Methods and systems for battery characterization using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

Abstract

Disclosed embodiments describe systems and methods for characterizing batteries. In some embodiments, a voltage is applied to a battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies, to generate a data set representing a plot including a plurality of impedance values corresponding to the plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery. Embodiments further extract points from the data set representing the plot and analyze the data set representing the plots based on the points to characterize the battery.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BATTERY CHARACTERIZATION USING ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY BACKGROUND

[0001] Battery testing is a complex process that can result in broad battery characterization with minimal details about the characteristics of individual batteries. Typically, a battery is tested by invasively subjecting the battery to short-term current draws. After the short-term current draws, a battery equivalent series resistance (ESR) value is computed and compared to standard ESR values. While this approach can quantify whether the battery falls into a particular standard ESR range, the approach lacks additional insights. Additionally, even if a battery falls into a desired standard ESR range, the battery may still be an outlier and inappropriate for manufacturing or other intended use.

[0002] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Instead, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.SUMMARY

[0003] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a method for characterizing a battery, including: applying a voltage to the battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies; generating a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to the plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery; extracting a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyzing the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterizing the battery.

[0004] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a system for characterizing a battery, including: an automated testing system wherein the automated testing system includes a battery testing terminal; and a computer system, wherein the computer system includes: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery that is selectively coupled with the battery testing terminal, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

[0005] In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a computer system, including: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

[0006] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] To describe how the advantages of the systems and methods described herein can be obtained, a more particular description of the embodiments briefly described supra is rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. These drawings depict only typical embodiments of the systems and methods described herein and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting in their scope. Systems and methods are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a computer architecture that facilitates battery characterization;

[0009] Figure 2 illustrates an example of a plot; and

[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a flow chart of an example of a method for characterizing a battery.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Battery testing is a complex, iterative process. Battery tests of some battery types classify a subject battery into a broad category with little to no insights about the particular characteristics of that battery. Traditional methods apply short-term current draws to a subject battery and compute an equivalent series resistance (ESR) value. The ESR value of a specific battery can be compared to standardized ESR values to broadly categorize the battery (e.g., as acceptable or unacceptable for a given use). However, even if a battery falls into the broadcategory, the battery may have defects based on more specific characteristics. In this case, the battery may not be appropriate for some particular uses.

[0012] At least some embodiments described herein provide methods and systems for characterizing a battery. The embodiments include applying a sinusoidal voltage over a range of frequencies to a battery to be characterized, and generating a data set representing a plot that includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when the sinusoidal voltage is applied to the battery to be characterized. In some embodiments, a set of points is extracted from the data set representing the plot, and the data set representing the plot is analyzed based on the set of points to characterize the battery.

[0013] At least some embodiments are particularly advantageous by providing detailed battery characteristics compared to generic battery categorization performed by traditional methods. Another advantage of at least some embodiments is the ability to characterize a battery based on a specific performance characteristic for a specific application. For example, certain hospital equipment may require a battery with a specific charge transfer resistance. At least some embodiments characterize a battery based on the charge transfer resistance to determine an appropriate battery for the specific equipment (e.g., hospital equipment).

[0014] Figure 1 illustrates an example of computer architecture 100 that facilitates battery characterization. As shown, computer architecture 100 includes a computer system 101 comprising processor system 102 (e.g., a single processor or a plurality of processors), memory 103 (e.g., system or main memory), storage media 106 (e.g., a single computer-readable storage medium, or a plurality of computer-readable storage media), all interconnected by a bus 105. Computer system 101 may include a network interface 104 (e.g., one or more network interface cards). Additionally, Figure 1 illustrates an automated testing system 111 with a testing terminal 112 containing a battery 113, where the battery 113 is selectively coupled with the testing terminal 112.

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates storage media 106 as storing computer-executable instructions (e.g., plot data set module 107, extraction module 108, analyzer module 109, and characterization module 110) that are executable by a processor (e.g., processor system 102) to cause a computer system (e.g., computer system 101) to characterize a battery.

