Method, device, program, medium, assembly and vehicle for detecting a faulty temperature sensor

Abstract

This invention relates to a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors in a vehicle battery assembly. Each of the multiple temperature sensors is arranged at an associated location. The method includes obtaining multiple data items (DIs), each data item (DI) associated with a temperature sensor of the multiple temperature sensors, wherein each data item (DI) indicates the temperature and location of the associated temperature sensor. The method also includes comparing the data items (DIs) relative to the associated temperature and / or location. Furthermore, the method includes determining one or more abnormal data items (DIs) among the multiple data items (DIs) based on the comparison, and inferring that one or more temperature sensors associated with the one or more abnormal data items (DIs) are faulty. The invention also relates to a data processing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium. Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a battery assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle including the battery assembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors in a vehicle's battery assembly.

[0002] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a data processing apparatus, a computer program, and a computer-readable storage medium for performing the method.

[0003] Furthermore, this disclosure relates to a battery assembly for a vehicle and a vehicle including the battery assembly. Background Technology

[0004] The performance of battery packs used in vehicles (such as their ability to supply a specific amount of power to the vehicle) depends on the temperature of the battery packs. Close temperature monitoring of the battery packs is required in order to properly regulate their temperature.

[0005] In addition, there is a risk of thermal runaway in individual cells or the entire battery pack. Close temperature monitoring of the battery pack is necessary to detect thermal runaway as early as possible.

[0006] Monitoring the tight grid of temperature in a battery assembly requires multiple temperature sensors. However, as the number of temperature sensors increases, the risk of one of them failing also increases.

[0007] In order to reliably monitor the temperature of battery modules, it is necessary to distinguish faulty temperature sensors from thermal events in individual battery cells or the entire battery module. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors in a vehicle battery assembly.

[0009] The subject matter of this disclosure at least partially solves or mitigates the problem, wherein further examples are disclosed.

[0010] According to a first aspect, a method is provided for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among a plurality of temperature sensors in a vehicle's battery assembly. Each of the plurality of temperature sensors is arranged at an associated location. The method includes:

[0011] - Obtain multiple data items, each associated with a temperature sensor among the multiple temperature sensors, and each data item indicating the temperature and location of the associated temperature sensor.

[0012] - Compare data items relative to their associated temperature and / or associated location.

[0013] - Based on the comparison, identify one or more outlier data items among the plurality of data items, and infer that the one or more temperature sensors associated with the one or more outlier data items are faulty, or

[0014] - Based on the comparison, it is determined that there are no abnormal data items.

[0015] Obtaining multiple data items should be understood as receiving or determining multiple data items. Determining a data item from among multiple data items can be accomplished through temperature measurements from associated temperature sensors. The positions of the temperature sensors on and / or within the battery assembly are predefined and therefore known. Therefore, the relative positions between the temperature sensors among the multiple temperature sensors are known. Thus, a data item includes data indicating the temperature measurement of the associated temperature sensor and data indicating the position of the associated temperature sensor. The data indicating the position of the associated temperature sensor can refer to the position of the associated temperature sensor relative to the battery assembly and / or relative to other temperature sensors among the multiple temperature sensors. Receiving data items can be accomplished through wired or wireless connections to the multiple temperature sensors. If the method is performed on a data processing device inside the vehicle, a wired connection to the multiple temperature sensors is foreseeable. If the method is performed on a data processing device outside the vehicle (e.g., on an external cloud server), a wireless connection to the multiple temperature sensors can be used. Data items are compared relative to the temperature indicated by the corresponding data item. Additionally, data items can be compared relative to the associated positions of the temperature sensors from which the temperature measurement of the data item originates. This specifically means that the distance between temperature sensors can be considered when comparing temperature values. For example, the temperatures of temperature sensors within a predefined radius of interest can be compared with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the differences in temperature measurements from different temperature sensors can be weighted based on the distance between the respective temperature sensors. If the comparison produces a temperature difference between one or more data items and other data items that exceeds a predefined threshold, one or more data items can be identified as anomalous. Therefore, one or more temperature sensors associated with one or more data items are indicated as faulty. Those skilled in the art will understand that if the data items among the compared data items originate from different temperature sensors, the data items among the multiple data items can be associated with substantially the same point in time. In this case, it is necessary to compare at least three data items originating from at least three associated temperature sensors. If the data items among the compared data items originate from the same temperature sensor, the data items among the multiple data items can be identified at different points in time. In this case, it is necessary to compare at least two data items originating from the same associated temperature sensor. This method has the effect that faulty temperature sensors can be reliably identified from multiple temperature sensors.

[0016] It should be noted that the temperature sensor from which it obtains data can operate independently of the operating state of the battery pack, or more precisely, independently of the operating state of the battery cells within the battery pack. This means that the temperature sensor can contribute to the data, regardless of whether the battery pack or one or more of its battery cells are used to drive the vehicle.

[0017] In one example, the comparison includes calculating the temperature difference between at least some data items, and the determination includes comparing the calculated temperature difference with a temperature difference threshold. This means comparing the absolute values ​​of at least some data items indicating the temperature of an associated temperature sensor. Therefore, the temperature difference threshold is also an absolute temperature value. The temperature difference threshold can be, for example, 10 °C, 5 °C, or 3 °C. If a data item exceeds the temperature difference threshold relative to at least two other data items, that data item is determined to be an anomalous data item. Therefore, the temperature sensor from which a data item originates is indicated to be faulty. Thus, the temperature difference threshold can also be called the permissible temperature difference threshold, because if the temperature difference threshold is not exceeded, the anomalous data item is not determined and a faulty temperature sensor is not indicated. Comparing a data item with at least two other data items is necessary because if the difference between only two temperature measurements exceeds the temperature difference threshold, it is impossible to determine which temperature measurement constitutes part of the anomalous data item. The comparison needs to include at least three data items from different temperature sensors in order to be able to indicate that one of the temperature sensors is faulty. This can include scenarios where the temperature difference between one data item and two other data items exceeds the temperature difference threshold. In these scenarios, one data item is considered an outlier, and the associated temperature sensor is considered faulty. However, even if the temperature difference between a data item and two other data items exceeds a temperature difference threshold relative to one of the other data items, that data item may still be considered an outlier, and the associated temperature sensor may be considered faulty. In this case, the temperature difference between the first and second data items among the other data items may be below or equal to the temperature difference threshold. This makes the first and second data items considered regular, in other words, considered correct data items, leaving one data item as an outlier. In this case, the correct data item is associated with the actual phenomenon. When the temperature difference between all data items (i.e., one data item and two other data items) exceeds the temperature difference threshold, the data item indicating the maximum or minimum temperature among the three data items can be identified as an outlier. It is also possible to identify the two data items indicating the highest or lowest temperature among the three data items as outliers. It is also possible, in scenarios involving a degree of ambiguity, to consider additional data items from other temperature sensors in order to determine outlier data items. It should be understood that in this example, the data items originate from different temperature sensors. Therefore, calculating the temperature difference between at least some data items has the following effect: it can reliably determine the unreliable deviation of a temperature sensor from at least two other temperature sensors.

