Measurement system and method for an energy cell

Abstract

A system for measuring the size of an energy battery includes a cable, a tensioning system, and a measuring system. The cable includes a first end and a second end, and may be disposed around a periphery of the energy cell. The tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to a first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the cable. The measurement system includes a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with a controller. A first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner and a second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner. The measurement system operates to determine a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

Description

[0001] introduction

[0002] Energy cells, such as rechargeable electrochemical cells, are cyclically charged and discharged during their useful life. During the cyclic charge / discharge events, the energy cell may experience volume changes. Some of the volume changes during the cyclic charge / discharge events may be reversible, and some of the volume changes during the cyclic charge / discharge events may be irreversible. Summary of the invention

[0003] There is a need for a system, apparatus, and / or related method for measuring or otherwise determining dimensional parameters of a rechargeable energy battery during cyclic charge / discharge events.

[0004] A system for measuring the dimensions of an energy cell is described, and the system includes: a cable, a tensioning system, and a measuring system. The cable includes a first end and a second end, and can be disposed around a periphery of the energy cell. The tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to the first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to the second end of the cable. The measuring system includes a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with a controller. The first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and the second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner. The measuring system operates to determine a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a measurement system operating to determine a length of a perimeter of an energy cell.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a charge cycling system; wherein the charge cycling system is connectable to an energy battery.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a charge cycling system operating to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery; and a measurement system operating to determine a dimensional parameter of a periphery of the energy battery consistent with the charge cycling system performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery.

[0008] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an energy cell having a cylindrical configuration; wherein the measurement system operates to determine a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of a cable, the linear displacement of the cable being determined via a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a measurement system operating to determine a first circumference of the energy battery at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point; determine a second circumference of the energy battery at a second SOC point; and determine a difference between the first circumference and the second circumference.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the tensioner system being arranged such that: when the cable is disposed around the periphery of the energy battery, the first tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the first end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery, and the second tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the second end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the energy cell defines an elevation axis; and the tensioning system is displaceable on the energy cell at a z-height, wherein the z-height is definable relative to the elevation axis.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include the cable being made of a nickel-iron alloy, including Invar.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the cable may wrap around the periphery of the energy cell.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a system for an energy battery, the system comprising: a tensioning system including a cable, a measurement system, and a charge cycle system arranged in a thermally stable environment; wherein the cable can be set around the periphery of the energy battery; wherein the tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to a first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the cable; wherein the measurement system includes a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with a controller; wherein the charge cycle system is connectable to the energy battery; and wherein the first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and wherein the second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a measurement system operating to determine a length of a periphery of the energy cell corresponding to a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a charge cycling system operating to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery; and a measurement system operating to determine a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy battery consistent with the charge cycling system performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include an energy cell having a cylindrical configuration, wherein a measurement system operates to determine a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of a cable, the linear displacement of the cable being determined via a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor.

[0018] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a measurement system operating to determine a first circumference of an energy battery at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point; determine a second circumference of the energy battery at a second SOC point; and determine a difference between the first circumference and the second circumference.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include that the energy cell defines an elevation axis; and the tensioning system is displaceable on the energy cell at a z-height, wherein the z-height is definable relative to the elevation axis.

[0020] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include a method for monitoring dimensional parameters of an energy battery, comprising: fixing the energy battery to a fixture arranged in a thermally stable environment; arranging cables in a ring around the periphery of the energy battery; attaching the cables to a base of a tensioning system; attaching the base of the tensioning system to a measurement system; and performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery via a charging cycle system, and simultaneously monitoring dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy battery via the measurement system.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include determining a reversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell during a charge / discharge cycle of the energy cell; and determining an irreversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell during a charge / discharge cycle of the energy cell.

[0022] Another aspect of the present disclosure may include determining a volume change caused by embedding of the energy battery based on a reversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy battery; and determining a volume change caused by a side reaction based on an irreversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy battery.

[0023] The present invention also includes the following scheme:

[0024] Solution 1. A system for an energy battery, the system comprising:

[0025] a cable, wherein the cable comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the cable is positionable around a periphery of an energy cell;

[0026] A tensioning system comprising a first tensioner attached to a first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the cable; and

[0027] a measurement system including a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with the controller;

[0028] wherein the cables are wrapped around the energy cell;

[0029] wherein a first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and wherein a second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner; and

[0030] Wherein the measurement system operates to determine dimensional parameters of the energy cell.

