A sensor assembly

Abstract

A sensor assembly is described, the sensor assembly comprising: a measurement bed for receiving an item to be measured; a supporting member vertically displaced from the measurement bed, when in use; a magnetic-field sensor connected to the supporting member; a motor for driving movement between the magnetic-field sensor and the measurement bed; and a controller configured to actuate the motor to cause the magnetic-field sensor to move relative to the measurement bed to scan the magnetic-field sensor across a measurement area. A method of measuring a magnetic field generated by an item using the sensor assembly is also described. The method comprises: positioning the item on the measurement bed such that it is within the measurement area; and scanning the magnetic-field sensor over the measurement area to measure the magnetic field generated by the item. A battery is described. The battery comprises one or more magnetic-field sensors within and / or around a respective magnetic and / or electrochemical component of the battery.

Description

[0001] A SENSOR ASSEMBLY

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a sensor assembly and methods of using said sensor assembly and particularly, although not exclusively to, a sensor assembly - and its use - for measuring the magnetic fields associated with electrochemical cells and batteries.

[0004] Background

[0005] It is possible to enhance electrochemical systems, such as electrochemical cells and batteries with the use of magnetic fields. The application of an external magnetic field to an electrochemical cell or battery has been seen to alter the transport properties of charged ions (e.g., lithium ions such as are used in typical batteries). Such alterations may include a reduction in the resistance associated with the transport of the ions across the electrochemical cell or battery, thereby improving the performance of said cell or battery.

[0006] Typically, magnetic flux generators are used to apply these external magnetic fields to electrochemical systems, but the generated magnetic fields need to be tailored in a bespoke fashion to suit the electrochemical system (e.g., the electrochemical cell or battery) to which an external magnetic field is being applied. When fashioning the magnetic fields to be applied to electrochemical cells, it is necessary to tailor both the spatial and temporal properties of the magnetic field structure to optimise any improvements induced in the cell - e.g., the abovementioned reduction in resistance.

[0007] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0008] Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a general sense, the present invention provides a sensor assembly that is able to accurately and reproducibly measure the spatiotemporal properties of magnetic fields in a measurement area of the sensor assembly. Such an assembly may be particularly beneficial in, for example, mass production settings for electrochemical systems such as batteries where it may be necessary or desirable to ensure that each and every battery produced in the mass production setting has been consistently produced with the desired magnetic field properties required to achieve the desired level of performance enhancement. The sensor assembly may also be particularly useful for carrying out magnetic measurements in magneto-electrochemistry settings owing to the flexible manoeuvrability of the sensor(s) of the assembly to obtain reliable and accurate measurements of the spatiotemporal properties of magnetic fields in magneto-electrochemical contexts.

[0010] In a first aspect, there is provided a sensor assembly comprising a measurement bed for receiving an item to be measured; a supporting member vertically displaced from the measurement bed, when in use; a magnetic-field sensor connected to the supporting member; a motor for driving movement between the magnetic-field sensor and the measurement bed; and a controller configured to actuate the motor to cause the magnetic-field sensor to move relative to the measurement bed to scan the magnetic-field sensor across a measurement area.

[0011] The supporting member of the sensor assembly provides a stable foundation such that the magnetic-field sensor connected to said supporting member is positioned stably. Additionally, by using the controller to actuate the motor to move the magnetic-field sensor such that it scans across the measurement area, it is possible to ensure that repeated uses of the sensor assembly for different items to be measured lead to consistent measurements of the different items. In this way, the sensor assembly may be suitable for use in contexts such as quality assurance in mass production settings.

[0012] In some embodiments, the supporting member may comprise a beam extending across, and vertically displaced, from the measurement bed in use. The magnetic-field sensor may be connected to the beam.

[0013] In some examples, the height of the beam relative to the measurement bed (in use) may be adjustable. In other words, the beam may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed, thereby moving the magnetic-field sensor closer to and / or further away from the item to be measured. Adjusting the height of the beam relative to the measurement bed may be carried out manually by a user or may be implemented by actuation of the (or another) motor.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the beam may be movable in a direction transverse to the direction in which it extends. In other words, if the beam extends along an ‘x’ axis in Cartesian coordinates, with the ‘z’ axis extending in the direction of the height of the beam above or below the measurement bed, then the beam may be movable in the ‘y’ direction within the context of that Cartesian coordinate system. Moving the beam along this axis may be carried out manually by a user or may be implemented by actuation of the (or another) motor.

[0015] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the beam may be movable in a direction parallel to the direction in which it extends. In other words, if the beam extends along an ‘x’ axis in Cartesian coordinates, with the ‘z’ axis extending in the direction of the height of the beam above or below the measurement bed, then the beam may be movable in said ‘x’ direction within the context of that Cartesian coordinate system. That is, the extent to which the beam extends across the surface (either above or beneath) of the measurement bed may be adjusted. Moving the beam along this axis may be carried out manually be a user or may be implemented by actuation of the (or another) motor.

[0016] In cases where the beam is movable (either in terms of the beam’s height or in the direction transverse or parallel to direction in which the beam extends), the beam may be moved by a single motor which may be the same motor as is used to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area. Alternatively, the beam may be moved by a different motor than the one used to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area. Alternatively, the beam may be moved by actuating more than one motor (e.g., a first motor to adjust the height of the beam and / or a second motor to move the beam in the direction transverse to the direction in which the beam extends and / or a third motor to move the beam in the direction parallel to the direction in which the beam extends; or any combination of the first, second and third motors may be a single common motor). Either of these motors may, in some examples, be the same motor as is used to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area. Alternatively, the motor used to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area may be a separate motor distinct from any of the motors used to move the beam.

[0017] In some examples, the supporting member may take the form of a crane having a post extending from a base, and the beam extending in a direction perpendicular to the post across, and vertically displaced from, the measurement bed. In other examples, the beam may be configured to extend, or jut out from, a wall proximal to the measurement bed in use. Similarly, in other examples, such as examples where the measurement bed is transported along a chute or tunnel (or other route bounded by walls on either side), the beam may extend between two parallel, or substantially parallel walls.

[0018] In some embodiments, the supporting member may be a gantry.

[0019] A gantry may be defined by two separate posts extending upwards from a common base, or from respectively different bases, with one or more crossbeams spanning the gap between the two posts. The magnetic-field sensor may be attached to one of these crossbeams.

[0020] For example, in some cases, the gantry may comprise a fixed crossbeam connecting two separated posts to ensure that the gantry is a stable, secure and / or fixed structure that serves to provide a stable platform for the magnetic-field sensor.

[0021] In examples where the supporting member is a gantry, the beam to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached may extend fully between the two posts of the gantry (i.e., be connected at either end of the beam to a respective one of the posts of the gantry. Alternatively, the beam to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached may extend only partially between the two posts of the gantry (i.e., the beam may be connected to only one of the posts of the gantry, at one end of the beam).

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the gantry may comprise a movable crossbeam to which the magnetic-field sensor is connected. The height of the movable crossbeam relative to the measurement bed (in use) may be adjustable. In other words, the movable cross beam may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed, thereby moving the magnetic-field sensor closer to and / or further away from the item to be measured. Adjusting the height of the beam relative to the measurement bed may be carried out manually by a user or may be implemented by actuation of the (or another) motor.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, one or both of the gantry and the measurement bed may be disposed on a movable platform or movable base such that the measurement bed is movable relative to the gantry in a direction transverse to the direction in which the one or more crossbeams extends. In other words, the measurement bed is movable relative to the gantry such that the measurement bed is movable through the gantry, between the posts of the gantry.

