Power Stage Excitation Signal Generation for EIS Diagnostics

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost and complexity of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) diagnostics hinder the wider adoption of electrochemical systems, particularly in electric vehicles, due to the additional cost of auxiliary equipment and increased system complexity.

Innovation Solution

The system utilizes the existing power stage's power electronics to generate and supply excitation signals for EIS diagnostics, reducing the need for a separate Excitation Generation Unit and minimizing additional components and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate Excitation Generation Unit is used for EIS diagnostics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEIS diagnostic accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power stage is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as the power conversion device for charging/discharging the electrochemical system and as the excitation signal generator for EIS measurements. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent eliminates the need for a separate excitation generation unit, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to perform accurate EIS diagnostics through software-controlled switching of the power electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a separate Excitation Generation Unit is used for EIS diagnostics, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEIS diagnostic accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power stage is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves both as the power conversion device for charging/discharging the electrochemical system and as the excitation signal generator for EIS measurements. By integrating these functions into a single device, the patent eliminates the need for a separate excitation generation unit, thereby reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to perform accurate EIS diagnostics through software-controlled switching of the power electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power stage uses its own internal power electronics and control system to generate the excitation signal for EIS measurements, rather than requiring an external dedicated excitation source. The existing PWM controllers and switching elements are repurposed to create the necessary excitation waveforms, allowing the system to serve itself for diagnostic purposes without additional hardware investment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3320354B1System for providing an excitation signal to an electrochemical system and method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 LITHIUM BALANCE A S
  • EP3320354B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3320354B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3320354B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention provides a system (10) for providing an excitation signal to an electrochemical system (50) for use in Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy diagnostics on the electrochemical system (50), the electrochemical system (50) being connectable to the system (10) and the system (10) comprising: a power stage (12), such as a charger, connectable to the electrochemical system (50) for supplying electrical energy to the electrochemical system (50), and/or connectable to the electro- chemical system (50) for withdrawing electrical energy from the electrochemical system (50), and an Excitation Generation Unit (16) comprised by the power stage (12) or operatively connected to the power stage (12). The Excitation Generation Unit (16) is adapted for instructing the power stage (12) to generate an excitation signal for use in the Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy diagnostics, and the power stage (12) is adapted for generating the excitation signal and supplying the excitation signal to the electrochemical system (50) when so instructed by the Excitation Generation Unit (16). A method for providing an excitation signal to an electrochemical system (50) using the system (10) is also provided.