BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND PROCEDURES

Abstract

According to several aspects, a battery management procedure can involve adjusting the operation of a battery cell, at least partially, based on a variety of battery metrics, including a first battery metric, a second battery metric, a third battery metric, and a fourth battery metric. The operation of the battery cell is adjusted such that at least a first battery metric is maintained within a first predetermined range, a second battery metric within a second predetermined range, a third battery metric within a third predetermined range, and a fourth battery metric within a fourth predetermined range.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] This description refers to systems and procedures for battery management of battery cells.

[0002] Battery management systems are designed to control various battery metrics (e.g., voltages and / or currents within a battery). These systems may include one or more voltage, current, and / or temperature sensors, one or more power control devices (e.g., power semiconductor switches, relays, contactors, and / or similar devices), and a battery management controller configured to take measurements using the one or more sensors and to control the operation of the battery cell using the one or more power control devices. To improve the performance, ease of use, and lifespan of battery cells, it is advantageous to keep the various battery metrics within predefined ranges.However, the various battery metrics can exhibit highly nonlinear or unknown dependencies on each other, making it non-trivial to adjust battery operation to achieve an optimal value for all different battery metrics. Consequently, current battery management systems and procedures may employ resource-intensive and / or unreliable techniques for controlling battery operation.

[0003] While current battery management systems and procedures serve their purpose, there is a need for a new and improved system and procedure for controlling the battery metrics of a battery cell. DESCRIPTION

[0004] A battery management procedure for a three-electrode battery cell is provided according to several aspects. The battery management procedure may include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell based, at least in part, on a variety of battery metrics, including a first battery metric, a second battery metric, a third battery metric, and a fourth battery metric. The operation of the three-electrode battery cell is adjusted such that at least a first battery metric is maintained within a first predetermined range, a second battery metric within a second predetermined range, a third battery metric within a third predetermined range, and a fourth battery metric within a fourth predetermined range.

[0005] In another aspect of the present description, adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell may further include determining a multitude of battery metrics. Adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell may also include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in response to the determination of a multitude of battery metrics.

[0006] In another aspect of this description, determining the multitude of battery metrics can further include determining the first battery metric. The first battery metric is the anode voltage between an anode electrode and a reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics can further include determining the second battery metric. The second battery metric is the cathode voltage between a cathode electrode and the reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics can further include determining the third battery metric. The third battery metric is the cell voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the three-electrode battery cell. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics can further include determining the fourth battery metric.The fourth battery metric is a cell current flowing through the battery cell with three electrodes.

[0007] In another aspect of the present description, adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell may further include adjusting one or more of the following quantities: a voltage applied to two or more electrodes of the three-electrode battery cell and a current flowing through the three-electrode battery cell for at least a predetermined period of time.

[0008] In another aspect of the present description, determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell may further include determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence until the first battery metric is within the first predetermined range, the second battery metric is within the second predetermined range, the third battery metric is within the third predetermined range, and the fourth battery metric is within the fourth predetermined range.

[0009] In another aspect of the present description, determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include determining the first battery metric. Measuring the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include comparing the first battery metric with the first predetermined range. Measuring the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the first battery metric lies within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the first battery metric lies outside the first predetermined range.

[0010] In another aspect of this description, the battery management procedure may further include determining the second battery metric in response to the cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the first battery metric lies within the first predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include comparing the second battery metric with the second predetermined range. The battery management procedure may also include cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the second battery metric lies within the second predetermined range, if it is determined that the second battery metric lies outside the second predetermined range.

[0011] In another aspect of this description, the battery management procedure may further include determining the third battery metric in response to the cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the second battery metric lies within the second predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include comparing the third battery metric with the third predetermined range. The battery management procedure may also include cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the third battery metric lies within the third predetermined range, if it is determined that the third battery metric lies outside the third predetermined range.

[0012] In another aspect of the present description, the battery management procedure may further include determining the fourth battery metric in response to the cessation of operation of the three-electrode battery cell, in order to cause the third battery metric to be within the third predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include comparing the fourth battery metric with the fourth predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include cessation of operation of the three-electrode battery cell in order to cause the fourth battery metric to be within the fourth predetermined range, in response to the finding that the fourth battery metric is outside the fourth predetermined range.

[0013] In another aspect of the present description, the battery management procedure may further include determining the first battery metric in response to the cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the fourth battery metric lies within the fourth predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include comparing the first battery metric with the first predetermined range. The battery management procedure may further include cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell in order to ensure that the first battery metric lies within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the first battery metric lies outside the first predetermined range.

[0014] According to several aspects, a battery management system can comprise a three-electrode battery cell containing an anode electrode, a cathode electrode, and a reference electrode. The battery management system can further comprise a variety of battery sensors electrically connected to the three-electrode battery cell. The battery management system can also comprise a power control circuit electrically connected to the three-electrode battery cell. The battery management system can further comprise a controller electrically connected to the variety of battery sensors and the power control circuit. The controller is programmed to at least partially terminate the operation of the three-electrode battery cell using the power control circuit, based on a variety of battery metrics determined using the variety of battery sensors.The multitude of battery metrics includes an anode voltage between the anode electrode and the reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, a cathode voltage between the cathode electrode and the reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, a cell voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, and a cell current flowing through the three-electrode battery cell.

[0015] In another aspect of the present description, the control for adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell is further programmed to adjust one or more of the following elements: a voltage applied to two or more electrodes of the three-electrode battery cell and a current flowing through the three-electrode battery cell for at least a predetermined period of time using the power control circuit.

[0016] In another aspect of the present description, the controller for determining the multitude of battery metrics and for adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell is further programmed to determine the multitude of battery metrics in a predetermined sequence and to adjust the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence until the anode voltage is within a first predetermined range, the cathode voltage is within a second predetermined range, the cell voltage is within a third predetermined range, and the cell current is within a fourth predetermined range. The predetermined sequence is the anode voltage, followed by the cathode voltage, followed by the cell voltage and the cell current.

[0017] In another aspect of this description, the controller is programmed to determine the multitude of battery metrics and to set the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence, and furthermore to determine the anode voltage. To determine the multitude of battery metrics and to set the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence, the controller is also programmed to compare the anode voltage with the first predetermined range.In order to determine the multitude of battery metrics and to set the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence, the controller is further programmed to set the operation of the three-electrode battery cell using the power control circuit to cause the anode voltage to be within the first predetermined range when it is detected that the anode voltage is outside the first predetermined range.

[0018] In another aspect of this description, the controller is further programmed to determine the cathode voltage in response to the setting of the three-electrode battery cell's operation, in order to ensure that the anode voltage is within the first predetermined range. The controller is further programmed to compare the cathode voltage with the second predetermined range. The controller is also programmed to set the three-electrode battery cell's operation, using the power control circuit, so that the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range if it detects that the cathode voltage is outside the second predetermined range.

[0019] In another aspect of this description, the controller is further programmed to determine the cell voltage in response to the cessation of three-electrode operation of the battery cell, in order to ensure that the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range. The controller is further programmed to compare the cell voltage with the third predetermined range. The controller is also programmed to cease three-electrode operation using the power control circuit, in order to ensure that the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range if it detects that the cell voltage is outside the third predetermined range.

[0020] In another aspect of this description, the controller is further programmed to determine the cell current in response to the setting of the three-electrode battery cell's operation, in order to ensure that the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range. The controller is further programmed to compare the cell current with the fourth predetermined range. The controller is also programmed to set the three-electrode battery cell's operation, using the power control circuit, so that the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range if it detects that the cell current is outside the fourth predetermined range.The controller is further programmed to determine the anode voltage in response to the setting of the three-electrode battery cell's operation, in order to ensure that the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range. The controller is further programmed to compare the anode voltage with the first predetermined range. The controller is further programmed to set the three-electrode battery cell's operation, using the power control circuit, so that the anode voltage is within the first predetermined range if it detects that the anode voltage is outside the first predetermined range.

[0021] A battery management procedure for a three-electrode battery cell for a vehicle is provided according to several aspects. The battery management procedure may include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell based, at least in part, on a variety of battery metrics, wherein the variety of battery metrics includes an anode voltage between an anode electrode and a reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, a cathode voltage between a cathode electrode and the reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, a cell voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the three-electrode battery cell, and a cell current flowing through the three-electrode battery cell.The operation of the battery cell with three electrodes is set so that the anode voltage is kept within a first predetermined range, the cathode voltage within a second predetermined range, the cell voltage within a third predetermined range, and the cell current within a fourth predetermined range.

[0022] In another aspect of the present description, determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell may further include determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence until the anode voltage is within the first predetermined range, the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range, the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range, and the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range.

[0023] In another aspect of the present description, determining the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include determining the anode voltage. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include comparing the anode voltage with the first predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the anode voltage is within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the anode voltage is outside the first predetermined range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include determining the cathode voltage in response to setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell, in order to ensure that the anode voltage lies within the first predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include comparing the cathode voltage with the second predetermined range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range, in response to the finding that the cathode voltage is outside the second predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include determining the cell voltage in response to adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence may further include comparing the cell voltage with the third predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence may also include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range if it is found to be outside of that range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include determining the cell current in response to setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include comparing the cell current with the fourth predetermined range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence may further include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range if it is found to be outside of that range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence may further include determining the anode voltage in response to adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range.Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include comparing the anode voltage with the first predetermined range. Measuring the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence may further include adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to ensure that the anode voltage is within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the anode voltage is outside the first predetermined range.

[0024] Further areas of application will become apparent from this description. It should be understood that the description and specific examples serve only as illustrations and are not intended to limit the scope of this description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0025] The figures described here serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of the present description in any way. Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a battery management system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a battery cell according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a reference electrode of the battery cell of Fig. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a battery management module according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart of a battery management procedure according to an exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present description, application or use.

[0027] In aspects of this description, battery management systems are used to control various battery metrics to ensure proper operation and maximum battery lifespan. Accordingly, it is advantageous to monitor these metrics and adjust battery operation based on them. However, changes in one battery metric can affect the value of others. Therefore, this description presents a new and improved battery management system and procedure that enables continuous monitoring of these various battery metrics.

[0028] In Fig. Figure 1 shows a battery management system, generally designated by the reference number 10. The battery management system 10 is illustrated with an exemplary vehicle 12. Although a passenger car is depicted, the vehicle 12 can be any type of vehicle without this deviating from the scope of this description. The battery management system 10 generally comprises a battery cell 14 and a battery management module 16. The battery management system 10 is electrically connected to an electrical load 18 and a charger 20.

[0029] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of battery cell 14. Battery cell 14 serves to store electrical energy in the form of chemical energy. In an exemplary embodiment, battery cell 14 is a lithium-ion battery cell (e.g., a lithium cobalt oxide battery cell (LiCoO2), a lithium manganese oxide battery cell (LiMn2O4), a lithium iron phosphate battery cell (LiFePO4), a lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide battery cell (LiNiCoAlO2 or NCA), a lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide battery cell (LiNiMnCoO2 or NMC), a lithium titanate battery cell (Li4Ti5O14), and / or the like). It is understood that battery cell 14 can also use other cell chemistries besides lithium ions without exceeding the scope of this description.In an exemplary embodiment, the battery cell 14 is referred to as a three-electrode battery cell and comprises a cathode electrode 22, an anode electrode 24, a reference electrode 26 arranged between the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24, and an electrolyte (not shown) in contact with the cathode electrode 22, the anode electrode 24, and the reference electrode 26. It is understood that the present description also applies to any series and / or parallel combination of any number of battery cells, even though, for clarity, a single battery cell 14 is mentioned.

[0030] In a non-restrictive example, the cathode 22 consists of a mixed metal oxide of lithium, nickel, manganese, and cobalt. In a non-restrictive example, the anode electrode 24 consists of graphite. In a non-restrictive example, the electrolyte contains a lithium salt dissolved in a solvent (e.g., lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), lithium perchlorate (LiClO4), and / or the like). The composition of the reference electrode 26 is discussed in more detail below.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the cathode electrode 22 is electrically connected to a positive terminal 28a of the battery cell 14. The anode electrode 24 is electrically connected to a negative terminal 28b of the battery cell 14. The reference electrode 26 is electrically connected to a reference terminal 28c of the battery cell 14. The positive terminal 28a, the negative terminal 28b, and the reference terminal 28c allow the battery cell 14 to be connected to other systems to measure one or more states of the battery cell 14 and / or to power an external device, as explained in more detail below. The reference terminal 28c provides a reference electrode voltage used to measure a cathode voltage measured between the positive terminal 28a and the reference terminal 28c (i.e., measured between the cathode electrode 22 and the reference electrode 26), and an anode voltage measured between the negative terminal 28b and the reference terminal 28c (i.e.,measured between the anode electrode 24 and the reference electrode 26), is used as explained in more detail below.

[0032] In Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the reference electrode 26. In an exemplary embodiment, the reference electrode 26 comprises a separating film 30 that holds a reference strip 32. In a non-limiting example, the separating film 30 consists of a thin, porous, electrically insulating material that allows the flow of lithium ions while preventing electrical short circuits (e.g., polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and / or the like). The reference strip 32 comprises a conductive strip 34 that is connected to a reference material 36. In a non-limiting example, the reference strip 32 is a flexible structure made of a metal foil (e.g., copper, aluminum, and / or the like) or a polymer film (e.g., polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, and / or the like). The conductive strip 34 is used to establish an electrical connection between the reference material 36 and the reference terminal 28c.In a non-restrictive example, the conductive strip 34 consists of a conductive material (e.g., gold, silver, platinum, copper and / or the like).

[0033] Reference material 36 is an active material that determines the reference electrode voltage of reference electrode 26. In a non-restrictive example, reference material 36 consists of a lithium compound that exhibits a relatively stable and reproducible electrochemical potential over a relatively wide range of lithium concentrations. Reference material 36 may, for example, contain lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), lithium titanate (Li4Ti5O14), lithium cobalt oxide (LiCoO2), and / or similar materials.

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, the battery cell 14 and the reference electrode 26 are realized according to US Patent No. 12,113,184 entitled “THIN-FILM REFERENCE ELECTRODES, ELECTROCHEMICAL DEVICES INCLUDING THIN-FILM REFERENCE ELECTRODES, AND METHODS OF MAKING THIN-FILM REFERENCE ELECTRODES”, which was filed on May 24, 2022, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0035] In Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of the battery module 16. The battery management module 16 serves to control the battery cell 14 in order to ensure optimal performance, efficiency, and / or longevity of the battery cell 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the battery management module 16 comprises a controller 40, a plurality of battery sensors 42, and a power control circuit 44.

[0036] The controller 40 is used to implement a battery management method 100 for the three-electrode battery cell 14, as described below. The controller 40 comprises at least one processor 46 and a non-volatile, computer-readable device or medium 48. The processor 46 may be a custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors connected to the controller 40, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a combination thereof, or, more generally, an instruction-executing device.

[0037] The computer-readable devices or media 48 can contain volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 46 is powered off. The computer-readable memory device or media 48 can be implemented using a variety of memory devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrical PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combined memory devices capable of storing data, some of which are executable instructions used by the controller 40 to control the battery management system 10.The controller 40 can also consist of several controllers that are electrically connected to each other. Furthermore, the controller 40 can contain additional elements and / or modules, such as a real-time clock (RTC) module for measuring the passage of time. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 is powered by connection to the positive terminal 28a and the negative terminal 28b of the battery cell 14.

[0038] The controller 40 is electrically connected to the multiple battery sensors 42 and the power control circuit 44. In one exemplary embodiment, electrical communication is established, for example, via GPIO pins (GPIO = General Purpose Input / Output), an I2C bus (I2C = Inter-Integrated Circuit), an SPI bus (SPI = Serial Peripheral Interface), a parallel communication bus, or similar. It is understood that various additional communication protocols for communicating with the controller 40 fall within the scope of this description.

[0039] The plurality of battery sensors 42 is used to measure a plurality of battery metrics. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of battery metrics comprises a first battery metric, a second battery metric, a third battery metric, and a fourth battery metric. In a non-limiting example, the first battery metric is the anode voltage, the second battery metric is the cathode voltage, the third battery metric is a cell voltage measured between the positive terminal 28a and the negative terminal 28b (i.e., measured between the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24), and the fourth battery metric is a cell current flowing through the battery cell 14 (i.e., flowing through the positive terminal 28a and the negative terminal 28b, and thus through the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24).In a non-restrictive example, the multitude of battery sensors 42 includes, for example, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

[0040] The multitude of battery sensors 42 may also include additional components to support voltage measurement, such as a voltage follower, an input buffer, a multiplexer, and / or similar devices. Furthermore, the multitude of battery sensors 42 includes components that enable the controller 40 to measure current flow, such as a shunt resistor, an electromagnetic current sensor, an ADC, and / or similar devices. It is understood that the multitude of battery sensors 42 may also include additional passive or active analog and / or digital electronics, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, filters, amplifiers, power electronics, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and / or similar devices.The multiple battery sensors 42 are electrically connected to the cathode electrode 22 via the positive terminal 28a, to the anode electrode 24 via the negative terminal 28b, and to the reference electrode 26 via the reference terminal 28c. The multiple battery sensors 42 are also electrically connected to the control unit 40, as described above.

[0041] The power control circuit 44 is used to regulate the operation of the battery cell 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit 44 comprises switching electronics that enable the controller 40 to connect or disconnect the battery cell 14 (via the positive terminal 28a, the negative terminal 28b, and the reference terminal 28c) from the electrical load 18 and / or the charger 20. In an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit 44 also comprises power electronics that enable the controller 40 to control a charging current and / or a voltage of the battery cell 14 as well as a discharging current of the battery cell 14. In a non-limiting example, the power control circuit 44 includes, for example, relays, contractors, transistors, and / or the like.In another, non-restrictive example, the power control circuit 44 also includes, for example, DC-DC converters (e.g. buck converters), AC-DC converters, voltage regulators, current regulators and / or the like.

[0042] It is understood that the power control circuit 44 may also contain additional passive or active analog and / or digital electronics, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, filters, amplifiers, power electronics, digital-to-analog converters (DACs), and / or the like. In an exemplary embodiment, the power control circuit 44 is supplied with current by connection to the positive terminal 28a and the negative terminal 28b of the battery cell 14. The power control circuit 44 is electrically connected to the cathode electrode 22 via the positive terminal 28a and to the anode electrode 24 via the negative terminal 28b. The power control circuit 44 is also electrically connected to the electrical load 18 and the charger 20. The power control circuit 44 is also electrically connected to the controller 40, as described above.

[0043] The electrical load 18 comprises electrical and / or electromechanical components or systems of the vehicle 12 that require electrical energy for operation. In a non-limiting example, the electrical load 18 includes a drive motor that serves to convert electrical energy from the battery cell 14 into mechanical energy (i.e., rotational energy) to propel the vehicle 12. In another non-limiting example, the electrical load 18 also includes an infotainment system, vehicle lighting, vehicle heating / cooling, and / or similar equipment. The electrical load 18 is electrically connected to the power control circuit 44.

[0044] The charger 20 serves to provide electrical energy for charging the battery cell 14. In an exemplary embodiment, the charger 20 includes power electronics such as DC-DC converters (e.g., buck converters), voltage regulators, current regulators, filters, and / or the like to control and condition the energy received from the electric vehicle supply unit (EVSE) for charging the battery cell 14. In an exemplary embodiment for AC charging, the charger 20 also includes an AC-to-DC converter (i.e., a rectifier) ​​to convert the AC supplied by the EVSE into DC for charging the battery cell 14. The charger 20 is electrically connected to the power control circuit 44 and a vehicle charging port (not shown).

[0045] It is understood that the battery management system may include 10 additional components such as DC-AC converters (i.e., inverters), contactors, fuses, additional sensors and / or similar items, without exceeding the scope of this description.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, it is advantageous to keep the plurality of battery cells within predetermined ranges to increase the performance, efficiency, and / or longevity of the battery cell 14. In a non-restrictive example, the anode voltage is kept within a first predetermined range (e.g., with a lower limit of 0 volts and an upper limit of 1.5 volts), the cathode voltage is kept within a second predetermined range (e.g., with a lower limit of 3.2 volts and an upper limit of 4.35 volts), the cell voltage is kept within a third predetermined range (e.g., with a lower limit of 2.5 volts and an upper limit of 4.2 volts), and the cell current is kept within a fourth predetermined range (e.g., with a lower limit of -100 amperes and an upper limit of +100 amperes).For the purposes of this description, "within" a range means greater than or equal to a lower boundary of the range and less than or equal to an upper boundary of the range. For the purposes of this description, "outside" a range means less than the lower boundary of the range or more than the upper boundary of the range.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined range, the second predetermined range, the third predetermined range, and the fourth predetermined range are determined at least partially based on a battery chemistry type of the battery cell 14, an electrochemical design or structure of the battery cell 14, a capacity of the battery cell 14, and / or the like. The use of the plurality of battery sensors 42 and the power control circuit 44 for maintaining the plurality of battery metrics within the predetermined ranges is discussed in more detail below with reference to the battery management method 100.

[0048] Fig.Figure 5 shows a flowchart of the battery management procedure 100. The battery management procedure 100 begins in block 102 and proceeds to block 104. In block 104, the controller 40 determines the anode voltage (i.e., the first battery metric). In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the plurality of battery sensors 42 to measure the anode voltage. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 calculates the anode voltage using other measured battery metrics. After block 104, the battery management procedure 100 proceeds to block 106.

[0049] In block 106, the controller 40 compares the anode voltage with the first predefined range (e.g., 0 to 1.5 volts). If the anode voltage is outside the first predefined range, the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 108. If the anode voltage is within the first predefined range, the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 110.

[0050] In block 108, the controller 40 adjusts the operation of the battery cell 14 such that the anode voltage lies within the first predefined range. The anode voltage is considered the controlled metric. Within the scope of this description, the controlled metric is one of the many battery metrics currently controlled by the controller 40 using the power control circuit 44. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust one or more of the following quantities: a voltage applied to the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24 of the battery cell 14, and a current flowing through the battery cell 14.In a non-restrictive example, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust the charging current and / or voltage of battery cell 14 or the discharging current of battery cell 14 such that the anode voltage is within the first specified range.

[0051] In another, non-restrictive example, the controller 40 controls the charger 20 and / or the electrical load 18 such that the anode voltage remains within the first predetermined range. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 maintains the anode voltage within the first predetermined range for at least a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). During the predetermined time period, the battery management procedure 100 switches to block 110.

[0052] In block 110, the controller 40 determines the cathode voltage (i.e., the second battery metric). In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the plurality of battery sensors 42 to measure the cathode voltage. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 calculates the cathode voltage using other measured battery metrics. After block 110, the battery management procedure 100 proceeds to block 112.

[0053] In block 112, the controller 40 compares the cathode voltage with the second predetermined range (e.g., 3.2 to 4.35 volts). If the cathode voltage is outside the second predetermined range, the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 114. If the cathode voltage is within the second predetermined range, the controller 40 maintains the controlled variable (e.g., the anode voltage) at a value less than or equal to the corresponding predetermined range (e.g., the first predetermined range), and the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 116.

