Battery matching across multiple characteristics during battery pack assembly

Abstract

For each of the plurality of batteries, a first battery characteristic and a second battery characteristic are received so as to obtain a plurality of battery characteristics. For each of the plurality of batteries, a batch compatibility number associated with a plurality of compatible batteries that are compatible with that battery is determined based at least in part on the plurality of battery characteristics. The plurality of batteries are collated according to the batch compatibility numbers so as to obtain a collated list of batteries. A list of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack is generated, which includes by evaluating the plurality of batteries according to an order specified by the collated list of batteries and starting with the battery having the lowest batch compatibility number.

Description

[0001] This invention application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with international application number PCT / US2017 / 012673, international application date of January 9, 2017, and Chinese national phase application number 201780075856.7, entitled "Battery matching across multiple characteristics during battery pack assembly". Background Technology

[0002] Some types of battery packs comprise multiple cells, and during the assembly of such packs, the cells to be included in a particular pack are selected. While the pool of cells to which pack matching is performed may come from the same batch or manufacturing run, there will typically be some variation in the cell characteristics (e.g., electrical characteristics). A battery pack performs better when all cells in a given pack are matched. While techniques exist for matching cells based on individual characteristics, there are no techniques for matching cells across multiple characteristics. This is not a simple problem because cell characteristics are often unrelated, meaning that even if two cells are compatible with one characteristic, the following may not apply: the cell will also be compatible with another characteristic. New technologies for matching cells across multiple characteristics would be desirable because they could reduce the number of discarded, surplus cells. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a battery pack comprising multiple batteries.

[0005] Figure 2 This is a table illustrating an embodiment of battery characteristics used for matching batteries.

[0006] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the distribution of battery characteristics.

[0007] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for performing battery matching across multiple battery characteristics.

[0008] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the battery compatibility matrix.

[0009] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for testing the compatibility of paired batteries.

[0010] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a list of organized batteries.

[0011] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a battery evaluated according to the order specified by a list of batteries.

[0012] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a tiebreaker process.

[0013] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a tie-break technique that first globally uniquely identifies batteries compatible with tie cells, and then checks the batch compatibility quantity of the uniquely identified compatible batteries.

[0014] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the tiebreaker process, which first globally uniquely identifies batteries compatible with the tie-breaker battery, and then checks the batch compatibility quantity of the uniquely identified compatible batteries.

[0015] Figure 12 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the tiebreaker technology, in which batteries compatible with tiebreaker batteries are sorted based on batch compatibility quantity and then evaluated on a level-by-level basis.

[0016] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the tiebreaker process, in which batteries compatible with the tie-breaker battery are sorted based on batch compatibility quantity and then evaluated for uniqueness on a level-by-level basis. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The invention can be implemented in a variety of ways, including as a component of a process, apparatus, system, substance, computer program product contained on a computer-readable storage medium, and / or a processor, such as a processor configured to execute instructions stored on and / or provided by memory coupled to the processor. In this detailed description, these implementations or any other forms that the invention may take are referred to as techniques. Generally, the order of steps of the disclosed process can be varied within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, components described as configured to perform a task (such as a processor or memory) can be implemented as general-purpose components temporarily configured to perform that task at a given time or manufactured as specific components to perform that task. As used herein, the term "processor" refers to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data (such as computer program instructions).

[0018] The following detailed description of one or more embodiments of the invention, together with the accompanying drawings illustrating the principles of the invention, provides for the purpose of illustrating these embodiments. The invention has been described in conjunction with such embodiments, but is not limited to any particular embodiment. The scope of the invention is limited only by the claims, and the invention covers many substitutions, modifications, and equivalents. Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details are provided for illustrative purposes, and the invention can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. For clarity, technical materials known in the art related to the invention have not been described in detail, so as not to unnecessarily obscure the invention.

[0019] This document describes various embodiments of techniques for matching batteries across multiple battery characteristics (e.g., during the assembly of one or more battery packs). First, examples of battery packs for which batteries are selected according to one or more techniques described herein are described. Second, various embodiments of battery matching techniques are described.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a battery pack comprising multiple batteries. In the example shown, battery pack 100 includes multiple batteries (102) that may be matched or otherwise selected according to one or more of the techniques described herein. In this example, the battery pack includes 12 batteries; other battery pack embodiments may include some other number of batteries. A metal can (104) is used to house alternating layers of battery (102) and layers of insulation (106). The insulation (106) layer acts as a flame retardant to slow the spread of fire from battery to battery in the event of ignition in one of the batteries in the battery pack. A sheet (108) is attached to the batteries and is used to transport the power generated by the batteries outside the battery pack. The top of the sheet is attached to the bottom of a lid (not shown) that is attached to the top of the can. The top of the lid has a positive terminal and a negative terminal from which the power generated by the batteries in the battery pack can be used.