[0016] In embodiments, automated testing system 111 applies a voltage to the battery 113. In some embodiments, the testing terminal 112 of automated testing system 111 applies the voltage to battery 113. In other embodiments, the voltage is applied to the battery using other methods. In embodiments, the voltage has a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies. In some embodiments, the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz andabout 200 Hz, between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz, or about 20 Hz to about 120 Hz. In some embodiments, the applied voltage is about 1 mV to about 20 mV, about 1 mV to about 10 mV, about 3 mV to about 7 mV, or about 5 mV.

[0017] In some embodiments, more than one battery 113 and more than one testing terminal 112 exist in the automated testing system 111. For example, disclosed embodiments may have one battery and one testing terminal, two batteries and two testing terminals, or more than two batteries and more than two testing terminals in the automated testing system 111. In some embodiments, battery 113 is a silver oxide battery. In other embodiments, battery 113 is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. In yet another embodiment, the battery is another appropriate battery for characterization.

[0018] In embodiments, once a sinusoidal voltage is applied to battery 113 over a range of frequencies, plot data set module 107 generates a data set representing a plot. The plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when the sinusoidal voltage is applied to the battery 113. In some embodiments, the plot is a Nyquist plot. In some embodiments, the plurality of frequencies in the plot ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz, between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz, or about 20 Hz to about 120 Hz.

[0019] In embodiments, the extraction module 108 extracts a set of points from the data set representing the plot generated by plot data set module 107. In some embodiments, the extraction module 108 extracts one point, two points, three points, four points, five points, six points, seven points, or more than seven points from the data set representing the plot. In one example, the extraction module 108 extracts five points from the data set representing the plot. For example, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot. This is shown and described in more detail below in regard to Figure 2.

[0020] In some embodiments, the analyzer module 109 analyzes the data set representing the plot generated by plot data set module 107 based on the set of points extracted from the data set representing the plot by the extraction module 108. In embodiments, the analyzer module 109 calculates at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value. For example, the first point of the data set representing the plot may relate to electrolyte resistance, the difference between the third point and the first point may relate to charge transfer resistance, and the difference between the fifth point and the third point may relate todiffusion. In some embodiments, the analyzer module 109 calculates ratios between each point. In other embodiments, the analyzer module 109 calculates relationships between two or more points in the data set representing the plot.

[0021] In some embodiments, the analyzer module 109 also compares the data set representing the plot generated by plot data set module 107 to a known data set representing the plot related to a second battery. In some embodiments, the tested battery is the same type of battery as the second battery. In these embodiments, the analyzer module 109 may calculate differences or similarities between the generated and known data sets representing the plots.

[0022] In some embodiments, the characterization module 110 characterizes the battery. In embodiments, the characterization of the battery is based on the analysis from the analyzer module 109. In some embodiments, the characterization module 110 characterizes the battery by determining whether the battery meets one or more performance characteristic. In one example, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance that is greater than a resistance threshold. In another example, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance that is equal to a resistance threshold. In yet another example, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance that is less than a resistance threshold. In embodiments, the resistance threshold is about 25 Ohms, about 20 Ohms, about 15 Ohms, or about 10 Ohms.

[0023] In other embodiments, the characterization module 110 characterizes the battery by determining a device that the battery is suitable for. For example, characterization module 110 may determine whether a battery is suitable for a sensor (e.g., a biometric sensor, such as a continuous glucose monitor), hospital machinery, a computer, a tablet, or other device. In some embodiments, the characterization module 110 characterizes the battery by rating the manufacturer of the battery. For example, manufacturer A may have a higher rating than manufacturer B in producing lithium-ion batteries, while manufacturer B may have a higher rating than manufacturer A in producing silver oxide batteries.

[0024] Additionally, in some embodiments, the computer system 101 sends a notification. In some embodiments, the notification is sent to an input / output device connected to the computer system 101. In other embodiments, the notification is sent to a server. In embodiments, the notification is a warning sign of failure of the battery 113, a warning sign of failure of the automated testing system 111, a warning sign of failure of the testing terminal 112, information about the performance of the battery 113, or other appropriate notifications.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates an example 200 of a plot generated by the plot data set module 107. As shown, the plot is a Nyquist plot for a battery where the plot includes a plurality of negativeimaginary impedance values on the y-axis and a plurality of real impedance values on the x-axis, measured when a sinusoidal voltage is applied to the battery 113 over a plurality of frequencies. In some embodiments, the plurality of frequencies ranges between 1 Hz and about 200 Hz, between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz, or between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