[0018] In one example, the temperature difference threshold is based on the location of the data items being compared. This can mean that the temperature difference threshold between data items associated with any two temperature sensors can vary depending on the distance between the locations of the two temperature sensors. In particular, the greater the distance between the locations of the two temperature sensors, the larger the acceptable temperature difference between the associated data items. Therefore, the temperature difference threshold between distant temperature sensors can be greater than the temperature difference threshold between temperature sensors that are closer to each other or even adjacent. The permissible temperature difference threshold can scale linearly with the distance between the two temperature sensors. Linear scaling is understood as the relationship between the distance d between the two temperature sensors and the permissible temperature difference threshold TDT, which is based on the following formula: Where m is a positive scaling factor and t is a non-negative deviation value, in other words, positive or zero. However, it is also conceivable that the permissible temperature difference threshold scales non-linearly with the distance between the two temperature sensors. The permissible temperature difference threshold can be related to the distance between the two temperature sensors in a logarithmic or logarithmic manner, in a square root or other root-like manner, or in any other way that shows the permissible temperature difference threshold saturates with increasing distance between the two temperature sensors. Considering the location of the data item, i.e., the distance between the relevant temperature sensors for the relevant data item, has the effect that increasingly limited thermal conduction over larger distances between temperature sensors is taken into account when a temperature sensor malfunction is inferred. A temperature difference threshold based on the location of the compared data item may also mean that the temperature difference threshold varies depending on the location of the relevant temperature sensor relative to the edge of the battery assembly. If comparing the temperature of a temperature sensor associated with a battery cell located in the middle of the battery assembly or the temperature of a temperature sensor associated with a battery cell not located in the middle of the battery assembly, the applicable temperature difference threshold may be smaller than the applicable temperature difference threshold when comparing the temperature of a temperature sensor associated with a battery cell located in the middle of the battery assembly with the temperature of a temperature sensor associated with a battery cell not located in the middle of the battery assembly. This explains the increased thermal impact on the edge regions of the battery pack due to the typically cooler environment compared to the middle section. In summary, by taking into account the location of the data items being compared, the number of false positives due to temperature sensor malfunctions is reduced.

[0019] In one example, the comparison includes calculating the temperature gradient between at least some data items, and the determination includes comparing the calculated temperature gradient with a temperature gradient threshold. This means that the temperature difference between at least some data items is referred to as another measured variable different from temperature. If a data item exceeds the temperature gradient threshold relative to at least two other data items, that data item is determined to be an outlier. Therefore, the temperature sensor from which a data item originates is considered faulty. Thus, the temperature gradient threshold can also be referred to as the permissible temperature gradient threshold, because if the temperature gradient threshold is not exceeded, an outlier data item is not identified and a faulty temperature sensor is not indicated. Comparing a data item with at least two other data items is necessary because if only two temperature sensor data items exceed the temperature gradient threshold, it is impossible to determine which temperature measurement constitutes part of the outlier data item. The comparison needs to include at least three data items from different temperature sensors in order to be able to indicate that one of the temperature sensors is faulty. This can include scenarios where the temperature gradient between one data item and two other data items exceeds the temperature gradient threshold. In these scenarios, one data item is considered an outlier, and the associated temperature sensor is considered faulty. However, if the temperature gradient between one data item and two other data items exceeds only a temperature gradient threshold relative to one of the other data items, that data item may still be considered an anomalous data item, and the associated temperature sensor may still be considered faulty. In this case, the temperature gradient between the first and second data items among the other data items may be below or equal to the temperature gradient threshold. This makes the first and second data items considered regular, in other words, correct data items, leaving one data item considered an outlier. In this case, the correct data item is associated with the actual phenomenon. If the temperature gradient between all data items (i.e., one data item and two other data items) exceeds the temperature gradient threshold, the data item indicating the maximum or minimum temperature among the three data items can be identified as an outlier. It is also possible that the two data items indicating the maximum and minimum temperatures of the three data items, respectively, are identified as outliers. It is also possible that, in such scenarios involving a degree of ambiguity, additional data items from other temperature sensors are considered in order to determine outlier data items. Comparing data items with respect to temperature gradients is a reliable way to improve the detection of faulty temperature sensors from multiple temperature sensors.

[0020] In one example, the temperature gradient is either a temperature gradient over time or a temperature gradient at location. A temperature gradient over time is based on the temperature difference between data items originating from the same temperature sensor but at different points in time. The temperature gradient over time can be determined by comparing the temperature difference between data items from the same temperature sensor with the time difference between the points in time that determined the data items. If the temperature gradient is a temperature gradient over time, the temperature gradient threshold compared to it is also a temperature gradient threshold over time. Therefore, the temperature gradient threshold over time is the allowable temperature difference relative to a unit of time. This has the effect that unreliable rapid changes in the temperature of a given temperature sensor can be reliably identified as outlier data items, and the associated temperature sensor can be indicated as faulty. The temperature gradient threshold over time can be, for example, 10 °C per minute or second, 5 °C per minute or second, or 3 °C per minute or second. A temperature gradient at location is based on the temperature difference between data items originating from different temperature sensors that are some distance apart. The temperature gradient at location is determined by comparing the temperature difference between data items from different temperature sensors with the distance between them. If the temperature gradient is a temperature gradient at a location, then the temperature gradient threshold compared to this temperature gradient is also a temperature gradient threshold at the location. Therefore, the temperature gradient threshold at a location is the allowable temperature difference relative to a unit distance. This has the effect of taking into account thermal conduction within the battery assembly. If there is an actual temperature change (increase or decrease) at a particular temperature sensor, it is expected that a temperature change (increase or decrease) in the same direction will also be reflected in the data items from adjacent temperature sensors due to thermal conduction. If there is a strong change in temperature from a particular temperature sensor that is not reflected in the data items from adjacent temperature sensors, then the data item from that particular temperature sensor can be considered unreliable and therefore an outlier. The particular temperature sensor can be indicated as faulty. The temperature gradient threshold at a location can be, for example, 10°C per centimeter, 5°C per centimeter, or 3°C per centimeter.

