ECU-Based Battery SOC Calibration Without Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management methods require additional sensors to accurately measure battery State Of Charge (SOC), increasing costs and complexity, and are not user-characteristic adaptable.
Innovation Solution
A battery management method that calculates SOC using integration values of measured current, voltage, and temperature, measured by an Electronic Control Unit (ECU), without the need for battery sensors, by considering engine rpm, alternator output, and user-specific weights for current consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If battery sensors are added to accurately measure voltage, current and temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ECU performs self-service by utilizing its existing measurement capabilities to obtain voltage, current, and temperature data needed for SOC calculation, eliminating the need for separate battery sensors. The ECU measures voltage across the battery terminals, calculates current based on alternator output and consumed current, and obtains temperature from coolant temperature sensors already present in the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The ECU is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the alternator, monitors engine operations, calculates current consumption of various components, and now also calculates SOC. By making the ECU universal and multi-functional, the patent eliminates the need for dedicated battery management sensors while maintaining SOC measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If battery sensors are added to accurately measure voltage, current and temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing ECU resources and measurement capabilities to obtain all necessary data for SOC calculation, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for additional sensor purchases and installations, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically copying sensor functionality with separate hardware, the patent creates a virtual copy of sensor data by calculating current from alternator output and consumed current, and using existing ECU voltage and temperature measurements, thereby avoiding additional hardware costs.
3Ease of operation
If standard SOC calculation methods are used without user calibration, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to user characteristic variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback through calibration processes where the calculated SOC is compared with actual battery state, and calibration values are adjusted based on user characteristics and driving patterns. This feedback loop continuously improves the accuracy and reliability of SOC measurements while adapting to individual user behaviors.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration values and current consumption weights are made dynamic rather than static, allowing the system to adapt to changing user characteristics, driving conditions, and battery aging. The system automatically updates calibration parameters based on observed usage patterns, maintaining reliability without requiring manual reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management method is provided which suitably includes measuring voltage, current and temperature of a battery, calculating the State of Charge (SOC) of the battery using the integration value of the measured current of the battery, and calibrating the calculated SOC of the battery. The voltage, current and temperature of the battery are measured by an Electronic control Unit (ECU).