Battery Calendar Aging Detection via Charge and Temperature Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to reliably and simply determine the calendar aging state of batteries, particularly lithium-ion batteries, which affects their performance and lifespan due to factors like storage conditions and usage patterns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the automatic measurement and storage of a battery's state of charge and temperature at regular intervals, using an aging function specific to the battery type to determine calendar aging, and adjusting charging behavior based on the aging state to extend battery life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct measurement of battery aging is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of detecting increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaging state measurementVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses charge level and temperature as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine battery aging state. Instead of directly measuring aging, the system measures these accessible parameters and uses an aging function to calculate the aging state, thereby avoiding the complexity of direct aging measurement while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex direct aging measurement mechanisms with a computational approach using an aging function. The system substitutes physical aging measurement with a mathematical model that processes charge level and temperature data to determine aging state, reducing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If battery is stored at high charge level, then availability is improved, but calendar aging accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery availabilityVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors charge level and temperature, calculates aging state using the aging function, and provides feedback to the user through notifications. This feedback mechanism enables users to adjust storage conditions to balance availability needs with aging reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the storage parameter (charge level) from high to moderate levels to reduce calendar aging. By recommending storage at moderate charge levels rather than high charge levels, the system trades some availability for extended battery lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If battery is stored at high temperature, then operational readiness is improved, but calendar aging accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational readinessVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system monitors temperature and provides feedback notifications when high temperature storage is detected, informing users of the accelerated aging risk and suggesting temperature adjustments to preserve battery lifespan

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Duration of action of stationary object

If charging behavior is adjusted to slow aging, then battery lifespan is extended, but charging productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifespanVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial charging actions by recommending moderate charge levels (e.g., 60-80%) rather than full charging. This partial charging approach extends battery lifespan by reducing stress on the battery while still providing sufficient charge for most operational needs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP4404329A1System with a rechargeable battery and method for operating a system with a rechargeable battery
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4404329A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4404329A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4404329A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for operating a system with a battery, wherein the state of charge and/or temperature of the battery are recorded by automatically measuring and storing the state of charge and/or temperature at several time points, and wherein a calendar aging state of the battery is automatically determined using the stored states of charge and/or temperatures. The present invention further relates to a system for carrying out the method.