Vehicle Battery Capacity Calibration Using Autonomous Discharge

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Batteries used in vehicles, such as uncrewed aerial vehicles, experience varying output due to manufacturing differences and degradation over time, making accurate capacity estimation challenging.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a travel task followed by a battery discharge task to measure battery capacity, where the battery is discharged from a charge threshold to a post-task voltage during travel and further to a discharge threshold, allowing for accurate capacity determination based on electrical outputs during these tasks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the battery is discharged to measure capacity, then measurement precision is improved, but energy is wasted and battery degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacity measurement accuracyVSAvoidenergy wasted during discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The battery performs self-testing by utilizing its own operational characteristics during normal vehicle travel tasks. The system monitors electrical output during these tasks and compares it against expected performance curves to determine capacity, eliminating the need for separate discharge testing that would waste energy and accelerate degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The battery serves multiple functions simultaneously: it powers the vehicle during travel tasks while also providing data for capacity measurement. The same operational discharge that propels the vehicle forward is used to gather measurement data, making the testing process universal and eliminating redundant energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the battery is discharged to measure capacity, then measurement precision is improved, but the battery degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacity measurement accuracyVSAvoidbattery lifetime

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery uses its own operational data during normal vehicle use to self-diagnose capacity. By analyzing electrical output characteristics during regular travel tasks rather than forced discharge cycles, the system obtains measurement data without subjecting the battery to additional stress that would accelerate aging and reduce lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses only the partial discharge that occurs naturally during normal vehicle operation to gather measurement data, rather than performing complete discharge cycles. This partial action approach provides sufficient information for capacity determination while minimizing the impact on battery lifetime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If battery calibration is performed frequently, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery capacity estimation accuracyVSAvoidvehicle operational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously performs self-monitoring during normal vehicle operation without requiring dedicated calibration tasks. The capacity estimation is updated automatically using data from regular travel tasks, eliminating the need for frequent scheduled calibrations that would reduce vehicle productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The capacity measurement process occurs continuously during normal vehicle operation rather than requiring periodic interruptions for calibration. The system continuously monitors electrical output and updates capacity estimates in real-time, maintaining measurement precision without sacrificing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables efficient and accurate battery capacity assessment without wasting energy or degrading the battery, while ensuring productive use of the battery's capacity and safe discharge.

Implementation Method 1

A battery may be used to power a vehicle. The capacity of the battery may deteriorate over the battery's lifetime.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20250330032A1Vehicle Battery Capacity Measurement Using Autonomous Discharge

Publication Date: 2025.10.23 WING AVIATION LLC

AI summary

A method includes charging a battery of a vehicle to a charge threshold voltage. The method also includes discharging the battery from the charge threshold voltage to a post-task voltage by performing a travel task using the vehicle. The method additionally includes determining that a battery calibration condition has been met. The method further includes, based on determining that the battery calibration condition has been met, discharging the battery from the post-task voltage to a discharge threshold voltage by performing a battery discharge task. The method yet further includes determining a capacity of the battery based on a first electrical output of the battery during the travel task and a second electrical output of the battery during the battery discharge task.