Perturbator and battery management system

Abstract

There is provided a battery management system comprising one or more batteries and electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries, and further connectable to a power source for charging and / or to an electrical load for discharging The battery management system further comprises a perturbator comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field, the perturbator being couplable to the electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the generated changing magnetic field. A perturbator for use with the battery management system is also provided. Methods of operating a wireless power transfer system are also provided.

Description

[0001] PERTURBATOR AND BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a perturbator, and to a battery management system comprising a perturbator.

[0004] Background

[0005] To improve battery performance and longevity, various controls and diagnostics are typically performed during battery charge / discharge.

[0006] For example, battery management systems (BMS) can employ dynamic controls to improve system performance. While conventional BMS employ a mixture of constant electrical current (I), constant voltage (V) or constant power (P) regimens to charge / discharge the cells / battery, it has been found that dynamic charging whereby the l / V / P is not kept constant, can provide a more efficient operation. For example, pulse charging has been found to improve charging efficiency and to extend the cycle life of batteries. Specifically, pulse charging can inhibit the growth of lithium dendrites and facilitate a stable solid electrolyte (SEI) film, thereby inhibiting battery degradation. Additionally, pulse charging can improve battery performance in in low-temperature environments by effectively preheating the battery.

[0007] Other types of beneficial dynamic controls include for example variable resistance control where the electric current can be decreased in response to spikes in resistance in order to reduce a risk of battery damage. This can be particularly advantageous in the context of pulse charging.

[0008] Additionally, it is desirable to be able to obtain measurements, such as impedance measurements, during battery charge / discharge to measure performance and lifetime metrics including state of health, state of charge, and internal resistance of the batteries.

[0009] However, performing battery diagnostics as well as dynamic controls and / or dynamic charging / discharging typically requires a hardware upgrade in the BMS, which makes it costly to implement. Additionally, it can also require a high degree of optimisation and predictive control, further increasing complexity and costs.

[0010] The present invention has been devised in light of the above considerations.

[0011] Summary of the Invention

[0012] In a first aspect, there is provided a battery management system comprising: one or more batteries; electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries, and further connectable to a power source for charging and / or to an electrical load for discharging; and a perturbator comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, the 008853707 2 perturbator being: couplable to the electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the generated magnetic field.

[0013] The magnetic field may be a static magnetic field (e.g. produced by a DC through an electromagnet), or a changing magnetic field.

[0014] The perturbator may be configured to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry, such as within a portion of the circuitry. The electromagnetic energy may include inductive energy, capacitive energy, magnetic potential energy, and / or electric potential energy.

[0015] Perturbing the electromagnetic energy through the electric circuitry may include: halting the flow of current through the circuitry, e.g. temporarily, and / or perturbing the voltage (electric potential) within the circuitry, e.g. without current flow, and / or altering a magnitude and / or direction and / or rate of electric current through the circuitry. Halting the flow of current through the circuitry may include restricting (e.g. temporarily restricting) the flow of current through the circuitry. This may be achieved by perturbing the Lorentz force such that it interacts with the electrons in the circuitry in a way that redirects them (i.e. changes their direction). Thus, the flow of electric current can be reduced temporarily or even stopped temporarily. Typically, after a temporary reduction in electric current flow, there will likely be a surge of electric current flow in the opposite direction i.e. in the original current flow direction.

[0016] Therefore, the perturbator of the present disclosure is configured to control the ripple effect within the circuitry (i.e. by perturbing the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry in a predictable manner) so as to create a benefit in the electrochemistry of the one or more batteries. For example, controlling the ripple effect in the circuitry can allow a more even deposition of lithium ions within the one or more batteries.

[0017] Thus, the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry and therefore electric and magnetic properties of the circuitry can be altered as desired using the perturbator, without needing to upgrade the circuitry hardware.

[0018] In some examples, the perturbator may be used to disrupt a constant current rate and / or direction through the circuitry to alter a constant charging pattern to a pulse charging pattern.

[0019] In some examples, the perturbator may be used to disrupt a constant current rate and / or direction to facilitate obtaining measurements on the electric circuitry / battery(s) during operation.

[0020] In some examples, the perturbator may be configured to generate known magnetic wave functions. Then, the response in one or more of the cell / battery properties can be measured. The measurements may include current measurements and / or voltage measurements and / or impedance measurements, and / or amplitude measurements, and phase shift measurements, and capacitance measurements, and inductance measurements. The differences between the input and the output wave functions (e.g. phase shift and amplitude) can be assessed for various frequencies to determine the capacitance, inductance and resistance of the system. These may be used to help determine battery performance and battery lifetime metrics including state of health, state of charge, and / or internal resistance during operation, i.e. 008853707 3 not in a separate testing cycle which halts operation. Thus, the perturbator may be used for reliable and non-invasive battery diagnostics which does not require interrupting operation of the system.

[0021] The measurements may be performed by the perturbator or by a measurement unit. The battery management system may comprise the measurement unit.

[0022] In some examples, the perturbator may be used to perform a variable resistance control on the circuitry. The resistance is typically not constant during the charge / discharge of a cell / battery and can rise to a maximum during certain operation. It may be beneficial, during stages of both low and high resistance to perturb the system to vary the resistance beyond what would normally occur. Benefits may include redistribution of localised resistance build-up e.g. clustering of lithium ions.

[0023] The perturbator may be reversibly couplable to the electric circuitry. In this way, the perturbator may be retrofittable to any existing circuitry as a reversibly couplable add-on component.

[0024] The perturbator may be coupled to the electric circuitry at any location of the electric circuitry. In some examples, the perturbator may be coupled to a location on the electric circuitry distal the one or more batteries, for example a location which is closer to the power source or the electrical load than to the one or more batteries on the electric circuitry. This can help obtain decoupled measurements of different parameters, such as more accurate impedance measurements.

[0025] In some examples, the perturbator may be coupled to a location on the electric circuitry proximal the one or more batteries, e.g. such that the generated magnetic field passes through (permeate) at least some of the one or more batteries. This may create an additional electrochemical benefit in the battery(s) exposed to the magnetic field, such as reducing overpotential to enable increased charging / discharging speeds and / or reduced degradation leading to longer usable lifetime and in some cases increased accessible capacity. In other words, at least some of the one or more batteries may be permeated by (exposed to) stray magnetic field(s) generated by the perturbator. In this way, electrochemical benefit in the one or more batteries and ripple benefit in the circuitry can be achieved simultaneously, using the same hardware.

[0026] As mentioned above, the perturbator can perturb the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry by generating a magnetic field. The magnetic field may be a static (DC) magnetic field or a changing magnetic field. The changing magnetic field may be a time-varying magnetic field whose magnitude and / or direction and / or distribution and / or frequency varies over time. In some examples, the changing magnetic field may be quasi-variable over time. That is, the changing magnetic field may be periodically switched on and off over time such that it has a periodically alternating zero and non-zero magnetic field profile. The changing magnetic field may be rotating and / or pulsed and / or oscillating.

[0027] The changing magnetic field may have a frequency of at least 0.001 Hz, or at least 0.01 Hz, or at least 0.1 Hz, or at least 1 Hz, or at least 10 Hz, or at least 20 Hz, or at least 50 Hz, or at least 75 Hz, or at least 90 Hz, or at least 100 Hz, or at least 500 Hz, or at least 1 MHz. The changing magnetic field may have a frequency of 6 MHz or less, or 1 MHz or less, or 500 Hz or less, or 365 Hz or less, or 100 kHz or less, or 90 Hz or less, or 75 Hz or less, or 50 Hz or less, or 25 Hz or less, or 10 Hz or less, or 1 Hz or less, or 0.1 Hz or less, or 0.01 Hz or less. The changing magnetic field may have a magnitude of at least 0.01 mT, or 008853707 4 at least 0.1 mT, or at least 1 mT, or at least 10 mT, or at least 100 mT, or at least 250 mT, or at least 500 mT, or at least 750 mT, or at least 1 T, or at least 2 T, or at least 5 T, or at least 7 T, or at least 10 T. The changing magnetic field may have a magnitude of 10 T or less, 7 T or less, 5 T or less, 2 T or less, 1 T or less, 750 mT or less, 500 mT or less, 250 mT or less, 100 mT or less, 50 mT or less, 10 mT or less, 1 mT or less, 0.1 mT or less.

[0028] The electric circuitry may comprise one or more cables. For example, the electric circuitry may comprise one or more positive battery cables for connection to positive terminal(s) of the one or more batteries in the battery management system. The electric circuitry may comprise one or more negative cables for connection to negative terminal(s) of the one or more batteries in the battery management system.

[0029] The one or more batteries may be Li-ion batteries, or electrolysers, or any other electrochemical system, including but not limited to battery cells using other ions e.g. sodium, and other battery formats such as redox flow batteries, and fuel cells such as hydrogen, and electrolyte such as water. The one or more batteries may be quasi-solid-state and / or all-solid-state batteries. The one or more batteries may be coin battery cells, cylindrical battery cells, pouch battery cells, or prismatic battery cells.

[0030] The battery management system may comprise a plurality of batteries. The plurality of batteries may be arranged and connected in one or more battery modules. The plurality of batteries may provide a battery pack. The battery pack may be for powering an electric vehicle (EV), or the battery pack may be for use with a stationary battery storage system, or the battery pack may be for powering a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone.

[0031] The battery management system may be for use with an automotive and / or a marine vehicle including for example an EV, or a stationary battery storage system, or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones.

[0032] The electrical load may be an EV system such as an electric motor, or the electrical load may be electrical equipment in a building in the example of a stationary battery storage system, or the electrical load may be powering portable electronics such as mobile phones.

[0033] The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more transmitter coils configured to generate the magnetic (e.g. changing magnetic) field. In some examples, selected one(s) of the transmitter coils may be configured to generate respective different magnetic fields (i.e. magnetic field waveforms) to the magnetic field(s) generated by at least some of the remaining transmitter coils. In some examples, each transmitter coil may be configured to generate a respective changing magnetic field. In other examples, the / each transmitter coil may be configured to generate a static / constant magnetic field. The magnetic field generator may be configured to produce an aggregate changing magnetic field by switching selected one(s) of the transmitter coils on and off over time.

[0034] The / each transmitter coil may comprise one or more turns (windings), such as just one turn, or a plurality of turns. When the / each transmitter coil comprises a plurality of turns, the turns may be arranged in a helical configuration, i.e. overlying one another. 008853707 5

[0035] The perturbator, for example the magnetic field generator, may be connectable to a power supply in order to obtain power for generating the magnetic field. The power supply may be the one or more batteries. That is, the one or more batteries may supply current to the perturbator (e.g. to the one or more transmitter coils) to generate the changing magnetic field.

[0036] In some examples, the power supply may be distinct from the one or more batteries. The power supply may be distinct from the power source which is configured to charge the one or more batteries.

[0037] Alternatively, the power supply may coincide with the power source which is configured to charge the one or more batteries. That is, the power source may be configured both to charge the or more batteries, and to power the perturbator, e.g. the magnetic field generator of the perturbator.

[0038] The power supply may be configured to supply respective different current signals (e.g. waveforms) to respective different transmitter coils. In this way, the perturbator may be tuned via waveform control to produce asymmetric or ‘biased’ perturbations.

[0039] The perturbator may comprise the power supply for powering the magnetic field generator. The one or more transmitter coils may be electrically connected to the power supply.

[0040] The perturbator may comprise a housing enclosing the one or more transmitter coils and / or the one or more receiver coils (discussed below) and / or the power supply. The housing may be formed of a ferromagnetic material such that the housing can transmit magnetic flux generated by the perturbator to the electric circuitry. This housing may provide the additional function / benefit of acting as a field guide. The housing may be elongated. The housing may be tubular. The housing may have an elongated block shape.

