Analysis of battery modules regarding their reusability

Abstract

A system for analyzing battery modules for reusability may include a stage, measurement components, and parameter analysis components. [Solution] The stage may be configured to support a battery module containing multiple batteries. The measurement component may be configured to measure the impedance across the battery module over a range of frequencies. The parameter analysis component may include a processor and memory. The memory may store a reuse evaluation module. The reuse evaluation module may include instructions to cause the processor to (1) determine the difference between the value of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency, and (2) determine that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response that the difference is below a threshold.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field The disclosed technology is directed to analyzing battery modules for their potential for reuse.

Background Art

[0002] Background Conventional automobile engines can consume fossil fuels through a combustion process to generate propulsion. Since the waste of the combustion process may contain pollutants, efforts have been made to generate propulsion by various mechanisms. Among such efforts, there have been those that can generate propulsion using an electric motor. Such vehicles are sometimes called electric vehicles. In an electric vehicle, the power to the electric motor can be supplied from a battery. However, the charging capacity of the battery may decrease during the life of the battery. When the charging capacity of the battery falls below a threshold (for example, 80 percent of the rated charging capacity), one or more of the driving range of the electric vehicle or the battery recharge rate may be reduced below a preferred threshold by the driver of the electric vehicle. In such a situation, in the case of use in an electric vehicle, the life of the charging capacity of the battery may end, but in the case of other uses, such a charging capacity of the battery may still be sufficient. Such other uses are sometimes called battery reuse.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Summary In one embodiment, a system for analyzing a battery module for reusability may include a stage, a measurement component, and a parameter analysis component. The stage may be configured to support a battery module containing multiple batteries. The measurement component may be configured to measure the impedance across the battery module over a range of frequencies. The parameter analysis component may include a processor and memory. The memory may store a reusability evaluation module. The reusability evaluation module may include instructions that cause the processor to (1) determine the difference between the value of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency, and (2) determine that the battery module is suitable for reusability in response that the difference is below a threshold.

[0004] In another embodiment, a method for analyzing a battery module for reusability may include the step of supporting a battery module containing multiple batteries with a stage. The method may include the step of measuring the impedance across the battery module over a range of frequencies using a measuring component. The method may include the step of a processor determining the difference between the value at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency. The method may include the step of the processor determining that the battery module is suitable for reusability in response that the difference is below a threshold.

[0005] In another embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium for analyzing a battery module for reusability may, when executed by one or more processors, include instructions causing those processors to determine the difference between a value at a first frequency and a value at a second frequency of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module with respect to frequency. The impedance may be measured over a range of frequencies. The battery module may include multiple batteries. The battery module may be supported by a stage. When executed by one or more processors, the non-temporary computer-readable medium may include instructions causing those processors to determine that the battery module is suitable for reusability in response that the difference is below a threshold.

