Battery Pack SOC Window Adaptation for Predicted Power Demand

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current energy storage systems in vehicles are limited by predetermined state-of-charge (SOC) windows, restricting the utilization of battery packs and not allowing full energy availability, necessitating improved powertrain control to optimize energy use while maintaining battery health.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method that dynamically adjusts the SOC operating window based on the battery pack's condition level and predicted energy or power utilization, allowing operation within extended limits when the condition level is sufficient to prevent excessive deterioration, thereby balancing utilization and health.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the battery pack is operated within extended SOC limits to increase energy utilization, then the energy or power availability increases, but the battery pack health status deteriorates due to increased aging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy utilizationVSAvoidbattery pack health status
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the SOC operating limits adjustable rather than fixed. The controlling apparatus dynamically adapts the SOC limits based on the determined battery pack condition level, allowing the system to transition between conservative and aggressive operating modes as the battery ages, thereby balancing energy utilization with health preservation over time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters (SOC limits) based on the battery pack's condition level. By determining the condition level and adjusting the SOC limits accordingly, the system modifies its operational parameters to optimize the trade-off between energy utilization and battery health at different stages of battery life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the battery pack is operated within normal SOC limits to preserve battery health, then the battery pack health status is maintained, but the energy or power utilization is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery pack health statusVSAvoidenergy utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the SOC operating window based on the battery pack's condition level. When the condition level indicates good battery health, the system expands the SOC limits to allow greater energy utilization, whereas when the condition level deteriorates, the limits are contracted to preserve battery health, creating a dynamic adaptation strategy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the SOC operating window is fixed to simplify control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different battery conditions decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol complexityVSAvoidadaptability to battery conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The controlling apparatus performs self-service by autonomously determining the battery pack condition level and automatically adjusting the SOC limits based on this determination. This self-adjusting mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while maintaining high adaptability to different battery conditions throughout the battery's lifecycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4293639A1A computer implemented method for controlling energy or power utilization of a battery pack
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 VOLVO TRUCK CORP
  • EP4293639A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4293639A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4293639A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer implemented method for controlling energy or power utilization of a battery pack (114) in a rechargeable energy storage system, RESS (112), of a vehicle (1). The battery pack (114) is configured to be operated within an operating window defined by its state-of-charge, SOC, according to normal predetermined SOC limits, and extended predetermined SOC limits. The method comprises: determining a battery pack condition level; comparing the battery pack condition level with a first threshold value; providing predicted energy or power utilization of the battery pack (114); comparing the predicted energy or power utilization with a second threshold value. In response of determining that the predicted energy or power utilization is above the second threshold value, and that the battery pack condition level is below the first threshold value, the method comprises the step of operating the battery pack (114) within the operating window defined by the extended predetermined SOC limits.