[0031] Option 2. A system according to Option 1, wherein the measurement system operates to determine the length of the periphery of the energy cell.

[0032] Solution 3. The system according to solution 1 further comprises:

[0033] Charging cycle system;

[0034] The charging cycle system can be connected to the energy battery.

[0035] Solution 4. The system according to solution 3:

[0036] wherein the charge cycling system operates to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery; and

[0037] Wherein the measurement system operates to determine dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell consistent with the charge cycling system performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell.

[0038] Option 5. The system of Option 4, wherein the energy cell has a cylindrical configuration;

[0039] Therein, the measurement system operates to determine the circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of the cable, the linear displacement of the cable being determined via a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor.

[0040] Embodiment 6. The system of embodiment 5, wherein the measurement system operates to:

[0041] determining a first circumference of the energy cell at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point;

[0042] determining a second circumference of the energy battery at a second SOC point; and

[0043] Determine the difference between the first perimeter and the second perimeter.

[0044] Option 7. A system according to Option 1, wherein the tensioner system is arranged so that when the cable is arranged around the periphery of the energy battery, the first tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the first end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery, and the second tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the second end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery.

[0045] Solution 8. The system according to solution 1:

[0046] wherein the energy cell defines an elevation axis; and

[0047] The tensioning system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z height, wherein the z height is definable relative to the elevation axis.

[0048] Option 9. A system according to Option 1, wherein the cable is made of a nickel-iron alloy, including Invar alloy.

[0049] Option 10. A system according to Option 1, wherein the cable can be arranged around the periphery of the energy battery, including the cable can surround the periphery of the energy battery.

[0050] Solution 11. A system for an energy battery, the system comprising:

[0051] A tensioning system including a cable, a measuring system and a charging cycle system arranged in a thermally stable environment;

[0052] wherein the cable may be arranged around the periphery of the energy cell;

[0053] wherein the tensioning system includes a first tensioner attached to a first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the cable;

[0054] wherein the measurement system includes a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with the controller;

[0055] Wherein the charging cycle system can be connected to the energy battery;

[0056] wherein the first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner; and

[0057] The second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner.

[0058] Embodiment 12. A system according to embodiment 11, wherein the measurement system operates to determine a length of the periphery of the energy cell corresponding to a dimensional parameter of the energy cell.

[0059] Solution 13. The system according to solution 12:

[0060] wherein the charge cycling system operates to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery; and

[0061] Wherein the measurement system operates to determine dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell consistent with the charge cycling system performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell.

[0062] Option 14. A system according to Option 13, wherein the energy battery has a cylindrical configuration; and wherein the measurement system operates to determine the circumference of the energy battery based on the linear displacement of the cable, and the linear displacement of the cable is determined via a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor.

[0063] Embodiment 15. The system of embodiment 11, wherein the measurement system operates to:

[0064] determining a first circumference of the energy cell at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point;

[0065] determining a second circumference of the energy battery at a second SOC point; and

[0066] Determine the difference between the first perimeter and the second perimeter.

[0067] Solution 16. The system according to solution 11:

[0068] wherein said energy cell defines an elevation axis; and

[0069] The tensioning system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z height, wherein the z height is definable relative to the elevation axis.

[0070] Embodiment 17. A system according to Embodiment 11, wherein the cable is made of a nickel-iron alloy including Invar alloy.

[0071] Embodiment 18. A method for monitoring a dimensional parameter of an energy cell, the method comprising:

[0072] securing the energy cell to a fixture disposed in a thermally stable environment;

[0073] Arranging the cables in a loop around the periphery of the energy cell;

[0074] Attaching the cables to the base of the tensioning system;

[0075] attaching a base of the tensioning system to the measurement system; and

[0076] A charge / discharge cycle is performed on the energy cell via the charge cycling system, and dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell are simultaneously monitored via the measurement system.

[0077] Scheme 19. The method according to Scheme 18, further comprising:

[0078] determining reversible changes in dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell during charge / discharge cycles performed on the energy cell; and

[0079] During the charge / discharge cycles performed on the energy cell, irreversible changes in dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell are determined.

[0080] Solution 20. The method according to solution 19, further comprising:

[0081] determining a volume change caused by embedding of the energy battery based on a reversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy battery; and

[0082] The volume change caused by the side reaction is determined based on the irreversible change of the dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell.