[0006] Brief explanation of the drawing The accompanying drawings incorporated herein and constituting part thereof illustrate various systems, methods, and other embodiments of the present disclosure. Element boundaries illustrated in the drawings (e.g., boxes, groups of boxes, or other shapes) will be understood to represent one embodiment of the boundary. In some embodiments, one element may be designed as multiple elements, or multiple elements may be designed as one element. In some embodiments, an element shown as an internal component of another element may be realized as an external component, and vice versa. Furthermore, elements may not be drawn to scale. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This block diagram shows an example of an environment for analyzing the reusability of battery modules in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a graph of the real part of the impedance of a battery module against frequency. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example of the graph of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of a battery module with respect to frequency. [Figure 4A] This figure shows an example of conditions for positional changes between the metal of the battery module and one of the batteries included in the battery module. [Figure 4B] This figure shows an example of conditions for positional changes between the metal of the battery module and one of the batteries included in the battery module. [Figure 4C] This figure shows an example of conditions for positional changes between the metal of the battery module and one of the batteries included in the battery module. [Figure 5A] This figure shows examples of conditions under which the metal in a battery module exhibits magnetization properties. [Figure 5B] This figure shows examples of conditions under which the metal in a battery module exhibits magnetization properties. [Figure 5C] This figure shows examples of conditions under which the metal in a battery module exhibits magnetization properties. [Figure 6A] This figure shows an example of the conditions under which the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries included in a battery module changes. [Figure 6B] This figure shows an example of the conditions under which the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries included in a battery module changes. [Figure 6C] This figure shows an example of the conditions under which the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries included in a battery module changes. [Figure 7A] This figure shows an example of the conditions for interphase growth of solid electrolytes. [Figure 7B] This figure shows an example of the conditions for interphase growth of solid electrolytes. [Figure 7C] This figure shows an example of the conditions for interphase growth of solid electrolytes. [Figure 8] This figure shows an example of a graph comparing the imaginary part of the battery module's impedance with the real part of the battery module's impedance at various stages of the lifespan of multiple batteries within the battery module. [Figure 9A]This flowchart illustrates an example of a method related to analyzing the reusability of battery modules in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Figure 9B] This flowchart illustrates an example of a method related to analyzing the reusability of battery modules in accordance with the disclosed technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Detailed explanation The disclosed technology is directed towards analyzing battery modules for their reusability. In many cases, multiple batteries rather than individual batteries can power a device. For example, multiple such batteries may be included in a battery system. For example, a battery system may have a hierarchical configuration. For example, a hierarchical configuration may include battery modules and battery packs. For example, in a battery module, multiple batteries may be arranged such that (1) the charging capacity of at least some of the multiple batteries (connected in parallel) is greater than the charging capacity of the individual batteries, (2) the voltage produced by at least some of the multiple batteries (connected in series) is greater than the voltage produced by the individual batteries, or (3) both (1) and (2) are achieved. For example, a battery module may include a casing configured to maintain the arrangement of multiple batteries within the battery module. For example, a battery module may be configured so that multiple batteries within the battery module operate as a unit. For example, a battery module may include a positive terminal for the unit and a negative terminal for the unit. For example, in addition to one or more battery modules, a battery pack may include one or more of a cooling system or a battery management system. For example, a battery management system may be configured to (1) monitor one or more parameters for multiple batteries in a battery pack, and (2) estimate one or more states (e.g., charge state, degradation state, etc.) for multiple batteries in a battery pack. For example, a battery pack may include a casing configured to meet the form factor requirements of a device that may be powered using the battery pack.

[0009] Battery analysis for reuse can be based, for example, on values ​​for one or more states of the battery. For example, such states may be performance indices that indicate one or more current conditions of the battery relative to one or more nominal conditions. Such performance indices may include, for example, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), state of safety (SOS), state of functionality (SOF), etc. For example, SOC may be an indicator of the current energy in the battery. For example, the value of SOC can be expressed as the quotient obtained by dividing the battery's current charge capacity by the battery's nominal charge capacity (e.g., charge capacity at the beginning of life (BOL)). For example, SOH may be an indicator of the stage of the battery's life. For example, the value of SOH can be expressed as the quotient obtained by dividing the battery's current maximum available charge capacity by the battery's nominal charge capacity. For example, the end of life (EOL) of the battery may be a specific percentage of SOH. Alternatively, for example, the value of SOH can be expressed as the quotient obtained by dividing the first difference by the second difference. For example, the first difference could be the battery's internal resistance at EOL, subtracted from the battery's current internal resistance. For example, the second difference could be the battery's internal resistance at EOL, subtracted from the battery's nominal internal resistance (e.g., internal resistance at BOL). For example, SOS can be an index that can quantify the degree to which a battery can be considered to be in a safe state. For example, the value of SOS can be expressed as a distribution function with values ​​ranging from 0 (a specific unsafe state) to 1 (a specific safe state). For example, the value of SOS for a battery can be the product of the SOS values ​​of individual variables related to the battery. For example, such individual variables may include temperature, current, voltage, SOC, etc. For example, SOF can be an index of the battery's power output capability. For example, the value of SOF can be proportional to the product of the value of SOH and the value of SOS.

[0010] For example, one condition that can reduce the degree to which a battery can be considered safe is the formation of metallic plating within the battery. Metallic plating can be a condition within a battery where a surface layer is formed on the anode due to improper intercalation of ions into the anode material. For example, if the battery is a lithium-ion battery, the surface layer may be lithium ions accumulating on the surface of the anode. This surface layer can reduce the overall power generation by the lithium-ion battery.

