Power Storage Device Degradation Determining Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing degradation determination methods for power storage devices in vehicles lack accuracy, relying solely on measurement data from new batteries for comparison after use, which is insufficient for precise degradation assessment.
Innovation Solution
A degradation determining apparatus and method that includes a vehicle identifying unit, first and second evaluation units, and a degradation determining unit, which evaluates the power storage device's degradation state based on use history data and real-time data collected during power transfer between the vehicle and external power sources, using a combination of pre-analyzed data and on-board measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If degradation state is determined using only measurement data from new batteries for comparison, then the determination can be performed with a simple system, but the degradation determination accuracy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation determination is divided into two independent evaluation units: the first evaluation unit compares current battery characteristics with new battery characteristics, while the second evaluation unit monitors changes over time. This segmentation allows each unit to focus on specific aspects of degradation, improving overall accuracy without requiring a single complex determination system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the results from the first evaluation unit (comparison with new battery) and the second evaluation unit (change over time monitoring) to determine the final degradation state. This merging of multiple evaluation approaches provides comprehensive degradation assessment that overcomes the limitations of using either method alone
2Adaptability or versatility
If degradation state is determined by comparing with new battery data stored in the charger, then the determination can be performed with available data, but the degradation state can be determined only with the particular charger having the data for the new battery stored therein
Solution Approach 1:
The degradation determination system is designed to work with any charger by obtaining new battery characteristic data from external sources (manufacturers, databases, or other chargers) rather than requiring the charger to have this data pre-stored. This makes the system universally applicable to different charger types and manufacturers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism to obtain new battery characteristic data from external sources such as manufacturers or databases. This intermediary approach allows chargers without built-in new battery data to still perform accurate degradation determination by accessing this information externally
3Measurement precision
If only use history data is used for degradation evaluation, then the evaluation can be performed without real-time measurements, but sufficient degradation determination accuracy cannot be obtained
Solution Approach 1:
The second evaluation unit continuously monitors battery characteristics during charging and discharging operations, collecting real-time data on capacity, voltage, and other parameters. This continuous measurement provides up-to-date information on battery degradation without interrupting normal battery usage, maintaining both accuracy and operational efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle identifying unit obtains an identification number of a vehicle from the vehicle. A first evaluation unit evaluates a degradation state of a power storage device based on the use history of the power storage device obtained from the vehicle, using data analyzed beforehand concerning the relation between the use history and the degradation state of the power storage device. A second evaluation unit evaluates a degradation state of the power storage device using data collected when the power storage device of the vehicle is charged from a power station or when power is fed from the vehicle to the power station. A degradation determining unit determines the degradation state of the power storage device based on the degradation states evaluated by the first and second evaluation units.