Power control system and method

Abstract

To provide a power control system and a related method that include receiving an ambient temperature adjacent to the system, an electric current value of electricity that is conducted to or out of a battery coupled with the system, and a voltage of a battery circuit that includes the battery.SOLUTION: In the power control system, an internal temperature of the battery is determined based at least in part on the ambient temperature, the current value and the voltage. One or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery are determined based at least in part on the internal temperature of the battery, the current value and the voltage. The battery is charged or discharged based at least on the one or more conditions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The subject matter described herein relates to a system, and associated method, for determining battery temperature in a power control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Batteries or other rechargeable power devices may be used in various systems to power propulsive and non-propulsive loads of the system. As an example, batteries may be used in vehicles to power various components or systems of the vehicle. Charging and / or discharging the battery plays a role in optimizing the life of the battery. For example, the life of a battery may be affected by charging or discharging the battery too quickly or too slowly, the value of the charging current of electricity induced to or from the battery during charging or discharging, the value of the charging voltage, etc. To improve the life of a battery, the charging and discharging conditions of the battery may be taken into account.

[0003] Additionally, the operating temperature of the battery may affect the life of the battery. For example, the age or life of the battery may depend on the battery operating temperature. To optimize the life of the battery, the operating temperature of the battery must be taken into consideration to determine the optimal charging and / or charging conditions for the battery. However, many systems do not include a battery temperature sensor. For example, existing systems may be assembled or built without including a battery temperature sensor, the system may not have the space or capacity to include a battery temperature sensor, etc.

[0004] There may be a need for a system and method for determining the charge and discharge condition of a battery to improve the life of the battery without the use or presence of a battery temperature sensor. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one or more embodiments, the method includes receiving an ambient temperature adjacent to the system, a current value of electricity conducted to or from a battery connected to the system, and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery. , electric Pressure Of at least To one value An internal temperature of the battery is determined based, in part, on the internal temperature of the battery. One or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery are determined based, at least in part, on the internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery. The battery is at least one of charged or discharged based, in part, on the internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery.

[0006] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, the power control system detects the ambient temperature via a temperature sensor and the battery Conducted to or a controller including one or more processors configured to receive a current value of electricity conducted from the battery via a current sensor and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery via a voltage sensor. The processor is configured to receive an ambient temperature, a current value, , electric Pressure Of at least To one value The processor may determine an internal temperature of the battery based in part on the internal temperature of the battery, the current value, , electric Pressure Of at least To one value Based in part on the one or more conditions, the processor may determine one or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery. The processor may control at least one of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions.

[0007] In one or more embodiments, the method further comprises: detecting an ambient temperature of the system; detecting a battery connected to the system; Conducted to or receiving a current value of electricity conducted from the battery and a voltage of the battery. The internal temperature of the battery can be determined without a battery temperature sensor. Ambient temperature, current value , electric Pressure Of at least To one valueBased in part on the internal temperature of the battery, the one or more conditions for charging the battery may be determined. , electric Pressure Of at least To one value The battery may be determined based in part on one or more of the conditions. The one or more conditions may include one or more of a charging current or a charging voltage of the battery. The one or more conditions may control a rate of charging of the battery. The battery is automatically charged based on the one or more conditions. An internal temperature of the battery may be determined to exceed a specified absolute threshold and an alert may be communicated to an operator of the system based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified absolute threshold. One or more of the conditions for charging the battery may be changed based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified absolute threshold. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] The subject matter of the present invention can be understood from reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an example of a power system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2] 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example of charging or discharging a battery in a power system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 3] 3 shows an example schematic diagram of the flow chart shown in FIG. 2 for charging or discharging a battery in a power system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate to systems and methods for determining the temperature of a battery in the absence of a battery temperature sensor. A power control system (e.g., a stationary or mobile system) may include a rechargeable power device, such as a battery, a resistive grid, a battery bank, etc., that may provide power to the power control system or other power control system loads. The system may include a controller that receives an ambient temperature adjacent to the system, a current value of electricity conducted to or from the battery, and a voltage of the battery. A processor may use the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage to determine an internal temperature of the battery. For example, the internal temperature of the battery may be determined in the absence or without a battery temperature sensor.