[0011] For example, using high-frequency electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (HF-EIS) diagnostic technology, the degree to which a battery can be considered to be in a safe state can be evaluated. For example, HF-EIS diagnostic technology can include measuring the impedance of a battery over a range of frequencies. For example, for a particular frequency at which the impedance of a battery is measured, the impedance can be related to processes occurring within the battery over a duration that is the reciprocal of the particular frequency. For example, changes in the measured values of the impedance of a battery over a range of frequencies can indicate that processes affecting one or more states of the battery have occurred within the battery. For example, due to the usefulness of HF-EIS diagnostic technology, some types of electric vehicle batteries can include a monitoring circuit configured to operate to perform the HF-EIS diagnostic technology. Such a monitoring circuit may also be referred to as an impedance tracking sensor. However, currently, and for the foreseeable future, most electric vehicle batteries may not be equipped with such an impedance tracking sensor. In a situation where most electric vehicle batteries do not have an impedance tracking sensor, at least two problems can arise when evaluating the value of one or more states for such electric vehicle batteries with respect to their potential for reuse. First, the equipment for HF-EIS diagnostic technology can be expensive. Second, the performance of HF-EIS diagnostic technology can be difficult to achieve for an individual battery that is one of a plurality of batteries included within the casing of a battery module.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of an environment 100 for analyzing a battery module 102 with respect to its potential for reuse, according to the disclosed technology. The environment 100 can include, for example, a battery module 102 and a system 104 for analyzing the battery module 102 with respect to its potential for reuse.

[0013] For example, the battery module 102 may include a plurality of batteries 106. For example, the battery module 102 may be configured such that the plurality of batteries 106 within the battery module 102 operate as a unit. For example, the battery module 102 may include a positive terminal 108 for the unit and a negative terminal 110 for the unit. For example, the battery module 102 may further include a casing 112 configured to maintain the arrangement of the plurality of batteries 106. For example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include an electric vehicle battery. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the plurality of batteries 106 may include a lithium ion battery.

[0014] The system 104 may include, for example, a stage 114, a measurement component 116, and a parameter analysis component 118. For example, the stage 114 may be configured to support the battery module 102. For example, the measurement component 116 may be configured to measure the impedance across the battery module 102 (e.g., between the positive terminal 108 and the negative terminal 110) over a range of frequencies. For example, the measurement component 116 may not include an impedance tracking sensor. For example, the parameter analysis component 118 may include a processor 120 and a memory 122. The memory 122 may be communicatively coupled to the processor 120. For example, the memory 122 may store a reuse evaluation module 124.

[0015] For example, the reuse evaluation module 124 may include instructions that (1) determine the difference between the value of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance across the battery module 102 with respect to frequency at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency, and (2) control the processor 120 to determine that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being below a threshold. For example, the difference may be an estimate of the Safety State (SOS) value of the battery module 102. For example, if the difference is greater than a threshold, it may indicate that metal plating has occurred within the battery module 102. For example, both the first and second frequencies may be greater than a third frequency. For example, the third frequency may be a frequency at which the decomposition of chemicals in the battery occurs and the influence of ions increases.

[0016] Figure 2 includes a diagram showing an example of a graph 200 of the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102 against frequency. For example, graph 200 may include a first frequency 202, a second frequency 204, and a third frequency 206.

[0017] Figure 3 includes a diagram showing an example of a graph 300 of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102 with respect to frequency. For example, graph 300 may include a first frequency 202, a second frequency 204, and a third frequency 206.

[0018] Returning to Figure 1, for example, by using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102, the influence of conditions that hinder the determination of the estimated value of the safe state can be reduced. For example, such conditions may include one or more of the following: (1) a change in position between the metal of the battery module 102 and one of the batteries 106; (2) a condition that the metal of the battery module 102 has magnetization properties; (3) a change in the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries 106; (4) a condition of interphase growth of the solid electrolyte; or (5) others.

[0019] Figures 4A to 4C include Figure 400, which shows an example of a condition for a change in position between the metal of the battery module and one of the batteries among the multiple batteries contained in the battery module. For example, Figure 4A includes a three-dimensional image of the example of the condition, Figure 4B includes a two-dimensional image of the example of the condition and a circuit showing the theoretical behavior caused by the example of the condition, and Figure 4C includes a graph of the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency, showing the change in the real part of the impedance caused by the example of the condition.

[0020] Figures 5A to 5C include Figure 500, which shows examples of conditions under which the metal of the battery module has magnetization properties. For example, Figure 5A includes a three-dimensional image of an example condition, Figure 5B includes a two-dimensional image of an example condition and a circuit showing the theoretical behavior caused by the example condition, and Figure 5C includes a graph of the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency, showing the change in the real part of the impedance caused by the example condition.

