METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A VALIDATION INDICATOR FOR TESTS OF A TRACTION BATTERY FOR AN ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle. Indeed, the method comprises receiving data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and manufacturing means of the traction battery and classifying these data to obtain an identifier of a class allowing the determination of a sequence of validation tests (21) of the traction battery and the determination of a number of samples forming a set of samples (22) of the traction battery to be generated to carry out the sequence of validation tests. Data representative of the number of samples and of the sequence of validation tests are transmitted and results of the tests are received. The results are compared with target results and the indicator is determined according to a result of the comparison. Figure 2

Description

Title of the invention: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETERMINING A VALIDATION INDICATOR FOR TESTS OF A TRACTION BATTERY FOR A VEHICLE ELECTRIFIED Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to methods and devices for determining a test validation indicator for a traction battery for an electrified vehicle. The present invention also relates to methods and devices for determining a test sequence for a traction battery of an electrified vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] Validating a new traction battery for an electrified vehicle involves several crucial steps to ensure its efficiency, safety and durability. A traction battery development project typically includes a validation process comprising different planned steps such as: - the definition of functional characteristics and technical specifications of the traction battery according to the requirements of the vehicle, such as the energy storage capacity, voltage, maximum power, size or architecture of the system formed by the vehicle and the traction battery, - the development of the traction battery, in particular its components and their integration into the assembly called the battery pack, - prototyping of all or part of the traction battery in order to carry out functional, normative and safety tests, for example to assess electrical (capacity, voltage, internal resistance, etc.) and thermal (heat management) performance under controlled conditions, - carrying out tests or trials, in the laboratory or under real conditions of use and validating the response of the traction battery to the specifications, - the certification and approval necessary for the marketing of the product, in accordance with local and international regulations in force in the territories of manufacture and use of the traction battery.

[0003] This process is iterative and may require several cycles of design, testing and adjustment to ensure the reliability and safety of the traction battery for an electrified vehicle. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the battery meets the standards of performance, safety and durability required in particular by industry and regulatory authorities.

[0004] Such a process requires good control of the various stages, in particular the stage of carrying out the tests. Indeed, this stage requires both a large number of prototypes or samples of the traction battery, as well as numerous human resources and machines to carry out these tests. Some of the tests are carried out in the laboratory, it is therefore necessary to know as early as possible the resource requirements in order to ensure their availability. In addition, it is essential to have a sufficient number of samples available at the latest at the time of the tests for carrying out these tests. Indeed, if the number of samples is insufficient or their production is not completed, then the tests cannot be carried out at the planned time and development may then be delayed, the test stage being extended.

[0005] Thus, it is essential, in order to respect the planning of the different stages and therefore of the traction battery development project, to master each of them. Summary of the present invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to determine an indicator for validating tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to automate the generation of a test sequence and the determination of a number of samples to be generated to carry out the validation test sequence.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle, the method being implemented by at least one processor, the method comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and means of manufacturing the traction battery; - classification of the first data to obtain an identifier of a class among a set of classes; - determination of a sequence of traction battery validation tests based on the identifier; - determination of a number of samples forming a set of samples of the traction battery to be generated to carry out said sequence of validation tests; - emission of second data representative of the number of samples and third data representative of the validation test sequence; - receipt of test results from the validation test sequence; - comparison of results with target results; - determination of the indicator based on a comparison result.

[0010] Such a method makes it possible to automatically generate a sequence of tests and to determine a number of samples of the traction battery to be generated to carry out these tests according to levels of development of the components and the means of manufacturing the traction battery. This method also makes it possible to determine an indicator of validation of tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle following the carrying out of the tests of the determined sequence.

[0011] According to a variant of the method, an indicator of a level of development of a component or manufacturing means belongs to a set of indicators comprising: • a representative indicator of novelty, • a representative indicator of modification, and • a representative indicator of reuse.

[0012] According to another variant of the method, the components belong to a set of components comprising: • a cell, • a chemical element, • a module, • a block, • an electronic component, • a sensor, • an internal conductive part, • a connector, • a disconnection unit, • an electrical harness, • a cooling circuit, • an external shell, and • a chassis.

[0013] According to another variant of the method, the manufacturing means belong to a set of manufacturing means comprising: • a tool, • a process, • a supplier, • an assembly line, and • a factory.

[0014] According to an additional variant, the method further comprises a step of determining- mination of a number of hours associated with the test sequence.