[0026] Once the data set representing the plot is generated by the plot data set module 107, the extraction module 108 extracts a set of points from the data set representing the plot. As shown in Figure 2, the extraction module 108 extracts a first point 201; a second point 202; a third point 203; a fourth point 204; and a fifth point 205. In some embodiments, the extraction module 108 extracts less than five points or more than five points. As illustrated in Figure 2, the first point 201 is a data point representing the x-intercept of the plot, the second point 202 is a data point representing the first peak of the plot, the third point 203 is a data point representing the valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing the second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing the last point of the plot.

[0027] In embodiments, the analyzer module 109 analyzes the data set representing the plot based on the set of points extracted by the extraction module 108. In some embodiments, the analyzer module 109 calculates at least one of an electrolyte resistance from the first point, a charge transfer resistance from the difference between the third point and the first point, or a diffusion value from the difference between the fifth point and the third point.

[0028] Embodiments are now described in connection with Figure 3, which illustrates a flow chart of an example method 300 for characterizing a battery. In embodiments, instructions for implementing method 300 are encoded as computer-executable instructions (e.g., plot data set module 107, extraction module 108, analyzer module 109, and characterization module 110) stored on a computer storage media (e.g., storage media 106) that are executable by a processor (e.g., processing system(s) 102) to cause a computer system (e.g., computer system 101) to perform method 300.

[0029] The following discussion now refers to a method and method acts. Although the method acts are discussed in specific orders or are illustrated in a flow chart as occurring in a particular order, no order is required unless expressly stated or required because an act is dependent on another act being completed prior to the act being performed.

[0030] Referring to Figure 3, in embodiments, method 300 comprises act 301 of applying a voltage to the battery 113. In some embodiments, the voltage is applied to the battery 113 through the testing terminal 112 in the automated testing system 111. In some embodiments, the automated testing system 111 includes two or more testing terminals 112 with two or more batteries 113, and a voltage is applied to the two or more batteries 113 at the same time orserially. In embodiments, the applied voltage has a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies. In some embodiments, the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz, between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz, or about 20 Hz to about 120 Hz. In some embodiments, the applied voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV, about 3 mV to about 7 mV, or about 5 mV.

[0031] Referring to act 302, plot data set module 107 generates a data set representing a plot. In some embodiments the plot data set module 107 generates a plot using the data set. In some embodiments, act 302 comprises generating a data set representing the plot, wherein the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery as a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies. In some embodiments, plot data set module 107 generates a Nyquist plot. In some embodiments, the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz, between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz, or between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

[0032] Referring to act 303, the extraction module 108 extracts a set of points from the data set representing the plot. In some embodiments, act 303 comprises extracting a set of points from the data set representing the plot. In embodiments, the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point. The first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

[0033] Referring to act 304, the analyzer module 109 analyzes the data set representing the plot based on the set of points. In some embodiments, act 304 comprises analyzing the data set representing the plot based on the set of points. In embodiments, analyzing the data set representing the plot by the analyzer module 109 includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value. In some embodiments, the analyzer module 109 compares the data set representing the plot to a known data set representing the plot for a second battery. In some embodiments, the battery and the second battery are the same type of battery.

[0034] Referring to act 305, the characterization module 110 characterizes the battery. In some embodiments, act 305 comprises characterizing the battery. In embodiments, characterizing the battery by the characterization module 110 includes determining whether the battery meets one or more performance characteristic. In embodiments, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold. In otherembodiments, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance that is equal to a resistance threshold. In yet other embodiments, the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance that is less than a resistance threshold. In some embodiments, the resistance threshold is about 30 Ohms, about 20 Ohms, about 15 Ohms, or about 10 Ohms. In other embodiments, characterizing the battery by the characterization module 110 includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for or rating a manufacturer of the battery.

[0035] In summary, characterizing a battery includes applying a voltage to the battery. The voltage may have a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies. Characterizing the battery may include generating a data set representing the plot that includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery. Characterizing the battery may include extracting a set of points from the data set representing the plot, analyzing the data set representing the plot based on the set of points, and characterizing the battery.