[0021] Figures 6A to 6C include Figure 600, which shows an example of a condition for changing the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries included in a battery module. For example, Figure 6A includes a three-dimensional image of an example condition, Figure 6B includes a two-dimensional image of an example condition and a circuit showing the theoretical behavior caused by the example condition, and Figure 6C includes a graph of the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency, showing the change in the real part of the impedance caused by the example condition.

[0022] Figures 7A to 7C include Figure 700, which shows examples of conditions for interphase growth of solid electrolytes. For example, Figure 7A includes a three-dimensional image and a two-dimensional broken diagram showing an example of the conditions; Figure 7B includes a two-dimensional image of the example conditions and a circuit showing the theoretical behavior caused by the example conditions; and Figure 7C includes a graph of the real part of the impedance of the battery module as a function of frequency, showing the change in the real part of the impedance caused by the example conditions. Note that in Figure 7C, the change in the real part of the impedance may be more pronounced at higher frequencies.

[0023] Returning to Figure 1, additionally, for example, memory 122 may further store a health assessment module 126. For example, the health assessment module 126 may include instructions that function to control the processor 120 to determine an estimated value of the state of health (SOH) of the battery module 102 from information 128. For example, instructions for determining the difference (e.g., an estimated value of SOS) and instructions for determining an estimated value of SOH may be configured to be executed simultaneously.

[0024] For example, environment 100 may further include a battery pack 130. For example, battery pack 130 may be a battery pack from which battery module 102 has been removed. For example, battery pack 130 may include a battery management system 132. For example, battery management system 132 may be configured to record information 128 about battery module 102. For example, battery management system 132 may include a communication component 134. For example, system 104 may further include a communication component 136. Communication component 136 may be communicatively coupled to processor 120. For example, communication component 136 may be configured to receive information 128 from communication component 134. For example, system 104 may be configured to store information 128 in memory 122.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, for example, the battery module 102 may further include a memory 138. For example, information 128 may be stored in the memory 138. For example, the system 104 may further include a communication circuit 140. For example, the communication circuit 140 may be configured to read information 128 from the memory 138 of the battery module 102. For example, the system 104 may be configured to store information 128 in the memory 122.

[0026] For example, the information may include one or more of the following: Specifically, (1) usage history data of the battery module 102 (e.g., driving on highways vs. driving in urban areas), (2) location-specific data associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., Minnesota vs. Florida), (3) temperature-dependent data associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., winter driving vs. summer driving), (4) data on the vehicle fleet associated with the vehicle associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., delivery trucks operated by United Parcel Service, Inc. in Sandy Springs, Georgia), (5) impedance data associated with the battery module 102, (6) visual inspection of the battery module 102, or (7) other. For example, impedance data may be measured at a frequency below a third frequency (e.g., below 10 kHz). For example, the third frequency may be a frequency at which decomposition of chemicals in the battery occurs and the effects of ions increase. Referring to Figures 2 and 3, for example, the impedance data may have been measured at frequencies below the third frequency of 206.

[0027] Figure 8 includes a diagram showing an example of a graph 800 of the imaginary part of the impedance of the battery module 102 versus the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102 at various stages of the lifespan of multiple batteries 106 within the battery module 102.

[0028] Returning to Figure 1, for example, the visual inspection may include a machine vision inspection of an image of the battery module 102. For example, the system 104 may further include an imaging component 142. For example, the imaging component 142 may be configured to generate an image of the battery module 102. For example, the memory 122 may further store a machine vision inspection module 144. For example, the machine vision inspection module 144 may include instructions that function to control the processor 120 to perform a machine vision inspection of an image of the battery module 102.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, the information 128 may include, for example, one or more of the following: (1) impedance across the battery module 102, (2) measured voltage of the battery module 102, (3) measured temperature of the battery module 102, or (4) other. For example, the measuring component 116 may further be configured to measure the information 128.

[0030] For example, an estimated SOH value exceeding a first threshold may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a building. For example, an estimated SOH value exceeding a second threshold may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a vehicle. For example, the second threshold may be greater than the first threshold.