[0015] According to another variant, the method further comprises a step of determining a first cost associated with the number of samples and a second cost associated with the test sequence.

[0016] According to yet another variant, the method comprises a step of assigning tests from the set of validation tests to each sample from the set of samples.

[0017] According to an additional variant, the method comprises a step of determining the first data from data representative of a specification and a library of existing components and manufacturing means.

[0018] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle, the system comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which comprises instructions adapted for executing the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0020] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0021] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the method according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0022] On the one hand, the recording medium may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM memory, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit type ROM memory, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk.

[0023] Furthermore, this recording medium may also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or hertzian radio or by self-directed laser beam or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention may in particular be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0024] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to carry out or to be used in carrying out the method in question. Brief description of the figures

[0025] Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description of the particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the appended figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0026] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a traction battery of an electrified vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a table of correspondence between tests and samples of the traction battery of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates a device configured for the determination of a traction battery test validation indicator of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a determination process mination of a validation indicator for tests of the traction battery of [Fig.l], according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Description of the exemplary embodiments

[0030] A method and a device for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description which follows.

[0031] The terms "first(s)", "second(s)" (or "first(s)", "second(s)"), etc. are used in this document by arbitrary convention to enable different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below to be identified and distinguished. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0032] According to a particular and non-limiting example of embodiment of the present invention, the determination of a validation indicator of tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle is for example implemented by one or more computers, for example via one or more processors of a computer.

[0033] For this purpose, the method comprises receiving data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and means of manufacturing the traction battery and classifying this data to obtain an identifier of a class allowing the determination of a sequence of validation tests of the traction battery and the determination of a number of samples to be generate to carry out the validation test sequence, these samples forming a set of samples of the traction battery.

[0034] Data representative of the number of samples and the validation test sequence are transmitted and test results are received. The results are compared to target results and the indicator is determined based on a result of this comparison.

[0035] [Fig.l] schematically illustrates a traction battery of an electrified vehicle, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] An electrified vehicle corresponds to an electric vehicle with only one or more electric motor(s) powered by a traction battery or to a hybrid vehicle with a thermal engine and one or more electric motors. The electrified vehicle thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a van, a coach or a truck.

[0037] The traction battery 10 is for example of one of the following types: • a lead-acid battery, this type is among the oldest and least expensive, but nevertheless has an energy density of between 30 and 40 Wh / kg, relatively low compared to the following types, • a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, this type of battery being widely used in electric and electrified vehicles due to its high energy density, low weight and long lifespan. Li-ion batteries come in several variants: - Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC), offering a good balance between an energy density of around 150 to 250 Wh / kg and an estimated durability of between 8 and 12 years, - Nickel-Cobalt-Aluminium (NCA), known for its high energy density of around 200 to 260 Wh / kg, - Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP), with an energy density of approximately 90 to 120 Wh / kg, known for its thermal stability and safety, and - Lithium-Titanate (LTO), with an energy density of approximately 100 to 150 Wh / kg, offering very fast charging times and a long lifespan of up to 15 years, - a solid electrolyte battery, - a sodium-ion battery, with an energy density of about 100 to 150 Wh / kg, using sodium as the active material instead of lithium, requiring more abundant materials, or - a nickel-zinc battery, with an energy density of around 90 to 120 Wh / kg, which can be easily recycled.

[0038] Each type of battery has its own characteristics in terms of energy density, durability, cost, charging time, safety and environmental impact. The choice of battery often depends on the specific needs of the vehicle, its price, its performance, its durability and the availability of the materials necessary for its manufacture.

[0039] When developing a new traction battery, for example to improve an existing vehicle or to develop a new vehicle, a design office issues, for example, a specification. Such a specification is presented, for example, in the form of a detailed document which specifies the requirements, characteristics and objectives to be achieved for the design and manufacture of the traction battery. Such a specification contains, for example, key elements necessary for the development of the traction battery 10.

[0040] The specifications contain, for example, technical specifications such as: - the energy capacity corresponding to the quantity of energy stored, generally expressed in kilowatt hours (kWh), - the nominal voltage, expressed in volts (V), - the maximum power corresponding to the capacity to deliver a certain quantity of instantaneous power, often expressed in kilowatts (kW), - the energy density corresponding to the quantity of energy stored per unit of mass (Wh / kg) or per unit of volume (Wh / L), - durability and life cycle, e.g. the number of charge / discharge cycles and the expected life of the battery under specified conditions, and - temperature conditions, in particular the operating and storage temperature ranges of the traction battery 10.

