Method of estimating battery positive electrode capacity and battery recovery system using same

Abstract

A method for estimating a positive electrode capacity of a battery and a battery recovery system using the same are provided. A method for estimating a positive electrode capacity of a battery includes receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of the battery, receiving second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery, receiving third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery, and estimating a positive electrode capacity of the battery. And estimating a positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, wherein the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate may be different from each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] One or more embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery based on battery discharge data, and a battery recycling system utilizing the method. Background Technology

[0002] Unlike primary batteries, which are not designed for (re)charging, secondary (or rechargeable) batteries are designed to discharge and be recharged. Low-capacity secondary batteries are used in portable small electronic devices such as smartphones, feature phones, laptops, digital cameras, and camcorders, while high-capacity secondary batteries are widely used as power sources for driving motors in hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as for storing electricity (e.g., home power storage and / or utility-scale power storage). Secondary batteries typically consist of an electrode assembly containing positive and negative terminals, a housing, and electrode terminals connected to the electrode assembly.

[0003] With the increasing demand for batteries, including rechargeable batteries, the battery recycling industry has become increasingly important. Various battery recycling methods can be applied depending on the remaining lifespan of the battery at the time of recycling. Therefore, identifying the degradation state of the positive or negative electrode in a battery is likely crucial for effective battery recycling.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended to enhance the understanding of the background of this disclosure, and therefore may contain information that does not constitute related (or prior art). Summary of the Invention

[0005] It may be desirable to non-destructively diagnose the internal state of a battery in order to identify the degradation state of the positive or negative electrode. While charge / discharge data can be used to diagnose the internal state of a battery, it is difficult to isolate and determine degradation of only the positive or negative electrode from the battery's charge / discharge data. In a comparative example, the internal state of a battery can be diagnosed after dismantling it. However, such a technique may have the inconvenience of requiring the removal of individual cells to diagnose the battery's internal state, and therefore, even healthy cells may be discarded if dismantled.

[0006] One or more embodiments of this disclosure may relate to a method for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery, and a battery recycling system utilizing the method.

[0007] These and other aspects and features of this disclosure will be described in or will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of this disclosure.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery may include: receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of the battery, receiving second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery, receiving third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery, and estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, wherein the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate may be different from each other.

[0009] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first discharge rate may include the maximum discharge rate of the battery.

[0010] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the discharge data (e.g., first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data) may include the discharge capacity of a full-cell battery associated with each of the discharge rates (e.g., first discharge rate, second discharge rate, and third discharge rate, respectively).

[0011] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be a ratio (e.g., a predetermined ratio) greater than or equal to the maximum discharge rate of the battery.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the estimation of the positive electrode capacity of the battery may include estimating a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell based on a first discharge rate, a second discharge rate, a third discharge rate, first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data.

[0013] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the estimation of the positive electrode capacity of the battery may further include calculating a first determination coefficient based on a first discharge rate, a second discharge rate, a third discharge rate, first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data, and determining whether the first determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold).

[0014] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the estimation of the positive electrode capacity of the battery may further include: in response to determining that a first determination coefficient is less than a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), receiving fourth discharge data associated with a fourth discharge rate of the battery, calculating a second determination coefficient based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the fourth discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the fourth discharge data, and determining whether the second determination coefficient is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), and the third discharge rate may be less than the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the fourth discharge rate.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the estimation of the positive electrode capacity of the battery may further include calculating the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on a linear function.

[0016] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, linear functions can be estimated by extrapolation.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the positive electrode of the battery may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0018] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the method may further include determining a recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery based on the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery.

[0019] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the method for determining the recycling of the positive electrode of a battery may include determining whether the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), and in response to determining that the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold (e.g., the predetermined threshold), sending a command to perform direct recycling of the positive electrode of the battery to a battery recycling device.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the method for determining the recycling of the positive electrode of a battery may include determining whether the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is less than a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold), and in response to determining that the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is less than the threshold (e.g., the predetermined threshold), sending a pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical command to the positive electrode of the battery to a battery recycling device.

[0021] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a program stored in a computer-readable recording medium may be provided for performing a method for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery on a computer.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a battery recycling system may include a memory and at least one processor, the at least one processor being connected to the memory and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to cause the at least one processor to perform a method comprising: receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of the battery, receiving second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery, receiving third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery, and estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, wherein the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate may be different from each other.

[0023] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the first discharge rate may include the maximum discharge rate of the battery.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, each of the discharge data (first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data) may include the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with each of the discharge rates (first discharge rate, second discharge rate, and third discharge rate, respectively).

[0025] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery may include estimating a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell based on a first discharge rate, a second discharge rate, a third discharge rate, first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data.

[0026] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery may further include calculating a determination coefficient based on a first discharge rate, a second discharge rate, a third discharge rate, first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data, and determining whether the determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold).

[0027] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the battery recycling system may further include a battery recycling device, wherein at least one program may further include instructions for determining a recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery based on an estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery, and sending commands related to the determined recycling method to the battery recycling device.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the positive electrode capacity of a battery can be estimated based on data regarding the discharge capacity of a single battery cell associated with different discharge rates. Therefore, the positive electrode capacity of a battery can be estimated using discharge data for the entire battery cell without disassembling or disassembling the battery.

[0029] However, the aspects and features of this disclosure are not limited to those described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand from the detailed description below that other aspects and features not mentioned will be apparent. Attached Figure Description

[0030] The following accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure, and together with the detailed description of the present disclosure, aspects and features of the present disclosure are further described. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery recycling system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a processor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 3Examples of charge / discharge capacity graphs for a negative electrode half-cell according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0034] Figure 4 An example of a charge / discharge capacity graph of a positive electrode half-cell according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0035] Figure 5 Examples of discharge capacity graphs of negative electrode half-cells, positive electrode half-cells, and full cells at low discharge rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0036] Figure 6 Examples of discharge capacity graphs of negative electrode half-cells, positive electrode half-cells, and full cells discharged at high rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a graph illustrating example discharge data for full-cell and half-cell components according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for estimating positive electrode capacity according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the steps for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0040] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining a recycling method for a battery positive electrode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0041] In the following, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The terms or words used in this specification and claims should not be construed as limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings, but should be interpreted as based on the principle that the inventor may be his / her own lexicographer to appropriately define the concepts of the terms so as to best interpret the invention, meanings and concepts consistent with the technical spirit of the present disclosure.

