Lithium Phosphate Battery State of Charge Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to accurately estimate the state of charge of electrochemical elements with lithium phosphate-type electrodes, particularly between 30% and 90% charge, due to minimal voltage variation, leading to inaccuracy in energy availability assessment.

Innovation Solution

A method that optimizes state of charge estimation by defining charge profile zones based on voltage and charge limits, using calibration relationships and coulometry to adjust and refine state of charge measurements, especially in 'flat' voltage zones, and accounts for measurement errors to prevent overloading or overdischarging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If voltage measurement is used to estimate state of charge in lithium phosphate elements, then the measurement method is simple, but the measurement precision deteriorates in the 30-90% charge range due to minimal voltage variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement method complexityVSAvoidstate of charge estimation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The charge profile is divided into multiple zones (first zone: 0-30% SOC, second zone: 30-90% SOC, third zone: 90-100% SOC) with different voltage characteristics. Each zone is handled by a dedicated estimation algorithm, allowing precise measurement in each segment while maintaining overall system simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The estimation method dynamically switches between different algorithms based on the current operating zone. In the flat voltage zone (30-90% SOC), the system transitions from voltage-based estimation to coulometry-based estimation, adapting the measurement approach to the local voltage characteristics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If coulometry is used continuously to improve state of charge measurement precision, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestate of charge estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Coulometry is applied partially - only in the specific charge range (30-90% SOC) where voltage measurement is insufficient. In other ranges, the simpler voltage-based method is used, avoiding unnecessary computational complexity while maintaining precision where needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses an intermediate zone (30-90% SOC) where coulometry acts as a mediator between the two extreme zones. This intermediate approach compensates for voltage measurement limitations without requiring full coulometric monitoring, balancing precision and complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Use of energy by moving object

If the element operates in the flat voltage zone (30-90% SOC), then energy availability is maximized, but state of charge detection becomes difficult leading to potential overloading or overdischarging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy availabilityVSAvoidstate of charge detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback through continuous monitoring of charge quantity and comparison with zone boundaries. When the estimated SOC approaches 30% or 90% thresholds, the system provides feedback signals to adjust operation, preventing overdischarging or overloading while maintaining operation in the optimal energy availability zone

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary estimation of state of charge using coulometry before operating in the flat voltage zone, establishing accurate baseline values. This preliminary action ensures reliable detection is in place before the element enters the 30-90% SOC range where voltage measurement would be insufficient

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

Enables precise determination of the state of charge between 30% and 100% and between 0% and 10%, preventing overloading and overdischarging, and allows for partial adjustments in 'flat' voltage zones, ensuring accurate energy availability assessment.

Implementation Method 1

Electrical energy is produced by electrochemical reactions during an element discharge

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions:

Implementation Method 2

the voltage of the element varies very slightly depending on its state of charge. for a state of charge between about 30 and about 90%

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage variation with state of charge:

Data Source

PatentEP2634591B1Method and system for estimating the charge level of a lithium electrochemical element including a lithium phosphate positive electrode
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 SAFT GRP SA
  • EP2634591B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2634591B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2634591B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves measuring voltage of an electrochemical element (E11). Adjusted charge state of the element is determined when value determined from a calibration relationship of voltage as a function of charge state is assigned to the adjusted state and zero value is assigned to a parameter corresponding to cumulative error in charge state obtained by coulometry, or coulometry determined value is assigned to the adjusted state. Cumulative measurement error for measurement of the charge state between time periods is determined. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for estimating charge state of an electrochemical element (2) an estimation system assembly (3) a computer program product having a set of instructions for estimating charge state of an electrochemical element (4) a computer-readable data carrier having a set of instructions for estimating charge state of an electrochemical element.