Battery motinoring and protection module and battery management system formed by using the same

Abstract

A battery cell monitoring and protection module and the battery management system comprising it are disclosed. This module can monitor and activate protection for the state of at least one battery cell. The battery cell monitoring and protection module includes a battery cell monitoring circuit, a first-stage notification switch, and a second-stage notification switch. When a battery cell is nearing an abnormal state, a battery detection and management circuit detects that the first-stage notification switch is open-circuited and controls the power regulator to stop operating, thereby allowing the battery cell to rest and be observed. When a battery cell is in an abnormal state, both the first and second-stage notification switches are open-circuited, and the battery detection and management circuit controls the battery protection switch to open-circuit, thereby cutting off the current and stopping and protecting the battery cell. By employing this invention, battery status signals can be transmitted at a lower communication rate, thus saving power.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a battery management technology for high-voltage battery packs, and in particular to a management method for high-voltage battery systems that uses notification switches at different stages to transmit battery status signals at a lower communication rate, thereby saving power and preventing malfunctions in the overall system. Prior Technology

[0002] Note that existing energy storage batteries, in order to be used with power conversion systems (PCS), generally have an overall voltage of 300 volts (V) or higher, which is a DC high voltage power supply system.

[0003] Generally, for this type of DC high-voltage power supply system, its structural assembly includes and can be divided into several lower voltage modules. For example, a lower voltage 50-volt battery module is first assembled, and then these lower voltage battery modules are connected in series to form a high-voltage battery module. For example, six 50-volt low-voltage battery modules can be connected in series to form a 300-volt high-voltage battery system.

[0004] However, existing lithium batteries are known to require a protection switch. When a battery malfunctions, the protection switch needs to be activated within a certain time to disconnect the battery and stop its continued use, thus protecting it. Therefore, the aforementioned series-connected battery modules are typically configured with both a main protection switch and a management system. This allows the management system to promptly activate the protection switch and cut off the current when any battery cell malfunctions, achieving immediate battery protection.

[0005] Please refer to Figure 1, which is a schematic diagram of a conventional battery module in the prior art. As shown in Figure 1, a low-voltage battery module includes a plurality of battery cells 11, each of which is electrically coupled to a battery monitoring line 12. The battery monitoring line 12 has a communication signal isolation interface 13 to report the battery status to the overall management system through this communication signal isolation interface 13. The entire system is shown in Figure 2, which discloses a high-voltage battery system composed of the conventional battery module in Figure 1. Multiple low-voltage battery modules shown in Figure 1 are connected in series and electrically coupled to a protection switch unit 22. Each low-voltage battery module reports its battery status to the overall battery management system 24 through its communication signal isolation interface 13. Therefore, when any battery cell 11 in the low-voltage battery module malfunctions, the overall battery management system 24 will receive a communication signal and control the protection switch unit 22 to form an open circuit to cut off the current and achieve the purpose of immediate battery protection.

[0006] However, it's worth noting that achieving rapid and immediate protection activation typically requires extremely high communication rates for quick and real-time monitoring of each battery module. However, such high communication rates place a significant burden on the overall battery system's power consumption. Furthermore, the accuracy of communication data needs constant verification, resulting in considerable complexity in the current technology's communication data processing. In addition, because communication also requires processing time, if one low-voltage battery module malfunctions while communication is still processing other battery modules, it can lead to a failure to activate protection in a timely manner. Therefore, it is evident that using existing communication methods to control protection switches not only results in a significant increase in power consumption and complex data processing but also presents numerous shortcomings in current technology that urgently need improvement.

[0007] Therefore, considering the numerous problems listed above, it is essential to adopt a multi-faceted approach. Thus, the inventor of this invention, recognizing the potential for improvement in the aforementioned deficiencies, and drawing upon years of experience in this field, has carefully observed and researched the subject, applying theoretical principles to propose a novel design that effectively addresses these deficiencies. This invention discloses a novel battery management technology. By employing the battery cell monitoring and protection module and the battery management system comprised of it, this invention not only improves existing communication modes and provides a faster and more immediate protection method, enabling immediate protection activation, but also allows for lower-speed communication of signals. This significantly reduces system power consumption and eliminates system malfunctions, thereby overcoming many long-standing deficiencies of previous technologies. The applicant will now provide a detailed description of the specific architecture and implementation methods. Summary of the Invention

[0008] In order to effectively address the long-standing deficiencies of many prior technologies, one objective of this invention is to provide a battery cell monitoring and protection module capable of monitoring and activating protection for the state of at least one battery cell. This module improves the communication mode of existing technologies and proposes a faster and more immediate battery management technology that can activate protection immediately.