[0021] When all cells in a battery pack are matched across multiple battery characteristics of interest, a battery pack comprising multiple cells, as shown here, performs better. During battery pack assembly, a multi-characteristic battery matching process (some examples of which are described in more detail below) is performed on groups of unmatched or ungrouped cells, such that cells to be included in the battery pack are identified. For example, suppose 100 cells are run through the battery matching process. If the process identifies N groups of 12 cells each, then N battery packs will be assembled and there will be 100 - (12N) remaining cells. Battery pack manufacturers may not want to mix cells from different batches or manufacturing series, so minimizing the number of remaining cells is likely desirable, as any remaining cells may be discarded.

[0022] The following diagram illustrates some exemplary battery characteristics used for matching batteries in the subsequent examples.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a table illustrating embodiments of battery characteristics used for matching batteries. In the examples described herein, battery characteristics such as capacity (e.g., in Ah), open-circuit voltage (e.g., in volts), resistance (e.g., in ohms), and self-discharge rate (e.g., in μA) are used for battery matching. The values ​​for capacity, open-circuit voltage, resistance, and self-discharge rate are shown in rows 200-203 for six exemplary batteries. Of course, these battery characteristics are merely exemplary, and the techniques described herein can incorporate any combination of battery characteristics. In the examples described herein, it is assumed that the batteries have been tested to obtain values ​​for all battery characteristics of interest, and for the sake of brevity, measurement techniques are not described herein. Similarly, for simplicity and brevity, this table only shows six batteries. Of course, real-world battery pack assembly processes can perform battery matching on pools of much larger batteries.

[0024] One objective during the battery matching process is to ensure that all batteries in a given battery pack are matched. More specifically, two batteries are considered matched (sometimes called pair match) if the differences between each characteristic are within a certain corresponding tolerance. For example, for battery 1 (see column 204) and battery 2 (see column 206) in the table to be considered matched:

[0025] |C1–C2| should not exceed C 容差 ;and

[0026] |V1–V2| should not exceed V 容差 ;and

[0027] |R1–R2| should not exceed R 容差 ;and

[0028] |D1–D2| should not exceed D 容差 .

[0029] If even one of the battery characteristics has a difference exceeding the corresponding tolerance, then that pair of cells is not matched (i.e., they are not compatible) and should not be placed in the same battery pack. Of course, the incompatible pair of cells can be separated and (if possible) included in different battery packs.

[0030] Unfortunately, the characteristics are not strongly correlated, and battery pairs may be compatible based on one characteristic but not on another. The following diagram illustrates an example of this.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the distribution of battery characteristics. In the examples shown, figures 300-303 illustrate example distributions of capacity, open-circuit voltage, resistance, and self-discharge rate, respectively. As shown, all distributions have different shapes.

[0032] The diagram also shows where the two exemplary batteries fall within the distribution. Battery A is represented by a star and battery b by a triangle. Regarding capacity (see diagram 300) and self-discharge rate (see diagram 303), the two batteries are compatible because the differences do not exceed the relevant tolerances. In other words, they are close enough to each other for those characteristics. However, regarding open-circuit voltage (see diagram 301) and resistance (see diagram 302), the batteries are incompatible because the differences in those characteristics exceed the relevant tolerances. In other words, the values ​​for those characteristics are too far apart.

[0033] The following figure illustrates the use of some embodiments. Figure 2 The exemplary battery matching process is illustrated with the four exemplary battery characteristics shown.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for performing battery matching across multiple battery characteristics. In some embodiments, this process is performed during a battery pack assembly process, during which hundreds or thousands of batteries from the same battery manufacturing series or batch are evaluated across multiple battery characteristics of interest and identified for inclusion in the battery pack.

[0035] In step 400, for each of the multiple batteries, a first battery characteristic and a second battery characteristic are received to obtain multiple battery characteristics. Of course, any number of characteristics of interest can be used to perform the battery matching process, and additional battery characteristics can be obtained. Figure 2 In the example, four battery features are received for six batteries, and the table shown there is an example of multiple battery features that can be received in step 400.

[0036] At 402, for each of the plurality of batteries, a batch compatibility number is determined, at least in part, based on a plurality of battery characteristics associated with the number of compatible batteries compatible with that battery. In some embodiments, step 402 includes generating a battery compatibility matrix that indicates (e.g., for all possible battery pairs) whether a given battery pair is compatible across a first battery characteristic, a second battery characteristic, and any other battery characteristics of interest (if applicable) (and therefore can be placed together in the same battery pack). In some embodiments, the batch compatibility number calculates the compatibility of a battery with itself when calculating the batch compatibility number. In some other embodiments, the compatibility of a battery with itself is not calculated for the batch compatibility number of that battery. The following figure illustrates an example battery compatibility matrix.