[0042] The embodiments described in this specification and the configurations shown in the accompanying drawings are merely some embodiments of this disclosure and do not represent all technical ideas, aspects, and features of this disclosure. Therefore, it should be understood that one or more equivalents and modifications may exist that can replace or modify the embodiments described herein at the time of filing.

[0043] It should be understood that when a component or layer is described as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another component or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other component or layer, or one or more intermediate components or layers may be present. When a component or layer is described as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another component or layer, no intermediate components or layers are present. For example, when a first component is described as being "coupled" or "connected" to a second component, the first component can be directly coupled to or connected to the second component, or the first component can be indirectly coupled to or connected to the second component via one or more intermediate components.

[0044] In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of one or more elements, layers, etc., may be exaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals denote the same elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of this disclosure, the use of "may" refers to "one or more embodiments of this disclosure." Expressions such as "at least one of..." and "any one of..." modify the entire list of elements when preceding it, and do not modify individual elements in the list. When a list of elements A, B, and C is specified using phrases such as "at least one of A, B, and C," "at least one of A, B, or C," "at least one selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C," or "at least one selected from A, B, and C," the phrase may refer to any and all suitable combinations or subsets of A, B, and C, such as A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, the terms “use,” “using,” and “used” can be considered synonymous with the terms “utilize,” “utilizing,” and “utilized,” respectively. As used herein, the terms “substantially,” “about,” and similar terms are used as approximations rather than terms of degree and are intended to explain the inherent variations in measured or calculated values ​​that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0045] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe one or more elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, regions, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or portion from another element, component, region, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the exemplary embodiments, the first element, component, region, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or portion.

[0046] For ease of description, this document uses spatial relative terms such as “below,” “under,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc., to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another element or feature as shown in the figure. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relative terms are intended to cover different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, an element described as “below” or “under” other elements or features will be oriented as “above” or “upper” other elements or features. Therefore, the term “below” can encompass both above and below orientations. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein should be interpreted accordingly.

[0047] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a” and “an” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “have / has / having,” “include / includes / including,” and / or “comprise / comprises / comprising” designate the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0048] Furthermore, any numerical range disclosed and / or enumerated herein is intended to include all subranges containing the same numerical precision within the enumerated range. For example, the range “1.0 to 10.0” is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the minimum value of 1.0 and the maximum value of 10.0, i.e., a minimum value equal to or greater than 1.0 and a maximum value equal to or less than 10.0, such as 2.4 to 7.6. Any maximum numerical limit described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limits contained therein, and any minimum numerical limit described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limits contained therein. Therefore, the applicant reserves the right to amend this specification (including the claims) to expressly describe any subranges contained within the range expressly described herein. All such ranges are intended to be inherently described in this specification such that amendments to expressly describe any such subranges will comply with the requirements of local patent law.

[0049] Referring to two compared elements, features, etc., as “identical” can mean that they are “substantially identical.” Therefore, the phrase “substantially identical” can include cases with a deviation considered low in the art, such as 5% or less. Furthermore, when a parameter is said to be uniform in a given region, it can mean that it is uniform in terms of the mean.

[0050] Throughout this specification, unless otherwise stated, each element may be singular or plural.

[0051] Arranging any element "above (or below)" or "on (below)" another element can mean that any element can be disposed / arranged to contact the upper (or lower) surface of the element, and another element can also be inserted between the element and any element disposed / arranged on (or below) the element.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that when a component is referred to as “linked,” “coupled,” or “connected” to another component, the elements can be directly “coupled,” “linked,” or “connected” to each other, or another component can be “inserted” between the components.

[0053] Throughout this specification, when “A and / or B” is stated, it means A, B, or A and B, unless otherwise stated. That is, “and / or” includes any or all of the listed items. In the case of “C to D”, unless otherwise stated, it means C or greater and D or less.

[0054] Singular expressions in this document include plural expressions unless the context explicitly specifies that they are singular. Furthermore, plural expressions include singular expressions unless the context explicitly specifies that they are plural. When a section refers to a component throughout the specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, this does not imply the exclusion of other components, but may imply the further inclusion of other components.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms "module" or "part" as used herein refer to a software or hardware component, and a "module" or "part" performs certain roles. However, "module" or "part" does not carry the connotation of being limited to software or hardware. A "module" or "part" may be configured to reside on addressable storage media or may be configured to run on one or more processors. Thus, by way of example, a "module" or "part" may include at least one of the following: components (such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components), processes, functions, properties, procedures, subroutines, program code segments, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, or variables. The functionality provided within a component and a "module" or "part" may be combined into fewer components and "modules" or "parts," or may be further divided into additional components and "modules" or "parts."

[0056] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a "module" or "component" may be implemented using a processor and memory. "Processor" should be interpreted broadly to encompass general-purpose processors, central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), controllers, microcontrollers, state machines, etc. In some contexts, "processor" may refer to application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. "Processor" may also refer to a combination of processing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors with a DSP core, or any other combination of such components. Furthermore, "memory" should be interpreted broadly to encompass any electronic component capable of storing electronic information. "Memory" may also refer to one or more types of processor-readable media, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage, registers, etc. If the processor can read information from the memory and / or write information to the memory, the memory is said to be in electronic communication with the processor. The memory integrated into the processor communicates electronically with the processor.

[0057] In this disclosure, "system" may include, but is not limited to, at least one of server devices and cloud devices. For example, a system may be formed by one or more server devices. As another example, a system may be formed by one or more cloud devices. As yet another example, a system may operate by being formed together by server devices and cloud devices.

