corresponding value of the controlled room temperature exceeds the corresponding tolerance (e.g., set value), process 400 continues to step 420, where it is determined that the battery cell did not meet its manufacturing specifications during the maturation phase. The set tolerance can depend on the thermal inertia of the battery cell being matured. For example, the temperature of a larger battery cell with a large amount of material will lag behind the temperature rise / fall of the controlled environment to a greater extent than a small battery cell with less material. Therefore, a larger battery cell may require a larger tolerance than a smaller battery cell.

[0153] CMD 100 stores data associated with such determinations in the CMD's memory, for example, in an event log. This stored data may include indicators of battery cell failure, such as corresponding flags and timestamps. The stored data may also include relevant temperature values ​​and tolerance values. Once a determination is made, CMD 100 may communicate this data to controller 130 or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0154] If at step 415 , the variance of the measured value of the battery cell temperature and the corresponding value of the controlled room temperature is determined to be within the corresponding tolerance (e.g., not exceeding the set tolerance), the process continues to step 425 to determine whether the aging process of the battery cell has reached a predefined stage, as described with reference to method 200 .

[0155] If the battery cell is sufficiently matured to move to the next stage of manufacturing, process 400 continues to step 430, where a determination is made based on the temperature analysis that the battery cell has passed its manufacturing specifications. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes an indicator that the battery cell passed, such as a corresponding flag and a timestamp. The data stored by CMD 100 may also include temperature values ​​and tolerance values ​​over the maturation period, for example, stored as a histogram. CMD 100 may communicate to controller 130 that the battery cell has passed, and optionally include the associated stored data, immediately after making the determination, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0156] If the battery cell has not reached the predefined maturation stage, process 400 returns to step 405 to obtain further temperature measurements.

[0157] The frequency with which the cycle comprising steps 405, 410, 415, and 425 is repeated for the temperature measurement results may be the same as or different from the frequency with which the same cycle is repeated for other battery cell characteristic measurements. This cycle for evaluating the temperature of the battery cell may be repeated at regular intervals (e.g., 1 second each) or at regular measurement increments (e.g., 1 degree). The frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary as the battery cell progresses through the maturation stage. For example, if the controlled environment temperature is changing, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may increase. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary depending on other characteristic measurements at the battery cell and / or the degree of maturation progress of other battery cells in the same controlled environment and / or the degree of maturation progress of other battery cells of the same type.

[0158] pressure

[0159] During the maturation phase, data about the pressure inside the cell or the pressure applied to some external surface of the cell can provide additional insights into whether the cell is maturing as expected according to its manufacturing specifications. For example, gases produced by undesirable reactions within the cell, such as a continued reaction between the anode and the electrolyte (SEI formation), will cause the pressure to increase. As another example, the return of the pressure within the cell to atmospheric pressure indicates a failure of the seal on the cell. As another example, pouch-type battery cells and prismatic battery cells can be clamped in a fixture during their formation and maturation so that constant pressure measurements can be obtained and checked against corresponding tolerances to provide additional quality assurance data.

[0160] refer to Figure 6, this figure depicts three functions of pressure over time, namely functions 605A, 605B and 605C, respectively, of the same type and in the period [t0, t end ] corresponds to three pouch-type battery cells A, B and C undergoing aging in the . Typical pouch-type battery cells are vacuum sealed and therefore have an absolute pressure lower than atmospheric pressure. Figure 7 , the initial pressure (absolute) of the pouch-type battery cells A, B, and C is about 10 kPa.

[0161] As cell B progresses through maturation, its pressure (as depicted by function 605B) first stabilizes. end ], the pressure rapidly increases to atmospheric pressure level 625 of 101 kPA. The return of the cell pressure to atmospheric pressure indicates a seal failure on pouch B, and therefore, cell B will not be able to complete the aging process. In some embodiments, the controlled environment in which the battery cells are undergoing aging can control the pressure within the controlled environment, and such pressure can be set at a level different from atmospheric pressure, for example, below atmospheric pressure. In such embodiments, a rise in the cell pressure to the pressure of the controlled environment will indicate a seal failure on that cell.

[0162] As cell C progresses through maturation, its pressure (as depicted by function 605C) first stabilizes. end ], the pressure begins to increase, rising above a predefined threshold of 20 kPa 615. The rise in cell pressure to approximately the threshold set by the corresponding manufacturing specification indicates that undesirable gas is generated within cell C, and therefore cell C will not be able to complete the aging process.

[0163] As cell A progresses through maturation, its pressure (as depicted by function 605A) is generally stable, with the pressure in the latter half of the period [t0, t end ] during the aging period. However, it remains well below the 20 kP threshold 615 defined by the manufacturing specifications for the battery cell. The fact that the cell pressure remains within the boundaries defined by the manufacturing specifications for the battery cell indicates that the cell has matured as expected, even though the pressure fluctuated during the aging phase. Therefore, based on the pressure analysis, cell A will pass the aging process.

[0164] Figure 6 The initial cell pressures and thresholds depicted are exemplary only. Actual values ​​may vary depending on the chemistry, form, or state of the specific cell, the pressure within the controlled environment, the desired progression or timeline of the maturation phase, implementation details or limitations, etc. All or some of these parameters may be defined by corresponding manufacturing specifications.

[0165] Back to Figure 4 When applying such a process to evaluate the pressure of a battery cell, the CMD 100 obtains a measurement of the pressure of the battery cell at step 405, for example, using a reference Figure 1 Also at step 405, CMD 100 may receive data indicating the pressure of the controlled environment. For example, CMD 100 may receive actual measurements of the controlled environment pressure that correspond in time to the battery cell pressure measurements obtained by CMD 100. In some embodiments, CMD 100 may instead provide data defining the pressure and its change during the maturation period (e.g., as a function of time) to control the pressure in the controlled environment. Such data may be set and shared with CMD 100 before the maturation phase begins, or updated as the maturation phase progresses.

[0166] Unless previously provided, CMD 100 may also receive tolerance data (e.g., pressure thresholds) or updates to previously received tolerance data. In some embodiments, tolerance data is provided for the duration of the maturation phase. In some embodiments, the tolerance data may be updated based on pressure analysis as the battery cell progresses through maturation. However, in some embodiments, the tolerance data may be updated based on pressure analysis during maturation of other battery cells of the same type and / or undergoing maturation in the same controlled environment.

[0167] At step 410, the CMD 100 evaluates the pressure measured at the battery cell by comparing the measured pressure to a corresponding tolerance value, such as a pressure threshold 615. If, at step 415, the pressure measurement of the battery cell exceeds a corresponding tolerance value (e.g., a set value), the process 400 continues to step 420, where it is determined that the battery cell did not meet its manufacturing specifications during the maturation phase. The CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes indicators of battery cell failure, such as corresponding flags and timestamps. The stored data may also include relevant pressure values ​​and tolerance values. Once a determination is made, the CMD 100 may communicate such data to the controller 130, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0168] If at step 415 , the pressure measurements of the battery cell are determined to be within the corresponding tolerances (eg, not exceeding a set tolerance), the process continues to step 425 to determine whether the aging process of the battery cell has reached a predefined stage, as described with reference to method 200 .

[0169] If the battery cell is sufficiently matured to move to the next stage of manufacturing, process 400 continues to step 430, where it is determined that the battery cell has passed its manufacturing specifications based on the pressure analysis. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes an indicator that the battery cell passed, such as a corresponding flag and a timestamp. The data stored by CMD 100 may also include pressure values ​​and tolerance values ​​over the maturation period, for example, stored as a histogram. CMD 100 may communicate to controller 130 that the battery cell has passed, and optionally include the associated stored data, immediately after making the determination, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0170] If the battery cell has not reached the predefined maturation stage, process 400 returns to step 405 to obtain further pressure measurements.

[0171] The frequency with which the cycle comprising steps 405, 410, 415, and 425 is repeated for the pressure measurement result may be the same as or different from the frequency with which the same cycle is repeated for other battery cell characteristic measurement results (such as temperature or internal resistance). This cycle for evaluating the pressure of the battery cell may be repeated at regular intervals (e.g., 1 second each) or in regular measurement increments (e.g., 1 Pa). The frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary as the battery cell progresses through the maturation stage. For example, if the pressure of the controlled environment changes, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may increase. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary depending on other characteristic measurement results at the battery cell and / or the degree of maturation progress of other battery cells in the same controlled environment and / or the degree of progress of other battery cells of the same type through maturation.

[0172] strain or stress

[0173] Data collected about the expansion or contraction of the battery cell during the maturation phase can provide additional insights into whether the battery cell is maturing as expected according to its manufacturing specifications, and thus passing or failing the maturation phase. For example, undesirable reactions within the battery cell, such as a continued reaction between the anode and the electrolyte (SEI formation), will cause the volume or size of the battery cell, such as a pouch-type battery cell, to increase. As another example, a change in the volume or size of the battery cell may also indicate that the battery cell has been impacted or dropped. A strain gauge positioned on one of the faces or surfaces of the battery cell can be used to obtain measurements indicating the expansion or contraction of the battery cell.

[0174] refer to Figure 7, this figure depicts three functions of battery cell strain over time, namely functions 705A, 705B and 705C, which are of the same type and in the period [t0, t end ] corresponds to the three pouch-type battery cells A, B and C that undergo ripening.

