Battery Life Estimation (BLE) and Data Analysis

Technology Marketing SummaryArgonne’s BLE Software is a state-of-the-art analytical tool for predicting cell and battery lifetimes on the basis of limited test data. Because hybrid vehicles are so new to the market, researchers don't have data spanning many years. They need a tool to reliably, quickly and accurately predict battery performance. BLE software can make life-cycle estimates using as little as two years' worth of aging data. With this limited data, researchers can use BLE to estimate how battery performance will change with calendar age, cycles, internal component aging, cell-to-cell manufacturing variations and summer and winter temperature extremes for estimates up to 15 years or more.DescriptionThe BLE software employs a generalized statistical approach to fit data from accelerated aging experiments to a life equation. It operates on a Windows 2000 or later system and uses .NET framework extensions, which are widely available at no cost from Microsoft. The software can run on a standard PC. No specific life equation is assumed; users enter their own technology-specific equation. If a specific equation is not available, Argonne’s developers included two simple life equations. Also included is a linear error model to estimate cell-to-cell variability and measurement errors. A two-sigma error bound is calculated for the variance.

The BLE software is different from other curve-fitting routines in that it employs robust curve-fitting techniques and has the ability to estimate battery life by using Monte Carlo techniques (which most generalized curve-fitting software do not consider). A Monte Carlo simulation is available to assess lack-of-fit and uncertainty limits for average cell life. The Monte Carlo simulation is only used for the 15-year predictions. The software can operate in three modes: data fit only, data fit and Monte Carlo simulation, and Monte Carlo simulation only. Run times for the data fitting routines are very fast. Monte Carlo predictions take a little longer, but are generally complete in about 2 minutes.Benefits

• Projects cell and battery lifetimes using limited data
• Provides easy-to-use interface and rapid results
• Employs robust fitting techniques and uses Monte Carlo techniques to estimate battery life
• Runs on conventional computer platforms

Applications and Industries

• Battery manufacturers
• Alternative vehicle manufacturers
• Other industries that have products that exhibit performance degradation with time

More InformationThis software is protected by copyright.Technology Status

Development Stage	Availability	Published	Last Updated
Development - Mature - available	Available - Available by license to users through Argonne’s software shop (http://www.anl.gov/techtransfer/Software_Shop/BLE/BLE.html) The software is available at no cost to USABC/DOE contractors, but licensing is still required.	06/02/2010	03/25/2011