[0011] The processor may use the determined internal temperature, current value, and voltage of the battery to determine conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery. The conditions may include a charge current value of electricity conducted to or from the battery during charging or discharging. Optionally, the conditions may include a charge voltage value indicative of the voltage of electricity induced to or from the battery. The battery may be automatically charged and / or discharged based at least in part on the determined conditions. Furthermore, the rate at which the battery is charged or discharged may be controlled based at least in part on the conditions for charging and / or discharging.

[0012] 1 illustrates an example of a power control system 100 according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the power control system may be a mobile power control system for a vehicle, such as a rail car, automobile, truck, bus, mining vehicle, marine vehicle, aircraft (manned or unmanned aerial vehicle such as a drone), agricultural vehicle, industrial equipment, or other off-highway vehicle. In another embodiment, the power control system may be a stationary or non-mobile power control system, such as a wind turbine, manufacturing machinery, power generation system, etc.

[0013] The power control system may include a communication system 108 that may communicate with components of the power control system and / or with systems separate from the power control system. The communication system may represent a transceiver circuit, one or more antennas, a modem, etc. In one or more embodiments, the communication system may receive and provide data signals to a controller 110 of the power control system, one or more wayside devices, one or more systems on-board another power control system, etc. In an embodiment, the power control system may wirelessly communicate with another system, database, controller, etc. Optionally, the power control system may communicate with the other power system, database, controller, wayside device, etc. via a conductive path, such as a wire, cable, bus, etc.

[0014] The power control system may include an engine 106 including one or more other components that provide power to one or more components or systems of the power control system (e.g., engine, motor, generator, etc.). In one embodiment, the engine may provide propulsion to propel the mobile power system to move along a path. In another embodiment, the engine may provide power to components or systems of a stationary power control system.

[0015] The power control system includes a battery circuit 102 representing a source of electrical energy that may be used to power one or more systems or components of the power control system. The battery circuit may include one or more batteries, battery cells, or other rechargeable electrical energy storage devices, wires or other conductive materials, etc., that may be held or contained within a battery housing 104. In one or more embodiments, the batteries of the battery circuit may be and / or represent lead acid batteries, nickel cadmium batteries, nickel metal hydride batteries, lithium ion batteries, etc. In one or more embodiments, the battery circuit may include one or more batteries disposed within the battery housing, or optionally, the power control system may include two or more battery circuits having one or more battery cells that may be used to power the components of the power control system. The battery circuit may be a rechargeable battery such that the battery can receive electrical energy from another power source (e.g., a traction motor of the power control system, an external source such as a charging station or catenary wire from another power control system, etc.).

[0016] The power control system may include one or more sensors 112 located at different positions or locations inside or outside the power control system. In one embodiment, one or more of the sensors may represent a temperature or thermal sensor that may sense or detect an ambient temperature at one or more locations adjacent to and / or outside the power control system, a surface temperature of one or more components or systems of the power control system, and the like. In one or more embodiments, one or more of the sensors may detect or sense a characteristic of a battery. For example, a current sensor may detect, sense, or otherwise measure a current value of electricity conducted to and / or from a battery circuit. As another example, a voltage sensor may detect, sense, or otherwise measure a voltage of a battery circuit. As another example, a motion sensor may detect or sense the speed at which an axle of the power control system is rotating or may detect the speed at which the power control system is moving. As another example, a pressure sensor may detect or identify a fluid pressure within the power control system (e.g., brake flow, compressor fluid pressure, etc.).

