Energy Storage Control System and Method

A computing system, comprising:

• a processing unit and a storage device storing instructions that are operable, when executed by the processing unit, to cause the processing unit to perform a method for measuring a state of an energy storage device during a rest period, wherein the energy storage device provides power over a vehicle power network, the method comprising:
• establishing rest periods during which a current through the energy storage device is reduced to a level that permits an estimation of a state of the energy storage device, wherein reducing the current can be accomplished by physically disconnecting the energy storage device from the vehicle power network, or by using a controller to maintain the reduced current is disconnected from the power network for operation of a power network load to reduce current through the energy storage device to near zero to measure the state of the energy storage device;
• receiving information regarding a state of the energy storage device from a sensor during the rest period, and storing the information about the energy storage device;
• determining a level of confidence in the accuracy of the stored information regarding the state;
• evaluating a level of disruption to normal operation that would be caused by disconnection of the energy storage device;
• and
• determining, based upon both the level of confidence in the accuracy of the stored state and the level of disruption to the strategy that disconnection of the energy storage device would cause, when to establish a rest period for a new state measurement and storage of a new state of the energy storage device.

A computer-implemented method for controlling provision of power to a power network, comprising:

• providing electrical current to the power network from an energy storage device for operation of a power network load;
• reducing the current through the energy storage device with a switch to a level that enables an estimation of a state of the energy storage device for a rest period;
• and
• measuring a state of the energy storage device within a certain level of accuracy during the rest period.