Battery processing method, processing device, processing system, and processing program

Abstract

To provide a method for processing a battery, which enables a battery to be effectively reused in accordance with the state of the battery in determining whether the battery is to be reused or recycled.SOLUTION: In a battery processing method according to an embodiment, on the basis of the analysis results of measurement data for a target battery, it is determined whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating an electrode active material that becomes the positive and negative electrode active materials of the target battery from an electrode group.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a battery processing method, a processing apparatus, a processing system, and a processing program.

Background Art

[0002] After a battery such as a secondary battery is used in a battery-mounted device such as a vehicle, the used battery is reused (recycled) or recycled. At this time, based on the state of the battery including the deterioration state, it is determined whether to reuse or recycle the battery. For example, a battery with a low degree of deterioration is reused in another battery-mounted device. In addition, for a battery with a high degree of deterioration, after separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, the separated electrode active material is decomposed, etc., to recover the elements contained in the electrode active material. Then, the recovered elements are synthesized, etc., to regenerate the electrode active material, and the used battery is recycled.

[0003] Here, depending on the state of the used battery, etc., for example, by adjusting the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential of the battery, etc., the battery can be made reusable by regenerating the battery without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. Therefore, in the determination regarding the reuse and recycling of the battery, it is required to appropriately determine whether the battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. And by appropriately determining whether the battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, it is required to make the battery effectively reusable according to the state of the battery.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0005] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a battery processing method, processing device, processing system, and processing program that enable the effective reuse of batteries in accordance with the state of the batteries, when determining whether to reuse and recycle them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to the embodiment, the battery processing method involves analyzing the measurement data of the target battery, Internal state parameters, including positive electrode capacity and negative electrode capacity, are estimated, and based on the fact that the decrease in at least one of the estimated positive electrode capacity and negative electrode capacity exceeds a reference level, Target batteries In reuse and recycling The electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material are separated from the electrode group. In the processing method, the positive electrode active material separated from the electrode group is reused without decomposition based on whether the estimated decrease in positive electrode capacity is below a reference level and the estimated decrease in negative electrode capacity exceeds a reference level, and the negative electrode active material separated from the electrode group is reused without decomposition based on whether the estimated decrease in negative electrode capacity is below a reference level and the estimated decrease in positive electrode capacity exceeds the aforementioned reference level. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an example of a processing system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the internal state parameters showing the internal state of the battery according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the determination process for battery reuse and recycling performed by the processing execution unit of the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a schematic example of a process performed by the processing unit of the processing apparatus when it is necessary to separate the electrode active material from the electrode group in the example shown in Figure 3. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the estimation results of the internal state of the battery by analyzing measurement data in the first embodiment. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing a different example from Figure 5 of the estimation results of the internal state of the battery by analysis of measurement data in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a different example from Figures 5 and 6 of the estimation results of the internal state of the battery by analysis of measurement data in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a determination process regarding battery reuse and recycling performed by the processing execution unit of a processing device according to a particular modification. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0009] (First Embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 shows an example of a processing system 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 1, the processing system 1 comprises a battery to be processed (target battery) 2 and a processing device 3. The battery 2 is, for example, a used battery that was used in a battery-equipped device. In this case, examples of battery-equipped devices in which the battery 2 was used include vehicles, large-scale energy storage devices for power systems, smartphones, stationary power supply devices, robots, and drones. The battery 2 is, for example, a secondary battery such as a lithium-ion secondary battery. In one example, the battery 2 to be processed is a single cell (single battery) that was used in a battery-equipped device.

[0010] The battery 2 to be processed comprises an electrode group, which includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. A separator is interposed between the positive and negative electrodes in the electrode group. The separator is made of an electrically insulating material and electrically insulates the positive electrode from the negative electrode. While not limited to these, porous films and nonwoven fabrics made of synthetic resins can be used as separators.

[0011] The positive electrode comprises a positive electrode current collector, such as a positive electrode current collector foil, and a positive electrode active material-containing layer supported on the surface of the positive electrode current collector. The positive electrode current collector is not limited to these, but for example, it may be aluminum foil or aluminum alloy foil, with a thickness of about 10 μm to 20 μm. The positive electrode active material-containing layer comprises a positive electrode active material and may optionally contain a binder and a conductive agent. Examples of positive electrode active materials are oxides, sulfides, and polymers that can intercept and deintercept lithium ions, but are not limited to these. The positive electrode active material includes, for example, at least one selected from the group consisting of manganese dioxide, iron oxide, copper oxide, nickel oxide, lithium manganese composite oxide, lithium nickel composite oxide, lithium cobalt composite oxide, lithium nickel cobalt composite oxide, lithium manganese cobalt composite oxide, spinel-type lithium manganese nickel composite oxide, lithium phosphorus oxide having an olivine structure, iron sulfate, and vanadium oxide.

[0012] The negative electrode comprises a negative electrode current collector, such as a negative electrode current collector foil, and a negative electrode active material-containing layer supported on the surface of the negative electrode current collector. The negative electrode current collector is not limited to these, but for example, it may be aluminum foil, aluminum alloy foil, or copper foil, with a thickness of about 10 μm to 20 μm. The negative electrode active material-containing layer comprises a negative electrode active material and may optionally contain a binder and a conductive agent. The negative electrode active material is not particularly limited, but examples include metal oxides, metal sulfides, metal nitrides, and carbonaceous materials that can intercept and deintercept lithium ions. Examples of metal oxides that can be used as negative electrode active materials include titanium-containing oxides. Examples of titanium-containing oxides that can be used as negative electrode active materials include titanium oxide, lithium titanium-containing composite oxide, niobium titanium-containing composite oxide, and sodium niobium titanium-containing composite oxide. Examples of carbonaceous materials that can be used as negative electrode active materials include graphite.