[0041] The traction battery 10 is notably developed for integration into a future vehicle or into an existing vehicle. Thus, the specifications include, for example, expected performances such as: - an estimated autonomy of the electrified vehicle equipped with the battery, - a charging time corresponding to a duration required to charge the traction battery 10 from a specified power source, and - voltage regulation corresponding to a capacity of the traction battery 10 to maintain a stable voltage under variable charging and discharging conditions.

[0042] The specifications also include data relating to safety, including: - safety standards, in particular those in force for the traction battery 10, including protection against short circuits, overload, overheating, etc., and - thermal management, in particular data relating to a cooling or heating system to maintain the temperature of the battery within safe limits.

[0043] In order to integrate and install the traction battery 10 in the vehicle, or in For example, if several vehicles have the same platform, the specifications also include data relating to: - the dimensions and weight of the traction battery 10, and - to one or more communication interfaces integrating communication protocols to enable interaction with other vehicle components and management systems.

[0044] Data relating to the environmental impact, durability and recycling of the traction battery 10 are, for example, also included in the specifications. Thus, the use of environmentally friendly materials and a reduction of the environmental impact of the traction battery 10 via its components, its materials and / or its manufacturing process are, for example, specified.

[0045] Finally, the specifications may include data such as a cost and a development time or even a production cost of the traction battery 10 in order to ensure the economic viability of the traction battery and / or the vehicle incorporating or carrying it.

[0046] The specifications define the objectives and success criteria for the development of the traction battery 10, thus enabling the research and development teams to work according to clear and precise guidelines.

[0047] In order, for example, to reduce the development time and cost and subsequently the production cost of the traction battery 10, a battery manufacturer or a vehicle manufacturer is often required to reuse existing components or manufacturing means. Indeed, this practice is advantageous in terms of costs, time, reliability, compliance with standards and risk reduction. However, innovation also remains important to meet new market requirements and to remain competitive in the long term. Thus, a new traction battery 10 comprises, for example, both components and manufacturing means derived from another existing battery and new components and manufacturing means.

[0048] Thus, the traction battery 10 integrates components and manufacturing means of different levels of development, an indicator of a level of development being associated with these components and manufacturing means.

[0049] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, such components belong to a set of components comprising: • a cell, • a chemical element 14, • a module, • a block, • an electronic component 11, • a sensor, • an internal conductive part 12, • a connector 13, • a disconnection unit, • an electrical harness, • a cooling circuit, • an external shell, and • a chassis.

[0050] According to another particular embodiment, the manufacturing means belong to a set of manufacturing means comprising: • a tool 15, • a process, • a supplier, • an assembly line, and • a factory 16.

[0051] It should be noted that a manufacturing means is generally associated with one or more components of the traction battery 10, relating for example to a means of obtaining or manufacturing a component or a means of assembling several components. Similarly, a component is not restricted to a part or reduced to a non-decomposable component but refers for example to a set or a subset of components.

[0052] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, an indicator of a level of development belongs to a set of indicators comprising: • a representative indicator of novelty, • a representative indicator of modification, and • a representative indicator of reuse.

[0053] A representative indicator of reuse is associated with a component or a means of manufacturing the traction battery 10 already existing, that is to say a component coming for example from another traction battery, or a means of manufacturing already used for another traction battery. For example the reuse of cells comprising the same materials, the same parts and manufactured in the same factory as cells used in another traction battery already in production and already certified.

[0054] The advantages of taking over a component or a manufacturing method are numerous. They allow for example: • cost savings, the design and development of new components or new manufacturing methods can be expensive, reusing a component or manufacturing method allows research and development costs to be reduced by reusing existing components, parts or manufacturing methods. proven brication, • optimization of development time, making it possible to ensure the development and marketing time of the traction battery 10, or even to reduce this time, • to ensure reliability, the components or manufacturing means being already used and tested and having for example been the subject of feedback and improvements, • compatibility and standardization, the same component being available for several models of traction batteries or a manufacturing means making it possible to pool resources for different traction batteries, thus facilitating the future maintenance of the traction battery 10 and / or its assembly line, • the reduction of risks, particularly those linked to innovation, with potential defects or performance problems being, for example, better identified and controlled, • a guarantee of compliance with standards and regulations, part of the normative tests having already been validated by these components or manufacturing means, and • a guarantee of safety and robustness already proven.

