Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for optimizing usage of a large number of battery cells, some, most or all of which are fast charging cells, and possibly arranged in battery modules—e.g., for operating an electric vehicle power train. Methods comprise deriving an operation profile for the battery cells/modules for a specified operation scenario and specified optimization parameters, operating the battery cells/modules according to the derived operation profile, and monitoring the operation of the battery cells/modules and adjusting the operation profile correspondingly. Systems may be configured to balance cell/module parameters among modules, to have parallel supplemental modules and/or serial supplementary cells in the modules, and/or have supplemental modules and circuits configured to store excessive charging energy for cells groups and/or modules—to increase the cycling lifetime and possibly the efficiency of the systems. Disclosed redundancy management improves battery performance and lifetime.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing battery modules following fast charging, particularly with respect to fast charging lithium ion batteries with metalloid-based anodes. Charge balancing among multiple battery modules connected in series may be carried out by short-circuiting fully charged modules while adjusting the voltage and/or current level supplied by a charger, to fully charge remaining modules. A balancing module comprising a controller and switching circuitry may be configured to implement the charge balancing in association with the charger and its battery management system, and monitoring the battery modules. Advantageously, disclosed switching balancing is more efficient than prior art passive balancing and simpler in implementation than prior art active balancing.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating lithium ion devices by setting an operative capacity below a rated capacity value of the lithium ion device, and operating the lithium ion device at the set operative capacity by decreasing a lower voltage cutoff value during discharging and/or by increasing an upper voltage cutoff level during charging—to support operation at the set operative capacity. The systems and methods may utilize residual lithium in device components such as anodes, cathodes, electrolyte etc. or combinations thereof, and/or external lithiation to increase the cycling lifetime of the lithium ion devices, to adapt to user preferences and expected use profiles, and to simplify device status indications to the user. Advantageously, relatively simple circuitry is required to implement the provided methods and systems, and achieve customizable operation of the lithium ion devices.

Abstract: Charging systems and methods are provided, which increase charging currents and reduce charging durations for battery cells with metalloid-based anodes that enable high C-rate (charging rate) charging. Specifically, methods comprise charging battery cells having metalloid-based anodes having Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material, by providing a high-C charging current of at least 4 C (or 5 C, or 10 C or more) over a range of at least 10-70% SoC (state of charge) of the battery cells. Charging systems comprise a booster unit configured to provide a high-C charging current over at least most of the SoC range of battery cells having metalloid-based anodes in the at least one battery unit. Charging systems further comprise a user interface configured to receive user preferences concerning a specified charging duration and/or a specified target SoC—for implementation by the charging system.

Abstract: Charging systems and methods are provided, which increase charging currents and reduce charging durations for battery cells with metalloid-based anodes that enable high C-rate (charging rate) charging. Specifically, methods comprise charging battery cells having metalloid-based anodes having Si, Ge and/or Sn-based anode active material, by providing a high-C charging current of at least 4 C (or 5 C, or 10 C or more) over a range of at least 10-70% SoC (state of charge) of the battery cells. Charging systems comprise a booster unit configured to provide a high-C charging current over at least most of the SoC range of battery cells having metalloid-based anodes in the at least one battery unit. Charging systems further comprise a user interface configured to receive user preferences concerning a specified charging duration and/or a specified target SoC—for implementation by the charging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for operating lithium ion devices by setting an operative capacity below a rated capacity value of the lithium ion device, and operating the lithium ion device at the set operative capacity by decreasing a lower voltage cutoff value during discharging and/or by increasing an upper voltage cutoff level during charging—to support operation at the set operative capacity. The systems and methods may utilize residual lithium in device components such as anodes, cathodes, electrolyte etc. or combinations thereof, and/or external lithiation to increase the cycling lifetime of the lithium ion devices, to adapt to user preferences and expected use profiles, and to simplify device status indications to the user. Advantageously, relatively simple circuitry is required to implement the provided methods and systems, and achieve customizable operation of the lithium ion devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing battery modules following fast charging, particularly with respect to fast charging lithium ion batteries with metalloid-based anodes. Charge balancing among multiple battery modules connected in series may be carried out by short-circuiting fully charged modules while adjusting the voltage and/or current level supplied by a charger, to fully charge remaining modules. A balancing module comprising a controller and switching circuitry may be configured to implement the charge balancing in association with the charger and its battery management system, and monitoring the battery modules. Advantageously, disclosed switching balancing is more efficient than prior art passive balancing and simpler in implementation than prior art active balancing.

Abstract: Charging methods and systems are provided which charge multiple cells directly from an AC source, by adjusting, momentarily, the number of charged cells to the momentary voltage level provided by the AC source. Cells are rapidly switched in and out to correspond to the provided voltage level, and the charging level of each cell is regulated by the switching order of the cells—determined according to cell characteristics such as state of charge and state of health. Advantageously, charging losses are reduced significantly in the disclosed systems and methods, and an additional level of cell control is provided. The charged assembly of cells may be arranged and re-arranged in various configurations to optimize the charging scheme, e.g., to equalize the charging states of the cells to simplify the use and improve the efficiency of the cell stack.