Analyze the battery module for potential reuse.

Abstract

A system for analyzing a battery module for potential reuse may include a platform, a measurement unit, and a parameter analysis unit. The platform may be configured to support a battery module comprising multiple batteries. The measurement unit may be configured to measure the impedance across the battery module within a frequency range. The parameter analysis unit may include a processor and a memory. The memory may store a reuse evaluation module. The reuse evaluation module may include instructions that cause the processor to: (1) determine the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and at a second frequency, and (2) determine that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The disclosed technology involves analyzing battery modules for possible reuse. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional motor vehicle engines generate propulsion by consuming fossil fuels through a combustion process. Because the waste from this combustion process can include pollutants, efforts have been made to generate propulsion through various mechanisms. Among these efforts are those that use electric motors to generate propulsion. Such vehicles can be called electric vehicles. In electric vehicles, electricity is supplied from a battery to the electric motor. However, during the battery's lifespan, its charge capacity may decrease. When the battery's charge capacity has decreased to below a threshold (e.g., 80% of the nominal charge capacity), one or more of the electric vehicle's driving range or the battery recharge rate may decrease below a threshold preferred by the electric vehicle's operator. In this case, although the battery's charge capacity may be at the end of the electric vehicle's service life, this charge capacity may still be sufficient for other uses. Such other uses can be referred to as battery reuse. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one embodiment, a system for analyzing a battery module for possible reuse may include a platform, a measurement component, and a parameter analysis component. The platform may be configured to support a battery module comprising multiple batteries. The measurement component may be configured to measure the impedance across the battery module within a frequency range. The parameter analysis component may include a processor and a memory. The memory may store a reuse evaluation module. The reuse evaluation module may include instructions that cause the processor to: (1) determine the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and at a second frequency, and (2) determine that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold.

[0004] In another embodiment, a method for analyzing a battery module for potential reuse may include a battery module comprising multiple batteries supported by a platform. The method may include measuring the impedance across the battery module using a measuring component within a frequency range. The method may include determining, by a processor, the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and a second frequency. The method may include determining, by the processor, that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold.

[0005] In another embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium for analyzing a battery module for possible reuse may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to determine the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module with respect to frequency at a first frequency and at a second frequency. The impedance can be measured over a frequency range. The battery module may include multiple batteries. The battery module may be supported by a platform. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause one or more processors to determine that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that the element boundaries (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) shown in the figures represent one embodiment of a boundary. In some embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an inner component of another element may be implemented as an outer component, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale.

[0007] Figure 1 Includes a block diagram illustrating an example of an environment for analyzing a battery module for possible reuse, based on the disclosed technology.

[0008] Figure 2 This includes an example graph showing the real part of the impedance of a battery module relative to frequency.

[0009] Figure 3 The graph includes an example showing the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of the battery module with respect to frequency.

[0010] Figures 4A to 4C The diagram includes an example illustrating the positional changes between the metal of the battery module and the batteries among the multiple cells included in the battery module.

[0011] Figures 5A to 5C The diagram includes an example showing a battery module whose metal has magnetization properties.

[0012] Figures 6A to 6C The diagram includes an example illustrating the variation in the contact resistance of the terminals of the batteries in a battery module.

[0013] Figures 7A to 7C Includes a diagram illustrating an example of the growth of solid electrolyte phases.

[0014] Figure 8This includes an example graph showing the imaginary part versus the real part of the impedance of a battery module at different life stages of multiple batteries in the battery module.

[0015] Figure 9A and Figure 9B The flowcharts include examples of methods associated with analyzing battery modules for possible reuse, based on the disclosed technology. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The disclosed technology relates to analyzing battery modules for possible reuse. Typically, multiple batteries can be used instead of a single battery to provide power to a device. For example, such multiple batteries can be included in a battery system. For example, the battery system can have a hierarchical configuration. For example, a hierarchical configuration can include battery modules and battery packs. For example, in a battery module, multiple batteries can be arranged such that: (1) at least some of the multiple batteries (connected in parallel) have a charging capacity greater than that of a single battery, (2) the voltage generated by at least some of the multiple batteries (connected in series) is greater than the voltage generated by a single battery, or (3) both of the above. For example, a battery module can include a housing configured to hold the arrangement of the multiple batteries in the battery module. For example, a battery module can be configured such that the multiple batteries in the battery module operate as a single unit. For example, a battery module can include a positive terminal for a unit and a negative terminal for a unit. For example, in addition to one or more battery modules, a battery pack can include one or more of a cooling system or a battery management system. For example, a battery management system may be configured to: (1) monitor one or more parameters of the batteries in the battery pack, and (2) estimate one or more states of the batteries in the battery pack (e.g., state of charge, state of health, etc.). For example, the battery pack may include a housing configured to meet the formation factor requirements of a device that can be used to supply power to the battery pack.

