- University of Sheffield researchers have developed a new technique to predict the internal structure and state of lithium-ion batteries
- New technique could revolutionise how we monitor the health of batteries used in electronics such as mobile phones, laptops and electric vehicles
- The method could be used to identify problems much earlier - extending the life of batteries and devices whilst also reducing waste
- The technique uses ultrasonic waves to reverse engineer the battery, revealing the battery's internal structure, health and level of charge
- Sheffield engineers are now looking for an industrial partner to help develop the technology
A new way of determining the internal structure and health of batteries that power many of the electronic devices and vehicles at the centre of our everyday lives, has been developed by mechanical engineers at the University of Sheffield.
The technique, published as part of a study in the Journal of Energy Storage, could be used to identify battery problems much earlier, before they reach the point of no repair, helping to extend their life cycles, reduce electronic waste and the demand for new batteries that use critical raw materials.
The new method could be used by manufacturers to help them spot battery defects during production - reducing the number of faulty batteries reaching consumers - and be used during servicing to provide a more accurate assessment of a battery's health.
Researchers from the University of Sheffield's Department of Mechanical Engineering developed the technique by using a single ultrasonic wave to reverse engineer a lithium-ion battery cell for the first time. Lithium-ion batteries are used in electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptops, and are also used to power electric vehicles.
