Korea develops new tech to monitor EV Batteries

With the latest method developed by engineers of the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), now it is possible to accurately determine the health of EV batteries by using a small quantity of electric current. The performance and stability of high-capacity batteries in electric vehicles could be enhanced by their electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technology.

Moreover, by analyzing the health and charge of batteries the newly developed tool can also identify physical or chemical changes, and thermal features, predict battery life and point out causes of failures. 

Installing, using, and maintaining traditional EIS equipment is challenging due to its high cost and complexity. Furthermore, delivering current fluctuations of several amperes to a battery can result in severe electrical stress, raising the danger of battery failure or fire due to sensitivity and precision constraints.

The KAIST technology minimises heat impacts and safety concerns during the measurement procedure by accurately measuring battery impedance with low current disturbances. It simplifies the integration of large and expensive components into EVs.

The method has been shown to be successful in determining the electrochemical characteristics of batteries in a range of operating circumstances, such as varying temperatures and charge levels.

“This system can be easily integrated into the battery management system of electric vehicles and has demonstrated high measurement accuracy, while significantly reducing the cost and complexity compared to traditional high-current EIS methods,” citing  Kyeongha Kwon, an electrical engineering professor at KAIST, Assembly Magzine reported. 

He further said, “It can contribute to battery diagnosis and performance improvements not only for electric vehicles but also for energy storage systems,” the report added.