Vehicle SOC Estimation via Dynamic Current Integration and Voltage Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional state of charge (SOC) estimation methods for secondary batteries in externally chargeable vehicles inaccurately calculate the SOC, leading to premature cessation of charging or discharging, which reduces the vehicle's electric-only travel distance and inefficient energy utilization.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle system that includes a controller for estimating SOC by integrating current and open-circuit voltage measurements, accounting for internal resistance and polarization variations, and switching between different SOC estimation methods based on charging and discharging cycles to accurately determine the battery's state of charge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional SOC estimation methods are used for externally charged batteries, then the estimation process is simple, but the SOC estimation accuracy deteriorates leading to premature cessation of charging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSOC estimation accuracyVSAvoidestimation method complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by switching between different SOC estimation methods based on the battery's operational state. The controller determines whether the battery is in a charging-only state, discharging-only state, or alternating state, and selects the appropriate estimation method for each state. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by using simple current integration when appropriate and more complex voltage-based methods only when necessary, thereby maintaining accuracy without unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the estimation parameters based on operational conditions. When the battery is in a stabilized state (charging or discharging continuously without alternation), the system uses current integration with open-circuit voltage correction. When the battery alternates between charging and discharging, the system switches to methods that account for polarization effects. This parameter change strategy maintains high SOC estimation accuracy while avoiding unnecessary computational complexity in stable operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional SOC estimation methods are used, then the control system is simple, but the electric-only travel distance is reduced due to premature charging cessation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric-only travel distanceVSAvoidcharging control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller dynamically selects estimation methods based on the battery's charging/discharging state. By using current integration during stable charging phases and switching to polarization-compensated methods during transitions, the system accurately determines when the upper SOC limit is reached. This prevents premature charging cessation and maximizes the electric-only travel distance while maintaining reliable charging control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors battery current, voltage, and temperature to determine the operational state and selects the appropriate SOC estimation method accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the controller accurately tracks the actual SOC, preventing premature cessation of charging and thereby extending the vehicle's electric-only travel distance while maintaining reliable charging control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If current integration method is used alone, then the calculation is simple, but polarization causes voltage deviation leading to inaccurate SOC estimation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSOC estimation accuracyVSAvoidenergy utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically switches between current integration method and voltage-based estimation methods depending on the battery's operational state. During stable charging or discharging phases, current integration is used for simplicity. During transitions or when polarization effects are significant, the system switches to methods that correct for voltage deviations, thereby maintaining accurate SOC estimation and optimizing energy utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes estimation parameters based on the determined operational state. When polarization is detected (through voltage-current relationship analysis), the system adjusts by incorporating voltage-based correction or switching to open-circuit voltage methods. This parameter adaptation maintains high SOC estimation accuracy while minimizing energy loss by using the most appropriate method for each operating condition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2246956B1Vehicle and method for estimating charged state of secondary battery
Publication Date: 2016.03.23 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • EP2246956B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2246956B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2246956B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A vehicle (1) includes a chargeable and dischargeable battery (B1), a current sensor (11-1) for detecting electric current of the battery, and a controller (30) for estimating a state of charge of the battery and controlling charging and discharging of the battery based on the state of charge. In a first operation mode in which charging and discharging cycles are repeated, the controller (30) estimates an open-circuit voltage of the battery and determines the state of charge based on a value obtained by correcting the open-circuit voltage based on polarization. In a second operation mode in which one of charging and discharging is continued, the controller (30) determines the state of charge based on a result of integration of the current detected by the current sensor. In this way, the vehicle can be provided in which the secondary battery can be charged with and discharge a large amount of energy and can be effectively used.