[0024] In some embodiments, the beam may overhang the measurement bed when in use.

[0025] In other words, the magnetic-field sensor may be connected to a beam with the measurement bed located underneath the beam and the magnetic-field sensor.

[0026] In this way, the magnetic-field sensor may be scanned over an area above the measurement bed to measure magnetic fields across the measurement area. Alternatively, in some examples, the beam may be disposed under the measurement bed when in use.

[0027] In other words, the magnetic-field sensor may be connected to a beam with the measurement bed located above the beam and the magnetic-field sensor.

[0028] In this way, the magnetic-field sensor may be scanned over an area beneath the measurement bed to measure magnetic fields across the measurement area.

[0029] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the sensor assembly may further comprise an additional magnetic-field sensor connected to an additional beam. One of the beams, having a magnetic-field sensor attached thereto, may overhang the measurement bed as described above, while the other of the beams, having the other of the magnetic-field sensors attached thereto, may be disposed under the measurement bed as described above. In this way, the supporting member may effectively define an aperture, bounded on either side by beams having respective magnetic-field sensors attached thereto, into which the measurement bed may be inserted or disposed when the sensor assembly is in use.

[0030] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to actuate the motor to move the magnetic-field sensor relative to the support member.

[0031] In this way, the supporting member may provide a fixed reference that the magnetic-field sensor is moved with respect to such that the magnetic-field sensor may be scanned across the measurement area.

[0032] For example, in examples where the supporting member comprises a beam extending across the measurement bed in use, the motor may be configured to cause the magnetic-field sensor to be moved along the beam (i.e., parallel to the direction in which the beam extends) to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area.

[0033] In some examples, the height (in use) of the magnetic-field sensor relative to the supporting member may be adjustable. In other words, the magnetic-field sensor may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed relative to the supporting member. For example, in examples where the supporting member comprises a beam extending across the measurement bed to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached, the height of the magnetic-field sensor relative to the beam may be adjustable.

[0034] In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to actuate the motor to move the supporting member relative to the measurement bed.

[0035] For example, the measurement bed may be held secure by the supporting member, and the motor may cause the measurement bed to be moved relative to a static supporting member. Alternatively, the motor may cause the supporting member to be moved relative to a static measurement bed.

[0036] In some examples, the height of a part of the supporting member to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached may be adjustable (in use). In other words, the part of the supporting member to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed, thereby moving the magnetic-field sensor closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the part of the supporting member to which the magnetic- field sensor is attached may be movable in a direction transverse to the height - i.e., horizontally, in one or more directions, over / beneath the surface of the measurement bed.

[0037] In examples where the supporting member comprises a beam to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached, the motor may be configured to cause the beam to move relative to the measurement bed.

[0038] For example, the height of the beam relative to the measurement bed (in use) may be adjustable. In other words, the beam may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed, thereby moving the magnetic-field sensor closer to and / or further away from the item to be measured.

[0039] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the beam may be movable in a direction transverse to the direction in which it extends. In other words, if the beam extends along an ‘x’ axis in Cartesian coordinates, with the ‘z’ axis extending in the direction of the height of the beam above or below the measurement bed, then the beam may be movable in the ‘y’ direction within the context of that Cartesian coordinate system. Moving the beam along this axis may be implemented by actuation of the (or another) motor.

[0040] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the beam may be movable in a direction parallel to the direction in which it extends. In other words, if the beam extends along an ‘x’ axis in Cartesian coordinates, with the ‘z’ axis extending in the direction of the height of the beam above or below the measurement bed, then the beam may be movable in said ‘x’ direction within the context of that Cartesian coordinate system. That is, the extent to which the beam extends across the surface (either above or beneath) of the measurement bed may be adjusted.

[0041] In cases where the beam is movable relative to the measurement bed (either in terms of the beam’s height or in the direction transverse to direction in which the beam extends), and the magnetic-field sensor is movable relative to the supporting member, the beam may be moved by a single motor which may be the same motor as is used to move the magnetic-field sensor. Alternatively, the beam may be moved by a different motor than the one used to move the magnetic-field sensor. Alternatively, the beam may be moved by actuating more than one motor (e.g., a first motor to adjust the height of the beam and / or a second motor to move the beam in the direction transverse to the direction in which the beam extends and / or a third motor to move the beam in the direction parallel to the direction in which the beam extends; or any combination of the first, second and third motors may be a single common motor). Either of these motors may, in some examples, be the same motor as is used to move the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area. Alternatively, the motor used to move the magnetic-field sensor may be a separate motor distinct from any of the motors used to move the beam.

[0042] In some embodiments, the motor may be a three-axis motor and the controller may be configured to actuate the motor to cause the magnetic-field sensor to move relative to the measurement bed to scan the magnetic-field sensor in three dimensions across the measurement area.

[0043] In this way, a single motor may be provided to provide a full three-dimensional spatial mapping of magnetic fields in the measurement area. In some examples, the three-axis motor may be operable to move the magnetic-field sensor directly in three dimensions.

[0044] In some examples, the three-axis motor may be operable to move the part of the supporting member to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached (e.g., the beam of some embodiments and examples) directly in three dimensions.

[0045] In some examples, the three-axis motor may be operable to move the magnetic-field sensor directly in one or more of the three dimensions, and operable to move the part of the supporting member to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached (e.g., the beam of some embodiments and examples) directly in one or more of the three dimensions. One or more of the dimensions that the magnetic-field sensor is movable by the motor and the one or more of the dimensions that the part of the supporting member to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached is movable by the motor may be mutually exclusive or they may include one or more common dimensions.

[0046] In some embodiments, the magnetic-field sensor may be removably connected to the supporting member.

[0047] For example, the magnetic-field sensor may be replaceable by an alternative magnetic-field sensor having different parameters to the initial magnetic-field sensor. For example, the two different magnetic- field sensors may have different effective sensing ranges - i.e., the operating ranges in terms of magnetic field strength (in units of Tesla) may be different. Additionally or alternatively, the two different magnetic- field sensors may have different resolutions, sampling rates, accuracies, scanning speeds, and / or bandwidths.

[0048] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may be replaceable by an alternative sensor configured to measure a property different from magnetic field. For example, the alternative sensor may be a temperature sensor, acoustic sensor, and / or an optical sensor.

[0049] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise one or more probes sensitive to magnetic fields in a particular direction. For example, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise one or more Hall probes.

[0050] The Hall probes may have a sensory resolution that is dependent on the temperature of the Hall probe. For example, at a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, the resolution of each or any of the Hall probes may be 5% or better, 1 % or better, 0.5% or better, or 0.1 % or better.

[0051] In some embodiments, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise a plurality of probes. Each probe may be configured to measure a different directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area.

[0052] For example, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise a plurality of Hall probes, each being configured to measure a different directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area.

[0053] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise three Hall probes. Each of the three Hall probes may be respectively arranged to measure a different (and, optionally, orthogonal) component of the magnetic field. For example, in the context of a Cartesian coordinate system where the ‘z’ axis is an axis extending perpendicular to the measurement bed, and the ‘x’ and ‘y’ axes are axes extending in orthogonal directions parallel to the surface of the measurement bed, each of the Hall probes may be respectively arranged to be sensitive to components of the magnetic field parallel to the ‘x’, ‘y’ , and ‘z’ axes.