[0009] In addition, another objective of this invention is to provide a battery management system composed of such a battery cell monitoring and protection module. This system consists of several battery cell monitoring and protection modules connected in series. By utilizing a battery detection and management circuit, when a battery cell approaches an abnormal state, the power regulation device can be controlled to stop operating, allowing the battery cell to stand still and be observed. Subsequently, if the battery cell is in an abnormal state, the connected battery protection switch is controlled to form an open circuit, thereby cutting off the current and achieving the purpose of stopping and protecting the battery cell.

[0010] In view of the above, this application aims to disclose a management method applicable to high-voltage battery systems, and to manage battery protection. In terms of battery status communication, it does not need to use the fast and real-time communication required by existing technology, but can communicate signals at a lower rate. In addition to significantly saving power consumption, the system will not malfunction.

[0011] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, this invention first provides a battery cell monitoring and protection module, capable of monitoring and activating protection for the state of at least one battery cell. The module includes a battery cell monitoring circuit, a first-stage notification switch, and a second-stage notification switch. The battery cell is electrically coupled to the input terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit. The first-stage notification switch is electrically coupled to the first output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit, and the second-stage notification switch is electrically coupled to the second output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit. The battery cell monitoring circuit detects the state of the at least one battery cell and selectively controls the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch based on the detected state, thereby activating protection for the at least one battery cell.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is in a normal state, both the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch are in a short-circuit state.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is in an abnormal state, the battery cell monitoring circuit controls the first stage notification switch to form an open circuit, while maintaining the second stage notification switch in a short circuit state.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is in an abnormal state, the battery cell monitoring circuit controls both the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch to be in an open-circuit state.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the state of the at least one battery cell includes the ability to set the operating voltage, operating current, and operating temperature of the at least one battery cell to a normal state, a near-abnormal state, and an abnormal state.

[0016] On the other hand, the relationship between the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch used in this invention can be selectively implemented by using a relay or an optocoupler switch.

[0017] Furthermore, the battery cell monitoring circuit and the first-stage notification switch are controlled by a first isolated drive signal. The battery cell monitoring circuit and the second-stage notification switch are controlled by a second isolated drive signal. In addition, the battery cell monitoring circuit includes a third output terminal, which is electrically coupled to an external isolated communication interface. This external isolated communication interface uses a different communication interface than the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch.

[0018] Therefore, by adopting such a circuit configuration, when the system has a plurality of battery cells, and the plurality of battery cells are connected in series and electrically coupled to the battery cell monitoring circuit, when the state of one of the battery cells changes, the battery cell monitoring circuit can activate protection by controlling the first-stage notification switch or the second-stage notification switch.

[0019] On the other hand, the present invention further provides a battery management system composed of the aforementioned battery cell monitoring and protection modules. The battery management system disclosed in this invention includes: a plurality of the aforementioned battery cell monitoring and protection modules, wherein these battery cell monitoring and protection modules are connected in series; a battery detection and management circuit, which is electrically coupled to the first-stage notification switch of each battery cell monitoring and protection module; and a power regulation device. The power regulation device is electrically coupled to the battery detection and management circuit. Therefore, when the battery detection and management circuit detects an open circuit in the first-stage notification switch of any battery cell monitoring and protection module, the battery detection and management circuit can control the power regulation device to stop operating, thereby allowing the at least one battery cell to remain still and be observed.

[0020] In this embodiment, the first-stage notification switches in each battery cell monitoring and protection module are connected in series.

[0021] In addition, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery detection and management circuit can also be electrically coupled to the second-stage notification switch in each battery cell monitoring and protection module, wherein the second-stage notification switches in each battery cell monitoring and protection module are also connected in series. Therefore, when the battery detection and management circuit detects that the second-stage notification switch in any battery cell monitoring and protection module is open-circuited, the battery detection and management circuit controls at least one battery protection switch in the system to open-circuit, thereby cutting off the current and stopping and protecting the at least one battery cell.