[0058] In this disclosure, for clarity of description, the dimensions and relative dimensions of the areas shown in the accompanying drawings may have been exaggerated. For example, the dimensions shown in the drawings are merely for ease of understanding and are not limiting. Furthermore, the flowcharts shown in the drawings and their descriptions are merely examples and may be implemented differently in some embodiments. For example, one or more steps may be omitted, the order of each step may be changed, one or more steps may be performed in an overlapping manner, or one or more steps may be repeated multiple times.

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a battery recycling system 100 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] Reference Figure 1 The battery recycling system 100 may include a battery 110, a data measurement part 120, a charging / discharging device 130, an information processing system 140, and a battery recycling device 150. The charging / discharging device 130 may include a charging device and a discharging device. The battery 110 can be charged or discharged by the charging / discharging device 130. For example, the battery 110 may be inside an electronic device (e.g., disposed / arranged internally) and can be charged or discharged by a charging / discharging device included in the electronic device or an external charging / discharging device. See reference... Figure 1 Battery 110 is shown connected only to charging / discharging device 130 and data measurement section 120, but is not limited thereto. For example, battery 110 may be electrically connected to an external component. Battery 110 may supply power to an external component during charging or after charging is complete. In some embodiments, battery 110 may be electrically connected to another component (e.g., battery recycling device 150) after being disconnected from data measurement section 120 and charging / discharging device 130.

[0061] The charging / discharging device 130 can charge or discharge the battery 110 at one or more (e.g., by changing) charge / discharge rates (C-rate). Here, the charge / discharge rate can be a value obtained by dividing the magnitude of the battery's charging / discharging current by the battery's rated capacity. For example, the discharging device can discharge the battery 110 at a first discharge rate. Furthermore, the discharging device can discharge the battery 110 at a second discharge rate different from the first discharge rate. For example, the second discharge rate can be slower than the first discharge rate. Additionally, the battery 110 can be charged by the charging device before the discharging device discharges it.

[0062] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate may be less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold). Here, the threshold may be 1C. Here, C is a unit of discharge rate and may refer to the discharge rate at which it takes a corresponding amount of time (e.g., a certain amount of time) to fully discharge the corresponding battery. For example, a 1C discharge rate may refer to the discharge rate at which it takes 1 hour to fully discharge a fully charged battery. As another example, a 0.5C discharge rate may refer to the discharge rate at which it takes 2 hours to fully discharge a fully charged battery.

[0063] The data measurement section 120 may include a voltage sensor. When the battery 110 is discharged by a discharge device, the voltage sensor can generate voltage data for the battery 110. The voltage data may include voltage data based on the discharge capacity obtained by discharging the battery 110. Based on the generated voltage data, the data measurement section 120 can generate discharge data. Here, the discharge data may include discharge capacity data associated with the discharge rate of the battery 110. The discharge capacity data may be data calculated based on the generated voltage data. The discharge capacity data may be calculated by the data measurement section 120 and / or the processor 142.

[0064] The discharge data can be sent to the processor 142 of the information processing system 140. Figure 1 In this diagram, the data measurement section 120 is shown as exchanging information with the information processing system 140 externally, but is not limited thereto. For example, the data measurement section 120 may be included within the information processing system 140. The data measurement section 120 may generate discharge data of the battery 110 within the information processing system 140 and send it to the processor 142.

[0065] The information processing system 140 may include a processor 142 and a memory 144. The processor 142 may receive discharge data generated from the data measurement section 120 that is associated with the discharge rate of the battery. The processor 142 may estimate the positive electrode capacity of the battery 110 based on the received discharge data.

[0066] The processor 142 can determine a recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery 110 based on estimated data regarding the positive electrode capacity of the battery 110. The processor 142 can send a command to the battery recycling device 150 to execute the determined recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery 110. Discharge data, data regarding the positive electrode capacity of the battery 110, data on the recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery 110, etc., received by the processor 142 can be stored in the memory 144.

[0067] The battery recycling device 150 can receive commands from the processor 142 to execute a recycling method for the positive electrode of the battery 110, as determined by the processor 142. The battery recycling device 150 can perform the recycling of the positive electrode of the battery 110 based on the commands received from the processor 142. Here, the recycling of the positive electrode of the battery 110 can be a method of extracting core raw material metals (such as lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese, copper, and / or aluminum) from the used battery 110 and using them to manufacture new batteries. The battery recycling device 150 can be an automated device for extracting positive electrode material from the used battery 110.

[0068] In some embodiments, the recycling method for the positive electrode of battery 110 may include direct recycling methods, pyrometallurgical methods, hydrometallurgical methods, etc. Battery recycling can refer to disassembling a battery after use, extracting and utilizing valuable metals such as lithium, cobalt, and / or nickel, and reusing them as battery raw materials. Direct recycling methods can refer to methods that recover active materials coated on the positive electrode of the battery by physically separating them. Direct recycling methods can be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical methods. Pyrometallurgical methods can refer to methods that extract metals by discharging and disassembling a used battery, crushing it, placing the resulting flakes in a furnace, and melting them. Hydrometallurgical methods can refer to methods that extract metals by discharging and disassembling a used battery, crushing and pulverizing it to produce a fine black powder, and then adding a solvent to the black powder to induce a chemical reaction.

[0069] In some embodiments, the charging / discharging device 130 and the processor 142 can communicate with each other. The processor 142 can send a command to the discharging device to adjust the discharge rate of the battery 110 in order to receive discharge data associated with the discharge rate of the battery 110. Furthermore, the processor 142 can send a command to the charging device to charge the battery 110 in order to receive discharge data when the battery 110 is fully charged.

[0070] Reference Figure 1 The diagram shows a single battery 110, but is not limited to this. For example, multiple batteries can be discharged by a discharge device, and discharge data can be generated by a data measurement section 120. Furthermore, multiple batteries can be charged to a fully charged state by a charging device.