[0021] In one example, the temperature gradient threshold is based on the location of the data items being compared. This means that the permissible temperature gradient threshold between any two data items can differ relative to the location of one or more associated temperature sensors. If the temperature gradient threshold is a time-varying threshold, then the time-varying temperature gradient threshold can be smaller near the edges of the battery module. This has the effect of taking into account the higher thermal interaction between the battery module and the environment at its edges. Compared to the battery module, the environment is expected to experience slower temperature changes. Therefore, temperature sensors located near the edges of the battery module are also expected to produce data items indicating slower temperature changes than temperature sensors located far from the edges of the battery module (i.e., near the center of the battery module). Near the edge of the battery module can be defined as a distance of 20 cm, 10 cm, or 5 cm from the edge of the battery module. If the associated temperature sensors are located near multiple edges of the battery module, the permissible temperature gradient threshold between any two data items over time may be even smaller. If the temperature gradient threshold is a location-based temperature gradient threshold, then if the data being compared originates from temperature sensors located near different numbers of edges of the battery module—that is, one temperature sensor near the center of the battery module and one near an edge, or one near one edge and one near both edges—then the temperature gradient threshold at that location may be higher. This has the effect that the naturally cooler edge regions of the battery module are taken into account because the level of thermal interaction with the cooler environment is increased compared to the area near the center of the battery module.

[0022] In one example, the temperature gradient threshold is based on the algebraic sign of the temperature gradient. In other words, consider whether the temperature gradient between the first and second data items is positive (i.e., the temperature indicated by the first data item is less than the temperature indicated by the second data item) or negative (i.e., the temperature indicated by the first data item is higher than the temperature indicated by the second data item). If the temperature gradient threshold is a temperature gradient threshold over time, the first data item can be determined before the second data item. Thus, a positive temperature gradient indicates heating of the associated temperature sensor. Conversely, a negative temperature gradient indicates cooling of the associated temperature sensor. If the associated temperature sensor is heating up, a higher temperature gradient threshold over time may be acceptable compared to when the associated temperature sensor is cooling down. This is because rapid heating of the vehicle's battery pack may occur naturally due to dynamic driving maneuvers, such as rapid acceleration of the vehicle or strong recovery when descending a steep slope, and the associated large currents draining from or feeding into the battery pack. If the temperature gradient threshold is a temperature gradient threshold at location, the first data item can be associated with a first temperature sensor located near the edge of the battery pack, while the second data item can be associated with a second temperature sensor not located near the edge of the battery pack, or at least not as close to the edge as the first temperature sensor. If the temperature gradient at a location is positive, a higher temperature gradient threshold can be accepted than when the temperature gradient is negative. This is because, due to the increased thermal interaction with the cooler environment at the edges of the battery module, areas of the battery module located less near the edges (e.g., near the center) are naturally expected to be hotter than, or at least as hot as, areas located at the edges. Therefore, a temperature gradient threshold based on the algebraic sign of the temperature gradient enhances the reliability of identifying anomalous data items and faulty temperature sensors.

[0023] In the explanations regarding calculating the temperature difference between at least some data items and the explanations regarding calculating the temperature gradient, it has been outlined that at least three data items need to be considered in order to identify one or more anomalous data items and infer that one or more related temperature sensors are faulty. It should be understood that a data item can be compared with at least two other data items in terms of temperature difference and temperature gradient. This might involve scenarios where a data item is compared with the first of at least two other data items in terms of temperature difference and temperature gradient, and then compared with the second of at least two other data items in terms of temperature difference and temperature gradient. Alternatively, this might involve scenarios where a data item is compared with the first of at least two other data items in terms of temperature difference, and then compared with the second of at least two other data items in terms of temperature gradient.

[0024] In one example, the comparison includes providing a temperature topology based on multiple data items, and the determination includes determining topology characteristics and comparing the determined topology characteristics with characteristic thresholds. The temperature topology can be based on statistical parameters, such as the geometric mean, median, or other weighted average of the temperatures of data items from temperature sensors within a predefined radius of interest. This should be understood as assigning statistical parameter values ​​from data items of temperature sensors within a predefined radius of interest around a specific location on / inside the battery assembly to locations on the temperature topology corresponding to that specific location. In other words, the temperature topology can be obtained by applying a sliding window over a matrix of data items, where the data items are arranged in a way that corresponds to the locations of associated temperature sensors on / inside the battery assembly. Within the data items in the sliding window, statistical operations are performed to produce the desired statistical parameters for the data items. Topology characteristics can involve the deviation of an individual data item from the temperature topology at its location. The deviation can be expressed in absolute terms, i.e., as an absolute temperature difference, or as a multiple or fraction of a statistical measurement indicating the dispersion of the temperature of the data items within the sliding window. Statistical measurements can include the variance or standard deviation of data items within a sliding window, or the span between the maximum and minimum temperatures of data items within the sliding window. A characteristic threshold, also known as an allowable characteristic threshold, is used because outlier data items are not considered and do not indicate a faulty temperature sensor if the characteristic threshold is not exceeded. This has the effect that the temperature indicated by a particular data item can be evaluated in the context of the temperature indicated by data items near that item. Therefore, it helps in identifying outlier data items and faulty temperature sensors.

[0025] In one example, the first aspect of the method applies at least two of the following comparison criteria in the step of comparing data items related to associated temperature and / or associated location: a temperature difference threshold, a temperature gradient threshold, and a feature threshold for topological features. If one of the at least two applied comparison criteria indicates a faulty temperature sensor, one or more anomalous data items can be identified from the multiple data items, and it can be inferred that one or more temperature sensors associated with the one or more anomalous data items are faulty. This reduces the false negative inference rate of a faulty temperature sensor. In other words, this reduces the number of times a actually faulty temperature sensor is inferred as normal. Alternatively, if at least two of the applied comparison criteria indicate a faulty temperature sensor, one or more anomalous data items can be identified from the multiple data items, and it can be inferred that one or more temperature sensors associated with the one or more anomalous data items are faulty. This reduces the false positive inference rate of a faulty temperature sensor. In other words, this reduces the number of times a actually normal temperature sensor is inferred as faulty.

[0026] In one example, each temperature sensor has a one-to-one relationship with an associated battery cell of the battery assembly. A battery cell should be understood as an independent energy storage sub-unit of the battery assembly. Typically, a battery assembly comprises multiple battery cells. Therefore, each temperature sensor in a one-to-one relationship with an associated battery cell ensures that the battery cell is monitored by exactly one temperature sensor. This has the effect that there is no physical redundancy in the sense of multiple temperature sensors required for each battery cell. Therefore, instead of inferring a fault at a specific temperature by comparing it with other temperature sensors associated with the same battery cell as that temperature sensor, the inference is based on the method described above. This reduces the total number of sensors required to monitor the battery assembly without affecting the fault detection of the temperature sensors. Assuming a given failure rate for the temperature sensors, the system reliability of the battery assembly is increased by using fewer temperature sensors, i.e., no more than one temperature sensor per battery cell.

[0027] In one example, all the battery cells in the battery assembly can be monitored by exactly one temperature sensor. This allows for very close temperature monitoring of the battery assembly.