[0017] Analysis of a battery for reusability can be based on, for example, values ​​of one or more states of the battery. Such a state can be a quality factor indicating one or more current states of the battery relative to one or more nominal conditions. Such quality factors can include, for example, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), state of safety (SOS), state of function (SOF), etc. For example, SOC can be an indicator of the current energy within the battery. For example, the SOC value can be expressed as the quotient of the battery's current charge capacity divided by its nominal charge capacity (e.g., the charge capacity at the start of life (BOL)). For example, SOH can be an indicator of a stage in the battery's lifespan. For example, the SOH value can be expressed as the quotient of the battery's current maximum available charge capacity divided by its nominal charge capacity. For example, the end of life (EOL) of the battery can be a specific percentage of SOH. Alternatively, for example, the SOH value can be expressed as the quotient of a first difference divided by a second difference. For example, the first difference can be the battery's current internal resistance minus the battery's internal resistance at the EOL. For example, the second difference could be the battery's nominal internal resistance (e.g., the internal resistance at BOL) minus the battery's internal resistance at EOL. For example, SOS could be an indicator that quantifies the degree to which a battery can be considered to be in a safe state. For example, the SOS value could be expressed as a distribution function with values ​​ranging from zero (some unsafe states) to one (some safe states). For example, the SOS value of a battery could be the product of the SOS values ​​of various variables associated with the battery. Such variables could include, for example, temperature, current, voltage, SOC, etc. For example, SOF could be an indicator of the battery's power output capability. For example, the SOF value could be proportional to the product of the SOH value and the SOS value.

[0018] For example, one condition that could reduce the likelihood that a battery can be considered to be in a safe state is the development of metal plating within the battery. Metal plating can be an internal condition where a surface layer forms on the anode due to ions improperly embedding into the anode material. For example, in the case of a lithium-ion battery, the surface layer could be lithium ions accumulating on the anode surface. This surface layer can reduce the total power generation of a lithium-ion battery.

[0019] For example, high-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (HF-EIS) diagnostics can be used to assess the degree to which a battery can be considered to be in a safe state. For example, HF-EIS diagnostics can include the measurement of the battery's impedance over a frequency range. For example, for a specific frequency at which the battery's impedance is measured, the impedance can be correlated with processes occurring within the battery over a duration that is the reciprocal of that specific frequency. For example, changes in the measured battery impedance over a frequency range can indicate the occurrence of processes within the battery that affect one or more states of the battery. For example, due to the usefulness of HF-EIS diagnostics, some types of electric vehicle batteries can include monitoring circuitry configured to operate to perform HF-EIS diagnostics. Such monitoring circuitry can be referred to as an impedance tracking sensor. However, currently and for the foreseeable future, most electric vehicle batteries likely lack such impedance tracking sensors. The lack of impedance tracking sensors in most electric vehicle batteries may present at least two problems when assessing values ​​for one or more states of such electric vehicle batteries for possible reuse. First, the equipment used for HF-EIS diagnostics may be expensive. Second, for a single battery that is one of multiple batteries included within a battery module housing, the execution of HF-EIS diagnostics may be difficult.

[0020] Figure 1 This includes a block diagram illustrating an example of an environment 100 for analyzing a battery module 102 for possible reuse, according to the disclosed technology. Environment 100 may include, for example, the battery module 102 and a system 104 for analyzing the battery module 102 for possible reuse.

[0021] For example, battery module 102 may include a plurality of batteries 106. For example, battery module 102 may be configured such that the plurality of batteries 106 in battery module 102 operate as a single unit. For example, battery module 102 may include a positive terminal 108 for the unit and a negative terminal 110 for the unit. For example, battery module 102 may also include a housing 112 configured to hold the arrangement of the plurality of batteries 106. For example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include an electric vehicle battery. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include lithium-ion batteries.

