Battery Module Cell Swapping for Uniform Degradation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individual unit cells in a battery module experience varying degradation rates based on their installation position, leading to uneven wear and potentially shortening the life of the battery module.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device calculates a first evaluation index based on positive electrode potential and temperature rise rate for each unit cell, identifies the most and least degraded cells, and swaps or replaces them to maintain uniform degradation across the module, using a function or correspondence table to assess cell health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If unit cells are installed in fixed positions in a battery module, then the battery module can be manufactured with simple structure, but individual degradation rates vary depending on installation position leading to shortened battery module life
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of unit cell degradation states using positive electrode potential and temperature rise rate data before degradation becomes severe. By identifying cells at risk of degradation in advance and swapping them proactively, the system prevents premature battery module failure while maintaining simple fixed-position installation structure
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system continuously monitors positive electrode potential and temperature rise rate of each unit cell, compares these measurements against reference values, and provides feedback on degradation states. This feedback enables dynamic identification of degraded cells and triggers appropriate swapping operations to extend battery module life
2Reliability
If unit cells are monitored and swapped based on degradation evaluation, then battery module life is extended through uniform degradation, but the system complexity increases due to additional monitoring and control functions
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system performs multiple functions using the same measurement infrastructure: it monitors positive electrode potential for state of charge estimation, monitors temperature rise rate for thermal management, and uses both parameters for degradation evaluation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors and processing systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the battery's own operational data (positive electrode potential and temperature rise rate during normal charge/discharge cycles) to evaluate degradation without requiring separate test procedures or additional measurement equipment. The degradation assessment is performed using data already collected for routine battery management
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 extends the life of the battery module by ensuring even degradation across all cells, thereby enhancing its overall performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
In each of the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the unit cell, the potential changes according to the change in the state of charge
Implementation Method 2
when the temperature of the unit cell rises, those degradation reactions become faster
Implementation Method 3
the temperature rise rate, which is a value indicating a degree of degradation of the unit cell
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a processing circuit configured to: obtain a first evaluation index of a plurality of unit cells in a battery module, and obtain a second evaluation index in a case where a first unit cell in the battery module and a second unit cell in the battery module are swapped on a basis of the first evaluation index, wherein the first evaluation index and the second evaluation index are obtained on a basis of a positive electrode potential and a temperature rise rate.