Battery Array Testing During Operation With Load Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery characterization methods are expensive, time-consuming, and require batteries to be taken offline, which can degrade their operational lifetime and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for managing power storage and discharge in a battery array that allows for in-operation characterization of individual batteries by using a test profile to cycle batteries between specific states of charge, while other batteries compensate for demand differences, ensuring the battery array remains operational and efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If battery cell tests are performed to characterize operational characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous characterization of battery operational characteristics by performing tests during normal operation rather than requiring separate offline testing periods. The battery management system continuously monitors and characterizes batteries while they are cycling in service, eliminating idle testing time and maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-characterization by utilizing the battery's own operational data and cycles to determine its characteristics. The system uses the battery's natural charge/discharge cycles during normal operation to gather characterization data, allowing the battery to serve its own testing needs without requiring external dedicated testing resources.
2Measurement precision
If battery cell tests are performed offline to characterize operational characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous productive operation of the battery while simultaneously performing characterization tests. By conducting tests during normal operational cycles rather than removing the battery from service, the battery remains productive throughout the characterization process, eliminating downtime and maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-characterization using the battery's own operational cycles during normal service. This eliminates the need to take the battery offline for separate testing, allowing the battery to continue serving its primary function while being characterized, thus maintaining full productivity.
3Measurement precision
If test profiles are applied to characterize individual batteries, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it manages normal battery operation, monitors operational parameters, and conducts characterization tests all through a single integrated control system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated testing equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining precise measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system uses its existing operational monitoring capabilities to also perform characterization functions. By leveraging the same sensors and control infrastructure already in place for normal battery management, the system avoids adding complex dedicated testing equipment, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving precise characterization.
Data Source
AI summary
According to embodiments described herein managing power storage and discharge from or charge to a battery array that includes a plurality of individual batteries, is provided by: determining an aggregate demand for power from the battery array; performing one of discharging or charging via a first battery of the plurality of individual batteries from a first state of charge to a second state of charge based on a test profile configured to characterize the first battery, wherein the test profile is unrelated to the aggregate demand; and performing the one of discharging or charging via a second battery of the plurality of individual batteries to compensate for a difference between power discharged or charged by the first battery according to the test profile and the aggregate demand.