[0022] System 104 may include, for example, a platform 114, a measurement unit 116, and a parameter analysis unit 118. For example, platform 114 may be configured to support battery module 102. For example, measurement unit 116 may be configured to measure the impedance across battery module 102 (e.g., between positive terminal 108 and negative terminal 110) over a frequency range. For example, measurement unit 116 may not include an impedance tracking sensor. For example, parameter analysis unit 118 may include processor 120 and memory 122. Memory 122 may be communicatively coupled to processor 120. For example, memory 122 may store a reusable evaluation module 124.

[0023] For example, the reuse evaluation module 124 may include instructions for controlling the processor 120 to perform the following operations: (1) determining the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module 102 with respect to frequency at a first frequency and a second frequency, and (2) determining that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold. For example, the difference may be an estimate of the state of safety (SOS) value of the battery module 102. For example, a difference greater than a threshold may indicate the development of metal plating within the battery module 102. For example, both the first and second frequencies may be greater than a third frequency. For example, the third frequency may be the frequency at which chemical breakdown occurs within the battery and ionization increases.

[0024] Figure 2 This includes an example graph 200 showing the real part of the impedance of battery module 102 relative to frequency. For example, graph 200 may include a first frequency 202, a second frequency 204, and a third frequency 206.

[0025] Figure 3 The graph includes an example of a graph 300 showing the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of battery module 102 with respect to frequency. For example, graph 300 may include a first frequency 202, a second frequency 204, and a third frequency 206.

[0026] return Figure 1 For example, using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of battery module 102 can mitigate the influence of disturbances on the determination of the value of the safety state. For example, the condition may include one or more of the following: (1) a change in position between the metal of battery module 102 and the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106, (2) a condition in which the metal of battery module 102 has magnetization properties, (3) a condition in which the contact resistance of the terminals of the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106 changes, (4) a condition in which solid electrolytes are interphased, or (5) a similar condition.

[0027] Figures 4A to 4CFigure 400 includes an example illustrating the positional changes between the metal of the battery module and the batteries among the multiple cells included in the battery module. For example, Figure 4A Includes 3D images of examples of the situation. Figure 4B Includes a two-dimensional image of an example of this condition and a circuit illustrating the theoretical behavior caused by the example of this condition, and Figure 4C A graph including the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency shows the change in the real part of the impedance caused by an example of this condition.

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C Figure 500 includes an example illustrating a situation where the metal of a battery module has magnetization properties. For example, Figure 5A Includes 3D images of examples of the situation. Figure 5B Includes a two-dimensional image of an example of this condition and a circuit illustrating the theoretical behavior caused by the example of this condition, and Figure 5C A graph including the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency shows the change in the real part of the impedance caused by an example of this condition.

[0029] Figures 6A to 6C Figure 600 includes an example illustrating the variation in contact resistance at the terminals of batteries in a battery module comprising multiple batteries. For example, Figure 6A Includes 3D images of examples of the situation. Figure 6B Includes a two-dimensional image of an example of this condition and a circuit illustrating the theoretical behavior caused by the example of this condition, and Figure 6C A graph including the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency shows the change in the real part of the impedance caused by an example of this condition.

[0030] Figures 7A to 7C Figure 700 includes an example illustrating the growth of solid electrolyte phases. For example, Figure 7A Includes 3D images and exploded 2D views illustrating the situation. Figure 7B Includes a two-dimensional image of an example of this condition and a circuit illustrating the theoretical behavior caused by the example of this condition, and Figure 7C A graph including the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency shows the change in the real part of the impedance caused by an example of this condition. Note that in Figure 7C In this context, the change in the real part of the impedance may be more pronounced at higher frequencies.

[0031] return Figure 1Additionally, for example, memory 122 may also store health assessment module 126. For example, health assessment module 126 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to determine an estimate of the state of health (SOH) value of battery module 102 from information 128. For example, instructions for determining a difference (e.g., an estimate of the SOS value) and instructions for determining an estimate of the SOH value may be configured to execute simultaneously.

[0032] For example, environment 100 may also include battery pack 130. For example, battery pack 130 may be a battery pack with battery module 102 removed. For example, battery pack 130 may include battery management system 132. For example, battery management system 132 may be configured to record information 128 of battery module 102. For example, battery management system 132 may include communication component 134. For example, system 104 may also include communication component 136. Communication component 136 may be communicatively coupled to processor 120. For example, communication component 136 may be configured to receive information 128 from communication component 134. For example, system 104 may be configured to store information 128 in memory 122.

