Vehicle Battery Efficiency Monitoring via Dynamic Voltage and Current Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to continuously monitor the state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), and state of function (SOF) of vehicle batteries, especially in motor vehicles equipped with 'Stop and Start' technology, leading to unexpected battery failures and inconvenience due to undetected efficiency drops.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that continuously measure SOC, SOH, and SOF by determining the open circuit voltage, applying a controlled current load, and monitoring voltage changes during both key-off and key-on conditions, enabling detection of discharge rates and residual autonomy, with temperature adjustments and alarm activation for inefficient batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If open circuit voltage measurement method is used (Italian patent 1.357.179/2003), then battery state of charge can be determined, but the device is suitable only for bench testing and cannot provide continuous monitoring in key-on conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static open-circuit voltage measurement to dynamic closed-circuit measurement. The device continuously monitors battery parameters while the vehicle is running, adapting the measurement approach from bench-testing conditions to real-world operational conditions, thereby enabling continuous monitoring in both key-off and key-on states
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is designed to function universally across different operational modes (key-off and key-on conditions). It integrates multiple measurement capabilities including open circuit voltage measurement for SOC determination and closed circuit current measurement for continuous monitoring, making it adaptable to all vehicle states
2Adaptability or versatility
If current measurement methods are used (U.S. Pats. 6,453,129 and 6,369,578), then battery state of charge can be detected in key-on conditions, but the equipment becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines voltage measurement and current measurement capabilities into a single integrated monitoring device. By merging the open circuit voltage measurement function with closed circuit current measurement, the device achieves continuous monitoring capability without requiring separate complex measurement systems, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability to key-on conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device utilizes the vehicle's existing electrical system components (battery, alternator, electrical loads) to perform self-diagnosis. It measures the natural voltage and current characteristics of the battery system without requiring external test equipment or complex additional sensors, enabling continuous monitoring through the system's own operational parameters
3Device complexity
If no continuous monitoring is implemented, then the device remains simple, but battery efficiency drops go undetected until engine restart failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device implements continuous feedback by constantly measuring battery voltage, current, and calculated parameters (SOC, SOH, SOF). This real-time feedback mechanism detects battery efficiency degradation as it occurs, providing early warning before engine restart failure happens, thereby significantly improving reliability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of standard microcontroller and sensor components
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 continuous monitoring and early detection of battery inefficiencies, preventing unexpected failures by providing real-time data on battery health and autonomy, ensuring reliable engine starts and reducing the risk of sudden stops.
Implementation Method 1
the starter batteries used in motor vehicles for engine start-up and for powering electrical equipment
Implementation Method 2
with the engine running, the alternator compensates for their loss of energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method for the continuous measurement of the efficiency of a battery, especially a battery installed in motor vehicles, comprising the following phases: —determination of the state of charge SOC % of the battery installed in the vehicle, both during key-off phase and key-on phase, without the direct measurement of current through progressive readings of battery voltage, both in the absence and in the presence of electrical load and considering the time elapsed since the beginning of each discharge phase; —determination of the state of health SOH of the same battery through the application of a controlled current load and the comparison of the resulting voltage drop compared to predetermined parameters; —determination of the state of function SOF of said battery through an estimation of its residual autonomy in function of the discharge rate or current rate and of the evolution of SOC %; —correlation and normalization of the above described parameters (SOC, SOH, and SOF) depending on the battery operating temperature;—memorization of at least the values of initial SOC % and SOH detected during the key—off phase.