[0175] As cell A progresses through ripening, its strain (as measured at the surface of the cell and depicted by function 705A) remains generally stable and is constant over the entire ripening period [t0, t end ] does not rise above strain threshold 715A or fall below strain threshold 715B during the duration of the aging phase. During the duration of the aging phase, the battery cell strain measurement results are within the manufacturing specifications ( Figure 7 Within the boundaries defined by the threshold functions 715A and 715B in FIG. 1 , the cell has matured as expected, even though there are some fluctuations in the strain measurements. Therefore, based on the strain analysis, cell A will have passed the maturity stage.

[0176] As cell B progresses through ripening, its strain (as measured on the surface of the cell and depicted by function 705B) first stabilizes. However, during the period [t0, t end ], the strain measurement value increases rapidly, almost instantaneously rising significantly above strain threshold 715A. Such a dramatic change in strain measurement during the maturation phase indicates that the battery cell may have been dropped or crushed while undergoing maturation, or that the battery cell's weld has failed. Therefore, battery cell B will not be able to pass the maturation phase.

[0177] As cell C progresses through ripening, its strain (as measured on the surface of the cell and depicted by function 705C) first stabilizes. However, during the period [t0, t end ], the strain measurement values ​​begin to gradually increase, ultimately exceeding strain threshold 715A before the maturation stage is complete. This gradual change in strain above the predefined threshold may be due to changes in the shape or volume of the battery cell caused by undesirable gas generation within the battery cell. Consequently, battery cell C will fail the maturation stage.

[0178] although Figure 8 The strain tolerance is presented in the form of an upper strain threshold function 715A and a lower strain threshold function 715B, respectively. In some embodiments, a single threshold function or threshold constant may be used. For example, a battery cell may be monitored to ensure that its strain does not exceed an upper threshold or threshold function. Alternatively or additionally, a threshold function or constant defining the rate of change of battery cell strain may be used.

[0179] Back to Figure 4In process 400, when such a process is applied to assess the strain of a battery cell, the CMD 100 obtains measurements of the strain of the battery cell at step 405, such as using strain gauges 114 positioned on the surface of the battery cell to measure its expansion and contraction. Also at step 405, unless previously provided, the CMD 100 may receive tolerance data (such as strain thresholds 715A and 715B) or updates to previously received tolerance data. In some embodiments, tolerance data is provided for the duration of the maturation phase. In some embodiments, the tolerance data may be updated based on strain analysis as the battery cell progresses through maturation. However, in some embodiments, the tolerance data may be updated based on strain analysis of other battery cells of the same type during maturation and / or other battery cells undergoing maturation in the same controlled environment.

[0180] At step 410, CMD 100 evaluates the strain measured at the battery cell by comparing the measured strain to corresponding tolerance values ​​(such as strain thresholds 715A and 715B). If, at step 415, the strain measurement of the battery cell exceeds the tolerance value (e.g., a set value), process 400 continues to step 420, where it is determined that the battery cell did not meet its manufacturing specifications during the maturation phase. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes indicators of battery cell failure, such as corresponding flags and timestamps. The stored data may also include relevant strain values ​​and tolerance values. Once a determination is made, CMD 100 may communicate such data to controller 130, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0181] If at step 415 , the strain measurements of the battery cell are determined to be within the corresponding tolerance (e.g., not exceeding the set tolerance), the process continues to step 425 to determine whether the maturation process of the battery cell has reached a predefined stage such that failure is unlikely, as described with reference to method 200 .

[0182] If the battery cell is sufficiently matured to move to the next stage of manufacturing, process 400 continues to step 430, where it is determined that the battery cell has passed its manufacturing specifications based on the strain analysis. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes an indicator that the battery cell passed, such as a corresponding flag and a timestamp. The data stored by CMD 100 may also include strain values ​​and tolerance values ​​over the maturation period, for example, stored as a histogram. CMD 100 can communicate to controller 130 that the battery cell has passed, and optionally include the associated stored data, immediately after making the determination, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0183] If the battery cell has not reached the predefined maturation stage, process 400 returns to step 405 to obtain further strain measurements.

[0184] The frequency with which the cycle comprising steps 405, 410, 415, and 425 is repeated for strain measurements may be the same as or different from the frequency with which the same cycle is repeated for other cell characteristic measurements, such as temperature or pressure. This cycle for assessing the pressure of a cell may be repeated at regular intervals (e.g., 1 second each) or at regular measurement increments (e.g., at each measurement unit, e.g., each 10 kPa interval). The frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary as the cell progresses through the maturation phase. For example, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may increase if the pressure of the controlled environment changes. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary depending on other characteristic measurements at the cell and / or the degree of maturation progress of other cells in the same controlled environment and / or the degree of maturation progress of other cells of the same type.

[0185] weight

[0186] Data collected about the weight of the battery cells during the maturation phase can provide additional insights into whether the battery cell has matured as expected (i.e., according to its manufacturing specifications), and therefore whether it has passed or failed the maturation phase. For example, electrolyte leakage due to failure of the seal of the battery cell will cause a loss of mass in the battery cell. Missing components in the battery cell assembly will cause the mass of the battery cell to be lower than the expected battery cell mass for that type of battery cell. An external measuring device (such as a scale placed on or in conjunction with the storage housing (e.g., a rack) that holds the battery cell during the maturation phase in a controlled environment) can be used to weigh the battery cell and then communicate the corresponding measurement results to the CMD 100.

[0187] refer to Figure 8 , this figure depicts three functions of the battery cell mass over time, namely functions 805A, 805B and 805C, respectively, in the period [t0, t end ] corresponds to three pouch-type battery cells A, B, and C undergoing aging within the battery pack. Battery cells A, B, and C are of the same type and therefore share common manufacturing specifications.

[0188] Cell A begins the maturation phase with an initial mass of 1 kg. This weight corresponds to the expected mass 815 of 1 kg for the type of cell A. As cell A progresses through the maturation phase (i.e., matures), its cell mass generally remains stable (depicted by function 805A). Cell A is moving towards the maturation phase during the period [t0, t end ] experienced some mass loss at the end of the curing period [t0, t end ], the loss was not significant and did not exceed the corresponding threshold 825 of 0.999 kg. For the duration of the maturation phase, the mass measurements were within the boundaries defined by the manufacturing specifications for that cell (not below threshold 825), indicating that the cell had matured as expected, even though the cell experienced some mass loss. Therefore, based on the cell quality analysis, cell A will pass the maturation phase.

[0189] Cell B begins the maturation phase with an initial mass slightly below the expected mass 815 of 1 kg, but within the accepted tolerance (i.e., the initial mass is above the 0.999 kg threshold 825). As cell B progresses through the maturation phase, its cell mass decreases, falling below the 0.999 kg threshold 825 shortly after the maturation phase begins and continuing to decrease (as depicted by function 805B). Such extensive mass loss may indicate electrolyte leakage from the cell, such as due to a cell seal failure. Therefore, based on the cell mass analysis, cell B will fail the maturation phase.

[0190] Cell C begins the maturation phase with an initial mass below the expected mass 815 of 1 kg, exceeding the acceptance tolerance (i.e., the initial mass is also below the threshold 825 of 0.999 kg). As cell C progresses through maturation, its cell mass remains consistently below the threshold 825. Such lower-than-expected measurements of cell mass (even if they are consistent) can indicate that one or more components of the cell assembly are missing. Therefore, based on the cell mass analysis, cell C will fail the maturation phase.

[0191] Back to Figure 4In the process 400 of , when such a process is applied to assess the quality of a battery cell, the CMD 100 obtains a measurement of the quality of the battery cell at step 405 (e.g., using an external measuring device). Also at step 405, the CMD 100 may receive tolerance data (e.g., quality threshold 825) and / or expected quality value for the corresponding battery cell, unless, for example, such data has been previously provided. At step 100, updates to previously received tolerance data may also be received. In some embodiments, tolerance data for the duration of the maturation phase is provided. In some embodiments, as the battery cell matures, the tolerance data may be updated based on the results of the quality analysis. In some embodiments, the tolerance data may be updated based on quality analysis during the maturation phase of other battery cells of the same type and / or based on quality analysis of other battery cells that are undergoing maturation in the same controlled environment.

[0192] At step 410, CMD 100 assesses the quality of the battery cell by comparing the quality of the battery cell to a corresponding expected quality using a tolerance value, such as a quality threshold value 825. If, at step 415, the quality measurement of the battery cell exceeds a tolerance value (e.g., a set value), process 400 continues to step 420, where it is determined that the battery cell did not meet its manufacturing specifications during the maturation phase. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes indicators of battery cell failure, such as corresponding flags and timestamps. The stored data may also include relevant quality values ​​and tolerance values. Once a determination is made, CMD 100 may communicate such data to controller 130, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0193] If at step 415 , the quality measurements of the battery cell are determined to meet corresponding tolerances (eg, not exceed set tolerances), the process continues to step 425 to determine whether the aging process of the battery cell has reached a predefined stage, as described with reference to method 200 .

[0194] If the battery cell is sufficiently matured to move to the next stage of manufacturing, process 400 continues to step 430, where it is determined that the battery cell has passed its manufacturing specifications based on the strain analysis. CMD 100 stores data associated with such determination in a memory of the CMD, for example, in an event log. Such stored data includes an indicator that the battery cell passed, such as a corresponding flag and a timestamp. The data stored by CMD 100 may also include strain values ​​and tolerance values ​​over the maturation period, for example, stored as a histogram. CMD 100 can communicate to controller 130 that the battery cell has passed, and optionally include the associated stored data, immediately after making the determination, or store the data for later transmission, for example, at a predetermined time or in response to a request from the controller for an update on the maturation process.

[0195] If the battery cell has not reached the predefined maturation stage, process 400 returns to step 405 to obtain further strain measurements.