[0083] The above summary of the invention is not intended to represent every possible embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. Rather, the foregoing summary of the invention is intended to illustrate some of the novel aspects and features disclosed herein. The above features and advantages of the present disclosure and other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description of representative embodiments and modes for implementing the present disclosure when understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0084] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0085] Figure 1 A top view of a sizing system for an energy cell according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0086] Figure 2 A side view of an energy cell provided in an embodiment of a sizing system according to the present disclosure is schematically illustrated.

[0087] Figure 3 The relationship between the state of charge (SOC) and the dimensional parameters of the energy cell periphery during a single charge / discharge cycle according to the present disclosure is graphically illustrated.

[0088] Figure 4 The relationship between the state of life (SOL) and the net linear displacement of the periphery or irreversible change of a dimensional parameter of an energy cell after performing repeated charge / discharge cycles according to the present disclosure is graphically illustrated.

[0089] The drawings are not necessarily to scale and may present somewhat simplified representations of various features of the present disclosure disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes. Details relating to such features will be determined in part by the particular intended application and use environment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0090] As described and illustrated herein, the components of the disclosed embodiments may be arranged in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure claimed, but merely represents possible embodiments thereof. In addition, although many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein, some embodiments may be implemented without some of these details. In addition, for the purpose of clarity, certain technical materials understood in the relevant art are not described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the disclosure.

[0091] For the purposes of this specification, unless otherwise stated, the use of the singular includes the plural and vice versa, the terms "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctions and disjunctions, and the words "including", "comprising", "having", etc. shall mean "including without limitation". In addition, approximate words such as "about", "almost", "substantially", "generally", "approximately", etc. may be used herein in the sense of "at, close to, or nearly at", or "within 0-5% of..." or "within an acceptable manufacturing tolerance", or logical combinations thereof. As used herein, a component that is "configured to" perform a specified function is capable of performing the specified function without change, not merely having the potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, when explicitly configured to perform a specified function, the hardware described is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and / or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function.

[0092] The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit application and use. Throughout the accompanying drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts and features. In addition, there is no intention to be bound by the express or implied theory that may be proposed herein. In addition, as illustrated and described herein, the present disclosure can be implemented in the absence of elements not specifically disclosed herein.

[0093] Directional terms such as top, bottom, left, right, up, above, above, below, below, rear and front and similar expressions are used in the description for the purpose of convenience and clarity and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. The use of ordinal numbers such as first, second and third does not imply a sense of order in arrangement, but rather may distinguish multiple instances of an action or structure.

[0094] As used herein, the term "system" may refer to one or a combination of mechanical and electrical actuators, sensors, controllers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), combinatorial logic circuits, software, firmware, and / or other components arranged to provide the described functionality.

[0095] Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals correspond to like or similar components throughout the several views, embodiments consistent with the present disclosure are described herein. Figure 1 and 2 A system 10 for an energy cell 100 is schematically illustrated, wherein the system 10 is arranged in a thermally stable environment to monitor dimensional parameters of the energy cell 100 .

[0096] In one embodiment, the energy cell 100 is a rechargeable lithium ion electrochemical cell, which consists of an internal part arranged in a cylindrical housing or shell 102. The internal part includes a first and a second paired electrode, which is arranged in a stack and rolled into a cylindrical shape, which is inserted into the shell 102 and sealed therein. Alternatively, the energy cell 100 is a supercapacitor or another electrical energy storage device. In one embodiment, the shell 102 is configured as a hollow cylindrical tube with a top end 104 and a bottom end 106, wherein the shell 102 defines a periphery 103 and a longitudinal axis 110. Alternatively, the cross-section of the shell 102 can be configured as a squircle (rounded square), or has a rectangular shape, or has another shape. In one embodiment, the shell 102 is made of metal, such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, steel, steel alloy or another metal. Alternatively, the shell 102 is made of a polymer material. The internal part includes a positive electrode or cathode electrically connected to a first terminal 108, and a negative electrode or anode electrically connected to a second terminal 109. The first terminal 108 is separated from the second terminal 109 by an insulator.

[0097] In one embodiment, a system 10 arranged to monitor dimensional parameters of an energy battery 100 comprises a cable 30 arranged in a body 12, a cable tensioning system 20, and a measuring system 40. The system 10 further comprises a battery fixing element 11 for fixing the energy battery 100. The system 10 may further comprise a charge circulation system 50 connectable to a first terminal 108 of the energy battery 100 via a first cable and a connector 51, and connectable to a second terminal 109 of the energy battery 100 via a second cable and a connector 52.