[0037] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a battery compatibility matrix. In the example shown, each entry in the compatibility matrix 500 indicates whether a particular battery pair is compatible with each other. Entries along the diagonal correspond to a comparison of a given battery with itself, and therefore indicate "not applicable" for those entries. Of course, in some embodiments, the process may choose to populate the entries along the diagonal of the battery compatibility matrix using either compatibility or incompatibility indicators (e.g., in the pseudocode example below, the battery compatibility matrix is ​​populated such that battery i is compatible with battery i (i.e., itself)). Since the entries for (battery i, battery j) must be the same as the entries for (battery j, battery i), the table is symmetrical along the diagonal, and this property can be used to populate some of the entries in an n×n table (e.g., without performing the same compatibility check again). In some embodiments, the n×n table (such as the one shown) is compressed into something smaller because the n×n table contains duplicate information.

[0038] Pairwise battery compatibility tests that check all battery characteristics of interest can be used to populate the exemplary battery compatibility matrix shown. The figure below illustrates an example where two battery characteristics of interest exist.

[0039] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a process for paired battery compatibility testing. In some embodiments, the example process is used to determine... Figure 4 The number of compatible batteries in step 402. In some embodiments, the example process is used to populate the battery compatibility matrix, such as... Figure 5 The battery compatibility matrix shown is illustrated. In the example shown, compatibility is evaluated based on two battery characteristics of interest. Of course, the exemplary process shown can be extended (e.g., by repeating certain steps) to evaluate battery pairs across three or more battery characteristics of interest.

[0040] In step 600, a first difference is determined between the first battery and the second battery among the plurality of batteries based on the characteristics of the first battery. In step 602, a second difference is determined between the first battery and the second battery based on the characteristics of the second battery. For example, in the equation above, |C1–C2| (alternatively, C1–C2) is an example of step 600, and |V1–V2| (alternatively, V1–V2) is an example of step 602.

[0041] In step 604, it is determined whether the first difference exceeds a first tolerance associated with the first battery characteristic. For example, C 容差 (From the equation above) is an example of the first tolerance. If it is determined in step 604 that the first difference exceeds the first tolerance, then in step 608, it is declared that the first battery and the second battery are incompatible.

[0042] If it is determined in step 604 that the first difference does not exceed the first tolerance, then in step 606 it is determined whether the second difference exceeds the second tolerance associated with the second battery characteristic. For example, C 容差 This is an example of the second tolerance from the equation above. If it is determined in step 606 that the second difference exceeds the second tolerance, then in step 608, the first battery and the second battery are declared incompatible. Otherwise, in step 610, the first battery and the second battery are declared compatible. In other words, for two batteries to be compatible, the differences in all battery characteristics of interest must be within their respective tolerances.

[0043] The following is another example of a battery compatibility matrix generated in pseudocode (e.g., unorganized):

[0044]

[0045]

[0046] Back Figure 4 Once the batch compatibility quantity has been determined in step 402, the multiple batteries are organized according to the batch compatibility quantity in step 404 to obtain an organized list of batteries. The following figure shows an example of an organized list of batteries.

[0047] Figure 7 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a well-organized list of batteries. In this example, batteries from... Figure 5The battery compatibility matrix generates a sorted list (700). In this example, the list is sorted in descending order so that battery 6 (which is compatible with four other batteries) is listed first, battery 4 (which is compatible with four other batteries) is listed second, battery 2 (which is compatible with three other batteries) is listed third, battery 1 (which is compatible with three other batteries) is listed fourth, battery 5 (which is compatible with two other batteries) is listed fifth, and battery 3 (which is compatible with two other batteries) is listed sixth. This is in Figure 4 An example of the organized list generated in step 404. Although... Figure 7 The example evaluates the list from bottom to top (i.e., in ascending order), but the technique described in this article also works with lists sorted in ascending order.

[0048] Below is another example of generating a scrambled battery compatibility matrix (which is an example of a scrambled list of batteries) using pseudocode:

[0049]

[0050]

[0051] Back Figure 4 In step 406, a list of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack is generated, which involves evaluating multiple batteries according to the order specified by the organized list of batteries and starting with the battery having the lowest batch compatibility quantity. An example of this is shown in the figure below.

[0052] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of batteries evaluated according to the order specified by a compiled list of batteries. This example continues from the example in the previous diagram. Initially, the set of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack is an empty set (e.g., {}). Batteries with the lowest batch compatibility quantity are evaluated first and are (e.g., automatically) included in the set of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack. In this example, this means that battery 3 is included in the set of batteries to be included in the battery pack (e.g., see [link]). Figure 7 (Among them, battery 3 is at the bottom of the organized list).

[0053] Once the set of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack is not empty, any battery being evaluated is evaluated against all batteries in the set. Figure 800 illustrates the first iteration in this regard. The left column (802a) shows the current set of compatible batteries, which in the shown state includes only battery 3. The right column (804a) shows a scrambled list that has been updated to reflect any batteries that have been selected to be included in the battery pack. Similarly, the updated scrambled list 804a does not include battery 3 because it has already been selected for inclusion in the battery pack.

