Battery Cell Position Mapping Using Cell-Emitted ID Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems cannot determine the position of individual battery cells within a battery system, leading to unnecessary replacement of entire battery packs when a fault is detected, resulting in waste of functional cells.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where each battery cell has a unique identifier and can emit a signal to distinguish itself, allowing for determination of its position within the system, using techniques such as electromagnetic signals or radio-frequency signals, and image capture to associate the signal with the cell's unique ID.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire battery system is replaced when a fault is identified in a battery cell, then safety is ensured, but functional cells are wasted and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery system into individually identifiable battery cells, each with unique positioning information. This segmentation allows the system to identify and isolate only the faulty cell rather than replacing the entire battery system, thus preserving functional cells while maintaining safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system comprising sensors, processors, and communication interfaces that bridge between the battery cells and the replacement decision-making process. This intermediary enables precise fault localization through signal transmission and processing, allowing selective replacement based on actual fault conditions rather than blanket replacement.
2Measurement precision
If individual battery cell positions are determined using complex tracking systems, then precise fault localization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service positioning where each battery cell autonomously generates and transmits its own identification signals and position data. The cells serve their own positioning needs without requiring external tracking infrastructure, thereby achieving precise localization while minimizing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal positioning framework where the same identification and signaling mechanism serves multiple functions: cell identification, position determination, and fault detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
3Reliability
If battery cells are monitored for performance characteristics, then potential faults are identified early, but the ability to locate the specific faulty cell is lost without positioning data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges performance monitoring functionality with position determination by integrating sensors, processors, and communication interfaces that simultaneously capture both operational data and location information. This combination ensures that when a fault is detected, the system already possesses the positioning data needed to identify the specific faulty cell without losing location information.
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
Enables precise identification and positioning of faulty cells, reducing unnecessary replacements and conserving functional cells by accurately locating faulty cells within the battery system.
Implementation Method 1
each battery cell may be configured to emit a first signal when in a first state
Implementation Method 2
using techniques such as electromagnetic signals or radio-frequency signals
Data Source
AI summary
A method of and processor for determining a position of a battery cell within a battery system comprising a plurality of battery cells, each battery cell having a unique identifier (ID) is provided. Each battery cell is configured to emit a first signal when in a first state, the first signal enabling the battery cell in the first state to be distinguished from the plurality of other battery cells comprised in the battery system. The method may comprise: receiving a first signal associated with a battery cell in the first state; obtaining the unique ID associated with the battery cell in the first state; determining the position of the battery cell in the first state within the battery system, based on the received first signal associated with the battery cell in the first state; and associating the determined position with the received unique ID of the battery cell in the first state.