[0098] The system 10 is shown resting on a platform 19 .

[0099] The body 12 is arranged as a solid rectangular prism having a central cylindrical hole 14, wherein the hole 14 defines a first axis 13 and a second axis 15. A base 16 is arranged in the hole 14, having one or more adjustment screws 18 connecting the base 16 to the body 12. By manipulating the adjustment screw(s) 18, the base 16 is movable along the second axis 15 relative to the body 12. In addition, the base 16 is movable upward or downward along a third axis 17, wherein the third axis 17 is an elevation axis corresponding to the longitudinal axis 110 of the energy cell 100.

[0100] The base 16 and one or more battery fixing elements 11 ( Figure 2100 to the system 10. This arrangement, along with manipulation of the adjustment screw(s) 18, is used to arrange the energy cell 100 relative to the cable 30 so that the cable 30 is tangential to the periphery 103 of the housing 102 during measurement of the circumference of the energy cell 100, including after performing multiple charge / discharge cycles through the charge recycling system 50.

[0101] The cable 30 includes a first end 31 , a second end 32 , and a ring-shaped portion 33 therebetween.

[0102] The cable 30 is made of a material with low elasticity and low thermal expansion coefficient. In one embodiment, the cable 30 is made of a nickel-iron alloy. In one embodiment, the cable 30 is made of an invar alloy. In one embodiment, the cable 30 is an uninsulated single-strand wire with a circular or oval cross-sectional shape. In one embodiment, the cable 30 is a multi-strand wire with a circular or oval cross-sectional shape.

[0103] The cable 30 may be arranged around the periphery 103 of the energy cell 100 , wherein the ring-shaped portion 33 may be arranged around the periphery 103 of the housing 102 of the energy cell 100 .

[0104] The cable tensioning system 20 is arranged in the bore 14 and comprises a first tensioner 21 and a second tensioner 26 arranged in relative positions within the bore 14 on the first axis 13. The first tensioner 21 comprises a first base 22 comprising a first centrally disposed tip portion 23, a spring 24 and a spring seat 25. The second tensioner 26 comprises a second base 27 comprising a second centrally disposed tip portion 28, a spring 24 and a spring seat 29. Advantageously, the first centrally disposed tip portion 23 and the second centrally disposed tip portion 28 are arranged on the first axis 13.

[0105] A first end 31 of the cable 30 is secured to the first centrally disposed tip portion 23 of the first tensioner 21 , and a second end 32 of the cable 30 is secured to the second centrally disposed tip portion 28 of the second tensioner 26 .

[0106] The cable tensioning system 20 and the energy battery 100 are arranged such that: when the cable 30 is arranged around the periphery 103 of the energy battery 100, the first tensioner 21 is arranged to apply tension via the first end 31 of the cable 30 at a first tangent 34 of the energy battery 100, and the second tensioner 26 is arranged to apply tension via the second end 32 of the cable 30 at a second tangent 35 of the energy battery 100.

[0107] The measurement system 40 includes a first linear displacement sensor 41 and a second linear displacement sensor 42. The first linear displacement sensor 41 and the second linear displacement sensor 42 are arranged and aligned on the first axis 13. The first linear displacement sensor 41 is fixed to the first base 22 of the first tensioner 21, and the second linear displacement sensor 42 is fixed to the second base 27 of the second tensioner 26. The first linear displacement sensor 41 and the second linear displacement sensor 42 communicate with the controller 45.

[0108] When the cable 30 is arranged around the periphery 103 of the energy battery 100, when the first tensioner 21 applies tension via the first end 31 of the cable 30 at a tangent to the energy battery 100, and the second tensioner 26 applies tension via the second end 32 of the cable 30 at a tangent to the energy battery 100, the measurement system 40 operates in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine dimensional parameters of the energy battery 100, such as the outer circumference.

[0109] Furthermore, by having a base 16 movable upward or downward along the third axis 17, the cable tensioning system 20 and the measuring system 40 are arrangeable on the energy cell 100 at a selectable z-height, wherein the z-height is definable relative to the third axis 17 (i.e., the elevation axis). Thus, the measuring system 40 operates in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 to determine dimensional parameters, such as the outer circumference, of the energy cell 100 at the selectable z-height.