[0054] In some embodiments, the magnetic-field sensor may be rotatable between a plurality of different orientations relative to the measurement bed. The magnetic-field sensor may comprise a probe that is configured to measure a different directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area in each orientation.

[0055] For example, the magnetic-field sensor may comprise a single Hall probe configured to measure a particular directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area, depending on the orientation in which the single Hall probe is arranged.

[0056] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may be rotatable between three different (and, optionally, orthogonal) orientation. In doing so, the probe that is part of the magnetic-field sensor may be rotated through the different orientations such that it is possible to successively measure three different (optionally orthogonal) components of the magnetic field.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may further comprise a plurality of additional magnetic-field sensors arranged in an array with the magnetic-field sensor.

[0058] In other words, the sensor assembly may comprise a plurality of magnetic-field sensors arranged in an array.

[0059] In some examples, the array may be movable as a single unit in the same manner as the magnetic-field sensor described above in relation to any of the other embodiments or examples described herein. For example, the entire array may be moved while the relative positions of each of the plurality of magnetic- field sensors with respect to each other remain fixed. The array may be movable manually by the user, or by actuation of the (or another) motor of the sensor assembly.

[0060] In some examples, the supporting member may provide a fixed reference that the array of magnetic-field sensors is moved with respect to such that the array may be scanned across the measurement area.

[0061] For example, in examples where the supporting member comprises a beam extending across the measurement bed in use, the array of magnetic-field sensors may be movable along the beam (i.e., parallel to the direction in which the beam extends) to scan the magnetic-field sensor across the measurement area.

[0062] Additionally or alternatively, in some examples, the height (in use) of the magnetic-field sensor relative to the supporting member may be adjustable. In other words, the magnetic-field sensor may be moved closer to and / or further away from the measurement bed relative to the supporting member. For example, in examples where the supporting member comprises a beam extending across the measurement bed to which the magnetic-field sensor is attached, the height of the magnetic-field sensor relative to the beam may be adjustable. Additionally or alternatively, in some examples where the supporting member comprises a beam, the array of magnetic-field sensors may be movable in a direction transverse to the direction in which the beam extends. In other words, the array may be movable to scan across the measurement area in a direction perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to both the direction in which the beam extends and a height of the array above or beneath the measurement bed.

[0063] In some examples, a width of the array may be at least equal to a width of the measurement area (and, in some examples, the width of the array may be similar to or equal to a width of the measurement bed), such that the array only needs to be moved in one direction to fully scan the measurement area with the array of magnetic-field sensors.

[0064] In some embodiments, the measurement bed may be tiltable relative to the supporting member.

[0065] For example, the measurement bed may comprise a plurality of adjustable legs or screws configured to operate as tilting screws that can adjust a relative tilt of the measurement bed. In this way, it may be possible to adjust the measurement bed such that an item in the measurement area on the measurement bed can be tilted into a desired orientation with respect to the magnetic-field sensor(s) of the sensor array.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, the measurement bed may be tiltable by the user to ensure that the bed is truly horizontal regardless of any tilt or slant in the surface on which the sensor assembly is disposed. In this way, the sensor assembly may be accurately calibrated regardless of where it is set up and operated.

[0067] In some embodiments, the measurement bed may comprise a securing mechanism for immobilising the item to be measured on the measurement bed.

[0068] Ensuring that the item to be measured is static on the measurement bed may be advantageous as it may ensure that any measured spatiotemporal properties of the associated magnetic fields are accurate and reliable.

[0069] The securing mechanism may be any suitable means for immobilising the item to be measured. Preferably, the securing mechanism is formed from non-magnetic materials to minimise any potential interference with the magnetic field(s) generated by the item to be measured.

[0070] For example, the securing mechanism may comprise one or more straps for immobilising the item.

[0071] Additionally or alternatively, the securing mechanism may comprise one or more clamps for immobilising the item.

[0072] Additionally or alternatively, the securing mechanism may comprise one or more screws for immobilising the item. For example, the measurement bed may comprise a plurality of threaded holes. The item to be measured may also comprise one or more threaded holes. The one or more screws may therefore be threaded through the one or more threaded holes in the item to be measured and at least one of the plurality of threaded holes in the measurement bed to immobilise the item.

[0073] Additionally or alternatively, the securing mechanism may be defined by a recess in the measurement bed. The recess in the measurement bed may be shaped and sized to receive the item to be measured. In some examples, the item to be measured may fit snugly within the recess, thereby immobilizing the item. In other examples, the item to be measured may not fit snugly within the recess. In such examples, the securing mechanism may further comprise adjustable and / or replaceable cushioning elements for inserting into the recess along with the item to be measured to ensure a snug fit within the recess, thereby immobilizing the item.

[0074] In some embodiments, the measurement bed may be removable.

[0075] For example, the sensor assembly may be useable in a mass production setting. In such a setting, it may be desirable to prepare a plurality of items to be measured, each on a respective measurement bed (e.g., for quality assurance purposes). Each respective measurement bed may then be inserted and removed from the sensor assembly in turn (preferably with the supporting member and magnetic-field sensor remaining in place) such that each of the items disposed on each respective measurement bed can be measured one after another.

[0076] In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may further comprise a conveyer for conveying one or more removable measurement beds through the sensor assembly.

[0077] For example, the conveyer may be a conveyer belt for conveying the measurement beds through the sensor assembly. In embodiments and examples where the supporting member is a gantry, the posts of the gantry may be disposed either side of the conveyer belt, with the crossbeams of the gantry spanning the width of the conveyer belt.

[0078] Alternatively, the conveyer may be an automated system for inserting the measurement bed into and removing the measurement bed from the sensor assembly. For example, the sensor assembly may define a docking station into which the measurement bed may be inserted into and removed from, and the conveyer may be a system configured to dock and undock the measurement bed from the docking station.

[0079] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of measuring a magnetic field generated by an item using any of the sensor assemblies described herein. The method comprises: positioning the item on the measurement bed such that it is within the measurement area; and scanning the magnetic-field sensor over the measurement area to measure the magnetic field generated by the item.

[0080] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise: consecutively conveying one or more measurement beds each having a separate item disposed thereon through the sensor assembly to consecutively measure a respective magnetic field generated by each item.

[0081] In other words, in some examples and embodiments, there may be provided of deploying any of the sensor assemblies described herein in a mass-production setting (e.g., for quality assurance purposes). Operation of the sensor assembly may therefore be substantially or fully automated in some settings.

[0082] In some embodiments of any of the aspects described herein, the item to be measured may be an electrochemical cell or battery. In some examples, the electrochemical cell or battery may be augmented with one or more magnetic flux generators. For example, the electrochemical cell or batter may comprise one or more cell components disposed on a magnetic field source (i.e., a magnetic flux generator).

[0083] In some embodiments of any of the aspects described herein, the item to be measured may be a battery for a vehicle.

[0084] In some examples, the battery may be disposed on the measurement bed (and tested using the magnetic-field sensor(s)) before it is placed in the vehicle.

[0085] Alternatively, in some examples, the battery may be disposed within (and electrically connected to) a vehicle. Said vehicle may be positioned on the measurement bed in use and the vehicle battery may be tested with the battery inside the vehicle (i.e., in situ).