[0041] The battery management system may comprise a controller. In some examples, the perturbator may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to control the magnetic field generated by the perturbator (e.g. by the magnetic field generator). For example, the controller may be configured to control the magnitude and / or direction and / or distribution and / or frequency of the changing magnetic field over time. When the perturbator comprises a plurality of transmitter coils, the controller may be configured to switch on / off selected one(s) of the plurality of the transmitter coils in a time-varying manner, e.g. to produce the changing magnetic field or to temporarily disable magnetic field generation. In some examples, the controller may be configured to sequentially activate the plurality of transmitter coils.

[0042] The controller may be configured to adjust operation of the perturbator, e.g. to adjust the generated changing magnetic field based on feedback from the electric circuitry and / or the one or more batteries. For example, the electric circuitry may comprise a feedback circuit and the controller may be coupled to the feedback circuit to receive feedback signals / data therefrom. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller may be coupled (e.g. electrically or communicatively coupled) to the measurement unit in order to obtain feedback data therefrom, e.g. in the form of measurements.

[0043] The feedback data may comprise electrical, thermal, magnetic, and / or electrochemical signals / data from the system. 008853707 6

[0044] The controller may be a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller configured to analyse the feedback data using PID analysis. Alternatively, the controller may be a fuzzy logic-based controller.

[0045] In some examples, the controller may comprise a machine learning model, such as a neural network. The machine learning model may be trained using training data. The training data may comprise: electrical, thermal, and / or magnetic data characterizing the system. The neural network may comprise a plurality of layers, and optionally, may be trained using a plurality of different types of training data. The neural network may have a plurality of nodes including one or more input and output nodes. The output node may output electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries and / or magnetic performance of the magnetic-field generating components of the system, such as the perturbator.

[0046] Advantageously, the controller can thus help monitor and control macroscopic to nanoscopic characteristics of the system and optimize its performance.

[0047] The perturbator may couple to the electric circuitry wirelessly or via a wired connection, as discussed below.

[0048] In some examples, the perturbator may be wirelessly couplable to the electric circuitry such that the generated changing magnetic field perturbs the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry.

[0049] That is, the perturbator may be arranged relative to the electric circuitry such that at least a portion of the circuitry is placed within the changing magnetic field generated by the perturbator. That way, the perturbator may perturb inductive energy, capacitive energy, magnetic potential energy, and / or electric potential energy within the electric circuitry.

[0050] For example, when current flows through the electric circuitry during operation, a magnetic field is generated in the vicinity of and around the circuitry according to the laws of electromagnetism. The perturbator may be arranged relative to the electric circuitry such that changing magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator at least partially spatially overlaps the magnetic field produced by the current-carrying circuitry. In this way, the changing magnetic field produced by the perturbator can interfere with the magnetic field produced by the circuitry, thereby perturbing the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry, for example in one of the ways discussed above. The changing magnetic field produced by the perturbator may interfere with the magnetic field produced by the circuitry constructively and / or destructively. In this way, the interference can dampen or enhance characteristics of the electric circuit.

[0051] To ensure that the changing magnetic field produced by the perturbator permeates at least a portion of the electric circuitry, the perturbator may be arranged in close physical proximity to the circuitry. To this end, the perturbator may be shaped and sized such that it can be placed in physical proximity to a portion of the circuitry.

[0052] For example, the perturbator may be shaped and sized so as to at least partially surround a portion of the electric circuitry. In some examples, the perturbator (e.g. its housing) may comprise one or more curved portions. 008853707 7

[0053] In some examples, the perturbator (e.g. its housing) may define an opening for receiving a cable portion e.g. a portion of the electric circuitry. The cable portion may be thus threaded through the opening in the perturbator. In some examples, the perturbator may comprise one or more transmitter coils in the form of solenoids. The empty core(s) of the solenoid(s) may individually or together define the opening for receiving the cable portion. For example, the solenoids may be arranged concentrically such that their respective cores form a passage to provide the opening of the perturbator.

[0054] In some examples, the perturbator may comprise a pair of jaws. The pair of jaws may be movable between a closed configuration in which the jaws are in contact to define the opening, and an open configuration in which the jaws are spaced from one another to allow insertion of the portion of the circuitry (e.g. a cable portion) into the opening. In this way, the perturbator can be easily electromagnetically coupled to existing circuitry using the movable jaws to surround a portion of the circuitry. The pair of jaws may be provided by the housing of the perturbator. The one or more transmitter coils may be enclosed within the pair of jaws.

[0055] In some examples, the perturbator may comprise a plurality of transmitter coils arranged so as to sandwich at least one cable portion, such as a straight cable portion, therebetween.

[0056] In some examples, the transmitter coils may sandwich at least one coiled cable portion comprising at least one turn (winding).. In some examples, the transmitter coil(s) may be arranged to face and / or abut at least one coiled cable portion. In some examples, the at least one coiled cable portion may be coiled around a portion of the perturbator, for example, around a portion of a transmitter coil. In some examples, the at least one coiled cable portion may be threaded through the opening of the perturbator and may be subsequently coiled around a portion of the perturbator, for example around a portion of the magnetic field generator such as around a transmitter coil.

[0057] In some examples, the perturbator may comprise a plurality of transmitter coils alternately arranged with a plurality of coiled cable portions, e.g. such that each coiled cable portion is sandwiched between a pair of transmitter coils.

[0058] The one or more cable portions (coiled or straight) may be part of the electric circuitry, e.g. part of cables of the electric circuitry. For example, the one or more cable portions may be part of a positive and / or negative battery cables of the circuitry.

[0059] Alternatively, the perturbator may comprise the one or more cable portions (coiled or straight). For example, the one or more cable portions may be enclosed within the perturbator housing e.g. together with the one or more transmitter coils. The one or more cable portions may be electrically connectable to the electric circuitry. The one or more cable portions may be electrically connected to one or more ports of the perturbator, as discussed in more detail below. The one or more cable portions may comprise a positive cable portion and a negative cable portion. The positive cable portion may be electrically connectable to the positive battery cable of the electric circuitry. The negative cable portion may be electrically connectable to the negative battery cable of the electric circuitry.

[0060] In some examples, the perturbator may be electrically connectable to the electric circuitry via a wired connection. The perturbator may be electrically connectable to and in line with the electric circuitry. As 008853707 8 mentioned above, the perturbator may comprise one or more, such as two, ports for connection to the electric circuitry. Specifically, one or more portions of the electric circuitry (such as cables) may be configured to be plugged into the one or more ports of the perturbator to provide the wired connection therebetween. The one or more ports may be provided in the housing of the perturbator.

[0061] In some examples, the perturbator may comprise a first port and a second port. The first port may comprise a positive terminal of the perturbator, and the second port may comprise a negative terminal of the perturbator.

[0062] The perturbator may be configured to supply electric current into the electric circuitry via the wired connection so as to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry.

[0063] When the perturbator comprises the one or more cable portions (straight or coiled), the one or more cable portions may be placed in close physical proximity to the transmitter coil(s) of the perturbator such that the changing magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil(s) permeates the cable portion(s) to perturb electromagnetic energy therein. In this way, electromagnetic energy within the wider circuitry can be perturbed when the perturbator (and therefore the cable portion(s)) is electrically connected to the circuitry (e.g. via the ports).

[0064] The magnetic field generator may comprise one or more receiver coils in addition to the one or more transmitter coils. The / each receiver coil may have one or more turns (windings). The one or more receiver coils may be configured to receive the magnetic field(s) generated by the one or more transmitter coils. In this way, an electric current can be induced in the one or more receiver coils.

[0065] The one or more receiver coils may be electrically connectable to the circuitry, e.g. via the one or more ports of the perturbator. In this way, the induced current(s) may be injected into the electric circuitry via the wired connection to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry.

[0066] In some examples, the one or more receiver coils may be electrically connected to a positive battery cable, or a negative battery cable of the electric circuitry. The one or more receiver coils may be electrically connected to the one or more cable portions of the perturbator. For example, the one or more receiver coils may be electrically connected to a positive cable portion, or to a negative cable portion. In some examples, the one or more transmitter coils may be electrically connected in parallel to the one or more receiver coils. Alternatively, the one or more transmitter coils and the one or more receiver coils may be electrically connected to respective different circuits (e.g. within the perturbator).

[0067] In some examples, the one or more receiver coils may be oriented parallel to the one or more transmitter coils. In other examples, the one or more receiver coils may be oriented orthogonal to the one or more transmitter coils.

[0068] In some examples, the one or more receiver coils may be interwound with the one or more transmitter coils in single coil. The wires of the receiver and the transmitter coils may be covered with an electrically insulating material, such as enamel, such that the wires of the receiver coils and transmitter coils can touch without conducting electricity from one another. In this way, the transmitter and receiver coils can be closely wound together in a single, compact coil. 008853707 9

[0069] The battery management system may be characterized by a charge current lc, which may be the minimum amount of current required to effectively charge the one or more batteries. The electric current supplied by the perturbator may have a smaller magnitude than that of the charge current lc- In other words, the perturbator may be configured to supply a current to the electric circuitry which, on its own, is insufficient to charge the one or more batteries within a short timeframe. For example, the electric current supplied by the perturbator may have a magnitude that is less than 50%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% or less than 1% of the charge current lc-

[0070] In some examples, the battery management system may comprise a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries. The wireless charger may comprise a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries. The electric circuitry may comprise a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger in order to supply electric current to the one or more batteries for charging.

[0071] The perturbator may be provided in addition to, and separately to the wireless charger such that the wireless charger and the perturbator are functionally distinct. The purpose of the wireless charger may be to charge the one or more batteries, while the purpose of the perturbator may be to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the electric circuit so as to adjust its characteristics as desired.

[0072] Alternatively, the wireless charger may comprise the perturbator. In this case, the wireless charger may be configured to transmit a superposition of two changing magnetic fields (waveforms) - one for charging and one for perturbation. For example, the charger transmitter coil may be configured to generate a charging magnetic field and the magnetic field generator of the perturbator may be configured to generate a perturbing (changing) magnetic field. In other examples, the charger transmitter coil may be configured to generate both the charging magnetic field and the perturbing magnetic field. This may be achieved by driving the charger transmitter coil using an arbitrary waveform as input. The charging magnetic field may have a higher frequency than the perturbing magnetic field. For example, the perturbing magnetic field may have a frequency that is less than 50%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5%, or less than 1%, or less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of the frequency of the charging magnetic field. Additionally, or alternatively, the frequency of the perturbing magnetic field may be at least 0.005%, or at least 0.01%, or at least 0.1%, or at least 1%, or at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30% or at least 50% of the frequency of the charging magnetic field. In some examples, the charging frequency may be suitable for high-power EV charging. For example, the charging frequency may be around 130kHz. In some examples, the perturbing magnetic field may have a frequency of between 13 Hz (i.e. 0.01% of 130 kHz) and 130 Hz (i.e. 0.1% 130 kHz) inclusive. The superimposed magnetic fields may be transmitted to a receiver coil of the battery management system such as a charger receiver coil.

[0073] The perturbator may comprise a magnetic field guide. The magnetic field guide may be formed of a ferromagnetic material.

[0074] The magnetic field guide may be configured to transmit magnetic flux generated by the perturbator to the electric circuitry, to improve coupling between the perturbator and electric circuitry. 008853707 10

[0075] The one or more transmitter coils may be mounted to the magnetic field guide such that the generated magnetic field(s) are transmitted to the magnetic field guide. The magnetic field guide may then guide the generated field(s) to the electric circuitry so as to perturb electromagnetic energy therein.

[0076] In some examples, the one or more transmitter coils may be mounted to the magnetic field guide. The one or more transmitter coils may be wound around portion(s) of the magnetic field guide. In some examples, two or more transmitter coils may be mounted to the magnetic field guide. The magnetic fields generated by the two or more transmitter coils may interfere to provide a superimposed magnetic field waveform which is the changing magnetic field produced by the magnetic field generator of the perturbator.