[0055] Conversely, a representative indicator of novelty is associated with a component or a means of manufacturing the traction battery 10 which is, for example, new. For example, the development of new cells capable of storing more energy for the same weight or the same size, the development of a new battery management system, called BMS (from the English “Battery Management System”), or even the establishment of a new production or assembly line for the traction battery 10.

[0056] Finally, a representative modification indicator is associated with a component or means of production which is not new but which is obtained by modification of an existing component or means of production. For example, a modification of an arrangement of cells in a module of the traction battery 10, the duplication of a production tool or even a change of supplier of the same electronic component 11.

[0057] According to other variants, the indicator representing modification may be different depending on whether it is a minor or major modification. Indeed, the change of reference of an assembly screw of a casing does not, for example, have the same impact as the modification of an internal conductive part 12.

[0058] In order to validate the response of the traction battery 10 to the specifications, a process for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle is for example implemented by a computer.

[0059] In a first operation, first data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and manufacturing means of the traction battery 10 are received.

[0060] According to a first embodiment, these first data are for example entered into a computer file via a human-machine interface, called HMI. For example using a touch screen or a computer comprising a keyboard and a screen.

[0061] According to a second particular embodiment, the process of determining a validation indicator for tests of the traction battery 10 comprises a step of determining first data from data representative of a specification (this data being for example received in the form of a file) and from a library of existing components and manufacturing means. Indeed, the calculator or computer in charge of this process compares for example elements of the specification previously entered to a database comprising characteristics homogeneous to those of the specification and relating to existing traction batteries, in particular relating to components or manufacturing means associated with existing traction batteries.These characteristics are, for example, entered into a library of components and manufacturing means recorded in a memory accessible by the calculator or computer implementing the process. Such characteristics are commonly entered into technical product data management tools, called PDM (from the English "Product Data Management").

[0062] These first data are for example representative of pairs comprising an identifier of a component or a means of production and an indicator of a level of development associated with this component or means of production.

[0063] In a second operation, the first data are classified to obtain an identifier of a class among a set of classes. For example: - a first class corresponds to a traction battery where all the components and manufacturing means are new, - a second class corresponds to a traction battery where the cells and battery modules are new while the battery pack, the BMS, the internal conductive parts, the external parts and the means of production already exist, - a third class corresponds to a traction battery where the cells, the battery modules and the battery pack exist while the BMS, the internal conductive parts and the external parts are modified parts and the means of production are new.

[0064] Obviously, the invention is not limited to three classes but to a plurality of classes comprising for example 2, 5, 9 or 20 classes. These classes can be likened to scenarios, for example the first class represents a new development of a traction battery, the second class an improvement in the performance of an existing traction battery and the third class the integration of a traction battery. traction in a new environment or a new electrified vehicle but retaining existing battery packs.

[0065] In a third operation, a sequence of validation tests 21 of the traction battery 10 is determined as a function of the identifier of a class.

[0066] The validation test sequence 21 is for example obtained from a correspondence table, the validation test sequence 21 being defined and associated with each class via a class identifier.

[0067] The validation test sequence thus corresponds to the identification of tests to be carried out on samples of the traction battery 10, for example tests making it possible to qualify the traction battery 10 or to obtain certification. These tests are thus of several types, for example internal tests to measure the performance of the traction battery or the robustness of its design or representative of normative tests making it possible to estimate the response of the traction battery 10 to normative requirements, as well as tests in an accredited laboratory making it possible to obtain certification. The test sequence thus makes it possible to: - validate and verify the quality of the traction battery 10, in particular its components and therefore the manufacturing means, through, for example, resistance tests, chemical analyses, durability measurements, etc., and / or - to explore new ideas or concepts, to develop new components or means of production by experimenting with different approaches to achieve a specific objective, and / or - to carry out continuous improvement by carrying out iterative test sequences, - to validate compliance with standards and regulations, and / or - to obtain certification or approval before placing the traction battery 10 on the market, and / or - to understand the performance and behavior of components under specific conditions, and / or - to assess potential risks associated with the use of the traction battery 10 or technology under certain conditions.

[0068] In summary, the sequence of laboratory or internal tests plays an essential role, making it possible to test, analyze, validate and improve the traction battery 10, its components or its means of production, before their deployment on a large scale or on the market.

[0069] According to a particular embodiment, in a fourth operation, a number of hours associated with the test sequence is determined. It corresponds in particular to test times and / or to working times of one or more technicians carrying out the tests of the test sequence.