[0013] In the electrode group, for example, with a separator sandwiched between a positive electrode active material-containing layer and a negative electrode active material-containing layer, the positive electrode, negative electrode, and separator are wound around a winding axis, and the electrode group has a wound structure. In another example, the electrode group has a stacked structure in which a plurality of positive electrodes and a plurality of negative electrodes are alternately laminated, and a separator is provided between the positive electrode and the negative electrode.

[0014] Further, in the battery 2, an electrolytic solution is held (impregnated) in the electrode group. The electrolytic solution may be a non-aqueous electrolytic solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved in an organic solvent, or may be an aqueous electrolytic solution such as an aqueous solution in which an electrolyte is dissolved in an aqueous solvent. Further, instead of the electrolytic solution, a gel electrolyte in which an electrolytic solution and a polymer material are combined may be used. Further, instead of the electrolytic solution, or in addition to the electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte may be used. When a solid electrolyte is used as the electrolyte, in the electrode group, a solid electrolyte may be interposed between the positive electrode and the negative electrode instead of the separator. In this case, the positive electrode is electrically insulated from the negative electrode by the solid electrolyte.

[0015] Further, in the battery 2, the electrode group is housed inside an exterior member. As the exterior member, either a bag-shaped container made of a laminated film or a metal container can be used. As the laminated film, for example, a multilayer film is used, and the multilayer film includes a plurality of resin layers and a metal layer disposed between the resin layers. The metal container is preferably formed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, titanium, and iron, or an alloy of these metals.

[0016] Further, the battery 2 includes a pair of electrode terminals. One of the electrode terminals is a positive electrode terminal electrically connected to the positive electrode current collector, and the other of the electrode terminals, different from the positive electrode terminal, is a negative electrode terminal electrically connected to the negative electrode current collector. The electrode terminals may be internal terminals formed inside the exterior member, or may be external terminals formed on the outer surface of the exterior member. The electrode terminals are formed of a conductive material, and are preferably formed of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of aluminum, zinc, titanium, and iron, or an alloy of these metals.

[0017] In an example of FIG. 1, the processing system 1 includes a measurement circuit 5. The measurement circuit 5 measures (detects) parameters related to the battery 2 to be processed. The parameters related to the battery 2 include the current flowing through the battery 2, the voltage of the battery 2, the temperature of the battery 2, and the like. For this reason, the measurement circuit 5 includes an ammeter for measuring current, a voltmeter for measuring voltage, a temperature sensor for measuring temperature, and the like.

[0018]

[0017] The processing device 3 performs processing such as determination processing on the battery 2 to be processed. The processing device 3 includes a processing execution unit 11 and a storage unit 12. The processing execution unit 11 includes a battery control unit 15, a data analysis unit 16, and a determination unit 17. Each of the battery control unit 15, the data analysis unit 16, and the determination unit 1 demonstrates a part of the processing performed by the processing execution unit 11.

[0019] The processing device 3 is composed of, for example, a computer such as a server. The processing device 3 includes a processor or an integrated circuit, and a storage medium. The processor or the like includes any one of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a microcomputer, an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The storage medium may be a main storage device such as a memory, or an auxiliary storage device. In the processing device 3, only one or a plurality of each of the processor or the like and the storage medium may be provided. In the processing device 3, the processor performs processing by executing a program or the like stored in the storage medium or the like. Also, in the processing device 3, the program executed by the processor or the like may be stored in a computer (server) connected via a network such as the Internet, or a server in a cloud environment. In this case, the processor downloads the program via the network. In the processing device 3, the processing by the processing execution unit 11 is performed by the processor or the like, and the storage medium functions as the storage unit 12.

[0020] In one example, the processing unit 3 may be composed of a cloud server in a cloud environment. The infrastructure of the cloud environment consists of virtual processors such as virtual CPUs and cloud memory. Therefore, when the processing unit 3 is composed of a cloud server, the processing by the processing execution unit 11 is performed by the virtual processor, and the cloud memory functions as the storage unit 12.

[0021] In one example, the processing unit 3 may be provided with a user interface. In this case, the user interface allows users of the processing unit 3 and processing system 1 to input operations related to the processing of the battery 2. For this purpose, the user interface is provided with an operation unit, such as a button, mouse, touch panel, or keyboard, which allows users to input operations. The user interface is also provided with a notification unit that provides information related to the processing of the battery 2. The notification unit provides information through either a screen display or sound emission. The user interface may be provided separately from the computer or other components that make up the processing unit 3.

[0022] The processing unit 3 performs processing related to the reuse and recycling of the battery 2, such as determining whether the battery 2 to be processed can be reused or recycled. At this time, the processing execution unit 11 of the processing unit 3 measures measurement data to be used for processing. In measuring the measurement data, the battery control unit 15 of the processing execution unit 11 controls the charging and discharging of the battery 2 to charge or discharge the battery 2 under predetermined conditions. Here, the predetermined conditions for charging or discharging the battery 2 are set as the SOC (state of charge) range for charging or discharging, the C rate for charging or discharging, and the temperature for charging or discharging, and the battery 2 is charged or discharged under the set predetermined conditions.

[0023] In the measurement of measurement data, the measurement circuit 5 measures the aforementioned parameters related to the battery 2 while the battery 2 is being charged or discharged under the predetermined conditions described above. The processing execution unit 11 of the processing device 3 then acquires the measurement results from the measurement circuit 5 while the battery 2 is being charged or discharged under the predetermined conditions. The measurement data measured by the processing execution unit 11 shows the measurement results from the measurement circuit 5 while the battery 2 is being charged or discharged under the predetermined conditions.

[0024] When the battery 2 is being charged or discharged under the predetermined conditions described above, the measurement circuit 5 measures parameters related to the battery 2 at each of the multiple measurement points. The measurement data then shows the measured values ​​of the parameters related to the battery 2 at each of the multiple measurement points (multiple measurements), and the time change (time history) of the parameters related to the battery 2 during charging or discharging under the predetermined conditions described above. Therefore, the measurement data shows the time change (time history) of the current of the battery 2, the time change (time history) of the voltage of the battery 2, and the time change (time history) of the temperature of the battery 2 during charging or discharging under the predetermined conditions.