[0054] In Figure 800, battery 5 (i.e., the battery being evaluated) is compared to battery 3 (i.e., the current set of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack). In some embodiments, a battery compatibility matrix is ​​queried to see if two batteries are compatible with each other. Figure 5 As shown, battery 5 is incompatible with battery 3, and therefore battery 5 is not moved from the right column to the left column.

[0055] Figure 806 shows the next battery in the updated, organized list being evaluated. In this iteration, the compatibility of battery 3 (see left column 802b) with battery 1 (see right column 804b) is checked. Figure 5 The battery compatibility matrix shown indicates that the two batteries are compatible, so battery 1 is moved from the right column to the left column.

[0056] Figure 808 illustrates the next iteration. In this state, battery 2 (see right column 804c) is being evaluated and compared relative to battery 3 and battery 1 (see left column 802c). Battery 2 is incompatible with both batteries, therefore it is not moved from the right column to the left column. In order to be included in the set on the left, the batteries being evaluated in the right column need to be compatible with all the batteries in the left column.

[0057] Once enough compatible batteries have been identified to fill the battery pack, the process ends (at least temporarily) and the identified batteries are included in the next battery pack to be assembled. In some embodiments, once selected, compatible batteries do not need to follow any particular order within the battery pack, and any suitable technique can be used to encapsulate or layer the batteries in the battery pack. The battery matching process can then be repeated on the remaining batteries in the sorted list to identify compatible batteries to be included in the next battery pack.

[0058] In the pseudocode, Figure 4 Another example of step 406 is:

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] If you would like, more information about the validSet = findValidSet(iCell, X) function is provided below:

[0062]

[0063]

[0064]

[0065] Back Figure 7 As shown there, in some cases there will be batteries with the same batch compatibility number (i.e., a tie). For example, battery 6 ties with battery 4, battery 2 ties with battery 1, and battery 5 ties with battery 3. The following diagram illustrates various tie-breaker examples when two or more batteries have the same batch compatibility number.

[0066] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the deciding game process. In some embodiments, when generating a neat list of batteries, in Figure 4 Step 404 in the document performs the procedure for any group of tied batteries. This tie-break procedure, as well as other tie-break procedures described herein, can be repeated for each group of tied batteries as needed (e.g., without considering other tied batteries and / or non-tied batteries in other groups).

[0067] In 900, for each of the multiple equal-battery batteries, a set of compatible batteries is determined to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries. For example, in Figure 7 In this process, battery 6 and battery 4 are tied because they both have a batch compatibility quantity of 4. Step 900, applied to those tied batteries, will determine which batteries are compatible with battery 6 and which are compatible with battery 4.

[0068] In 902, the tie among multiple tied batteries is broken at least in part based on the uniqueness associated with multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batches of compatibility associated with multiple sets of compatible batteries. To continue from the above and Figure 7 The example will consider the uniqueness associated with the following two items and the number of batch compatibility in breaking the tie between battery 6 and battery 4: the set of batteries compatible with battery 6 and the set of batteries compatible with battery 4.

[0069] In some embodiments, uniqueness is considered or evaluated globally in step 902. For example, a global uniqueness process can be performed on multiple sets of compatible batteries, such that any duplicates are removed. Alternatively, uniqueness can be evaluated locally (e.g., within an index or a specific level of context within a tidied or sorted list of compatible batteries). The following figure illustrates some examples of both.

[0070] Figure 10 This is an illustration of an embodiment of a tiebreaker technique that first globally uniquely identifies batteries compatible with the tied battery, and then checks the batch compatibility quantity of the uniquely identified compatible batteries. This is how it can be implemented. Figure 9 An example of step 902 in the example.

[0071] Figure 1000 illustrates three exemplary tie-breaking batteries at the start of a tie-breaking game. In this example, all tie-breaking batteries have a batch compatibility quantity of 4 because they are compatible with four other batteries. The first tie-breaking battery (see line 1002a) is compatible with batteries 1, 5, 7, and 8. The second tie-breaking battery (see line 1004a) is compatible with batteries 5, 7, 8, and 10. The third tie-breaking battery (see line 1006a) is compatible with batteries 1, 4, 8, and 9.

[0072] Batteries compatible with the tied battery (shown in the right column of Figure 1000) are globally unique (e.g., across all sets / rows) by removing any duplicates. Since batteries 1, 5, 7, and 8 appear more than once in Figure 1000, those batteries are removed and Figure 1010 shows the set / row without those duplicate batteries. Row 1002b (associated with the first tied battery) is now an empty set, row 1004b (associated with the second tied battery) now includes battery 10, and row 1006b (associated with the third tied battery) now includes batteries 4 and 9.