[0028] In one example, the temperature difference threshold, temperature gradient threshold, and / or characteristic threshold are based on the usage history of at least one battery cell associated with a temperature sensor whose data items are included in the comparison of data items. This means that the temperature difference threshold, temperature gradient threshold, and / or characteristic threshold are functions of the usage history. The usage history indicates the degree of usage of at least one battery cell associated with the temperature sensor whose data items are included in the comparison prior to performing the data item comparison step. The degree to which a battery cell has been used can also be referred to as a usage factor. The usage factor can be a logical value indicating whether at least one battery cell has been used within a predefined time frame prior to the data item comparison step, i.e., whether current has been drawn from or fed into at least one battery cell within the predefined time frame. Furthermore, the usage factor can be a real number indicating the amount of current drawn from or fed into at least one battery cell within the predefined time frame. The underlying principle behind this example is that a battery pack management system may not use all battery cells of the battery pack equally. This can be applied generally and specifically when considering a particular moment. Instead, the battery pack management system may choose to charge and / or discharge certain battery cells of the battery pack with a higher current than other battery cells in the battery pack. Some other battery cells may not be used for a certain period of time. The management system can employ a strategy to equalize the charging levels of the individual battery cells within the battery pack. The older and more worn the battery pack, the more important it may be to even out the charging levels of the individual battery cells. Due to drift and / or differences in the aging levels of individual battery cells, even if all cells are fully charged, the individual cells may not contain equal amounts of usable electrical energy. If a particular battery cell is charged and / or discharged at a higher current than another battery cell, that particular battery cell will naturally heat up more than the other battery cell. Usage history can be determined based on current data indicating the current drawn from and / or fed to the individual battery cells of the battery pack. The battery pack management system may include current sensors for determining said current data. In summary, considering the usage history of at least one battery cell when comparing relevant data items can reduce the false positive inference rate of temperature errors due to intervention by the battery pack management system.

[0029] In one example, an allowable temperature difference threshold can be increased if the usage history of at least one battery cell associated with a temperature sensor whose data items are included in the comparison differs from a reference usage history. The reference usage history may include the expected usage history of at least one battery cell based on driving cycles completed over a predefined time period. Alternatively, the reference usage history may include the usage history of another battery cell in the battery assembly, whose data items are being compared with the data items of at least one battery cell. Furthermore, alternatively, the reference usage history may include the average usage history of all battery cells in the battery assembly. Increasing the allowable temperature difference threshold in cases where the usage history of at least one battery cell included in the comparison deviates takes into account the natural differences in battery cell temperature due to varying degrees of use within a predefined time span prior to the comparison. This enhances the reliability of the method for detecting faulty temperature sensors.

[0030] In one example, an allowable temperature gradient threshold can be increased if the usage history of at least one battery cell associated with a temperature sensor whose data items are included in the comparison differs from a reference usage history. The reference usage history may include the expected usage history of at least one battery cell based on driving cycles completed over a predefined time period. Alternatively, the reference usage history may include the usage history of another battery cell in the battery assembly, whose data items are being compared with the data items of at least one battery cell. Furthermore, alternatively, the reference usage history may include the average usage history of all battery cells in the battery assembly. Increasing the allowable temperature gradient threshold in cases where the usage history of at least one battery cell included in the comparison deviates takes into account the natural differences in battery cell temperature due to varying degrees of use within a predefined time span prior to the comparison. This enhances the reliability of the method for detecting faulty temperature sensors.

[0031] In one example, an allowable characteristic threshold can be increased if the usage history of at least one battery cell associated with a temperature sensor whose data item is included in the comparison differs from a reference usage history. The reference usage history may include the expected usage history of at least one battery cell based on driving cycles completed over a predefined time period. Alternatively, the reference usage history may include the usage history of another battery cell in the battery assembly, whose data item is being compared with the data item of at least one battery cell. Furthermore, alternatively, the reference usage history may include the average usage history of all battery cells in the battery assembly. Increasing the allowable characteristic threshold in cases where the usage history of at least one battery cell included in the comparison deviates takes into account the natural differences in battery cell temperature due to varying degrees of use within a predefined time span prior to the comparison. This enhances the reliability of the method for detecting faulty temperature sensors.

[0032] In one example, the method may include purposefully heating one or more battery cells of the battery pack. Heating may be performed by a dedicated heating system integrated into the battery pack. Alternatively, heating may be performed by discharging the last battery cell of the battery pack and using electrical energy extracted from at least one battery cell to charge at least one other battery cell of the battery pack. If, during purposeful heating, a data item from a temperature sensor associated with one or more battery cells to be purposefully heated does not reflect a temperature increase exceeding the temperature prior to purposeful heating—that is, if the corresponding temperature sensor is stuck—the data item is identified as an outlier, and the corresponding temperature sensor is inferred to be faulty. The heating operation outlined can be programmed by the battery pack's management system. This has the effect that a faulty temperature sensor can be detected even if the vehicle is currently not in use, i.e., if the vehicle is not driven or if its battery pack is not being charged. Notably, one or more battery cells of the battery pack can also be purposefully heated independently of the method according to the first aspect, i.e., independently of the method used to detect a faulty temperature sensor. This means that the battery cells of the battery pack can also be purposefully heated by a dedicated heating system integrated into the battery pack and / or the last battery cell of the battery pack can be discharged and at least one other battery cell of the battery pack can be charged using electrical energy extracted from at least one battery cell.

[0033] In one example, the method may include purposefully cooling one or more battery cells of the battery pack. Cooling can be performed via a dedicated cooling system integrated into the battery pack. Alternatively, cooling can be performed by waiting for a predefined period of time after purposefully heating one or more battery cells of the battery pack. If, during the purposeful cooling period, a data item from a temperature sensor associated with one or more purposefully cooled battery cells does not reflect a temperature decrease relative to the temperature prior to purposeful cooling—that is, if the corresponding temperature sensor is stuck—the data item is identified as an outlier, and the corresponding temperature sensor is inferred to be faulty. The outlined cooling operation can be orchestrated by the battery pack's management system. This has the effect that a faulty temperature sensor can be detected even if the vehicle is currently not in use, i.e., if the vehicle is not driven or if its battery pack is not being charged.

[0034] In one example, the method may further include performing an electrical short-circuit check and / or electromagnetic interference check on at least one temperature sensor. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include performing a plausibility check on the voltage supplied by at least one temperature sensor relative to the power supply voltage supplied to at least one temperature sensor. Further, additionally or additionally, the method may include performing a plausibility check on the temperature indicated by data items from at least one temperature sensor. The plausibility check may include comparing the temperature indicated by data items from at least one temperature sensor with the absolute measurement boundaries of the temperature sensor or a plausible expected temperature exposed to at least one temperature sensor. This further improves the reliability of the method for detecting faulty temperature sensors.

[0035] In one example, the method also includes ignoring data items generated by the fault temperature sensor. If the data items are correct—that is, relevant to actual phenomena—the data items generated by the fault temperature sensor may have values ​​that require countermeasures to prevent further damage to the battery pack or vehicle. Such countermeasures could include targeted heating or cooling of specific areas within the battery pack, throttling the maximum current flowing out of or into the battery pack, or releasing fire extinguishing or at least flame-retardant materials onto / into the battery pack. By ignoring the data items generated by the fault temperature sensor, unnecessary triggering of countermeasures to prevent further damage to the battery pack or vehicle can be avoided.