[0196] The frequency of repeating the cycle comprising steps 405, 410, 415, and 425 for strain measurements can be the same as or different from the frequency of repeating the same cycle for other cell characteristic measurements, such as temperature or pressure. This cycle for assessing cell pressure can be repeated at regular intervals (e.g., every 1 second) or at regular measurement increments (e.g., every 0.001 kg change). The frequency of the cycle repetitions can vary as the cell progresses through the maturation phase. For example, if the mass of the cell changes, the frequency of the repeated cycles can be increased.

[0197] Additionally or alternatively, the frequency with which the cycle is repeated may vary based on other characteristic measurements at the battery cell and / or the degree of maturation progress of other battery cells in the same controlled environment and / or the degree of maturation progress of other battery cells of the same type. For example, if stress or strain on the battery cell increases, particularly if stress or strain on the battery cell increases rapidly, or if mechanical deformation is detected, the frequency of temperature measurement may be increased to monitor for possible thermal runaway events.

[0198] In some embodiments, CMD 100 continues to monitor battery cell aging after determining that a battery cell has deviated from its manufacturing specifications. For example, if a battery cell fails due to elevated temperature, CMD 100 can continue to monitor the temperature to prevent the cell from becoming excessively hot and posing a fire hazard. In this case, CMD 100 can issue an alert indicating that the battery cell requires immediate attention.

[0199] Figure 9 Depicted is a method 900 for monitoring or managing the maturation stage of a battery cell, according to some embodiments.

[0200] Method 905 begins with a step at which a CMD (e.g., CMD 100) associated with a battery cell is activated. For example, CMD 100 may be physically connected to the battery cell and powered on for the first time. Once powered on, CMD 100 may be programmed with data that enables CMD 100 to evaluate or facilitate an evaluation of whether the battery cell is matured according to the manufacturing specifications of the battery cell. For example, CMD 100 may be programmed with battery cell specific parameters such as voltage, temperature, resistance, safety limits for state of charge and state of health algorithms, and any relevant manufacturing information such as the battery cell ID number. Different types of parameters and thresholds, and how they are used to evaluate battery cell characteristic measurements obtained at a battery cell to determine whether the battery cell has matured according to its specifications and is ready to move to the next manufacturing stage (such as shipping), or has deviated from the manufacturing specifications and is therefore no longer suitable for its intended purpose. Details of the parameters that can be used and how they can be evaluated by CMD 100 are referenced in Figures 1 to 8 A more detailed discussion is provided, and these similarly apply in the context of method 900.

[0201] Once the activation phase is complete, the CMD 100 operates in its normal mode, constantly or continuously monitoring battery cell characteristics (e.g., voltage, temperature, and any other parameters (e.g., pressure)), storing the obtained battery cell characteristic measurements and their processed results (e.g., estimating and storing the battery cell's state of charge or state of health), logging events, generating alarms or alerts (e.g., via flags), and performing other conventional operations. The CMD 100 may run such processes in parallel or substantially in parallel.

[0202] For example, Figure 9 As shown, at step 910, CMD 100 performs routine operations, including: monitoring battery cell characteristics (step 911), estimating the state of charge (step 912), estimating the state of health (step 913), recording events (step 914), processing and storing data (915), and generating an alarm flag (step 916). In some embodiments, CMD 100 runs each of such routine operations at the same frequency. In some embodiments, some of the routine operations 911-916 run at a different frequency than other routine operations. For example, CMD 100 may estimate SOH less frequently than SOC. In some embodiments, some of the routine operations 911-916 run as needed. For example, an alarm flag is generated only when a predetermined type of event is detected.

[0203] In parallel with the CMD 100 performing its normal operations, the corresponding battery cells undergo aging. Figures 1 to 8As described in detail, based on the manufacturing specifications of the battery cells being monitored by CMD 100, CMD 100 is programmed with parameters specific to the aging process, such as voltage and internal resistance tolerance. Specifically, CMD 100 can employ one or more models defined for the monitored battery cells based on their manufacturing specifications. The models can be pre-programmed and updated during the activation phase and / or as the battery cells progress through aging (step 920). CMD 100 is also programmed with a desired sampling rate to measure different characteristics of the monitored battery cells, as stored within or associated with the corresponding models at CMD 100.

[0204] Also as reference Figures 1 to 8 As described in detail, at step CMD 100, the battery cell characteristic parameters are measured according to the corresponding model and sampling rate and any subsequent values, such as dV / dt and d2V / dt2, are calculated. CMD 100 can send a request for additional parameters (such as room temperature and humidity) to the controlled room and receive (step 925) such information from the controlled room's control system.

[0205] If CMD 100 determines (step 935) that any of the measured characteristics deviate from manufacturing specifications (e.g., reference Figures 1 to 8 Detailed description), then at step 950, CMD 100 updates the status of the battery cell to "fault" and stores relevant data (such as the obtained measurement results and their processing results). CMD 100 then generates (step 960) a corresponding alarm, which is transmitted to the remote controller.

[0206] If the CMD 100 determines (step 935) that none of the measured characteristics deviate from manufacturing specifications, then at step 940, the CMD 100 determines whether the battery cell has reached a predetermined stage for removal of the battery cell from the controlled chamber. For example, the predetermined stage can be defined as the voltage-dependent behavior of the battery cell, which indicates that the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure when continuing to undergo maturation after reaching the predetermined stage is below a predetermined level. If the CMD 100 determines that the battery cell has reached the predetermined stage for removal of the battery cell from the controlled chamber, the CMD 100 updates the status of the battery cell to "passed" at step 955 and stores relevant data (such as the measurement results obtained and their processing results). The CMD 100 then generates (step 960) a corresponding alarm, which is transmitted to the remote controller.

[0207] In some embodiments, CMD 100 transmits alarms to a remote controller immediately after they are generated. In some embodiments, CMD 100 stores such alarms and transmits them only upon request from a remote controller. In some embodiments, CMD 100 transmits emergency alarms without delay, such as when a dangerous fault (e.g., thermal runaway) is detected, and stores non-emergency alarms for later retrieval, such as when a battery cell has reached its predetermined maturity stage and is ready to be removed from the controlled room.

[0208] If CMD 100 determines that the battery cell has not reached the predetermined maturation stage, method 900 restarts the cycle of obtaining measurements of battery cell characteristics and evaluating such measurements (steps 930, 935, and 940). Before restarting the cycle, CMD 100 may request an update to the model used by CMD 100 to evaluate the battery cell measurements and / or control room data (e.g., control room temperature and humidity).

[0209] Once CMD 100 determines that a battery cell has failed or passed, the battery cell is removed from the controlled chamber (step 965). If CMD 100 remains electrically coupled to the battery cell, CMD 100 primarily continues to obtain and process measurements of the battery cell's characteristics and stores such measurements and processing results for the life of the battery cell. In some embodiments, CMD 100 is configured to decouple from the battery cell and couple to another battery cell to monitor the progress of such subsequent battery cell through maturation. In such embodiments, CMD 100 can be reprogrammed according to the manufacturing specifications of the subsequent battery cell.

[0210] Figure 10 An example of a cell monitoring system (CMS) for monitoring aging of battery cells in a controlled environment, such as a controlled room, is depicted, according to some embodiments. Figure 10 The CMS 1000 shown includes a controlled room 1010 that houses a plurality of cell monitoring devices (CMDs) 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Sum and 10141, 10142...1014 n The controller 1020 can be located inside or outside the controlled room 1010. The battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Placed in a controlled chamber 1010 to undergo maturation in a controlled environment and electrically coupled to corresponding CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n , to allow CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Monitor battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 nprogress.

[0211] The controlled room 1010 includes a control system 1016 for controlling the state of the controlled room 1010, such as the temperature and / or humidity in the controlled room 1010. For example, the control system 1016 can be configured to control the battery cells 10121, 10122, ... n Maintaining a consistent temperature and / or humidity, or changing the temperature and / or humidity, during the curing process. The control system 1016 may change the temperature and / or humidity according to a preset pattern or in response to a command received from the controller 1020, or in response to a change in the state of the controlled room occurring within the controlled room 1010. The control system 1016 may also be configured to measure the controlled room environment (e.g., its temperature and / or humidity) to determine the state of the controlled room and share the results of the determination with the controller 1020.

[0212] Each CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n It is configured to repeatedly use the voltage sensor to obtain the corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 at a certain sampling rate. n The voltage measurement result of each battery cell 10121, 10122, ... 1012 is calculated based on the voltage measurement result relative to the sampling rate, and the voltage measurement result and the calculated change rate are transmitted to the controller 1020. n Controller 1020 is configured to evaluate the received voltage measurements and rates of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to the manufacturing specifications of the battery cell. In this manner, controller 1020 is able to determine whether the battery cell has deviated from the manufacturing specifications or has reached a predetermined maturation stage requiring removal of the battery cell from controlled chamber 1010.

[0213] The controller 1020 can control different battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Use different modes. In battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n In the case of battery cells with matching manufacturing specifications or identical manufacturing specifications (eg, battery cells of the same type and having the same characteristics), the controller 1020 may use a single model to evaluate the voltage measurements of all such battery cells.

[0214] The one or more models used by controller 1020 include one or more voltage dependency functions. These one or more voltage dependency functions may be functions used to define the state of maturation of the battery cell, where the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to mature is below a predetermined level. For example, the function used to define the state of maturation may include a range of the second-order derivative of the battery cell's voltage over time.