[0077] In some examples, the one or more transmitter coils and the one or more receiver coils may be mounted to (e.g. coiled around) the magnetic field guide. In this way, the magnetic field guide may improve transmission of magnetic flux from the transmitter coil(s) to the receiver coil(s). The relative location of the transmitter coil(s) and the receiver coil(s) on the magnetic field guide may be selected to tune waveform characteristics in the receiver coil(s).

[0078] The magnetic field guide may be used passively (i.e. when one or more transmitter coils are switched off) to filter current spikes during charge / discharge.

[0079] The magnetic field guide may comprise a frame. The frame may comprise one or more limbs. The transmitter coil(s) and / or the receiver coil(s) may be mounted to (e.g. coiled around) limbs of the frame. In some examples, the frame may comprise a pair of opposing limbs. The receiver coil(s) may be mounted to (e.g. coiled around) one of the opposing limbs, and the transmitter coil(s) may be mounted to (e.g. coiled around) the other of the opposing limbs). In some examples, the perturbator may comprise two or more transmitter coils, mounted to (e.g. coiled around) respective opposing limbs of the magnetic field guide. The frame may be stadium-shaped defining a stadium-shaped inner opening. The pair of opposing limbs may be the pair of long sides of the stadium-shaped frame.

[0080] The transmitter coil(s) and / or the receiver coil(s) and / or the cable portion(s) and / or the magnetic field guide may be enclosed within the housing of the perturbator.

[0081] It is envisaged that the battery management system may comprise multiple perturbators. The perturbators may be identical, or different. For example, the battery management system may comprise one or more perturbators electrically connectable to the electric circuitry via a wired connection, and one or more perturbators wirelessly connectable to the electric circuitry, in accordance with the disclosure above.

[0082] In a second aspect, there is provided an electric vehicle (EV) charge point comprising the battery management system of the first aspect.

[0083] The electric circuitry may include a charging cable of the EV charge point. The charging cable may be connected to the grid (i.e. power source) and may be connectable to an EV battery pack which includes one or more batteries. The perturbator may be configured to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry, e.g. within the charging cable. 008853707 11

[0084] In some examples, the perturbator may be coupled to the charging cable wirelessly, as described above. For example, the perturbator may be arranged so as to at least partially surround a portion of the charging cable. When the perturbator comprises a pair of jaws, the perturbator may be clamped around a portion of the charging cable.

[0085] In some examples, the perturbator may be electrically connectable to the charging cable (electric circuitry) via a wired connection, as described above. For example, the charging cable may be plugged into one of the first and second ports of the perturbator. The perturbator may be electrically connected to the EV charge point (and therefore to the power source, e.g. the grid), for example via the other one of the first and second ports of the perturbator. In some examples, the power cable of the perturbator may electrically connect the EV charge point to a port of the perturbator. In this way, the perturbator can be interposed between the charge point and the EV.

[0086] In some examples, the perturbator may be configured to draw power from the charge point (e.g. from the grid) via an electric connection to the charge point (e.g. via a power cable).

[0087] In a third aspect, there is provided a charger for charging a portable electronic device, the charger comprising the battery management system of the first aspect.

[0088] The portable electronic device may be for example a mobile phone. The charger may comprise a charging cable which is part of the electric circuitry. The charging cable may be connectable to the battery of the portable electronic device, and further connectable to the power source (which may be the grid). The charger may comprise an electric plug for insertion into an electric socket to connect to the power source. The electric plug may comprise the perturbator. The perturbator may be connected to the charging cable (circuitry) via a wired connection, for example in one of the ways described above. The perturbator may be electrically connectable to the power source to draw power therefrom (e.g. via the pins of the electric plug).

[0089] In a fourth aspect, there is provided a perturbator for use with the battery management system of the first aspect, the perturbator comprising: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field; wherein the perturbator is couplable to electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the changing magnetic field.

[0090] The perturbator have any one or any combination of the features of the perturbator described with reference to the battery management system of the first aspect, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0091] For examples, the perturbator may be wirelessly couplable to an electrical circuitry. Alternatively, the perturbator may be couplable to an electrical circuitry via a wired connection.

[0092] The perturbator may be mountable to and electrically connectable to an EV charge point. The EV charge point may have electric circuitry including a charge cable. The charge cable may be connected to the grid and may be connectable to an EV battery pack. The perturbator may be configured to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry, e.g. within the charge cable. To this end, the perturbator may 008853707 12 be arranged so as to at least partially surround a portion of the charge cable. For example, when the perturbator comprises a pair of jaws, the perturbator may be clamped around a portion of the charge cable. The perturbator may be configured to draw power from the charge point (e.g. from the grid) via its electric connection to the charge point (e.g. via a power cable).

[0093] In a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of perturbing electromagnetic energy within electric circuitry using a perturbator, wherein: the perturbator comprises: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field; wherein the perturbator is couplable to electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the changing magnetic field, the method comprising: coupling the perturbator to the electric circuitry; generating the changing magnetic field to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the electric circuitry.

[0094] The perturbator may have any one or any combination of the features of the perturbator of the fourth aspect.

[0095] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a method of perturbing electromagnetic energy within electric circuitry in a battery management system, wherein: the battery management system comprises: one or more batteries; electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries, and further connectable to a power source for charging and / or to an electrical load for discharging; and a perturbator comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field, the perturbator being couplable to the electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the generated changing magnetic field, the method comprising: coupling the perturbator to the electric circuitry; generating the changing magnetic field to perturb the electromagnetic energy within electric circuitry.

[0096] The battery management system may have any one or any combination of the features of the battery management system of the first aspect.

[0097] As discussed above, coupling the perturbator to the electric circuitry may be wireless, i.e. by arranging the perturbator such that the generated changing magnetic field interferes with the magnetic field produced by the current-carrying electric circuitry during operation. Alternatively, coupling the perturbator to the electric circuitry may involve electrically connecting the perturbator to the electric circuitry via a wired connection.

[0098] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of operating a wireless power transfer system comprising: 008853707 13 a power source; one or more batteries; electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries and to the power source; and a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries, and a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil, the method comprising: supplying electrical current to the one or more batteries from the power source via the electric circuitry, and concurrently supplying electrical current to the charger receiver coil from the power source via the electric circuitry, thereby generating a magnetic field through the one or more batteries.

[0099] Conveniently, the magnetic field generated by the receiver coil can enhance the electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries, e.g. by increasing charge / discharge speed, capacity, and / or longevity of the one or more batteries.

[0100] In some examples, the charger receiver coil may be electrically connected (in series or in parallel) to the power source, via a wired connection such as via the electric circuitry. In other examples, the charger receiver coil may not be electrically connected to the electric circuitry. This may be the case for example in phone-phone charging applications where the WPT system does not have a bi-directional power transfer mechanism. In these cases, the method may comprise a step of electrically connecting (in series or in parallel) the charger receiver coil to the power source, e.g. via a wired connection such as via the electric circuitry, prior to supplying the electrical current to the charger receiver coil.

[0101] The magnetic field produced by the charger receiver coil may be a static magnetic field (generated using DC) or changing magnetic field (produced using AC), or a combination thereof. The magnetic field may have any one or any superposition of the following waveforms: sinusoidal, triangular / sawtooth, square / pulse, DC biased sinusoidal, or arbitrary (multi-harmonic).

[0102] Optionally, the power source, the charger receiver coil and the one or more batteries may be electrically connected to one another in series, via the electric circuitry.

[0103] Alternatively, the charger receiver coil may be electrically connected to the one or more batteries in parallel via a wired electrical connection. The wired electrical connection may be part of the electric circuitry. The wired electrical connection may comprise a switch. The method may further comprise opening and closing the switch periodically to switch between the wired connection and the parallel branch connection.

[0104] For example, the switch may be opened and closed at regular periods of time such as once every 1x1012to 1 seconds. The switch may be closed between 0% and 100% of the time. For example, the switch may be closed at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80 %, or at least 90% of the time. Additionally, or alternatively, 008853707 14 the switch may be closed 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less of the time.

[0105] The electrical current supplied by the power source may be greater than an electrical current typically supplied for charging the one or more batteries in order to both charge the batteries via the wired connection and to induce a magnetic field in the receiver coil.

[0106] Thus, in a general sense, this aspect provides a process of: determining ‘Wired’ characteristics of a wireless power transfer system e.g. charger receiver coil design / resonant ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit compensation topology limits in inductive and capacitive load; reconfiguring existing hardware of the WPT system (WPT charger drive circuitry) to superimpose an additional magnetic field to WPT ‘Wired’ charging waveform choosing from drive functions, taking note not to exceed existing design limitations determined in the previous step, and ensuring not to exceed resonant ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit limitations with increased DC load; adjusting drive function according to additional magnetic field and electrochemical resonant mode (SoH, SoC, B) to maintain optimum WPT operational efficiency.

[0107] Electrochemical benefit is seen due to improved ‘WPT ‘Wired’ charge +MF’ drive waveform components penetrating electrochemical system for core MF benefit and / or electrical circuit elements to produce ripple benefits.

[0108] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of operating a wireless power transfer system comprising: a power source; one or more batteries; a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries, and a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil; and electric circuitry electrically connected to the charger transmitter coil and to the power source, the method comprising: supplying an electrical current signal to the charger transmitter coil, the electrical current signal comprising a charging component and an additional component for electrochemical enhancement; and generating, by the charger transmitting coil, a magnetic field passing through both the charger receiver coil so as to induce a charging current therein, and through the one or more batteries.

[0109] The magnetic field passing through the receiver coil may also be referred to as magnetic flux.

[0110] The magnetic field produced by the charger transmitter coil may be a static magnetic field (generated using DC) or changing magnetic field (produced using AC), or a combination thereof. The magnetic field may have any one or any superposition of the following waveforms: sinusoidal, triangular / sawtooth, square / pulse, DC biased sinusoidal, or arbitrary (multi-harmonic). 008853707 15

[0111] Optionally, the charger receiver coil may be electrically connected in series with the one or more batteries to supply the induced charging current to the one or more batteries. Alternatively, the charger receiver coil may be electrically connected in parallel with the one or more batteries.

[0112] The method may comprise electrically connecting and disconnecting the charger receiver coil from the one or more batteries over time, e.g. via an electric switch. In this way the magnetic field produced by the charger transmitter coil can induce a charging current in the charger receiver coil which is then supplied to the battery(s), or can permeate the battery(s) when the battery(s) is / are electrically disconnected from the charger receiver coil, e.g. during rest periods of battery charging circuit.

[0113] For example, the charger receiver coil may be disconnected from the one or more batteries at regular periods of time such as once every 1x1012to 1 seconds. The charger receiver coil may be disconnected from the one or more batteries between 0% and 100% of the time. For example, the charger receiver coil may be disconnected from the one or more batteries at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 20%, or at least 30%, or at least 40%, or at least 50%, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80 %, or at least 90% of the time. Additionally, or alternatively, the charger receiver coil may be disconnected from the one or more batteries 90% or less, 80% or less, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less of the time.

[0114] Thus, in a general sense, this aspect provides a process of: determining wireless power transfer characteristics e.g. charger transmitter / receiver coil design, and / or resonant frequency, and / or ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit compensation topology limits in inductive and capacitive load; reconfiguring existing hardware (WPT charger drive circuitry) to superimpose additional DC / AC magnetic field waveform to WPT charging waveform in the charger transmitter coil drive circuit, taking note to not exceed existing design limitations determined in the previous step; controlling resonant / tuned circuit condition to maintain optimum WPT operational efficiency by adjusting ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ compensation strategies according to additional magnetic field and electrochemical resonant mode (w ,SoH, SoC, B) and mutual coupling coefficients.

[0115] Electrochemical and / or ripple benefits are seen due to an improved “WPT + magnetic field” drive waveform penetrating the system.