[0033] Additionally or alternatively, for example, battery module 102 may also include memory 138. For example, information 128 may be stored in memory 138. For example, system 104 may also include communication circuitry 140. For example, communication circuitry 140 may be configured to read information 128 from memory 138 of battery module 102. For example, system 104 may be configured to store information 128 in memory 122.

[0034] For example, the information may include one or more of the following: (1) historical usage data of battery module 102 (e.g., highway operation vs. city operation), (2) location-specific data associated with battery module 102 (e.g., Minnesota vs. Florida), (3) temperature-related data associated with battery module 102 (e.g., winter operation vs. summer operation), (4) data associated with a fleet of vehicles associated with battery module 102 (e.g., delivery vans operated by United Parcel Service, Sandy Springs, Georgia), (5) impedance data associated with battery module 102, (6) visual inspection of battery module 102, or (7) similar information. For example, impedance data may be measured at frequencies less than a third frequency (e.g., less than ten kHz). For example, the third frequency may be the frequency at which chemical breakdown occurs within the battery and ionization increases. For example, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 Impedance data can be measured at frequencies less than 206 Hz below the third frequency.

[0035] Figure 8 This includes an example graph 800 showing the imaginary part versus the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102 at different life stages of the multiple batteries 106 in the battery module 102.

[0036] return Figure 1 For example, visual inspection may include machine vision inspection of images of battery module 102. For example, system 104 may also include imaging unit 142. For example, imaging unit 142 may be configured to generate images of battery module 102. For example, memory 122 may also store machine vision inspection module 144. For example, machine vision inspection module 144 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to perform machine vision inspection of images of battery module 102.

[0037] Additionally or alternatively, for example, information 128 may include one or more of the following: (1) the impedance across the battery module 102, (2) a measurement of the voltage of the battery module 102, (3) a measurement of the temperature of the battery module 102, or (4) similar information. For example, measuring component 116 may also be configured to measure information 128.

[0038] For example, an estimate that the State of Health (SOH) value is higher than a first threshold can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a building. Similarly, an estimate that the SOH value is higher than a second threshold can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a vehicle. For example, the second threshold can be greater than the first threshold.

[0039] Additionally, for example, memory 122 may also store functional evaluation module 146. Functional evaluation module 146 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to multiply an estimate of the SOS value by an estimate of the SOH value to produce an estimate proportional to the state of function (SOF) value of battery module 102. For example, the SOF value may be proportional to the product of the SOH value and the SOS value. More specifically, functional evaluation module 146 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to multiply an estimate of the SOS value by an estimate of the SOH value by a weighting factor to produce an estimate of the SOF value of battery module 102. For example, the weighting factor may depend on one or more of the cell structure of the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106, the material of the housing 112, the application environment, the usage environment (e.g., electric vehicle), etc. In this way, the weighting factor can incorporate and take into account additional context associated with the SOF of battery module 102, which can improve the results of battery module 102 analysis for reuse. For example, an estimate that the SOF value is higher than a first value can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in industrial applications. For example, an estimate that the SOF value is higher than a second value can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in residential applications. For example, an estimate that the SOF value is higher than a third value can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in commercial applications.

[0040] Additionally, system 104 may also include a tag attachment component 148. For example, tag attachment component 148 may be configured to attach a tag including the SOH value to battery module 102. For example, the tag may include a barcode representing the SOH value. For example, the barcode may include a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0041] Additionally, system 104 may also include an imaging component 142. For example, imaging component 142 may be configured to generate an image of a tag attached to battery module 102. For example, the tag may include information about the State of Health (SOH). For example, memory 122 may also store an activity determination module 150. For example, activity determination module 150 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to determine information useful for one or more of the following from the information about the SOH: (1) maintenance activities to be performed on battery module 102 or (2) diagnostic activities to be performed on battery module 102.

[0042] Additionally or alternatively, battery module 102 may also include memory 138. For example, system 104 may also include communication circuitry 140. For example, communication circuitry 140 may be configured to send the SOH value to memory 138 of battery module 102.

