Battery Cell Formation Monitoring Using Acoustic SEI Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery cell formation processes face challenges in achieving optimal SEI formation due to unsuitable potential development at the interface and inefficiencies in process management, leading to high time and energy consumption, and variations in cell quality.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing acoustic signal monitoring and analysis, combined with a database of reference signals, to control the formation process by adjusting current and voltage profiles based on material changes within the battery cell, ensuring precise control of SEI formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If empirical tests are used to select current and voltage profiles, then the process can be implemented with simple equipment, but the manufacturing precision of SEI formation is insufficient and varies between cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements acoustic emission monitoring during formation cycles to detect SEI formation in real-time. The system measures acoustic signals, compares them against reference profiles, and uses this feedback to assess SEI formation quality and adjust process parameters, transforming empirical trial-and-error into a controlled, feedback-driven process that improves manufacturing precision without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical measurement methods (current/voltage monitoring) with acoustic emission detection to monitor SEI formation. Acoustic sensors detect mechanical waves generated during electrochemical reactions, providing a new sensing modality that offers more direct information about SEI formation processes and improves measurement precision beyond what electrical parameters alone can provide
2Reliability
If traditional current and voltage measurements are used to control the forming process, then the measurement system remains simple, but the reliability of process control is insufficient due to inability to fully account for cell quality variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors acoustic emissions during formation cycles and compares them against reference profiles from golden samples. This real-time feedback mechanism enables reliable detection of deviations in SEI formation, allowing for process adjustments that ensure consistent cell quality and improve control reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic emission signals as an intermediary measurement that bridges the gap between electrical process parameters and actual SEI formation quality. The acoustic signals serve as a mediator that provides direct information about mechanical and chemical changes during SEI formation, enabling more reliable process control than electrical measurements alone
3Manufacturing precision
If the formation process is extended to achieve optimal SEI formation, then the manufacturing precision improves, but the productivity decreases due to high time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic emission monitoring system provides real-time feedback on SEI formation progress, allowing the process to be terminated as soon as optimal SEI formation is achieved rather than running fixed extended cycles. This enables dynamic adjustment of formation duration based on actual process state, improving productivity without sacrificing quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses acoustic emission profiles from reference golden samples to establish target formation patterns before production begins. During manufacturing, the system compares real-time acoustic signals against these pre-established profiles, enabling rapid determination of when optimal SEI formation has been achieved and allowing formation cycles to be shortened while maintaining quality consistency
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 individualized and efficient formation processes, reducing rejection rates and optimizing SEI growth by directly monitoring material changes, thus improving battery cell quality and reducing production time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
changes within materials, such as deformation, cracking, or shearing, cause mechanical waves. The resulting acoustic signals can be converted into electrical signals by means of the acoustic detection device, captured by a detection unit, and analyzed by the electronic computing unit. Acoustic signals are also generated by film growth, as occurs during SEI formation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for monitoring a formation process (14) of a battery cell (12) by means of a formation device (10), comprising the steps of: charging the battery cell (12) with at least one first formation current (22) by means of a charging device (16) of the formation device (10); detecting an acoustic actual signal (30) of the battery cell (12) during the formation process (14) by means of an acoustic detection device (18) of the formation device (10); and monitoring the formation process (14) by comparing the acoustic actual signal (30) with a predetermined acoustic target signal (32) by means of an electronic computing device (20) of the formation device (10). The invention further relates to a computer program product, a computer-readable storage medium, and a formation device (10).