Testing individual cells within multi-cell battery applications
First Claim
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1. A method comprising:
- selecting a first cell from a plurality of interconnected cells constituting a multi-cell battery;
selecting a spare cell supporting the functionality of the selected first cell;
performing a cell swap, while the multi-cell battery remains in an operating state including;
placing the selected first cell in an offline state;
placing the spare cell in an online state; and
performing an evaluation of the selected first cell.
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Abstract
Embodiments of the invention relate to a multi-cell battery, and individual evaluation of the battery cells. Each cell is individually removed or disconnected from the battery. An adjustable cell charger and an adjustable cell load are mapped to the disconnected cell. As the charger charges the cell, an associated sensor validates acceptance of the charge. As the cell load discharges the cell, the sensor measures discharge characteristics. Operating efficiency of the selected cell is evaluated based on the measured charge acceptance and discharge characteristics.
53 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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selecting a first cell from a plurality of interconnected cells constituting a multi-cell battery; selecting a spare cell supporting the functionality of the selected first cell; performing a cell swap, while the multi-cell battery remains in an operating state including; placing the selected first cell in an offline state; placing the spare cell in an online state; and performing an evaluation of the selected first cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer program product comprising a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions executable by a controller in communication with a multi-cell battery, the instructions to perform a method comprising:
in the multi-cell battery having a plurality of interconnected cells, individually selecting one of the cells, placing the selected cell in an offline state and placing a spare cell supporting the functionality of the first cell in an online state while the battery remains in an operating state; and performing an evaluation of the selected cell. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A system comprising:
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a battery pack arrangement with multiple cells, the cells arranged in a matrix and electrically connected; a controller in communication with the cells, the controller to select one of the cells in the arrangement, a multiplexer to place the selected cell in an offline state, and place a spare cell supporting the functionality of the first cell in an operating state while the battery pack remains in an operating state; and the controller to perform an evaluation of the selected cell. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification