Engineering Stream

Battery Management Systems

Engineering Reliability and Robustness

March 28-29, 2018 | Fort Lauderdale Convention Center | Fort Lauderdale, Florida USA


Monitoring high power battery packs is crucial to successful battery integration. Creating versatile and robust battery management systems is one of the most important and challenging hurdles battery engineers face. Hear from top scientists as they discuss how to extend the life of their battery packs and use battery management systems to maintain storage capacity, all the while ensuring batteries run within safe conditions. High-level battery pack engineers, and battery scientists from OEMS, national labs, and top academic institutions will discuss designing internal battery pack structure, new SOC and SOH monitoring methods, and simplifying circuitry to develop reliable and robust batteries.

Wednesday, March 28

1:30 pm Shep Wolsky Battery Innovator Award and Tribute & Plenary Keynotes

1:45 Past, Present and Future of Lithium-Ion Batteries. Can New Technologies Open Up New Horizons?

Yoshio_NishiYoshio Nishi, PhD, Executive Alumni, Sony Corporation

Mr. Yoshio Nishi is retired senior vice president and chief technology officer of the Sony Corporation. He graduated in 1966 from the Faculty of Applied Chemistry of the Department of Technology at Keio University in Tokyo and immediately joined Sony, where he rose through the ranks to become corporate research fellow, vice president, and president of the company’s materials laboratories. In 1991 his team succeeded in the commercialization of the first lithium-ion secondary batteries (LIB). In 1994 he received technical awards from the Electrochemical Societies of both Japan and the United States in recognition of his contributions to LIB technology. In 2014, Dr. Nishi was awarded the Draper Prize by the National Academy of Engineering for pioneering and leading the groundwork for today’s lithium-ion battery. Since the early 1990s, LIBs were introduced into various mobile devices and we were reasonably confident that our customers would be satisfied with their performance. Shortly afterwards, however, we noticed that there were some discrepancies between the performance we offered and that expected by our customers. Dr. Nishi will discuss here what LIB users really require from secondary batteries.

2:05 Global Electrification and LG Chem

Denise GrayDenise Gray, CEO, LG Chem Power

Denise Gray is President/CEO of LG Chem Power Inc. (LGCPI), the North American subsidiary of lithium-ion battery maker, LG Chem (LGC), Korea. In this position, she has overall responsibility for the strategic direction, engineering, and business development activities for the North American market. The majority of her professional career, nearly 30 years, was spent at General Motors in the USA. Director of Battery Systems Engineering, Director of Transmission Controls Engineering, Director of Powertrain Controller Engineering, Director of Powertrain Software Engineering, and development of powertrain and vehicle electrical systems were her core engineering responsibilities. A review of the current global trends in vehicle electrification and automotive battery technologies will be presented. This will be carried out highlighting LG Chem’s participation in the various segments from materials, cell and cost points of view.

2:25 Addressing Key Battery Issues from a Thermodynamics Perspective

Rachid_YazamiRachid Yazami, PhD, School of Materials Science & Engineering, Program Director, Energy Storage, Energy Research Institute, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Rachid Yazami is a French Morrocan scientist best known for his research on lithium-ion batteries and on fluoride-ion batteries. He is the inventor of the graphite anode (negative pole) of lithium-ion batteries. In 2014 Rachid Yazami, John Goodenough, Yoshio Nishi and Akira Yoshino were awarded the Draper Prize by the National Academy of Engineering for pioneering and leading the groundwork for today’s lithium-ion battery. In this presentation, we will show how online thermodynamics data collection and processing addresses the SOC and SOH determination. We found a universal rule, which applies to all LIB tested at any SOH (ageing), that is the SOC is a linear function of entropy and enthalpy. Linearity coefficients are LIB chemistry and SOH dependent. Therefore, the thermodynamics assessment method teaches on the type of cathode material and on the degree of anode and cathode degradation as the battery ages.

2:45 Refreshment Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Improvements in Pack Modeling

3:30 Organizer’s Opening Remarks

Victoria Mosolgo, Conference Producer, Cambridge EnerTech

3:35 Chairperson’s Remarks

Craig Arnold, PhD, Director, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University

3:40 Beyond Estimating Battery State of Health: Identifiability of Individual Electrode Capacity and Utilization

Anna_StepfanopoulouAnna Stefanopoulou, PhD, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

Degradation of Li-ion battery is the result of a number of physical and chemical mechanisms that take place at various components of the cell. To maximize the usage but not induce further degradation, estimation techniques about the type of degradation and state of health of the individual electrodes, specifically their capacities and utilization window, are required. Their identifiability is studied for different operating windows given that there are practical limitations in the availability of data for deep discharged and full charged states in real world battery applications. It is shown that having stress data in addition to the voltage measurements at phase transitions provides better identifiability of the individual electrode parameters. It is noted that the dF/dQ data augment the long-established method, Differential Voltage Analysis (DVA), followed by electrochemists which depends on terminal voltage data across phase transitions used to compute shifts in the peak locations in the dV/dQ curve.