[0036] The present invention can also be described in accordance with the following numbered clauses.

[0037] Clause 1. A method for characterizing a battery, comprising: applying a voltage to the battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies; generating a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to the plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery; extracting a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyzing the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterizing the battery.

[0038] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

[0039] Clause 3. The method of clause 1 to 2, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid- state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

[0040] Clause 4. The method of clause 1 to 3, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

[0041] Clause 5. The method of clause 1 to 4, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

[0042] Clause 6. The method of clause 1 to 5, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

[0043] Clause 7. The method of clause 1 to 6, further comprising generating the plot from the data set representing the plot.

[0044] Clause 8. The method of clause 1 to 7, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

[0045] Clause 9. The method of clause 1 to 8, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

[0046] Clause 10. The method of clause 1 to 9, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

[0047] Clause 11. The method of clause 1 to 10, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

[0048] Clause 12. The method of clause 1 to 11, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

[0049] Clause 13. The method of clause 1 to 12, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

[0050] Clause 14. The method of clause 1 to 13, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

[0051] Clause 15. The method of clause 1 to 14, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

[0052] Clause 16. The method of clause 1 to 15, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

[0053] Clause 17. The method of clause 1 to 16, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

[0054] Clause 18. The method of clause 1 to 17, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

[0055] Clause 19. The method of clause 1 to 18, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

[0056] Clause 20. The method of clause 1 to 19, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

[0057] Clause 21. The method of clause 1 to 20, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

[0058] Clause 22. The method of clause 1 to 21, further comprising comparing the data set representing the plot to a known data set representing a known plot for a second battery.

[0059] Clause 23. The method of clause 1 to 22, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

[0060] Clause 24. A system for characterizing a battery, comprising: an automated testing system wherein the automated testing system includes a battery testing terminal; and a computer system, wherein the computer system comprises: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery that is selectively coupled with the battery testing terminal, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

[0061] Clause 25. The system of clause 24, further comprising a second battery testing terminal in the automated testing system.

[0062] Clause 26. The system of clause 24 to 25, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to send a notification.

[0063] Clause 27. The system of clause 24 to 26, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the battery.

[0064] Clause 28. The system of clause 24 to 27, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the automated testing system.

[0065] Clause 29. The system of clause 24 to 28, wherein the notification includes information about performance of the battery.

[0066] Clause 30. The system of clause 24 to 29, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

[0067] Clause 31. The system of clause 24 to 30, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

[0068] Clause 32. The system of clause 24 to 31, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

[0069] Clause 33. The system of clause 24 to 32, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

[0070] Clause 34. The system of clause 24 to 33, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

[0071] Clause 35. The system of clause 24 to 34, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to generate the plot from the data set representing the plot.

[0072] Clause 36. The system of clause 24 to 35, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

[0073] Cl ause 37. The system of clause 24 to 36, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

[0074] Cl ause 38. The system of clause 24 to 37, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

[0075] Clause 39. The system of clause 24 to 38, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

[0076] Cl ause 40. The system of clause 24 to 39, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

[0077] Cl ause 41. The system of clause 24 to 40, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

[0078] Cl ause 42. The system of clause 24 to 41, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

[0079] Cl ause 43. The system of clause 24 to 42, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

[0080] Clause 44. The system of clause 24 to 43, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

[0081] Cl ause 45. The system of clause 24 to 44, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

[0082] Clause 46. The system of clause 24 to 45, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

[0083] Cl ause 47. The system of clause 24 to 46, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

[0084] Clause 48. The system of clause 24 to 47, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

[0085] Cl ause 49. The system of clause 24 to 48, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

[0086] Clause 50. The system of clause 24 to 49, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to compare the data set representing the plot to a known data set representing a known plot for a second battery.

[0087] Cl ause 51. The system of clause 24 to 50, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

[0088] Clause 52. A computer system, comprising: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

[0089] Cl ause 53. The computer system of clause 52, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to send a notification.

[0090] Clause 54. The computer system of clause 52 to 53, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the battery.

[0091] Cl ause 55. The computer system of clause 52 to 54, wherein the notification includes information about performance of the battery.

