Methods for detecting abnormally charged battery and battery energy stations thereof

Abstract

Method for detecting abnormally charged battery and battery energy station thereof are provided. First, a state of charge corresponding to at least one battery is obtained at a first time point, wherein the battery is placed in the battery energy station before a second time point, and the second time point is earlier than the first time point. When the state of charge corresponding to the battery is lower than a predetermined value, the battery is recharged and the state of charge of the corresponding battery is obtained again at a third time point, wherein the third time point is later than the first time point. When the state of charge corresponding to the battery is still lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that the battery has an abnormally charged state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries and a battery power station thereof, and particularly to a method and a battery power station that can automatically charge batteries and determine whether a battery is experiencing charging abnormalities based on the battery's state of charge (SOC) at different time points. Prior Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the rise of environmental awareness and the advancement of electric vehicle technology, developing electric vehicles that use electricity as their power source to replace traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels has gradually become an important goal in the automotive field, leading to the increasing popularity of electric vehicles. To improve the range and user willingness of electric vehicles, many countries and cities have begun planning to set up charging stations and battery power stations in public places to provide charging or battery swapping services for electric vehicles and / or electric motorcycles, making the use of electric vehicles more convenient.

[0003] The charging or battery requirements during peak and off-peak hours may differ for different electric vehicles. For example, the battery demand for electric motorcycles is higher during peak hours than during off-peak hours. During peak hours, battery power stations need to charge the batteries at high speeds to quickly bring them to full charge. However, during off-peak hours, because battery demand is lower, battery power stations can charge the batteries slowly to meet specific battery needs while saving costs. Furthermore, different electric vehicles may also have different battery quantity requirements.

[0004] On the other hand, since battery charging takes time, electric motorcycle users often rely on battery swapping to replenish energy during busy commuting hours. Battery swapping is generally a significant cost for battery manufacturers, and rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan. Therefore, properly managing the charging and swapping of batteries in battery power stations, and effectively managing malfunctioning batteries, has become a pressing issue for the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries and a battery power station thereof.

[0006] This invention discloses a method for detecting abnormal charging of a battery. First, at a first time point, the state of charge (SOC) of at least one battery is acquired, wherein the battery was placed in a battery power station before a second time point, and the second time point is earlier than the first time point. Next, it is determined whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than a predetermined value. If the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value, the battery is recharged, and the SOC of the corresponding battery is acquired again at a third time point, and it is determined whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, wherein the third time point is later than the first time point. If the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, it is determined that the battery has entered an abnormal charging state.

[0007] An embodiment of the present invention provides a battery power station comprising a battery storage system, an energy module for charging the battery, and a processing unit. The battery storage system includes at least one battery, which is placed into the battery power station before a second time point. The processing unit is coupled to the battery storage system and the energy module, and acquires a state of charge (SOC) of the corresponding battery at a first time point, wherein the second time point is earlier than the first time point. The processing unit determines whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than a predetermined value. When the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value, the processing unit recharges the battery using the energy module, and acquires the SOC of the corresponding battery again at a third time point, and determines whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, wherein the third time point is later than the first time point. When the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, the processing unit determines that the battery has entered an abnormal charging state.

[0008] In some embodiments, a battery power station may be used to transmit a notification to a remote server via a network that the battery has an abnormal charging state.

[0009] In some embodiments, when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still below a predetermined value, the battery is locked using a battery power station and excluded from a battery swapping operation.

[0010] In some embodiments, when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still below a predetermined value, a charging anomaly event is recorded by the battery power station, indicating an abnormal charging state. Then, it is determined whether a specific event has occurred at the battery power station. If a specific event has occurred at the battery power station, the charging anomaly event is deleted from the battery power station.

[0011] In some embodiments, a specific event may include the state of charge of the battery being higher than a predetermined value, the battery being removed during a battery swapping operation, and / or the battery power station being restarted.

[0012] The method described above can exist through program code. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, the machine becomes an apparatus for implementing the present invention.

[0013] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and detailed in detail are as follows. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0014]

