The US Idaho National Laboratory has introduced artificial intelligence (AI) to its collaboration with Dynexus Technology and Pattern Computer, which will enhance its battery diagnostic tool.
The laboratory developed the tool, called Inline Rapid Impedance Spectroscopy (iRIS) in 2011. Colorado-based Dynexus Technology exclusively licensed the technology from INL in 2015. It said collaboration now between Dynexus and Pattern Computer will provide an AI boost to its technology to improve how battery health is measured.
The tool can measure up to 50V, though Dynexus researchers are working on a version that can measure up to at least 100V, INL said. That can be used for various battery module configurations, including in battery factories while batteries are being charged.
Researchers are combining iRIS with Pattern’s technology, called Pattern Discovery Engine, to make the tool even more powerful.
David Sorum, CEO of Dynexus Technology, said: “In order for the reuse and remanufacture of batteries to be sustainable, we need to be able to finance and insure second-use battery assets. We need to understand the remaining capacity and state of health throughout a battery’s lifecycle.”
They envisage using the hybrid iRIS/Pattern technology for difficult diagnostic challenges such as predicting battery failures or matching similar batteries within the same device for optimal performance. This includes unintended capacity loss, short circuits and thermal runaway.
Tanvir Tanim, a senior battery research and development scientist at INL, said: “It is one of the diagnostics that may be useful to understand battery performance, life and safety early on. If you just look at conventional measurements – voltage, temperature and current – it is often difficult to accurately measure a battery’s state of health and state of safety.”
Photo: iRIS can access a single battery cell or battery strings. INL