[0070] Determining the number of hours makes it possible, in particular, to plan tests and reserve resources such as technicians or laboratories.

[0071] In a fifth operation, a number of samples is determined, corresponding to the number of samples forming a set of samples 22 of the traction battery 10 to be generated to carry out the validation test sequence.

[0072] This number of samples is for example predefined and associated with the test sequence. According to another example, a number of samples is associated with each test or each group of tests of the test sequence, the number of samples then being the sum of the number of samples associated with each test or group of tests of the test sequence. It should be noted that the same sample can pass several different tests depending on whether the tests are, for example, destructive or not. Thus, it is possible that two samples are sufficient to pass a test sequence comprising ten tests, or that conversely a sequence of twenty tests requires thirty samples, certain tests being carried out on several samples of the traction battery 10.

[0073] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, the tests of the validation test set are assigned to each sample of the sample set. Thus, it is possible to identify each test of the test sequence that a sample of the sample set of the traction battery 10 will undergo.

[0074] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a correspondence table 2 between the tests and the samples of the traction battery 10. The tests of the validation test sequence 21 are thus identified in the first column while each sample of the set of samples 22 is identified in the first row. The tests ("Test" in English) are for example j in number, thus a first test is identified Tb a second test is identified T2, a third test is identified T3 up to the last tests Tj.i and Tj. Similarly the samples of the traction battery 10 are i in number, thus a first sample is identified Bh a second sample is identified B2, a third sample is identified B3 up to the last samples Bu and B;.

[0075] A test is assigned to a sample when a cross is entered at the intersection of the row associated with the test and the column associated with the sample. Thus, according to this example illustrated in [Fig.2], the first sample Bi will undergo the first and second tests T2., while samples B2 and B3 will both undergo the test T 3-

[0076] According to a particular exemplary embodiment, in a sixth operation, a first cost associated with the number of samples and a second cost associated with the test sequence are determined. These costs are notably comparable to the budget indicated in the specifications, making it possible to validate the maintenance of the budget associated with the development of the traction battery 10.

[0077] According to another particular exemplary embodiment, in a seventh operation, second data representative of the number of samples and third data representative of the validation test sequence 21 are transmitted. These data are for example transmitted to a project manager, a factory or a laboratory, in order to order production of the set of samples 22 and to reserve resources of a laboratory.

[0078] The project manager, for his part, is then able to take into consideration the costs and time required for testing the traction battery 10, i.e. for carrying out the validation test sequence 21.

[0079] In an eighth operation, test results from the validation test sequence 21 are received. These results are, for example, representative of performances measured in tests and are presented in heterogeneous forms. For example, the results include data such as measured temperatures, numbers of cycles performed, forces sustained, etc. These results are, for example, compiled in computer files.

[0080] In a ninth operation, these results are compared to target results. These target results make it possible to validate or not the success of a sample during a test.

[0081] Target results represent, for example, threshold values from which a result is judged to be compliant or not compliant with a specification, for example a normative one. Thus, a target result corresponds, for example, to a maximum temperature not to be exceeded, a minimum number of cycles to be carried out or a minimum effort to be maintained.

[0082] In a tenth operation, the validation indicator of the test of the traction battery 10 for an electrified vehicle is determined based on the result of the comparison. This indicator makes it possible to know, for example, a success rate of the traction battery 10 in the validation test sequence 21.

[0083] The validation indicator comprises, for example, the list of tests in the validation test sequence 21 which the traction battery 10 failed, in particular in order to know the points to be improved in the event that the traction battery 10 passes a new validation test sequence.

[0084] Thus, this process makes it possible, from data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and means of manufacturing the traction battery 10, to determine a list of tests called a validation test sequence and a number of samples necessary for carrying out these tests. The process also makes it possible to allocate samples to each test in the test sequence and then to monitor the results of these tests. Finally, a validation indicator of the test of the traction battery for an electrified vehicle is determined in order to qualify whether or not the traction battery has passed the validation test sequence.

[0085] This process can thus be used by different entities such as design offices and allows practices to be standardized. Indeed, by applying this same process to different development projects, the same test sequence and the same number of samples are determined for the same indicators of a level of development of components and means of manufacturing several traction batteries.

[0086] [Fig. 3] schematically illustrates a device 3 configured for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle, for example of the traction battery 10, according to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The device 3 corresponds for example to a computer, a smartphone or a touch tablet.