[0017] The power system may include a controller 110, which may represent a control module, and may include one or more processors, microcontrollers, or other logic-based devices and / or associated software or instructions for performing one or more operations described herein. The controller controls the operation of the power control system, such as by controlling traction and / or braking forces provided by an engine and / or a braking system (not shown). The controller may be operated manually by receiving command signals from an input device (not shown) based on manual input from an operator at the input device (e.g., a device that receives input from an operator, such as, but not limited to, a touch screen, a joystick, a keyboard, a switch, a wheel, a microphone, etc.). An output device (not shown) may provide information to the operator, such as operating conditions or settings of the power control system, power output information, battery circuit information (e.g., current values ​​of the battery circuit, voltage of the battery circuit, ambient temperature of the power control system, etc.).

[0018] The battery circuit may be used for one or more applications of the power control system, such as, but not limited to, cranking, lighting power for electronic panels and control systems, and providing power for other auxiliary loads such as lighting. The state of charge of the battery changes depending on various applications of the power control system that draw electrical energy from the battery. In one or more embodiments, the battery of the battery circuit may be required to be charged or discharged (e.g., electrical energy may need to be removed from the battery circuit). To determine the optimal time for charging and / or discharging the battery, one or more conditions of the battery and / or the power control system may be taken into account. For example, the battery charging voltage may be based at least in part on the temperature (e.g., internal temperature) of the battery. Additionally or alternatively, the battery age of the power control system may depend on the battery operating temperature (e.g., the internal temperature reached by the battery while the battery and / or the power control system is operating).

[0019] In one or more embodiments, the conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery may be based on one or more characteristics such as the time or frequency to recharge the battery (e.g., based on a determined amount of electrical energy that the power control system may require in response to the battery reaching a determined state of charge, based on the length of time that the battery may or may not be in use or operation, etc.), the rate at which the battery may receive electrical energy for charging, and / or the rate at which the battery may discharge electrical energy, the total amount of electrical energy the battery can receive, etc.

[0020] FIG 2 illustrates an example of a flowchart 200 of a method for charging or discharging a battery of a power system, according to one embodiment. Additionally, FIG 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the flowchart shown in FIG 2 for charging or discharging a battery of a power system, according to one embodiment. FIG 2 and FIG 3 are considered together herein. The method steps may be completed by a controller of the power control system and / or by an alternative controller off-board or separate from the power control system. Optionally, the method steps may be completed in an alternative order, one or more steps may be eliminated, or one or more steps may be included.

[0021] In step 202, one or more processors of the controller may receive an ambient temperature 322, such as from a sensor 312C of the power control system. The ambient temperature may be obtained from a sensor outside the power control system, within the power control system, outside and adjacent to the power control system, etc. Optionally, the one or more processors may also receive one or more other ambient conditions (e.g., humidity, air quality, noise, etc.). Optionally, the one or more processors may also receive and / or have information related to the geographical conditions of the power control system (e.g., geospatial location of the power control system, speed of movement of the mobile power control system, etc.).

[0022] In step 204, the processor may determine an internal temperature 302 of a battery 304 of a battery circuit of the power control system. The calculated or determined internal temperature of the battery may be based on one or more of an ambient temperature 322 (such as received from a temperature sensor 312C), a current value 324 of electricity conducted to or from the battery of the system (such as received from a current sensor 312B), and a battery voltage 326 of the battery (such as received from a voltage sensor 312A). Optionally, a single sensor may detect or sense multiple characteristics of the battery, including a current value and a voltage. The internal temperature of the battery may be determined in the absence of or without a battery temperature sensor. For example, the internal temperature of the battery may be determined without the use of a battery temperature sensor based on an ambient temperature adjacent the power control system, a current value, and a voltage of the battery. The determined internal temperature of the battery may be an approximation of an estimated internal temperature, for example, an internal temperature determined without sensor data from a sensor placed or extending into the interior of the battery housing to measure the battery temperature therein.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the internal or core temperature of the battery may be determined based on the operating mode of the battery. For example, in a bulk charge mode, the internal battery temperature is a majority function of the battery current value and a minority function of the battery voltage. Alternatively, in a float battery mode, the internal battery temperature is a majority function of the battery voltage and a minority function of the battery current. For example, the current value of electricity going into or out of a battery operating in a float mode may be about zero. In one or more embodiments, the current value may include the energy going into and / or out of the battery as well as the battery losses (e.g., copper losses, etc.). In one embodiment, the voltage of the battery may include the voltage value and discharge losses of the battery while the battery operates in a float mode. The processor may determine the internal or core battery temperature based on the calculated energy of the battery, the losses of the battery, the thermal capacity coefficient and / or thermal resistance coefficient of the battery based on the type or modality of the battery, the age of the battery, the time of use of the battery, etc.