[0031] Additionally, for example, memory 122 may further store a functionality evaluation module 146. For example, the functionality evaluation module 146 may include instructions that control the processor 120 to generate an estimate proportional to the Functional State of Function (SOF) of the battery module 102 by multiplying an estimate of the SOS value by an estimate of the SOH value. For example, the SOF value may be proportional to the product of the SOH value and the SOS value. More specifically, for example, the functionality evaluation module 146 may include instructions that control the processor 120 to generate an estimate of the SOF value of the battery module 102 by multiplying an estimate of the SOS value by an estimate of the SOH value by a weighting coefficient. For example, the weighting coefficient may depend on one or more of the following: the cell structure of one of the batteries 106, the material of the casing 112, the application environment, the usage environment (e.g., electric vehicle), etc. In this way, the weighting coefficients can be incorporated as factors to include additional circumstances associated with SOF with respect to the battery module 102, thereby improving the results of the analysis of the battery module 102 for reuse. For example, an estimated SOF value above a first value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in industrial applications. For example, an estimated SOF value above a second value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in residential applications. For example, an estimated SOF value above a third value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in commercial applications.

[0032] Additionally, for example, system 104 may further include a labeling component 148. For example, the labeling component 148 may be configured to affix a label containing the SOH value to the battery module 102. For example, the label may include a barcode representing the SOH value. For example, the barcode may include a quick-response (QR) code.

[0033] Additionally, for example, system 104 may further include an imaging component 142. For example, the imaging component 142 may be configured to generate an image of a label attached to the battery module 102. For example, the label may contain information about the State of Health (SOH). For example, memory 122 may further store a work decision module 150. For example, the work decision module 150 may include instructions that function to control the processor 120 to determine from the SOH information information that is useful for one or more of the following: (1) maintenance work to be performed on the battery module 102, or (2) diagnostic work to be performed on the battery module 102.

[0034] Additionally or alternatively, the battery module 102 may further include a memory 138. For example, the system 104 may further include a communication circuit 140. For example, the communication circuit 140 may be configured to transmit the SOH value to the memory 138 of the battery module 102.

[0035] Additionally, for example, the battery module 102 may further include a memory 138. For example, the system 104 may further include a communication circuit 140. For example, the communication circuit 140 may be configured to read information about the State of Health (SOH) from the memory 138 of the battery module 102. For example, the memory 122 may further store a work decision module 150. For example, the work decision module 150 may include instructions that function to control the processor 120 to determine from the SOH information information that is useful for one or more of the following: (1) maintenance work to be performed on the battery module 102, or (2) diagnostic work to be performed on the battery module 102.

[0036] Figures 9A and 9B include a flowchart illustrating an example of Method 900 relating to analyzing a battery module for reusability, in accordance with the disclosed technology. Method 900 is described in conjunction with System 104 shown in Figure 1, but those skilled in the art will understand, in light of the description herein, that Method 900 is not limited to being implemented by System 104 shown in Figure 1. Rather, System 104 shown in Figure 1 is an example of a system that may be used to implement Method 900. Additionally, although Method 900 is illustrated generally as a series of steps, various embodiments of Method 900 may be performed in parallel.

[0037] In Figure 9A, in method 900, in operation 902, for example, stage 114 may support a battery module 102 containing multiple batteries 106. For example, the battery module 102 may be configured such that the multiple batteries 106 within the battery module 102 operate as a unit. For example, the battery module 102 may include a positive terminal 108 for the unit and a negative terminal 110 for the unit. For example, the battery module 102 may further include a casing 112 configured to maintain the arrangement of the multiple batteries 106. For example, the multiple batteries 106 may include electric vehicle batteries. Additionally or alternatively, for example, the multiple batteries 106 may include lithium-ion batteries.

[0038] In operation 904, for example, the measuring component 116 can measure the impedance across the battery module 102 (for example, between the positive terminal 108 and the negative terminal 110) over a range of frequencies. For example, the measuring component 116 may not include an impedance tracking sensor.

[0039] In operation 906, for example, the reuse evaluation module 124 can determine the difference between the value at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency of the first derivative with respect to frequency of the real part of the impedance across the battery module 102.

[0040] In Figure 9B, in method 900, in operation 908, for example, the reuse evaluation module 124 may determine that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in response to a difference below a threshold. For example, the difference may be an estimate of the safety state (SOS) value of the battery module 102. For example, if the difference is greater than the threshold, it may indicate that metal plating has occurred within the battery module 102. For example, both the first and second frequencies may be greater than the third frequency. For example, the third frequency may be a frequency at which the decomposition of chemicals in the battery occurs and the influence of ions increases.