[0116] In a ninth aspect, there is provided wireless power transfer system comprising: a power source; one or more batteries; a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries, and a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil; electric circuitry electrically connected to the charger transmitter coil and to the power source; and 008853707 16 an electromagnetic coil electrically connected to the power source via the electric circuitry and configured to generate a magnetic field through the one or more batteries.

[0117] In some examples, the magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil may also pass through the charger transmitter coil and / or the charger receiver coil.

[0118] Thus, in some examples, the magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil may be superimposed onto the magnetic field (flux) produced by the charger transmitter coil.

[0119] The magnetic flux generated by the charger transmitter coil may have a sinusoidal waveform.

[0120] In each of the seventh, eighth and ninth aspects, the wireless power transfer system may comprise a plurality of batteries. The plurality of batteries may be arranged and connected in one or more battery modules. The plurality of batteries may provide a battery pack. The battery pack may be for powering an electric vehicle (EV), or the battery pack may be for use with a stationary battery storage system, or the battery pack may be for powering a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone.

[0121] As discussed above, the electrical current supplied by the power source in the seventh and / or eighth and / or ninth aspects may have an AC or DC waveform, or a combination thereof. The strength and / or frequency of the electrical current may be selected to maximize electrochemical enhancement in the battery(s).

[0122] The electrical current supplied by the power source may be characterized by a drive function f(t).

[0123] Examples of drive functions include:

[0124] Examples of the drive function f (t):

[0125] The methods of the seventh or eighth aspects may be performed by a computer programme, and as such may be computer-implemented methods.

[0126] The wireless power transfer system may comprise a controller configured to perform the method steps of the seventh aspect or the eighth aspect.

[0127] The wireless power transfer system discussed in the seventh aspect, eighth or ninth aspects may be for use with an EV, or a stationary battery storage system, or portable electronic devices such as mobile phones.

[0128] The wireless power transfer system in the seventh, eighth and / or ninth aspects may comprise the battery management system described with reference to the preceding aspects. This can conveniently produce both a ripple benefit e.g. through a terminal of the electrochemical system (one or more batteries) and an electrochemical benefit due to the generation of a magnetic field through the one or more batteries, thereby providing an additional degree of freedom in the system. 008853707 17

[0129] It has been observed that the provision of a magnetic field through the wireless power transfer system, e.g. in addition to the magnetic flux generated for wireless charging, can impact the inductive and capacitive characteristics of the wireless power transfer system (e.g. of the charger transmitter and charger receiver coils), in turn altering the resonant condition for wireless power transfer in the system. Additionally, low stage of health (SoH) e.g. due to lifetime degradation and / or low state of charge (SoC), e.g. due to cell cycling, of the one or more batteries can also cause a change in the resonant condition in the WPT circuit due to a change in the load capacitance. The low SoH / SoC may be caused by electrochemical degradation in the one or more batteries.

[0130] Thus, the application of a magnetic field through the wireless power transfer system as per the seventh, eighth and / or ninth aspects above, can be conveniently used to compensate for changes in the resonant condition in the system caused by low SoH / SoC of the one or more batteries over the / each battery’s lifetime.

[0131] Furthermore, the effect of the magnetic field and / or the SoH / SoC on the resonant condition of the system may be compensated for by modifying characteristics of the circuitry and / or the charger transmitter coil and / or the charger receiver coil. For example, the distance between the charger transmitter coil and the charger receiver coil, and / or the number of turns of the charger transmitter coil, and / or the number of turns of the charger receiver coil may be selected so as to achieve a predetermined mutual coupling coefficient between the charger transmitter and receiver coils.

[0132] For example, in applications where the wireless power transfer system is expected to have relatively high mutual coupling coefficient, k, such as in portable electronics devices (e.g. mobile phones), the charger transmitter and receiver coils may be configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 kHz and 1000 kHz. To this end, the charger transmitter coil and / or the charger receiver coil may each comprise between 10 and 50 turns. The mutual coupling coefficient may be around 0.2 or more. The charging transmitter coil and / or the charging receiver coil may be formed of copper, litz, nichrome, or magnetic wire.

[0133] In applications where the wireless power transfer system is expected to have a relatively high transmission distance, such as between 0.2m and 4m, e.g. in automotive / marine vehicle applications, the charger transmitter and receiver coils may be configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 MHz and 10 MHz. The mutual coupling coefficient may be around 0.2 or less. The charger transmitter coil and / or the charger receiver coil may each comprise between 2 and 20 turns. The charging transmitter coil and / or the charging receiver coil may be formed of copper, e.g. copper bar.

[0134] The methods of the seventh aspect or eighth aspects may further comprise adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system, e.g. adjusting the generated magnetic field based on feedback from the electric circuitry and / or the one or more batteries.

[0135] In some examples, the method of the seventh and / or eight aspect may comprise adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system by adjusting the inductance of the charger receiver and / or charger transmitter coils. This can be achieved by varying (increasing or decreasing the magnetic field strength 008853707 18

[0136] B), for example by varying (increasing or decreasing) the amount of electrical current supplied to the charger receiver and / or charger transmitter coils.

[0137] Changing the inductance of the coil(s) can either cause the WPT resonant operating frequency of the system to reach optimum operating condition, which enhances WPT and reduces ohmic losses, or to shift away from optimum operating condition due to the reactance load (impedance Z) of the system changing, thereby increasing ohmic losses in the WPT system and causing an increase in localised temperature. Adjusting the resonant operating frequency of the system in the latter way can be used to generate / control a thermal field in the system, e,g. around the one or more batteries, which can produce further electrochemical benefits in the system. For example, the method may comprise receiving feedback signals / data e.g. from feedback circuit or a measurement unit. The feedback data may comprise electrical, thermal, magnetic, and / or electrochemical signals / data from the system.

[0138] Adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system may involve analysing the feedback data using PID analysis.

[0139] Adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system may involve using fuzzy logic-based analysis.

[0140] In some examples, adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system may involve training a machine learning model such as a neural network using training data. The training data may comprise electrical, thermal, and / or magnetic data characterizing the system. The neural network may comprise a plurality of layers, and optionally, may be trained using a plurality of different types of training data. The neural network may have a plurality of nodes including one or more input and output nodes. The output node may output electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries and / or magnetic performance of the magnetic-field generating components of the system, such as the charger receiver coil and / or the charger transmitter coil and / or the electromagnetic coil. The input node may be a displacement system control data node.

[0141] The wireless power transfer system of the seventh aspect, eighth or ninth aspects may comprise a controller. The controller may be configured to adjust operation of the wireless power transfer system, e.g. to adjust the generated magnetic field based on feedback from the electric circuitry and / or the one or more batteries. For example, the electric circuitry may comprise a feedback circuit and the controller may be coupled to the feedback circuit to receive feedback signals / data therefrom. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller may be coupled (e.g. electrically or communicatively coupled) to a measurement unit comprised by the wireless power transfer system in order to obtain feedback data therefrom, e.g. in the form of measurements.

[0142] The feedback data may comprise electrical, thermal, magnetic, and / or electrochemical signals / data from the system.

[0143] The controller may be a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller configured to analyse the feedback data using PID analysis. Alternatively, the controller may be a fuzzy logic-based controller.

[0144] In some examples, the controller may comprise a machine learning model, such as a neural network. The machine learning model may be trained using training data. The training data may comprise: electrical, 008853707 19 thermal, and / or magnetic data characterizing the system. The neural network may comprise a plurality of layers, and optionally, may be trained using a plurality of different types of training data. The neural network may have a plurality of nodes including one or more input and output nodes. The output node may output electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries and / or magnetic performance of the magnetic-field generating components of the system, such as the charger receiver coil and / or the charger transmitter coil and / or the electromagnetic coil. The input node may be a displacement system control data node.

[0145] Advantageously, the controller can thus help monitor and control macroscopic to nanoscopic characteristics of the system and optimize its performance.

[0146] In some examples, battery management system or the wireless power transfer system described in any of the previous aspects may comprise electronic components sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). These may also be referred to as EMC sensitive electronics, where EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility.

[0147] Therefore, it may be desirable to ensure that the magnetic field(s) generated through the system do not negatively impact the performance of the EMC sensitive electronics.

[0148] To this end, the battery management system or the wireless power transfer system described in any of the previous aspects may further comprise one or more magnetic field shielding elements. The / each magnetic field shielding element may be configured to dissipate a portion of a magnetic field passing therethrough. The / each magnetic field shielding element may be configured to prevent a magnetic field incident thereon from reaching predetermined portions of the system such as portions comprising the electronic components sensitive to electromagnetic interference. Alternatively, upon passing through the magnetic field shielding element, the intensity of the magnetic field may be reduced by a predetermined amount (i.e. the magnetic field may not be fully dissipated to prevent its propagation through the magnetic field shielding element).

[0149] The / each magnetic field shielding element may be substantially planar.

[0150] The / each magnetic field shielding element may be formed of an electrically conductive material. Conveniently, an electrically conductive material can actively control magnetic field penetration distance and / or position on the other side of the magnetic field shielding element due to the fact that the application of a magnetic field to an electrically conductive material induces eddy currents in the material, and therefore dissipates some / all of the magnetic field, impeding its propagation downstream of the magnetic field shielding element.

[0151] Additionally, or alternatively, the / each magnetic field shielding element may be formed of a ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic materials can act as a magnetic field flux guide, and can be used to guide the magnetic field through the ferromagnetic material and away from the EMC sensitive electronics. The penetration of the magnetic field into the wireless power transfer system / the battery management system / the electrochemical system (i.e. the one or more batteries) can be controlled by selecting an appropriate material and / or position and / or thickness and / or shape for the magnetic field shielding element(s). 008853707 20

[0152] The / each magnetic field shielding element may comprise one or more perforations. Conveniently, the one or more perforations may allow magnetic field incident on the magnetic field shielding element to pass therethrough unimpeded. Thus, the magnetic field penetration depth can be controlled on a more granular level, without needing to provide separate magnetic field shielding elements for each region.

[0153] The / each perforation may be regular (e.g. rectangular, oval, etc) in shape.

[0154] The perforations may be regularly spaced according to a predetermined pattern. The perforations may together form a grating.

[0155] In some examples, at least one of the magnetic field shielding elements may be provided between the charger receiver coil / charger transmitter coil / external electromagnetic coil and EMC sensitive electronics. The one or more magnetic field shielding elements may be provided to at least partially surround the EMC sensitive electronics.

[0156] At least one of the one more magnetic field shielding elements may be provided as an airgap, instead of a solid-state component.

[0157] The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

[0158] Summary of the Figures

[0159] Embodiments and experiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0160] Figure 1 schematically shows a variant of a battery management system according to the present disclosure.

[0161] Figure 2 schematically shows a variant of a battery management system according to the present disclosure.

[0162] Figures 3A and 3B schematically show an example implementation of a perturbator according to the present disclosure, respectively in a closed configuration and in an open configuration.

[0163] Figures 4A and 4B show the perturbator of Figures 3A and 3B being used with an EV charge point.

[0164] Figure 5 shows an implementation of a battery management system according to the present disclosure in which the battery management system comprises a wireless charger which includes the perturbator.

[0165] Figure 6A shows a magnetic field waveform produced by the wireless charger; Figure 6B shows a magnetic field waveform produced by the perturbator; Figure 6C shows a superposition of the waveforms of Figures 6A and 6B.

[0166] Figures 7A and 7B schematically show an implementation of a perturbator according to the present disclosure respective connected to electric circuitry and disconnected from the electric circuitry.

[0167] Figure 8 schematically shows an example implementation of battery management system comprising the perturbator according to Figures 7A-7B. 008853707 21

[0168] Figure 9 schematically shows an example implementation of a battery management system comprising the perturbator according to Figures 7A-7B.

[0169] Figures 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E respectively show example implementations of the current perturbator of Figure 7A-7B.