[0024] In step 206, the processor may determine one or more conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery. The conditions may be determined based on the current value 324, the voltage 326, and the determined (e.g., estimated) internal battery temperature 302. For example, the algorithm may associate or correlate the current value of electricity conducted to or from the battery with the voltage of the battery and the estimated internal temperature of the battery to determine the conditions or characteristics for charging and / or discharging the battery. The conditions or characteristics may include a charging current value of the electrical energy induced to or from the battery, a charging or discharging voltage, a charging rate or speed, an amount of charge the battery can receive and / or discharge, a charging and / or discharging time, a frequency of charging and / or discharging the battery, etc. In one or more embodiments, the conditions for charging may be different from the conditions for discharging the battery. Optionally, the conditions for charging the battery and the conditions for discharging the battery may be substantially the same.

[0025] In one or more embodiments, the processor may determine a surface temperature of a battery housing of the battery circuit based at least in part on the internal temperature of the battery. For example, the internal or core temperature of the battery may be indicative of the surface temperature of the battery. In one or more embodiments, the conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery may be based at least in part on the surface temperature of the battery housing.

[0026] At step 208, a determination is made whether the battery's internal temperature exceeds a determined absolute threshold. The battery's determined absolute threshold may be based on the type or modality of the battery, the age of the battery, the operating conditions of the power control system (e.g., the length of time the system is in use, the length of time the system is not in use, etc.), the environmental conditions of the environment in which the power control system is located, etc. In one embodiment, the absolute threshold may change in response to the battery and / or the power system starting and / or stopping operation. In another embodiment, the absolute threshold may change based on changes in the operating conditions of the power control system. In another embodiment, the absolute threshold may change in response to changes in the operating conditions of the power control system and / or the battery circuitry. If the battery's core temperature exceeds the absolute threshold, the method flow proceeds to step 212. Optionally, if the battery's core temperature or internal temperature is within a predetermined threshold range of the absolute threshold (e.g., within 10% of the absolute value, within 5% of the absolute threshold, etc.), the method flow may proceed to step 212. Alternatively, if the core or internal temperature of the battery does not exceed the absolute threshold, or if the temperature of the battery is not within a predetermined threshold range of the absolute threshold, the method flow may proceed to step 210 .

[0027] In step 210, electrical energy is automatically induced to or away from the battery based on conditions for charging or discharging the battery, respectively, to charge or discharge the battery. For example, charging electrical energy 328 may be induced to the battery for charging the battery, and the conditions for the electrical energy may include one or more of a charging current value, a charging voltage, a charging rate, etc. Optionally, discharging electrical energy 330 may be induced from the battery, and the conditions may include a discharging current value, a discharging voltage, a discharging rate, etc.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the battery may be automatically charged or discharged at a rate at which the battery is charged or discharged based on the determined conditions for charging the battery. In one or more embodiments, the battery should be automatically charged and / or discharged based on the type of charge or discharge of the battery (e.g., trickle charge or discharge mode, pulse charge or discharge mode, etc.). Optionally, the battery may be automatically charged or discharged until the battery reaches a target state of charge, and based on the state of charge of the battery, the battery may be charged or discharged until the battery reaches a target total charge value, until the battery reaches an upper or lower charge capacity that it can hold, etc. Optionally, the charging and / or discharging of the battery may be distributed across a bank of batteries or a battery circuit.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the battery may be automatically charged by receiving electrical energy from a power source external to the power control system, receiving electrical energy from an alternative internal power source (e.g., receiving electrical energy generated by a traction motor or alternator of the power control system or an alternative energy storage device of the power control system via a power cable), receiving electrical energy via a utility grid through a catenary rail or third rail external to the power control system, receiving electrical energy from a wireless power transmission system, etc.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the battery may be automatically discharged by directing some electrical energy from the battery towards a load of the power control system. For example, the battery may power a propulsive load 318 of the power control system, a non-propulsive load 320 of the power control system, other loads of the power control system, loads of another power control system, etc. Optionally, the power may be directed to an energy storage device of the power control system, a power source external to the power control system, a ground circuit or a ground circuit of the power control system, etc.

