Battery Cell Impedance Charging Control for Fast Charge Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques struggle to optimize the charging time of power storage devices, particularly in quick charging scenarios, as they do not effectively account for the deterioration and temperature variations of individual cells within a battery pack.

Innovation Solution

A power storage system and method that utilizes a complex impedance measuring unit to determine the charging current based on the deterioration and temperature of each cell, optimizing the charging process by using an alternating current excitation and controlling the charging current accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional charging techniques are used, then the charging process is simple, but the charging time cannot be optimized and safety is compromised due to inability to account for individual cell deterioration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging safetyVSAvoidcharging control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the battery pack into individual cell units, measuring complex impedance for each cell separately to detect deterioration states. This segmentation allows targeted charging control for each cell based on its specific condition, improving safety while managing complexity through modular measurement and control approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the charging control parameters dynamically based on measured complex impedance values and detected deterioration states. By adjusting charging current and voltage parameters according to real-time cell conditions, the system optimizes charging safety and efficiency without requiring overly complex hardware architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If quick charging is implemented with high charging current, then charging time is reduced, but cell deterioration and overheating risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging timeVSAvoidcell deterioration and overheating
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where complex impedance is measured during charging, and the charging current is adjusted based on the measured values and detected deterioration states. This closed-loop control allows the system to maintain high charging currents when cells are healthy while reducing current when deterioration is detected, optimizing charging speed while preventing damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The charging current is made dynamic rather than fixed, adjusting in real-time based on cell condition. The system transitions between different charging phases and current levels according to measured impedance changes and deterioration detection, enabling safe quick charging by adapting to instantaneous cell states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If individual cell monitoring is implemented, then charging safety and optimization are improved, but measurement and control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell state detection accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a universal complex impedance measurement approach that can be applied to each cell using the same measurement circuit and methodology. This multi-functional measurement system detects both deterioration states and provides data for charging control, reducing overall system complexity by using a single versatile measurement technique rather than multiple specialized sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for efficient optimization of charging time, ensuring safe and rapid charging by considering the individual state of each cell, thereby reducing the charging time while preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

an alternating current excitating circuit that excitates the charging current using an alternating current

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAlternating current excitation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a complex impedance measuring unit that measures a current value of the alternating current used to excitate the charging current and a voltage value of each of the plurality of power storage cells, and measures a complex impedance of each of the plurality of power storage cells from the measured current value and the measured voltage value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplex impedance measurement: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4027431B1Power storage system, power storage device, and charging method
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 NUVOTON TECH CORP JAPAN
  • EP4027431B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4027431B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4027431B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

A power storage system (1) includes: a power storage device (100) including a cell stack (101) including power storage cells (B0 to B5) connected in series; and a charging device (200) that supplies a charging current to the power storage device (100). The power storage system (1) further includes: an alternating current excitating circuit (148) in the power storage device (100) or the charging device (200) that excitates the charging current using an alternating current; a complex impedance measuring unit (110) in the power storage device (100) that measures a current value of the alternating current used to excitate the charging current and a voltage value of each of the power storage cells (B0 to B5), and measures a complex impedance of each of the power storage cells (B0 to B5) from the measured current and voltage values; and a charging control unit in the power storage device (100) or the charging device (200) that controls the charging current based on the complex impedance.