TECHNOLOGY
April 23, 2024
The health and safety of the battery, the most expensive component of an EV, depends a lot on its usage profile and the environmental conditions it has been exposed to. Accurate battery data is crucial for determining its SOH (state of health) and RUL (remaining useful life).
As important as the raw data itself, a secure and transparent battery data framework that allows for seamless data exchange can unlock significant benefits for multiple stakeholders in the EV ecosystem. A framework for battery data is also at the heart of the new EU Battery Regulation brought into effect recently. The new regulation provides, besides other measures, a legal framework for battery data aiming to make batteries sustainable throughout their entire life cycle.
Closer to home, one of the key drivers of EV penetration in India will be easy access to low-cost financing for EVs. Here too, a robust battery data framework can play a vital role. Figure #1 summarizes a selection of benefits of a secure and transparent battery data framework for key stakeholders.
This results in inflated cycle life numbers due to favorable temperatures(a far cry from reality).
We at TEC, embarked on a quest to redefine the standards of product testing.
A secure and transparent battery data framework would also help in reducing asset risk, opening up the availability of cheaper capital in the form of international green bonds for e.g., in turn helping boost the net interest income for financiers. A battery digital twin then based on the underlying secure and transparent battery data framework will help enhance the residual value of the battery at the end of the vehicle first life. Lower cost of financing will reduce EMI outgo for fleet operators, boosting EV sales and adoption. The net benefit would be a greatly expanded market size for financiers in addition to, of course, aiding the overall objective of achieving faster transition to decarbonized transportation in India. Figure 2 helps visualize the benefits for financiers as well as fleet operators.
Most EVs in the market, particularly in the e2W segment are connected to the OEM or fleet operator cloud by means of a gateway or telematics unit; and certainly, battery data is being uploaded in most cases to the OEM or fleet operator cloud. However, today – this data serves the interests of the fleet operator or OEM only. Other key stakeholders such as the financiers or recyclers have limited visibility at best, into the crucial battery data. Fig #2 helps visualize the current scheme of things.
Even if certain stakeholders have access, the data itself is suspect in many instances of inferior BMS due to inconsistency in measurement accuracy and processing of battery measurements. A lack of transparency and any clear way to verify the integrity of the battery data means there can be only so much trust in the data collected today. This limits the utility of otherwise valuable data. Additionally, there are concerns around data ownership and privacy. As such, currently – while ad-hoc methods of uploading battery data to the cloud might be serving immediate needs, the time is ripe for a secure and transparent battery data framework that can help accelerate EV adoption.
The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
Considering its high value, it becomes prudent to look at battery data as an ‘asset’ that must be protected from cybersecurity attacks. An effective and secure data framework design starts with a threat analysis & risk assessment (TARA) that identifies key cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Counter measures can then be incorporated to mitigate the risk of a security breach. Fig #4 provides a glimpse into a basic TARA in the context of the existing battery data framework prevalent today.
The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
Considering its high value, it becomes prudent to look at battery data as an ‘asset’ that must be protected from cybersecurity attacks. An effective and secure data framework design starts with a threat analysis & risk assessment (TARA) that identifies key cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Counter measures can then be incorporated to mitigate the risk of a security breach. Fig #4 provides a glimpse into a basic TARA in the context of the existing battery data framework prevalent today.
The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
Accuracy of cell voltage measurement is crucial since it impacts the estimation of battery health parameters such as SoC (state-of-charge) and SoH (state-of-health). Cell voltage measurement accuracy is a characteristic of the Battery Cell Controller (AFE) used in the BMS and can vary significantly with aging, operating conditions (temperature AND voltage), etc. Particularly, in case of LFP chemistry, cell voltage measurement accuracy can potentially have a significant bearing on SoC estimation. Fig #5 provides insight based on a study performed by TEC.
Fig #7 shows how Economic Operator Framework can ensure transparency of data within multiple stakeholders. (Inspired by Account Aggregator Framework in Financial Sector)The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
A smart BMS that is based on a root of trust driven by an automotive secure element, an accurate Battery Cell Controller (BCC) and a safe, secure, and powerful microcontroller will play a crucial role in supporting the enabling framework for a more secure and transparent battery data framework. Fig #6 shows the post-processing of raw cell voltage measurements towards achieving more efficient data transfer to the cloud, as well as a step that makes use of cryptographic accelerators in the microcontroller to generate what we could refer to as a ‘secure battery profile’, intended for sending on to the independent economic operator on a regular basis.
Fig #7 shows how Economic Operator Framework can ensure transparency of data within multiple stakeholders. (Inspired by Account Aggregator Framework in Financial Sector)The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
An independent Economic Operator, which may perform more than one function, will help in managing access and transparency of battery data across multiple stakeholders.
Fig #7 shows how Economic Operator Framework can ensure transparency of data within multiple stakeholders. (Inspired by Account Aggregator Framework in Financial Sector)The next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
FlexiTwin architecture ensures a unique identity for every battery (equivalent to a digital identity like Aadhar) & helps in ensuring better transparency of data across the entire battery life cycle. The architecture took inspiration from DEPA framework that is widely prevalent in the financial sector.
The Digital Battery Aadhar (FlexiTwin) empowers users by digitizing crucial battery information, including performance, lifespan, and environmental impact. This technology serves as a valuable digital companion, offering comprehensive insights into each battery’s journeyThe next few sections look at the key challenges & possible mitigations in some more detail.
FlexiTwin’s adaptable Digital Aadhar adjusts to various external factors like temperature and usage patterns, ensuring a customized and seamless ride experience for users. For customers, this translates into tangible benefits, such as extended warranty coverage and enhanced resale value for batteries at the end of their automotive life.
Moreover, the integration with Time of Day (TOD) pricing extends its advantages to different sectors. Fleet owners can anticipate reduced charging costs, while utility companies can effectively manage and alleviate peak-hour loads, fostering a sustainable energy landscape.
It is easy and conventional to optimize the battery pack for lower upfront cost. However, this approach limits the potential of the value that can be extracted over the lifetime of the battery. Instead, a more robust and transparent data framework can unlock significant benefits for multiple players in the EV ecosystem, including enabling lower cost finance – a key driver of further growth in EV adoption in India and emerging markets such as Vietnam and Indonesia. NXP Semiconductors & TEC have presented a preliminary framework for enabling such as a data framework.
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The above article was also covered in https://evreporter.com/how-data-transparency-battery-digital-twin-can-help-boost-ev-adoption-in-india/