[0054] In block 114, the controller 40 adjusts the operation of battery cell 14 such that the cathode voltage is within the second predefined range. The cathode voltage is considered the controlled metric. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust one or more of the following: a voltage applied to the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24 of battery cell 14, and a current flowing through battery cell 14. In a non-restrictive example, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust the charging current and / or voltage of battery cell 14, or the discharging current of battery cell 14, such that the cathode voltage is within the second predefined range.

[0055] In another, unlimited example, the controller 40 controls the charger 20 and / or the electrical load 18 to ensure that the cathode voltage remains within the second predetermined range. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 maintains the cathode voltage within the second predetermined range for at least a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). During the predetermined time period, the battery management method 100 switches to block 116.

[0056] In block 116, the controller 40 determines the cell voltage (i.e., the third battery metric). In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the plurality of battery sensors 42 to measure the cell voltage. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 calculates the cell voltage using other measured battery metrics. After block 116, the battery management procedure 100 proceeds to block 118.

[0057] In block 118, the controller 40 compares the cell voltage with the third predetermined range (e.g., 2.5 to 4.2 volts). If the cell voltage is outside the third predetermined range, the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 120. If the cell voltage is within the third predetermined range, the controller 40 continues to maintain the controlled variable (e.g., the cathode voltage) less than or equal to the corresponding predetermined range (e.g., the second predetermined range), and the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 122.

[0058] In block 120, the controller 40 adjusts the operation of battery cell 14 such that the cell voltage is within the third predefined range. The cell voltage is considered the controlled metric. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust one or more of the following quantities: a voltage applied to the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24 of battery cell 14, and a current flowing through battery cell 14. In a non-restrictive example, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust the charging current and / or voltage of battery cell 14, or the discharging current of battery cell 14, such that the cell voltage is within the third predefined range.In another, non-restrictive example, the controller 40 controls the charger 20 and / or the electrical load 18 to ensure that the cell voltage remains within the third predetermined range. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 maintains the cell voltage within the third predetermined range for at least a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). During the predetermined time period, the battery management method 100 switches to block 122.

[0059] In block 122, the controller 40 determines the cell current (i.e., the fourth battery metric). In one exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the plurality of battery sensors 42 to measure the cell current. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 calculates the cell current using other measured battery metrics. Following block 122, the battery management procedure 100 proceeds to block 124.

[0060] In block 124, the controller 40 compares the cell current with the fourth predetermined range (e.g., ±100 amperes). If the cell current is outside the fourth predetermined range, the battery management procedure 100 continues with block 126. If the cell current is within the fourth predetermined range, the controller 40 continues to maintain the controlled metric (e.g., the cell voltage) so that it is less than or equal to the corresponding predetermined range (e.g., the third predetermined range), and the battery management procedure 100 returns to block 102.

[0061] In block 126, the controller 40 adjusts the operation of battery cell 14 such that the cell current is within the fourth predefined range. The cell current is considered the controlled metric. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust one or more of the following quantities: a voltage applied to the cathode electrode 22 and the anode electrode 24 of battery cell 14, and a current flowing through battery cell 14. In a non-restrictive example, the controller 40 uses the power control circuit 44 to adjust the charging current and / or voltage of battery cell 14, or the discharging current of battery cell 14, such that the cell current is within the fourth predefined range.In another, non-restrictive example, the controller 40 controls the charger 20 and / or the electrical load 18 to ensure that the cell current remains within the fourth predetermined range. In an exemplary embodiment, the controller 40 maintains the cell current within the fourth predetermined range for at least a predetermined time period (e.g., one minute). During the predetermined time period, the battery management method 100 returns to block 102.

[0062] The battery management system 10 and the battery management procedure 100 of this description offer several advantages. By measuring the battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the battery cell 14 in a predetermined sequence (i.e., the anode voltage followed by the cathode voltage followed by the cell voltage followed by the cell current), the controller 40 can converge to optimal values ​​for each of the multitude of battery metrics without storing a history of previously set values.