[0043] Additionally, for example, battery module 102 may also include memory 138. For example, system 104 may also include communication circuitry 140. For example, communication circuitry 140 may be configured to read information about SOH from memory 138 of battery module 102. For example, memory 122 may also store activity determination module 150. For example, activity determination module 150 may include instructions for controlling processor 120 to determine information useful for one or more of the following from information about SOH: (1) maintenance activities to be performed on battery module 102 or (2) diagnostic activities to be performed on battery module 102.

[0044] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This includes a flowchart illustrating an example of a method 900 associated with analyzing a battery module for possible reuse, based on the disclosed technology. Although combined... Figure 1 The system 104 shown describes method 900, but based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will understand that method 900 is not limited to... Figure 1 The system 104 shown is implemented. Conversely, Figure 1 The system 104 shown is an example of a system that can be used to implement method 900. Furthermore, although method 900 is shown as a generally serial process, various aspects of method 900 can be executed in parallel.

[0045] exist Figure 9A In method 900, at operation 902, for example, platform 114 may support a battery module 102 including a plurality of batteries 106. For example, battery module 102 may be configured such that the plurality of batteries 106 in battery module 102 operate as a unit. For example, battery module 102 may include a positive terminal 108 for the unit and a negative terminal 110 for the unit. For example, battery module 102 may also include a housing 112 configured to hold the arrangement of the plurality of batteries 106. For example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include an electric vehicle battery. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include lithium-ion batteries.

[0046] At operation 904, for example, measuring component 116 can measure the impedance across the battery module 102 (e.g., between the positive terminal 108 and the negative terminal 110) within a frequency range. For example, measuring component 116 may not include an impedance tracking sensor.

[0047] At operation 906, for example, by repeatedly using evaluation module 124, the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module 102 with respect to frequency at a first frequency and at a second frequency can be determined.

[0048] exist Figure 9BIn method 900, at operation 908, for example, the reuse evaluation module 124 may determine that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in response to a difference less than a threshold. For example, the difference may be an estimate of the state of safety (SOS) value of the battery module 102. For example, a difference greater than a threshold may indicate the development of metal plating within the battery module 102. For example, both a first frequency and a second frequency may be greater than a third frequency. For example, the third frequency may be the frequency at which chemical breakdown occurs within the battery and ionization increases.

[0049] For example, using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of battery module 102 can mitigate the influence of disturbances on the determination of the value of the safety state. For example, the condition may include one or more of the following: (1) a change in position between the metal of battery module 102 and the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106, (2) a condition in which the metal of battery module 102 has magnetization properties, (3) a condition in which the contact resistance of the terminals of the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106 changes, (4) a condition in which solid electrolytes are interphased, or (5) a similar condition.

[0050] In addition, Figure 9A In method 900, at operation 910, for example, health assessment module 126 can determine an estimate of the state of health (SOH) of battery module 102 based on information 128.

[0051] For example, operations 906 and 910 can be executed simultaneously.

[0052] Additionally, at operation 912, for example, communication component 136 can receive information 128 from communication component 134. For example, system 104 can store information 128 in memory 122. For example, environment 100 may also include battery pack 130. For example, battery pack 130 may be a battery pack with battery module 102 removed. For example, battery pack 130 may include battery management system 132. For example, battery management system 132 may be configured to record information 128 of battery module 102. For example, battery management system 132 may include communication component 134.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, at operation 914, for example, communication circuitry 140 may enable information 128 to be read from memory 138 of battery module 102. For example, system 104 may store information 128 in memory 122. For example, battery module 102 may also include memory 138.

[0054] For example, the information may include one or more of the following: (1) historical usage data of battery module 102 (e.g., highway operation vs. city operation), (2) location-specific data associated with battery module 102 (e.g., Minnesota vs. Florida), (3) temperature-related data associated with battery module 102 (e.g., winter operation vs. summer operation), (4) data associated with a fleet of vehicles associated with battery module 102 (e.g., delivery vans operated by United Parcel Service, Sandy Springs, Georgia), (5) impedance data associated with battery module 102, (6) visual inspection of battery module 102, or (7) similar information. For example, impedance data may be measured at frequencies less than a third frequency (e.g., less than 10 kHz). For example, the third frequency may be the frequency at which chemical breakdown occurs within the battery and ionization increases.