[0022] The battery detection and management circuit used in this invention optionally includes a microprocessor, which controls the power regulation device to stop operating, allowing the battery cells to rest and be observed. In this embodiment, the microprocessor and the power regulation device can use an RS485 communication interface or an Ethernet interface as the signal transmission interface, thereby controlling the power regulation device.

[0023] Alternatively, according to another feasible embodiment of the present invention, a stop switch may be optionally provided on the power regulating device, so that the battery detection and management circuit can form an open circuit by controlling the stop switch, thereby stopping the operation of the power regulating device, thus achieving the purpose of the invention of resting and observing the battery cells.

[0024] In view of the above, it is obvious that the battery cell monitoring and protection module and the battery management system it comprises disclosed in this invention can transmit signals at a lower communication rate, which can save a lot of power and the system will not produce erroneous actions. Compared with the prior art, it has unique innovation and practical value.

[0025] It is worth noting that the embodiments disclosed in this invention are illustrated using existing battery cells as an example, and their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the technical concept of this invention, rather than to limit the application of this invention. In other words, the battery cell monitoring and protection module and the battery management system composed thereof disclosed in this invention can be applied not only to lithium batteries and other battery cells, but also to other types of battery materials.

[0026] In the following description of the embodiments, the applicant further elaborates on the specific examples with the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can more easily understand the purpose, technical content, features and effects achieved by the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0027] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a conventional battery module disclosed in the prior art. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a high-voltage battery system composed of conventional battery modules as shown in Figure 1. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell monitoring and protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery management system composed of a battery cell monitoring and protection module as disclosed in the embodiment of Figure 3 of the present invention. Figure 5 is a simplified schematic diagram of the signal transmission performed by the battery management system of the embodiment of Figure 4 of the present invention when an anomaly occurs in the first stage. Figure 6 is a simplified schematic diagram of the signal transmission performed by the battery management system of the embodiment of Figure 4 of the present invention when an anomaly occurs in the second stage. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the battery management system of the embodiment of Figure 4 of the present invention, wherein the battery detection and management circuit has a microprocessor to control the power regulation device to stop using via firmware, thereby activating the first stage of protection. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the battery management system of the embodiment of Figure 4 of the present invention, wherein the power regulating device is provided with a stop switch to stop the use of the power regulating device through hardware control, thereby activating the first stage of protection. Implementation

[0028] The foregoing description of the present invention, along with the following embodiments, are intended to demonstrate and explain the spirit and principles of the invention, and to provide a further explanation of the scope of the patent application. Please refer in detail to the preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, where possible, the same reference numerals will be used in the drawings and description to refer to the same or similar elements. It should be understood that, for clarity and convenience, the shapes and thicknesses may be enlarged in the drawings, and elements not specifically shown or described may take various forms known to those skilled in the art. Once disclosed in this disclosure, such alternatives and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0029] To illustrate the technical content and features of this invention and to enable those skilled in the art to understand, create, and use this invention, the following application provides examples through numerous embodiments. However, it should be noted that these embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or variations made in accordance with the spirit of this invention should be included within the protection scope of this invention.

[0030] Unless otherwise stated, certain conditional phrases or words, such as "may" or "may," are generally used to express that embodiments of the invention "have," but may also be interpreted as unnecessary features, elements, or steps. In other embodiments, these features, elements, or steps may not be required.

[0031] In the embodiments described in this application, the reference to "one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, "one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places in this application's specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.

[0032] In the embodiments and claims of this application, specific terms are used to refer to specific elements. Those skilled in the art should understand that the same element can have different names. This application does not distinguish between elements with different names but the same function. In this specification and claims, "comprising" is used in an open-ended manner and should therefore be interpreted as "including but not limited to". "Coupled with" is intended to cover any indirect or direct connection. In other words, if this application discloses a first device coupled to a second device, it means that the first device can be connected to the second device directly or indirectly through other intermediate devices or connection methods via electrical connection, wireless communication, optical communication, or other signal connections, whether present or absent.

