LMR Battery Voltage Window Control for Cycle Life Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

LMR batteries experience capacity fading and voltage decay due to electrolyte consumption and structural transformation, necessitating improved voltage control to extend cycle life.

Innovation Solution

Adjusting the operating voltage window of LMR batteries by lowering the lower cutoff voltage threshold in response to declining battery capacity, and reconfiguring cell connections to increase output voltage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LMR batteries operate within a fixed voltage window, then initial performance is maintained, but cycle life is limited due to capacity fading and voltage decay

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidoperational range

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed voltage window to a dynamic voltage window that adapts based on battery state. The lower voltage threshold is adjusted based on state of charge (SOC) and cycle number, allowing the operating range to expand as the battery ages and experiences voltage decay, thereby extending cycle life while maintaining performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage threshold parameters dynamically based on battery conditions. Specifically, the lower voltage threshold is modified as a function of SOC and cycle number, allowing the system to optimize the operating window to compensate for capacity fading and voltage decay over time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the lower cutoff voltage threshold is reduced to extend cycle life, then operational range increases, but battery performance and stability may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecycle lifeVSAvoidvoltage stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent carefully adjusts the lower voltage threshold parameter based on SOC and cycle number rather than using a fixed reduction. This controlled parameter change allows the system to extend cycle life while maintaining voltage stability by adapting to the battery's evolving characteristics without causing harmful effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring battery state and using this information to adjust the voltage threshold. The dynamic adjustment based on measured SOC and cycle number ensures that the lower threshold is reduced only to the extent necessary to maintain stability, preventing performance deterioration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12614722B2Voltage control strategy for batteries including lithium- and manganese-rich (LMR) cathodes

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A method for controlling a battery includes operating a lithium- and manganese-rich (LMR) battery within a first voltage window defined by an upper cutoff voltage threshold and a lower cutoff voltage threshold; monitoring a battery capacity of the LMR battery; and in response to the battery capacity of the LMR battery falling below a predetermined battery capacity, changing the first voltage window to a second voltage window by reducing the lower cutoff voltage threshold by a predetermined voltage value.