[0041] For example, by using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance of the battery module 102, the influence of conditions that hinder the determination of the estimated value of the safe state can be reduced. For example, such conditions may include one or more of the following: (1) a change in position between the metal of the battery module 102 and one of the batteries among the plurality of batteries 106; (2) a condition that the metal of the battery module 102 has magnetization properties; (3) a change in the contact resistance of the terminals of one of the batteries among the plurality of batteries 106; (4) a condition of interphase growth of the solid electrolyte; or (5) others.

[0042] Additionally, in Figure 9A, in method 900, in operation 910, for example, the health assessment module 126 can determine an estimated value of the state of health (SOH) of the battery module 102 from the information 128.

[0043] For example, operations 906 and 910 can be executed simultaneously.

[0044] Additionally, in operation 912, for example, communication component 136 can receive information 128 from communication component 134. For example, system 104 can store information 128 in memory 122. For example, environment 100 may further include battery pack 130. For example, battery pack 130 may be a battery pack from which battery module 102 has been removed. For example, battery pack 130 may include battery management system 132. For example, battery management system 132 may be configured to record information 128 about battery module 102. For example, battery management system 132 may include communication component 134.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, in operation 914, for example, the communication circuit 140 may be able to read information 128 from the memory 138 of the battery module 102. For example, the system 104 may store information 128 in memory 122. For example, the battery module 102 may further include memory 138.

[0046] For example, the information may include one or more of the following: (1) usage history data of the battery module 102 (e.g., driving on highways vs. driving in urban areas), (2) location-specific data associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., Minnesota vs. Florida), (3) temperature-dependent data associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., winter driving vs. summer driving), (4) data on the vehicle fleet associated with the vehicle associated with the battery module 102 (e.g., delivery trucks operated by United Parcel Service, Inc. in Sandy Springs, Georgia), (5) impedance data associated with the battery module 102, (6) visual inspection of the battery module 102, or (7) other. For example, impedance data may be measured at a frequency below a third frequency (e.g., below 10 kHz). For example, the third frequency may be a frequency at which decomposition of chemicals in the battery occurs and the effects of ions increase.

[0047] For example, visual inspection may include machine vision inspection of an image of the battery module 102. For example, in operation 916, the imaging component 142 may generate an image of the battery module 102. For example, in operation 918, the machine vision inspection module 144 may perform machine vision inspection of an image of the battery module 102.

[0048] Additionally or alternatively, information 128 may include, for example, one or more of the following: (1) impedance across the battery module 102, (2) measured voltage of the battery module 102, (3) measured temperature of the battery module 102, or (4) others. For example, in operation 920, the measuring component 116 can measure information 128.

[0049] For example, an estimated SOH value exceeding a first threshold may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a building. For example, an estimated SOH value exceeding a second threshold may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in a vehicle. For example, the second threshold may be greater than the first threshold.

[0050] Additionally, in operation 922, for example, the functionality evaluation module 146 can multiply the estimated value of SOS by the estimated value of SOH to generate an estimate that is proportional to the Functional State of Function (SOF) of the battery module 102. For example, the SOF value may be proportional to the product of the SOH value and the SOS value. More specifically, for example, the functionality evaluation module 146 can multiply the estimated value of SOS by the estimated value of SOH by a weighting coefficient to generate an estimate of the SOF value of the battery module 102. For example, the weighting coefficient may depend on one or more of the following: the cell structure of a particular battery among several batteries 106, the material of the casing 112, the application environment, the usage environment (e.g., electric vehicle), etc. In this way, the weighting coefficient can incorporate and include as a factor additional circumstances associated with the SOF of the battery module 102, thereby improving the results of the analysis of the battery module 102 for reuse. For example, an estimated SOF value above the first value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in industrial applications. For example, an estimated SOF value above the second value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in residential applications. For example, an estimated SOF value above the third value may indicate that the battery module 102 is suitable for reuse in commercial applications.

[0051] Additionally, in Figure 9B, in method 900, in operation 924, for example, the labeling component 148 can affix a label containing the SOH value to the battery module 102. For example, the label may include a barcode representing the SOH value. For example, the barcode may include a quick response (QR) code.