[0092] Cl ause 56. The computer system of clause 52 to 55, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

[0093] Clause 57. The computer system of clause 52 to 56, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

[0094] Clause 58. The computer system of clause 52 to 57, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

[0095] Cl ause 59. The computer system of clause 52 to 58, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

[0096] Cl ause 60. The computer system of clause 52 to 59, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

[0097] Clause 61. The computer system of clause 52 to 60, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to generate the plot from the data set representing the plot.

[0098] Cl ause 62. The computer system of clause 52 to 61, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

[0099] Cl ause 63. The computer system of clause 52 to 62, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

[0100] Clause 64. The computer system of clause 52 to 63, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

[0101] Cl ause 65. The computer system of clause 52 to 64, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

[0102] Clause 66. The computer system of clause 52 to 65, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

[0103] Clause 67. The computer system of clause 52 to 66, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

[0104] Cl ause 68. The computer system of clause 52 to 67, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

[0105] Clause 69. The computer system of clause 52 to 68, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

[0106] Cl ause 70. The computer system of clause 52 to 69, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

[0107] Clause 71. The computer system of clause 52 to 70, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

[0108] Cl ause 72. The computer system of clause 52 to 71, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

[0109] Clause 73. The computer system of clause 52 to 72, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

[0110] Cl ause 74. The computer system of clause 52 to 73, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

[0111] Cl ause 75. The computer system of clause 52 to 74, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

[0112] Clause 76. The computer system of clause 52 to 75, further comprising comparing the plot to a known plot for a second battery.

[0113] Clause 77. The computer system of clause 52 to 76, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

[0114] Embodiments of the disclosure comprise or utilize a special-purpose or general-purpose computer system (e.g., computer system 101) that includes computer hardware, such as, for example, a processor system (e.g., processor system(s) 102) and system memory, as discussed in greater detail below. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure also include physical and other computer-readable media for carrying or storing computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Such computer-readable media can be any available media accessible by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system. Computer-readable media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are computer storage media (e.g., storage media 106). Computer-readable media that carry computer-executable instructions and / or data structures are transmission media. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure can comprise at least two distinctly different kinds of computer-readable media: computer storage media and transmission media.

[0115] Computer storage media are physical storage media that store computer-executable instructions and / or data structures. Physical storage media include computer hardware, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), solid-state drives (SSDs), flash memory, phase-change memory (PCM), optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other hardware storage device(s) which store program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures, which can be accessed and executed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer system to implement the disclosed functionality.

[0116] Transmission media include a network and / or data links that carry program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures that are accessible by a general- purpose or special-purpose computer system. A "network" is defined as a data link that enables the transport of electronic data between computer systems and other electronic devices. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination thereof) to a computer system, the computer system may view the connection as transmission media. The scope of computer-readable media includes combinations thereof.

[0117] Upon reaching various computer system components, program code in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures can be transferred automatically from transmission media to computer storage media (or vice versa). For example, computerexecutable instructions or data structures received over a network or data link can be buffered in RAM within a network interface module (e.g., network interface 104) and eventually transferred to computer system RAM and / or less volatile computer storage media at a computersystem. Thus, computer storage media can be included in computer system components that also utilize transmission media.

[0118] Computer-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which when executed at a processor system, cause a general-purpose computer system, a specialpurpose computer system, or a special-purpose processing device to perform a function or group of functions. In embodiments, computer-executable instructions comprise binaries, intermediate format instructions (e.g., assembly language), or source code. In embodiments, a processor system comprises one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more graphics processing units (GPUs), one or more neural processing units (NPUs), and the like.

[0119] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the described features or acts described supra or the order of the acts described supra. Rather, the described features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0120] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its essential characteristics. The described embodiments are only illustrative and not restrictive. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0121] When introducing elements in the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Unless otherwise specified, the terms "set," "superset," and "subset" are intended to exclude an empty set, and thus "set" is defined as a non-empty set, "superset" is defined as a non-empty superset, and "subset" is defined as a non-empty subset. Unless otherwise specified, the term "subset" excludes the entirety of its superset (i.e., the superset contains at least one item not included in the subset). Unless otherwise specified, a "superset" can include at least one additional element, and a "subset" can exclude at least one element.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A method for characterizing a battery, comprising: applying a voltage to the battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over a plurality of frequencies; generating a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to the plurality of frequencies measured when the voltage is applied to the battery; extracting a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyzing the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterizing the battery.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickelcadmium battery.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising generating the plot from the data set representing the plot.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

