Evaluating the Status of Lithium-Ion Cells Without Historical Data Using the Distribution of Relaxation Time Method

In this paper, Distribution of Relaxation Time (DRT) analysis is presented as a powerful tool for understanding the aging mechanisms in lithium-ion batteries, with a focus on its application to estimating the State of Health (SOH). A novel parameter, the characteristic relaxation time, derived from DRT analysis, is introduced to enhance SOH estimation. By analyzing the ratio of the central relaxation time (τ) between the charge transfer and diffusion peaks, the battery status can be determined without the need for historical data. Experimental data from lithium-ion batteries, including 18650 cells and LR2032 coin cells, were examined until the end of their life. Nyquist and DRT plots across various frequency ranges revealed consistent aging trends, particularly in the charge transfer and diffusion processes. These processes appeared as shifting and merging peaks in the DRT plots, signifying progressive degradation. A polynomial equation fitted to the τ ratio graph achieved a high accuracy (Adj. R2 = 0.9994), enabling reliable battery lifespan prediction. Validation with a Samsung Galaxy S9+ battery demonstrated that the method could estimate its remaining life, predicting a total lifespan of approximately 2100 cycles (compared to 1000 cycles already completed). These results confirm that SOH estimation is feasible without prior data and highlight the potential of DRT analysis for accurate and quantitative prediction of battery longevity.