[0052] Additionally, in operation 926, for example, the imaging component 142 can generate an image of a label attached to the battery module 102. For example, the label may contain information about the State of Health (SOH).

[0053] Additionally or alternatively, in operation 928, for example, the communication circuit 140 may transmit the SOH value to the memory 138 of the battery module 102. For example, the battery module 102 may further include the memory 138.

[0054] Additionally, in operation 930, for example, the communication circuit 140 can read information about SOH from the memory 138 of the battery module 102. For example, the battery module 102 may further include the memory 138.

[0055] Additionally, in operation 932, for example, the work determination module 150 can determine from the SOH information information useful for one or more of the following: (1) maintenance work to be performed on the battery module 102, or (2) diagnostic work to be performed on the battery module 102.

[0056] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, those skilled in the art will understand, in light of the description herein, that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as examples. Accordingly, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as representative grounds for instructing those skilled in the art to adopt various aspects of this specification in substantially any appropriately detailed structure. Furthermore, the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting, but are intended to illustrate feasible implementation examples. Various embodiments are shown in Figures 1–8, 9A, and 9B, but these embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structures or applications.

[0057] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of feasible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code and contains one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function. Those skilled in the art will understand, in light of the description herein, that in some alternative implementations, the functions described in the blocks may be performed in an order different from that shown in the figures. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or these blocks may be executed in reverse order depending on the functions involved.

[0058] The systems, components, and / or processes described herein can be implemented in hardware or in combination of hardware and software, and can be implemented centrally in a single processing system or in a distributed form in which various elements are distributed across several interconnected processing systems. Any type of processing system or other device adapted to perform the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software may be a processing system having computer-readable program code that, when loaded and executed, controls the processing system to perform the methods described herein. The systems, components, and / or processes can also be embedded in computer-readable storage devices such as computer program products or other data program storage devices, and the methods and processes described herein can be performed by tangibly embodying a program of machine-readable and machine-executable instructions. These elements can also be embedded in application products, which, when loaded into a processing system, can implement these methods, possessing all the features that enable the implementation of the methods described herein.

[0059] Furthermore, the configurations described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media in which computer-readable program code is embodied (e.g., stored). Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer-readable media may be a computer-readable signal medium or a computer-readable storage medium. As used herein, the term "computer-readable storage medium" means a non-temporary storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any preferred combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media, in a non-exclusive list, would include portable computer diskettes, hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), read-only memory (ROMs), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMs) or flash memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROMs), digital versatile discs (DVDs), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of those described above. As used herein, computer-readable storage media can be any tangible medium on which programs can be embedded or stored for use by or with instruction execution systems, apparatuses, or devices.

[0060] In general, modules used herein include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular data type. In further embodiments, memory generally stores such modules. Memory associated with a module may be a processor, random-access memory (RAM), ROM, flash memory, or a buffer or cache embedded in another suitable electronic storage medium. In further embodiments, modules used herein may be implemented as application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system-on-a-chip (SoC) hardware components, programmable logic array (PLA), or another suitable hardware component (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.) incorporating a defined set of configurations (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.

[0061] Program code embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber, cable, radio frequency (RF), or any preferred combination thereof. Computer program code for performing operations for the disclosed aspects of the technology may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java®, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the C programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0062] As used herein, the term “one” is defined as one or more. As used herein, the term “plural” is defined as two or more. As used herein, the term “another” is defined as at least two or more. As used herein, the terms “contain” and / or “have” are defined as “equipped with” (i.e., open terms). As used herein, the phrase “at least one of… or…” refers to and encompasses any possible combination of one or more of the listed related items. For example, the phrase “at least one of A, B, or C” includes A only, B only, C only, or any combination thereof (e.g., AB, AC, BC, or ABC).

[0063] The embodiments described herein can be embodied in other forms without departing from their spirit or essential attributes. Therefore, the appended claims, rather than the above-described specification, should be used as a reference to the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. It is a system, A stage configured to support a battery module containing multiple batteries, A measurement component configured to measure the impedance across the battery module over a certain range of frequencies, It includes a parameter analysis component, and the parameter analysis component is Processor and The processor includes a memory for storing a reusable evaluation module, and the reusable evaluation module is provided to the processor. An instruction to determine the difference between the value at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency, A system including an instruction that causes the system to determine that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response to the difference being less than a threshold.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the measurement component does not include an impedance tracking sensor.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the battery module further includes a casing configured to maintain the arrangement of the plurality of batteries.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the difference is an estimated value of the safe state of the battery module.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the influence of conditions that hinder the determination of the estimated value of the safe state is reduced by using the first derivative of the real part of the impedance.