[0087] The device 3 is for example configured for the implementation of the operations described with regard to figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the method described with regard to [Fig.4]. The elements of the device 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. The device 3 can be produced in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules or even a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0088] The device 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the method and / or for executing the instructions of the software(s) embedded in the device 3. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 3 further comprises at least one memory 31 corresponding for example to a volatile and / or non-volatile memory and / or comprises a memory storage device which may comprise volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic or optical disk.

[0089] The computer code of the embedded software(s) comprising the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored in the memory 31.

[0090] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 3 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (from the English “Telematic Control Unit” or in French “Telematic Control Unit”), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0091] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3 comprises a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 comprise one or more of the interfaces following: - RF radio frequency interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English “Universal Serial Bus” or “Universal Serial Bus” in French); - HDMI interface (from the English “High Definition Multimedia Interface” or “High Definition Multimedia Interface” in French); - LIN interface (from the English “Local Interconnect Network”).

[0092] According to another particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3 comprises a communication interface 33 which makes it possible to establish communication with other devices (such as other computers of the on-board system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds for example to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (standardized by the ISO 17458 standard) or Ethernet (standardized by the ISO / IEC 802-3 standard).

[0093] According to a particular and non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the device 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, touch-sensitive or not, one or more speakers 350 and / or other peripherals 360 via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or other of the external devices is integrated into the device 3.

[0094] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different steps of a method for determining a test validation indicator of a traction battery for an electrified vehicle, for example of the traction battery 10, the method being for example implemented by the device 3 of [Fig.3].

[0095] In a first step 41, first data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and manufacturing means of said traction battery 10 are received.

[0096] In a second step 42, the first data are classified to obtain a identifier of a class among a set of classes.

[0097] In a third step 43, a sequence of validation tests 21 of the traction battery is determined as a function of the identifier.

[0098] In a fourth step 44, a number of samples is determined, the samples forming a set of samples 22 of the traction battery 10 to be generated to carry out the validation test sequence.

[0099] In a fifth step 45, second data representative of the number of samples and third data representative of the validation test sequence 21 are transmitted.

[0100] In a sixth step 46, test results of the validation test sequence are received.

[0101] In a seventh step 47, the received results are compared to target results.

[0102] In an eighth step 48, the indicator is determined based on a result of the comparison.

[0103] According to a variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of figures 1 and 2 apply to the steps of the method of [Fig.4].

[0104] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above but extends to a method for determining a test sequence of a traction battery of an electrified vehicle which would include secondary steps without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for the implementation of such a method.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for determining a test validation indicator of a traction battery (10) for an electrified vehicle, said method being implemented by at least one processor, comprising the following steps: - receiving (41) first data representative of indicators of a level of development of components and manufacturing means of said traction battery (10); - classifying (42) said first data to obtain an identifier of a class from a set of classes; - determining (43) a validation test sequence (21) of said traction battery as a function of said identifier; - determining (44) a number of samples forming a set of samples (22) of said traction battery (10) to be generated to carry out said validation test sequence;- transmission (45) of second data representative of said number of samples and third data representative of said validation test sequence (21); - reception (46) of test results of said validation test sequence; - comparison (47) of the results with target results; - determination (48) of said indicator as a function of a result of said comparison.;

2. Method according to claim 1, for which an indicator of a level of development of a component or manufacturing means belongs to a set of indicators comprising: • an indicator representative of novelty, • an indicator representative of modification, and • an indicator representative of reuse.

3. Method according to one of claims 1 to 2, for which said components belong to a set of components comprising: • a cell, • a chemical element (14), • a module, • a block, • an electronic component (11), • a sensor, • an internal conductive part (12), • a connector (13), • a disconnection unit, • an electrical harness, • a cooling circuit, • an external shell, and • a chassis.

4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, for which said manufacturing means belong to a set of manufacturing means comprising: • a tool (15), • a method, • a supplier, • an assembly line, and • a factory (16).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a step of determining a number of hours associated with said sequence of tests.

6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a step of determining a first cost associated with said number of samples and a second cost associated with said sequence of tests.

7. A method according to one of claims 1 to 6, which comprises a step of assigning tests from said set of validation tests to each sample from said set of samples.

8. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, which comprises a step of determining said first data from data representative of a specification and a library of existing components and manufacturing means.

9. Computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

10. Device (3) for determining a validation indicator for tests of a traction battery (10) for an electrified vehicle, said system (3) comprising a memory (31) associated with at least one processor (30) configured for implementing the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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