[0063] The description provided here is merely exemplary, and variations that do not deviate from the core of this description are to be considered within its scope. Such variations are not to be regarded as a deviation from the spirit and scope of this description. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 12,113,184

[0034]

Claims

[1] A battery management method for a battery cell with three electrodes, wherein the battery management method comprises: Setting the operation of a three-electrode battery cell at least partially based on a plurality of battery metrics, including a first battery metric, a second battery metric, a third battery metric, and a fourth battery metric, wherein the operation of the three-electrode battery cell is set such that at least a first battery metric is kept within a first predetermined range, a second battery metric within a second predetermined range, a third battery metric within a third predetermined range, and a fourth battery metric within a fourth predetermined range. [2] Battery management method according to claim 1, wherein adjusting the operation of the battery cell with three electrodes further comprises: Determining the multitude of battery metrics; and Adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in response to the determination of a multitude of battery metrics. [3] Battery management method according to claim 2, wherein the determination of the plurality of battery metrics further comprises: Determining the first battery metric, wherein the first battery metric is an anode voltage between an anode electrode and a reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell; Determining the second battery metric, where the second battery metric is a cathode voltage between a cathode electrode and the reference electrode of the three-electrode battery cell; Determining the third battery metric, where the third battery metric is a cell voltage between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode of the three-electrode battery cell; and Determining the fourth battery metric, where the fourth battery metric is a cell current flowing through the battery cell with three electrodes. [4] Battery management method according to claim 2, wherein the setting of the operation of the battery cell with three electrodes further comprises: Setting one or more of the following quantities: a voltage applied to two or more electrodes of the three-electrode battery cell and a current flowing through the three-electrode battery cell for at least a specified period of time. [5] Battery management method according to claim 2, further comprising determining the plurality of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell: Determining the multitude of battery metrics and adjusting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in a predetermined sequence until the first battery metric is within the first predetermined range, the second battery metric is within the second predetermined range, the third battery metric is within the third predetermined range, and the fourth battery metric is within the fourth predetermined range. [6] Battery management method according to claim 5, further comprising determining the plurality of battery metrics and setting the operation of the three-electrode battery cell in the predetermined sequence: Determining the first battery metric; Comparing the first battery metric with the first specified range; and Discontinuing the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to cause the first battery metric to be within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the first battery metric is outside the first predetermined range. [7] The battery management method according to claim 6 further comprises: Determining the second battery metric in response to the cessation of operation of the three-electrode battery cell, so that the first battery metric is within the first predetermined range; Comparing the second battery metric with the second specified range; and Discontinuing the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to cause the second battery metric to be within the second predetermined range, in response to the finding that the second battery metric is outside the second predetermined range. [8] The battery management method according to claim 7 further comprises: Determining the third battery metric in response to the cessation of operation of the three-electrode battery cell, in order to cause the second battery metric to be within the second predetermined range; Comparing the third battery metric with the third specified range; and Discontinuing the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to cause the third battery metric to be within the third predetermined range, in response to the finding that the third battery metric is outside the third predetermined range. [9] The battery management method according to claim 8 further comprises: Determining the fourth battery metric in response to the cessation of three-electrode battery cell operation, in order to ensure that the third battery metric lies within the third predetermined range; Comparing the fourth battery metric with the fourth specified range; and Discontinuing the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to cause the fourth battery metric to be within the fourth predetermined range, in response to the finding that the fourth battery metric is outside the fourth predetermined range. [10] The battery management method according to claim 9 further comprises: Determining the first battery metric in response to the cessation of operation of the three-electrode battery cell, in order to cause the fourth battery metric to be within the fourth predetermined range; Comparing the first battery metric with the first specified range; and Discontinuing the operation of the three-electrode battery cell to cause the first battery metric to be within the first predetermined range, in response to the finding that the first battery metric is outside the first predetermined range.

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