[0215] In some embodiments, a maturation state can be determined based on output provided by a self-learning algorithm or model, where the probability of a battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level. In the manufacturing process described herein, as battery cells mature, characteristics or properties of the battery cells can be continuously monitored, including whether the battery cells deviate from their manufacturing specifications, and such data can be stored in a memory within the corresponding battery cells. Data from a large sample of battery cells undergoing maturation can then be used to train the self-learning algorithm or model, allowing for early determination of maturation outcomes. For example, such a self-learning algorithm or model can help determine whether certain battery cell characteristics or properties measured on a given battery cell indicate a sufficiently low probability of the battery cell failing, so that the battery cell can be removed from the controlled environment and moved to the next stage, such as shipping, as early as possible. Similarly, a self-learning algorithm or model can determine during the early stages of maturation that a battery cell in a maturation facility exhibits characteristics indicative of an impending failure. In such examples, the battery cell can be removed from the controlled environment and disposed of as early as possible, particularly if the battery cell exhibits a dangerous failure.

[0216] Thus, a self-learning algorithm or model can be used to calibrate a function used to define the state of maturation of a battery cell, where the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level, such as to optimize the use of the controlled environment and / or reduce or minimize the time that the battery cell remains within the controlled environment without sacrificing the overall quality of the manufactured battery cells (e.g., a batch of battery cells) and / or incurring manufacturing / production losses due to faulty battery cells (at a level acceptable to the manufacturer).

[0217] Additionally, data from the maturation of multiple different cell compositions can be used as a training set for a self-learning algorithm to develop predictive capabilities, enabling determination of the maturation state of cells of previously unmeasured compositions.

[0218] The controller 1020 is configured to issue corresponding alerts when it determines that a battery cell has deviated from manufacturing specifications or has reached a predetermined aging stage. For example, the controller 1020 may transmit a message to a designated operator indicating that a particular battery cell has failed to mature successfully or has successfully matured and can be removed from the controlled room 1010 (e.g., for shipment).

[0219] Whether a battery cell has reached a predetermined maturity stage can be defined by setting a range for the second-order derivative of the battery cell voltage over time. The controller 1020 can be configured to determine that the corresponding battery cell has reached the predetermined maturity stage when it determines that the second-order derivative of the battery cell voltage over time is within the range of second-order derivatives defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from manufacturing specifications.

[0220] In some embodiments, controller 1020 can be configured to update the model in response to changes from a predetermined level (eg, based on results of previous evaluations of similar cells).

[0221] The one or more models used by the controller 1020 may include one or more of the following: a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependency function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependency function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0222] The one or more models used by the controller 1020 may also include one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used by the controller when evaluating the voltage measurements or calculated rates of change. The one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function may be time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation (e.g., increase or decrease as the battery cell undergoes maturation) or may be adjusted in response to a state of the controlled chamber or a change in the state of the controlled chamber 1010.

[0223] In some embodiments, CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Each of the batteries 10121, 10122, ... 1012 can be configured to obtain the corresponding battery cell 10121, 10122, ... 1012 using the corresponding sensor. nThe controller 1020 may be configured to obtain one or more measurements of one or more characteristics other than voltage (such as temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight) of the CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 using the corresponding one or more models. n One or more characteristic measurement results received to determine whether the corresponding battery cell deviates from its (their) manufacturing specifications, wherein the model includes one or more characteristic dependency functions corresponding to the measured one or more battery cell characteristics. CMD 10141, 10142...1014 n Configured to obtain and transmit characteristic measurements of various battery cell characteristics other than voltage.

[0224] In some embodiments, for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the one or more models used by the controller 1020 include one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the specified characteristic of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the specified characteristic threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of a specified characteristic, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

[0225] The model used by controller 1020 may include a function that defines one or more of: a change in a battery cell characteristic relative to a change in another battery cell characteristic, a change in the rate of change of a battery cell characteristic relative to a change in the rate of change of another battery cell characteristic, a change in a battery cell characteristic relative to the rate of change of another battery cell characteristic, or a relative change in the rate of change of one battery cell characteristic relative to another battery cell characteristic.

[0226] Additionally or alternatively, the model used by controller 1020 may include one or more tolerances defined for at least one characteristic dependency function, for use by controller 1020 in evaluating the corresponding one or more characteristic measurements or rates of change. The one or more tolerances may be time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or may be adjusted in response to the state of controlled chamber 1010 or a change in the state of controlled chamber 1010. Additionally or alternatively, the model used by controller 1020 may be time-dependent relative to the corresponding battery cell undergoing maturation.

[0227] As described elsewhere in this application, each CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Can be configured to evaluate the obtained battery cell characteristic measurement results, including voltage. In such an example system, CMD10141, 10142...1014 n The results of these assessments (in addition to or in lieu of the cell characteristic measurements they obtain) may be shared with the controller 1020. The controller 1020 may rely on these assessments to determine whether a particular cell has significantly deviated from its manufacturing specifications or reached a predetermined stage of maturation, or to compare them with the controller's own assessments, for example, to improve the accuracy of such assessments.

[0228] The controller 1020 may be configured to update one or more CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n The model includes the corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n Before electrical coupling, or while such cells are undergoing maturation. For example, the controller 1020 can be configured to update the model of a particular CMD based on the current state of the controlled room or a change in the state of the controlled room. The controller 1020 can receive one or more measurements (e.g., temperature and / or humidity) indicating the state of the controlled environment from the room state control system 1016 and update the model based on the one or more measurements.

[0229] Additionally or alternatively, the controller 1020 may be configured to execute a command based on another CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Update one or more CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 based on characteristic measurement results obtained at another battery cell n The invention uses a model to monitor the aging of a battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in a controlled environment until a predetermined aging stage is reached.

[0230] In some embodiments, the controller 1020 may be configured to respond to a determination of a deviation or to learn that the corresponding CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Such deviations of the diagnostic battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n The controller 1020 may run diagnostics on each fault parameter (i.e., cell characteristic) (including voltage) based on corresponding measurements received from the corresponding CMD as the cell undergoes maturation and any relevant calculations performed by the CMD to determine the cause of the failure. For example, the controller 1020 may compare such received data with data indicating known or previously determined faults or modeled faults.

[0231] In some embodiments, the controller 1020 can be configured to use additional characteristic measurements of other battery cells in the controlled chamber 1010 to determine possible reasons why a battery cell deviated from manufacturing specifications. By comparing the behavior of multiple battery cells, common patterns can be identified and possible causes can be inferred. For example, when multiple battery cells from the same manufacturing batch exhibit the same fault behavior, the controller 1020 can determine that the fault is not battery cell specific, but is related to their manufacturing process. Based on the specific changes in the characteristic measurements, the fault can be determined more specifically. For example, if the weight of multiple battery cells drops below a standard operating threshold, the cause may be identified as a problem with the way the battery cells were sealed during their manufacture.

[0232] In some embodiments, it may be sufficient to analyze the characteristics of selected battery cells from a single batch collected during the maturation period to determine the maturation state of the entire batch. During the manufacturing process, a batch may include all battery cells manufactured during a specific time period (shift or hour / day) or from multiple batches of raw materials (electrode rolls, electrolyte, separator, etc.). A batch may consist of all battery cells in a single tray, rack, or controlled environment. A batch may simply be a group of battery cells that can be expected to perform in a very similar manner because they may have related manufacturing parameters. When a selected battery cell indicates that a predetermined maturation state has been achieved, it can be assumed that the entire batch has reached the same state. Similarly, if a selected battery cell exhibits characteristics that are faulty or may indicate future failure, it can be assumed that the entire batch is performing in a similar manner, resulting in its removal from the controlled environment. Determining a maturation state such that a battery cell is unlikely to fail at a level acceptable to the manufacturer can be achieved using any of the methods described in this disclosure, such as by using a CMD coupled to each of such battery cells to monitor the second-order derivatives of certain battery cell characteristics, including but not limited to using a self-learning algorithm to define and improve corresponding functions to determine when a battery cell is ready for removal. This may cause the entire batch to be removed from the storage facility earlier than conventional methods would allow, and it may then proceed to the next production or manufacturing stage (e.g., shipping) or be disposed of due to a high probability of failure occurring (or developing).

[0233] In some embodiments, the performance of all battery cells in a batch can be monitored using any of the methods described in the present disclosure, and the determination of the state of maturation can be based on all battery cells reaching the desired state of maturation, so that the entire batch can be maintained in a controlled environment until it is determined that the last battery cell has reached a predetermined state of maturation or a failure has occurred. In some embodiments, the batch can be maintained in a controlled environment until a predetermined proportion of battery cells have reached the desired state of maturation. Such methods of batch monitoring can be combined with other methods for early fault detection or determining the state of maturation, such as by monitoring the second derivatives of certain battery cell characteristics or using self-learning algorithms. This may result in the entire batch being removed from the storage facility as early as possible, where it may progress to the next stage, or disposed of due to a high probability of a failure occurring (or occurring).

[0234] In some embodiments, in response to determining that battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n When the predetermined maturation stage is reached, the controller 1020 may be configured to use the battery cells undergoing maturation to select the corresponding CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 nThe received characteristic measurements (including voltage measurements) grade the quality of such battery cells. For example, the controller 1020 may grade the battery cells based on how close or far away their measurements are from the values ​​defined by the corresponding manufacturing specifications. Additionally or alternatively, the controller 1020 may use corresponding characteristic measurements of other battery cells (such as battery cells of the same type and / or undergoing aging in the same controlled room). Consistency with such measurements may indicate a "good" battery cell, i.e., a battery cell that can be put into operation for its intended use, while deviations from such may indicate a battery cell that is not so "good" (even if not faulty), where the battery cell may also be suitable for a different application, for example, a storage grid rather than an electric vehicle.