[0031] In step 212, in response to determining that the temperature of the battery exceeds the determined absolute threshold, an alert may be communicated. For example, the alert may be communicated to an operator on-board or proximate to the power control system, an operator off-board the power control system, a dispatch center or control center located remotely from the power control system, etc. The alert may include a notification of the temperature exceeding the determined absolute threshold, instructions for an action to be taken based on the difference between the determined temperature and the absolute threshold, an indication or notification that the processor has or will automatically change one or more operating conditions of the power control system, etc.

[0032] In one or more embodiments, in step 214, one or more conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery may be changed. For example, the charging current value may be changed, the charging voltage may be changed, the rate of charging or discharging may be changed (e.g., to a faster or slower rate), the total amount of electrical energy being discharged or added to the battery for charging may be changed (e.g., increased or decreased), etc. The change in conditions may be based on a difference between the determined temperature and an absolute threshold, based on one or more of the battery's current value or voltage changing, based on a power control system's operating conditions changing, etc. In step 216, the battery is automatically charged and / or discharged based on the new conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery.

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the flowchart may repeat or continue while the battery and / or power control system are operating. Optionally, the steps may continue at a determined or predetermined frequency (e.g., once every hour of operation of the power control system, once every 24 hours of operation, based on a predetermined watt-hour usage of the battery, etc.). Optionally, the steps may continue based on the state of charge of the battery reaching a predetermined charge limit (e.g., in response to 75% of the total battery capacity remaining, in response to 50% of the total battery capacity remaining, etc.). Optionally, the steps may continue or repeat in response to manual intervention by an operator of the power control system (e.g., on-board or off-board) manually instructing the processor to determine the internal temperature of the battery.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the processor may receive an ambient temperature from a location adjacent the power control system, as well as a battery current value and voltage to determine a temperature of the battery. The processor may also receive actual internal battery temperature data, such as from a battery temperature sensor. Optionally, the processor may receive actual battery surface temperature data from the battery temperature sensor. The processor may verify the actual battery temperature data by comparing the actual battery temperature data to the determined temperature data. For example, the processor may verify the determined internal temperature by comparing a determined internal temperature of the battery to the actual internal temperature data, or may verify the determined battery surface temperature by comparing the determined battery surface temperature to the actual battery surface temperature data.

[0035] In one embodiment, the processor may communicate an alert to an operator of the power control system based on the difference between the actual battery temperature and the determined temperature of the battery exceeding an upper limit of the determined relative threshold. Optionally, the processor may communicate an alert based on the difference being below a lower limit of the determined relative threshold. Optionally, the processor may modify one or more variables or functions of an algorithm for determining the temperature of the battery based on the difference between the actual temperature value and the determined temperature value.

[0036] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a method includes receiving an ambient temperature adjacent to a system, a current value of electricity conducted to or from a battery connected to the system, and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery. An internal temperature of the battery is determined based at least in part on the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage. One or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery are determined based at least in part on the internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery. The battery is at least one of charged or discharged based on the at least one or more conditions.