[0055] For example, visual inspection may include machine vision inspection of an image of battery module 102. For example, at operation 916, imaging unit 142 may generate an image of battery module 102. For example, at operation 918, machine vision inspection module 144 may perform machine vision inspection of an image of battery module 102.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, for example, information 128 may include one or more of the following: (1) the impedance across the battery module 102, (2) a measurement of the voltage of the battery module 102, (3) a measurement of the temperature of the battery module 102, or (4) similar information. For example, at operation 920, measuring component 116 may measure information 128.

[0057] For example, an estimate that the State of Health (SOH) value is higher than a first threshold can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a building. Similarly, an estimate that the SOH value is higher than a second threshold can indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a vehicle. For example, the second threshold can be greater than the first threshold.

[0058] Additionally, at operation 922, for example, the functional evaluation module 146 may multiply the estimated value of SOS by the estimated value of SOH to produce an estimate proportional to the state of function (SOF) value of the battery module 102. For example, the SOF value may be proportional to the product of the SOH value and the SOS value. More specifically, for example, the functional evaluation module 146 may multiply the estimated value of SOS by the estimated value of SOH by a weighting factor to produce an estimate of the SOF value of the battery module 102. For example, the weighting factor may depend on one or more of the cell structure of the batteries in the plurality of batteries 106, the material of the housing 112, the application environment, the usage environment (e.g., electric vehicle), etc. In this way, the weighting factor can incorporate and take into account additional context associated with the SOF of the battery module 102, which can improve the results of the battery module 102 analysis for reuse. For example, an estimate of an SOF value higher than a first value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in industrial applications. For example, an estimate that the SOF value is higher than the second value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in residential applications. For example, an estimate that the SOF value is higher than the third value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in commercial applications.

[0059] In addition, Figure 9B In method 900, at operation 924, for example, the tag attachment component 148 may attach a tag including the SOH value to the battery module 102. For example, the tag may include a barcode representing the SOH value. For example, the barcode may include a Quick Response (QR) code.

[0060] Additionally, at operation 926, for example, imaging component 142 can cause an image of a tag attached to battery module 102 to be generated. For example, the tag may include information about SOH.

[0061] Additionally or alternatively, at operation 928, for example, communication circuitry 140 may send the SOH value to memory 138 of battery module 102. For example, battery module 102 may also include memory 138.

[0062] Additionally, at operation 930, for example, communication circuitry 140 can enable the reading of information about the State of Health (SOH) from the memory 138 of battery module 102. For example, battery module 102 may also include memory 138.

[0063] Additionally, at operation 932, for example, the activity determination module 150 can determine information useful for one or more of the following from the information about SOH: (1) maintenance activities to be performed on battery module 102 or (2) diagnostic activities to be performed on battery module 102.

[0064] This document discloses detailed embodiments. However, based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will understand that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt aspects of this document differently from virtually any suitable detailed structure. Furthermore, the terminology and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but rather to provide an understandable description of possible implementations. Figures 1-8 , Figure 9A and Figure 9B Various embodiments are shown, but the embodiments are not limited to the structures or applications shown.

[0065] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. Based on the description herein, those skilled in the art will understand that in some alternative embodiments, the functions described in the blocks may occur in a different order than depicted in the drawings. For example, two blocks depicted consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved.

[0066] The systems, components, and / or processes described above can be implemented in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, and can be implemented in a centralized manner on a single processing system or in a distributed manner, where different elements are distributed across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind of processing system or other apparatus suitable for performing the methods described herein is appropriate. A typical combination of hardware and software can be a processing system having computer-readable program code that, when loaded and executed, controls the processing system to perform the methods described herein. The systems, components, and / or processes can also be embedded in computer-readable storage devices, such as computer program products or other data program storage devices, which are machine-readable and tangibly embody machine-executable instructions for performing the methods and processes described herein. These elements can also be embedded in application products that include all features enabling the implementation of the methods described herein and, when loaded into a processing system, are capable of performing these methods.

[0067] Furthermore, the arrangements described herein can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable program code embodied (e.g., stored thereon). Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be utilized. A computer-readable medium can be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the phrase "computer-readable storage medium" means a non-transitory storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will be included in a non-exhaustive list of the following: portable computer disks, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0068] Typically, modules, as used herein, include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific data types. In another aspect, memory typically stores such modules. The memory associated with a module may be a buffer, or it may be a cache embedded within a processor, random access memory (RAM), ROM, flash memory, or another suitable electronic storage medium. Further, modules, as used herein, may be implemented as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), system-on-a-chip (SoC) hardware components, programmable logic arrays (PLAs), or other suitable hardware components (e.g., central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.) embedded with a defined set of configurations (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.