[0235] In some embodiments, CMDs 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n and corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n Removably coupled. For example, CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Can be housed in a controlled room 1010 for monitoring battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n A batch of battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n Removed from the controlled chamber 1010 (e.g., when such cells reach their predetermined maturation stage), a new batch of cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Brought into the controlled room 1010 and met with CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n coupling.

[0236] In some embodiments, each CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n Configured into corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n the only electrical load when such battery cells are undergoing aging in the controlled chamber 1010.

[0237] In some embodiments, each CMD 10141, 10142, ... 1014 n A memory is provided for storing data in corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Characteristic measurement results obtained at and CMD 10141, 10142...1014 n The controller 1020 may be configured to receive the corresponding calculation results from 10141, 10142, ... 1014 nRetrieve any characteristic measurement result from the memory of the stored characteristic measurement results, including the corresponding battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n After reaching a predetermined ripening stage (e.g. during or after transportation), CMD 10141, 10142...1014 n and battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Maintain electrical coupling after aging, such as CMD 10141, 10142...1014 n Embedded in battery cells 10121, 10122...1012 n within the structure.

[0238] The controller 1020 can be configured to prepare reports based on the results of its evaluation, such as single or multiple battery cells failure, which battery cells are ready to be removed from the controlled room 1010, which battery cells are suitable for use, and which battery cells may need to be moved to secondary applications.

[0239] In some embodiments, once all cells or a batch of cells or a predetermined number of cells have reached their predetermined maturation stage or have deviated from their manufacturing specifications and are therefore ready for removal, cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Removed as a group from the controlled room 1010. The removed battery cells can then be categorized according to the controller's evaluation results (e.g., based on its report).

[0240] In some embodiments, battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 are individually removed in response to the battery cells deviating from their manufacturing specifications or because the battery cells reach a predetermined maturity stage and are ready for removal. n In some embodiments, battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 n Removed from the controlled room 1110 as a group or batch unless one or more particular battery cells deviate from manufacturing specifications indicating a dangerous failure such as thermal runaway that could cause a fire.

[0241] The battery cells 10121, 10122, ... 1012 can be moved using a robotic system controlled by the controller 1020. n Removed from controlled room 1010.

[0242] The various operations or functions described herein, such as those performed by a CMD or CMS, can be implemented or defined as software code or instructions. Such content can be directly executable ("object" or "executable" form), source code, or differential code ("delta" or "patch" code). The software implementation of the embodiments described herein can be provided via an article having code or instructions stored thereon, or via a communication interface method of sending data through a communication interface. A machine or computer-readable storage medium can enable a machine to perform the functions or operations described, and includes any mechanism for storing information in a form accessible to a machine (e.g., a computing device, an electronic system, etc.), such as recordable / non-recordable media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices, etc.). A communication interface includes any mechanism that interfaces with any of hard-wired media, wireless media, optical media, or similar media to communicate with another device, such as a memory bus interface, a processor bus interface, an Internet connection, a disk controller, etc. The communication interface may be configured by providing configuration parameters and / or sending signals to prepare the communication interface to provide data signals describing the software content. The communication interface may be accessed by one or more commands or signals sent to the communication interface.

[0243] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using computer-executable instructions. Computer-executable instructions may be organized into one or more computer-executable components or modules. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number and organization of such components or modules. For example, aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific computer-executable instructions or specific components or modules shown in the accompanying drawings and described herein. Other embodiments may include different computer-executable instructions or components having more or less functionality than shown and described herein.

[0244] Computer programs based on the written description and methods of this specification are within the skill of software developers. Various programming techniques can be used to create various programs or program modules. For example, program segments or program modules can be designed by means of JavaScript, Scala, Python, Java, C, C++, assembly language or any such programming language and data encoding languages ​​(such as XML, JSON, etc.), query languages ​​(such as SQL), presentation-related languages ​​(such as HTML, CSS, etc.) and data conversion languages ​​(such as XSL). One or more of such software segments or modules can be integrated into a computer system, non-transient computer-readable media or existing communication software.

[0245] The description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Many modifications and variations of the disclosed embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The terms used herein to disclose the embodiments of the present disclosure are selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, practical applications, or technical improvements to technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable those skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0246] It should be understood that, for the sake of clarity, certain features of the present disclosure described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, for the sake of simplicity, various features of the present disclosure described in the context of a single embodiment may also be provided in any other described embodiment of the present disclosure, alone or in any suitable subcombination or where appropriate. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments should not be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is ineffective without those elements.

[0247] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments disclosed herein, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It is therefore intended to encompass all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

[0248] This article also discloses the following terms:

[0249] 1. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging while the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising: a circuit system configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly: obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculate a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluate the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined aging stage at which the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment, the model comprising one or more voltage-dependent functions; and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined aging stage.

[0250] 2. A CMD according to clause 1, wherein the one or more voltage dependency functions include a function for defining a state of maturation of the battery cell, wherein the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level.

[0251] 3. The CMD of clause 2, wherein the function defining the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0252] 4. A CMD according to claim 3, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to determine that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage when it is determined that the second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second-order derivative defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

[0253] 5. A CMD according to any of clauses 2 to 4, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to update the model in response to a change in the predetermined level.

[0254] 6. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the model includes at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0255] 7. The CMD of clause 6, the model comprising one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0256] 8. A CMD according to clause 7, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0257] 9. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to: obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, wherein the battery cell has multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, wherein the model includes at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0258] 10. The CMD of clause 9, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

[0259] 11. A CMD according to clause 9 or 10, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements.

[0260] 12. A CMD according to any one of clauses 9 to 11, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model includes one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell, when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the specified characteristic threshold a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of a specified characteristic, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

[0261] 13. The CMD of any of clauses 9 to 12, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell include at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

[0262] 14. A CMD according to any one of clauses 9 to 13, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

[0263] 15. A CMD according to any of clauses 9 to 14, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one property dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more property measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

[0264] 16. A CMD according to clause 15, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0265] 17. A CMD according to any of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the model is time-dependent with respect to the battery cell undergoing ripening.

[0266] 18. A CMD according to any of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the model is stored in a memory of the CMD and / or the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to update the model.

[0267] 19. The CMD of clause 18, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations while the battery cells are undergoing maturation to cause the CMD to update the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

[0268] 20. A CMD according to claim 19, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to receive one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and update the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

[0269] 21. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 20, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0270] 22. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 21, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to grade the quality of the battery cell in response to determining that the battery cell has reached a predetermined maturation stage using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0271] 23. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 22, wherein the CMD is configured to be embedded in or attached to the battery cell.

[0272] 24. The CMD of clause 23, wherein the CMD is configured to be subsequently removed from the battery cell.

[0273] 25. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 24, wherein the CMD is configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cells while the battery cells are undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0274] 26. The CMD of clause 25, wherein the electrical load is at least an order of magnitude lower than an expected discharge of the battery cell.

[0275] 27. A CMD according to any one of clauses 1 to 26, wherein the CMD includes a memory, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to store characteristic measurement results obtained at the battery cell and the resulting calculation results in the memory of the CMD for subsequent retrieval by the CMD or a remote controller, including after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0276] 28. A battery cell monitoring system (CMS) for use with a plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are undergoing maturation in a controlled environment after charging, the system comprising: a plurality of CMDs according to any one of clauses 1 to 27, each CMD being configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells; and a controller communicating with the plurality of CMDs, wherein each CMD is configured to transmit the corresponding alarm to the controller when it is determined that the corresponding battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0277] 29. The CMS of clause 28, wherein the controller is located outside the controlled environment.

[0278] 30. The CMS of clause 28 or 29, wherein the controller is configured to initiate, by the at least one CMD, an update of the model of at least one CMD of the plurality of CMDs.

[0279] 31. A CMS according to clause 30, wherein the controller is configured to initiate an update of the model of the at least one CMD based on characteristic measurement results obtained by another CMD of the plurality of CMDs at the corresponding battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing maturation in the controlled environment until the predetermined maturation stage is reached.

[0280] 32. A battery cell monitoring system (CMS) for use with a plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are undergoing aging in a controlled environment after charging, the system comprising: a plurality of battery cell monitoring devices (CMDs), each CMD being configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells; and a controller communicating with the plurality of CMDs; wherein each of the plurality of CMDs comprises a circuit system configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly: obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a sampling rate using a voltage sensor, and based on the voltage relative to the sampling rate, The controller is configured to calculate a rate of change of voltage based on a voltage measurement result and transmit the voltage measurement result and the calculated rate of change to the controller; and wherein for each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the controller is configured to: evaluate the received voltage measurement result and the rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined maturation stage for removing the battery cell from the controlled environment, the model including one or more voltage-dependent functions, and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0281] 33. The CMS of clause 32, wherein the one or more voltage dependency functions include a function for defining a state of maturation of the battery cell, wherein a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level.

[0282] 34. The CMS of clause 33, wherein the function used to define the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0283] 35. A CMS according to clause 34, wherein for each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the controller is configured to determine that the corresponding battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage when it is determined that the second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second-order derivative defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

[0284] 36. A CMS according to any of clauses 33 to 35, wherein the controller is configured to update the model in response to a change in the predetermined level.

[0285] 37. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 36, wherein the model includes at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0286] 38. The CMS of clause 37, wherein the model includes one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used by the controller when evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0287] 39. A CMS according to clause 38, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0288] 40. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 39, wherein for each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the circuit system of the CMD is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using a corresponding sensor, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage, and transmit the obtained one or more characteristic measurement results to the controller; and wherein the controller is configured to evaluate the received one or more characteristic measurement results using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model including at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0289] 41. A CMS according to clause 40, wherein for each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the circuit system of the CMD is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain the one or more characteristic measurement results of different characteristics of the battery cell other than voltage and transmit them to the controller.

