Battery SOH Characterization Using Predictive Route Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the State of Health (SOH) of batteries in hybrid vehicles are limited by the need for controlled conditions, which are often disrupted by the operational dynamics of the drivetrain, especially during regenerative modes on varying terrain, making accurate SOH testing challenging.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using predictive terrain knowledge to identify suitable segments on a vehicle's route for SOH testing, where the battery can be charged or discharged at controlled rates, measuring internal resistance and temperature changes, and comparing these with stored profiles to determine SOH, allowing for more accurate battery health assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If SOH testing is performed under controlled conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to operational dynamics disruption

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSOH measurement precisionVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification of suitable testing segments using predictive terrain knowledge before actual SOH testing. By pre-analyzing route data to identify segments with appropriate grade and distance characteristics, the system prepares optimal testing conditions in advance, allowing controlled SOH measurements to be taken during naturally suitable portions of the vehicle's operational route without requiring external intervention to create controlled conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's own operational route and terrain conditions to provide the testing environment needed for SOH measurement. Instead of requiring external controlled conditions, the system leverages the vehicle's natural operation on varying terrain to self-create appropriate testing scenarios, eliminating the conflict between controlled conditions and operational dynamics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If SOH testing is performed on varying terrain, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to operational dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to varying terrainVSAvoidSOH measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The route is divided into multiple segments with specific characteristics (grade, distance, terrain type). By segmenting the route and selecting only those segments that meet predetermined criteria for SOH testing, the system enables adaptability to varying terrain while maintaining measurement precision. Each segment is evaluated independently to ensure it provides suitable conditions for accurate SOH measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the route are assigned different qualities based on their suitability for SOH testing. The system identifies specific segments with appropriate grade and distance characteristics, applying local quality assessment to determine where precise measurements can be taken. This allows the system to adapt to varying terrain overall while maintaining precision in specific localized testing segments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If route segments are analyzed for SOH testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to route data processing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSOH measurement precisionVSAvoidtime for route data processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Route data processing and identification of suitable testing segments is performed as a preliminary action before the vehicle begins its journey or before SOH testing is needed. By pre-processing the route data and identifying optimal testing segments in advance, the system eliminates time delays that would occur during actual operation, allowing precise SOH measurements to be taken without real-time processing delays

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This approach enables accurate determination of battery SOH even in operational conditions, improving the reliability of battery capacity and resistance calculations, and enhancing the management of hybrid drivetrain operations.

Implementation Method 1

a motor/generator (M/G) coupled to the engine and operable as a generator to convert the rotational power from the engine to electrical power for charging the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

one or more motor/generators (M/G) connected to the battery and a controller executing instructions to manage performance of the drivetrain. Each M/G may operate as a motor to receive electric power from the battery and generate rotational power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

State of charge (SOC) of a battery refers to the ratio of charge of a battery relative to a total charge capacity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20230375635A1System and method for battery state of health characterization based on route segments
Publication Date: 2023.11.23 HYLIION INC
  • US20230375635A1 patent drawing
  • US20230375635A1 patent drawing
  • US20230375635A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for determining state of health of a battery on a vehicle comprises identifying a SOH testing segment on which the battery can be charged at a known charging rate for a time duration and determining an increase in voltage based on the charging rate, the time duration, an internal resistance of the battery, and/or a battery temperature differential over the time duration.