[0037] Optionally, the internal temperature of the battery may be determined without using a battery temperature sensor. Optionally, a surface temperature of a housing of the battery may be determined based at least in part on the internal temperature of the battery. The surface temperature may differ from the internal temperature. Optionally, the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery may also be based on the surface temperature of the housing of the battery. Optionally, the one or more conditions may include one or more of a charging current value or a charging voltage of the battery. Optionally, charging or discharging the battery may include controlling a rate of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions. Optionally, internal battery temperature data may be received from a battery temperature sensor, and the determined internal temperature of the battery may be verified by comparing the battery temperature to the determined internal temperature of the battery.

[0038] Optionally, an alert may be communicated to an operator of the system based on a difference between the internal battery temperature data and the determined internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified relative threshold. Optionally, the internal temperature of the battery may be determined to exceed a specified absolute threshold and an alert may be communicated to an operator of the system based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold. Optionally, one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery may be changed based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified absolute threshold.

[0039] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a power control system includes a controller including one or more processors configured to receive an ambient temperature via a temperature sensor, a current value of electricity conducted to or from the battery via a current sensor, and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery via a voltage sensor. The processor may determine an internal temperature of the battery based at least in part on the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage. The processor may determine one or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery based at least in part on the internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery. The processor may control at least one of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions.

[0040] Optionally, the processor may determine the internal temperature of the battery without using a battery temperature sensor. Optionally, the processor may determine a surface temperature of the housing of the battery based on the internal temperature of the battery. The processor may determine one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based on the surface temperature of the housing of the battery. Optionally, the one or more conditions may include one or more of a charging current value or a charging voltage of the battery. Optionally, the processor may control a rate of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions. Optionally, the system may include a battery temperature sensor that provides internal battery temperature data to the processor. The processor may verify the determined internal temperature of the battery by comparing the internal temperature data to the determined internal temperature of the battery. Optionally, the communication system may communicate an alert to an operator of the system based on a difference between the internal battery temperature data and the determined internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified relative threshold. Optionally, the processor may determine that the determined internal temperature of the battery exceeds a specified absolute threshold, and communicate an alert to an operator of the system in response to determining that the internal temperature of the battery exceeds the specified absolute threshold. Optionally, the processor may modify one or more of the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding a specified absolute threshold.

[0041] In one or more embodiments of the subject matter described herein, a method includes receiving an ambient temperature of the system, a current value of electricity conducted to or from a battery connected to the system, and a voltage of the battery. An internal temperature of the battery may be determined without a battery temperature sensor. An internal temperature of the battery may be determined based at least in part on the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage. One or more conditions for charging the battery may be determined based at least in part on the internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery. The one or more conditions may include one or more of a charging current or a charging voltage of the battery. The one or more conditions may control a rate of charging of the battery. The battery is automatically charged based on the one or more conditions. An internal temperature of the battery may be determined to exceed a specified absolute threshold, and an alert may be communicated to an operator of the system based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold. One or more of the conditions for charging the battery may be changed based on the internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold.

[0042] According to another aspect, if the system includes a battery temperature sensor, the system may be configured to perform one or more of the various functions described herein (e.g., determine one or more conditions for charging and / or discharging the battery based at least in part on the estimated internal temperature of the battery) in response to one or more of: (i) the battery temperature sensor has failed or otherwise enters a state in which the battery temperature sensor is deemed unable to sense the internal temperature sensor or to provide data on the sensed internal battery temperature; (ii) the presence, generation, or receipt, e.g., in a log / memory, of a fault or failure flag or data indicating a possible condition of the battery temperature sensor that the battery temperature sensor may not be providing reliable data of the sensed internal battery temperature; (iii) a determination that the data provided from the battery temperature sensor may be indicative of a faulty sensor, e.g., the data meets one or more specified criteria indicating that the data potentially does not accurately represent the internal battery temperature, such as an extremely low value relative to the ambient temperature, or unstable temperature data indicating a temperature that changes rapidly up and down (as is unlikely in a vehicle or other system); (iv) no data is received from the battery temperature sensor; (v), etc. The system may be configured to perform one or more of the various functions described herein only in response to one or more of the aforementioned conditions, for example, controlling battery charge / discharge based on estimated internal temperature only if data from the internal battery temperature sensor is determined to be unreliable or absent per specified criteria as a back-up or fail-safe in case of sensor failure.

