Use of ultrasound for estimating state of charge and state of health in lithium-ion batteries.

Lead Research Organisation: University of Sheffield
Department Name: Mechanical Engineering

Abstract

As a battery goes through charge and discharge cycles, lithium-ions are transferred between the anode and cathode layers causing a change the density distribution of the cell. The aim of this work is to look into the use of ultrasound to track these changes in density with the intention of gaining state of charge and state of charge of health information that could be utilised in a battery management system.

Briefly. Change in density distribution using ultrasound has been proven to work as a concept in literature previously and has been successfully recreated in preliminary tests. A particular aim of this work is to gain as much information as possible from responses to ultrasound pulses such that a collection of samples have the possibility of providing useful battery diagnostic information. Regardless of the history, manufacture and condition of the cell.

Part of this work is to explore the changing of surface texture in the electrodes as they age. This could provide critical state of health information with the batteries ability to accept charge.

Battery management systems are a large and varied area of current research. Ultrasound is a relatively small area within this field. The benefits of this technique are due to the non-invasive and non-destructive nature of ultrasound explorations. Information about a closed cell can be obtained using this method that can provide real time data for analysis. Much of the current state of battery management is based on estimation techniques and as such, more accurate methods are sought.

Batteries are becoming more popular in high power applications such as electrical vehicles and aerospace applications. This demands the safe use of batteries and accurate battery management systems become critical for safe and efficient usage.

People

ORCID iD

Royce Copley (Student)

Publications

10 25 50

Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
EP/S51388X/1 30/09/2018 29/09/2023
1949045 Studentship EP/S51388X/1 30/09/2017 29/09/2021 Royce Copley
 
Title In-situ ultrasonic device for measuring battery state of charge and state of health 
Description Ultrasonic sensors bonded onto a lithium ion battery. Sound waves reflect back from the various interfaces sin a battery. This new research tool helps to determine what aspects fo the reflected signal give the most information about the battery electrode state. This is correlated to a batter charge during normal and abusive charge cycles. 
Type Of Material Improvements to research infrastructure 
Year Produced 2021 
Provided To Others? Yes  
Impact None yet