[0033] This invention is specifically described through the following embodiments, which are merely illustrative examples. Those skilled in the art can readily make appropriate modifications and variations to the apparatus and methods while retaining the teachings of this invention. Therefore, the following disclosure of this invention should be interpreted as being limited only by the scope of the appended claims. Throughout the patent application and claims, except where explicitly described, the meanings of “an” and “the” include “one or at least one” of an element or component. Furthermore, throughout the patent application and claims, the singular includes descriptions of multiple elements or components, except where the context clearly excludes multiples. Throughout the specification and claims, unless the meaning of certain words is explicitly defined, the meaning of the word “wherein” includes “among” or “on”. Generally, the meaning of each term used in these claims and specification refers to its ordinary meaning known to those skilled in the art, unless otherwise noted. Some terms used to describe the invention and to guide those skilled in the art in understanding the invention may be discussed. Each illustrative example in this specification should not be used to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0034] The terms “basically,” “approximately,” “about,” and “probably” can refer to a value within 20% of a given value or range, preferably within 10%. In addition, quantities or figures provided in this application can be approximate values, and unless otherwise specified, can be described using the terms mentioned above. When a quantity, density, or other parameter includes a specified range, preferred range, or listed ideal value, its value can be considered as any number within that given range.

[0035] First, please refer to Figure 3, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of a battery cell monitoring and protection module according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 includes: a battery cell monitoring circuit 150, a first-stage notification switch 181, a second-stage notification switch 182, and an external isolation communication interface 183. The battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 disclosed in the present invention can achieve the purpose of monitoring the state of at least one battery cell 19 and activating protection through the configuration of these circuits.

[0036] In detail, each battery cell 19 is electrically coupled to the input terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit 150. The first-stage notification switch 181 is electrically coupled to the first output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit 150, and the second-stage notification switch 182 is electrically coupled to the second output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit 150. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 and the first-stage notification switch 181 are controlled by a first isolation drive signal, and the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 and the second-stage notification switch 182 are controlled by a second isolation drive signal. Conversely, an external isolation communication interface 183 is electrically coupled to the third output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit 150, and the external isolation communication interface 183 uses a different communication interface than the first-stage notification switch 181 and the second-stage notification switch 182.

[0037] According to the technical solution of the present invention, the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 can be used to detect the state of at least one battery cell 19, and selectively control the first-stage notification switch 181 and the second-stage notification switch 182 according to the detection result, thereby activating the protection of the battery cell 19.

[0038] For example, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the state setting of the battery cell 19 includes setting the operating voltage, operating current, and operating temperature of the battery cell 19 to "normal state", "near abnormal state", and "abnormal state".

[0039] The following description uses the state settings of a lithium battery as an example. Generally, abnormal states of a lithium battery can include the following five types: operating voltage too high, operating voltage too low, operating temperature too high, operating temperature too low, and operating current too high. Therefore, taking a lithium iron phosphate single battery cell as the battery cell 19 of the present invention as an example, the "normal state" of the battery cell 19 can be set as: operating voltage less than 3.6 volts (V), the "near abnormal state" can be set as: operating voltage greater than 3.6V, and the "abnormal state" can be set as: operating voltage greater than 3.65V.

[0040] Similarly, in another embodiment of the present invention, the "normal state" of the battery cell 19 can also be set as: the operating voltage must be greater than 2.55V, the "near abnormal state" can be set as: the operating voltage is less than 2.55V, and the "abnormal state" can be set as: the operating voltage is less than 2.5V.

[0041] Regarding the operating temperature of the battery cell 19, the "normal state" of the battery cell 19 can be set as follows: the operating temperature must be less than 55 degrees Celsius; the "near abnormal state" can be set as: the operating temperature is greater than 55 degrees Celsius; and the "abnormal state" can be set as: the operating temperature is greater than 60 degrees Celsius. Conversely, the "normal state" of the battery cell 19 can also be set as follows: the operating temperature must be greater than 5 degrees Celsius; the "near abnormal state" can be set as: the operating temperature is less than 5 degrees Celsius; and the "abnormal state" can be set as: the operating temperature is less than 0 degrees Celsius.

[0042] On the other hand, regarding the operating current of the battery cell 19, the "normal state" of the battery cell 19 can be set as follows: the operating current must be less than 0.95 amperes (A), the "near abnormal state" can be set as: the operating current is greater than 0.95A, and the "abnormal state" can be set as: the operating current is greater than 1.0A.

[0043] In view of this, when the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 in the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 disclosed in this invention detects that the battery cell 19 is in a "normal state", the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 controls the first stage notification switch 181 and the second stage notification switch 182 to be in a short circuit state.

[0044] However, when the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 in the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 detects that the battery cell 19 is in an "approaching abnormal state", the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 controls the first-stage notification switch 181 to form an open circuit, while maintaining the second-stage notification switch 182 in a short-circuit state.

[0045] As for the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 in the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300, when it detects that the battery cell 19 is in an "abnormal state", the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 simultaneously controls the first-stage notification switch 181 and the second-stage notification switch 182 to be in an open circuit state.

[0046] In considering the actual circuit configuration, according to a feasible embodiment of the present invention, in order to effectively enable the first-stage notification switch 181 and the second-stage notification switch 182 to form the "open circuit" or "short circuit" state, the first-stage notification switch 181 used in the present invention can be implemented, for example, by using a relay or a photon-coupled switch. Similarly, the second-stage notification switch 182 can also be implemented, for example, by using a relay or a photon-coupled switch. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. That is to say, in practice, those skilled in the art and possessing ordinary knowledge can naturally make equivalent modifications and changes based on their actual circuit requirements and circuit specifications, and on the inventive intent and spirit of the present invention. However, such modified embodiments should still fall within the scope of the present invention, and are therefore described in advance.

[0047] In view of this, as shown in Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings of the present invention, when the system has a plurality of battery cells 19, and the plurality of battery cells 19 are connected in series with each other and electrically coupled to the battery cell monitoring circuit 150 disclosed in the present invention, as shown in Figure 3, when the state of at least one of the battery cells 19 changes, the present invention can control and change the state of the first-stage notification switch 181 or the second-stage notification switch 182 (forming the above-mentioned open circuit or short circuit state) by the configured battery cell monitoring circuit 150, thereby activating the protection of the battery cell 19.

[0048] For a detailed view, please refer to Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, which is a schematic diagram of the structure of the battery management system 1000 composed of the aforementioned battery cell monitoring and protection modules 300. As shown in Figure 4, this battery management system 1000 includes: a plurality of the aforementioned battery cell monitoring and protection modules 300, wherein these battery cell monitoring and protection modules 300 are connected in series with each other, a battery detection and management circuit 400, a power regulation device 420, and at least one battery protection switch 460.

[0049] As shown in Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings, the first-stage notification switches 181 in each battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 are connected in series. Similarly, the second-stage notification switches 182 in each battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 are connected in series. The battery detection and management circuit 400 is electrically coupled to the first-stage notification switches 181 in each battery cell monitoring and protection module 300, and the battery detection and management circuit 400 is also electrically coupled to the second-stage notification switches 182 in each battery cell monitoring and protection module 300. Simultaneously, the external isolation communication interface 183 in each battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 is also electrically coupled to the battery detection and management circuit 400.

[0050] Based on this circuit configuration, when any battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 in the battery management system 1000 disclosed in this invention experiences a first-stage abnormality, the first-stage notification switch 181 of the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 will be open-circuited, causing the entire series of first-stage notification switches 181 to be open-circuited. In this case, when the battery detection and management circuit 400 detects the open circuit of the main circuit of the first-stage notification switch 181, it can immediately notify the power regulation device (PCS) 420 to stop using it and let the battery stand still for observation.

[0051] In other words, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the battery detection management circuit 400 detects that the first-stage notification switch 181 in any battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 in the system is open-circuited, the battery detection management circuit 400 can control the power regulation device 420 connected to it to stop operating, thereby allowing the battery cell 19 to rest and be observed. Please refer to Figure 5, which is a simplified schematic diagram of the signal transmission during the first-stage abnormality of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that when the first-stage abnormality occurs, as shown by the thicker solid line in Figure 5, the present invention first notifies the power regulation device (PCS) 420 to stop using, thereby allowing the battery cell 19 to rest and be observed, and activating the first-stage protection.

[0052] On the other hand, when the battery management system 1000 disclosed in this invention experiences a second-stage anomaly, that is, when any battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 in the battery management system 1000 experiences a second-stage anomaly, the second-stage notification switch 182 of that battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 forms an open circuit, causing the entire series of second-stage notification switches 182 to also form an open circuit. In this case, when the battery detection and management circuit 400 detects that the total circuit of the second-stage notification switch 182 has formed an open circuit, it immediately activates protection, disconnects the battery protection switch 460, cuts off any current, and prevents the battery from being used any longer.

[0053] In other words, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the battery detection management circuit 400 detects that the second-stage notification switch 182 in any battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 in the system is open-circuited, the battery detection management circuit 400 can immediately activate protection and control the battery protection switch 460 to open-circuit, thereby further cutting off the current and achieving the purpose of stopping and protecting the battery cell 19. Please refer to Figure 6 for a schematic diagram, which is a simplified schematic diagram of the signal transmission during the second-stage abnormality of the disclosed embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen from the thicker solid line in Figure 6, when a second-stage abnormality occurs in the battery management system 1000, the present invention directly controls the battery protection switch 460 to open-circuit, thereby cutting off any current and achieving the purpose of stopping and protecting the battery cell 19.

[0054] In view of these technical solutions, it is obvious that by employing the battery cell monitoring and protection module 300 disclosed in this invention and the battery management system 1000 it comprises, this invention can not only immediately notify the power regulation device 420 to stop continued use, but also immediately activate the battery protection switch 460 to cut off the current path, achieving the purpose of rapid protection without the need for rapid communication and data processing. For example, using this invention, the protection activation time can be effectively reduced to the millisecond (ms) level. In addition, the communication data processing time can also be reduced to once per second, greatly saving the huge amount of power consumed by communication processing in the prior art, and making the work of processing communication data much easier. Even if communication packets may be lost in the system, there is enough time to reconfirm, without worrying about the inability to protect the battery in time, or even the problem of not being able to protect the battery in time.

[0055] On the other hand, the applicant further discloses in Figures 7 and 8 below two methods that can be used to notify the power regulation device (PCS) 420 to stop use, activate the first stage of protection, and thus allow the battery cell 19 to stand still and be observed.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, in a feasible embodiment, a microprocessor 701 may be optionally configured in the battery detection and management circuit 400. Through firmware operation of the microprocessor 701, the electrically coupled power regulation device 420 can be controlled to stop operation, thereby allowing the battery cells to rest and be observed. In this embodiment, the microprocessor 701 and the power regulation device 420 can, for example, use an RS485 communication interface or an Ethernet interface as their signal transmission interface 703, thereby controlling the power regulation device 420 by using the RS485 communication interface or the Ethernet interface as the signal transmission interface 703.

[0057] In contrast, Figure 8 discloses another embodiment of the present invention that notifies the power regulating device 420 to stop using, thereby activating the first stage of protection. As shown in Figure 8, the present invention may also optionally provide an emergency stop switch 428 on the power regulating device 420, so that the battery detection and management circuit 400 can, through hardware means, provide the emergency stop switch 428 on the power regulating device 420 and control the emergency stop switch 428 to form an open circuit, thereby stopping the operation of the power regulating device 420 and achieving the purpose of the first stage of protection.

[0058] In view of the above-disclosed technical solutions, the present invention provides a battery cell monitoring and protection module for a high-voltage battery system. In terms of protection, it not only improves the communication mode of the existing technology, but also proposes a faster and more immediate action method that can activate protection immediately.

[0059] In addition, this invention also provides a battery monitoring and management system for a high-voltage battery system. It not only manages for protection purposes, but also, in terms of battery status communication, eliminates the need for the particularly fast and real-time communication required by prior art. This invention allows for lower-speed signal communication, significantly saving system power consumption and preventing malfunctions. Therefore, this invention demonstrates superior industrial compatibility and wide applicability compared to existing technologies, and is highly innovative and practical. Furthermore, since this invention can be effectively applied not only to lithium iron phosphate batteries but also to other battery cell materials, it is evident that the technical solution claimed by the applicant in this case possesses excellent industrial applicability and competitiveness. The technical features, methods, and effects disclosed in this invention are significantly different from existing solutions and cannot be easily accomplished by those skilled in the art; thus, it should meet the requirements for patentability.

[0060] The embodiments described above are merely for illustrating the technical ideas and features of the present invention. Their purpose is to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be used to limit the patent scope of the present invention. That is, all equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit disclosed in the present invention should still be covered within the patent scope of the present invention.

