Battery Cell Temperature Estimation via Incremental Capacity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
In battery systems with multiple cells, uneven temperature distribution makes it difficult to accurately monitor the temperature of individual cells using a single temperature sensor, as conventional methods fail to detect the actual core temperature reliably.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates the temperature of battery cells by analyzing the incremental capacity of each cell relative to a reference profile during charging or discharging processes, allowing for the determination of temperature deviations and subsequent correction using predefined calibration data, potentially eliminating the need for temperature sensors on all cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used to monitor battery cells, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical temperature sensor system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using thermal conduction sensors that physically contact battery cells, the invention uses voltage profile analysis and incremental capacity measurements to infer temperature. This substitution allows temperature estimation without direct thermal contact, resolving the contradiction between simple device structure and accurate temperature measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage profile and incremental capacity as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine temperature. Rather than measuring temperature directly, the system measures voltage characteristics during charging/discharging cycles and uses these as mediators to infer temperature through calibration relationships. This intermediary approach enables accurate temperature monitoring without requiring physical temperature sensors at each cell location.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are installed on all battery cells, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the voltage measurement system multi-functional. The same voltage sensing circuitry used for state of charge determination and battery management is also utilized for temperature estimation. By making the measurement system universal, the invention achieves accurate temperature monitoring without adding dedicated temperature sensors, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery cells themselves provide the measurement information needed for temperature determination. The voltage profiles and capacity characteristics that naturally occur during battery operation are used as the measurement signal. The system essentially uses the battery's own electrical behavior to monitor its temperature, eliminating the need for external sensing infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional temperature sensing methods are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect core temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional thermal sensing methods with electrical measurement techniques. Instead of using thermocouples, RTDs, or other physical temperature sensors that are difficult to install and calibrate, the invention uses voltage and capacity measurements that are already part of standard battery management systems. This substitution maintains ease of manufacture while achieving accurate core temperature detection through indirect measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for monitoring a battery system and a method having the steps of determining information about a comparison profile for an incremental capacity of a battery cell of the battery system, determining information about a deviation of the comparison profile from a reference profile, and determining a temperature of the battery cell as a function of the information about the deviation.