Electrochemical Cell Impedance Diagnostic via Dual-Frequency Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the impedance of electrochemical energy storage cells, such as lithium-ion cells, lack reliability, which can lead to inaccurate temperature management and potential damage due to unreliably determined power output limitations.

Innovation Solution

A diagnostic method involving modulation of electric current at two different excitation frequencies, with central and cell-specific measurements, to determine first and second impedance values, allowing for comparison and output of diagnostic information that improves impedance measurement reliability and identifies potential malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single impedance measurement method is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpedance measurement reliabilityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The impedance measurement is segmented into two distinct measurement paths: (1) a central measurement path using a central load and central current measurement for first impedance value determination, and (2) a cell-specific measurement path using a predefined cell-specific load and voltage measurement for second impedance value determination. This segmentation allows each measurement path to be optimized independently, improving overall measurement reliability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by comparing the first impedance value (from central measurement) with the second impedance value (from cell-specific measurement). This comparison provides diagnostic information that feeds back into the system, enabling verification of measurement accuracy and detection of malfunctions. The feedback mechanism enhances measurement reliability by cross-validating results from two independent measurement approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If impedance measurement is performed continuously, then the reliability of operational management is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational management reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption for measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs impedance measurements periodically rather than continuously, using two different excitation frequencies (first and second excitation frequencies) in an alternating or sequential manner. This periodic measurement approach with frequency modulation allows the system to obtain reliable impedance data for operational management while minimizing energy consumption by keeping measurements discrete and controlled rather than continuous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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 method enhances the accuracy of impedance determination, enabling reliable monitoring and maintenance of electrochemical energy storage cells, thereby improving their performance and service life by providing precise diagnostic information for operational management.

Implementation Method 1

determination of a first impedance value on the basis of the measured electric current and on the basis of the measured electric voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

modulation of an electric current occurring due to an electrical connection between the energy storage cell and a central load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11506720B2Diagnostic method and diagnostic system for an electrochemical energy storage cell
Publication Date: 2022.11.22 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG
  • US11506720B2 patent drawing
  • US11506720B2 patent drawing
  • US11506720B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A diagnostic method and a diagnostic system for an electrochemical energy storage cell, and a vehicle including the diagnostic system. An electrical current due to an electrical connection between the energy storage cell and a central load is modulated at a first excitation frequency and is measured centrally. An electrical voltage at the energy storage cell is measured and a first impedance value is determined based on the electrical current and the electrical voltage. Also, a previously-known electrical current due to an electrical connection between the energy storage cell and a predefined cell-individual load is modulated at a second excitation frequency. The electrical voltage occurring at the energy storage cell is measured and a second impedance value is determined based on the previously-known electrical current and the electrical voltage. Diagnostic information is determined and output based on a comparison of the first impedance value with the second impedance value.