LG Energy Solution has partnered with the world-renowned semiconductor company Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) to strengthen their Battery Management Total Solutions (BMTS) competitiveness.
LG Energy Solution announced that, during a ceremony held at ADI’s headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, CEO of the BMS Development Center, Lee Dal-hoon, and Head of ADI’s BMS Division, Roger Keen, were present to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on developing joint technology for measuring the internal temperature of electric vehicle battery cells.
Through this MOU, the two companies will collaborate for two years on supplying high-performance Battery Management Integrated Circuits (BMIC) and constructing precise battery temperature measurement algorithms to enhance fast charging technology.
ADI is known as a leading technology company focused on developing sustainable energy solutions and has built a vast portfolio of BMIC products.
Impedance refers to the degree of resistance that interrupts the flow of current and voltage, often referred to as on-resistance. The impedance measurement method utilizes frequencies precisely controlled by BMIC to understand the flow of current and voltage, allowing for accurate impedance measurement. Measuring the impedance, which changes according to the battery’s condition, permits precise analysis and diagnostics of the internal state of the battery.
Until now, existing BMS systems relied on separate temperature measurement devices attached externally to battery cells, managed through BMIC. Due to the challenges in measuring the exact internal temperature of individual battery cells in real-time, charging safety temperature standards had to be conservatively set, which limited improvements in charging speed.
The technology that will be developed using the impedance measurement method allows for more accurate estimation of the internal temperatures of individual battery cells without needing separate temperature measurement devices, enabling more efficient temperature management and enhancing charging speed. Moreover, it is expected to strengthen fast charging safety and accurately assess the battery’s charging and health status, contributing to improved performance and longevity of the battery.
Previously, this technology has primarily been used to analyze defects in used batteries. While many research institutions are studying the application of this technology to electric vehicle batteries, none have commercialized it yet. If the technological collaboration between the two companies is successful, it will be an innovative case of applying impedance measurement for real-time analysis of the internal state of electric vehicle batteries.
LG Energy Solution plans to combine its accumulated battery manufacturing and BMS capabilities with ADI’s advanced impedance measurement technology to establish a more sophisticated BMTS and provide differentiated customer value.
Lee Dal-hoon, CEO of LG Energy Solution’s BMS Development Center, stated, “Through this cooperation with ADI, which possesses an innovative BMIC portfolio, we will elevate BMTS capabilities further, enhancing LG Energy Solution’s overwhelming technological prowess and differentiated customer value.