[0073] Then, the batch compatibility number of the uniquely matched batteries is examined. Figures 1010 and 1012 show the same uniquely matched batteries in their right columns, but Figure 1012 also shows the corresponding batch compatibility number in parentheses. Ties are broken based on the lowest batch compatibility number (if any) for each row. Row 1006c (associated with the third tied battery) has two batteries / scores, but the lowest batch compatibility number in that row is 9 (corresponding to battery 4). Since the batch compatibility number of 9 (corresponding to battery 4) is no lower than the batch compatibility number of 7 in row 1004c (corresponding to the second tied battery), the second tied battery is selected first. That is, the second tied battery in this example will be listed first in the finalized list and evaluated before other tied batteries in this group for inclusion in the battery group. The third tied battery will be selected second (i.e., second) because it has the second lowest batch compatibility number (i.e., 9 for that row).

[0074] Rows 1002b / 1002c in Figures 1010 / 1012 are empty, and therefore there is no corresponding batch compatibility quantity to show or verify. Such an empty set after removing duplicates can be listed or selected last during the final round process (e.g., because they are compatible with batteries that are also compatible with other tied batteries in the group, and therefore there is no unique or specific match that those tied batteries can make compared to the other tied batteries in the group). Similarly, the final round process will (finally) have a first battery with a second tied battery, a second battery with a third tied battery, and a third battery with a first tied battery.

[0075] The following diagram illustrates this aspect more formally and / or more generally in a flowchart.

[0076] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the tiebreaker process, which first globally uniquely identifies batteries compatible with the tied battery, and then checks the batch compatibility quantity of the uniquely identified compatible batteries. In some embodiments, Figure 9 Step 902 in the diagram includes the process shown.

[0077] In 1100, multiple sets of compatible batteries associated with multiple equal-number batteries are globally unique to obtain multiple unique sets of compatible batteries. For example, see Figure 10 The removal of identical items between illustration 1000 and illustration 1010.

[0078] In 1102, for each non-empty unique set among multiple unique sets, determine the minimum batch compatibility number. For example, in Figure 10 In diagram 1012, this step does not apply to line 1002c because that line is empty. For line 1004c in diagram 1012, the minimum batch compatibility number is 7, and for line 1006c, the minimum batch compatibility number is 9.

[0079] In step 1104, multiple tied batteries are sorted at least in part based on the lowest batch compatibility number of each non-empty unique set, where any empty unique set is sorted last when a tie is broken. See, for example, Figure 10 The arrangement is shown in Figure 1012. Note that row 1004c is arranged first through the tiebreaking process (because it has the lowest batch compatibility number of 7), and then row 1006c is arranged (because it has the second lowest batch compatibility number of 9). Finally, row 1002c is arranged through the tiebreaking process (which becomes an empty set after uniqueness).

[0080] It is important to note Figure 10 and Figure 11The techniques described herein are not necessarily the best tie-breaking techniques. For example, in Figure 10 In this context, if battery 1 has the lowest batch compatibility quantity, it would be conceivable to rank the first or third tied battery (instead of the second tied battery) first. Better arbitration techniques (e.g., based on performance) are described below, but as will be described in more detail below, the number of steps or iterations of these techniques is variable (which may result in longer runtimes, whereas the techniques described above have a fixed number of steps), and the degree of complexity is higher (e.g., the findTies function recursively called in the pseudocode below). For some applications, the performance improvement is not worth the potentially longer runtime and / or increased complexity, and the techniques described above are used. In other applications (e.g., where the performance improvement is worth the cost described above), the techniques described below can be used. In the example below, the evaluation is performed within the context of a specific level of a sorted or arranged list of compatible batteries. Figure 9 The uniqueness of step 902 in the code. The following pseudocode shows an example of this.

[0081]

[0082]

[0083]

[0084] The following figure shows an example of the pseudocode above using the exemplary batch compatibility number.

[0085] Figure 12 This is an illustration of an embodiment of the tiebreaker technology, in which batteries compatible with tiebreaker batteries are sorted based on batch compatibility quantity and then evaluated on a level-by-level basis.

[0086] Figure 1200 illustrates three exemplary tie-breaking batteries at the start of a tie-breaking process. All three tie-breaking batteries have a batch compatibility quantity of 4 and are therefore tied. The first tie-breaking battery (see line 1202) is compatible with batteries A, B, C, and D; the second tie-breaking battery (see line 1204) is compatible with batteries B, C, E, and F; and the third tie-breaking battery (see line 1206) is compatible with batteries B, C, D, and E.

[0087] All compatible batteries (shown in the right column) have their batch compatibility numbers shown in parentheses. Each set of compatible batteries (e.g., rows 1202, 1204, and 1206) is organized based on the batch compatibility number to produce a organized list of compatible batteries. Note that the compatible batteries in rows 1202, 1204, and 1206 are organized, for example, in ascending order of batch compatibility number from left to right.

