Battery Module Authentication for Secure Reuse Across Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions fail to ensure secure and authorized reuse of battery modules, leading to potential theft and integrity issues of battery-specific data when modules are transferred from one system to another, such as from electric vehicles to smart homes.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a battery management system with a secure element that verifies signed requests for decoupling and coupling battery modules using cryptographic keys and certificates, ensuring the authenticity and integrity of battery data through a public key infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If battery modules are allowed to be reused in different systems without verification, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but security and reliability deteriorate due to potential theft and unauthorized use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-provisioning cryptographic keys and certificates in the secure element of battery modules before they are deployed. The battery management server maintains a database of authorized modules in advance. When a module needs to be moved between systems, the server verifies its authorization status beforehand through cryptographic authentication, preventing unauthorized reuse while enabling legitimate adaptability.
2Reliability
If cryptographic verification systems are implemented for battery module authorization, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a battery management server as a central mediator that handles all cryptographic verification operations. The server stores cryptographic keys and certificates, manages the authorization database, and performs authentication when modules are coupled or decoupled from systems. This centralizes complexity in a dedicated component rather than distributing it across all battery modules and systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by embedding secure elements with cryptographic capabilities directly in the battery modules. Each module can independently present its cryptographic credentials for verification without requiring external authentication hardware. The module's secure element autonomously handles key storage and cryptographic operations, reducing the complexity burden on external systems.
3Reliability
If secure elements with cryptographic keys are embedded in battery modules, then integrity and authenticity are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by provisioning cryptographic keys and certificates into the secure elements during the manufacturing process, before the battery modules are deployed to customers. This pre-provisioning is performed in a controlled manufacturing environment where secure key injection can be established through trusted channels. The modules arrive at customers already authenticated and ready for secure operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by distributing standardized secure element designs and cryptographic protocols across all battery modules. Rather than requiring custom security implementations for each module, the same secure element architecture and verification methodology are replicated throughout the product line, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining consistent security standards.
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a first battery system is provided, comprising: a plurality of battery modules; a battery management unit operatively coupled to the battery modules, wherein the battery management unit contains a secure element; wherein the battery management unit is configured to receive a signed request from an external server, wherein the signed request is a request for decoupling at least one of the battery modules from the system, and wherein the battery management unit is configured to verify the signed request using a public key stored in the secure element. Further aspects are related to a method of configuring the first battery system, a second battery system, a method of configuring the second battery system, a battery management server, and a method of operating the battery management server.