[0290] 42. The CMS of clause 40 or 41, wherein for each CMD of the plurality of CMDs, the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and transmit the one or more characteristic measurements to the controller.

[0291] 43. A CMS according to any one of clauses 40 to 42, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model includes one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the specified characteristic of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the specified characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of a specified characteristic, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

[0292] 44. The CMS of any of clauses 40 to 43, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cells include at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

[0293] 45. A CMS according to any one of clauses 40 to 44, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

[0294] 46. ​​A CMS according to any of clauses 40 to 45, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one characteristic dependency function used by the controller when evaluating the corresponding one or more characteristic measurements or corresponding rates of change.

[0295] 47. A CMS according to clause 46, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0296] 48. A CMS according to any of clauses 32 to 47, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cells undergoing maturation.

[0297] 49. The CMS of any of clauses 32 to 48, wherein the controller is configured to update the model of at least one CMD of the plurality of CMDs.

[0298] 50. The CMS of clause 49, wherein the controller is configured to update the model of at least one CMD of the plurality of CMDs of a corresponding battery cell that is undergoing maturation.

[0299] 51. A CMS according to clause 49 or 50, wherein the controller is configured to update the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

[0300] 52. A CMS according to clause 51, wherein the controller is configured to: receive one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and update the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

[0301] 53. A CMS according to clause 49 or 50, wherein the controller is configured to update the model of at least one CMD based on characteristic measurement results obtained by another CMD of the plurality of CMDs at the corresponding battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing maturation in the controlled environment until the predetermined maturation stage is reached.

[0302] 54. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 53, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that one of the plurality of battery cells deviates from the manufacturing specification, determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, the characteristic measurement results being received from the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0303] 55. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 54, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that one of the plurality of battery cells deviates from the manufacturing specification, determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement results of other battery cells in the plurality of battery cells, the characteristic measurement results being received from the corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0304] 56. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 55, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, grade the quality of the battery cell using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, the characteristic measurement results being received from the corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0305] 57. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 56, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, grade the quality of the battery cell using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement results of other battery cells in the plurality of battery cells, the characteristic measurement results being received from the corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0306] 58. The CMS of any one of clauses 32 to 57, wherein each CMD of the plurality of CMDs is detachably coupled to the corresponding battery cell.

[0307] 59. The CMS of clause 58, wherein each CMD of the plurality of CMDs is configured to be detachably coupled to another battery cell once a previously coupled battery cell is decoupled from the CMD.

[0308] 60. The CMS of any of clauses 32 to 59, wherein each CMD of the plurality of CMDs is configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load for the corresponding battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0309] 61. A CMS according to any one of clauses 32 to 60, wherein each of the plurality of CMDs includes a memory for storing characteristic measurement results and corresponding calculation results obtained at the corresponding battery cell, and the controller is configured to retrieve any of the stored characteristic measurement results and results from the memory of the CMD, including after the CMD reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0310] 62. A method for managing the maturation of one or more battery cells, the method comprising: when one of the one or more battery cells is undergoing maturation in a controlled environment, after being charged and electrically coupled to a battery cell monitoring device (CMD), repeatedly: obtaining voltage measurement results of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor by the CMD, calculating the rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurement results relative to the sampling rate by the CMD, and evaluating the obtained voltage measurement results and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to the manufacturing specifications of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specifications or reaches a predetermined maturation stage for removing the battery cell from the controlled environment, the model including one or more voltage-dependent functions; and generating a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specifications or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0311] 63. The method of clause 62, comprising storing the obtained voltage measurement and the calculated rate of change in a memory of the CMD.

[0312] 64. A method according to clause 62 or 63, wherein the one or more voltage dependency functions include a function for defining a state of maturation of the battery cell, wherein the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level.

[0313] 65. The method of clause 64, wherein the function used to define the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0314] 66. The method of clause 65, wherein determining that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage comprises determining that the second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second derivative defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

[0315] 67. A method according to any of clauses 64 to 66, comprising updating the model at the CMD in response to a change in the predetermined level.

[0316] 68. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 67, wherein the model includes at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0317] 69. The method of clause 68, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0318] 70. A method according to clause 69, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0319] 71. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 70, the method comprising: obtaining by the CMD one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model comprising at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0320] 72. The method of clause 71, comprising obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

[0321] 73. A method according to clause 71 or 72, comprising repeatedly obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements.

[0322] 74. A method according to any of clauses 71 to 73, comprising storing the obtained characteristic measurements in a memory of the CMD.

[0323] 75. A method according to any one of clauses 70 to 74, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model includes one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the specified characteristic of the battery cell, when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the maturation process, it indicates that the maturation is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the indicated characteristic threshold a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of a specified characteristic, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, wherein when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

[0324] 76. The method of any one of clauses 70 to 75, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell comprises at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

[0325] 77. A method according to any one of clauses 70 to 76, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

[0326] 78. A method according to any of clauses 70 to 77, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one characteristic dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more characteristic measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

[0327] 79. A method according to clause 78, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0328] 80. A method according to any of clauses 62 to 79, wherein evaluation of characteristic measurements including voltage is performed by at least one of: the CMD or a remote controller.

[0329] 81. The method of any of clauses 62 to 80, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation.

[0330] 82. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 81, comprising updating the model stored in a memory of the CMD.

[0331] 83. The method of clause 82, comprising updating the model stored in the memory of the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing maturation.

[0332] 84. A method according to clause 82 or 83, comprising updating the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

[0333] 85. A method according to clause 84, the method comprising: receiving one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and updating the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

[0334] 86. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 85, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0335] 87. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 86, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, using the characteristic measurement result of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement result of at least one other battery cell to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement result of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0336] 88. A method according to clause 86 or 87, wherein a remote controller respectively performs the step of determining the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification.

[0337] 89. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 88, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to grade the quality of the battery cell, wherein the characteristic measurement results are obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0338] 90. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 89, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, grading the quality of the battery cell using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement results of at least one other battery cell, the characteristic measurement results of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0339] 91. The method of clause 89 or 90, wherein a remote controller performs the step of grading the quality of the battery cells.

[0340] 92. The method of any one of clauses 62 to 91, wherein the CMD is configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0341] 93. A method according to any one of clauses 62 to 92, comprising retrieving, by a remote controller from the memory of the CMD, one or more of the following: characteristic measurement results or related calculation results obtained at the battery cell after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0342] 94. The method of any of clauses 62 to 93, comprising charging the battery cell before allowing the battery cell to undergo aging in the controlled environment.

[0343] 95. The method of any one of clauses 62 to 94, comprising removing the battery cell from the controlled environment after the alarm is generated.

[0344] 96. The method of clause 95, wherein the battery cell is decoupled from the CMD to be removed from the controlled environment.

[0345] 97. The method of clause 96, coupling another battery cell to the CMD such that maturation of the other battery cell is managed by the same CMD.

[0346] 98. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging when the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and is undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising: a circuit system configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to repeatedly: obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculate a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, compare the voltage measurements with a voltage function defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell, compare the rate of change with a rate of change function defined for the battery cell according to the manufacturing specification, and based on the results of comparing the voltage measurements with the voltage function and comparing the rate of change with the rate of change function, determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined aging stage for removing the battery cell from the controlled environment; and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined aging stage.

[0347] 99. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging while the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising: a circuit system configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly: obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculate a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluate the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined aging stage at which the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment, the model comprising one or more voltage-dependent functions, the one or more functions comprising a function for defining an aging state of the battery cell, in which aging state the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault when continuing to undergo aging is below a predetermined level, the function used to determine that the battery cell has reached the predetermined aging stage; and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined aging stage.

[0348] 100. The CMD of clause 99, wherein the function defining the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0349] 101. A CMD according to clause 100, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to determine that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage when it is determined that the second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second-order derivative defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

[0350] 102. A CMD according to any of clauses 99 to 101, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to update the model in response to changes in the predetermined level.

[0351] 103. A CMD according to any one of clauses 99 to 102, wherein the model includes at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0352] 104. The CMD of clause 103, the model comprising one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0353] 105. A CMD according to clause 104, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0354] 106. A CMD according to any one of clauses 99 to 105, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to: obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model including at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0355] 107. The CMD of clause 106, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

[0356] 108. The CMD of clause 106 or 107, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements.

[0357] 109. A CMD according to any one of clauses 106 to 108, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model includes one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change in the specified characteristic of the battery cell, when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the expected change When the specified characteristic changes, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function is defined for an expected change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function is defined for one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault; or a characteristic dependency function is defined for a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell.

[0358] 110. The CMD of any of clauses 106 to 109, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell include at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

[0359] 111. A CMD according to any one of clauses 106 to 110, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

[0360] 112. A CMD according to any of clauses 106 to 111, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one characteristic dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more characteristic measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

[0361] 113. A CMD according to clause 112, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0362] 114. A CMD according to any of clauses 99 to 113, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing ripening.

[0363] 115. A CMD according to any of clauses 99 to 114, wherein the model is stored in a memory of the CMD.

[0364] 116. The CMD of clause 115, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to update the model.