[0071] Furthermore, the information processing system 140 may also include a communication module. The communication module can provide configurations or functions for communicating with the charging / discharging device, data measurement unit, or battery recycling device, and can also provide configurations or functions for communicating between the information processing system 140 and external devices, external systems, etc. As an example, control signals, commands, data, etc., provided under the control of the information processing system 140 can be transmitted to the charging / discharging device, external device, and / or external system via the communication module, and control signals, commands, data, etc., provided by the charging / discharging device, external device, and / or external system can be transmitted via the communication module.

[0072] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the internal configuration of a processor according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The processor 200 may include a discharge data receiving section 210, a coefficient calculation section 220, a linear function estimation section 230, a positive electrode capacity calculation section 240, and a recycling method determination section 250. For example, the processor 200 may include... Figure 1 The processor 142 in the information processing system 140.

[0073] In some embodiments, the discharge data receiving section 210 can receive data from the data measurement section (e.g., Figure 1 The data measurement section 120 receives discharge data. For example, the discharge data receiving section 210 can receive first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of the battery, second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery, and third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery from the data measurement section.

[0074] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate may be different from each other. For example, the first discharge rate may be faster than the second discharge rate. Furthermore, the second discharge rate may be faster than the third discharge rate.

[0075] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate may include the battery's maximum discharge rate. Here, the battery's maximum discharge rate may be the maximum discharge rate allowed when the battery is discharged, taking into account the battery's performance. For example, the battery's maximum discharge rate may be 1C, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] In some embodiments, first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the first discharge rate. Second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the second discharge rate. Third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the third discharge rate.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be a ratio greater than or equal to the battery's maximum discharge rate (e.g., a predetermined ratio). For example, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be a ratio greater than or equal to the maximum discharge rate allowed when the battery is discharged, taking into account battery performance (e.g., when) (e.g., a predetermined ratio). For example, the battery's maximum discharge rate can be 1C, and the ratio can be 50%. In this case, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be 0.5C or higher. However, this embodiment is not limited to this.

[0078] In some embodiments, each discharge data point may include data regarding the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with each discharge rate. The processor 200 may estimate the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the discharge rate and the data regarding the discharge capacity of the associated entire battery cell, as described later. For example, the positive electrode capacity of the battery may be estimated using data regarding the entire battery cell (e.g., the discharge rate and discharge capacity of the entire battery cell) without disassembling and / or dismantling the battery to diagnose its internal state.

[0079] In some embodiments, the determination coefficient calculation section 220 may calculate a first determination coefficient based on each discharge rate of the battery and the associated discharge data (e.g., discharge capacity). Here, the coefficient of determination can be used to measure how well the estimated linear model fits the given data. The coefficient of determination can have values ​​between 0 and 1, and the higher the correlation between the dependent and independent variables, the closer the value can be to 1. Therefore, the higher the coefficient of determination, the more accurate the estimated linear model is likely to be. If (for example, when) the first coefficient of determination is calculated, at least three discharge data points can be used.

[0080] In some embodiments, the determination coefficient calculation section 220 may determine whether the calculated first determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold). For example, the threshold may be 0.99, but is not limited thereto. In response to determining that the first determination coefficient is less than the threshold, the processor 200 may receive fourth discharge data associated with a fourth discharge rate of the battery. Therefore, the determination coefficient calculation section 220 may calculate a second determination coefficient based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the fourth discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the fourth discharge data. Furthermore, the determination coefficient calculation section 220 can determine whether a second determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold. Here, the third discharge rate can be less than the first, second, and fourth discharge rates. For example, in response to determining that the determination coefficient is less than the threshold, the determination coefficient calculation section 220 can calculate the determination coefficient based on discharge rates higher than the minimum discharge rate and their associated discharge data, rather than based on the minimum discharge rate and its associated discharge data. This process can be performed until it is determined that the determination coefficient calculated based on three or more discharge rates and their associated discharge data is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0081] In some embodiments, the linear function estimation section 230 may estimate a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell based on a first discharge rate, a second discharge rate, a third discharge rate, first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data. During the calculation of the determination coefficients by the determination coefficient calculation section 220, the nth discharge data associated with the nth discharge rate may be received by the processor 200 (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 4). However, for convenience, the first discharge rate, second discharge rate, and third discharge rate and their associated discharge data used in the linear function estimation section 230 may refer to the discharge rate and associated discharge data on which the determination coefficients are based if (e.g., when) the determination coefficients are determined by the determination coefficient calculation section 220 to be greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold).

[0082] The linear function estimation section 230 can estimate, via extrapolation, a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of all individual cells. Extrapolation can be a method of estimating the value of a variable based on its relationship with other variables beyond the original mathematical observations. For example, it could be a method of estimating the value of data in an uncollected range based on the relationship between collected data values.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be ratios greater than or equal to the battery's maximum discharge rate (e.g., a predetermined ratio). For example, the battery's maximum discharge rate can be 1C, and the ratio can be 50%. Therefore, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be 0.5C or higher, but are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the positive electrode capacity of the battery can be estimated based on the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with the 0C discharge rate. According to the above example, because the data collected by the processor 200 is 0.5C or higher and the discharge data associated therewith, the linear function estimation section 230 needs to use extrapolation to estimate a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell in order to calculate the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with the 0C discharge rate.

[0084] In some embodiments, the positive electrode capacity calculation section 240 can calculate the positive electrode capacity of the battery by using a linear function estimated by the linear function estimation section 230, which represents the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell.

[0085] In some embodiments, the positive electrode capacity of a battery can be calculated based on the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with the discharge rate at OC via an estimated linear function.

[0086] In some embodiments, the positive electrode of the battery may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Alternatively, the positive electrode of the battery may include LiCoPO4, LiMnPO4, LiNiPO4, NaFePO4, and / or composites thereof.