[0043] In an embodiment, the controller or system described herein may deploy a local data collection system that may use machine learning to enable derived learning outcomes. The controller may learn and make decisions from a set of data by making data-driven predictions and adapting according to the set of data (including data provided by various sensors). In an embodiment, the machine learning may include performing multiple machine learning tasks with the machine learning system, such as supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and reinforcement learning. Supervised learning may include presenting a set of example inputs and desired outputs to the machine learning system. Unsupervised learning may include a learning algorithm that structures its inputs by methods such as pattern detection and / or feature learning. Reinforcement learning may include the machine learning system performing in a dynamic environment and then providing feedback regarding correct and incorrect decisions. In an example, the machine learning may include multiple other tasks based on the output of the machine learning system. In an example, the task may be a machine learning problem such as classification, regression, clustering, density estimation, dimensionality reduction, anomaly detection, etc. In an example, the machine learning may include multiple mathematical and statistical techniques. In examples, many types of machine learning algorithms may include decision tree-based learning, association rule learning, deep learning, artificial neural networks, genetic learning algorithms, inductive logic programming, support vector machines (SVMs), Bayesian networks, reinforcement learning, representation learning, rule-based machine learning, sparse dictionary learning, similarity metric learning, learning classifier systems (LCS), logistic regression, random forests, K-means, gradient boosting, K nearest neighbors (KNN), a priori algorithms, etc. In embodiments, a particular machine learning algorithm may be used (e.g., to solve both constrained and unconstrained optimization problems that may be based on natural selection). In examples, the algorithm may be used to address mixed integer programming problems, where some components are restricted to be integer-valued.Algorithms and machine learning techniques and systems may be used in computational intelligence systems, computer vision, natural language processing (NLP), recommendation systems, reinforcement learning, building graphical models, etc. In one example, machine learning may be used in making decisions, calculations, comparisons, behavioral analyses, etc.

[0044] In one embodiment, the controller may include a policy engine that may apply one or more policies. These policies may be based at least in part on the characteristics of a given item of equipment or environment. With respect to the control policies, the neural network may receive inputs of a number of environmental and task-related parameters. These parameters may include, for example, operational inputs related to the operational equipment, data from various sensors, location and / or position data, etc. The neural network may be trained to generate outputs based on these inputs, the outputs representing an action or sequence of actions that the equipment or system should take to achieve the operational goal. During operation of an embodiment, a decision may occur by processing the inputs through the parameters of the neural network to generate a value at an output node that designates the action as a desired action. The action may be translated into a signal that causes the vehicle to operate. This may be accomplished via backpropagation, a feedforward process, closed-loop feedback, or open-loop feedback. Alternatively, rather than using backpropagation, the machine learning system of the controller may use evolutionary strategy techniques to tune various parameters of the artificial neural network. The controller may use a neural network architecture with functions that may not always be solvable using backpropagation, e.g., functions that are non-convex. In one embodiment, the neural network has a set of parameters that represent the weights of its node connections. Multiple copies of this network are generated, and then various adjustments are made to the parameters and simulations are performed. Once the outputs from the various models are obtained, they can be evaluated based on their performance using a determined success metric. The best model is selected, and the vehicle controller executes a plan to achieve the desired input data to mirror the predicted best outcome scenario. Furthermore, the success metric can be a combination of optimized outcomes that can be weighted against each other.

