Battery Available Time Estimation Using Current and SOC Data
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the available time of a battery in electric or hybrid vehicles do not accurately consider the driving patterns and environments of users, leading to unpredictable battery discharge and potential vehicle stoppages.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a current measuring unit, SOC estimating unit, and controller to estimate the available time of a battery by using the measured current value, estimated SOC value, and entire capacity, with the option to use an average value of currents measured over a predetermined period, providing more accurate predictions and customized charge information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If SOC estimation by current integration is used, then the residual capacity can be provided to the user, but the user cannot accurately predict the available time of the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the SOC parameter (residual capacity percentage) into a more user-friendly parameter (estimated available time in hours/minutes) by incorporating actual current consumption data. This parameter transformation allows users to directly understand how long the battery will last rather than interpreting abstract percentage values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation layer that processes both SOC and current data to produce estimated available time. This intermediary parameter serves as a bridge between the technical SOC measurement and the user's need for practical time prediction, combining multiple data sources to achieve better accuracy.
2Productivity
If conventional SOC estimation methods are used, then the residual capacity can be calculated, but the available time varies significantly depending on user driving habits and environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring actual current consumption and using it to refine the available time estimation. The system adapts to user driving patterns by incorporating real-time current data, which reflects actual usage conditions, thereby improving the reliability of predictions under varying driving habits and environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a static SOC estimation approach to a dynamic estimation method that continuously updates the available time calculation based on real-time current measurements. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to changing driving conditions, user habits, and environmental factors, making the prediction more reliable across different scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If only SOC percentage is provided to the user, then the information is simple to display, but the user cannot concretely determine the available time of the battery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs a parameter transformation by converting the abstract SOC percentage into a concrete time-based parameter (estimated available time). This transformation maintains display simplicity while providing actionable information, as users can more intuitively understand '2 hours remaining' compared to '80% charge' in the context of trip planning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the information provided by transforming the static charge level (percentage) into a temporal dimension (time). This dimensional transformation gives users practical time-based context for their battery status, enabling better trip planning and decision-making without complicating the display interface.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Disclosed are an apparatus and method for estimating an available time of a battery relatively accurately in consideration of a driving pattern of a user. The apparatus for estimating an available time of a battery includes a current measuring unit for measuring an output current of the battery, a SOC estimating unit for estimating SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery, and a controller for estimating an available time of the battery by using a measured current value obtained by the current measuring unit, an estimated SOC value obtained by the SOC estimating unit and an entire capacity of the battery.