[0087] In some embodiments, the recycling method determination section 250 may determine a recycling method for the battery positive electrode based on the positive electrode capacity of the battery calculated by the positive electrode capacity calculation section 240. Specifically, the recycling method determination section 250 may determine whether the positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., the recycling method determination section 250 may determine that the positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold), and may send a command to the battery recycling device to perform direct recycling of the battery positive electrode in response to determining that the positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold. In contrast, in response to determining that the positive electrode capacity of the battery is less than the threshold, a command may be sent to the battery recycling device to perform pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical processes on the battery positive electrode. For example, the threshold for the positive electrode capacity of the battery may be a value of the positive electrode capacity of the battery at which the ratio of the positive electrode capacity of the battery to the value obtained by multiplying the initial capacity of the battery by 1.1 is equal to 90%, but is not limited thereto.

[0088] Figure 3 An example of a charge / discharge capacity graph of a negative electrode half-cell according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 4 Examples of charge / discharge capacity curves for positive electrode half-monomers according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Here, half-monomer may refer to a monomer including lithium metal as a reference electrode, which can supply lithium ions required for the chemical reaction. The negative electrode half-monomer may be a half-monomer including graphite as the negative electrode. The electrochemical properties of the negative electrode can be identified by experiments using the negative electrode half-monomer, etc. The positive electrode half-monomer may be a half-monomer including lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the positive electrode. The electrochemical properties of the positive electrode can be identified by experiments using the positive electrode half-monomer, etc.

[0089] Figure 3 The graph 300 shown is an example illustrating voltage data based on the charge / discharge capacity obtained by charging and discharging the negative electrode half-cell. Specifically, the charge voltage data 310 of the negative electrode half-cell can be obtained by keeping the charge rate constant. In contrast, multiple discharge voltage data 320 of the negative electrode half-cell can be obtained by changing the discharge rate. For example, the first discharge voltage data can be the discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell obtained by discharging the negative electrode half-cell at a discharge rate of 1C. In contrast, the second discharge voltage data can be the discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell obtained by discharging the negative electrode half-cell at a discharge rate of 0.1C. The discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell shown in graph 300 can be obtained by discharging the negative electrode half-cell at a discharge rate from 0.1C to 1C. The further away in direction A, the faster the discharge rate associated with the discharge voltage data can be.

[0090] Reference Figure 3 For the negative electrode half-cell, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell remains constant even if the discharge rate increases or decreases (330). For example, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell obtained by discharging it at a discharge rate of 1C is the same as that obtained by discharging it at a discharge rate of 0.1C (330). Furthermore, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity of multiple negative electrode half-cells obtained by discharging them at discharge rates between 0.1C and 1C is also the same (330). From such experimental results, it can be estimated that even if the discharge rate of the entire cell changes, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode included in the entire cell will remain constant.

[0091] Figure 4The graph 400 shown is an example illustrating voltage data based on the charge / discharge capacity obtained by charging and discharging the positive electrode half-cell. Specifically, the charge voltage data 410 of the positive electrode half-cell can be obtained by keeping the charge rate constant. In contrast, multiple discharge voltage data 420 of the positive electrode half-cell can be obtained by changing the discharge rate. For example, the first discharge voltage data may be the discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell obtained by discharging the positive electrode half-cell at a discharge rate of 1C. The second discharge voltage data may be the discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell obtained by discharging the positive electrode half-cell at a discharge rate of 0.1C. The discharge voltage data based on the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell shown in graph 400 can be obtained by discharging the positive electrode half-cell at a discharge rate from 0.1C to 1C. The further away in direction A, the faster the discharge rate associated with the discharge voltage data can be.

[0092] Reference Figure 4 For the positive electrode half-cell, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell also changes with the increase or decrease of the discharge rate (430, 432). Therefore, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell obtained by discharging the positive electrode half-cell at a discharge rate between 0.1C and 1C decreases with the increase of the discharge rate (430, 432). Therefore, it can be confirmed that the discharge capacity in the positive electrode shows a significant change with the discharge rate.

[0093] Figure 5 Examples of discharge capacity graphs of negative electrode half-cells, positive electrode half-cells, and full cells at low discharge rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Figure 6 Examples of discharge capacity graphs of negative electrode half-cells, positive electrode half-cells, and full cells discharged at high rates according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0094] Reference Figure 5 Graph 500 is an example showing voltage data of the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510, positive electrode half-cell 520, and full cell 530 obtained by discharging the negative electrode half-cell 510, positive electrode half-cell 520, and full cell 530 at a low discharge rate. Here, the low discharge rate can be a discharge rate of 0.1C to 0.5C.

[0095] exist Figure 5In the curve 500 shown, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 can be the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 no longer increases but the voltage of the negative electrode half-cell 510 increases significantly. Similarly, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520 can be the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520 no longer increases but the voltage of the positive electrode half-cell 520 decreases significantly. Furthermore, the discharge capacity of the entire cell 530 can be the capacity of the entire cell 530 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the entire cell 530 no longer increases but the voltage of the entire cell 530 decreases significantly.

[0096] Reference Figure 5 The curve 500 shown, if (for example, when) the entire cell 530 is discharged at a low discharge rate, can confirm that the curve representing the discharge capacity of the entire cell 530 corresponds to the curve representing the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 (540). Specifically, it can be confirmed that the capacity of the entire cell 530 in the portion where the capacity of the entire cell 530 no longer increases but the voltage of the entire cell 530 decreases significantly is almost identical to the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 in the portion where the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 510 no longer increases but the voltage of the negative electrode half-cell 510 increases significantly (540). According to Figure 5 As shown in the graph 500, if (for example, when) the full-cell 530 and the negative electrode half-cell 510 are discharged at a low discharge rate, the discharge capacity of the full-cell 530 and the negative electrode half-cell 510 can have a value close to about 4300 mAh (540).

[0097] In contrast, if (for example, when) the positive electrode half-cell 520 is discharged at a low discharge rate, it can be confirmed that the graph representing the discharge capacity of the full cell 530 does not correspond to the graph representing the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520. Specifically, it can be confirmed that the capacity of the full cell 530 in the portion where the capacity of the full cell 530 no longer increases but the voltage of the full cell 530 decreases significantly is inconsistent with the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520 in the portion where the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 520 no longer increases but the voltage of the positive electrode half-cell 520 decreases significantly. Figure 5 As shown in the curve 500, if (for example, when) the positive electrode half-monomer 520 is discharged at a low discharge rate, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-monomer 520 can have a value close to about 4600 mAh (550).