[0170] Figures 11A and 11B show an example implementation of the perturbator of Figures 7A-7B for use in EV charging.

[0171] Figures 12A and 12B show an example implementation of the perturbator of Figures 7A-7B for use in portable electronics charging.

[0172] Figure 13A and 13B schematically show example implementations of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0173] Figure 14A and 14B schematically show example implementations of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0174] Figure 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D schematically show example implementations of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0175] Figure 16A and 16B schematically show example implementations of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0176] Figure 17A and 17B schematically show example implementations of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0177] Figure 18 schematically shows an example implementation of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0178] Figure 19 schematically shows an example implementation of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0179] Figure 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D respectively show a perspective view, a front view, a side view, and a top view of a perturbator according to the present disclosure.

[0180] Figure 21 A, 21 B, and 21 C show respective battery management systems comprising a perturbator of the type of Figures 20A-20D.

[0181] Figure 22A shows a wireless power transfer system operated to produce a magnetic field for electrochemical benefit; Figure 22B shows an equivalent electrical circuit for the wireless power transfer system of Figure 22A together with example drive function voltage waveforms.

[0182] Figure 23A shows a wireless power transfer system operated to produce a magnetic field for electrochemical benefit; Figure 23B shows an equivalent electrical circuit for the wireless power transfer system of Figure 23A, together with example drive function voltage waveforms; and Figure 23C shows equations showing how to determine resonant frequency.

[0183] Figure 24A shows a wireless power transfer system operated to produce a magnetic field for electrochemical benefit; Figure 24B shows an equivalent electrical circuit for the wireless power transfer 008853707 22 system of Figure 24A, and Figure 24C shows an equivalent circuit shown with multiple mutual inductance contributions included.

[0184] Figure 25 shows a high-frequency wireless power transfer waveform superposed with an additional sinusoidal field generated according to Figure 24.

[0185] Figures 26A to 26F show further examples of a high-frequency wireless power transfer waveform superposed with an additional magnetic field generated according to Figure 24.

[0186] Figures 27A and 27B illustrate wireless power transfer system elements required for efficient inductive power transfer, and factors affecting wireless power transfer efficiency.

[0187] Figure 28A shows a plot of experimental data illustrating the impact of an applied static magnetic field on inductive element with increasing frequency; Figure 28B shows a Potentiostatic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (PEIS) plot of experimental data illustrating the impact of applied changing magnetic field on a capacitive element on with decreasing frequency.

[0188] Figures 29A and 29B show example compensation strategies for portable electronic device applications.

[0189] Figures 30A and 30B show example compensation strategies for automotive / marine vehicle applications.

[0190] Figures 31A-31D respectively show examples of controls that can be performed on the wireless power transfer system of Figures 22A, 23A, and 24A.

[0191] Figures 32A and 32B show a part of the wireless power transfer system of Figure 24A comprising a magnetic field shielding element placed at respective different locations.

[0192] Figure 33 shows examples of magnetic field shielding elements comprising perforations.

[0193] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0194] 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.

[0195] The present disclosure provides a battery management system 100. An example implementation of the battery management system 100 is shown in Figure 1.

[0196] The battery management system (BMS) 100 comprises a battery 20 and electric circuitry 50 electrically connecting the battery 20 to a power source 40 for charging and to an electrical load 30 for discharging. The BMS 100 also comprises a perturbator 60. The perturbator 60 comprises a magnetic field generator 67 configured to generate a changing magnetic field. The perturbator 60 is couplable to the electric circuitry 50 to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry 50.

[0197] In the example of Figure 1 , the circuitry 50 is for wired charging of the battery 20 as it electrically connects the battery 20 to the power source 40 in a wired manner. The circuitry 50 comprises a positive battery cable 52 and a negative battery cable 54 for connection to the positive and negative battery terminals 008853707 23 respectively. The battery 20 in this example is a Li-ion battery, such as a cylindrical Li-ion battery. It is envisaged that the battery 20 may be a plurality of batteries, for example arranged in one or more battery modules and / or providing a battery pack such as battery pack for an EV.

[0198] The perturbator 60 in Figure 1 is wirelessly, reversibly couplable to the electric circuitry 50 such that the generated changing magnetic field perturbs the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry 50. Specifically, in operation, at least a portion of the electric circuitry 50 is placed within the generated changing magnetic field such that the changing magnetic field permeates the portion of the circuitry 50 and its vicinity to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry, such as inductive energy, capacitive energy, magnetic potential energy, and / or electric potential energy.

[0199] When current flows through the electric circuitry 50, the changing magnetic field generated by the perturbator 60 interferes with the magnetic field produced by the current-carrying electric circuitry 50. This causes the current flow through the circuitry 50 to be perturbed. To decouple the perturbator 60 from the electric circuitry 50, it suffices that the changing magnetic field is prevented from permeating the electric circuitry (or from interfering with the magnetic field produced by the electric circuitry 50), e.g. by switching off the changing magnetic field of the electromagnetic energy within the circuitry 50, or by spacing the perturbator 60 and the circuitry 50.

[0200] The changing magnetic field is time-varying such that its magnitude and / or direction and / or distribution and / or frequency vary over time. In this example, the changing magnetic field has a frequency between 0.001 Hz and 100 kHz, and a magnitude between 0.01 mT and 10 T.

[0201] The magnetic field generator 67 in this example comprises a transmitter coil 64 configured to generate the changing magnetic field. The transmitter coil 64 is connected to a power supply 80. In this example, the power supply 80 is distinct from the power source 40 for charging the battery, and is comprised by the perturbator 60. However, it is envisaged that the two may be the same, or the perturbator 60 may be powered by the battery 20 itself instead.

[0202] Although not shown in the figures, the BMS 100 may comprise a measurement unit configured to obtain measurements on the electric circuitry / battery(s) during operation. In some examples, the perturbator 60 generates known magnetic wavefunctions, and the measurement unit measures the response in the battery 20. The measurements obtained in this way may include impedance measurements, and / or amplitude measurements, and phase shift measurements. The perturbator 60 can also comprise a controller. The controller is not shown in the Figures but may be provided in the same housing as the transmitter coil 64, and communicatively (e.g. electrically) coupled thereto. The controller may be configured to control the changing magnetic field generated by the perturbator 60 (e.g. by the magnetic field generator 67). The controller may be configured to adjust the generated changing magnetic field based on feedback from the electric circuitry 50. For example, the electric circuitry 50 may comprise a feedback circuit and the controller may be coupled to the feedback circuit to receive feedback signals therefrom. Alternatively, or additionally, the controller may be coupled to the measurement unit in order to obtain feedback data from therefrom, in the form of measurements. 008853707 24

[0203] Figure 2 shows a different implementation of the BMS 100. The BMS 100 of Figure 2 differs from the BMS 100 of Figure 1 in that the electric circuitry 50 is for wireless charging of the battery 20. In this case, the BMS 100 comprises a wireless charger 57 which includes the power source 40. The wireless charger 57 also includes a charger transmitter coil 58 electrically coupled to the power source 40 to generate magnetic flux for wireless charging. The circuitry 50 includes a charger receiver coil 59 wirelessly coupled to the charger transmitter coil 58 so as to receive the generated magnetic flux. The wireless charger 57 is configured to induce a charge current lc in the circuitry 50 to charge the battery. The electric current supplied by the perturbator 60 has a smaller magnitude than that of the charge current lc- In other words, the perturbator 60 is configured to supply a current to the electric circuitry 50 which, on its own, is insufficient to charge the battery 20. For example, the electric current supplied by the perturbator 60 has a magnitude that is less than 50%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% or less than 1% of the charge current Io¬

[0204] Figures 3A and 3B show an implementation of a perturbator 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0205] The perturbator 60 defines an opening 75 for receiving a portion of the electric circuitry 50, such as a portion of a cable of the electric circuitry 50.

[0206] The perturbator 60 comprises a pair of jaws 76, 78. The jaws 76, 78 are movable between a closed configuration (shown in Figure 3A), in which the jaws 76, 78 are in contact to define the opening 75, and an open configuration (shown in Figure 3B) in which the jaws 76, 78 are spaced from one another to allow insertion of the portion of the circuitry 50 into the opening 75. The pair of jaws 76, 78 is provided by the housing 68 of the perturbator 60. The transmitter coil 64 is enclosed within the pair of jaws 76, 78. It is envisaged that a plurality of transmitter coils 64 may be enclosed within the pair of jaws 76, 78. The perturbator 60 comprises a power cable 79 for connection to the power supply 80 which in this case is not housed within the jaws 76, 78.

[0207] The perturbator 60 of Figures 3A and 3B can be used to perturb electric circuitry 50 for EV charging. This is shown in Figures 4A and 4B, where the perturbator 60 is mounted to and electrically connected to an EV charge point 97 via the perturbator’s power cable 79. The EV charge point 97 has a charging cable 98 which is connectable to an EV to electrically connect the EV battery pack 20 to the grid (i.e. power source 40). The perturbator 60 is clamped around the charging cable 98 using its movable jaws 76, 78. In this way, the perturbator 60 wirelessly couples to the charging cable 98 to perturb electromagnetic energy within the charging cable 98.

[0208] The perturbator 60 is powered by the EV charge point 97 via the perturbator’s power cable 79.

[0209] Next, Figure 5 shows another implementation of a battery management system 100 according to the present disclosure. The BMS 100 comprises a wireless charger 57 as discussed with reference to Figure 2. However, in this implementation, the wireless charger 57 comprises the perturbator 60, in addition to the charger transmitter coil 68. The wireless charger 57 is electrically coupled to an EV charge point 97, and therefore to the power source 40 (e.g. the grid), via a cable 105.

[0210] The wireless charger 57 is configured to transmit a superposition of two changing magnetic fields (waveforms) - one for charging and one for perturbation. The charging transmitter coil 58 is configured to 008853707 25 transmit a changing magnetic field for charging (i.e. a charging magnetic field), while the one or more transmitter coils 64 of the perturbator 60 are configured to transmit a different changing magnetic field (i.e. perturbing magnetic field) to perturb electromagnetic energy through circuitry 50 on-board of the EV 99.

[0211] The charging magnetic field, which is shown in Figure 6A, has a higher frequency than the perturbing magnetic field, which is shown in Figure 6B. The perturbing magnetic field has a frequency that is less than 50%, or less than 30%, or less than 20%, or less than 10%, or less than 5% or less than 1% of the frequency of the charging magnetic field. The charging magnetic field and the perturbing magnetic field are superimposed into a single waveform, as shown in Figure 6C, which is transmitted to the charger receiver coil 59 on-board of the EV 99.

[0212] As an alternative to wireless coupling, the perturbator 60 may be electrically connectable to the electric circuitry 50 via a wired connection 82, in line with the electric circuitry 50.

[0213] In the example of Figures 7A and 7B, the perturbator 60 has an elongated block-shaped housing 68. The perturbator 60 comprises a first port 72 and a second port 74 for connection to the electric circuitry 50. The ports 72, 74 are provided in the housing 68. The first port 72 comprises a positive terminal of the perturbator 60, while the second port 74 comprises a negative terminal of the perturbator 60. Portions of the circuitry 50 are connectable to the first 72 and second 74 ports as shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0214] In this implementation, the perturbator 60 is a retrofittable component, which can be electrically connected to the electric circuitry 50 to perturb the electromagnetic energy therein.

[0215] Figure 8 shows and implementation of the BMS 100, comprising the perturbator 60 of Figures 7A-7B. Figure 8 has electric circuitry 50, battery 20, power source 40, and load 30 identical to those described with reference to Figure 1 . The only difference compared to the implementation in Figure 1 is that the perturbator 60 is connected to the circuitry 50 via a wired connection 82, through its ports 72, 74. As can be seen from Figure 12, the circuitry 50 is electrically connected to each of the positive and negative terminals of the perturbator 60 (via its ports 72, 74).