[0025] Furthermore, the processing execution unit 11 of the processing device 3 may calculate the time change (time history) of either the charge amount or SOC of the battery 2 during charging or discharging of the battery 2 under the predetermined conditions, based on the measurement results of parameters related to the battery 2 in the measurement circuit 5. In this case, the measurement data will show the time change (time history) of either the charge amount or SOC of the battery 2 during charging or discharging of the battery 2 under the predetermined conditions. The measurement data may also show, for example, the relationship between the measured voltage of the battery 2 and the calculated charge amount or SOC of the battery 2.

[0026] Here, the charge amount (amount of charge) of battery 2 can be calculated based on the charge amount of battery 2 at the start of charging or discharging under the predetermined conditions described above, and the time change of the current of battery 2. In this case, the charge amount of battery 2 is calculated by the current integration method. Furthermore, the charge amount of battery 2 can also be calculated using a calculation method that uses the relationship between the terminal voltage and the charge amount in battery 2, and an estimation method using a Kalman filter, etc.

[0027] Furthermore, in battery 2, a lower voltage limit Vmin and an upper voltage limit Vmax are defined for the voltage. In battery 2, for example, the state where the open circuit voltage (OCV) or the voltage during discharge under certain specified conditions is the lower voltage limit Vmin is defined as the state of 0% SOC, and the state where the open circuit voltage or the voltage during charging under certain specified conditions is the upper voltage limit Vmax is defined as the state of 100% SOC. In battery 2, the discharge capacity from the state of 100% SOC to the state of 0% SOC, or the charge capacity from the state of 0% SOC to the state of 100% SOC, is defined as the battery capacity. In battery 2, the ratio of the amount of remaining charge up to the state of 0% SOC to the battery capacity is defined as SOC. Therefore, the SOC of battery 2 can be calculated based on the amount of charge in battery 2, etc.

[0028] In the example described above, the time changes of the current and voltage of battery 2 are measured after battery 2 has been used in a battery-equipped device, while the used battery 2 is being charged or discharged under predetermined conditions. However, this is not the only example. In one example, battery 2 may be charged or discharged under predetermined conditions immediately before the end of battery 2 use in the battery-equipped device, and the time changes of the current and voltage of battery 2 while it is being charged or discharged under predetermined conditions may be measured. In this case, measurement data showing the time changes of the current and voltage of battery 2 while it is being charged or discharged under predetermined conditions is stored in the storage medium of the battery-equipped device, and the processing execution unit 11 analyzes the measurement data stored in the storage medium of the battery-equipped device.

[0029] In the process of reusing and recycling battery 2, the data analysis unit 16 of the processing execution unit 11 analyzes the measurement data acquired as described above. This analyzes the measurement data, including the measurement results of the time change of current and voltage of battery 2 during charging or discharging under predetermined conditions. In other words, the processing execution unit 11 performs a charge curve analysis or a discharge curve analysis of battery 2. Based on the analysis results from the charge curve analysis or discharge curve analysis, the data analysis unit 16 estimates the internal state of battery 2. Each internal state of battery 2 is represented by an internal state parameter.

[0030] Figure 2 illustrates the internal state parameters that indicate the internal state of battery 2. In Figure 2, the horizontal axis represents the amount of charge, and the vertical axis represents the potential. As shown in Figure 2, in battery 2, a lower potential limit Vpmin and an upper potential limit Vpmax are defined for the positive electrode potential, and the positive electrode potential increases as the amount of charge on the positive electrode increases. Furthermore, at the positive electrode, the amount of charge when the positive electrode potential is at the lower potential limit Vpmin is the initial charge amount (initial charge) Qpmin, and the amount of charge when the positive electrode potential is at the upper potential limit Vpmax is the upper charge amount (upper charge) Qpmax. In battery 2, the amount of charge charged from the initial charge amount Qpmin to the upper charge amount Qpmax is the positive electrode capacity Mp.

[0031] In battery 2, the negative electrode potential has a lower limit potential Vnmin and an upper limit potential Vnmax, and the negative electrode potential decreases as the amount of charge on the negative electrode increases. Furthermore, at the negative electrode, the amount of charge when the negative electrode potential is at the upper limit potential Vnmax is the initial charge amount (initial charge) Qnmin, and the amount of charge when the negative electrode potential is at the lower limit potential Vnmin is the upper limit charge amount (upper charge) Qnmax. Then, in battery 2, the amount of charge charged from the initial charge amount Qnmin to the upper limit charge amount Qnmax is the negative electrode capacity Mn.

[0032] In battery 2, the internal state parameters indicating the internal state include the positive electrode capacity Mp, negative electrode capacity Mn, initial charge amount Qpmin of the positive electrode, and initial charge amount Qnmin of the negative electrode, as described above. The internal state parameters also include the positive electrode mass, which corresponds to the positive electrode capacity Mp, and the negative electrode mass, which corresponds to the negative electrode capacity Mn. The positive electrode mass can be calculated based on the positive electrode capacity Mp and the type of material forming the positive electrode in battery 2, including the type of positive electrode active material. Similarly, the negative electrode mass can be calculated based on the negative electrode capacity Mn and the type of material forming the negative electrode in battery 2, including the type of negative electrode active material. Furthermore, the internal state parameters of battery 2 include the positive electrode capacity retention rate and the negative electrode capacity retention rate, etc. Here, the positive electrode capacity retention rate is the ratio of the estimated positive electrode capacity to the positive electrode capacity at the start of use of battery 2, and the negative electrode capacity retention rate of battery 2 is the ratio of the estimated negative electrode capacity to the negative electrode capacity at the start of use of battery 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the internal state parameters of battery 2 include the Operation Window (SOW), which is the difference between the initial charge amount Qpmin of the positive electrode and the initial charge amount Qnmin of the negative electrode. The internal state parameters also include parameters related to the internal resistance of battery 2. Parameters related to internal resistance may include the internal resistance of the battery 2 as a whole, as well as the resistance of the positive and negative electrodes, and the ion movement resistance in the electrolyte. Parameters related to internal resistance may also include ohmic resistance, reaction resistance, and diffusion resistance. Figure 2 also shows the battery capacity Mb, which is one of the battery characteristics of battery 2. As mentioned above, the battery capacity Mb corresponds to the amount of charge charged from the lower limit voltage Vmin to the upper limit voltage Vmax of the battery 2's voltage (difference between the positive and negative electrode potentials).