[0110] The charge cycling system 50 advantageously includes a charge source and a charge sink, and may be used to cyclically charge and discharge the energy cell 100 between a maximum state of charge and a minimum state of charge as part of a testing regimen for the purpose of exercising the energy cell 100 .

[0111] This arrangement enables the energy cell 100 to be fixable by the cell fixation element 11 in the system 10, and enables the cable tensioning system 20 and the measurement system 40 to be fixable on the energy cell 100 at a selectable z-height 107, wherein the z-height 107 is definable relative to the third axis 17 (i.e., the elevation axis). In this way, the cable tensioning system 20 and the measurement system 40 can be placed on the energy cell 100 at or near the bottom, at different z-heights in the middle portion, and / or at or near the top of the energy cell 100 to determine dimensional parameters of its periphery, such as the outer circumference, including taking such measurements before, during, and after a charging event and / or a discharging event by the charge recycling system 50.

[0112] As a non-limiting example, the measurement system 40 in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 may be used to determine a first circumference of the energy cell 100 at a selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point, and determine a second circumference of the energy cell 100 when the energy cell 100 has been charged to a second SOC point (e.g., at a 100% SOC point) through operation of the charge recycling system 50. A difference between the first circumference and the second circumference may be determined.

[0113] Additionally, the measurement system 40 in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 may be used to determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 after a number of charge / discharge cycles are performed by the charge cycling system 50 .

[0114] A method for monitoring a dimensional parameter (e.g., circumference) of an embodiment of an energy cell 100 described herein includes securing the energy cell 100 to a battery securing element 11 disposed in a thermally stable environment. The cable 30 is disposed in an annular portion 33 surrounding the periphery 103 of the housing 102 of the energy cell 100 and is attached to the first and second bases 22, 27 of the respective first and second tensioners 21, 26 of the tensioning system 20. The first and second bases 22, 27 of the tensioning system 20 are also attached to the measurement system 40.

[0115] The first and second terminals 108, 109 of the energy cell 100 are electrically connected to the charge recycling system 50. The charge recycling system 50 performs one or more charge / discharge cycles on the energy cell and simultaneously monitors a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell 100 via the measurement system 40. In one embodiment, the dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell 100 is an outer circumference.

[0116] The charge / discharge cycle may include initially discharging the energy cell 100 to a 0% SOC point, charging the energy cell 100 to a 100% SOC point, and then discharging the energy cell to a 0% SOC point. During the charge / discharge cycle, the measurement system 40 in conjunction with the cable tensioning system 20 may be used to determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 at a selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point, determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 when the energy cell 100 has been charged to a second SOC point (e.g., at a 100% SOC point) through operation of the charge cycling system 50, and then determine the circumference of the energy cell 100 at a selected z-height 107 when the energy cell 100 is at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point after discharge.

[0117] Figure 3The relationship between the SOC 310 (shown on the horizontal axis) and a dimensional parameter 320 (shown on the vertical axis) of the periphery of the energy cell 100 during charging 302 and during discharging 304 is graphically illustrated, with hysteresis 306 also indicated.

[0118] Figure 4 The relationship 402 between the state of life (SOL) 410 and the net linear displacement 420 (or irreversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell 100) after repeated charge and discharge cycles is graphically illustrated. The relationship 402 indicates that initially the net linear displacement 420 (or irreversible change in a dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell 100) is unchanged during repeated charge and discharge cycles, but after a number of charge / discharge cycles indicated by 404, there is an irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell 100. This information can be used to determine the volume change caused by the embedding of the energy cell based on the reversible change in the dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell. Using known methods, this information can also be used to determine the volume change caused by side reactions based on the irreversible change in the dimensional parameter of the periphery of the energy cell.

[0119] For the sake of brevity, technologies related to signal processing, data fusion, signaling, control and other functional aspects of the system (as well as the various operating components of the system) may not be described in detail herein. In addition, the connecting lines shown in the different figures included herein are intended to represent example functional relationships and / or physical couplings between different elements. In embodiments of the present disclosure, there may be alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections.

