Device and method for qualitative determination of the operational state of a battery

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention provides a device and method for non-invasive, contactless, and non-destructive qualitative determination of the operational state (such as state of charge or health) of a battery, particularly lithium-ion batteries, during operation. The system uses at least one magnetic field sensor arranged close and fixed relative to the battery to measure the magnetic field generated by internal currents in the battery. By adjusting and measuring at different current states, and comparing the results, the invention allows for detection of changes in the battery's material properties or charge state without applying any external magnetic field.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Monitoring the state of charge (SOC) of lithium-ion and other batteries in electric vehicles or stationary energy storage systems.
• Detecting degradation or aging processes (state of health) in batteries over time in industrial, automotive, or consumer applications.
• Performing quality control and fault detection/non-destructive testing during battery manufacturing or servicing.
• Enabling predictive maintenance by detecting abnormal changes or defects in batteries before failure.
• Applicable to other electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, or to monitor electrical and magnetic properties in other current-carrying components.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Non-invasive and non-destructive: No need to damage or open the battery for testing.
• Works in real-time and during normal operation, allowing for continuous monitoring.
• Reduces downtime and increases safety by early detection of defective or degraded batteries.
• Potentially quantitative with reference data, not just qualitative.
• Can be implemented with relatively fast measurement times and adapted to various battery types and geometries.
• Increases reliability and longevity of battery-powered systems by enabling predictive maintenance.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The method involves electrically contacting a test object, where a magnetic field sensor, which detects a component of the magnetic field, is arranged in the proximity of the test object and is fixed relative to the test object, such that the magnetic field sensor is able to measure the magnetic field generated by the test object. The test object displaces in two different states for a measuring point, where the states differ from each other in the total current. The magnetic field component of the magnetic field for each state is determined at the current by using the magnetic field sensor. An independent claim is included for a device for qualitative determination of the operating position of a test object.