[0034] In this embodiment, relational data showing the relationship between the internal state of battery 2 and at least one of the current and voltage of battery 2 is stored in the storage unit 12. The relational data includes, for example, a calculation formula for calculating at least one of the current and voltage of battery 2 from one or more of the internal state parameters of battery 2 described above. Note that the relationship between the internal state of battery 2 and the current and voltage of battery 2 changes in response to the temperature of battery 2, etc. Therefore, the relational data may show the relationship between the internal state of battery 2 and at least one of the current and voltage of battery 2 for multiple different temperatures.

[0035] In charge curve analysis or discharge curve analysis, the data analysis unit 16 of the processing execution unit 11 performs a fitting calculation (regression calculation) using the measurement results for the time change of the current and voltage of the battery 2 shown in the measurement data, and the aforementioned relational data showing the relationship between the voltage and current of the battery 2 and the internal state of the battery 2. At this time, in the calculation formula for calculating at least one of the current and voltage of the battery 2 from the internal state of the battery 2, the fitting calculation is performed with one or more internal state parameters as variables. The data analysis unit 16 then calculates one or more internal states that become variables for the voltage and current of the battery 2 to the extent that the difference between the measured values ​​in the measurement data and the calculated values ​​using the calculation formula shown in the relational data is as small as possible. As described above, the internal state of the battery 2 is estimated by calculating the internal state parameters through the fitting calculation.

[0036] Furthermore, methods for estimating the internal state of a battery by charge curve analysis, etc., are shown in Patent Document 2 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-147827), etc. In Patent Document 2, the internal state of a battery is estimated by performing a fitting calculation using measurement data showing the time change of the battery's current and voltage, and relational data showing the relationship between the battery's voltage and current and the internal state of the battery. In this embodiment, the internal state of battery 2 may be estimated in the same manner as in Patent Document 2.

[0037] In one example, the data analysis unit 16 may estimate the battery characteristics of battery 2 based on the estimated internal state of battery 2. The battery characteristics of battery 2 include, in addition to the battery capacity Mb mentioned above, the open-circuit voltage (OCV) and OCV curve of battery 2. Here, the OCV curve is a function that shows the relationship between parameters other than OCV and OCV, for example, a function that shows the relationship between OCV and SOC. Furthermore, the internal resistance of the entire battery 2 indicates the internal state of battery 2 as mentioned above, as well as the battery characteristics of battery 2. Patent Document 2 shows a method for estimating the battery characteristics of a battery based on the internal state of the battery. In this embodiment, the battery characteristics of battery 2 may be estimated in the same manner as in Patent Document 2.

[0038] The determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 makes a determination regarding the reuse and recycling of the battery 2 based on the analysis results of the measurement data, including the estimated internal state of the battery 2. The determination described below is performed, for example, by the processing execution unit 11 executing a processing program stored in the storage unit 12. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the determination process regarding the reuse and recycling of the battery 2 performed by the processing execution unit 11. The determination process in the example in Figure 3 is performed on the battery 2 whose internal state has been estimated by the analysis of the measurement data.

[0039] When the processing of the example shown in Figure 3 is started, the determination unit 17 determines whether the decrease in both the estimated positive electrode capacity Mp and the negative electrode capacity Mn from the time of initial use of the battery 2 is kept below a reference level (S101). Here, the reference level for the decrease in positive electrode capacity Mp is set based on the type of positive electrode active material, and the reference level for the decrease in negative electrode capacity Mn is set based on the type of negative electrode active material.

[0040] If the decrease in at least one of the positive electrode capacity Mp and the negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the reference level (S101-No), the determination unit 17 determines that it is necessary to separate the electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material from the electrode group (S102). On the other hand, if the decrease in both the positive electrode capacity Mp and the negative electrode capacity Mn is below the reference level (S101-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines that it is unnecessary to separate the electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material from the electrode group (S103).

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 3, if separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is not required, the determination unit 17 determines whether the amount of change in the estimated SOW from the start of use of the battery 2 is kept below a standard level (S104). If the amount of change in SOW exceeds the standard level (S104-No), the determination unit 17 determines that the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential (S105). On the other hand, if the amount of change in SOW is kept below a standard level (S104-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines that the battery 2 can be reused as is (S106).

[0042] When the example processing shown in Figure 3 is performed, a battery 2 in which the decrease in both positive electrode capacity Mp and negative electrode capacity Mn is kept below the reference level, and the change in SOW is kept below the reference level, is determined to be reusable without regeneration. A battery 2 in which the change in SOW exceeds the reference level, but the decrease in both positive electrode capacity Mp and negative electrode capacity Mn is kept below the reference level, is determined to be regenerative by adjusting the positive and negative electrode potentials without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. A battery 2 in which the decrease in at least one of the positive electrode capacity Mp and negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the reference level is determined to be unregenerative without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, and it is determined that separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is necessary.

[0043] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 3, the determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 performs the processes S101 to S106 to determine whether the battery (target battery) 2 can be reused as is, based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the battery (target battery) 2. Then, the determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 performs the processes S101 to S106 to determine, based on the analysis results of the measurement data, whether the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, for batteries 2 that cannot be reused as is. In the example shown in Figure 3, in determining whether the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, it is determined whether the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential. If it can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential, it is determined that the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group.

[0044] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the processing execution unit 11 when it is necessary to separate the electrode active material from the electrode group in the example shown in Figure 3. The processing in the example shown in Figure 4 is performed by the determination unit 17 only when it is determined that it is necessary to separate the electrode active material from the electrode group, and is not performed when it is determined that separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is unnecessary. In other words, the processing in the example shown in Figure 4 is performed only when it is determined that the battery 2 cannot be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. When the processing in the example shown in Figure 4 is started, the determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 determines whether the decrease in both the positive electrode capacity Mp and the negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the aforementioned reference level (S111). If the decrease in both the positive electrode capacity Mp and the negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the reference level (S111-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines that it is necessary to decompose both the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material (S112).

[0045] On the other hand, if the decrease in only one of the positive electrode capacity Mp or negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the reference level (S111-No), that is, if the decrease in either the positive electrode capacity Mp or negative electrode capacity Mn is kept below the reference level, the determination unit 17 determines whether or not the decrease in positive electrode capacity Mp exceeds the reference level (S113). If the decrease in positive electrode capacity Mp exceeds the reference level (S113-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines that the negative electrode active material can be reused without decomposition (S114). Then, the determination unit 17 determines that the positive electrode active material needs to be decomposed (S115). On the other hand, if the decrease in negative electrode capacity Mn exceeds the reference level (S113-No), the determination unit 17 determines that the positive electrode active material can be reused without decomposition (S116). Then, the determination unit 17 determines that the negative electrode active material needs to be decomposed (S117).

[0046] As the processes S111 to S117 in the example shown in Figure 4 are performed, the determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 determines, based on the analysis results of the measurement data, whether the battery (target battery) 2, which has been determined to be unrecyclable without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, can be reused without disassembling the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, respectively. At this time, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to disassemble the positive electrode active material based on the positive electrode capacity Mp, and whether or not it is necessary to disassemble the negative electrode active material based on the negative electrode capacity Mn.

[0047] Figure 5 shows an example of the estimation result of the internal state of battery 2 based on the analysis of measurement data, Figure 6 shows another example of the estimation result of the internal state of battery 2 based on the analysis of measurement data, and Figure 7 shows another example of the estimation result of the internal state of battery 2 based on the analysis of measurement data, different from Figures 5 and 6. In each of Figures 5 to 7, the horizontal axis shows the amount of charge and the vertical axis shows the potential. In each of Figures 5 to 7, the relationship between the amount of charge and the positive electrode potential Vp(q) and the relationship between the amount of charge and the negative electrode potential Vn(q) are shown as solid lines as estimation results from the analysis of measurement data. In Figures 5 and 6, the relationship between the amount of charge and the positive electrode potential Vpe(q) at the start of use of battery 2 is shown as a dashed line, and in Figures 5 and 7, the relationship between the amount of charge and the negative electrode potential Vne(q) at the start of use of battery 2 is shown as a dashed line.

[0048] In the example shown in Figure 5, the SOW is value ηe at the start of use of battery 2, while the real-time estimation result based on measurement data shows the SOW as value ηr, indicating that the change in SOW from the start of use of battery 2 exceeds the reference level. Due to the change in SOW from the start of use, the battery capacity Mb of battery 2 decreases to value Mbr, which is lower than at the start of use. However, in the example shown in Figure 5, the real-time estimation results for the positive electrode capacity Mp and negative electrode capacity Mn show almost no decrease from the start of use of battery 2. Therefore, when the internal state of battery 2 is estimated as in the example shown in Figure 5, for example, in the processing of the example shown in Figure 3, the determination process is performed in the order of S101-Yes, S103, S104-No, and S105, and it is determined that battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. In the example shown in Figure 5, the SOW changes from the start of use because the positive and negative electrode potentials shift to the higher potential side compared to when battery 2 was first used. However, the SOW also changes from the start of use if the positive and negative electrode potentials shift to the lower potential side compared to when battery 2 was first used.

[0049] In the example in Figure 6, the positive electrode capacity Mp is value Mpe at the start of use of battery 2, while the real-time estimation result based on measurement data shows the positive electrode capacity Mp as value Mpr, indicating that the decrease in the positive electrode capacity Mp from the start of use of battery 2 exceeds the reference level. Due to the decrease in the positive electrode capacity Mp from the start of use, the battery capacity Mb of battery 2 decreases to value Mbr, which is lower than at the start of use. However, in the example in Figure 6, the real-time estimation result for the negative electrode capacity Mn shows that it has hardly decreased from the start of use of battery 2. Therefore, when the internal state of battery 2 is estimated as in the example in Figure 6, for example, in the processing of the example in Figure 3, the determination process is performed in the order of S101-No and S102. Then, for example, in the processing of the example in Figure 4, the determination process is performed in the order of S111-No, S113-Yes, S114 and S115. As a result, it is determined that the positive electrode active material needs to be decomposed, and that the negative electrode active material can be reused without decomposition.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 7, the negative electrode capacity Mn is value Mne at the start of use of battery 2, while the real-time estimation result based on measurement data shows the negative electrode capacity Mn to be value Mnr, indicating that the decrease in the negative electrode capacity Mn from the start of use of battery 2 exceeds the reference level. Due to the decrease in the negative electrode capacity Mn from the start of use, the battery capacity Mb of battery 2 decreases to value Mbr, which is lower than at the start of use. However, in the example shown in Figure 7, the real-time estimation result for the positive electrode capacity Mp shows almost no decrease from the start of use of battery 2. Therefore, when the internal state of battery 2 is estimated as in the example shown in Figure 7, for example, in the processing of the example in Figure 3, the determination process is performed in the order of S101-No and S102. Then, for example, in the processing of the example in Figure 4, the determination process is performed in the order of S111-No, S113-No, S116 and S117. As a result, it is determined that the negative electrode active material needs to be decomposed, and that the positive electrode active material can be reused without decomposition.