[0086] In a third aspect, there is provided a battery. The battery comprises one or more magnetic-field sensors within and / or around a respective magnetic and / or electrochemical component of the battery.

[0087] The battery may be suitable for measurement using the sensor assemblies described herein.

[0088] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors of the battery may be used in concert with the magnetic- field sensor(s) of the sensor assembly to provide a detailed map indicative of the internal and external magnetic fields associated with the battery.

[0089] In some examples, the battery may be used independently of the sensor assembly described above. For example, the battery may be for use with a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop. In other examples, the battery may be for use in an electric vehicle (EV). That is, the battery may be for powering an electric vehicle. In yet further examples, the battery may be for use in a stationary energy storage system.

[0090] The magnetic-field sensors of the battery may be of the same type as the magnetic-field sensor(s) described with reference to the sensor assembly above, or alternatively, the magnetic-field sensors of the battery may be of a different type from the magnetic-field sensor(s) described with reference to the sensor assembly. In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors of the battery may comprise one or more Hall probes as described above with reference to the sensor assembly.

[0091] The provision of magnetic-field sensors on the batteries themselves (or even on individual cells) may facilitate more convenient monitoring of the spatiotemporal properties of the magnetic fields in the vicinity of the battery (cell), and allow for more efficient optimising of the performance enhancement provided by the magnetic components of the battery (cell).

[0092] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors within and / or around the respective magnetic and / or electrochemical components of the battery may be installed during the manufacture of the overall battery.

[0093] The magnetic-field sensor(s) may be communicatively couplable to a battery management system (BMS) to supply sensor data thereto. The magnetic-field sensor(s) may be communicatively couplable to a charger for charging the battery so as to supply sensor data to the charger. In this way, the sensor data may be used as input to a charger software, based on which, the charger software can determine an appropriate charging protocol for the battery.

[0094] In some examples, the sensor data may include frequency measurements (e.g. in Hz) and / or magnitude measurements (e.g. in mT) and / or spatial distribution measurements of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. In some examples, the sensor data may include frequency measurements and / or magnitude measurements per unit area.

[0095] In some examples, the battery may comprise a plurality of cylindrical cells.

[0096] Additionally or alternatively, the battery may comprise a plurality of prismatic cells.

[0097] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors may be positioned on or within one or more of the cells of the battery.

[0098] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors positioned on or within one or more cells of the battery may be installed during the manufacture of the respective cell.

[0099] In some examples, the battery may further comprise a magnetic field source. The magnetic field source may comprise one or more magnetic flux generators. The magnetic field source may, in some examples, define a base of the battery on which one or more cells of the battery are arranged. A plurality of cells of the battery may be arranged on the magnetic field source in an array.

[0100] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensors may be positioned around the battery, e.g. between the battery cells and / or on the magnetic field source.

[0101] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a battery management system (BMS). The BMS may be couplable / coupled (e.g. electrically) to a battery. In some examples, the BMS may be couplable / coupled (e.g. electrically) to the battery described in the preceding aspect. That is, the battery may comprise one or more magnetic-field sensors within, on and / or around a respective magnetic and / or electrochemical component of the battery.

[0102] The battery may further comprise a magnetic field source. The magnetic field source may comprise one or more magnetic flux generators.

[0103] The BMS may be couplable to the battery so as to control the battery’s operation. The BMS may be couplable to the magnetic field source (e.g. the one or more magnetic flux generators) so as to control the operation of the magnetic field source (e.g. of the / each magnetic flux generator).

[0104] The BMS may be communicatively couplable to the one or more magnetic-field sensors so as to obtain sensor data therefrom.

[0105] The BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to) control the operation of the battery and / or the magnetic field source based on the obtained sensor data.

[0106] The BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to) obtain sensor data periodically or continuously over time. In this way, the BMS may be able to control battery and / or magnetic field source operation in response to changes / fluctuations in the sensor data. The BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to) control each magnetic flux generator individually. In some examples, the BMS may individually control selected magnetic flux generator(s) (e.g. their frequency and / or magnitude) according to a predetermined schema outlining a spatiotemporal distribution and / or magnitude and / or frequency of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. In some examples, the BMS may receive the sensor data which may be indicative of a non-uniform distribution of the overall magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. Consequently, the BMS may individually control selected magnetic flux generator(s) (e.g. their frequency and / or magnitude) to homogenise the overall magnetic field.

[0107] In some examples, it may be desirable to apply respective different magnetic fields to respective different cells of the battery, e.g. depending on their respective different ages. In this case, the BMS may obtain sensor data and based on the sensor data, control selected magnetic flux generator(s) (e.g. their frequency and / or magnitude) to ensure that each cell is exposed to the desired magnetic field.

[0108] In some examples, the sensor data may include frequency measurements (e.g. in Hz) and / or magnitude measurements (e.g. in mT) and / or spatial distribution measurements of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source. In some examples, the sensor data may include frequency measurements and / or magnitude measurements per unit area.

[0109] In some examples, if unsafe levels of magnetic field (e.g. frequency and / or strength) are detected using the one or more magnetic-field sensors, the BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to) disable the magnetic field source.

[0110] In some examples, the BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to): obtain sensor data from the one or more magnetic-field sensors; and provided that sensor data satisfies a predetermined condition, enable a predetermined type of battery operation.

[0111] The predetermined condition may include: the sensor data indicating the presence of a magnetic field, and / or the sensor data indicating the presence of a magnetic field having a magnitude and / or frequency and / or spatiotemporal distribution within a predetermined range, e.g. larger than a predetermined threshold.

[0112] The predetermined type of battery operation may include for example charging, such as applying a charge current to the battery which is larger than a predetermined threshold. In this way, the BMS may first ensure that a magnetic field of a predetermined strength / distribution / stability is present before enabling certain battery operation such as supply of an aggressive charge current. Otherwise, the BMS may be configured to (e.g. programmed to) delay enabling the predetermined battery operation until the magnetic field has been detected to be of a satisfactory strength / distribution / stability using the magnetic- field sensor(s). The BMS may be suitable for use with a portable electronic device which comprises the battery, and optionally the magnetic-field sensor(s), and optionally the magnetic field source. The portable electronic device may be for example a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop.

[0113] In other examples, the BMS may be suitable for use with an electric vehicle (EV) which comprises the battery, and optionally the magnetic-field sensor(s), and optionally the magnetic field source.

[0114] In yet further examples, the BMS may be suitable for use with a stationary energy storage system which comprises the battery, and optionally the magnetic-field sensor(s), and optionally the magnetic field source.

[0115] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an electric vehicle comprising the battery of the third aspect and the battery management system of the fourth aspect.

[0116] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a stationary energy storage system comprising the battery of the third aspect and the battery management system of the fourth aspect.

[0117] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a portable electronic device comprising the battery of the third aspect and the battery management system of the fourth aspect.

[0118] In any of the aspects, embodiments, or examples described herein, the various components may have parameters within a particular range, such as the ranges set out below. The parameters of any of the components set out below may be combined in any combination, except where such a combination is clearly impossible.

[0119] In some examples, the measurement bed may have dimensions of 1 square metre or less, 0.5 square metres or less, 0.25 metres or less, or 0.1 metres or less. In a particular example, the measurement bed may define a square bed having side length of 0.3 metres.