4:10 Identifying Li-Ion Physics-Based Model Parameter Values from Cell-Level Current/Voltage Data

Greg_PlettGregory Plett, PhD, Professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Future BMS algorithms will use reduced-order physics-based cell models instead of the presently used equivalent-circuit models in order to be able to predict and mitigate degradation. Until now, it has been difficult to find physics-based model parameter values. This presentation will describe how to use standard lab equipment and input/output measurements only (i.e., without requiring cell teardown) to fully parameterize a cell model. Results will be presented for a commercial automotive NMC//graphite cell.

4:40 Precise Power-Limit Estimation for Lithium Ion Batteries Using Physics-Based Constraints and Predictive Methods

Scott_TrimboliScott Trimboli, PhD, Assistant Professor, College of Engineering & Applied Sciences, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

Electric vehicle battery management systems must be able to determine, in real time, the available power that may be provided by the battery pack. Similarly, in rechargeable packs, it is required to determine how much charge power the pack can accept. Such power limits should ensure that the pack will not suffer damage by exceeding charge or voltage limits or by exceeding a design current or power limit. This paper describes a method that uses a physics-based dynamic cell model and predictive optimization to accurately compute battery-pack available power.

5:10 Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

6:10 Close of Day

Thursday, March 29

7:45 am Registration Open

7:45 Interactive Breakout Discussion Groups with Continental Breakfast

Participants choose a specific breakout discussion group to join. Each group has a moderator to ensure focused discussions around key issues within the topic. This format allows participants to meet potential collaborators, share examples from their work, vet ideas with peers, and be part of a group problem-solving endeavor. The discussions provide an informal exchange of ideas and are not meant to be a corporate or specific product discussion.

TABLE 1: Future Electrode Manufacturing for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Jianlin Li, PhD, Research Scientist, Energy & Transportation Science Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory

TABLE 2: Battery Storage Integration into the Electric Grid

Vivian Sultan, Professor, Information Systems and Business Management, College of Business and Economics, California State University, Los Angeles

TABLE 3: Li-Ion Battery Safety: Prediction, Prevention, Levels and Legalities

John Zhang, PhD, Senior Technology Executive Officer, Asahi Kensai Group, Japan

TABLE 4: Conductive Additives for High Rate LIB Performance

Rob Privette, Vice President, Energy Markets, XG Sciences

TABLE 5: Battery Charging, What Features Will Be Required in the Future?

Naoki Matsumura, Senior Technologist, Intel Corporation

TABLE 6: Battery Safety Testing and Simulation

Brian Barnett, PhD, Vice President, CAMX Power

TABLE 7: Battery Degradation and Safety

Craig Arnold, PhD, Director, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University

TABLE 8: Lessons Learned from the Samsung Galaxy Note7 Battery Safety Events

Shmuel De-Leon, CEO, Shmuel De-Leon Energy, Ltd.

8:45 Session Break

Modeling for Longer Life and Durability

9:00 Chairperson’s Remarks

Naoki Matsumura, Senior Technologist, Intel Corporation

9:05 Effects of Local Phenomena on Battery Degradation and Safety

Craig_ArnoldCraig Arnold, PhD, Director, Princeton Institute for the Science and Technology of Materials, Princeton University

Here we discuss effects in Li-ion batteries in which local non-uniformities in battery construction or mechanical stress can couple into the electrochemical processes of the system and lead to accelerated decay and safety concerns. We present the relevant mechanisms and discuss methods of mitigating these effects in real systems.

ULVAC9:35 Manufacturing Technology of All-Solid-State Thin-Film Li Battery for IoT Applications

Koukou Suu, PhD, ULVAC Fellow, General Manager, Global Marketing and Technology Strategy, ULVAC, Inc.

Solid-State Thin-Film Li secondary batteries have come to be recognized as one of the key enabling technologies for standalone MEMS/Sensor devices which are essential for Internet of Things (IoT) solution. A detailed explanation will be given on the sputtering process required for the manufacturing of these batteries. ULVAC has developed reliable hardware and processes for the mass production for solid-state Li batteries.

High energy cathodes, such as NMC811 can deliver improved energy density relative to today's materials. However, it suffers from poor lifetime and durability. Variations in electrode composition can impact the performance of the material. This presentation will highlight parameters that can accelerate implementation of NMC811 in applications.

