Battery State Determination via Electrode Force and Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the state of charge and health of electric energy storage units, such as lithium-ion batteries, are limited by inaccuracies due to reliance on solely electrical variables, and do not effectively account for mechanical changes in electrodes caused by lithium ion storage and release processes, which affect the accuracy of aging and state of charge assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method that detects the extension and force exerted by the electrode assembly, using strain gauges and piezoelements, and employs two mathematical models to ascertain state variables representing state of charge and health, allowing for comparison and adaptation to improve accuracy and extend the life of the energy storage unit by adjusting operational parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only electrical variables (temperature, voltage, current) are used for state determination, then the measurement system remains simple, but the accuracy of state of charge and aging determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical variable measurement with mechanical variable measurement (extension and force of electrode assembly) into a unified state determination system. This merging of different measurement types enables cross-validation and improves accuracy of state of charge and aging determination beyond what electrical variables alone can provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces mechanical variables (extension and force of electrode assembly) as intermediary measurement parameters that reflect the physical state of the battery. These mechanical intermediaries provide additional information about electrode condition and state of charge that complements electrical measurements, thereby improving overall measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical changes of electrodes (extension, force) are detected to improve state determination accuracy, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the measurement system to serve multiple functions: electrical sensors monitor voltage and current, while mechanical sensors (extension and force detectors) simultaneously provide information about state of charge, aging, and electrode physical condition. This multi-functionality improves aging determination accuracy without requiring entirely separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges electrical and mechanical measurement capabilities into an integrated battery monitoring system. The control unit processes both electrical variables and mechanical variables (extension, force) together, enabling comprehensive state determination that improves aging assessment accuracy while sharing common processing infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If two different state variables are ascertained and compared to improve accuracy, then state determination accuracy improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where two different state variables are ascertained through separate measurement paths (electrical and mechanical), compared against each other, and used to mutually validate and refine the determined battery state. This feedback loop improves accuracy by identifying and correcting discrepancies between different measurement approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses mathematical models and computational algorithms to process and compare the two state variables, replacing what would otherwise require complex physical measurement and comparison hardware. The control unit performs computational analysis of electrical and mechanical variables, reducing the need for additional physical components while maintaining high determination accuracy.
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 enhances the accuracy of state determination, prevents unnecessary failures, and allows for more precise life forecasting and safer operation by accounting for mechanical changes, thereby optimizing energy utilization and prolonging the life of the energy storage unit.
Implementation Method 1
an extension of the electrode assembly and/or a force exerted by the electrode assembly are detected
Implementation Method 2
using strain gauges and piezoelements
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the state of an electric energy storage unit is described. An extension of the electrode assembly and/or a force exerted by the electrode assembly, and at least one electric variable of the electric energy storage unit are detected. A first and a second state variables, which represent the first state of the electric energy storage unit, are ascertained using the detected extension and/or the detected force and also a first mathematical model stored in a data memory and the detected at least one electric variable and also a second mathematical model stored in a data memory. This is followed by carrying out a first comparison of the first state variable with the second state variable. The first and/or the second mathematical model and/or the first and/or the second state variables are/is changed depending on the first comparison.