[0036] This method can be implemented at least partially by a computer, and can be implemented in software, hardware, or both. Furthermore, the method can be executed by computer program instructions running on a component providing data processing functionality. The data processing component can be a suitable computing component, such as an electronic control module, or it can be a distributed computer system. The data processing component or the computer can each include one or more of a processor, memory, data interface, etc.

[0037] According to a second aspect, a data processing apparatus is provided, comprising components for performing the method of the first aspect. Such a data processing apparatus allows for the reliable identification of a faulty temperature sensor from among multiple temperature sensors in a battery assembly for a vehicle.

[0038] According to a third aspect, a computer program including instructions is provided, which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect. Such a data computer program can reliably identify a faulty temperature sensor from among multiple temperature sensors in a battery assembly for a vehicle.

[0039] According to a fourth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method of the first aspect. Providing such a computer-readable storage medium allows for the reliable identification of faulty temperature sensors from among multiple temperature sensors in a battery assembly for a vehicle.

[0040] According to a fifth aspect, a battery assembly for a vehicle is provided. The battery assembly includes:

[0041] - Multiple battery cells,

[0042] - Multiple temperature sensors, wherein each temperature sensor is associated with at least some of the multiple battery cells, and

[0043] - According to the data processing apparatus of the second aspect, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors are communicatively connected to the data processing apparatus.

[0044] A battery cell is understood as an independent energy storage sub-unit within a battery assembly. The association of a temperature sensor with one of the multiple battery cells means that the corresponding temperature sensor determines the temperature of one of the multiple battery cells. Due to the fact that multiple temperature sensors are communicatively connected to a data processing device, the data processing device can receive data items indicating the temperature of the battery cells. Receiving data items can be accomplished via wired or wireless connections to the multiple temperature sensors. If the data processing device is inside the vehicle, a wired connection to the multiple temperature sensors is foreseeable. If the data processing device is outside the vehicle, such as an external cloud server, a wireless connection to the multiple temperature sensors can be used. Providing such a battery assembly has the effect of reliably identifying a faulty temperature sensor among the multiple temperature sensors in the battery assembly.

[0045] According to a sixth aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes the battery assembly of the fifth aspect. Providing such a vehicle has the effect of reliably identifying a faulty temperature sensor among a plurality of temperature sensors in the vehicle's battery assembly.

[0046] It should be noted that the above examples can be combined with each other, regardless of the aspects involved.

[0047] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the examples described below and will be illustrated with reference to the examples described below. Attached Figure Description

[0048] Examples of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the following figures.

[0049] Figure 1 A vehicle according to the present disclosure is shown, which includes a battery assembly according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 2 It was shown as Figure 1 A portion of the battery assembly consists of multiple battery cells and multiple temperature sensors.

[0051] Figure 3 It shows the arrangement in Figure 2 A graph showing five temperature measurements obtained from five different temperature sensors at five different locations within multiple battery cells.

[0052] Figure 4 It shows the arrangement in Figure 2 Two examples of temperature measurements over time obtained by a single temperature sensor on one of multiple battery cells.

[0053] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 The temperature topology of the battery cell, and

[0054] Figure 6 The steps of a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors in a vehicle's battery assembly are shown. Detailed Implementation

[0055] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative and are intended to illustrate examples of this disclosure only. Identical or equivalent elements are generally referred to by the same reference numerals.

[0056] Figure 1 Vehicle 10 is shown.

[0057] Vehicle 10 includes battery assembly 12, which is used as a traction battery in this example.

[0058] from Figure 2 As can be seen, the battery assembly 12 includes multiple battery cells 14. It should be noted that the number of battery cells 14 and their arrangement... Figure 2 This is merely illustrative.

[0059] In addition, the battery assembly 12 includes multiple temperature sensors 16.

[0060] Each temperature sensor 16 is associated with one battery cell 14 of the battery assembly 12. In other words, each temperature sensor 16 has a one-to-one relationship with its associated battery cell 14 in the battery assembly 12. Therefore, there are as many temperature sensors 16 as there are battery cells 14 in the battery assembly 12.

[0061] Each battery cell 14 of the battery assembly 12 is monitored by a temperature sensor 16.

[0062] The battery assembly 12 also includes a data processing device 18. In this example, the data processing device 18 is located inside the vehicle 10. In other words, the data processing device 18 is inside the vehicle 10.

[0063] The data processing unit 18 is communicatively connected to each of the plurality of temperature sensors 16 via a wired connection. Therefore, the data processing unit 18 can receive data items indicating the temperature and position of each temperature sensor 16 on / in the battery assembly 12. Since the position of the temperature sensors 16 does not change during use of the vehicle 10, the position of each temperature sensor 16 indicated by the data items can be pre-programmed or stored on the data storage unit 20, as will be explained below.

[0064] The data processing device 18 includes a data storage unit 20 and a data processing unit 22.

[0065] The data storage unit 20 includes a computer-readable storage medium 24.

[0066] A computer program 25 is provided on a computer-readable storage medium 24.

[0067] The computer program 25 and the computer-readable storage medium 24 include instructions that, when executed by the data processing unit 22 or more generally the computer, cause the computer or data processing unit 22 to perform a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor 16 among a plurality of temperature sensors 16 in the battery assembly 12 of the vehicle 10.

[0068] Therefore, the data storage unit 20 and the data processing unit 22 form a component 26 for performing a method of detecting a faulty temperature sensor 16 among the multiple temperature sensors 16 in the battery assembly 12 of the vehicle 10.

[0069] exist Figure 6 The figure shows the steps of a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor 16 among multiple temperature sensors 16 in a battery pack 12 of a vehicle 10.

[0070] In step S1 of the method, a plurality of data items DI are obtained. The plurality of data items DI are determined at least in part by a plurality of temperature sensors 16. Each data item DI indicates the temperature and location of the associated temperature sensor 16, in other words, indicates the temperature and location of the temperature sensor 16 from which the corresponding data item DI originates.

[0071] In this example, since each battery cell 14 of the battery assembly 12 includes a dedicated temperature sensor 16, the data processing device 18 obtains data item DI indicating the temperature and position of each battery cell 14 of the battery assembly 12.

[0072] In step S2 of the method, the obtained data items DI are compared with the temperature and position on / in the battery assembly 12 that they indicate.