[0365] 117. The CMD of clause 116, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations while the battery cells are undergoing maturation to cause the CMD to update the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

[0366] 118. A CMD according to clause 117, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to receive one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and update the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

[0367] 119. A CMD according to any one of clauses 99 to 118, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0368] 120. A CMD according to any one of clauses 99 to 119, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to grade the quality of the battery cell in response to determining that the battery cell has reached a predetermined maturation stage using characteristic measurements of the battery cell, including voltage measurements, the characteristic measurements being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0369] 121. A CMD according to any of clauses 99 to 120, wherein the CMD is configured to be embedded in or attached to the battery cell.

[0370] 122. The CMD of clause 121, wherein the CMD is configured to be subsequently removed from the battery cell.

[0371] 123. A CMD according to any of clauses 99 to 122, wherein the CMD is configured so that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0372] 124. The CMD of clause 123, wherein the electrical load is at least an order of magnitude lower than an expected discharge of the battery cell.

[0373] 125. A CMD according to any one of clauses 99 to 124, wherein the CMD includes a memory, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to store characteristic measurement results obtained at the battery cell and the resulting calculation results in the memory of the CMD for subsequent retrieval by the CMD or a remote controller, including after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0374] 126. A battery cell monitoring system (CMS) for use with a plurality of battery cells when the plurality of battery cells are undergoing maturation in a controlled environment after charging, the system comprising: a plurality of CMDs according to any one of clauses 99 to 125, each CMD being configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells; and a controller communicating with the plurality of CMDs, wherein each CMD is configured to transmit the corresponding alarm to the controller when it is determined that the corresponding battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0375] 127. The CMS of clause 126, wherein the controller is located outside the controlled environment.

[0376] 128. The CMS of clause 126 or 127, wherein the controller is configured to initiate, by the at least one CMD, an update of the model of at least one CMD of the plurality of CMDs.

[0377] 129. A CMS according to clause 128, wherein the controller is configured to initiate an update of the model of at least one CMD based on characteristic measurement results obtained at the corresponding battery cell by another CMD of the plurality of CMDs while the battery cell is undergoing maturation in the controlled environment until the predetermined maturation stage is reached.

[0378] Including after the CMD reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0379] 130. A method for managing aging of one or more battery cells, the method comprising: while one of the one or more battery cells is undergoing aging in a controlled environment, after being charged and electrically coupled to a cell monitoring device (CMD), repeatedly: obtaining, by the CMD, voltage measurements of the battery cell at a sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculating, by the CMD, a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluating the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches a predetermined aging stage at which the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment, the model comprising one or more voltage-dependent functions, the one or more functions comprising a function for defining an aging state of the battery cell, in which aging state the probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault when continuing to undergo aging is below a predetermined level, the function used determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined aging stage; and generating a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined aging stage.

[0380] 131. The method of clause 130, comprising storing the obtained voltage measurement and the calculated rate of change in a memory of the CMD.

[0381] 132. The method of clause 131, wherein the function used to define the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

[0382] 133. A method according to clause 132, wherein determining that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage includes determining that the second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second derivative defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

[0383] 134. A method according to any of clauses 130 to 133, comprising updating the model at the CMD in response to a change in the predetermined level.

[0384] 135. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 134, wherein the model includes at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that the aging is as expected when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, which indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change.

[0385] 136. The method of clause 135, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

[0386] 137. A method according to clause 136, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0387] 138. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 137, the method comprising: obtaining by the CMD one or more characteristic measurement results of a characteristic other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model comprising at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

[0388] 139. The method of clause 138, comprising obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

[0389] 140. The method of clause 138 or 139, comprising repeatedly obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements.

[0390] 141. A method according to any of clauses 138 to 140, comprising storing the obtained characteristic measurements in a memory of the CMD.

[0391] 142. A method according to any one of clauses 137 to 141, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model includes one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell, when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that there is a manufacturing fault in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the When a specified characteristic changes, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function is defined for an expected change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function is defined for one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function is defined for a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

[0392] 143. The method of any one of clauses 137 to 142, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell comprises at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

[0393] 144. A method according to any one of clauses 137 to 143, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic of one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic of the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

[0394] 145. A method according to any of clauses 138 to 144, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one characteristic dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more characteristic measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

[0395] 146. A method according to clause 145, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are capable of being adjusted based on the state of the controlled environment.

[0396] 147. A method according to any of clauses 137 to 146, wherein evaluation of characteristic measurements including voltage is performed by at least one of: the CMD or a remote controller.

[0397] 148. The method of any one of clauses 130 to 147, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation.

[0398] 149. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 148, comprising updating the model stored in a memory of the CMD.

[0399] 150. The method of clause 149, comprising updating the model stored in the memory of the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing maturation.

[0400] 151. A method according to clause 149 or 150, comprising updating the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

[0401] 152. A method according to clause 151, the method comprising: receiving one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and updating the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

[0402] 153. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 152, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0403] 154. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 153, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, determining the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using the characteristic measurement result of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement result of at least one other battery cell, the characteristic measurement result of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0404] 155. A method according to clause 153 or 154, wherein a remote controller respectively performs the steps of determining the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification.

[0405] 156. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 155, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to grade the quality of the battery cell, wherein the characteristic measurement results are obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0406] 157. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 156, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, grading the quality of the battery cell using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement results of at least one other battery cell, the characteristic measurement results of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

[0407] 158. A method according to clause 156 or 157, wherein a remote controller performs the step of grading the quality of the battery cells.

[0408] 159. The method of any one of clauses 130 to 158, wherein the CMD is configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

[0409] 160. A method according to any one of clauses 130 to 159, the method comprising retrieving, by a remote controller from a memory of the CMD, one or more of the following: characteristic measurement results or related calculation results obtained at the battery cell after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0410] 161. The method of any of clauses 130 to 160, comprising charging the battery cell before allowing the battery cell to undergo aging in the controlled environment.

[0411] 162. The method of any one of clauses 130 to 161, comprising removing the battery cell from the controlled environment after the alarm is generated.

[0412] 163. A method according to claim 162, wherein the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment after each of the one or more battery cells undergoing maturation in the controlled environment generates an alarm indicating that the corresponding battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

[0413] 164. The method of clause 162 or 163, wherein the battery cell is decoupled from the CMD to be removed from the controlled environment.

[0414] 165. The method of clause 164, coupling another battery cell to the CMD so that maturation of the other battery cell is managed by the same CMD.

[0415] 166. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging while the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising: a circuit system configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to: repeatedly: obtain voltage measurements of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate using a voltage sensor, calculate a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, compare the voltage measurements with a voltage function defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell, compare the rate of change with a rate of change function defined for the battery cell according to the manufacturing specification, and based on the results of comparing the voltage measurements with the voltage function and comparing the rate of change with the rate of change function, determine whether the battery cell has reached a predetermined aging stage for removing the battery cell from the controlled environment, the predetermined aging stage defined by the rate of change function corresponding to a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault as it continues to undergo aging being less than a predetermined level; and generate a corresponding alarm when it is determined that the battery cell has reached the predetermined aging stage.

Claims

1. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging while the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising circuitry configured to perform operations such that the CMD: Repeatedly: Using a voltage sensor to obtain a voltage measurement result of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate, calculating a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluating the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to manufacturing specifications of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell has deviated from the manufacturing specifications or has reached a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell should be removed from the controlled environment, the model comprising one or more voltage-dependent functions, the one or more functions comprising a function defining a maturation state of the battery cell in which a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing failure as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level, the function used determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage; and When it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage, a corresponding alarm is generated. 2 . The CMD of claim 1 , wherein the function used to define the maturation state comprises a range of a second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

3. The CMD of claim 2 , wherein the circuit system is configured to, upon determining that the second-order derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second-order derivatives defined by the corresponding function and the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification, perform operations to cause the CMD to determine that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage.

4. The CMD of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the circuitry is configured to operate to cause the CMD to update the model in response to a change in the predetermined level.

5. The CMD according to claim 1 , wherein the model comprises at least one of the following: a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a voltage dependency function defining one or more voltage thresholds, wherein when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a voltage dependency function defining a voltage change, wherein when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a voltage dependency function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a voltage dependency function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, wherein when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a voltage dependency function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, wherein when the rate of change of the battery cell voltage exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell. 6 . The CMD of claim 5 , the model comprising one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurement or the calculated rate of change.

7. The CMD of claim 6 , wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation or are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment.

8. A CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to enable the CMD to: obtain one or more characteristic measurement results of characteristics other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, wherein the battery cell has multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurement results obtained using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, wherein the model includes at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

9. The CMD of claim 8, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

10. The CMD of claim 8 or 9, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to repeatedly obtain and evaluate the one or more characteristic measurements.

11. The CMD according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model comprises one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the When a specified characteristic changes, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function is defined for an expected change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function is defined for one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function is defined for a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

12. The CMD of any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell include at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

13. The CMD according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

14. The CMD of any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one property dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more property measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

15. The CMD of claim 14 , wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment.

16. The CMD of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing ripening.

17. The CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the model is stored in a memory of the CMD.

18. The CMD of claim 17, wherein the circuitry is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to update the model.

19. The CMD of claim 18, wherein the circuitry is configured to operate to cause the CMD to update the model based on a state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment while the battery cell is undergoing maturation.

20. The CMD of claim 19, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform operations to cause the CMD to receive one or more measurement results indicating the state of the controlled environment; and to update the model based on the one or more measurement results, wherein the one or more measurement results include at least one of a temperature measurement result or a humidity measurement result.

21. A CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to enable the CMD to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

22. A CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to grade the quality of the battery cell in response to determining that the battery cell has reached a predetermined maturation stage using characteristic measurements of the battery cell, including voltage measurements, the characteristic measurements being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

23. The CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the CMD is configured to be embedded in or attached to the battery cell.