10:05 Sponsored Presentation (Opportunity Available)

10:35 Coffee Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

11:20 Cell Internal Shorts as Next Frontier of Battery Safety: Types, Prevention and Detection inside Battery Pack

Yevgen Barsukov, Head, Algorithm Development, Battery Management Systems, Texas Instruments

Present battery packs have sophisticated protection against external device faults, leaving cell internal short as the last frontier that needs to be addressed. Depending on the type of internal short, it can be either prevented by improved cell-state aware charging controls such as MaxLife charging or in some cases detected in early stages, giving manufacturer exact knowledge of time and type of failure. This would allow manufacturer to take quick corrective action and avoid potential costly recalls.

11:50 Battery Cycle Life Extension by Charging Algorithm

Naoki_MatsumuraNaoki Matsumura, Senior Technologist, Intel Corporation

IOT devices expect Li-ion batteries to have a long cycle life because they may be used in areas where battery replacement is not easy. This session talks about a method to extend battery cycle life through battery charging algorithm. This is expected to reduce the cost of ownership as it enables less battery replacement.

12:20 pm A Unique Lithium Technology to Power the World’s Smallest Fully Implantable Spinal Cord Neurostimulator

Erik Scott, PhD, Bakken Fellow, Technical Fellow, Direct of Advanced Development, Medtronic

Medtronic is a world-leader in implantable medical devices with over forty years of experience in battery R&D and manufacturing for demanding applications. In 2017, Medtronic released its newest generation of implantable neurostimulator. The IntellisTM spinal cord stimulator uses the proprietary OverdriveTM lithium-ion battery technology, specifically designed for the critical requirements of miniaturized implantable devices. OverdriveTM technology enables miniaturized cells that can be recharged very rapidly while showing negligible capacity fade over many years of continuous use. The solution is also tolerant of deep discharge, unlike traditional lithium ion chemistries. Highlights of performance data, modeling approach and technical insights from development of OverdriveTM technology will be discussed.

12:50 Session Break

1:00 Networking Luncheon (Sponsorship Opportunity Available) or Enjoy Lunch on Your Own

2:00 Dessert Break in the Exhibit Hall with Poster Viewing

Battery Management for Hybrid Applications

2:30 Chairperson’s Remarks

Brian Cunningham, Engineer, U.S. Department of Energy


2:35 FEATURED PRESENTATION: Considerations in the Selection of Batteries to be Used with Supercapacitors in Vehicle Applications

Andrew_BurkeAndrew F. Burke, PhD, Research Faculty, Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis

The selection of batteries to be used with supercapacitors in plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) is analyzed from the design, performance, and economic points of view. The use of the supercapacitors to load-level the energy storage battery permits the use of an “energy battery” rather than a “power battery” in PHEVs. Energy batteries have higher energy density, longer cycle life, and lower cost than power batteries of the same energy storage capacity (kWh).

3:05 Toward Highly Stable Solid-State Unconventional Thin-Film Battery-Supercapacitor Hybrid Devices: Interfacing Vertical Core-Shell Array Electrodes with a Gel Polymer Electrolyte

Jun_LiJun Li, PhD, Professor, Department of Chemistry, Kansas State University


3:35 Hybrid Battery/Supercapacitor Energy Storage Systems Supply the Power Demands of Small Devices

Gene_ArmstrongGene Armstrong, Director of Applications, Engineering, PBC Tech

Small devices require physically small energy storage capabilities. Unfortunately, small form factor batteries suffer from a lack of ability to deliver the peak power and while meeting the supply noise requirements of pulsed load applications such as RF transmitters, camera flashed or audio speaker drivers. In conjunction with the advances in thin battery technology, the supercapacitor is well positioned to form a hybrid battery/capacitor solution to achieve high power delivery in tight spaces.

The Road to Commercialization

4:05 Accelerating the Commercialization and Launch of New Battery Materials with Special Focus and Emphasis on Manufacturability of New Materials and Designs

Curtiss Renn, PhD, Senior Scientist, Polaris Laboratories LLC

There are tremendous developments associated with new materials to enhance the performance of rechargeable batteries and many challenges that make the transition to full production difficult and time consuming. Polaris Labs works with a variety of developers and strives to help them move quickly through the development process to full production. We point out areas to consider in the assessment and processing of new materials as well as considerations to ease the transition to full production.

4:30 PANEL DISCUSSION: The Cost of Quality in Advanced Battery Development and Manufacturing

Moderator: John Wozniak, President, Energy Storage and Power Consulting

Panelists: Bruce Miller, Technology Strategist, Dell

Brian Cunningham, Engineer, U.S. Department of Energy

Curtiss Renn, PhD, Senior Scientist, Polaris Laboratories LLC

Additional Panelists to be Announced

The development of durable and affordable advanced batteries for use in automotive, consumer electronics and stationary applications drives R&D activities. This panel of experts examines the true cost of quality and how approaches to the development of advanced batteries must be adapted to avoid the significant pitfalls on the road to commercialization.

5:30 Close of Conference