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a battery power station connected to a remote server via a network according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting abnormal charging batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting an abnormally charged battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting an abnormally charged battery according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for detecting an abnormally charged battery according to another embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0021] Figure 1 shows a battery power station according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery power station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device. As shown, the battery power station 100 includes at least a battery storage system 110, an energy module 120, a network connection unit 130, and a processing unit 140. The battery storage system 110 has a specific mechanism (not shown) for storing a plurality of batteries 112 and selectively locking or releasing these batteries. Note that the battery storage system 110 may have a plurality of battery slots to store the batteries 112. The battery power station 100 can provide batteries to at least one electrical device, such as an electric motorcycle or electric vehicle. The energy module 120 can be electrically coupled to a power grid (not shown) to obtain a total current to supply power to the battery power station and charge the batteries 112 according to signals from the processing unit 140. It must be noted that the battery storage system 110 may include a charging module for each battery 112, and the charging module has an upper current limit and / or a lower current limit to charge the corresponding battery. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the energy module 120 can actively detect the total current supplied by the grid to the battery power station 100 and notify the processing unit 140 of the corresponding total current information. The network connection unit 130 can be connected to a network, thereby enabling the battery power station 100 to have network connectivity. In some embodiments, the network can be a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. The processing unit 140 can control the operation of all hardware and software in the battery power station 100 and execute the abnormal charging battery detection method of this invention, the details of which will be described later.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a battery power station connected to a remote server via a network according to another embodiment of the present invention. Similarly, the battery power station 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention can be applied to an electronic device having multiple batteries that can supply power to at least one power-consuming device, such as an electric motorcycle or electric vehicle. The battery power station 100 can have components similar to those in Figure 1, which will not be described again here. The battery power station 100 can be connected to a remote server 200 via a network 210, such as a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network, using a network connection unit 130. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the remote server 200 can simultaneously manage other battery power stations located in the same location or in different locations. As mentioned above, the energy module 120 of the battery power station 100 can actively detect the total current supplied to the battery power station 100 by the power grid and notify the processing unit 140 of the corresponding total current information. In some embodiments, the remote server 200 may also notify the battery power station 100 of the corresponding total current information via the network 210. In some embodiments, the remote server 200 may also transmit relevant information for different time periods, such as peak hours and off-peak hours, to the battery power station 100 via the network 210. In some embodiments, the remote server 200 may also transmit relevant user information to the battery power station 100 via the network 210. The battery power station 100 can perform relevant operations based on the received information.

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to an electronic device used to store and charge multiple batteries, such as the battery power station shown in Figure 1.

[0024] First, as in step S310, the state of charge (SOC) of at least one battery is obtained at a first time point. Note that the battery whose SOC is obtained in step S310 is placed in the battery power station before a second time point, and the second time point is earlier than the first time point. In some embodiments, the second time point may be midnight, and the first time point may be 3 AM. It must be noted that the aforementioned first and second time points are merely examples of this invention, and the invention is not limited thereto. The first and second time points can be set according to different needs and applications. Next, as in step S320, it is determined whether the corresponding battery's SOC is lower than a predetermined value. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the predetermined value may be 95% of the battery's charge. It is also noted that the aforementioned predetermined value is merely an example of this invention, and the invention is not limited thereto. When the corresponding battery's SOC is not lower than the predetermined value (No in step S320), the process ends. When the state of charge of the corresponding battery falls below a predetermined value (as in step S320), as in step S330, the battery is recharged. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the battery power station can recharge the battery by restarting the charging pin.

[0025] Then, as in step S340, it is determined whether the current time has reached a third time point. It should be noted that the third time point is later than the first time point. In some embodiments, the third time point is 5:30 AM. It must be stated that the aforementioned third time point is merely an example in this case, and the invention is not limited thereto. The third time point can be set according to different needs and applications. If the current time has not reached the third time point (No in step S340), the process returns to step S330. If the current time has reached the third time point (Yes in step S340), as in step S350, the state of charge (SOC) of the corresponding battery is obtained again at the third time point, and as in step S360, it is determined whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than a predetermined value. If the SOC of the corresponding battery is not lower than the predetermined value (No in step S360), the process ends. If the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value (Yes in step S360), as in step S370, it is determined that the battery has entered an abnormal charging state.

[0026] Figure 4 illustrates a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device used to store and charge multiple batteries, such as the battery power station in Figure 1. In this embodiment, when it is determined that the battery is in an abnormal charging state, as in step S410, the battery power station transmits a notification that the battery is in an abnormal charging state to a remote server via a network, such as a wired network, a telecommunications network, or a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network.

[0027] Figure 5 illustrates a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to this embodiment is applicable to an electronic device used to store and charge multiple batteries, such as the battery power station in Figure 1. In this embodiment, when the state of charge of the battery is not lower than a predetermined value at a third time point (No in step S510), the process ends. When the state of charge of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value (Yes in step S510), as in step S520, the battery is locked using the battery power station and excluded from a battery exchange operation. In other words, a battery experiencing an abnormal charging state will not be exchanged for use by the user in a battery exchange operation. It must be noted that in some embodiments, a battery experiencing an abnormal charging state is not excluded from subsequent battery exchange operations. In other words, a battery experiencing an abnormal charging state can still be exchanged for use by the user in a battery exchange operation.