[0088] When organizing a set of compatible batteries based on batch compatibility numbers, checks are performed on a level-by-level basis, proceeding from left to right (i.e., in ascending order of batch compatibility numbers). The checks determine whether the minimum batch compatibility number is unique (e.g., for that level and for the batch compatibility number or battery being evaluated). Figure 1200 illustrates the first check at the first (i.e., lowest) level. At that level, the lowest batch compatibility number is 1 (associated with battery A of the first tied battery), and that batch compatibility number is unique, therefore the first tied battery wins that tie-breaker round.

[0089] Figure 1208 illustrates the second check at the second lowest level. Since the first tie-breaker has already been selected or picked by the tiebreaker process, it is not part of this check. Note, for example, that its first-place ranking is shown to the left of row 1202 in Figure 1208. In this check, the minimum batch compatibility number is 3, but that batch compatibility number is not unique, so the tiebreaker process proceeds to the next level without declaring a winner.

[0090] Figure 1212 illustrates the third check at the third lowest level. The lowest batch compatibility number is 4 (associated with battery D of the third tie battery) and that batch compatibility number is unique. Therefore, the third tie battery wins this tie-breaker round. By exclusion, the second tie battery is third / last. The final ranking resulting from the exemplary tie-breaker process is shown on the left side of the table in Figure 1210: first tie battery, then third tie battery, and finally second tie battery. As shown here, uniqueness can be considered locally in the context of the level in the organized list or arranged list of batteries (e.g., without considering other levels) and / or in the context of the batteries being compared (e.g., without considering other batteries that are not part of the comparison).

[0091] The following diagram illustrates this aspect more formally and / or more generally in a flowchart.

[0092] Figure 13This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the tiebreaker process, wherein batteries compatible with the tie-breaker battery are grouped based on batch compatibility quantity and then evaluated for uniqueness on a level-by-level basis. In some embodiments, Figure 9 Step 900 in the diagram includes the process shown.

[0093] In 1300, multiple sets of compatible batteries are organized at least in part based on the number of batch compatibility associated with multiple sets of compatible batteries to obtain multiple organized lists of compatible batteries. For example, see Figure 12 Figure 1200 shows rows 1202, 1204, and 1206, which are sorted in ascending order of batch compatibility quantity (where the batch compatibility quantity used for sorting is associated with the batteries compatible with the average battery).

[0094] In 1302, two or more compatible batteries are selected from different lists of compatible batteries for comparison, wherein the selected compatible batteries are at the same level in their respective lists of compatible batteries. For example, in Figure 12 In Figure 1200, compatible battery A (from row 1202), compatible battery B (from row 1204), and compatible battery B (from row 1206) are all in the same column and are selected for comparison.

[0095] In step 1304, it is determined whether the minimum batch compatibility number associated with the selected compatible batteries used for comparison is unique. For example, in Figure 12 In Figure 1200, the minimum batch compatibility number is one and it is unique. If so, the tied battery associated with the minimum and unique batch compatibility number is selected as the winner of the tiebreaker. For example, in Figure 12 In Figure 1200, the battery that tied first was selected as the winner of the first round.

[0096] At 1308, determine if there are any more tie-breaking batteries. Figure 12 In the example, the second and third tied batteries still have unresolved priorities or orders relative to each other, and therefore the determination in step 1308 for that case is yes. If there are no more tied batteries, the process ends.

[0097] If more tying batteries exist in step 1308, two or more compatible batteries are selected for comparison in step 1302. For example, in Figure 12 In Figure 1208, any tied batteries that have won the final round are no longer considered (e.g., the first tied battery is no longer considered) and the selected compatible battery is associated with the next level (e.g., the comparison moves from the lowest level to the second lowest level).

[0098] If, in step 1304, it is determined that the minimum batch compatibility number associated with the selected compatible batteries used for comparison is not unique, then in step 1302, two or more compatible batteries are selected for comparison. For example, see... Figure 12 See Figure 1208. In that comparison, the minimum batch compatibility number is three and it is not unique. Therefore, no winner is declared for that round and the comparison continues to the next level (the second highest level in that example) and the compatible batteries in the corresponding column.

[0099] While the foregoing embodiments have been described in some details for clarity of understanding, the invention is not limited to the details provided. Many alternative ways of implementing the invention exist. The disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

1. A battery pack, comprising: container; cover; as well as Multiple compatible batteries, wherein the multiple compatible batteries included in the battery pack are selected from a plurality of batteries through the following process: For each of the plurality of batteries, a first battery characteristic and a second battery characteristic are received to obtain a plurality of battery characteristics, wherein the plurality of batteries are from the same manufacturing series; For each of the plurality of batteries, the batch compatibility quantity is determined at least in part based on the characteristics of the plurality of batteries, wherein the batch compatibility quantity is determined by identifying the number of compatible batteries that are compatible with that battery based at least on the first battery characteristic or the second battery characteristic; The plurality of batteries are sorted according to the batch compatibility quantity to obtain a sorted list of batteries; and Selecting the plurality of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack from the plurality of batteries includes: evaluating the plurality of batteries in an order specified by a sorted list of the batteries and starting with the battery having the lowest batch compatibility quantity; and identifying one or more batteries from the plurality of batteries that are evaluated as compatible with each other as the plurality of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack.

2. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein the first battery characteristic includes one of the following: capacity, open-circuit voltage, resistance, or self-discharge rate.

3. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity includes generating a battery compatibility matrix, the battery compatibility matrix indicating whether a given battery pair is compatible for the plurality of batteries.

4. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity includes: Based on the characteristics of the first battery, a first difference is determined between the first battery among the plurality of batteries and the second battery among the plurality of batteries; Determine a second difference between the first battery and the second battery based on the characteristics of the second battery; as well as If the first difference does not exceed a first tolerance associated with the characteristics of the first battery and the second difference does not exceed a second tolerance associated with the characteristics of the second battery, the first battery and the second battery are declared to be compatible.

5. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein sorting the plurality of batteries comprises: For each of the multiple equal batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, determine the set of compatible batteries in order to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; as well as The tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is broken at least in part based on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries. Breaking the tie among the multiple tied batteries includes: Global uniqueness is achieved by removing duplicate items from multiple sets of compatible batteries, thus obtaining multiple unique sets of compatible batteries; Determine the minimum batch compatibility number for each non-empty unique set among the plurality of unique sets; and The plurality of tied batteries are sorted at least in part based on the lowest batch compatibility number of each non-empty unique set, wherein any empty unique set is sorted last when the tie is broken.

6. The battery pack according to claim 1, wherein: Sorting the plurality of batteries includes: For each of the multiple averaging batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, a set of compatible batteries is determined to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is based at least in part on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the plurality of tied batteries includes: The multiple sets of compatible batteries are sorted at least in part based on the number of batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries to obtain multiple sorted lists of compatible batteries; Select two or more compatible batteries for comparison from different sorted lists of compatible batteries, wherein the selected compatible batteries are ordered according to the same batch compatibility quantity in their respective sorted lists of compatible batteries; and If the minimum batch compatibility number associated with the selected compatible batteries used for comparison is unique, the tied battery associated with the minimum and unique batch compatibility number is selected as the tiebreaker winner, wherein the tiebreaker winner is first included in the sorted list among the plurality of tied batteries for evaluation.

7. A method for battery matching, the method comprising: For each of a plurality of batteries, a first battery characteristic and a second battery characteristic are received to obtain a plurality of battery characteristics, wherein the plurality of batteries are from the same manufacturing series; For each of the plurality of batteries, the batch compatibility quantity is determined at least in part based on the characteristics of the plurality of batteries, wherein the batch compatibility quantity is determined by identifying the number of compatible batteries that are compatible with that battery based at least on the first battery characteristic or the second battery characteristic; The plurality of batteries are sorted according to the batch compatibility quantity to obtain a sorted list of batteries; Selecting a plurality of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack from the plurality of batteries includes: evaluating the plurality of batteries in an order specified by a sorted list of the batteries, starting with the battery having the lowest or highest batch compatibility quantity; and identifying one or more batteries from the plurality of batteries that are evaluated to be compatible with each other as the plurality of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack; and The battery pack is assembled by adding the plurality of compatible batteries to the battery pack.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first battery characteristic includes one of the following: capacity, open-circuit voltage, resistance, or self-discharge rate.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity includes generating a battery compatibility matrix indicating whether a given battery pair is compatible for the plurality of batteries.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity comprises: A first difference is determined between the first battery and the second battery among the plurality of batteries based on the characteristics of the first battery; Determine a second difference between the first battery and the second battery based on the characteristics of the second battery; as well as If the first difference does not exceed a first tolerance associated with the characteristics of the first battery and the second difference does not exceed a second tolerance associated with the characteristics of the second battery, the first battery and the second battery are declared to be compatible.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein sorting the plurality of batteries comprises: For each of the multiple equal batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, determine the set of compatible batteries in order to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; as well as The tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is broken at least in part based on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries. Breaking the tie among the multiple tied batteries includes: Global uniqueness is achieved by removing duplicate items from multiple sets of compatible batteries, thus obtaining multiple unique sets of compatible batteries; Determine the minimum batch compatibility number for each non-empty unique set among the plurality of unique sets; and The plurality of tied batteries are sorted at least in part based on the lowest batch compatibility number of each non-empty unique set, wherein any empty unique set is sorted last when the tie is broken.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein: Sorting the plurality of batteries includes: For each of the multiple averaging batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, a set of compatible batteries is determined to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is based at least in part on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the multiple tied batteries includes: The multiple sets of compatible batteries are sorted at least in part based on the number of batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries to obtain multiple sorted lists of compatible batteries; Select two or more compatible batteries for comparison from different sorted lists of compatible batteries, wherein the selected compatible batteries are ordered according to the same batch compatibility quantity in their respective sorted lists of compatible batteries; and If the minimum batch compatibility number associated with the selected compatible batteries used for comparison is unique, the tied battery associated with the minimum and unique batch compatibility number is selected as the tiebreaker winner, wherein the tiebreaker winner is first included in the sorted list among the plurality of tied batteries for evaluation.

