Lead-Acid Battery Wear Indicator Calculation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the wear of lead-acid batteries in motor vehicles are imprecise as they do not adequately account for various operating conditions, particularly when the vehicle is in parking mode, leading to inaccurate calculation of battery lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A method that continuously calculates a wear indicator for lead-acid batteries based on operating parameters such as analysis time, internal temperature, and state of charge, distinguishing between active and inactive vehicle modes to accurately assess battery wear.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wear indicator calculation system is implemented, then battery lifespan prediction capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates because existing systems do not account for all operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifespan prediction capabilityVSAvoidwear indicator accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing distinct wear calculation formulas for different operating states (active vs. inactive vehicle modes). When the vehicle is inactive, the system applies a different wear coefficient that accounts for prolonged parking conditions and deep discharge states, thereby improving measurement precision across all operating conditions while maintaining reliable lifespan prediction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the wear calculation methodology based on real-time detection of vehicle operating mode. The control unit automatically switches between different wear indicator calculation approaches depending on whether the vehicle is in active or inactive mode, ensuring accurate wear measurement adapts to changing operating conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the battery is monitored continuously under all conditions, then wear measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear measurement precisionVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the monitoring approach by dividing vehicle operation into distinct modes (active and inactive). Instead of implementing a single complex continuous monitoring system, the solution uses segmented monitoring that activates different measurement and calculation protocols based on the detected operating mode, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of the vehicle operating mode and pre-selects the appropriate wear calculation methodology before actual wear calculation occurs. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the correct computational approach in advance, simplifying the real-time processing requirements while ensuring precise wear measurement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary 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 approach provides a precise measurement of battery wear by considering all relevant operating conditions, enabling timely replacement and preventing vehicle breakdowns by accurately predicting battery lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

K T is a wear factor determined according to the Arrhenius law, representing wear proportional to the analysis time A and depending on the internal temperature T of the battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectArrhenius law:

Data Source

PatentEP4459299A1Method and system for determining a wear indicator of a lead-acid battery for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 AMPERE SAS
  • EP4459299A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4459299A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4459299A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Method for determining a wear indicator for a lead-acid battery (2) for a motor vehicle (1), characterized in that a wear indicator for the battery (2) is continuously calculated according to a mode of use of the vehicle (1) and as a function of operating parameters of the battery (2), said method comprising the following steps: - When the vehicle (1) is active, calculation of a first wear indicator (Ua) of the battery (2) using operating parameters including an analysis time (A) and the internal temperature (T) of the battery (2), - When the vehicle (1) is inactive, calculation of a second wear indicator (Up) of the battery (2) using operating parameters including an analysis time (A), the internal temperature (T) of the battery (2), as well as the state of charge (SOC) of the battery (2).