[0028] Figure 6 illustrates a method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to another embodiment of the present invention. The method for detecting abnormally charged batteries according to an embodiment of the present invention is applicable to an electronic device used to house and charge multiple batteries, such as the battery power station in Figure 1. In this embodiment, when the state of charge of the battery is not lower than a predetermined value at a third time point (No in step S610), the process ends. When the state of charge of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value (Yes in step S610), as in step S620, a charging abnormality event is recorded by the battery power station, indicating an abnormal charging state for the corresponding battery. Then, as in step S630, it is determined whether a specific event has occurred at the battery power station. It is worth noting that in some embodiments, the specific event may be that the state of charge of the corresponding battery is higher than the predetermined value. In some embodiments, the specific event may be that the battery is removed during a battery exchange operation. In some embodiments, the specific event may be that the battery power station is restarted. When no specific event has occurred at the battery power station (No in step S630), the determination in step S630 continues. When a specific event occurs at the battery power station (as in step S630), such as in step S640, the charging abnormality event is deleted using the battery power station.

[0029] Therefore, the battery power station and its abnormal charging battery detection method in this case can automatically charge the battery and determine whether the battery is charging abnormally based on the battery's state of charge at different times, avoiding abnormal battery charging caused by problems with the power station, or risks to users due to abnormally charged batteries.

[0030] The method, or a specific form or part thereof, of this invention may exist in the form of program code. The program code may be contained in physical media, such as floppy disks, optical discs, hard disks, or any other machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, or may be a computer program product, not limited to an external form. When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes a device for participating in this invention. The program code may also be transmitted via some transmission medium, such as wires or cables, optical fibers, or any transmission method. When the program code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes a device for participating in this invention. When implemented in a general-purpose processing unit, the program code, combined with the processing unit, provides a unique device that operates similarly to an application-specific logic circuit.

[0031] Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications and refinements without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0032]

[0033] 100: Battery Energy Station

[0034] 110: Battery Storage System

[0035] 112: Battery

[0036] 120: Energy Module

[0037] 130: Network Connection Unit

[0038] 140: Processing Unit

[0039] 200: Remote Server

[0040] 210: Internet

[0041] S310, S320, S330, S340, S350, S360, S370: Steps

[0042] S410: Steps

[0043] S510, S520: Steps

[0044] S610, S620, S630, S640: Steps

Claims

1. A method for detecting an abnormally charged battery, applicable to a battery power station, comprising the following steps: obtaining the state of charge (SOC) of at least one battery in the battery power station at a first time point, wherein the battery was placed in the battery power station before a second time point, wherein the second time point is earlier than the first time point; determining whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than a predetermined value; recharging the battery when the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value; obtaining the SOC of the corresponding battery again at a third time point, and determining whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, wherein the third time point is later than the first time point; and determining that the battery has an abnormal charging state when the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value.

2. The method for detecting an abnormally charged battery as described in claim 1 further includes using the battery power station to transmit a notification that the battery has the abnormal charging state to a remote server via a network.

3. The method for detecting an abnormally charged battery as described in claim 1 further includes locking the battery using the battery power station and excluding the battery from a battery exchange operation when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value.

4. The method for detecting abnormal charging batteries as described in claim 1 further includes the following steps: when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, using the battery power station to record a charging abnormality event in which the abnormal charging state of the corresponding battery occurs; determining whether a specific event has occurred in the battery power station; and when the specific event has occurred in the battery power station, deleting the charging abnormality event using the battery power station.

5. The method for detecting an abnormally charged battery as described in claim 4, wherein the specific event includes the state of charge of the corresponding battery being higher than the predetermined value, the battery being removed during a battery swapping operation, or the battery power station being restarted.

6. A battery power station, comprising: A battery storage system includes at least one battery, wherein the battery is inserted before a second point in time; An energy module for charging the battery; and a processing unit coupled to the battery storage system and the energy module for obtaining a state of charge (SOC) of the corresponding battery at a first time point, wherein a second time point is earlier than the first time point, determining whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than a predetermined value, and when the SOC of the corresponding battery is lower than the predetermined value, recharging the battery using the energy module, and obtaining the SOC of the corresponding battery again at a third time point, and determining whether the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, wherein the third time point is later than the first time point, and determining that the battery has an abnormal charging state when the SOC of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value.

7. The battery power station as described in claim 6, wherein the processing unit further transmits a notification to a remote server via a network that the battery has one of the abnormal charging states.

8. The battery power station as described in claim 6, wherein when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, the processing unit locks the battery and excludes the battery from a battery swapping operation.

9. The battery power station as described in claim 6, wherein when the state of charge of the corresponding battery is still lower than the predetermined value, the processing unit further notes a charging abnormality event in which the corresponding battery has an abnormal charging state, and determines whether a specific event has occurred in the battery power station, and deletes the charging abnormality event when the specific event has occurred in the battery power station.

10. A battery power station as described in claim 9, wherein the specific event includes the state of charge of the corresponding battery being higher than the predetermined value, the battery being removed in a battery swapping operation, or the battery power station being restarted.

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