[0098] Reference Figure 6Graph 600 is an example showing voltage data of the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610, positive electrode half-cell 620, and full cell 630 obtained by discharging them at a high discharge rate. Here, the high discharge rate can be a discharge rate from 0.5C to 1C.

[0099] exist Figure 6 In the curve 600 shown, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 can be the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 no longer increases but the voltage of the negative electrode half-cell 610 increases significantly. Similarly, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 can be the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 no longer increases but the voltage of the positive electrode half-cell 620 decreases significantly. Furthermore, the discharge capacity of the entire cell 630 can be the capacity of the entire cell 630 during the discharge process, where the capacity of the entire cell 630 no longer increases but the voltage of the entire cell 630 decreases significantly.

[0100] Reference Figure 6 The curve 600 shown, if (for example, when) the entire cell 630 is discharged at a high discharge rate, can confirm that the curve representing the discharge capacity of the entire cell 630 corresponds to the curve representing the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 (650). Specifically, it can be confirmed that the capacity of the entire cell 630 in the portion where the capacity of the entire cell 630 no longer increases but the voltage of the entire cell 630 decreases significantly is almost identical to the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 in the portion where the capacity of the positive electrode half-cell 620 no longer increases but the voltage of the positive electrode half-cell 620 decreases significantly (650). According to Figure 6 As shown in graph 600, if (for example, when) the full-cell 630 and the positive electrode half-cell 620 are discharged at a high discharge rate, the discharge capacity of the full-cell 630 and the positive electrode half-cell 620 can have a value close to about 4200 mAh (650).

[0101] In contrast, if (for example, when) the negative electrode half-cell 610 is discharged at a high discharge rate, it can be confirmed that the curve representing the discharge capacity of the full cell 630 does not correspond to the curve representing the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610. Specifically, it can be confirmed that the capacity of the full cell 630 in the portion where the capacity of the full cell 630 no longer increases but the voltage of the full cell 630 decreases significantly is inconsistent with the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 in the portion where the capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 no longer increases but the voltage of the negative electrode half-cell 610 increases significantly. Figure 6As shown in graph 600, if (for example, when) the negative electrode half-cell 610 is discharged at a high discharge rate, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell 610 can have a value close to about 4300 mAh (640).

[0102] Therefore, if (for example, when) the full-cell 630 is discharged at a high discharge rate, the discharge characteristics of the full-cell 630 can be estimated to be similar to the discharge characteristics of the cathode half-cell 620 discharged at a high discharge rate. Thus, by inferring the discharge characteristics of the cathode half-cell 620 based on the discharge characteristics of the full-cell 630 discharged at a high discharge rate, the cathode capacity can be estimated using only the discharge characteristics of the full-cell, without breaking down the cathode into half-cells.

[0103] Figure 7 This is a graph illustrating example discharge data for full-cell and half-cell components according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0104] Reference Figure 7 Graph 700 is an example of discharge data obtained by discharging the negative electrode half-cell 710, the positive electrode half-cell 720, and the full cells 730 and 732 at one or more discharge rates. Here, the discharge data may include the discharge capacity of the full cells and / or half-cells associated with the discharge rate. Here, the discharge rate may be a discharge rate from 0.05C to 1C.

[0105] A complete cell can be a battery cell that includes both a positive and a negative electrode. The positive electrode of a complete cell can include lithium iron phosphate (LFP), and the negative electrode can include graphite. A half-cell can refer to a battery that includes lithium metal (which can supply an unlimited number of lithium ions) as a reference electrode. Here, a half-cell can refer to a coin half-cell (CHC). The negative electrode half-cell can be a half-cell that includes graphite as the negative electrode. The electrochemical properties of the negative electrode can be identified through the negative electrode half-cell. The positive electrode half-cell can be a half-cell that includes lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as the positive electrode. The electrochemical properties of the positive electrode can be identified through the positive electrode half-cell.

[0106] Reference Figure 7The graph 700 shown allows for examination of the discharge data (710) of the negative electrode half-cell based on its discharge rate. For the negative electrode half-cell, it can be confirmed that even with variations in the discharge rate, the discharge capacity remains constant within a certain range. Specifically, if (for example, when) the negative electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 0.2C, the discharge capacity is confirmed to be approximately 4920mAh. Furthermore, if (for example, when) the negative electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 0.6C, the discharge capacity is confirmed to be approximately 4930mAh. Additionally, if (for example, when) the negative electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 1C, the discharge capacity is confirmed to be approximately 4930mAh. It can be confirmed that even if the discharge rate of the negative electrode half-cell increases from 0.2C to 0.6C or from 0.6C to 1C, the discharge capacity of the negative electrode half-cell remains within the corresponding range (e.g., 4920mAh to 4930mAh). Therefore, it can be confirmed that the discharge rate of the negative electrode half-cell has almost no correlation with its discharge capacity.

[0107] Reference Figure 7 The curve 700 shown allows for examination of the discharge data (720) of the positive electrode half-cell based on its discharge rate. For the positive electrode half-cell 720, a linear relationship between the discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell can be confirmed. Specifically, if (for example, when) the positive electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 0.2C, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4860mAh. Furthermore, if (for example, when) the positive electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 0.6C, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4700mAh. Additionally, if (for example, when) the positive electrode half-cell discharges at a discharge rate of 1C, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4540mAh. Therefore, it can be confirmed that as the discharge rate of the positive electrode half-cell increases from 0.2C to 0.6C by 0.4C, the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell decreases by 160mAh from 4860mAh to 4700mAh. Furthermore, as the discharge rate of the positive electrode half-cell increases from 0.6C to 1C by 0.4C, the discharge capacity decreases by 160mAh from 4700mAh to 4540mAh. Thus, a linear relationship can be established between the discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell.

