Battery SOC Reliability Notification for Deep Discharge Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for estimating the state of charge (SOC) of secondary batteries, particularly in flat regions of the SOC-OCV curve, lead to reduced accuracy and potential deep discharge due to skipped error resets and inconvenient user operations.
Innovation Solution
A remaining capacity notification device that determines the reliability level of SOC based on the slope of the SOC-OCV curve and provides notifications to users, allowing them to naturally learn and reset SOC errors during normal operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the OCV method is used to estimate SOC in the flat region of the SOC-OCV curve, then the SOC estimation can be obtained, but the accuracy of SOC estimation is reduced and unexpected deep discharge may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (notification system) between the SOC estimation process and the user. The notification control unit acts as a mediator that monitors SOC estimation reliability and communicates critical information to users, enabling them to take appropriate actions without directly interfering with the estimation algorithm itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the notification control unit continuously monitors the reliability level of SOC estimation and provides feedback to users through notifications. This feedback loop allows users to understand when SOC estimation may be unreliable and take corrective actions such as charging the battery to reset the SOC.
2Measurement precision
If error reset operations are requested from users, then SOC error can be reset, but the operations do not align with user's intention and reduce ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to partially serve itself by automatically monitoring SOC estimation reliability and generating notifications when issues are detected. This reduces the burden on users to manually monitor and manage SOC accuracy, as the system proactively identifies problems and guides users on necessary actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter presentation to users by introducing a reliability level indicator. Instead of showing only SOC values, the system now presents SOC along with its reliability level, making it easier for users to understand when SOC estimation may be inaccurate and when error reset operations are needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent charging and discharging are performed in the flat region, then battery operation flexibility is maintained, but OCV-based SOC error reset and FCC update are skipped reducing SOC accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes preliminary action by notifying users in advance when SOC estimation reliability is low, before deep discharge or significant errors occur. This allows users to plan and perform error reset operations at convenient times, maintaining both operational flexibility and SOC accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
In a remaining capacity notification device for notifying a user of a device of a remaining capacity of a secondary battery mounted in the device, a reliability level determination unit determines a reliability level of a state of charge (SOC) indicating the remaining capacity of the secondary battery that the user is to be notified of, on the basis of the slope of a SOC-open circuit voltage (OCV) curve of the secondary battery that corresponds to the SOC. A notification control unit performs control to cause the user to be notified of the remaining capacity of the secondary battery in a form of notification based on the reliability level of the SOC that has been determined.