6. The aforementioned conditions are, Conditions for the change in position between the metal of the battery module and one of the batteries among the plurality of batteries, The conditions under which the metal of the battery module has magnetization properties, The conditions for the change in contact resistance of the terminals of one of the aforementioned batteries, or The system according to claim 5, comprising at least one of the conditions for interphase growth of solid electrolytes.

7. The system according to claim 4, wherein the memory further stores a health assessment module, the health assessment module includes instructions causing the processor to determine an estimated value of the degradation state of the battery module from the information.

8. The aforementioned information is, Usage history data of the aforementioned battery module, Location-specific data associated with the aforementioned battery module, Temperature-dependent data associated with the aforementioned battery module, Data relating to the vehicle fleet associated with the vehicle associated with the aforementioned battery module, The impedance data associated with the aforementioned battery module, or The system according to claim 7, comprising at least one of the following: visual inspection of the battery module.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the impedance data is measured at a frequency below a third frequency, the third frequency being a frequency at which decomposition of chemicals in the plurality of batteries occurs and the influence of ions increases.

10. The system according to claim 8, wherein the visual inspection includes machine vision inspection of images of the battery module.

11. The aforementioned information is, The impedance across the battery module, The measured voltage of the aforementioned battery module, or The system according to claim 7, comprising at least one of the following: a measurement of the temperature of the battery module.

12. The estimated value of the degradation state that exceeds the first threshold indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in a building. The estimated value of the degradation state that exceeds the second threshold indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in a vehicle. The system according to claim 7, wherein the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

13. The system according to claim 7, wherein the memory further stores a functionality evaluation module, the functionality evaluation module includes an instruction to the processor to generate an estimated value proportional to the functionality state value of the battery module by multiplying the estimated value of the safety state value by the estimated value of the degradation state value.

14. An estimated value of the functional state that exceeds the first value indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in industrial applications. The estimated value of the functional state that exceeds the second value indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in residential applications. The system according to claim 13, wherein the estimated value of the functional state exceeding the third value indicates that the battery module is suitable for reuse in commercial applications.

15. A labeling component configured to affix a label containing the aforementioned degradation state value to the battery module, or The system according to claim 7, further comprising at least one of the following: a communication circuit configured to transmit the value of the degradation state to the memory of the battery module.

16. An imaging component configured to generate an image of a label containing information about the degradation state and attached to the battery module, or The system further includes at least one communication circuit configured to read information regarding the degradation state from the memory of the battery module, The memory of the aforementioned system further stores a work decision module, and the work decision module is provided to the processor, Maintenance work to be performed on the aforementioned battery module, or Diagnostic procedures to be performed on the aforementioned battery module: The system according to claim 7, comprising an instruction to determine useful information for at least one of the deterioration states from the information relating to the deterioration state.

17. It is a method, A step of supporting a battery module containing multiple batteries with a stage, The steps include measuring the impedance across the battery module over a certain frequency range using a measuring component, The process involves a processor determining the difference between the value of the first derivative of the real part of the impedance with respect to frequency at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency. A method comprising the step of determining, by the processor, that the battery module is suitable for reuse in response that the difference is less than a threshold.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the plurality of batteries include lithium-ion batteries.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein both the first frequency and the second frequency are greater than the third frequency, and the third frequency is a frequency at which decomposition of chemical substances in the plurality of batteries occurs and the influence of ions increases.

20. A non-temporary computer-readable medium for analyzing a battery module for reusability, wherein the non-temporary computer-readable medium includes instructions, and when the instructions are executed by one or more processors, the instructions are sent to the one or more processors. Determine the difference between the value at a first frequency and the value at a second frequency of the first derivative with respect to frequency of the real part of the impedance across the battery module measured over a certain range of frequencies, wherein the battery module includes a plurality of batteries, the battery module is supported by a stage, and further, A non-temporary, computer-readable medium that, in response to the difference being below a threshold, causes the battery module to be determined to be suitable for reuse.

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