Fraunhofer IFAM researchers have unveiled a groundbreaking real-time battery health monitoring system based on dynamic impedance spectroscopy, allowing lithium-ion battery status to be measured even while in use. This marks a significant departure from traditional methods that require batteries to be at rest for analysis.
Previously, collecting data on a battery’s state of charge (SoC) and state of health (SoH) took up to 20 minutes, often delaying crucial insights. The new technique overlays the charging or discharging current with a multi-frequency test signal and captures response data at speeds of up to one million samples per second—enabling instantaneous analysis even during live operation.
Key to achieving real-time monitoring is the development of advanced algorithms that compress the massive volume of measurement data without losing critical information. These algorithms streamline processing and allow software to deliver precise internal battery assessments on the fly.
The immediate availability of internal battery data greatly improves responsiveness: battery management systems can detect and isolate overheating cells in real time, eliminating reliance on slower, external temperature sensors and enhancing overall safety and reliability.
Beyond electric vehicles, the technology has applications in fast charging systems—enabling intelligent decisions between rapid or slower charging modes depending on cell stress—and in renewable energy storage setups, where dynamic control helps manage grid fluctuations effectively.
Fraunhofer also sees potential for deployment in emerging sectors such as electric aviation and maritime transport. Moreover, the method’s compatibility with a wide range of battery chemistries—including solid-state, sodium-ion, and lithium-sulfur batteries—underscores its adaptability to future energy storage technologies.
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