[0120] In some examples, the measurement bed may have dimensions of 25 square metres or less, 10 square metres or less, or 5 square metres or less. In a particular example (e.g., in an example wherein the sensor assembly is used in the context of vehicle battery sensing), the measurement bed may define a square bed having side length of 3 metres.

[0121] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may be vertically displaced from the measurement bed to an extent such that the overall volume that the item to be measured is an approximately cubic volume. In other words, in examples where the measurement bed defines a square bed, the magnetic-field sensor may be vertically displaced from the measurement bed by a distance equal to, or approximately equal to, the side length of the square bed.

[0122] In some examples, the measurement bed may be adapted to bear a maximum loading weight of 100 kg or less, 50 kg or less, 15 kg or less, 10 kg or less, 5 kg or less, or 1 kg or less. Such examples may correspond to examples where the measurement bed has dimensions of 1 square metre or less, 0.5 square metres or less, 0.25 metres or less, or 0.1 metres or less. In a particular example, the measurement bed may define a square bed having side length of 0.3 metres and a maximum loading weight of 10 kg. In some examples, the measurement bed may be adapted to bear a maximum loading weight of 10 000 kg or less, 5 000 kg or less, 1 000 kg or less, 500 kg or less, or 100 kg or less. Such examples may correspond to examples where the measurement bed has dimensions of 25 square metres or less, 10 square metres or less, or 5 square metres or less. In a particular example, the measurement bed may define a square bed having side length of 3 metres and a maximum loading weight of 1 000 kg.

[0123] In some examples, the magnetic-field sensor may be movable to be located a distance of 0.1 mm or more from the item to be measured, 1 mm or more from the item to be measured, 5 mm or more from the item to be measured, 10 mm or more from the item to be measured, 100 mm or more from the item to be measured, or 300 mm or more from the item to be measured.

[0124] In some examples, the maximum scanning speed of the sensor assembly may be 20 000 mm per minute or less, 10 000 mm per minute or less, 5000 mm per minute or less, 1000 mm per minute or less, or 500 mm per minute or less. In a particular example, the maximum scanning speed of the sensor assembly may be 12 000 mm per minute.

[0125] In some examples, each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be configured to detect magnetic fields having a strength in the range of 0.01 to 0.1 T. Alternatively, each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be configured to detect magnetic fields having a strength in the range of 0.1 to 1 T.

[0126] In some examples, each of or any of the magnetic field sensors may have an operable sensing range of 5 T or less, 1 T or less, 500 mT or less, 100 mT or less, or 50 mT or less. In a particular example, each or any of the magnetic field sensors may have an operable sensing range of 3 T.

[0127] In some examples, each or any of the magnetic field sensors may have a resolution of 1 % or better, 0.5% or better, 0.1 % or better, 0.05% or better, or 0.01 % or better. In a particular example, each or any of the magnetic field sensors may have a resolution of 0.03%.

[0128] In some examples, the sensor assembly may have a sampling rate associated therewith. The sampling rate may be understood as being the number of individual measurements taken by the magnetic-field sensor(s) of the sensor assembly per second. In some examples, the sampling rate of the sensor assembly may be 5 x 105per second or more, 106per second or more, 5 x 106per second or more, 107per second or more, or 5 x 107per second or more. In a particular example, the sampling rate may be 2 x 107or more.

[0129] In some examples, the sensing bandwidth of each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be 5 MHz or less, 2.5 MHz or less, 1 MHz or less, or 0.5 MHz or less. In some examples, the sensing bandwidth of each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be 0.5 MHz or more, 1 MHz or more, 2.5 MHz or more, or 5 MHz or more. In some examples, the sensing bandwidth of each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be between 0 and 5 MHz, 0 and 2.5 MHz, 0 and 1 MHz, 0 and 0.5 MHz, 0.5 and 5 MHz, 0.5 and 2.5 MHz, 0.5 and 1 MHz, 1 and 5 MHz, 1 and 2.5 MHz, or 2.5 and 5 MHz. In a particular example, the operating bandwidth of each or any of the magnetic field sensors may be 4 MHz ranging from 0 to 4 MHz.

[0130] Insofar as possible, it may be preferable for the components of the sensor assemblies described herein to be made from non-magnetic materials (e.g., paramagnetic, or diamagnetic materials) to prevent interference with the magnetic field(s) generated by the item(s) to be measured on the measurement bed. To the extent that any components (e.g., the controller and / or motor) need to be manufactured from magnetic materials, it may be preferable to position them sufficiently far from the measurement area to ensure that they do not generate magnetic fields that interfere with the magnetic field(s) generated by the item(s) to be measured on the measurement bed.

[0131] For example, it may be advantageous for the sensor to comprise an elongate housing such that any probes installed within the housing do not detect magnetic fields generated by circuity connecting the magnetic-field sensor to the (or another) controller or to a power supply.

[0132] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0133] Summary of the Figures

[0134] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0135] Figure 1 shows a sensor assembly as described herein.

[0136] Figure 2 shows a sensor assembly in use with the magnetic-field sensor being scanned across a beam of a gantry supporting member.

[0137] Figure 3 shows a sensor assembly with a battery comprising a plurality of cylindrical cells disposed on the measurement bed.

[0138] Figure 4 shows a sensor assembly with a battery comprising a plurality of prismatic cells disposed on the measurement bed.

[0139] Figure 5 shows a sensor assembly having a plurality of measurement beds being conveyed through a gantry of the sensor assembly, each measurement bed having a vehicle battery disposed thereon.

[0140] Figure 6 shows an internal schematic of a magnetic-field sensor having a plurality of probes installed therein.

[0141] Figure 7 shows a schematic of a rotatable magnetic-field sensor having a single probe installed therein.

[0142] Figure 8 shows an array of magnetic-field sensors.

[0143] Figure 9 shows a first example of a sensor assembly comprising an array of magnetic-field sensors.

[0144] Figure 10 shows a second example of a sensor assembly comprising an array of magnetic-field sensors.

[0145] Figures 11a-c show magnetic field data measured using a sensor assembly described herein with a permanent ring magnet used as a test item to be measured.

[0146] Figure 12 shows a battery comprising a plurality of cylindrical cells with a plurality of magnetic-field sensors installed on and in the battery.

[0147] Figure 13 shows a battery comprising a plurality of prismatic cells with a plurality of magnetic-field sensors installed on and in the battery. Figures 14 and 15 show a battery comprising a plurality of cylindrical cells with a plurality of magnetic- field sensors installed on and around the battery.

[0148] Figures 16 and 17 show respective example implementations of a battery management system coupled to a battery comprising a magnetic-field sensor and a magnetic field source.

[0149] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0150] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

[0151] Figure 1 shows a sensor assembly 100. The sensor assembly 100 may be suitable for use in quality assurance processes in e.g., mass-production settings. Alternatively, the sensor assembly 100 may be suitable for use in precise spatiotemporal magnetic field analysis in magneto-electrochemistry settings. The sensor assembly 100 comprises a measurement bed 110, a supporting member (in the form of a gantry) 120, a magnetic-field sensor 130, a motor 140, a controller 150, a plurality of levelling screws 160, and a power supply 170.