[0045] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "computer" and related terms, such as "processing device," "computing device," and "controller," are not limited to integrated circuits referred to in the art as computers, but may refer to microcontrollers, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), field programmable gate arrays, and application specific integrated circuits, as well as other programmable circuits. Suitable memory may include, for example, computer-readable media. The computer-readable media may be, for example, computer-readable non-volatile media, such as random access memory (RAM), flash memory, and the like. The term "non-transitory computer-readable media" refers to tangible computer-based devices implemented for short-term and long-term storage of information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules and sub-modules, or other data within any device. Thus, the methods described herein may be encoded as executable instructions embodied in tangible non-transitory computer-readable media, including, but not limited to, storage devices and / or memory devices. Such instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform at least a portion of the methods described herein. Thus, the term includes tangible computer-readable media, including but not limited to non-transitory computer storage, including but not limited to volatile and non-volatile media, firmware, physical and virtual storage devices, removable and non-removable media such as CD-ROMs, DVDs, and other digital sources such as a network or the Internet.

[0046] The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. "Optional" or "optionally" means that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and the description may include cases where the event occurs and cases where it does not occur. Approximate language used herein throughout this specification and clauses may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it may relate. Thus, values ​​modified by terms such as "about", "substantially", and "approximately" may not be limited to the exact value specified. In at least some cases, approximation language may correspond to the accuracy of an instrument for measuring the value. Here, and throughout this specification and clauses, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and such ranges may be identified and may include all subranges contained therein, unless the context or language dictates otherwise.

[0047] This written description uses examples to disclose embodiments, including the best mode, and to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, including making and using any devices or systems, and performing any incorporated methods. The provisions define the patentable scope of this disclosure, and include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal wording of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the literal wording of the claims.

Claims

1. 1. A method comprising: receiving an ambient temperature adjacent to the system, a current value of electricity conducted to or from a battery connected to the system, and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery; calculating an estimated internal temperature of the battery based on the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage; determining one or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery based in part on at least one of the estimated internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage value of the battery; at least one of charging or discharging the battery based on at least the one or more conditions; Including, determining a surface temperature of a housing of the battery based at least in part on the estimated internal temperature of the battery; the surface temperature is different from the estimated internal temperature; The method is performed without the use of a temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the housing of the battery and the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based also on the surface temperature of the housing of the battery.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions include one or more of a charging current value or a charging voltage of the battery.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the charging or discharging of the battery comprises controlling a rate of at least one of the charging or discharging of the battery based on the one or more conditions.

5. determining that the estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeds a specified absolute threshold; communicating an alert to an operator of the system based on the estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

6. 6. The method of claim 5, further comprising modifying the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based on the estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold.

7. A power control system including a temperature sensor, a current sensor, and a voltage sensor, a controller comprising one or more processors configured to receive an ambient temperature via the temperature sensor, a current value of electricity conducted to or from the battery via the current sensor, and a voltage of a battery circuit including the battery via the voltage sensor; the one or more processors are configured to calculate an estimated internal temperature of the battery based on the ambient temperature, the current value, and the voltage; the one or more processors are configured to determine one or more conditions for at least one of charging or discharging the battery based in part on at least one value of the estimated internal temperature, the current value, and the voltage of the battery; the one or more processors are configured to control at least one of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions; the one or more processors are configured to determine a surface temperature of a housing of the battery based on the estimated internal temperature of the battery, and to determine the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based on the surface temperature of the housing of the battery; lacking a temperature sensor for measuring a surface temperature of the housing of the battery; A power control system that does not use the surface temperature measured by the temperature sensor.

8. The power control system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more conditions include one or more of a charging current value or a charging voltage of the battery.

9. The power control system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more processors are configured to control a rate of at least one of charging or discharging the battery based on the one or more conditions.

10. 8. The power control system of claim 7, wherein the one or more processors are configured to determine that the determined estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeds a specified absolute threshold and to communicate an alert to an operator of the power control system in response to determining that the estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeds the specified absolute threshold.

11. 11. The power control system of claim 10, wherein the one or more processors are configured to modify the one or more of the one or more conditions for charging or discharging the battery based on the estimated internal temperature of the battery exceeding the specified absolute threshold.

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