Battery Charge Limit Control for High-Temperature EV Parking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Battery aging in electric and hybrid vehicles is accelerated by high temperatures, both internally generated during use and externally from ambient conditions, leading to reduced lifespan, particularly when the battery is fully charged, and existing thermal management systems are inadequate during stationary phases.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that manage battery charge levels based on ambient temperature and other environmental factors to prevent excessive aging by limiting the maximum charge level when temperatures exceed predefined thresholds, using sensors and a control module to adjust charge levels proactively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the battery is charged to maximum capacity, then the energy storage capability is improved, but the battery aging is accelerated when exposed to high temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge capacityVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The maximum charge level is made dynamic rather than fixed. The control module continuously monitors ambient temperature and adjusts the maximum charge level accordingly - allowing full charge when temperature is below the threshold, and limiting to intermediate charge level when temperature exceeds the threshold, thus adapting the charge strategy to environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The charge level parameter is changed based on temperature conditions. The system transitions between two distinct charge states: maximum charge capacity under normal temperature conditions, and intermediate charge level under high temperature conditions. This parameter change directly addresses the contradiction by modifying the charge level to prevent thermal aging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If thermal management systems are used to cool the battery, then the temperature control is improved, but the system is non-functional when the vehicle is stationary

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery temperatureVSAvoidsystem availability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by detecting ambient temperature in advance and proactively limiting the charge level before overheating occurs. The outdoor temperature sensor continuously monitors environmental conditions, and the control module preemptively adjusts the maximum charge level to an intermediate level when high temperature is detected, preventing thermal stress before it damages the battery

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary control strategy between full charging and no charging. Instead of relying solely on active thermal management systems, the patent uses an intermediate charge level (between 0% and 100%) as a mediating approach to reduce thermal load on the battery during stationary periods, thereby extending battery life without requiring complex cooling infrastructure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If the maximum state of charge is continuously adjusted according to temperature, then the battery aging is prevented, but the maximum state of charge is unduly limited by brief temperature increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery aging preventionVSAvoidcharge utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of ambient temperature trends using outdoor temperature sensors before making charge level adjustments. By monitoring temperature in advance and using intermediate charge levels as a buffer, the system can distinguish between temporary temperature spikes and sustained high temperature conditions, preventing premature charge limitations while still protecting against thermal aging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies partial action by using an intermediate charge level rather than completely preventing charging during high temperature periods. This intermediate level (greater than 0% but less than maximum capacity) provides partial charging capability, allowing the battery to accept some charge while still benefiting from reduced thermal stress, thus balancing protection with charge utilization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

The method and system effectively prolong battery lifespan by optimizing charge levels based on environmental conditions, ensuring durability and performance even during stationary periods.

Implementation Method 1

a step of detecting an ambient temperature outside the vehicle using at least one sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4457115B1Method and system for managing an electric battery device of an electric or hybrid motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 AMPERE SAS
  • EP4457115B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4457115B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4457115B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system and method for managing a battery device for preemptively limiting a maximum allowable charge level based on the context outside the vehicle, in order to optimise the durability of the battery device.