[0152] The measurement bed 110 is shaped and sized to receive an item 200 for measurement and may be removable from underneath the gantry 120. In some examples, the measurement bed 110 comprises a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism is preferably formed from non-magnetic materials such as plastic to minimise any potential interference with the magnetic field(s) generated by the item 200 on the measurement bed 110. The securing mechanism may be any suitable mechanism for securing the item 200 including straps, clamps, and / or screws. In some examples, the securing mechanism may be defined by a recess in the measurement bed 110. The item 200 may be received into the recess and immobilised by urging the item 200 against the walls of the recess, using one or more cushioning elements if necessary.

[0153] The supporting member 120 is depicted in Figure 1 as a gantry having a pair of posts either side of the measurement bed 110 with a crossbeam connecting the two posts. The gantry 120 comprises a beam 122 extending between the two posts. The supporting member 120 provides a stable foundation such that the magnetic-field sensor 130 is positioned stably. In some examples, instead of a gantry, the supporting member 120 may be in the form of e.g., a crane with a beam 122 extending from a single post adjacent to the measurement bed 110.

[0154] As can be seen in Figure 1 , the beam 122 overhangs the measurement bed 110. In alternative implementations, the beam 122 may instead be disposed beneath the measurement bed 110 in use. In some examples, a first beam 122 may overhang the measurement bed while an additional beam (not shown) with a respective magnetic-field sensor attached thereto may be disposed beneath the measurement bed 110 in use.

[0155] The magnetic-field sensor 130 is attached to the beam 122 extending between the posts of the gantry 120 and is movable (either manually or by actuation of the motor 140) along the beam 122 to scan the magnetic-field sensor 130 across a measurement area of the measurement bed 110. In some examples, the measurement area may correspond to all, or nearly all, of the measurement bed 110.

[0156] The magnetic-field sensor 130 may be removably connected to the beam 122 such that it may be replaceable with an alternative magnetic-field sensor (having different measurement parameters) or a wholly different sensor such as a temperature sensor, acoustic sensor, and / or optical sensor.

[0157] The motor 140 is configured to be actuated under instruction from the controller 150 to move the magnetic-field sensor 130 and / or the beam 122 to scan the magnetic-field sensor 130 across the measurement area to measure the spatiotemporal properties of the magnetic field(s) generated by the item 200. In some examples, the motor 140 may be a three-axis motor. By using the controller 150 to actuate the motor 140 to move the magnetic-field sensor 130 such that it scans across the measurement area, it is possible to ensure that repeated uses of the sensor assembly 100 for different items 200 to be measured lead to consistent measurements of the different items 200.

[0158] In examples where both the beam 122 and the magnetic-field sensor 130 are movable, they may both be movable under actuation of the same motor 140. Alternatively, a first motor may be actuated to move the beam 122, and a second motor may be actuated to move the magnetic-field sensor. Alternatively, the same motor 140, or another additional motor may be actuated to move the measurement bed 110 relative to the supporting member 120.

[0159] The motor 140 may be a three-axis motor configured to move the magnetic-field sensor 130 and / or the beam 122 relative to the measurement bed 110 in three orthogonal directions: a height direction, a direction parallel to the direction in which the beam 122 extends, and a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the beam 122 extends. These three directions are denoted as the ‘z’, ‘x’, and ‘y’ directions respectively in the figures and throughout the specification.

[0160] The controller 150, in addition to being operable to actuate the motor 140, may be in communication (either wired or wireless) with a device operable by a user to set the measurement parameters and scan parameters associated with the magnetic-field measurements of the item 200. The controller 150 may also be connected to the magnetic-field sensor 130 to control the operation of the magnetic-field sensor 130.

[0161] The levelling screws 160 are operable to adjust the tilt of the measurement bed 110 relative to the gantry 120. Any or each of the levelling screws 160 may be independently adjustable, and may be operable either manually by a user, or by actuation of a motor (e.g., a motor connected to the controller 150 or a different controller). Adjusting the tilt may in some examples be achieved by adjustable legs as opposed to levelling screws 160. The levelling screws 160 may be adjusted to adjust the tilt of the measurement bed 110 such that an item 200 in the measurement area on the measurement bed 110 can be tilted into a desired orientation with respect to the magnetic-field sensor 130 of the sensor assembly 100. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to control the tilt of the measurement bed 110 to ensure that the measurement bed 110 is “truly” horizontal regardless of any tilt or slant in the surface on which the sensor assembly is installed or disposed. The power supply 170 is configured to provide power to the sensor assembly 100. For example, the power supply may provide power to any or all the magnetic-field sensors 130, the motor 140, the controller 150, and any additional motors and / or controllers not depicted in Figure 1 .

[0162] Figure 2 shows the sensor assembly 100 of Figure 1 with the magnetic-field sensor 130 being scanned across the beam 122 of the gantry 120. As can be seen from Figure 2, in response to instructions from the controller 150, a motor (optionally the motor 140 depicted in Figure 1) is actuated to move the magnetic-field sensor 130 along the beam 120.

[0163] As discussed above, in some examples, the height of the beam 122 relative to the measurement bed 110 may be adjustable, either manually, by the motor 140, or by another motor (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the beam 122 may be movable in a direction transverse to the direction in which the beam 122 extends and / or parallel to the direction in which the beam extends. These motions may be implemented manually by a user, by the motor 140, or by another respectively different or common motor (not shown).

[0164] Figures 3 and 4 show the sensor assembly 100 of Figure 1 with different batteries disposed on the measurement bed.

[0165] Figure 3 shows the sensor assembly 100 of Figure 1 with a cylindrical cell battery 204 disposed on the measurement bed 110. As will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 12, the cylindrical cell battery 204 comprises a magnetic field source 202 (e.g., a magnetic flux generator) with a plurality of cylindrical cells arranged in an array on the magnetic field source. The magnetic field source may be provided as part of the cylindrical cell battery 204 to augment or enhance the performance of the cylindrical cell battery 204 - e.g., by reducing the resistance associated with the ion transport properties of the cylindrical cell battery 204.

[0166] Figure 4 shows the sensor assembly 100 of Figure 1 with a prismatic cell battery 208 disposed on the measurement bed 110. As will be discussed in greater detail below with reference to Figure 12, the prismatic cell battery 208 comprises a magnetic field source 202 (e.g., a magnetic flux generator) with a plurality of prismatic cells arranged in an array on the magnetic field source. The magnetic field source may be provided as part of the prismatic cell battery 208 to augment or enhance the performance of the prismatic cell battery 208 - e.g., by reducing the resistance associated with the ion transport properties of the prismatic cell battery 208.

[0167] While cylindrical and prismatic cell batteries are particular examples described herein, the skilled person will recognise that the aspects, embodiments, and examples described herein are not limited to only apply to batteries in such configurations and that any suitable configuration for an electrochemical cell or battery may be used in conjunction with the sensor assemblies and methods described herein.

[0168] Figure 5 shows a sensor assembly 100 having a plurality of measurement beds 110 being conveyed through the gantry 120 of the sensor assembly 110. Each measurement bed 110 being conveyed through the gantry 120 has a respective vehicle battery 212 disposed thereon. The measurements beds 110 may be conveyed. For example, the measurement beds 110 may be conveyed via a conveyer belt (e.g., in a factory setting) through the gantry 120 of the sensor assembly 100. Alternatively, the sensor assembly 100 may define a docking station and conveying the measurement beds 110 through the sensor assembly may involve inserting and removing each measurement bed 110 into and from the docking station defined by the sensor assembly 100 in turn.