[0069] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, fiber optic, cable, radio frequency (RF), or any suitable combination thereof. Computer program code used to perform operations of various aspects of the disclosed technology may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java™, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the “C” programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0070] As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more. As used herein, the term “multiple” is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. As used herein, the terms “including” and / or “having” are defined as including (i.e., open-ended language). The phrase “...or at least one of…” as used herein refers to and covers any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” includes only A, only B, only C, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0071] Various aspects of this document may be embodied in other forms without departing from its spirit or essential attributes. Therefore, the scope should be indicated by reference to the following claims rather than the foregoing description.

Claims

1. The system, including: The platform is configured to support battery modules that include multiple batteries; The measuring component is configured to measure the impedance across the battery module within a frequency range; and The parameter analysis component includes: Processor; and The memory stores a reuse evaluation module, the reuse evaluation module including instructions that cause the processor to execute: Determine the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and at a second frequency; and In response to the difference being less than a threshold, the battery module is determined to be suitable for reuse.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The measuring components do not include an impedance tracking sensor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The battery module also includes a housing configured to hold the arrangement of the plurality of batteries.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The difference is an estimate of the safety status of the battery module.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein, Using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance mitigates the influence of disturbances on the determination of the estimated value of the safe state.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The situation includes at least one of the following: The positional changes between the metal of the battery module and the batteries among the plurality of batteries. The metal in the battery module has magnetization properties. The variation in the contact resistance of the terminals of the batteries in the plurality of batteries, or The state of solid electrolyte phase growth.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein, The memory also stores a health assessment module, which includes instructions that cause the processor to determine an estimate of the health status of the battery module based on information.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The information includes at least one of the following: The historical usage data of the battery module Location-specific data associated with the battery module, Temperature-related data associated with the battery module, Data associated with the fleet, which is associated with vehicles, and vehicles associated with the battery module. Impedance data associated with the battery module, or Visual inspection of the battery module.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The impedance data is measured at a frequency less than a third frequency, which is the frequency at which the chemical substances in the battery break down and the ion effect increases.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein, The visual inspection includes machine vision inspection of images of the battery module.

11. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The information includes at least one of the following: The impedance at both ends of the battery module, The measurement of the voltage of the battery module, or The temperature of the battery module was measured.

12. The system according to claim 7, wherein: In the estimation of the above health status values: The first threshold indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in a building, and The second threshold indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in a vehicle, and The second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

13. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The memory also stores a functional evaluation module, which includes instructions that cause the processor to multiply an estimate of the value of the safety state by an estimate of the value of the health state to produce an estimate proportional to the value of the functional state of the battery module.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, In estimating the values ​​of the above functional states: The first value indicates that the battery module is suitable for repeated use in industrial applications. The second value indicates that the battery module is suitable for repeated use in residential applications, and The third value indicates that the battery module is suitable for repeated use in commercial applications.

15. The system of claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following: A tag attachment component configured to attach a tag, including a value representing the health status, to the battery module, or A communication circuit is configured to send the health status value to the memory of the battery module.

16. The system according to claim 7: It also includes at least one of the following: An imaging component is configured to generate an image of a tag attached to the battery module, wherein... The label includes information about the health status, or A communication circuit configured to read information about the health status from the memory of the battery module. The system's memory also stores an activity determination module, which includes instructions that cause the processor to determine information useful for at least one of the following from information about the health status: Maintenance activities to be performed on the battery module, or Diagnostic activities to be performed on the battery module.

17. Methods, including: A battery module comprising multiple batteries, supported by a platform; The impedance across the battery module is measured by a measuring component within a frequency range; The processor determines the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at the first frequency and at the second frequency; as well as The processor determines that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The plurality of batteries include lithium-ion batteries.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, Both the first frequency and the second frequency are greater than the third frequency, which is the frequency at which the chemical substances in the battery break down and the ion effect increases.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable medium for analyzing a battery module for possible reuse, the non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: Determine the difference between the values ​​of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module measured within a frequency range and the values ​​at a first frequency and a second frequency, wherein the battery module comprises multiple batteries and is supported by a platform; and In response to the difference being less than a threshold, the battery module is determined to be suitable for reuse.

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