Communication: Fast Charge Control of an Automotive Relevant Battery Pack via Versatile Reference Electrodes

This work demonstrates electrode-level, closed-loop control of a series-parallel arrangement of automotive relevant battery cells in a 2P-5S module. The module is constructed of multi-layer pouch cells, each containing a versatile reference electrode, and is wired in a manner such that every anode and cathode group may be monitored in real time while the module is under operation. Sensing the anode and cathode potential explicitly allows for the demonstration of an algorithm to control module current to keep every electrode within pre-determined operational bounds. This method can be utilized to accelerate fast charging, improve regenerative braking charge acceptance, or extend the life of the batteries.