[0169] The vehicle batteries 212 may disposed directly on the measurement bed 110 as they are conveyed through the sensor assembly. Alternatively, the vehicle batteries 212 may be installed in and connected in a respective vehicle and the entire vehicle may be conveyed through the sensor assembly 100 (e.g., as part of a production or quality assurance line in a factory for manufacturing vehicles).

[0170] Figure 6 shows an internal schematic of a magnetic-field sensor 130 having a sensor housing 132 and a plurality of probes 134a-c installed therein.

[0171] Each or any of the plurality of probes 134a-c may be a respective Hall probe. Each Hall probe 134a-c may be arranged to measure a respectively different (and, in some cases, orthogonal) component of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 on the measurement bed 110. The probes 134a-c may be arranged within the sensor housing 132 in a linear or triangular arrangement, as can be seen in the cutout configurations shown in Figure 2. The linear or triangular arrangement may be chosen based on physical constraints associated with the dimensions of the sensor housing 132.

[0172] The three probes 134a-c may be arranged to respectively measure the ‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’ components of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 to be measured. The ‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’ components may be understood as being the components of the parallel magnetic field that are respectively parallel to the ‘x’, ‘y’ and ‘z’ axes depicted in the coordinate reference shown in Figure 1.

[0173] Figure 7 shows an internal schematic of an alternative magnetic-field sensor 130 having a sensor housing 132 and a single probe 134 installed therein.

[0174] The probe may be a Hall probe. The Hall probe may be arranged to measure a particular component of the magnetic field generated by the item on the measurement bed 110. As can be seen from Figure 7, by rotating the magnetic-field sensor 130 between three different (and, preferably, orthogonal) orientations, is possible to consecutively measure the three orthogonal components of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 on the measurement bed 110 with a single probe 134.

[0175] By rotating the magnetic-field sensor 130 by 90 degrees in the directions shown in Figure 7, it is possible to orient the probe 134 installed within the housing 132 such that the probe consecutively measures the ‘x’ component of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 in the measurement bed 110 when the probe 134 is in ‘Position 1 ’ of Figure 7, the ‘y’ component of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 in the measurement bed 110 when the probe 134 is in ‘Position 2’ of Figure 7, and the ‘z’ component of the magnetic field generated by the item 200 in the measurement bed 110 when the probe 134 is in ‘Position 3’ of Figure 7.

[0176] Figure 8 shows an alternative magnetic-field sensor 130 comprising a sensor array 134. Each individual sensor of the sensor array 134 may preferably have the probe arrangement and configuration of the magnetic-field sensor 130 depicted in Figure 6. The sensor array 134 may be advantageous because it can measure magnetic fields over a wider field of view in a single measurement scan.

[0177] Figure 9 shows a first example of a sensor assembly 100 comprising a magnetic-field sensor 130 that includes a sensory array 134. As can be seen from Figure 9, a width (and the area) of the sensor array 134 is smaller than a corresponding width (and the area) of the measurement bed 110. As such, moving the magnetic-field sensor 130 to scan across the measurement area may involve moving the magnetic- field sensor 130 in three dimensions (height, along the beam 122 and transverse to the beam 122) as described above.

[0178] Figure 10 shows a second example of a sensor assembly 100 comprising a magnetic-field sensor 130 that includes a senor array. As can be seen from Figure 10, a width (and, optionally, the area) of the sensory array 134 corresponds and is approximately equal to a corresponding width (and, optionally, the area) of the measurement bed 110. As such, moving the magnetic-field sensor 130 to scan across the measurement area may involve moving the magnetic-field sensor only in one direction (the height), or only in two directions (the height and transverse to the beam 122) as described above.

[0179] Figure 11 demonstrates the performance of the sensor assembly 100 of Figure 1 when tested on an item 200 that is a permanent ring magnet have an outer diameter of 38 mm and an inner diameter of 6 mm. Figure 11a shows the measured values of the ‘x’-component of the magnetic field generated by the permanent ring magnet over an area of 80 x 80 mm centred on the centre of the ring magnet. Figure 11 b shows the measured values of the ‘y’-component of the magnetic field generated by the permanent ring magnet over the same 80 x 80 mm area. Figure 11c shows the measured values of the ‘z’ -component of the magnetic field generated by the permanent ring magnet over the same 80 x 80 mm area.

[0180] As can be seen from Figures 11a-c the full structure of the ring magnet is clearly discernible in all three graphs.

[0181] In the context of Figures 11 a-c, the ‘x’-direction corresponds to a direction parallel to the direction in which the beam 122 extends, the ‘y’-direction corresponds to a direction transverse to the direction in which the beam extends, and the ‘z’-direction corresponds to a vertical / height direction. The axis of reference for the ‘x’-, ‘y’-, and ‘z’- directions is depicted in Figure 1 .

[0182] Figure 12 shows a cylindrical cell battery 204 comprising a magnetic field source 202 (e.g., a magnetic flux generator) and a plurality of cylindrical cells 206 arranged in an array on the magnetic field source 202. One or more magnetic-field sensors may be positioned within or on one or more of the cylindrical cells 206 at one or more of the positions indicated by an ‘X’ in Figure 12. These magnetic-field sensors may provide supplementary magnetic-field information in addition to the magnetic-field measurements taken by the magnetic-field sensor 130 of the sensor assembly 100. For example, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed proximal to the end of a cylindrical cell 206 that is proximal to the magnetic field source 202. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed proximal to the end of the cylindrical cell 206 that is distal from the magnetic field source 202. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed on the circular face of the cylindrical cell 206 distal from the magnetic field source 202. Figure 13 shows a prismatic cell battery 208 comprising a magnetic field source 202 (e.g., a magnetic flux generator) and a plurality of prismatic cells 210 arranged in a row or array on the magnetic field source 202. One or more magnetic-field sensors may be positioned within or on one or more of the prismatic cells 210 at one or more of the positions indicated by an ‘X’ in Figure 13. These magnetic-field sensors may provide supplementary magnetic-field information in addition to the magnetic-field measurements taken by the magnetic-field sensor 130 of the sensor assembly 100. For example, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed proximal to face of a prismatic cell 210 that is proximal to the magnetic field source 202. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed proximal to the face of the prismatic cell 210 that is distal from the magnetic field source 202. Additionally or alternatively, a magnetic-field sensor may be disposed on one or more of the connection pins of the prismatic cell 210. The connection pins are preferably disposed on the face of the prismatic cell 210 that is distal from the magnetic field source 202.

[0183] For both the batteries 204, 208 depicted in Figures 12 and 13, the magnetic field source 202 may be configured to provide a magnetic field to augment or enhance the transport properties of charged ions in the battery 204, 208. For example, the magnetic field source 202 may provide a magnetic field that reduces the resistance associated with the transport of ions across the battery 204, 208.

[0184] In some embodiments, the magnetic-field sensors may be provided around the cell batteries, e.g. on the magnetic field source 202 and / or between the cell batteries. This is shown in Figures 14 and 15, where the magnetic-field sensors are positioned at the positions indicated by an ‘X’.

[0185] The arrangements shown in Figures 12-15 have a wide range of applications, beyond their use with the sensor assembly 100 of Figures 1 to 10. For example, the arrangements of Figures 12-15 may be used on-board of an electric vehicle (EV), e.g. as part of the EV’s battery pack. In other examples, the arrangements of Figures 12-15 may be used with a stationary energy storage system. In yet further examples, the arrangements of Figures 12-15 may be used with a portable electronic device (e.g. such as a mobile phone, a tablet, or a laptop) and the cell batteries may form part of a battery of the portable electronic device.

