Rechargeable Battery Screening via Electron Transfer Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the state of rechargeable batteries, particularly in detecting the likelihood of micro-short circuits, are inaccurate as they rely on increased AC internal resistance caused by electrolyte depletion, which may not always be present.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that measure electron transfer resistance using AC impedance techniques with non-sinusoidal waves to assess inter-electrode distance and electrolyte sufficiency, comparing the results with predetermined threshold values to determine the likelihood of micro-short circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If AC internal resistance measurement is used to detect micro-short circuits, then detection simplicity is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates because micro-short circuits may form without electrolyte depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from AC internal resistance to electron transfer resistance. This parameter change enables detection of micro-short circuits through inter-electrode distance changes, which is a different physical mechanism from electrolyte depletion detection, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining measurement simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical resistance measurement approach with an electron transfer resistance measurement approach. This substitution allows detection based on inter-electrode distance changes rather than electrolyte conductivity changes, resolving the limitation of missing micro-short circuit detection
2Device complexity
If only circuit voltage OCV measurement is used, then detection process is simplified, but ability to detect potential micro-short circuits deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electron transfer resistance as an additional measurement parameter beyond circuit voltage OCV. This parameter change enables detection of inter-electrode distance changes that indicate potential micro-short circuits, improving reliability without significantly increasing process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs electron transfer resistance measurement as a preliminary check to identify batteries with narrowing inter-electrode distances before they develop actual micro-short circuits. This preliminary detection action allows preventive measures to be taken, improving overall system reliability
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
Accurately identifies batteries prone to micro-short circuits by measuring electron transfer resistance and circuit voltage, ensuring higher accuracy in determining battery state and extending the life of battery packs by using only high-quality modules.
Implementation Method 1
measuring an electron transfer resistance of the rechargeable battery by applying a voltage or current having a predetermined or higher frequency to an electrode system of the rechargeable battery
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A rechargeable battery state determination method determines whether a rechargeable battery (1) is in a micro-short-circuit-prone state, which is a state that is highly likely to form a micro-short circuit. The rechargeable battery state determination method includes measuring an electron transfer resistance (Rs) of the rechargeable battery by applying a voltage or current having a predetermined or higher frequency to an electrode system (2, 3) of the rechargeable battery (1), determining whether an inter-electrode distance (D) is satisfactory based on a comparison of the measured electron transfer resistance (Rs) of the rechargeable battery (1) with a predetermined lower limit threshold value (Rsmin), in which the determining whether an inter-electrode distance (D) is satisfactory including determining that the inter-electrode distance (D) is satisfactory when the measured electron transfer resistance (Rs) of the rechargeable battery (1) is greater than or equal to the lower limit threshold value (Rsmin), and determining that the rechargeable battery (1) is a conforming piece when the inter-electrode distance (D) is satisfactory.