Michigan researchers build model to track battery SEI growth in real time
New model lets manufacturers monitor battery SEI growth in real-time with low-cost sensors
Deep Dive
Researchers developed a control-oriented, semi-empirical model to estimate solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) thickness growth during battery cell formation. The model uses terminal voltage and cell expansion measurements from a low-cost micrometer-precision integrated-sensing fixture. An unscented Kalman filter estimates SEI film growth. The results lay the foundation for future closed-loop control of SEI growth, enabling high-quality and more efficient formation processes.
Key Points
- Uses an unscented Kalman filter to estimate SEI thickness from voltage and expansion data in real time
- Leverages a low-cost micrometer-precision sensing fixture for in-operando measurements during manufacturing
- Accepted at the 2026 American Control Conference, validating the approach for closed-loop formation control
Why It Matters
Smarter battery manufacturing could cut costs and improve electric vehicle battery lifespan significantly.