[0186] In any or all of these examples, the magnetic field sensors 214 may be communicatively couplable to a battery management system (BMS) 216 to supply sensor data thereto. This is shown in Figures 16 and 17.

[0187] In the example of Figure 16, the magnetic field sensor 214 is configured to generate sensor data which includes magnitude measurements and / or frequency measurements and / or spatiotemporal distribution measurements of the magnetic field generated by the magnetic field source 202. The sensor 214 is configured to supply (e.g. continuously or periodically over time) the generated sensor data to the BMS 216. Based on the supplied sensor data, the BMS 216 can enable a predetermined type of battery operation, such as charging, when the sensor data satisfies a predetermined condition (such as the sensor data indicating the presence of a magnetic field, and / or indicating the presence of a magnetic field having a magnitude and / or frequency and / or spatiotemporal distribution within a predetermined range, e.g. larger than a predetermined threshold). In the example of Figure 17, the BMS 214 is further bidirectionally coupled to the magnetic field source 202. In this way, the BMS 214 can control the operation of the magnetic field source 202 based on the received sensor data from the magnetic field sensor 214.

[0188] For example, the BMS 214 can control the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source 202 according to a predetermined schema outlining a spatiotemporal distribution and / or magnitude and / or frequency of the magnetic field. The BMS 214 can monitor deviations from the predetermined schema using the sensor data and control the operation of the magnetic field source so as to reduce / eliminate these deviations. For example, the BMS 214 may receive the sensor data which is indicative of a non- uniform distribution of the overall magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source, when a uniform distribution is desired. Consequently, the BMS can control the magnetic field source (e.g. individually control selected magnetic flux generator(s) of the magnetic field source) to homogenise the overall magnetic field.

[0189] In some examples, the magnetic field source 202 comprises a plurality of magnetic flux generators. In this case, the BMS may obtain sensor data and based on the sensor data, control selected magnetic flux generator(s) (e.g. their frequency and / or magnitude) to ensure that each cell is exposed to a (e.g. different) desired magnetic field, depending on the cell’s age.

[0190] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

[0191] While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0192] For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0193] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0194] Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” and “include”, and variations such as “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0195] It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and / or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means for example + / - 10%. Reference Numerals

[0196] 100 Sensor assembly

[0197] 110 Measurement bed

[0198] 120 Supporting member / gantry

[0199] 122 Beam

[0200] 130 Magnetic-field sensor

[0201] 132 Sensor housing

[0202] 134 Probe

[0203] 134 Sensor array

[0204] 140 Motor

[0205] 150 Controller

[0206] 160 Levelling screw

[0207] 170 Power supply

[0208] 200 Item

[0209] 202 Magnetic field source

[0210] 204 Cylindrical cell battery

[0211] 206 Cylindrical cell

[0212] 208 Prismatic / pouch cell battery

[0213] 210 Prismatic / pouch cell

[0214] 212 Vehicle battery

Claims

Claims:1 . A battery comprising one or more magnetic-field sensors within and / or around a respective magnetic and / or electrochemical component of the battery.

2. The battery of claim 1 , wherein the battery comprises a plurality of battery cells, and the one or more magnetic-field sensors are positioned on or within the battery cells.

3. A battery management system, BMS, for controlling the battery’s operation, the BMS being communicatively couplable to the battery of claim 1 or 2, and communicatively couplable to the one or more magnetic-field sensors to receive sensor data therefrom, wherein the BMS is configured to control the battery’s operation based on the received sensor data.

4. The battery management system of claim 3, wherein the battery further comprises a magnetic field source and the BMS is configured to control the magnetic field source’s operation based on the received sensor data.

5. The battery management system of claim 4 wherein the magnetic field source comprises a plurality of magnetic flux generators and the BMS is configured to individually control the magnetic flux generators according to a predetermined schema prescribing a spatiotemporal distribution and / or magnitude and / or frequency of the magnetic field produced by the magnetic field source, using the received sensor data.

6. An electric vehicle comprising the battery of claim 1 or 2, and the battery management system of any one of claims 3-5.

7. A stationary energy storage system comprising the battery of claim 1 or 2, and the battery management system of any one of claims 3-5.

8. A portable electronic device comprising the battery of claim 1 or 2, and the battery management system of any one of claims 3-5.

9. A sensor assembly comprising: a measurement bed for receiving an item to be measured; a supporting member vertically displaced from the measurement bed, when in use; a magnetic-field sensor connected to the supporting member; a motor for driving movement between the magnetic-field sensor and the measurement bed; and a controller configured to actuate the motor to cause the magnetic-field sensor to move relative to the measurement bed to scan the magnetic-field sensor across a measurement area.

10. The sensor assembly according to claim 9, wherein the supporting member comprises a beam extending across, and vertically displaced from, the measurement bed in use, wherein the magnetic-field sensor is connected to the beam.

11. The sensor assembly according to claim 10, wherein the supporting member is a gantry.

12. The sensor assembly according to claim 10 or claim 11 , wherein the beam overhangs the measurement bed when in use.

13. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the motor to move the magnetic-field sensor relative to the supporting member.

14. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the controller is configured to actuate the motor to move the supporting member relative to the measurement bed.

15. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the motor is a three-axis motor and the controller is configured to actuate the motor to cause the magnetic-field sensor to move relative to the measurement bed to scan the magnetic-field sensor in three dimensions across the measurement area.

16. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the magnetic-field sensor is removably connected to the supporting member.

17. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the magnetic-field sensor comprises a plurality of probes, wherein each probe is configured to measure a different directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area.

18. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the magnetic-field sensor is rotatable between a plurality of different orientations relative to the measurement bed, wherein the magnetic-field sensor comprises a probe that is configured to measure a different directional component of a magnetic field of an item in the measurement area in each orientation.

19. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 18, further comprising a plurality of additional magnetic-field sensors arranged in an array with the magnetic-field sensor.

20. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 19, wherein the measurement bed is tiltable relative to the supporting member.

21. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 20, wherein the measurement bed comprises a securing mechanism for immobilising the item to be measured on the measurement bed.

22. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 21 , wherein the measurement bed is removable.

23. The sensor assembly according to claim 22, further comprising a conveyer for conveying one or more removable measurement beds through the sensor assembly.

24. The sensor assembly according to any one of claims 9 to 23, wherein the item to be measured is an electrochemical cell or battery.

25. The sensor assembly according to claim 24, wherein the item to be measured is a battery for a vehicle.

26. The sensor assembly according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the sensor assembly comprises the item to be measured and the item to be measured is a battery according to claim 1 or 2.

27. A method of measuring a magnetic field generated by an item using the sensor assembly of any one of claims 9 to 26, the method comprising: positioning the item on the measurement bed such that it is within the measurement area; and scanning the magnetic-field sensor over the measurement area to measure the magnetic field generated by the item.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising: consecutively conveying one or more measurement beds each having a separate item disposed thereon through the sensor assembly to consecutively measure a respective magnetic field generated by each item.

29. The method according to any claim 27 or 28, wherein the item to be measured is an electrochemical cell or battery.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the item to be measured is a battery for a vehicle.

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