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A new approach to battery diagnostics may significantly improve how energy storage systems are managed across different sectors. Developed by researchers at Germany’s Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM), the technique provides a detailed picture of a battery’s condition during live operation — something previously limited by technical constraints.
The method, known as dynamic impedance spectroscopy, is based on a well-established technique called impedance spectroscopy. Traditionally, this method required a battery to be idle and often took more than 20 minutes to complete. The new version allows measurements to take place in real time, during normal charging or discharging cycles.
According to the press release, the innovation works by layering a multi-frequency signal onto the battery’s standard current, enabling millions of internal readings per second. These readings offer insights into the state of charge (SoC), state of health (SoH), and potential safety issues within individual cells.
A key part of the system is a data reduction algorithm developed by the team. It condenses massive volumes of information without losing essential details, making real-time processing viable even under demanding conditions.
This breakthrough has multiple implications for battery-dependent technologies. In electric vehicles, for example, it could allow battery management systems to detect overheating risks before they cause damage — all without relying on traditional temperature sensors. It can also help optimize charging speeds, choosing between fast or slow modes based on the battery’s condition in real time.
For renewable energy systems, dynamic impedance monitoring could help smooth the delivery of power by allowing storage systems to react more precisely to supply and demand fluctuations. The method is also being evaluated for applications in aviation and maritime sectors, where battery safety is critical.
Importantly, the technique isn’t limited to lithium-ion batteries. It can be adapted for sodium-ion, lithium-sulfur, solid-state, and next-generation chemistries, making it relevant across the evolving landscape of energy storage technologies.