[0051] In this embodiment, if it is determined that the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive and negative electrode potentials, as shown in S105 of the example in Figure 3, the battery 2 is regenerated by potential adjustment. The regeneration of the battery 2 by potential adjustment is performed without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. Regenerating the battery 2 without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, such as the regeneration of the battery 2 by potential adjustment, is also called "simplified regeneration." In the regeneration of the battery 2 by potential adjustment, it is determined whether the positive and negative electrode potentials have shifted to the higher potential side or the lower potential side compared to when the battery 2 was first used. For example, if the SOW has changed since the start of use, as shown in the example in Figure 5, it is determined that the positive and negative electrode potentials have shifted to the higher potential side compared to when the battery 2 was first used.

[0052] If the positive and negative electrode potentials have shifted to the higher potential side since the start of use, the State of Charge (SOC) of battery 2 is set to a low SOC value such as 10%. Then, battery 2 is stored for a specified period while maintaining the low SOC value. During this time, battery 2 is stored in a temperature range of 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower, and is stored for, for example, 3 days while maintaining the low SOC value. On the other hand, if the positive and negative electrode potentials have shifted to the lower potential side since the start of use, the SOC of battery 2 is set to a high SOC value such as 90%. Then, battery 2 is stored for a specified period while maintaining the high SOC value. During this time, battery 2 is stored in a temperature range of 30°C or higher and 50°C or lower, and is stored for, for example, 3 days while maintaining the low SOC value.

[0053] A method for adjusting the positive and negative electrode potentials of a battery is shown in Patent Document 3 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-44161). In this embodiment, the battery 2 may be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group by adjusting the positive and negative electrode potentials of the battery 2 in the same manner as in Patent Document 3.

[0054] Furthermore, as shown in S114 and S116 of the example in Figure 4, if it is determined that one of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material can be reused without decomposition, a process is performed to reuse the corresponding electrode active material (the corresponding one of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material) without decomposition. This process of reusing electrode active materials without decomposition is also called "direct recycling." In direct recycling of electrode active materials, the composite material that forms the active material-containing layer containing the electrode active material is separated from the current collector in the electrode containing the target electrode active material (the corresponding one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode). By separating the composite material from the current collector, the target electrode active material is separated from the electrode group. At this time, the composite material containing the electrode active material is separated from the electrode group using an aqueous solvent or the like.

[0055] In one example, in direct recycling, a slurry containing the target electrode active material and an aqueous solvent is reused. In this case, the slurry containing the mixture of the mixture and the aqueous solvent is reused to form an active material-containing layer on the electrode corresponding to the target electrode active material (one of the positive and one of the negative electrodes). In another example, the electrode active material is extracted from the slurry containing the mixture of the mixture and the aqueous solvent. The extracted electrode active material is then reused without decomposition to form the corresponding electrode (one of the positive and one of the negative electrodes). However, in both cases, the target electrode active material is reused without decomposition after being separated from the electrode group.

[0056] In direct recycling of electrode active materials, the electrode active material may be regenerated by performing heat treatment, such as heating, on the separated composite material or electrode active material after separating it from the electrode group. Alternatively, in direct recycling of electrode active materials, heat treatment, such as heating, may be performed on the electrode group or the electrode corresponding to the target electrode active material (the corresponding positive or negative electrode) before separating the composite material or electrode active material from the electrode group. Performing heat treatment before separating the composite material or electrode active material from the electrode group makes it easier to separate the composite material from the current collector, etc. Preferably, the heat treatment performed before separating the composite material or electrode active material from the electrode group is carried out within a temperature range in which the electrode active material does not deteriorate and the binder decomposes.

[0057] Furthermore, if it is determined that it is necessary to decompose one or both of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, as shown in S112, S115, and S117 of the example in Figure 4, a process is carried out to decompose the corresponding electrode active material (one or both of the corresponding positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material). In this case, the decomposition of the target electrode active material is carried out using either dry refining or wet refining or both. By decomposing the target electrode active material, the elements contained in the electrode active material, or compounds or mixtures of those elements, are recovered. Then, the electrode active material is regenerated by synthesizing the recovered elements, or compounds or mixtures of those elements. Note that the process of recovering elements by decomposing the electrode active material and regenerating the electrode active material by synthesizing the recovered elements is also simply called "recycling." Also, the process of recovering compounds or mixtures of elements by decomposing the electrode active material and regenerating the electrode active material by synthesizing the recovered compounds or mixtures is also called "upcycling."

[0058] As described above, in this embodiment, based on the analysis results of measurement data for the battery 2 to be processed (target battery), it is determined whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active materials, which are the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material of the battery, from the electrode group. Therefore, if the battery 2 can be regenerated by potential adjustment, the battery 2 can be regenerated and reused without separating the electrode active materials from the electrode group. This allows the battery 2 to be reused effectively in accordance with its condition, and the battery 2 can be reused in a state with high added value.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in determining whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, the determination is made by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential. Therefore, based on the internal state of the battery 2 estimated by the analysis of measurement data, it is appropriately determined whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, if it is determined that the battery 2 cannot be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, it is determined whether each of the electrode active materials of the battery 2 is reusable based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the battery 2. As a result, if the degree of deterioration of one of the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material is high, and the degree of deterioration of the other is low, the electrode active material with the lower degree of deterioration can be reused without disassembly. Therefore, the electrode active material of the battery 2 can be effectively reused in accordance with the state of the battery 2, and the electrode active material can be reused in a state with high added value.

[0061] For example, if the negative electrode active material is a titanium-containing oxide, even if the battery 2 is a used battery that has been used in a battery-equipped device, the degree of degradation of the negative electrode active material is small, and the negative electrode capacity Mn tends to hardly decrease from the start of use of the battery 2. In this embodiment, since the above-described treatment is performed, the negative electrode active material of the battery 2, in which the negative electrode active material is a titanium-containing oxide, can be effectively reused.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether or not the battery 2 can be reused as is, based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the battery 2. Therefore, even for batteries 2 that do not require separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group, it is appropriately determined whether or not regeneration, such as adjustment of the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential, is necessary. This makes it possible to effectively reuse the battery 2 according to its condition. For example, when reusing a battery 2 that was used in a vehicle in a stationary power supply device, or when reusing a battery 2 in a battery-equipped device different from the one it was originally used in, it becomes possible to appropriately determine whether or not regeneration of the target battery 2 is necessary.