[0073] The comparison will be explained using three use cases of a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor 16 among multiple temperature sensors 16 in the battery assembly 12 of vehicle 10. These three use cases involve... Figure 2 The multiple battery cells 14 shown comprise eighteen battery cells 14 arranged in three columns and six rows. This will be studied in any use case and related to... Figure 2 The diagram shows the temperature sensors 16 corresponding to the battery cells 14 in the middle column and fourth row of the top-counted battery cells 14. This is to determine whether the temperature sensor 16 is faulty. The corresponding temperature sensors 16 will be referred to below as first temperature sensors 16, 28, and... Figure 2 The middle part is indicated by a thick line.

[0074] The first use case of this method is in Figure 3 As shown in the image.

[0075] exist Figure 3 In the figure, the temperatures of the five different temperature sensors 16 are plotted relative to their positions on the battery assembly with respect to the positions of the first temperature sensors 16, 28.

[0076] The temperature data point TDP1 indicated in the upper right corner of the figure corresponds to the first temperature sensors 16 and 28.

[0077] The two vertically aligned temperature data points TDP2 and TDP3 in the middle part of the figure correspond to the second temperature sensor 16, 30 and the third temperature sensor 16, 32. Temperature data point TDP2 of the second temperature sensor 16, 30 is the top temperature data point TDP2, and temperature data point TDP3 of the third temperature sensor 16, 32 is... Figure 3 The two temperature data points TDP2 and TDP3 in the middle part of the graph are the bottom temperature data point TDP3.

[0078] The second temperature sensors 16 and 30 and the third temperature sensors 16 and 32 are all located in Figure 2 The first temperature sensors 16 and 28 are located near each other. The second temperature sensors 16 and 30 are arranged in the middle column of the three columns, but when viewed from... Figure 2 The diagram shown is arranged in the fifth row, starting from the top. The third temperature sensors 16 and 32 are arranged in the left column of the third column, and when counting from... Figure 2 The top of the diagram shown is arranged in the fourth row when counting.

[0079] The two vertically aligned temperature data points TDP4 and TDP5 on the left side of the figure correspond to the fourth temperature sensor 16, 34 and the fifth temperature sensor 16, 36. Temperature data point TDP4 for the fourth temperature sensor 16, 34 is the top temperature data point TDP4, and temperature data point TDP5 for the fifth temperature sensor 16, 36 is... Figure 3 The bottom temperature data point is TDP5, one of the two temperature data points on the left side of the graph, TDP4 and TDP5.

[0080] The fourth temperature sensors 16 and 34 are not adjacent to the first temperature sensors 16 and 28. Instead, the fourth temperature sensors 16 and 34 are arranged in the middle column of the three columns, and when viewed from... Figure 2 The top of the diagram shown is arranged in the second row when counting.

[0081] Furthermore, the fifth temperature sensors 16 and 36 are not adjacent to the first temperature sensors 16 and 28. Instead, the fifth temperature sensors 16 and 36 are arranged in the left column of the three columns, and when viewed from... Figure 2 The top of the diagram shown is arranged in the second row when counting.

[0082] Therefore, the third temperature sensors 16, 32 and the fifth temperature sensors 16, 36 are arranged at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12. In contrast, the first temperature sensors 16, 28, the second temperature sensors 16, 30 and the fourth temperature sensors 16, 34 are not arranged at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12.

[0083] The temperature difference TD between the temperature provided by the first temperature sensor 16, 28 and the temperature provided by the second temperature sensor 16, 30 1-2 By double arrow TD 1-2 instruct.

[0084] It can be observed that the temperature difference TD 1-2 greater than the temperature difference threshold TDT M-M If both temperature sensors 16 being compared are located in the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12 rather than at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12, then the temperature difference threshold TDT is applied. M-M .

[0085] The temperature difference TD between the temperature provided by the first temperature sensor 16, 28 and the temperature provided by the third temperature sensor 16, 32 1-3 By double arrow TD 1-3 instruct.

[0086] It can be observed that the temperature difference TD 1-3 greater than the temperature difference threshold TDT M-E If one of the temperature sensors 16 being compared is located in the middle portion 40 but not at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12, and the other of the temperature sensors 16 being compared is located at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12, then the threshold is applied.

[0087] Temperature Difference Threshold (TDT) M-E greater than the temperature difference threshold TDT M-M This takes into account that the temperature difference TD within the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12 is typically smaller than the temperature difference TD between the middle portion 40 and the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12. Therefore, the applied temperature difference threshold TDT depends on the location of the temperature sensor 16 in / on the battery assembly 12 from which the temperatures to be compared originate.

[0088] Due to temperature difference TD 1-2 and temperature difference TD 1-3 All of them exceed their respective temperature difference thresholds TDT, so the data item DI associated with the first temperature sensors 16, 28 can be identified as abnormal data item DI. Therefore, in a variant of the method for detecting faulty temperature sensors 16 among the multiple temperature sensors 16 in the battery assembly 12 of the vehicle 10, the first temperature sensors 16, 28 can already be inferred to be faulty temperature sensors 16.

[0089] However, in Figure 3 In the current use case, an option of the method will be explained, which additionally considers the temperature gradient TG between the compared temperature and the corresponding temperature gradient threshold TGT. According to this other variation, which will be explained further below, if the temperature of the corresponding data item DI exceeds both the applicable temperature difference threshold TDT and the applicable temperature gradient threshold TGT, then the data item DI is only identified as an outlier data item DI, and the associated temperature sensor 16 is only inferred to be faulty.

[0090] The temperature gradient TG between the temperatures provided by the first temperature sensors 16, 28 and the fourth temperature sensors 16, 34 L1-4 From gradient triangle TG L1-4 Instructions. Due to Figure 3 The x-axis of the schematic diagram refers to the position of the temperature sensor 16 on the battery assembly 12, therefore the temperature gradient TG L1-4 It is the temperature gradient TG that varies with location.

[0091] It can be observed that the temperature gradient TG L1-4 Less than the temperature gradient threshold TGT at the location LM-M If both temperature sensors 16 being compared are located in the middle portion 40 rather than at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12, then the temperature gradient threshold TGT is applied. LM-M .

[0092] Nevertheless, it can be observed that the temperature gradient TG L1-5 Less than position TGT LM-E A temperature gradient threshold is applied if one of the compared temperature sensors 16 is located in the middle portion 40 but not at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12, and the other compared temperature sensor 16 is located at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12.

[0093] It should be noted that the location is TGT. LM-M The temperature gradient threshold on the location is less than the TGT. LM-E The temperature gradient threshold is calculated based on the location of the temperature sensor 16 being compared. This explains the increased heat outflow from the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12 to its environment compared to the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12. Therefore, the temperature gradient threshold TGT varies depending on the location of the temperature sensor 16 being compared.

[0094] Although the absolute differences between the temperatures of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 and the temperatures of the second temperature sensors 16 and 30 and the third temperature sensors 16 and 32, respectively, exceed the applicable temperature difference threshold TDT, the temperature gradient TGT at position between the temperatures and positions of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 and the temperatures and positions of the fourth temperature sensors 16 and 34 and the fifth temperature sensors 16 and 36, respectively, is still within acceptable limits. L The temperature gradient threshold (TGT) shall not exceed the applicable temperature gradient threshold.