[0216] Figure 9 shows an alternative implementation of the BMS 100 comprising the perturbator 60 of Figures 7A-7B. Figure 9 has electric circuitry 50, battery 20, power source 40, load 30, wireless charger 57 and charger receiver coil 59 identical to those described with reference to Figure 2. The only difference compared to the implementation in Figure 2 is that the perturbator 60 is connected to the circuitry 50 via a wired connection 82, through its ports 72, 74. As can be seen from Figure 9, the circuitry 50 is electrically connected to each of the positive and negative terminals of the perturbator 60 (via its ports 72, 74).

[0217] Next, various example implementations of the perturbator 60 of Figures 7A-7B are discussed with reference to Figures 10A-10D.

[0218] With reference to Figure 10A, the perturbator 60 comprises a transmitter coil 64 and a power supply 80, in addition to the housing 68 and the ports 72, 74. The transmitter coil 64 is electrically connected to the power supply 80. The perturbator also comprises positive and negative cable portions 65 electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the perturbator 60. The positive and negative cable 008853707 26 portions 65 are connectable the electric circuitry 50 (e.g. to positive battery cable and negative battery cable thereof) via the two ports 72, 74. The cable portions 65 are closely arranged to the transmitter coil 80. Thus, the transmitter coil can perturb electromagnetic energy within the cable portions, and therefore within the electric circuitry 50 when the cable portions 65 are connected to the electric circuitry 50.

[0219] The perturbator 60 may not enclose its power supply 80. This is shown in Figure 10B, where the transmitter coil 64 is electrically connected to the second port 74 of the perturbator 60 (which is for connection to the power source 40) such that upon connection to the electric circuitry 50, the transmitter coil 64 can be powered by the power source 40.

[0220] In the example implementations of Figures 10C-10E, the perturbator 60 also comprises a receiver coil 66 coupled to the transmitter coil 64 to receive magnetic flux (changing magnetic field) generated by the transmitter coil 64. The receiver coil 66 is electrically connected to the positive and negative terminals of the perturbator 60 (i.e. to the first 72 and second 74 ports). Thus, when the electric circuitry 50 is connected to the ports of the perturbator 60, the receiver coil 66 can supply current to (i.e. inject current into) the electric circuitry 50 so as to perturb the electromagnetic energy therein.

[0221] In the example of Figure 10C, the perturbator comprises a power supply 80 which is connected to the transmitter coil 64. The receiver coil 66 is coupled to the first and second ports 72, 74 via a separate circuit. In this example, the receiver coil is electrically connected to the positive cable portion of the perturbator 60. However, it is also envisaged that the receiver coil 66 may be connected to the negative cable portion instead.

[0222] In the example of Figure 10D, the perturbator 60 does not enclose a power supply 80. Instead, the transmitter coil 64 is electrically connected to the second port 74 which is for connection to the power source 40. The transmitter coil 64 and the receiver coil 66 are electrically connected to the second port 74 via separate circuits. The receiver coil 66 is connected to the positive cable portion 65, however, it is also envisaged that the receiver coil 66 may be connected to the negative cable portion instead.

[0223] Finally, in the example of Figure 10E, the transmitter coil 64 and the receiver coil 66 are connected in parallel, in the same circuit which is electrically connected to the first and second ports 72, 74 of the perturbator 60. The receiver coil 66 is connected to the positive cable portion 65, however, it is also envisaged that the receiver coil 66 may be connected to the negative cable portion instead.

[0224] The perturbator 60 implemented in any of the ways shown in Figures 10A-10D, can be used to perturb electric circuitry 50 for EV charging. This is shown in Figures 11 A and 11 B. The perturbator 60 is electrically connected to a charge point 97 and further electrically connected to a charging cable 98 of the EV charge point 97. The charging cable 98 is connectable to an EV 99 to electrically connect the EV battery pack 20 to the grid (i.e. power source 40). In this example, the perturbator 60 is electrically connected to the charge point 97 via its power cable 79 (which is electrically connected to the second port 74 of the perturbator 60). The charging cable 98 is plugged into the first port 72 of the perturbator 60 to connect the perturbator 60 to the EV battery pack 20. In this way, the perturbator is interposed between the charge point 97 (and thus the power source 40) and the EV battery 20. In this way, the perturbator 60 can perturb electromagnetic energy within the charging cable 98.

[0225] The perturbator 60 is also configured to draw power from the charge point 97 (e.g. from the grid) via its power cable 79. 008853707 27

[0226] In the example of Figure 12A, the perturbator 60 implemented in any of the ways shown in Figures 10A- 10D, is used to perturb electromagnetic energy within electric circuitry 50 for portable electronics charging. Specifically, Figure 12A shows a charger 103 for charging a portable electronic device 101 (e.g. a mobile phone). The charger 103 comprises a charging cable 98 (which is part of the electric circuitry 50 of the BMS 100). The charging cable 98 is connectable to the battery 20 of the portable electronic device 101 , and further connectable to the power source 40 (which may be the grid). The charger 103 comprises an electric plug for insertion into an electric socket to connect to the power source. The electric plug 104 which comprises the perturbator 60. The perturbator 60 is connected to the charging cable 98 via a wired connection. The perturbator is electrically connectable to the power source 40 to draw power therefrom (e.g. via the pins of the electric plug 104). The perturbator can be implemented as shown in Figure 12B (which is identical to Figure 10D). Alternatively, the perturbator 60 may be implemented in any of the ways shown in Figures 10A-10C or 10E.

[0227] Figures 13A and 13B show another implementation of a perturbator 60 according to the present disclosure.

[0228] Similar to Figures 3A and 3B, the perturbator 60 defines an opening 75 and a cable portion is threaded through the opening 75. The cable portion is a portion of the circuitry 50, and more specifically, a portion of a battery cable 52, 54, The perturbator 60 of Figure 13A comprises a transmitter coil 64 whose core defines the opening 75. The perturbator 60 of Figure 13B comprises a pair of concentric transmitter coils 64 in abutment with each other. The cores of the transmitter coils 64 define a passage which provides the opening 75 through which the cable portion is threaded.

[0229] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figures 13A and 13B may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator may comprise the cable portion (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Thus, the cable portion and the transmitter coil(s) may be both enclosed within the perturbator housing, and the cable portion may be threaded through the transmitter coil(s) as shown in Figures 13A and 13B.

[0230] Similarly to the implementation of Figure 13A, the perturbator 60 of Figures 14A and 14B comprises a single transmitter coil 64. A cable portion of the circuitry 50 is threaded through the opening 75 defined by the transmitter coil 64. Additionally, the cable portion 50 is then wound around the transmitter coil 64 such that the cable portion 50 is a coiled cable portion 56. In Figure 5A, the coiled cable portion 56 comprises 1 turn (winding), while in Figure 14B, the coiled cable portion 56 comprises 3 turns.

[0231] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figures 14A and 14B may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator may comprise the cable portion (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Thus, the perturbator may comprise a cable portion 65 which is threaded through the opening 75 of the transmitter coil 64 and subsequently wound around it as shown in Figures 14A and 14B.

[0232] Figures 15A to 15D show implementations of the perturbator 60 where the perturbator 60 sandwiches a cable portion of the electric circuitry 50. The perturbator 60 in these examples comprises a pair of transmitter coils 64 spaced from one another, and overlying each other. In Figure 15A, the transmitter coils 64 sandwich a straight cable portion of the electric circuit 50. In Figures 6B-6D the transmitter coils 64 sandwich a coiled cable portion 56. Specifically, in Figure 15B, the transmitter coils 64 sandwich a 008853707 28 coiled cable portion 56 having just one turn, while in Figures 15C and 15D the transmitter coils 64 sandwich a coiled cable portion 56 having a plurality of turns (around 5).

[0233] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figures 15A-15D may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator may comprise the cable portions which are sandwiched by the transmitter coils 64 (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Thus, the transmitter coils 64 may sandwich a straight cable portion 65 (as per Figure 15A), or the transmitter coils 64 may sandwich a coiled cable portion 65 (as per Figures 15B-15D), which are part of the perturbator.

[0234] It is possible to couple the perturbator 60 to the electric circuitry 50 such that it is integrated with just one of the battery cables 52, 54, i.e. one of the positive battery cable 52 or the negative battery cable 54. This is shown in Figures 16A and 16B. Specifically, in Figure 16A, a straight cable portion of only the positive battery cable 52 is threaded through the transmitter coil 64 of the perturbator 60, while in Figure 16B, a coiled cable portion 56 of only the positive battery cable 52 is placed in abutment with the transmitter coil 64.

[0235] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figures 16A and 16B may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator may comprise the cable portions (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Specifically, the perturbator 60 may comprise the straight cable portion which is threaded through the opening 75 of the transmitter coil 64 (as per Figure 16A) or the coiled cable portion which is placed in abutment with the transmitter coil 64 (as per Figure 16B).

[0236] It is also possible to couple the perturbator 60 to the electric circuitry 50 such that it is integrated with both of the positive battery cable 52 and the negative battery cable 54. This is shown in Figures 17A and 17B. In Figure 17A, the positive battery cable 52 and the negative battery cable 54 are each threaded through a respective transmitter coil 64 of the perturbator 60. In Figure 17B, each of the positive and the negative battery cable 54 comprises a coiled cable portion 56 (comprising just one turn), and each coiled cable portion 56 is placed on top of a respective transmitter coil 64 of the perturbator 60.

[0237] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figures 17A and 17B may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator may comprise the cable portions (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Thus, the perturbator 60 may comprise a pair of straight cable portions 65 (positive and negative) threaded through the openings 75 of the transmitter coils 64 (as per Figure 17A) or a pair of coiled cable portions (positive and negative) placed in abutment with the transmitter coils 64 (as per 17B).

[0238] It is possible that the perturbator 60 comprises a plurality of transmitter coils 64 which sandwich a plurality of coiled cable portions 56 of the electric circuitry 50.

[0239] This is shown in Figure 18. In the example of Figure 18, the perturbator 60 comprises 4 transmitter coils 64 alternately arranged with 3 coiled cable portions 56 of the electric circuitry 50. Each coiled cable portion 56 is sandwiched between a respective pair of the transmitter coils 64.

[0240] It is envisaged that the configurations of Figure 18 may be enclosed inside the housing of the perturbator 60, and the perturbator 60 may comprise the coiled cable portions (e,g, as per Figures 10A-10B where the perturbator 60 comprises cable portions 65). Thus, the perturbator 60 may comprise a plurality of (e.g. three) coiled cable portions 65 alternately arranged with a plurality of (e.g. four) transmitter coils 64 such 008853707 29 that each coiled cable portions 65 is sandwiched between a respective pair of transmitter coils 64 as per Figure 18.

[0241] In some examples, the one or more receiver coils 66 may be interwound with the one or more transmitter coils 64 in single coil, as shown in Figure 19. The wires of the receiver 66 and the transmitter coils 64 are covered with an electrically insulating material, such as enamel, such that the wires of the receiver coils and transmitter coils can touch without conducting electricity from one another. In this way, the transmitter 64 and receiver 66 coils can be closely wound together in a single, compact coil which can be enclosed within the perturbator housing.

[0242] Figures 20A-20D show an implementation of the perturbator 60 according to the present disclosure in which the perturbator 60 comprises a magnetic field guide 90. The magnetic field guide 90 is formed of a ferromagnetic material and comprises a stadium-shaped frame 92. The perturbator 60 of this example comprises two transmitter coils 64 and two receiver coils 66. Each receiver coil 66 is configured to be coupled to a respective one of the transmitter coils 64 to receive magnetic flux therefrom. The transmitter and receiver coil 66 which are configured to be coupled to one another are wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the frame 92. The two receiver coils 66 can be wound around the same limb 96 of the frame 92 and the two transmitter coils 64 can be wound around the opposing, same limb 94 of the frame 92, as shown in Figures 20A-20D, 21 A and 21 C, or the two receiver coils 66 can be wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the frame 92, and the two transmitter coils 64 can also be wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the frame 92, as shown in Figure 21 B.

