Fast-Charging Battery Life Prediction From Early Voltage Changes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to accurately predict the cycle life of batteries, particularly when using fast charging protocols, necessitating long-term tests and lacking methods for predicting battery life based on initial cycles.

Innovation Solution

A battery life prediction apparatus and method that utilizes a life comparing unit to analyze charge end voltages and linearly fit them to predict the cycle life of batteries based on various charge protocols, including fast charging scenarios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If fast charging protocol is used to reduce charge time, then charging speed is improved, but cycle life of the battery is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidcycle life
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis by measuring voltage changes during initial charge cycles (first to fifth charge cycles) and uses this data to predict future cycle life. This preliminary action allows the system to forecast battery degradation trends before they manifest as actual failures, enabling proactive maintenance decisions that balance fast charging with battery longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring voltage changes during charging and comparing them against predicted values. The system adjusts charging parameters based on actual voltage measurements versus predicted voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts charging protocols to preserve cycle life while maintaining fast charging performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If long-term test is conducted to accurately predict cycle life, then prediction accuracy is improved, but test time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction accuracyVSAvoidtest time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary analysis by measuring voltage changes during initial charge cycles (first to fifth charge cycles) and uses this data to predict future cycle life. This preliminary action allows the system to forecast battery degradation trends before they manifest as actual failures, enabling proactive maintenance decisions that balance fast charging with battery longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of battery behavior by copying the voltage change patterns observed during initial cycles into a predictive framework. Instead of physically testing the battery for thousands of cycles, the system copies the essential voltage degradation characteristics from early cycles and extrapolates them to predict overall cycle life, significantly reducing test time while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Device complexity

If existing capacity retention state is used for prediction, then prediction method is simple, but prediction is impossible for fast charging protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprediction method complexityVSAvoidprediction capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the prediction parameter from static capacity retention to dynamic voltage change analysis. Instead of relying on fixed capacity thresholds that work for slow charging, the system analyzes voltage changes during charging cycles to capture the dynamic effects of fast charging on battery degradation. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different charging protocols while maintaining prediction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4306977B1Battery life prediction apparatus and operating method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 LG ENERGY SOLUTION LTD
  • EP4306977B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4306977B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4306977B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A battery life prediction apparatus according to an embodiment disclosed herein includes an information obtaining unit configured to obtain information about a charge end voltage of a battery corresponding to a charge protocol and a controller configured to predict a life of the battery corresponding to the charge protocol based on the information about the charge end voltage of the battery corresponding to the charge protocol.