24. The CMD of claim 23, wherein the CMD is configured to be subsequently removed from the battery cell.

25. The CMD of any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the CMD is configured so that when the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment, the CMD is the only electrical load on the battery cell.

26. The CMD of claim 25, wherein the electrical load is at least an order of magnitude lower than an expected discharge of the battery cell.

27. A CMD according to any one of claims 1 to 26, the CMD comprising a memory, wherein the circuit system is configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to store characteristic measurements obtained at the battery cell and resulting calculation results in the memory of the CMD for subsequent retrieval by the CMD or a remote controller, including after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

28. A battery cell monitoring system (CMS) for use with a plurality of battery cells while the plurality of battery cells are undergoing aging in a controlled environment after charging, the system comprising: a plurality of CMDs according to any one of claims 1 to 27, each CMD being configured to be electrically coupled to one of the plurality of battery cells; and A controller is in communication with the plurality of CMDs, wherein each CMD is configured to transmit the corresponding alarm to the controller upon determining that the corresponding battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

29. The CMS of claim 28, wherein the controller is located outside the controlled environment.

30. The CMS according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the controller is configured to initiate, by the at least one CMD, an update of the model of at least one CMD of the plurality of CMDs.

31. The CMS of claim 30 , wherein the controller is configured to initiate an update of the model of the at least one CMD based on characteristic measurement results obtained at the corresponding battery cell by another CMD of the plurality of CMDs while the battery cell is undergoing maturation in the controlled environment until the predetermined maturation stage of the CMD is reached. Including after the CMD reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

32. A method for managing maturation of one or more battery cells, the method comprising: While one of the one or more battery cells is undergoing aging in a controlled environment, after being charged and electrically coupled to the cell monitoring device CMD, repeatedly: The CMD uses a voltage sensor to obtain a voltage measurement result of the battery cell at a certain sampling rate, calculating, by the CMD, a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurements relative to the sampling rate, and evaluating the obtained voltage measurements and the calculated rate of change using a model defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell to determine whether the battery cell has deviated from the manufacturing specification or has reached a predetermined maturation stage at which the battery cell should be removed from the controlled environment, the model comprising one or more voltage-dependent functions, the one or more functions comprising a function for defining a maturation state of the battery cell, in which a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault as it continues to undergo maturation is below a predetermined level, the function used to determine that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage; and When it is determined that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage, a corresponding alarm is generated.

33. The method of claim 32, comprising storing the obtained voltage measurement and the calculated rate of change in a memory of the CMD.

34. The method of claim 32 or 33, wherein the function used to define the state of maturation comprises a range of a second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein determining that the battery has reached the predetermined maturation stage comprises determining that the second derivative of the voltage of the battery cell over time is within the range of the second derivatives defined by a corresponding function and that the battery cell has not deviated from the manufacturing specification.

36. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 35, comprising updating the model at the CMD in response to changes in the predetermined level.

37. The method according to any one of claims 32 to 36, wherein the model comprises at least one of the following: a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the voltage of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a voltage dependence function defining one or more voltage thresholds, wherein when the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the voltage threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell; a voltage dependence function defining a voltage change, wherein when the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the voltage change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell; a voltage dependence function defining an expected change in the rate of change of voltage, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a voltage dependence function defining one or more rate of change thresholds, wherein when the rate of change of the voltage of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a voltage dependence function defining a change in the rate of change of voltage, wherein when the rate of change of the voltage of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists at the battery cell.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the model includes one or more tolerances defined for at least one of the voltage dependency functions used in evaluating the voltage measurements or the calculated rates of change.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one voltage dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment.

40. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 39, the method comprising: obtaining by the CMD one or more characteristic measurement results of characteristics other than voltage of the battery cell using corresponding sensors, the battery cell having multiple characteristics including voltage; and evaluating the obtained one or more characteristic measurement results using the model to determine whether the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the model comprising at least one characteristic dependency function corresponding to the characteristic.

41. The method of claim 40, comprising obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements of a different characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage.

42. A method according to claim 40 or 41, comprising repeatedly obtaining and evaluating the one or more characteristic measurements.

43. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 42, comprising storing the obtained characteristic measurements in a memory of the CMD.

44. The method according to any one of claims 39 to 43, wherein for at least one specified characteristic of the battery cell other than voltage, the model comprises one or more of the following: a characteristic dependency function defining an expected change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell, wherein when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during aging, it indicates that the aging is in accordance with expectations; a characteristic dependency function defining one or more characteristic thresholds, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the characteristic threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function defining a specified characteristic change, wherein when the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the When a specified characteristic changes, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell; a characteristic dependency function is defined for an expected change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the battery cell exhibits the expected change during the aging process, it indicates that the aging meets expectations; a characteristic dependency function is defined for one or more rate of change thresholds of the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exceeds the rate of change threshold, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists; or a characteristic dependency function is defined for a change in the rate of change of the specified characteristic, and when the rate of change of the specified characteristic of the battery cell exhibits the change, it indicates that a manufacturing fault exists in the battery cell.

45. The method of any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the plurality of characteristics of the battery cell include at least one of: temperature, pressure, strain, impedance, or weight.

46. ​​A method according to any one of claims 39 to 45, wherein the model includes a function that defines a relationship between a change in a first characteristic among one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a rate of change of the first characteristic relative to a change in a second characteristic among the one or more characteristics of the battery cell or a change in the rate of change of the second characteristic of the battery cell.

47. A method according to any one of claims 40 to 46, wherein the model comprises one or more tolerances defined for at least one property dependency function used in evaluating the corresponding one or more property measurements or the corresponding rate of change.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the one or more tolerances defined for the at least one characteristic dependency function are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation, or are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment, or are time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing maturation and are adjustable based on a state of the controlled environment.

49. A method according to any one of claims 39 to 48, wherein evaluation of characteristic measurements including voltage is performed by at least one of: the CMD or a remote controller.

50. The method of any one of claims 32 to 49, wherein the model is time-dependent relative to the battery cell undergoing ripening.

51. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 50, comprising updating the model stored in a memory of the CMD.

52. The method of claim 51, comprising updating the model stored in the memory of the CMD as the battery cell is undergoing maturation.

53. A method according to claim 51 or 52, comprising updating the model based on the state of the controlled environment or a change in the state of the controlled environment.

54. The method of claim 53, comprising: receiving one or more measurements indicative of the state of the controlled environment; and updating the model based on the one or more measurements, wherein the one or more measurements comprise at least one of a temperature measurement or a humidity measurement.

55. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 54, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, using characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

56. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 55, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, using the characteristic measurement result of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement result of at least one other battery cell to determine the reason why the battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification, the characteristic measurement result of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

57. The method of claim 55 or 56, wherein a remote controller separately performs the steps of determining the cause of the battery cell's deviation from the manufacturing specification.

58. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 57, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell, including voltage measurement results, to grade the quality of the battery cell, the characteristic measurement results being obtained by the CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

59. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 58, the method comprising: in response to determining that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, grading the quality of the battery cell using the characteristic measurement results of the battery cell and the characteristic measurement results of at least one other battery cell, the characteristic measurement results of the at least one other battery cell being received from at least one corresponding CMD and obtained by the at least one corresponding CMD while the battery cell is undergoing the maturation.

60. The method of claim 58 or 59, wherein a remote controller performs the step of grading the quality of the battery cells.

61. The method of any one of claims 32 to 60, wherein the CMD is configured such that the CMD is the sole electrical load on the battery cell while the battery cell is undergoing aging in the controlled environment.

62. A method according to any one of claims 32 to 61, comprising retrieving, by a remote controller, from a memory of the CMD, after the battery cell reaches the predetermined maturation stage, one or more of the following: characteristic measurement results or related calculation results obtained at the battery cell.

63. The method of any one of claims 32 to 62, comprising charging the battery cell before allowing the battery cell to undergo aging in the controlled environment.

64. The method of any one of claims 32 to 63, comprising removing the battery unit from the controlled environment after the alarm is generated.

65. A method according to claim 64, wherein the battery cell is removed from the controlled environment after each of the one or more battery cells undergoing maturation in the controlled environment generates an alarm indicating that the corresponding battery cell deviates from the manufacturing specification or reaches the predetermined maturation stage.

66. The method of claim 64 or 65, wherein the battery cell is decoupled from the CMD for removal from the controlled environment.

67. The method of claim 66, coupling another battery cell to the CMD so that maturation of the other battery cell is managed by the same CMD.

68. A battery cell monitoring device (CMD) for use with a battery cell after charging while the battery cell is electrically coupled to the CMD and undergoing aging in a controlled environment, the CMD comprising: circuitry configured to perform functions to cause the CMD to: Repeatedly: obtaining voltage measurement results of the battery cell using a voltage sensor at a certain sampling rate, and calculating a rate of change of voltage based on the voltage measurement results relative to the sampling rate, comparing the voltage measurement to a voltage function defined for the battery cell according to a manufacturing specification of the battery cell, comparing the rate of change to a rate of change function defined for the battery cell according to the manufacturing specification, and determining, based on a result of comparing the voltage measurement to the voltage function and comparing the rate of change to the rate of change function, whether the battery cell has reached a predetermined aging stage at which the battery cell should be removed from the controlled environment, the predetermined aging stage defined by the rate of change function corresponding to a probability of the battery cell exhibiting a manufacturing fault as it continues to undergo aging being below a predetermined level; and When it is determined that the battery cell has reached the predetermined maturation stage, a corresponding alarm is generated.

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