[0243] Figures 21A-21 B show variant arrangements of the perturbator 60 of Figures 20A-20D connected to the electric circuitry 50 of the BMS 100.

[0244] In Figure 21A, the transmitter coils 64 are wound around the same limb 94 of the magnetic field guide 90, while the receiver coils 66 are wound around the opposing limb 96. The transmitter coils 64 are each coupled to the power supply 80. In this example, the power supply 80 comprises a first power supply and a second power supply, each configured to supply respective different current signals (waveforms) to their respective transmitter coils 64. In this way, the perturbator 60 can be tuned via waveform control to produce asymmetric or ‘biased’ perturbations. It is also envisaged that the power supply 80 may be a single power supply configured to supply respective different current signals (waveforms) to their respective transmitter coils 64. It is also envisaged that the perturbator 60 may comprise two or more transmitter coils 64 (such as just two transmitter coils) which may be wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the magnetic field guide 90. The magnetic fields produced by the transmitter coils 64 may interfere to generate the changing magnetic field of the perturbator 60, which is a superposition of the individual magnetic field waveforms. In some examples, the transmitter coils 64 are configured to generate respective different magnetic field waveforms.

[0245] In Figure 21 B, the transmitter coils 64 are wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the magnetic field generator 67. The receiver coils 66 are also wound around opposing limbs 94, 96 of the magnetic field generator 67. The two transmitter coils 64 are diagonally spaced from each other relative to the opposing limbs 94, 96, and so are the receiver coils 66. Thus, each receiver coil 66 is separated from its corresponding transmitter coil 64 by the shortest distance across the two limbs. 008853707 30

[0246] In Figure 21 C, the transmitter coils 64 are switched off (as the power supply 80 is switched off) and the magnetic field guide 90 is used passively to filter current spikes during charge / discharge.

[0247] Figure 22A shows a wireless power transfer (WPT) system 200. Like components in the WPT system 200 and the BMS 100 are denoted by like reference numerals.

[0248] The WPT system 200 comprising a power source 40, one or more batteries 20, electric circuitry 50 electrically connected to the one or more batteries 20 and to the power source 40. The system 200 further comprises a wireless charger 57 configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil 58 (not shown) configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries 20, and a charger receiver coil 59 configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil. The one or more batteries 20 and the receiver coil 59 are part of a device 114, such as an automotive vehicle (e.g. EV) or a portable electronic device (such as a mobile phone).

[0249] The power source 40, the charger receiver coil 59 and the one or more batteries may be electrically connected to one another in series, via the electric circuitry 50. Alternatively, the charger receiver coil 59 may be electrically connected to the one or more batteries 20 in parallel via a wired electrical connection which is part of the electric circuitry 50. Both options, i.e. the series and parallel connections are illustrated in Figure 22A, however it should be understood that they are alternatives.

[0250] The WPT system 200 can be operated by supplying electrical current to the one or more batteries 20 from the power source 40 via the electric circuitry, and concurrently supplying electrical current to the charger receiver coil 59 from the power source 40 via the electric circuitry 50, thereby generating a magnetic field through the one or more batteries as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 22A.

[0251] Conveniently, the magnetic field generated by the receiver coil can enhance the electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries 20, e.g. by increasing charge / discharge speed, capacity, and / or longevity of the one or more batteries.

[0252] When the charger receiver coil 49 is connected to the one or more batteries 20 in parallel via a wired electrical connection, the wired electrical connection comprises a switch (not shown). The switch can be opened and closed periodically to switch between the wired connection and the parallel branch connection.

[0253] The WPT system 200 in this example comprises a perturbator 60 as described with reference to the previous figures, such as Figures 9-10E.

[0254] In a general sense, this embodiment provides a process of: determining ‘Wired’ characteristics of a wireless power transfer system e.g. charger receiver coil design / resonant ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit compensation topology limits in inductive and capacitive load; reconfiguring existing hardware of the WPT system (WPT charger drive circuitry) to superimpose an additional magnetic field to WPT ‘Wired’ charging waveform choosing from drive functions, taking note not to exceed existing design limitations determined in the previous step, and ensuring not to exceed resonant ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit limitations with increased DC load; 008853707 31 adjusting drive function according to additional magnetic field and electrochemical resonant mode (SoH, SoC, B) to maintain optimum WPT operational efficiency.

[0255] Electrochemical benefit is seen due to improved ‘WPT ‘Wired’ charge +MF’ drive waveform components penetrating electrochemical system for core MF benefit and / or electrical circuit elements to produce ripple benefits.

[0256] Figure 22B shows an equivalent electrical circuit showing multifrequency application through the charger receiver coil 59 and electrochemical load (of the one or more batteries 20) which is dependent on battery frequency , State of Heath (SoH), State of Charge (SoC) , and magnetic field strength B.

[0257] The electrical current supplied by the power source 40 to the charger receiver coil 59 may be characterized by a drive function f(t). Examples of drive function voltage waveforms are shown in Figure 22B as well, illustrating how different components can be stacked according to wired charge application in addition to magnetic field enhancement.

[0258] Figure 23A shows a wireless power transfer (WPT) system 200 comprising a power source 40 and one or more batteries 20. The system 200 further comprises a wireless charger 57 configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil 58 configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries 20, and a charger receiver coil 59 configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil. The charger transmitter coil 58 is electrically connected to the power source 40 via electric circuitry 50. The one or more batteries 20 and the receiver coil 59 are part of a device 114, such as an automotive vehicle (e.g. EV) or a portable electronic device (such as a mobile phone).

[0259] The charger receiver coil 59 is electrically connected in series with the one or more batteries 20 to supply the induced charging current to the one or more batteries 20.

[0260] The WPT system 200 can be operated by supplying an electrical current signal to the charger transmitter coil 58, the electrical current signal comprising a charging component and an additional component for electrochemical enhancement; and generating, by the charger transmitting coil 58d, a magnetic field passing through both the charger receiver coil 59 so as to induce a charging current therein, and through the one or more batteries 20.

[0261] The method can also comprise electrically connecting and disconnecting the charger receiver coil 59 from the one or more batteries 20 over time. In this way the magnetic field produced by the charger transmitter coil 58 can permeate the battery(s) 20 when the battery(s) is / are electrically disconnected from the charger receiver coil 59, e.g. during rest periods of battery charging circuit.

[0262] The WPT system 200 in this example comprises a perturbator 60 as described with reference to the previous figures, such as Figures 9-10E.

[0263] Thus, in a general sense, this embodiment provides a process of: determining wireless power transfer characteristics e.g. charger transmitter / receiver coil design, and / or resonant frequency, and / or ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ circuit compensation topology limits in inductive and capacitive load; 008853707 32 reconfiguring existing hardware (WPT charger drive circuitry) to superimpose additional DC / AC magnetic field waveform to WPT charging waveform in the charger transmitter coil drive circuit, taking note to not exceed existing design limitations determined in the previous step; controlling resonant / tuned circuit condition to maintain optimum WPT operational efficiency by adjusting ‘Drive’ and ‘Load’ compensation strategies according to additional magnetic field and electrochemical resonant mode (w ,SoH, SoC, B) and mutual coupling coefficients.

[0264] Electrochemical and / or ripple benefits are seen due to an improved “WPT + magnetic field” drive waveform penetrating the system.

[0265] Figure 23B shows an equivalent electrical circuit showing multifrequency application through the charger transmitter coil 58 and the electrochemical load (i.e. the one or more batteries 20) which is dependent on battery frequency, State of Heath (SoH), State of Charge (SoC), and magnetic field strength B.

[0266] The right-hand side of Figure 23B also shows example drive function voltage waveforms showing how different components can be stacked according to wired charge application in addition to magnetic field enhancement (w is the WPT drive frequency (rad / s) and k is the mutual coupling coefficient of the WPT system).

[0267] Finally, Figure 23C shows equations illustrating how to determine resonant frequency of the WPT system 200. These must be altered to account for specific topology used in WPT circuit.

[0268] Next, Figure 24 shows a wireless power transfer system comprising a power source 40, one or more batteries 20, a wireless charger 57 configured to charge the one or more batteries 20, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil 58 and a charger receiver coil 59, electric circuitry 50 electrically connected to the charger transmitter coil and to the power source, and an electromagnetic coil 115 electrically connected to the power source 40 via the electric circuitry 50 and configured to generate a magnetic field through the one or more batteries 20.

[0269] The charger receiver coil 59 is electrically connected in series with the one or more batteries 20 to supply the induced charging current to the one or more batteries 20.

[0270] The one or more batteries 20 and the receiver coil 59 are part of a device 114, such as an automotive vehicle (e.g. EV) or a portable electronic device (such as a mobile phone).

[0271] The magnetic field 110 produced by the electromagnetic coil 115 also passes through the charger transmitter coil 58 and the charger receiver coil 59.

[0272] Thus, the magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil 115 is superimposed onto the magnetic field (flux) produced by the charger transmitter coil 59. The magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil 115 can be static (DC), sinusoidal, triangular / sawtooth, square / pulse, DC biased sinusoidal, or arbitrary (multi-harmonic). The magnetic flux generated by the charger transmitter coil has a high-frequency sinusoidal waveform.

[0273] The superposition of the magnetic field produced by the electromagnetic coil 115 and the magnetic flux generated by the charger transmitter coil 58 is shown in Figures 25 to 26F. 008853707 33

[0274] The magnetic field produced by the charger receiver coil 59 in Figure 22A and by the charger transmitter coil 28 in Figure 22B can be similarly superimposed onto a magnetic flux for wireless charging as per Figures 25 to 26F.

[0275] With reference to Figures 27A and 27B, it has been observed that the provision of a magnetic field through the wireless power transfer system 200, e.g. in addition to the magnetic flux generated for wireless charging, can impact the inductive and capacitive characteristics of the wireless power transfer system (e.g. of the charger transmitter 58 and charger receiver coils 59), in turn altering the resonant condition for wireless power transfer in the system.

[0276] Additionally, low stage of health (SoH) e.g. due to lifetime degradation and / or low state of charge (SoC), e.g. due to cell cycling, of the one or more batteries 20 can also cause a change in the resonant condition in the WPT circuit. The low SoH / SoC may be caused by electrochemical degradation in the one or more batteries.

[0277] Thus, the application of a magnetic field through the wireless power transfer system 200 as per the examples of Figures 22-26, can be conveniently used to compensate for changes in the resonant condition in the system caused by low SoH / SoC of the one or more batteries over the / each battery’s lifetime.

[0278] The impact of an applied static (DC) magnetic field on inductive element (dummy cell / dry cell) on inductance measurement with increasing frequency from 0.1 to 100 kHz is shown in Figure 28A. Specifically, the inductance reduces due to applied magnetic field. This is shown for a number of test cells including a control cell, a dummy cell and a dry cell (shown on the right hand side of Figure 28A).

[0279] Therefore, the ‘Drive’ (i.e. transmitter) circuit must be sufficiently compensated for to allow the introduction of an additional magnetic field coupled to the electrochemical system 20.

[0280] Figure 28B shows the impact of an applied dynamic (AC) magnetic field at 100Hz on capacitive element (210mAh pouch cell) on Potentiostatic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (PEIS) with decreasing frequency from 500kHz to 1 Hz (reading from left to right). The inductive circles present under AC applied field indicates possible magnetic field influence on resonant modes in cell / battery pack 20. The dark semi circle is a typical PEIS data curve for a pouch cell. This data plot highlights how the ‘Load’ receiver circuit must be sufficiently compensated for to allow the introduction of an additional magnetic field coupled to the electrochemical system 20.