[0108] Reference Figure 7The curve 700 shown allows for examination of discharge data based on the discharge rate of the entire cell (730, 732). For the entire cell, it can be confirmed that in the high portion of the discharge rate of the entire cell, there is a linear relationship between the discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire cell, with a slope similar to the slope of the linear curve between the discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell. Specifically, if (for example, when) the entire cell is discharged at a discharge rate of 1C, the discharge capacity of the entire cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4110mAh (730). Furthermore, if (for example, when) the entire cell is discharged at a discharge rate of 0.9C, the discharge capacity of the entire cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4150mAh (732). Furthermore, if (for example, when) the entire cell is discharged at a discharge rate of 0.8C, the discharge capacity of the entire cell can be confirmed to be approximately 4180mAh. Therefore, in the range of 0.9C to 1C for the entire cell discharge rate, it can be confirmed that the slope of the discharge capacity of the entire cell relative to the discharge rate of the entire cell is -400 (mAh / C), which is the same as the slope of the discharge capacity of the positive electrode half-cell relative to the discharge rate of the positive electrode half-cell. (Refer to...) Figure 7 As shown in graph 700, it can be confirmed that as the discharge rate of the entire cell decreases, the difference between the slope of the discharge capacity of the entire cell relative to the discharge rate of the entire cell and the slope of the discharge capacity of the cathode half-cell relative to the discharge rate of the cathode half-cell increases. Therefore, the cathode capacity of the battery can be calculated by estimating a linear function representing the relationship between the discharge rate of the entire cell and the discharge capacity of the entire cell based on discharge data related to the discharge rate of the entire cell. This linear function has a slope similar to the slope of the discharge capacity of the cathode half-cell relative to the discharge rate of the cathode half-cell.

[0109] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method (S800) for estimating positive electrode capacity according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The method (S800) for estimating positive electrode capacity can be executed by at least one processor. First, the method (S800) for estimating positive electrode capacity can begin with the processor receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of the battery from a data measurement section (S810). In some embodiments, the first discharge rate can include the maximum discharge rate of the battery. Here, the maximum discharge rate of the battery can be the maximum discharge rate allowed according to the battery's performance. For example, the maximum discharge rate of the battery can be 1C.

[0110] Subsequently, the processor can receive second discharge data associated with the second discharge rate of the battery from the data measurement section (S820). Furthermore, the processor can receive third discharge data associated with the third discharge rate of the battery from the data measurement section (S830).

[0111] In some embodiments, first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the first discharge rate. Second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the second discharge rate. Third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate may include data about the discharge capacity of the battery obtained by discharging a fully charged battery at the third discharge rate.

[0112] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate may be different from each other (e.g., the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate are not the same). For example, the first discharge rate may be faster than the second discharge rate. Furthermore, the second discharge rate may be faster than the third discharge rate.

[0113] In some embodiments, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be a ratio greater than or equal to the battery's maximum discharge rate (e.g., a predetermined ratio). For example, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be greater than or equal to a ratio greater than or equal to the maximum discharge rate allowed by the battery's performance. For example, the battery's maximum discharge rate can be 1C. Here, this ratio can be 50%. Therefore, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate can be 0.5C or higher.

[0114] In some embodiments, each discharge data (e.g., first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data) may include data on the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with each discharge rate (e.g., the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate, respectively).

[0115] Subsequently, the processor can estimate the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data (S840). Therefore, the positive electrode capacity of the battery can be estimated using data about the entire battery cell without disassembling and / or dismantling the battery. In some embodiments, the positive electrode of the battery may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP).

[0116] Subsequently, the processor can determine the recycling method for the battery positive electrode based on the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery (S850). Here, the recycling method for the battery positive electrode may include a direct recycling method, a pyrometallurgical method, and / or a hydrometallurgical method.

[0117] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a step (S840) for estimating the positive electrode capacity of a battery according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Step S840 may begin by calculating a determination coefficient based on three or more discharge data. (S910). Here, three or more discharge data points (e.g., first discharge data, second discharge data, and third discharge data) can be data associated with different discharge ratios (e.g., first discharge ratio, second discharge ratio, and third discharge ratio, respectively). For example, three or more discharge data points can include first discharge data associated with a first discharge ratio, second discharge data associated with a second discharge ratio, and third discharge data associated with a third discharge ratio. Furthermore, the coefficient of determination can be a measure of how well the estimated linear model fits the given data. The coefficient of determination can have values ​​between 0 and 1, and the higher the correlation between the dependent and independent variables, the closer the value can be to 1. Therefore, the higher the coefficient of determination, the higher the accuracy of the estimated linear model is likely to be.

[0118] In some embodiments, the processor may determine whether the calculated coefficient of determination is greater than or equal to a threshold (e.g., a predetermined threshold) (S920). For example, the threshold may be 0.99. In response to determining that the coefficient of determination is less than the threshold (No), the processor may receive fourth discharge data associated with a fourth discharge rate of the battery. Then, a new coefficient of determination may be calculated based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the fourth discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the fourth discharge data. Furthermore, the processor may determine whether the new coefficient of determination is greater than or equal to the threshold (S920). Here, the fourth discharge data may be discharge data associated with a fourth discharge rate. Furthermore, the third discharge rate may be less than the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the fourth discharge rate. For example, in response to determining that the coefficient of determination is less than the threshold, the processor may calculate the coefficient of determination based on discharge data associated with a higher discharge rate instead of discharge data associated with the lowest discharge rate. This process may be repeated until it is determined that the coefficient of determination calculated based on discharge data associated with three or more discharge rates is greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0119] In some embodiments, in response to determining that the determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold (Yes), the processor may estimate a linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell based on the battery's discharge rate and associated discharge data (S930). Here, the battery's discharge rate and associated discharge data may refer to three or more discharge rates and associated discharge data on which the determination coefficient is based if (e.g., when) the determination coefficient is determined to be greater than or equal to the threshold.