13. A computer program product for battery matching, the computer program product being embodied in a non-transient computer-readable storage medium and comprising computer instructions for processing: For each of a plurality of batteries, a first battery characteristic and a second battery characteristic are received to obtain a plurality of battery characteristics, wherein, The multiple batteries are from the same manufacturing series; For each of the plurality of batteries, the batch compatibility quantity is determined at least in part based on the characteristics of the plurality of batteries, wherein the batch compatibility quantity is determined by identifying the number of compatible batteries that are compatible with that battery based at least on the first battery characteristic or the second battery characteristic; The plurality of batteries are sorted according to the batch compatibility quantity to obtain a sorted list of batteries; Selecting a plurality of compatible batteries to be included in a battery pack from the plurality of batteries includes: evaluating the plurality of batteries in an order specified by a sorted list of the batteries, starting with the battery having the lowest or highest batch compatibility quantity; and identifying one or more batteries from the plurality of batteries that are evaluated to be compatible with each other as the plurality of compatible batteries to be included in the battery pack; and The battery pack is assembled by adding the plurality of compatible batteries to the battery pack.

14. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein the first battery characteristic includes one of the following: capacity, open-circuit voltage, resistance, or self-discharge rate.

15. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity includes generating a battery compatibility matrix, the battery compatibility matrix indicating whether a given battery pair is compatible for the plurality of batteries.

16. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein determining the batch compatibility quantity comprises: Based on the characteristics of the first battery, a first difference is determined between the first battery among the plurality of batteries and the second battery among the plurality of batteries; Determine a second difference between the first battery and the second battery based on the characteristics of the second battery; as well as If the first difference does not exceed a first tolerance associated with the characteristics of the first battery and the second difference does not exceed a second tolerance associated with the characteristics of the second battery, the first battery and the second battery are declared to be compatible.

17. The computer program product of claim 13, wherein sorting the plurality of batteries comprises: For each of the multiple equal batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, determine the set of compatible batteries in order to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; as well as The tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is broken at least in part based on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries. Breaking the tie among the multiple tied batteries includes: Global uniqueness is achieved by removing duplicate items from multiple sets of compatible batteries, thus obtaining multiple unique sets of compatible batteries; Determine the minimum batch compatibility number for each non-empty unique set among the plurality of unique sets; and The plurality of tied batteries are sorted at least in part based on the lowest batch compatibility number of each non-empty unique set, wherein any empty unique set is sorted last when the tie is broken.

18. The computer program product according to claim 13, wherein: Sorting the plurality of batteries includes: For each of the multiple averaging batteries with the same batch compatibility quantity, a set of compatible batteries is determined to obtain multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the multiple sets of compatible batteries is based at least in part on the uniqueness associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries and the number of one or more batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries; and Breaking the tie among the plurality of tied batteries includes: The multiple sets of compatible batteries are sorted at least in part based on the number of batch compatibility associated with the multiple sets of compatible batteries to obtain multiple sorted lists of compatible batteries; Select two or more compatible batteries for comparison from different sorted lists of compatible batteries, wherein the selected compatible batteries are ordered according to the same batch compatibility quantity in their respective sorted lists of compatible batteries; and If the minimum batch compatibility number associated with the selected compatible batteries used for comparison is unique, the tied battery associated with the minimum and unique batch compatibility number is selected as the tiebreaker winner, wherein the tiebreaker winner is first included in the sorted list among the plurality of tied batteries for evaluation.

19. A battery pack, comprising: container; cover; as well as Multiple compatible batteries, wherein the multiple compatible batteries included in the battery pack are selected from a plurality of batteries through the following process: For each of the plurality of batteries: Receive first battery characteristics and second battery characteristics to obtain multiple battery characteristics; Based on the characteristics of the first battery, a first difference is determined between the first battery and the second battery among the plurality of batteries; A second difference between the first battery and the second battery is determined based on the characteristics of the second battery, which are different from those of the first battery. If the first difference does not exceed a first tolerance associated with the characteristics of the first battery, and the second difference does not exceed a second tolerance associated with the characteristics of the second battery, then the first battery and the second battery are declared to be compatible; and The first battery and the second battery are included in the battery pack.

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