[0120] The term "controller" and related terms (e.g., microcontroller, controller, control unit, processor, etc.) refer to one or more combinations of application specific integrated circuit(s) (ASICs), field programmable gate array(s) (FPGAs), electronic circuit(s), central processing unit(s) (e.g., microprocessor(s)), and related non-transitory memory components in the form of memory and storage devices (read-only, programmable read-only, random access, hard disk drives, etc.). The non-transitory memory components are capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuit(s), input / output circuit(s) and devices, signal conditioning, buffer circuits, and other components, which can be accessed and executed by one or more processors to provide the described functionality. The input / output circuit(s) and devices include analog / digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, where such inputs are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a triggering event. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms mean sets of instructions executable by a controller, including calibration and lookup tables. Each controller executes control routine(s) to provide the desired functionality. The routine may be executed at regular intervals, such as every 100 microseconds during ongoing operation. Alternatively, the routine may be executed in response to the occurrence of a triggering event. Communication between the controller, actuator, and / or sensor may be achieved using a direct wired point-to-point link, a networked communication bus link, a wireless link, or another communication link. Communication includes exchanging data signals, including, for example, electrical signals via a conductive medium; electromagnetic signals via air; optical signals via optical waveguides, etc. The data signals may include discrete, analog, and / or digitized analog signals representing inputs from sensors, actuator commands, and communications between controllers.

[0121] The term “signal” refers to a physically discernible indicator that conveys information, and may be a suitable waveform (e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical, or electromagnetic) capable of traveling through a medium, such as DC, AC, sine wave, triangle wave, square wave, vibration, etc.

[0122] The terms "calibration," "calibrated," and related terms refer to the result or process of correlating desired parameters of a device or system to one or more sensed or observed parameters. The calibration described herein may be reduced to a storable parameter table, a plurality of executable equations, or another suitable form that may be used as part of a measurement or control routine.

[0123] A parameter is defined as a measurable quantity representing a physical characteristic of a device or other element that is discernible using one or more sensors and / or physical models. A parameter can be a discrete value (e.g., "1" or "0"), a percentage (e.g., 0% to 100%), or an infinitely variable value.

[0124] The term "model" refers to a processor-based or processor-executable code and associated calibration that simulates the physical presence of a device or physical process.

[0125] The detailed description and the accompanying drawings or figures support and describe the present teaching, but the scope of the present teaching is limited only by the claims. Although some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teaching have been described in detail, there are various alternative embodiments for implementing the present teaching defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A system for an energy battery, the system comprising: a cable, wherein the cable comprises a first end and a second end, and wherein the cable is positionable around a periphery of an energy cell; A tensioning system including a first tensioner attached to a first end of the cable and a second tensioner attached to a second end of the cable; and a measurement system including a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor in communication with the controller; wherein the cables are wrapped around the energy cell; wherein a first linear displacement sensor is connected to the first tensioner, and wherein a second linear displacement sensor is connected to the second tensioner; and Wherein the measurement system operates to determine dimensional parameters of the energy cell.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the measurement system operates to determine the length of the periphery of the energy cell.

3. The system according to claim 1, further comprising: Charging cycle system; The charging cycle system can be connected to the energy battery.

4. The system according to claim 3: wherein the charge cycling system operates to perform a charge / discharge cycle on the energy battery; and Wherein the measurement system operates to determine dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell consistent with the charge cycling system performing a charge / discharge cycle on the energy cell.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the energy cell has a cylindrical configuration; in, The measurement system operates to determine a circumference of the energy cell based on a linear displacement of the cable, the linear displacement of the cable being determined via a first linear displacement sensor and a second linear displacement sensor.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the measurement system operates to: determining a first circumference of the energy cell at a 0% state of charge (SOC) point; determining a second circumference of the energy battery at a second SOC point; and Determine the difference between the first perimeter and the second perimeter.

7. A system according to claim 1, wherein the tensioner system is arranged so that when the cable is arranged around the periphery of the energy battery, the first tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the first end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery, and the second tensioner is arranged to apply tension via the second end of the cable at a tangent to the energy battery.

8. The system according to claim 1: wherein the energy cell defines an elevation axis; and The tensioning system can be arranged on the energy cell at a z height, wherein the z height is definable relative to the elevation axis.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the cable is made of a nickel-iron alloy, including Invar.

10. A method for monitoring a dimensional parameter of an energy cell, the method comprising: securing the energy cell to a fixture disposed in a thermally stable environment; Arranging the cables in a loop around the periphery of the energy cell; Attaching the cables to the base of the tensioning system; attaching a base of the tensioning system to the measuring system; and A charge / discharge cycle is performed on the energy cell via the charge cycling system, and dimensional parameters of the periphery of the energy cell are simultaneously monitored via the measurement system.

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