[0095] Therefore, according to this variation of the method, the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is inferred to indicate the actual temperature rise of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28. Consequently, the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is not identified as an outlier data item DI, and the associated first temperature sensors 16 and 28 are not identified as faulty temperature sensors 16. Instead, the associated first temperature sensors 16 and 28 are identified as normally functioning temperature sensors 16.

[0096] Therefore, countermeasures such as limiting the permissible current drawn from or fed into the battery assembly 12 can be introduced. Additionally or alternatively, measures such as... Figure 2 The target cooling of battery cell 12 is shown in the middle column and fourth row, starting from the top of the diagram.

[0097] Note that even though both the temperature difference threshold and the temperature gradient threshold have been considered in the above use case, in other examples, only one or more temperature difference thresholds or only one or more temperature gradient thresholds may be considered.

[0098] The second use case of this method is in Figure 4 As shown in the image. The following will only explain the relationship with... Figure 3 The difference in the first use case.

[0099] exist Figure 4 The figure shows two examples of temperature detection or measurement by a specific temperature sensor 16 over time. A specific temperature sensor 16 is... Figure 2 The first temperature sensors 16 and 28 of the multiple battery cells 14.

[0100] A first example of the temperature change over time from the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is provided by Figure 4 The dotted line indicator.

[0101] The dotted line shows that the temperature of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 gradually increases over time. The highest temperature gradient TG is reached at the end of the plotted temperature increase. This can be seen from the dashed line, which is drawn tangent to the dotted line representing the end of the plotted temperature increase.

[0102] The inclination of the tangent is determined by the gradient triangle TG. T-1 In the first example, the gradient triangle TG... T-1 This represents the temperature gradient over time.

[0103] It can be observed that the temperature gradient TG over time at the end of the plotted temperature increase is... T-1 Less than the temperature gradient threshold TGT over time T , its in Figure 4 The gradient triangle TGT is in the middle T express.

[0104] Therefore, for Figure 4 In the first example of the second use case shown, it is inferred that the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16, 28 indicates an actual temperature increase of the first temperature sensors 16, 28 over time. Therefore, the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16, 28 is not identified as an outlier data item DI, and the associated first temperature sensors 16, 28 are not identified as faulty temperature sensors 16. Instead, the associated first temperature sensors 16, 28 are identified as normally functioning temperature sensors 16.

[0105] A second example of the temperature change over time from the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is provided by... Figure 4 The solid line indicates this.

[0106] As can be observed from the solid line, the temperatures of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 rise rapidly within a short period of time.

[0107] The slope of the temperature increase is plotted using the gradient triangle TG. T-2 This indicates that, in the second example, it represents the temperature gradient over time.

[0108] It can be observed that the temperature gradient TG over time T-2 Temperature gradient greater than the time threshold TGT T , its in Figure 4 The gradient triangle TGT is in the middle T instruct.

[0109] Therefore, for Figure 4 In a second example of the second use case shown, it is inferred that the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 indicates that the actual temperature of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 has not increased over time. Therefore, the data item DI of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is determined to be an abnormal data item DI, and the associated first temperature sensors 16 and 28 are determined to be faulty temperature sensor 16 (step S3 of the method).

[0110] In the next step S4, data item DI from the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is ignored. Therefore, no countermeasure as explained in the first use case of the method above is introduced.

[0111] The third use case of this method is in Figure 5 As shown in the image. The following will only explain the relationship with... Figure 3 The first use case and Figure 4 The difference in the second use case.

[0112] exist Figure 5 The figure shows the three-dimensional temperature topology TT on the surface region 42 of the battery assembly 12.

[0113] The three-dimensional temperature topology TT spans the support points, where each temperature sensor 16 of the battery assembly 12 is provided with a support point.

[0114] The support point is determined based on the geometric mean of the temperature of the corresponding temperature sensor 16 at the support point and the temperature of the temperature sensor 16 adjacent to the corresponding temperature sensor 16. (See reference...) Figure 2The multiple battery cells 14 shown, the term "adjacent" should be understood to mean that the temperature sensor 16 associated with a battery cell 14 is directly adjacent to the corresponding battery cell 14 in the horizontal, vertical, and two diagonal directions. Therefore, if the corresponding temperature sensor 16 forms part of an intermediate column and is located in any of the second to fifth rows counting from the top of the battery assembly 12, such as... Figure 2 As shown, a temperature sensor 16 can include up to eight adjacent temperature sensors 16. If the corresponding temperature sensor is located in a corner 44 of the battery assembly 12, such as... Figure 2 As shown, a temperature sensor 16 can consist of only three adjacent temperature sensors 16.

[0115] In other words, the support point of the corresponding temperature sensor 16 is calculated based on a sliding window of size 3 × 3 temperature sensors 16 sliding along the plurality of battery cells 14, wherein the corresponding temperature sensor 16 is located at the center of the sliding window. This calculation includes determining the geometric mean of the temperature of the temperature sensor 16 within the sliding window.

[0116] By connecting all the temperature sensors 16 to the support points via a three-dimensional surface, the following can be obtained: Figure 5 Temperature topology TT.

[0117] In addition to the geometric mean, the standard deviation is determined from the temperature of the temperature sensor 16 within the sliding window. Therefore, a standard deviation SD is assigned to each support point.

[0118] If the deviation of the absolute temperature of temperature sensor 16 from the value of its corresponding support point is less than or equal to three standard deviations (comparison in method step S2), then the corresponding temperature sensor 16 is not inferred to be faulty, and its related data item DI is not identified as abnormal data item DI.

[0119] If the absolute temperature of temperature sensor 16 deviates from the value of its corresponding support point by more than three standard deviations (comparison in step S2 of the method), it is inferred that the corresponding temperature sensor 16 is faulty, and its associated data item DI is identified as an outlier data item DI (step S3).

[0120] exist Figure 5 In this use case, in the direction parallel to the vertical z-axis of the graph (i.e., the height direction of the graph), the temperature topology TT is indicated on both sides of its surface at its center. Figure 2 The three standard deviations SD of the sliding windows of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28.

[0121] It can be observed that the data item DI (represented by a cross) of the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 is farther from the surface of the temperature topology TT than three standard deviations SD in a direction parallel to the vertical z-axis.

[0122] Therefore, the first temperature sensors 16 and 28 are inferred to be faulty, and their associated data item DI is identified as an outlier data item DI (step S3).

[0123] It is important to note that, in Figure 3 The temperature difference threshold TDT applied in the example Figure 3 and Figure 4 The temperature gradient threshold TGT applied in the example and in Figure 5 The margins applied in the examples do not necessarily have to be constant values. They can be adjusted based on the usage history of the battery cells 14 associated with temperature sensors 16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, which provide the temperatures compared in step S2 of the method.