[0061] 11: Battery Cell 12: Battery monitoring circuit 13: Communication signal isolation interface 19: Battery Cell 22: Protection switch unit 24: Battery Management System 150: Battery cell monitoring circuit 181: First-stage notification switch 182: Second-stage notification switch 183: External isolated communication interface 300: Battery Cell Monitoring and Protection Module 400: Battery Detection and Management Circuit 420: Power regulation device 460: Battery Protection Switch 428: Stop switch 701: Microprocessor 703: Signal Transmission Interface 1000: Battery Management System

Claims

1. A battery cell monitoring and protection module, which monitors and activates protection for the state of at least one battery cell, the battery cell monitoring and protection module comprising: A battery cell monitoring circuit, wherein at least one battery cell is electrically coupled to an input terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit; a first-stage notification switch is electrically coupled to a first output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit; and a second-stage notification switch is electrically coupled to a second output terminal of the battery cell monitoring circuit, wherein the battery cell monitoring circuit detects the state of the at least one battery cell and selectively controls the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch based on the detection result, thereby activating protection for the at least one battery cell; Specifically, when the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is in a normal state, both the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch are short-circuited. When the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is approaching an abnormal state, the battery cell monitoring circuit controls the first-stage notification switch to open the circuit while maintaining the second-stage notification switch in a short-circuit state. When the battery cell monitoring circuit detects that at least one battery cell is in an abnormal state, the battery cell monitoring circuit controls both the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch to open the circuit. Furthermore, the state of the at least one battery cell includes settings for the operating voltage, operating current, and operating temperature of the at least one battery cell, which can be set to the normal state, the approaching abnormal state, and the abnormal state.

2. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 1, wherein, The first-phase notification opening relationship can be implemented using a relay or an optocoupler switch.

3. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 1, wherein, This second-stage notification opening relationship can be implemented using a relay or an optocoupler switch.

4. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 1, wherein, The battery cell monitoring circuit and the first-stage notification switch are controlled by a first isolation drive signal.

5. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 4, wherein, The battery cell monitoring circuit and the second-stage notification switch are controlled by a second isolated drive signal.

6. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 5, wherein, The battery cell monitoring circuit further includes a third output terminal, which is electrically coupled to an external isolated communication interface. This external isolated communication interface uses a communication interface different from that of the first-stage notification switch and the second-stage notification switch.

7. The battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 1, wherein, When there are multiple battery cells, and the multiple battery cells are connected in series and electrically coupled to the battery cell monitoring circuit, when the state of at least one of the battery cells changes, the battery cell monitoring circuit can activate protection by controlling the first-stage notification switch or the second-stage notification switch.

8. A battery management system comprising a battery cell monitoring and protection module as described in claim 1, comprising: A plurality of battery cell monitoring and protection modules are connected in series; a battery detection and management circuit is electrically coupled to the first-stage notification switch of each battery cell monitoring and protection module; and a power regulation device is electrically coupled to the battery detection and management circuit, wherein when the battery detection and management circuit detects that the first-stage notification switch in any battery cell monitoring and protection module is open-circuited, the battery detection and management circuit controls the power regulation device to stop operating, thereby allowing the at least one battery cell to stand still and be observed.

9. The battery management system as described in claim 8, wherein, The first-stage notification connection in each battery cell monitoring and protection module is connected in series.

10. The battery management system as described in claim 8, further comprising: At least one battery protection switch is electrically coupled to the battery detection and management circuit, wherein the battery detection and management circuit is commonly electrically coupled to the second-stage notification switch in each battery cell monitoring and protection module. When the battery detection and management circuit detects that the second-stage notification switch in any battery cell monitoring and protection module is open-circuited, the battery detection and management circuit controls the at least one battery protection switch to open-circuit, thereby cutting off the current and stopping and protecting the at least one battery cell.

11. The battery management system as described in claim 10, wherein, The second-stage notification connection in each battery cell monitoring and protection module is connected in series.

12. The battery management system as described in claim 8, wherein, The battery detection and management circuit is electrically coupled to the external isolated communication interface of each battery cell monitoring and protection module.

13. The battery management system as described in claim 8, wherein, The battery detection and management circuit may optionally include a microprocessor, which controls the power regulation device to stop operating, thereby allowing the at least one battery cell to rest and be observed.

14. The battery management system as described in claim 13, wherein, The microprocessor communicates with the power regulating device via an RS485 communication interface or an Ethernet interface, thereby controlling the power regulating device through the RS485 communication interface or the Ethernet interface.

15. The battery management system as described in claim 8, wherein, The power regulator may optionally be equipped with a stop switch. The battery detection and management circuit controls the stop switch to create an open circuit, thereby stopping the operation of the power regulator.

16. The battery management system as described in claim 8, wherein, The state system of the at least one battery cell includes the ability to set the operating voltage, operating current, and operating temperature of the at least one battery cell to a normal state, a near-abnormal state, and an abnormal state.

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