Battery Module Deterioration Diagnosis and Selective Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for diagnosing secondary battery deterioration do not efficiently enable module-by-module replacement in battery packs, which are composed of multiple modules, leading to increased costs and inefficiencies in battery maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that include a deterioration diagnosis unit to calculate a deterioration indicator for each battery module, a detection unit to identify modules requiring replacement, and an extraction unit to identify additional modules to replace based on remaining life estimates, allowing for targeted and cost-effective replacement of battery modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If battery replacement is carried out module by module, then replacement cost is reduced, but it becomes difficult to determine which modules should be replaced simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the battery pack into multiple battery modules and performs individual deterioration diagnosis on each module. By calculating deterioration indicators for each module separately and comparing them against replacement criteria, the system enables selective replacement of only those modules that meet the replacement conditions, rather than replacing the entire battery pack or using fixed replacement intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses deterioration indicators (such as capacity ratios, internal resistance changes, or voltage characteristics) as parameters to objectively determine module replacement needs. By monitoring these parameters and comparing them against predetermined thresholds, the system transforms the subjective decision of when to replace modules into an objective parameter-based determination, enabling cost-effective selective replacement.
2Reliability
If all battery modules are replaced at fixed intervals, then reliability is maintained, but replacement cost increases due to replacing still-functional modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary deterioration diagnosis on each battery module to identify which modules actually require replacement before the replacement process begins. By assessing the current state of each module against replacement criteria, the system determines in advance which modules should be replaced, avoiding the waste of replacing modules that are still functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables each battery module to essentially 'self-diagnose' its own replacement need through the deterioration indicator calculation and comparison process. Modules that exceed replacement thresholds are automatically identified for replacement, while modules below thresholds continue operating, allowing the battery system to maintain reliability without unnecessary replacements.
3Measurement precision
If individual battery modules are diagnosed for deterioration, then replacement precision is improved, but diagnosis time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the battery pack into multiple modules and performs deterioration diagnosis on each segment independently. This segmentation allows the use of standardized diagnostic procedures for each module, improving precision by focusing on individual module characteristics while enabling parallel processing to reduce overall diagnosis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs specific deterioration indicators (such as capacity retention ratios, internal resistance changes, or voltage deviation metrics) that can be calculated from routine battery operation data. By using these parameters that can be derived from existing measurements rather than requiring additional complex testing, the system achieves high diagnostic precision without proportionally increasing diagnosis time or computational burden.
Data Source
AI summary
A secondary battery is implemented as an assembly of a plurality of battery modules. An ECU calculates a deterioration indicator quantitatively indicating a degree of deterioration of a battery module for each of the plurality of battery modules, and detects as a module to be replaced, a battery module of which deterioration indicator has reached a prescribed replacement level. The ECU further extracts a module to additionally be replaced, which should be replaced simultaneously with the module to be replaced above, from battery modules of which deterioration indicator has not reached the replacement level, among the plurality of battery modules.