[0120] Subsequently, the processor can calculate the positive electrode capacity of the battery by utilizing an estimated linear function representing the relationship between the battery's discharge rate and the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell (S940). In some embodiments, the positive electrode capacity of the battery can be calculated based on the discharge capacity of the entire battery cell associated with the discharge rate at OC via the estimated linear function.

[0121] In some embodiments, the positive electrode of the battery may include lithium iron phosphate (LFP). Alternatively, the positive electrode of the battery may include LiCoPO4, LiMnPO4, LiNiPO4, NaFePO4, and / or suitable composite materials thereof.

[0122] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process for determining a recycling method for a battery positive electrode according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0123] The method (S1000) may begin with the processor receiving discharge data associated with the discharge rate (S1010). Thereafter, the processor may estimate the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the discharge rate and the associated discharge data (S1020). Furthermore, the processor may determine whether the estimated positive electrode capacity is greater than or equal to a threshold (S1030).

[0124] Subsequently, in response to determining that the positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold (Yes), the processor may send a command to the battery recycling device to perform direct recycling of the battery positive electrode (S1040). Conversely, in response to determining that the positive electrode capacity of the battery is less than a threshold (No), the processor may send a command to the battery recycling device to perform pyrometallurgical or hydrometallurgical treatment on the battery positive electrode (S1050). For example, the threshold for the positive electrode capacity of the battery may be a value where the ratio of the positive electrode capacity of the battery to a value obtained by multiplying the initial capacity of the battery by 1.1 is equal to 90%. Here, the initial capacity of the battery may refer to the capacity immediately after the battery is manufactured (Beginning of Life; BoL).

[0125] Figures 8 to 10 The flowcharts and foregoing descriptions are merely examples of this disclosure, and the scope of this disclosure is not limited to... Figures 8 to 10 The flowchart and the foregoing description are as follows. For example, one or more steps in the flowchart and the foregoing description can be added, modified, or deleted; the order of one or more steps can be changed; and one or more steps can be executed simultaneously.

[0126] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments thereof, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. One or more modifications and variations may be made thereto by those skilled in the art within the spirit of the present disclosure and the equivalents of the appended claims.

[0127] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0128] 100: Battery Recycling System

[0129] 110: Battery

[0130] 120: Data Measurement Section

[0131] 130: Charging / Discharging Device

[0132] 140: Information Processing System

[0133] 142: Processor

[0134] 144: Memory

[0135] 150: Battery recycling device

Claims

1. A method for estimating a positive electrode capacity performed by at least one processor, comprising: receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of a battery; receiving second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery; receiving third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery; and estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, wherein the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate are different from each other. the first discharge rate comprises a maximum discharge rate of the battery.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data each comprise a full cell discharge capacity associated with the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate, respectively.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate are greater than or equal to a predetermined proportion of a maximum discharge rate of the battery.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery comprises:

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, estimating, based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, a linear function representing a relationship between a discharge rate and a full cell discharge capacity of the battery. the estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery further comprises:

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, calculating, based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, a first determination coefficient; and determining whether the first determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold value. the estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery further comprises:

7. The method of claim 6, wherein, in response to determining that the first determination coefficient is less than the threshold value, receiving fourth discharge data associated with a fourth discharge rate of the battery; calculating, based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the fourth discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the fourth discharge data, a second determination coefficient; and determining whether the second determination coefficient is greater than or equal to the threshold value, wherein the third discharge rate is less than the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the fourth discharge rate. the estimating the positive electrode capacity of the battery further comprises:

8. The method of claim 5, wherein, calculating the positive electrode capacity of the battery based on the linear function. the linear function is estimated via extrapolation.

9. The method of claim 5, wherein, the positive electrode of the battery comprises lithium iron phosphate.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein, 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a recovery method for a positive electrode of the battery based on the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery. the determining the recovery method for the positive electrode of the battery comprises:

12. The method of claim 11, wherein, determining whether the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to a threshold value; and in response to determining that the estimated positive electrode capacity of the battery is greater than or equal to the threshold value, sending a command to perform direct recovery of the positive electrode of the battery to a battery recycling device. ​ 13. The method of claim 11, wherein, The determining the recovery method for the cathode of the battery includes: determining whether the estimated cathode capacity of the battery is less than a threshold value; and in response to determining that the estimated cathode capacity of the battery is less than the threshold value, sending a command to perform pyrometallurgy or hydrometallurgy on the cathode of the battery to a battery recycling device. 14.A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of claims 1-13. 15.A battery recycling system, comprising: a memory; and at least one processor connected to the memory and configured to execute instructions stored in the memory to cause the at least one processor to perform a method, the method comprising: receiving first discharge data associated with a first discharge rate of a battery; receiving second discharge data associated with a second discharge rate of the battery; receiving third discharge data associated with a third discharge rate of the battery; and estimating a cathode capacity of the battery based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, and wherein the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate are different from each other.

16. The battery recycling system of claim 15, wherein, The first discharge rate includes a maximum discharge rate of the battery.

17. The battery recycling system of claim 15, wherein, The first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data each include a discharge capacity of a battery full cell associated with the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, and the third discharge rate, respectively.

18. The battery recycling system of claim 17, wherein, To estimate the cathode capacity of the battery, the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform the method, the method further comprising: estimating a linear function representing a relationship between a discharge rate of the battery and a discharge capacity of a battery full cell based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data.

19. The battery recycling system of claim 18, wherein, To estimate the cathode capacity of the battery, the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform the method, the method further comprising: calculating a determination coefficient based on the first discharge rate, the second discharge rate, the third discharge rate, the first discharge data, the second discharge data, and the third discharge data, and determining whether the determination coefficient is greater than or equal to a threshold value. 20.The battery recycling system of claim 15, further comprising: a battery recycling device, wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors to perform the method, the method further comprising: determining a recovery method for a cathode of the battery based on the estimated cathode capacity of the battery, and sending a command related to the determined recovery method to the battery recycling device.

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