[0281] Furthermore, the effect of the magnetic field and / or the SoH / SoC on the resonant condition of the system 200 may be compensated for by modifying characteristics of the circuitry 50 and / or the charger transmitter coil 58 and / or the charger receiver coil 59.

[0282] For example, the distance between the charger transmitter coil 58 and the charger receiver coil 59, and / or the number of turns of the charger transmitter coil 58, and / or the number of turns of the charger receiver coil 59 may be selected so as to achieve a predetermined mutual coupling coefficient, k, between the charger transmitter and receiver coils. This is shown in Figures 29A-30B. 008853707 34

[0283] Figures 29A and 29B relate to applications where the wireless power transfer system is expected to have relatively high mutual coupling coefficient, k, such as in portable electronics devices (e.g. mobile phones). To this end, the charger transmitter 58 and receiver coils 59 are configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 kHz and 1000 kHz, and each comprise between 10 and 50 turns. The mutual coupling coefficient is around 0.2 or more, and the charging transmitter coil 58 and / or the charging receiver coil 59 are formed of copper, litz, nichrome, or magnetic wire. The coils can be circularly wound, or rectangularly wound as shown in Figure 29B.

[0284] Figures 30A and 30B relate to applications where the wireless power transfer system 200 is expected to have a relatively high transmission distance, such as between 0.2m and 2m, e.g. in automotive / marine vehicle applications, the charger transmitter 58 and receiver coils 59 are configured to operate in a frequency range between 1 MHz and 10 MHz. The mutual coupling coefficient, k, is around 0.2 or less. The charger transmitter coil 58 and / or the charger receiver coil 59 each comprise between 2 and 5 turns. The charging transmitter coil 58 and / or the charging receiver coil 59 are formed of copper, e.g. copper bar.

[0285] The operation of the wireless power transfer system 200 shown in Figures 22A, 23A or 24A can be adjusted based on feedback from the electric circuitry 50 and / or the one or more batteries 20. This is discussed with reference to Figures 31A-31 D.

[0286] For example, feedback signals / data can be received from a feedback circuit or a measurement unit. The feedback data may comprise electrical, thermal, magnetic, and / or electrochemical signals / data from the system 200.

[0287] Operation of the system can be controlled in an open or closed loop format using to keep electrochemical system within operational window.

[0288] This may involve analysing the feedback data using PID analysis, or using fuzzy logic-based analysis.

[0289] In some examples, adjusting operation of the wireless power transfer system may involve training a machine learning model such as a neural network using training data. The training data can be stored in a database. The training data may comprise electrical, thermal, and / or magnetic data characterizing the system.

[0290] The neural network can comprise a plurality of layers, and can be trained using a plurality of different types of training data as shown in Figure 31 C. The neural network also has a plurality of nodes including one or more input and output nodes, the output nodes outputting predicted electrochemical performance of the one or more batteries and / or magnetic performance of the magnetic-field generating components of the system, such as the charger receiver coil 59 and / or the charger transmitter coil 58 and / or the electromagnetic coil 115. The input node may be a displacement system control data node.

[0291] Advantageously, using the ML model shown in Figure 31 C, macroscopic to nanoscopic characteristics of the system 200 can be monitored, controlled and eventually optimized as shown in Figure 31 D. 008853707 35

[0292] In some examples, the battery management system of Figures 1-21 or the wireless power transfer system of Figures 22A, 23A, and 24A can comprise electronic components 112 sensitive to electromagnetic interference (EMI). These may also be referred to as EMC sensitive electronics, where EMC stands for electromagnetic compatibility. The EMC sensitive electronics 112 may be part of the device 114 which may be an automotive / marine vehicle or a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone.

[0293] Therefore, it is desirable to ensure that the magnetic field(s) generated through the system do not negatively impact the performance of the EMC sensitive electronics.

[0294] To this end, the battery management system 200 shown in Figures 32A and 32B comprises a magnetic field shielding element 111 configured to dissipate some or all of a magnetic field passing therethrough.

[0295] The magnetic field shielding element 111 in Figures 32A and 32B is substantially planar. The magnetic field shielding element 111 is formed of an electrically conductive and / or ferromagnetic material. As explained above, such materials can actively control magnetic field penetration distance and / or position on the other side of the magnetic field shielding element. Thus, in Figure 32A, where the magnetic field shielding element 111 is placed between the charger receiver coil 59 and the one or more batteries 20, the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 115 penetrates the magnetic field shielding element 111 to reach the one or more batteries 20, but does not reach the sensitive electronics 112 in the device 114. In Figure 32B the magnetic field shielding element 111 is arranged downstream of the one or more batteries 20 along the direction of propagation of the magnetic field generated by the electromagnetic coil 115, and the magnetic field shielding element 111 prevents the magnetic field from reaching the EMC sensitive electronics 112 in the device 114.

[0296] As shown in Figure 33, the / each magnetic field shielding element 111 can comprise a plurality of perforations 113. Conveniently, the one or more perforations 113 allow magnetic field incident on the magnetic field shielding element 111 to pass therethrough unimpeded. Thus, the magnetic field penetration depth can be controlled on a more granular level, without needing to provide separate magnetic field shielding elements 111 for each region.

[0297] The perforations 113 are rectangular or oval as shown in Figure 33. The perforations 113 are regularly spaced according to a predetermined pattern, thereby forming a grating. In the left-hand-side example shown in Figure 33, the perforations are arranged in a pattern of a plurality of nested rectangular frames. In the right-hand-side example of Figure 33, the rectangular perforations 113 are arranged parallel to one another, thereby forming a grating. In the central example of Figure 33, the perforations are arranged around the sides of a rectangle, and along the rectangle’s diagonal.

[0298] 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.

[0299] 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 008853707 36 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.

[0300] 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.

[0301] Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

[0302] 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.

[0303] 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%.

Claims

008853707 37Claims:1 . A battery management system comprising: one or more batteries; electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries, and further connectable to a power source for charging and / or to an electrical load for discharging; and a perturbator comprising a magnetic field generator configured to generate a magnetic field, the perturbator being couplable to the electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the electric circuitry using the generated magnetic field.

2. The battery management system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is a changing magnetic field.

3. The battery management system of claim 1 wherein the magnetic field is a static magnetic field.

4. The battery management system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the perturbator is coupled to a location on the electric circuitry proximal the one or more batteries such that the generated magnetic field passes through at least some of the one or more batteries.

5. The battery management system of any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the perturbator is reversibly couplable to the electric circuitry.

6. The battery management system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein perturbing the electromagnetic energy within the electric circuitry includes: restricting a flow of current through the circuitry and / or perturbing a voltage within the circuitry and / or altering a magnitude and / or direction and / or rate of electric current through the circuitry.

7. The battery management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises at least one transmitter coil to generate the changing magnetic field.

8. The battery management system of claim 7 wherein the perturbator comprises a plurality of transmitter coils arranged so as to sandwich one or more cable portions.

9. The battery management system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of transmitter coils is arranged alternately with a plurality of cable portions.

10. The battery management system of claim 7 wherein the at least one transmitter coils is arranged so as to face or abut one or more cable portions.

11. The battery management system of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the electric circuitry comprises the cable portion(s).008853707 3812. The battery management system of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein the perturbator comprises the cable portion(s), the cable portion(s) being electrically connectable to the electric circuitry.

13. The battery management system of claim 11 or 12 wherein the cable portion(s) include at least one straight cable portion and / or at least one coiled cable portion comprising at least one turn.

14. The battery management system of claim 13, wherein the at least one coiled cable portion is coiled around a portion of the at least one transmitter coil.

15. The battery management system of claim 13 or 14, wherein the at least one straight cable portion is threaded through a core of the at least one transmitter coil.

16. The battery management system of any one of claims 7 to 15, wherein: the perturbator comprises a plurality of transmitter coils, the battery management system comprises a power supply for powering the perturbator, and the power supply is configured to supply respective different current signals to respective different transmitter coils.

17. The battery management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the perturbator is wirelessly couplable to the electric circuitry such that a at least a portion of the electric circuitry is placed within the changing magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generator.

18. The battery management system of claim 17, wherein the perturbator is shaped and sized so as to at least partially surround a portion of the electric circuitry.

19. The battery management system of claim 18, wherein the perturbator defines an opening for receiving a portion of the electric circuitry20. The battery management system of claim 19, wherein the perturbator comprises a pair of jaws movable between a closed configuration in which the jaws are in contact to define the opening, and an open configuration in which the jaws are spaced from one another to allow insertion of the portion of the circuitry into the opening.

21. The battery management system of any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the perturbator is electrically connectable to the electric circuitry via a wired connection.

22. The battery management system of claim 21 wherein the magnetic field generator comprises one or more transmitter coils and one or more receiver coils coupled to the one or more transmitter coils to receive magnetic field(s) generated by the one or more transmitter coils.008853707 3923. The battery management system of claim 22, wherein the one or more receiver coils are electrically connectable to the circuitry to supply electric current thereto.

24. The battery management system of claim 22 or 23, wherein the perturbator comprises a magnetic field guide comprising a frame, wherein the one or more receiver coils and / or one or more transmitter coils are mounted to the frame.

25. The battery management system of claim 24 wherein the frame comprises a pair of opposing limbs, and the one or more receiver coils are mounted to one of the opposing limbs, and the one or more transmitter coils are mounted to the other of the opposing limbs.

26. The battery management system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the battery management system further comprises a measurement unit configured to obtain measurements on the electric circuitry and / or the one or more batteries during operation of the electric circuitry and the perturbator.

27. A perturbator for use with the battery management system of any one of the preceding claims, the perturbator comprising: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field; wherein the perturbator is couplable to electric circuitry to perturb a electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the changing magnetic field.

28. A method of perturbing electromagnetic energy within electric circuitry using a perturbator, the perturbator comprising: a magnetic field generator configured to generate a changing magnetic field, wherein the current perturbator is couplable to electric circuitry to perturb electromagnetic energy within the circuitry using the changing magnetic field, the method comprising: coupling the perturbator to the electric circuitry; and generating the changing magnetic field to perturb the electromagnetic energy within the electric circuitry.

29. A method of operating a wireless power transfer system comprising: a power source; one or more batteries; electric circuitry electrically connected to the one or more batteries and to the power source; and a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries, and a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil,008853707 40 the method comprising: supplying electrical current to the one or more batteries from the power source via the electric circuitry, and concurrently supplying electrical current to the charger receiver coil from the power source via the electric circuitry, thereby generating a magnetic field through the one or more batteries.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein the charger receiver coil is electrically connected to the one or more batteries in parallel via a wired electrical connection comprising a switch, and the method further comprises opening and closing the switch periodically.

31. A method of operating a wireless power transfer system comprising: a power source; one or more batteries; a wireless charger configured to charge the one or more batteries, the wireless charger comprising a charger transmitter coil configured to produce magnetic flux to charge the one or more batteries, and a charger receiver coil configured to receive the magnetic flux from the wireless charger transmitter coil; and electric circuitry electrically connected to the charger transmitter coil and to the power source, the method comprising: supplying an electrical current signal to the charger transmitter coil, the electrical current signal comprising a charging component and an additional component for electrochemical enhancement; and generating, by the charger transmitting coil, a magnetic field passing through both the charger receiver coil so as to induce a charging current therein, and through the one or more batteries.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the charger receiver coil is electrically connected in parallel with the one or more batteries and the method further comprises electrically connecting and disconnecting the charger receiver coil from the one or more batteries over time.

33. The method of any one of claims 29 to 32 wherein the wireless power transfer system comprises the battery management system of any one of claims 1 to 26.

34. The battery management system of any one of claims 1 to 26 or the method of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the battery management system or the wireless power transfer system further comprise one or more magnetic field shielding elements configured to dissipate a portion of a magnetic field passing therethrough.

35. The battery management system or the method of claim 34, wherein the / each magnetic field shielding element comprises one or more perforations.

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