[0063] (modified version) In one modified example, as a determination process for reusing and recycling battery 2, the processing execution unit 11 performs the processing shown in the example in Figure 8 instead of the processing shown in the example in Figure 3. In this modified example as well, the processing from S101 to S105 is performed as in the example in Figure 3. However, in this modified example, if the change in SOW is kept below a reference level (S104-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines whether the increase in the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte of battery 2 from the start of use of battery 2 is kept below a reference level (S107). As mentioned above, the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte is a parameter related to the internal resistance of battery 2 and is an internal state parameter that indicates the internal state of battery 2. Furthermore, the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte can be estimated, for example, by performing a charge curve analysis or a discharge curve analysis using measurement data for battery 2, as mentioned above.

[0064] In one example, the battery control unit 15 of the processing execution unit 11 inputs AC power, in which the current value changes periodically, to the battery 2 at multiple frequencies that are different from each other. The measurement circuit 5 then measures the time variation of the current and voltage of the battery 2 while AC power is being input to the battery 2 as measurement data. The data analysis unit 16 of the processing execution unit 11 then calculates the impedance of the battery 2 at each of the multiple frequencies to which AC power is input, based on the measurement results of the time variation of the current and voltage of the battery 2 shown in the measurement data, and measures the frequency characteristics of the impedance of the battery 2.

[0065] In one example of measuring the frequency characteristics of the impedance of battery 2, an equivalent circuit model of battery 2 is stored in the memory unit 12. In the equivalent circuit model of battery 2, circuit parameters are set, and these set circuit parameters (electrical characteristic parameters) include parameters related to the internal resistance of battery 2, as well as the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte. The equivalent circuit model shows the relationship of the impedance of battery 2 to the set circuit parameters, and for example, calculation formulas for calculating the real and imaginary components of the impedance of battery 2 using circuit parameters including the ion transfer resistance Ri are shown.

[0066] In one example of measuring the frequency characteristics of the impedance of battery 2, the data analysis unit 16 of the processing execution unit 11 performs a fitting calculation using the measurement results of the frequency characteristics of the impedance of battery 2 and the relationship between the impedance of battery 2 and the circuit parameters shown in the equivalent circuit model. In this case, the fitting calculation is performed with the circuit parameters, including the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte, as variables, and the variable circuit parameters are calculated. Furthermore, in the fitting calculation, the values ​​of the variable circuit parameters are determined such that the difference between the impedance calculation result using the calculation formula shown in the equivalent circuit model and the impedance measurement result is as small as possible for each of the multiple frequencies in which the impedance is measured.

[0067] As described above, the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte, which is set as one of the circuit parameters in the equivalent circuit model, is calculated by performing a fitting calculation. The measurement results for the frequency characteristics of the battery impedance and the method for calculating the circuit parameters set in the equivalent circuit model by performing a fitting calculation using the equivalent circuit model of the battery are shown in Patent Document 4 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-106889). In this modified example, the circuit parameters of the equivalent circuit model of battery 2 may be calculated in the same manner as in Patent Document 4, and the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte may be estimated.

[0068] In this modified example, if the increase in ion transfer resistance Ri is kept below the reference level (S107-Yes), the determination unit 17 determines that the battery 2 can be reused as is (S106). On the other hand, if the increase in ion transfer resistance Ri exceeds the reference level (S107-No), the determination unit 17 determines that the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte (S108).

[0069] In this modified example, the determination unit 17 of the processing execution unit 11 performs the processing S101 to S108 to determine, based on the analysis results of the measurement data, whether or not the battery 2, which is otherwise unusable, can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. However, in the example shown in Figure 8, in determining whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, in addition to determining whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential, it is also determined whether or not the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte. In both cases, it is determined that the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group.

[0070] In this modified example, if it is determined that battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte, as in S108 of the example in Figure 8, then battery 2 is regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte. Regeneration of battery 2 by adjusting the electrolyte is also performed without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, and is therefore included in so-called "simple regeneration." In regeneration of battery 2 by electrolyte, for example, battery 2 is regenerated by replenishing or replacing the electrolyte solution.

[0071] This modified version also produces the same functions and effects as the embodiments described above. That is, in this modified version as well, the battery 2 can be effectively reused in accordance with the state of the battery 2, and the battery 2 can be reused in a state that has high added value. Furthermore, the electrode active material of the battery 2 can be effectively reused in accordance with the state of the battery 2, and the electrode active material can be reused in a state that has high added value.

[0072] Furthermore, in this modified example, in determining whether the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, in addition to determining whether the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential, it is also determined whether the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte. Therefore, based on the internal state of the battery 2 estimated by the analysis of measurement data, it is more appropriately determined whether the battery 2 can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group.

[0073] Furthermore, in one modified example, the same process as in the example in Figure 8 is performed, and even if the change in SOW exceeds the reference level in S104 (S104-No), the determination unit 17, as a determination process separate from the determination in S107, determines whether the increase in the ion transfer resistance Ri of the electrolyte of the battery 2 from the start of use of the battery 2 is kept below the reference level. If the increase in the ion transfer resistance Ri is kept below the reference level, the determination unit 17 determines, similar to S105 in the example in Figure 8, that the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential.

[0074] On the other hand, if the increase in ion transfer resistance Ri exceeds the standard level, the determination unit 17 determines that the battery 2 can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte in addition to adjusting the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential. In this case, by performing both the potential adjustment and the electrolyte adjustment described above, the battery 2 is regenerated and made reusable. This modified example also produces the same functions and effects as the modified example in Figure 8.