[0124] exist Figure 3 In a further development of the example, if, within a predefined time span of 15 minutes prior to executing step S1 of the method, the electrical energy consumed by the battery cell 14 at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12 is more than twice the electrical energy consumed by the battery cell 14 in the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12, then the temperature difference threshold TDT is reached. M-E Increase by 20%.

[0125] Compared to the battery cells 14 at the edge 38, the battery cells 14 in the middle portion 40 are more used. This is a condition of the battery assembly 12, which can usually be observed when the battery assembly 12 is aging.

[0126] The battery management system attempts to equalize the state of charge of the battery cells 14 in the battery assembly 12. Because the battery cells 14 at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12 are cooler for most of the lifespan of the battery assembly 12, they age at a lower rate than the battery cells 14 in the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12.

[0127] Therefore, as the battery assembly 12 nears the end of its service life, the battery cells 14 at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12 tend to exhibit a higher available energy storage capacity than the battery cells 14 at the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12.

[0128] Therefore, as the battery assembly 12 nears the end of its lifespan, the battery cells 14 at the edge 38 of the battery assembly 12 tend to be more used than the battery cells 14 in the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12. This makes the battery cells 14 at the edge 38 hotter than the battery cells 14 in the middle portion 40 of the battery assembly 12.

[0129] This contrasts with the temperature distribution within battery assembly 12, which is observed throughout most of the battery assembly 12's lifespan (edges 30 are cooler than the central portion 40). Therefore, adjusting the temperature difference threshold TDT, temperature gradient threshold TGT, and / or margins based on the temperature topology TT of each individual battery cell 14's usage history is crucial. This, in particular, ensures high reliability of the detection results obtained by the method used for detecting faulty temperature sensors throughout the entire lifespan of battery assembly 12.

[0130] As used herein, the phrase “at least one” when referring to a list of one or more entities should be understood to mean at least one entity selected from any one or more entities in the list of entities, but not necessarily including at least one of each entity specifically listed in the list of entities, and does not exclude any combination of entities in the list of entities. This definition also allows for the optional presence of entities other than those specifically identified within the list of entities referred to by the phrase “at least one,” whether related to or unrelated to those specifically identified entities. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or equivalently, “at least one of A or B”, or equivalently, “at least one of A and / or B”) could in one example refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) A, without B (and optionally including entities other than B); in another example, it could refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) B, without A (and optionally including entities other than A); and in yet another example, it could refer to at least one (optionally including more than one) A and at least one (optionally including more than one) B (and optionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and / or” are open-ended expressions that are both connected and separate in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B, and C,” “at least one of A, B, or C,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C,” and “A, B, and / or C” can mean a single A, a single B, a single C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, A, B, and C together, and any of the above, optionally combined with at least one other entity.

[0131] By studying the accompanying drawings and the disclosure, those skilled in the art can understand and implement other variations of the disclosed examples in practice. The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of several items or steps. The mere fact of certain measures does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used for benefit. Computer programs can be stored / distributed on suitable media, such as optical storage media or solid-state media provided with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via the Internet or other wired or wireless telecommunications systems. Any reference numerals in the drawings should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0132] List of reference numerals

[0133] 10 vehicles

[0134] 12 Battery Components

[0135] 14 battery cells

[0136] 16 Temperature Sensors

[0137] 18 Data processing device

[0138] 20 data storage units

[0139] 22 Data Processing Unit

[0140] 24 Computer-readable storage media

[0141] 25 Computer Programs

[0142] 26 Components for performing a method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor among multiple temperature sensors in a vehicle's battery assembly.

[0143] 28 First Temperature Sensor

[0144] 30 Second Temperature Sensor

[0145] 32 Third Temperature Sensor

[0146] 34 Fourth temperature sensor

[0147] 36. Fifth temperature sensor

[0148] 38. Battery assembly edge

[0149] 40 Battery Module Middle Section

[0150] 42. Surface area of ​​battery module

[0151] 44. Battery module corner

[0152] DI data item

[0153] SD standard deviation

[0154] TD temperature difference

[0155] TDP temperature sensor temperature data points

[0156] TDT Temperature Difference Threshold

[0157] TG temperature gradient

[0158] TGT (Temperature Gradient Threshold)

[0159] TT temperature topology

Claims

1. A method for detecting a faulty temperature sensor (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) among a plurality of temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) in a battery assembly (12) of a vehicle (10), wherein each of the plurality of temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) is arranged at an associated location, the method comprising: - Obtain multiple data items (DI), wherein each data item (DI) is associated with one of the multiple temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), and wherein each data item (DI) indicates the temperature and location of the associated temperature sensor (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36). - Compare the data items (DI) relative to the associated temperature and / or associated location. - Based on the comparison, one or more anomalous data items (DIs) among the plurality of data items (DIs) are identified, and it is inferred that the one or more temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) associated with the one or more anomalous data items (DIs) are faulty, or Based on the comparison, it was determined that there were no outlier data items (DI).

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the comparison comprises calculating a temperature difference (TD) between at least some data items (DI), and wherein the determination comprises comparing the calculated temperature difference (TD) with a temperature difference threshold (TDT).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The temperature difference threshold (TDT) is based on the position of the data item (DI) being compared.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The comparison includes calculating the temperature gradient (TG) between at least some data items (DI), and the determination includes comparing the calculated temperature gradient (TG) with a temperature gradient threshold (TGT).

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the temperature gradient (TG) is a temperature gradient over time (TG) or a temperature gradient over location (TG).

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The temperature gradient threshold (TGT) is based on the position of the data item (DI) being compared.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the comparison comprises providing a temperature topology (TT) based on the plurality of data items (DI), and wherein the determination comprises determining a topology characteristic and comparing the determined topology characteristic with a characteristic threshold.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each temperature sensor (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) has a one-to-one relationship with the associated battery cell (14) of the battery assembly (12).

9. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The temperature difference threshold (TDT), the temperature gradient threshold (TGT), and / or the characteristic threshold are based on the usage history of at least one battery cell (14) associated with the temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), and the data item (DI) of the temperature sensor is included in the comparison of the data item (DI).

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims further includes ignoring data items (DI) generated by the faulty temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36).

11. A data processing apparatus (18) comprising a component (26) for performing the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

12. A computer program (25) comprising instructions, wherein when the computer program (25) is executed by a computer, the instructions cause the computer to perform the method according to claims 1 to 10.

13. A computer-readable storage medium (24) including instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method according to claims 1 to 10.

14. A battery assembly (12) for a vehicle (10), the battery assembly (12) comprising: - Multiple battery cells (14). - Multiple temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36), wherein each temperature sensor (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) is associated with at least some of the multiple battery cells (14), and - The data processing apparatus (18) according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of temperature sensors (16, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36) are communicatively connected to the data processing apparatus (18).

15. A vehicle (10) comprising a battery assembly (12) according to claim 14.

Images