Nonlinear Acoustic Resonance Spectroscopy for Battery Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The battery industry lacks a fast and scalable, non-destructive method for determining the physical condition of batteries, including state of charge, state of health, and defect detection, as existing electrical and thermal techniques are inaccurate and unsuitable for in-use batteries.
Innovation Solution
Nonlinear acoustic resonance spectroscopy (NARS) using acoustic signals of varying frequencies and amplitudes to detect vibrations in batteries, analyzing resonance frequencies shifts for determining physical conditions such as state of charge, state of health, and defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical and thermal techniques are used for battery diagnostics, then measurement capability is provided, but accuracy and suitability for in-use batteries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical and thermal diagnostic techniques with acoustic techniques. Specifically, it uses acoustic resonance spectroscopy and acoustic wave propagation methods to diagnose battery physical conditions, substituting the mechanical/acoustic field for the electrical and thermal fields used in conventional methods. This allows non-destructive, in-use battery diagnosis with improved accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If XRD and CT techniques are used for battery analysis, then detailed internal structure information is obtained, but speed and cost deteriorates to prohibitively slow and expensive levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes complex imaging techniques (XRD, CT) with acoustic resonance and wave propagation methods. The acoustic techniques provide sufficient internal structure information through resonance frequency analysis and acoustic impedance measurements, achieving comparable diagnostic detail at much higher speeds and lower costs suitable for production-scale testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from electromagnetic radiation (XRD, CT) to acoustic wave parameters (frequency, amplitude, impedance). By measuring acoustic resonance frequencies and impedance changes, the system obtains internal structure information with faster response times and lower operational costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical tools are used for battery diagnostics, then diagnostic capability is provided, but destructiveness increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical diagnostic tools with acoustic diagnostic tools. Acoustic waves mechanically probe the battery without inducing electrical currents or thermal effects that could damage the battery. This substitution maintains comprehensive diagnostic capability while eliminating harmful electrical and thermal effects on the battery.
4Device complexity
If acoustic signals of single frequency and amplitude are used, then simplicity is maintained, but information detail about battery conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic acoustic signaling, where multiple frequencies and amplitudes are used to probe different aspects of battery physics. By varying acoustic parameters dynamically, the system extracts detailed information about density, modulus, porosity, and thickness changes in the battery materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic acoustic signals with varying frequencies and amplitudes to excite the battery materials. The periodic nature of acoustic waves allows for resonance detection and impedance measurements that reveal detailed internal physical conditions through frequency response analysis.
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
Provides accurate, non-destructive, and detailed analysis of battery physical conditions, enabling effective monitoring and assessment of battery health and potential failures, even when in use.
Implementation Method 1
the speed of sound through a material is primarily a function of the elastic moduli and density of the material
Implementation Method 2
the acoustic impedance of a material (which, like index of refraction for light, influences how sound behaves when entering and leaving a material) is also a strong function of density and moduli
Implementation Method 3
batteries store energy in the form of chemical potential, wherein during the storage and release of that energy (i.e., during the charging and discharging cycles of the battery, respectively), chemical reactions take place that result in a reorganization of mass and a change in materials properties of the battery
Implementation Method 4
nonlinear acoustic resonance spectroscopy (NARS) such as nonlinear resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (NRUS) for determining physical conditions of batteries, based on studying nonlinear response characteristics of the batteries to acoustic signals of varying frequencies and amplitudes
Implementation Method 5
studying nonlinear response characteristics of the batteries to acoustic signals of varying frequencies and amplitudes
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of determining physical conditions of a battery, such as state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), quality of construction, defect, or failure state include driving two or more acoustic signals of two or more amplitudes, each acoustic signal having two or more frequencies, into the battery and detecting vibrations generated in the battery based on the two or more acoustic signals. Nonlinear response characteristics of the battery for the two or more acoustic signals are determined from the detected vibrations. The physical conditions of the battery are determined based at least in part on the nonlinear response characteristics, using nonlinear acoustic resonance spectroscopy (NARS) or nonlinear resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (NRUS).