On-Vehicle Battery Internal Resistance Measurement Using Drive Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for calculating the internal resistance of a battery cell are limited by the need to separate the battery from the vehicle, leading to temporal and spatial constraints that hinder accurate measurement during its operation.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method that calculates internal resistance by measuring current and voltage parameters of a battery cell mounted on a vehicle in its driving or simulated driving state, using a processor to collect and process data under predefined conditions to determine resistance values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the battery cell is separated from the vehicle for measurement, then the internal resistance can be measured using standard charger/discharger equipment, but the measurement cannot be performed during vehicle operation and requires battery removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinternal resistance measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system performs self-measurement of internal resistance using the vehicle's existing powertrain components (motor, inverter, charger) instead of requiring external specialized equipment. The system utilizes normal charging/discharging operations to collect data and calculate internal resistance, eliminating the need for battery removal or separate measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system uses the vehicle's existing powertrain components (motor, inverter, charger) for dual purposes: both for normal vehicle operation and for internal resistance measurement. This multi-functional approach allows the same hardware to serve both operational and diagnostic functions without requiring dedicated measurement equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the battery remains mounted on the vehicle during measurement, then continuous monitoring is possible, but standard measurement methods cannot be applied due to electrical connections with vehicle components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement frequencyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter acts as an intermediary component that enables measurement by providing isolated electrical connections. The system measures voltage at the inverter's DC input terminals, which are electrically connected to the battery but provide a measurement point that can be accessed without disrupting the battery's connection to the vehicle's electrical system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical measurement system (charger/discharger equipment requiring battery removal) with an electrical measurement system using the vehicle's existing power electronics. Instead of physical disconnection and specialized equipment, the system uses electrical signals and data processing through the inverter and BMS to measure internal resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If continuous measurement is performed during vehicle operation, then real-time battery health data is available, but measurement conditions vary and may introduce errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery health assessment reliabilityVSAvoidinternal resistance measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts measurement parameters based on operating conditions. It selects appropriate measurement windows and calculation methods based on state of charge, temperature, and current levels to ensure accurate measurements across varying operational conditions rather than using fixed measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from multiple sensors (voltage, current, temperature) to validate measurement conditions and adjust the measurement process. The BMS continuously monitors operating parameters and determines whether current conditions are suitable for measurement, ensuring data quality while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 accurate measurement of internal resistance without battery removal, improving the prediction and management of battery lifespan by compensating for measurement errors and providing reliable data for battery health assessment.

Implementation Method 1

the internal resistance of a battery cell is calculated based on an amount of voltage drop measured in a process of discharging a step current through a charger/discharger

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's Law: Ohm's Law

Data Source

PatentEP4614168A1Apparatus and method for calculating internal resistance of battery
Publication Date: 2025.09.10 SAMSUNG SDI CO LTD
  • EP4614168A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4614168A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4614168A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for calculating an internal resistance of a battery, and a computer program. The technical solution is to provide a topology capable of measuring an internal resistance of a battery cell even when the battery is mounted on a vehicle without the separation or removal of the battery from the vehicle. To this end, the present disclosure provides a configuration for calculating an internal resistance of a battery based on a current parameter and a voltage parameter of the battery when a data collection condition, which is predefined based on the discharge current characteristics of the battery in a driving state of a vehicle, is satisfied.