20. The method of claim 1, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

21. The method of claim 1, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

22. The method of claim 1, further comprising comparing the data set representing the plot to a known data set representing a known plot for a second battery.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

24. A system for characterizing a battery, comprising: an automated testing system wherein the automated testing system includes a battery testing terminal; and a computer system, wherein the computer system comprises: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the data set representing the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery that is selectively coupled with the battery testing terminal, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot;analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

25. The system of claim 24, further comprising a second battery testing terminal in the automated testing system.

26. The system of claim 24, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to send a notification.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the battery.

28. The system of claim 26, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the automated testing system.

29. The system of claim 26, wherein the notification includes information about performance of the battery.

30. The system of claim 24, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

31. The system of claim 24, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickelcadmium battery.

32. The system of claim 24, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

33. The system of claim 24, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

34. The system of claim 24, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

35. The system of claim 24, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to generate the plot from the data set representing the plot.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

37. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

38. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

39. The system of claim 24, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

40. The system of claim 24, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, andthe fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

41. The system of claim 24, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

42. The system of claim 24, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

44. The system of claim 43, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

45. The system of claim 43, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

46. The system of claim 42, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

47. The system of claim 42, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

48. The system of claim 24, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

49. The system of claim 24, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

50. The system of claim 24, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to compare the data set representing the plot to a known data set representing a known plot for a second battery.

51. The system of claim 50, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

52. A computer system, comprising: a processor system; and a computer storage medium that stores computer-executable instructions that are executable by the processor system to at least: generate a data set representing a plot, wherein the plot includes a plurality of impedance values corresponding to a plurality of frequencies measured when a voltage is applied to a battery, the voltage having a sinusoidal waveform that varies over the plurality of frequencies; extract a set of points from the data set representing the plot; analyze the data set representing the plot based on the set of points; and characterize the battery.

53. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to send a notification.

54. The computer system of claim 53, wherein the notification is a warning sign of failure of the battery.

55. The computer system of claim 53, wherein the notification includes information about performance of the battery.

56. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the battery is a silver oxide battery.

57. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery, a solid-state battery, a flow battery, an alkaline battery, a carbon zinc battery, a zinc-air battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery.

58. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the voltage is about 1 mV to about 10 mV.

59. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the voltage is about 3 mV to about 7 mV.

60. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the voltage is about 5 mV.

61. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the computer-executable instructions are also executable by the processor system to generate the plot from the data set representing the plot.

62. The computer system of claim 61, wherein the plot is a Nyquist plot.

63. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 1 Hz and about 200 Hz.

64. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 10 Hz and about 150 Hz.

65. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the plurality of frequencies ranges between about 20 Hz and about 120 Hz.

66. The computer system of claim 52, wherein the set of points includes a first point, a second point, a third point, a fourth point, and a fifth point, wherein, the first point is a data point representing an x-intercept of the plot, the second point is a data point representing a first peak of the plot, the third point is a data point representing a valley of the plot, the fourth point is a data point representing a second peak of the plot, and the fifth point is a data point representing a last point of the plot.

67. The computer system of claim 52, wherein analyzing the data set representing the plot includes calculating at least one of an electrolyte resistance, a charge transfer resistance, or a diffusion value.

68. The computer system of claim 52, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining whether the battery meets a performance characteristic.

69. The computer system of claim 68, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance less than a resistance threshold.

70. The computer system of claim 69, wherein the resistance threshold is about 20 Ohms.

71. The computer system of claim 69, wherein the resistance threshold is about 15 Ohms.

72. The computer system of claim 68, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance greater than a resistance threshold.

73. The computer system of claim 68, wherein the battery meets the performance characteristic when the battery has a resistance equal to a resistance threshold.

74. The computer system of claim 52, wherein characterizing the battery includes determining a device that the battery is suitable for.

75. The computer system of claim 52, wherein characterizing the battery includes rating a manufacturer of the battery.

76. The computer system of claim 52, further comprising comparing the plot to a known plot for a second battery.

77. The computer system of claim 76, wherein the battery and the second battery are a same type of battery.

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