[0075] According to at least one embodiment or example described above, based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, it is determined whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active materials, which will be the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material of the target battery, from the electrode group. In determining whether a battery should be reused or recycled, it is possible to provide a battery processing method, processing device, processing system, and processing program that make the battery effectively reusable in accordance with the state of the battery.

[0076] The following is an addendum. [1] A method for processing batteries, Based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, the system includes determining whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active materials, which will be the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, from the electrode group. Processing method. [2] The processing method of [1], further comprising determining whether each of the electrode active materials of the target battery is reusable based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the target battery, if it is determined that the target battery cannot be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. [3] The processing method of [2], further comprising reusing the electrode active material that has been determined to be reusable in the target battery without decomposing it. [4] The processing method of [2] or [3], further comprising recovering elements contained in the electrode active material, or compounds or mixtures of the elements, by decomposing the electrode active material that has been determined to be unusable in the target battery. [5] In determining whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, at least it is determined whether the target battery can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential, The invention further comprises the ability to regenerate a target battery, which has been determined to be regenerative by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential, by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. A method for processing any one of the items [1] through [4]. [6] In determining whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, in addition to determining whether the target battery can be regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and the negative electrode potential, it is determined whether the target battery can be regenerated by adjusting the electrolyte, The invention further comprises regenerating the target battery, which has been determined to be regenerative by adjusting the electrolyte, by adjusting the electrolyte without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group. How to process [5]. [7] Based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the target battery, it is determined whether or not the target battery can be reused as is, The battery in question, which has been determined to be reusable as is, is reused without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group and without regeneration. A processing method comprising any one of [1] to [6]. [8] A device for a battery, The system includes a processor that determines, based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, whether or not the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active materials, which will be the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, from the electrode group. Processing device. [9][8] Processing unit, The target battery, in which the processor of the processing apparatus determines whether or not it can be regenerated without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, A battery processing system equipped with the following features.

[10] The battery in question comprises a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material, The negative electrode active material comprises a titanium-containing oxide. [9] Processing system.

[11] A program for processing batteries, which can be used by a computer. Based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, it is determined whether the target battery can be regenerated without separating the electrode active materials, which will be the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material, from the electrode group. Processing program.

[0077] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1... Processing system, 2... Battery, 3... Processing unit, 5... Measurement circuit, 11... Processing execution unit, 12... Storage unit, 15... Battery control unit, 16... Data analysis unit, 17... Judgment unit.

Claims

1. A method for processing batteries, Based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, the internal state parameters, including the positive electrode capacity and negative electrode capacity, are estimated. Based on the estimated decrease in at least one of the positive electrode capacity and the negative electrode capacity, the electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material in the reuse and recycling of the target battery are separated from the electrode group. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, the positive electrode active material separated from the electrode group is reused without decomposition. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, the negative electrode active material separated from the electrode group is reused without decomposition. A processing method comprising the following:

2. Based on the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity exceeding the reference level, the positive electrode active material separated from the electrode group is decomposed to recover elements contained in the positive electrode active material, or compounds or mixtures of the elements; Based on the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity exceeding the reference level, the negative electrode active material separated from the electrode group is decomposed to recover the elements contained in the negative electrode active material, or compounds or mixtures of those elements. The processing method of claim 1, further comprising:

3. Based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the target battery, an operational window shift is estimated as an internal state parameter, in addition to the positive electrode capacity and the negative electrode capacity. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in both the positive electrode capacity and the negative electrode capacity is below the reference level, it is determined that separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is unnecessary. When the separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is unnecessary, the target battery is regenerated by adjusting the positive electrode potential and negative electrode potential without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, based on the change in the operating window shift exceeding a reference level. The processing method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising:

4. Based on the analysis results of the measurement data for the target battery, the ion transfer resistance of the electrolyte is estimated as an internal state parameter, in addition to the positive electrode capacity, the negative electrode capacity, and the operation window shift. When the separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is unnecessary, regeneration is performed by adjusting the electrolyte without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group, based on the increase in ion transfer resistance exceeding a reference level. It further possesses, The processing method of claim 3.

5. The processing method of claim 3, further comprising, when the separation of the electrode active material from the electrode group is unnecessary, the target battery is reused as is without separating the electrode active material from the electrode group and without regeneration, at least based on the fact that the amount of change in the operation window shift is less than or equal to the reference level.

6. A battery processing device, Based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, internal state parameters including positive electrode capacity and negative electrode capacity are estimated. Based on the estimated decrease in at least one of the positive electrode capacity and the negative electrode capacity, it is determined that the electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material in the reuse and recycling of the battery in question need to be separated from the electrode group. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, it is determined that the positive electrode active material separated from the electrode group can be reused without decomposition. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, it is determined that the negative electrode active material separated from the electrode group can be reused without decomposition. A processing unit equipped with a processor.

7. The processing apparatus according to claim 6, The processor of the processing apparatus determines the necessity of separating the electrode active material from the electrode group in the target battery, A battery processing system equipped with the following features.

8. The aforementioned battery comprises a positive electrode active material and a negative electrode active material. The negative electrode active material comprises a titanium-containing oxide. The processing system of claim 7.

9. A program for processing batteries, which is used by a computer. Based on the analysis results of measurement data for the target battery, internal state parameters including positive electrode capacity and negative electrode capacity are estimated. Based on the estimated decrease in at least one of the positive electrode capacity and the negative electrode capacity, it is determined that the electrode active materials that will become the positive electrode active material and the negative electrode active material need to be separated from the electrode group for reuse and recycling of the target battery. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, it is determined that the positive electrode active material separated from the electrode group can be reused without decomposition. Based on the fact that the estimated decrease in the negative electrode capacity is below the reference level, and the estimated decrease in the positive electrode capacity exceeds the reference level, it is determined that the negative electrode active material separated from the electrode group can be reused without decomposition. Processing program.

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